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Smoking causes a threefold increase in the risk of surgical complications in flaps. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) increases the viability of chronic wounds. However, there are few studies concerning the effects of HBOT on surgical flaps in patients who smoke. This study aimed to analyze the effect of HBOT on the viability of cutaneous flaps in tobacco-exposed rats. Twenty Wistar rats were exposed to tobacco smoke for two months. Following this period, all animals underwent a dorsal cutaneous flap (3 × 10 cm) surgery and were divided into two groups: control (n = 10) and HBOT (n = 10). HBOT was performed in seven daily sessions (2 ATA, 90 min). After seven days, the animals were euthanized. The outcomes were total area, viable area, viable area/total area rate, analysis of dermal appendages and angiogenesis (hematoxylin–eosin), and gene expression analysis of iNOS and VEGF-a biomarkers. The HBOT group showed an increase in viable area compared with the control group (84% versus 47%, p = 0.009, respectively). The HBOT group also showed an increase in appendage units (1.69 ± 0.54 versus 1.87 ± 0.58, p = 0.04) and angiogenesis density (1.29 ± 0.45 versus 1.82 ± 0.64, p

Annona leptopetala R. E. Fries (basynonymy Rollinia leptopetala R. E. Fries) is an endemic tree or shrub from Brazil. Some Annona species such as Annona muricata and Annona squamosa showed uterus activities. Thus, in the search for new agents to combat the uterine disorders, it was aimed to investigate a possible AL-EO tocolytic effect on isolated rat uterus and the underlying mechanisms. Uterine horns were removed, cleaned of adhering fat and connective tissue, and suspended by in organ baths containing Locke-Ringer solution, bubbled with carbogen mixture and the contractions were registered using a force transducer. All experimental procedures were previously approved by Ethic Comission on Animal Use of UFPB (protocol n° 0104/2014). AL-EO was more potent to relax pre-contracted uterus with oxytocin than with KCl. Moreover, AL-EO shifted to the right, in a non-parallel manner, oxytocin‑induced cumulative contraction curves, with Emax reduction, indicating a pseudo-irreversible noncompetitive antagonism of oxytocin receptors. In the presence of propranolol, β-adrenergic antagonist, an AL-EO action increase was observed. Nitric oxide and cyclooxygenase pathways participation were assessed and discarded. The tocolytic potency of AL-EO was attenuated by CsCl, a non-selective K+ channel blocker, suggesting a positive modulation of these channels. Additionally, in the presence of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) but not in apamin, glibenclamide or tetraethylammonium (1 mM), the relaxant potency of AL-EO was reduced, indicating the voltage-dependent potassium channels participation, but not small- or big- conductance Ca2+-activated and ATP‑sensitive potassium channels. Tocolytic mechanism of AL-EO on rat uterus involves pseudo-irreversible noncompetitive antagonism of oxytocin receptor and β‑adrenergic receptors and positive modulation of voltage-dependent potassium channels. Thus, AL-EO is presented as a promising drug with activity on uterine conditions, as dysmenorrhea, and after further evaluation in clinical studies, it would be used as an alternative drug on current pharmacotherapy.

Smoking causes a threefold increase in the risk of surgical complications in flaps. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) increases the viability of chronic wounds. However, there are few studies concerning the effects of HBOT on surgical flaps in patients who smoke. This study aimed to analyze the effect of HBOT on the viability of cutaneous flaps in tobacco-exposed rats.Twenty Wistar rats were exposed to tobacco smoke for two months. Following this period, all animals underwent a dorsal cutaneous flap (3 × 10 cm) surgery and were divided into two groups: control (n = 10) and HBOT (n = 10). HBOT was performed in seven daily sessions (2 ATA, 90 min). After seven days, the animals were euthanized. The outcomes were total area, viable area, viable area/total area rate, analysis of dermal appendages and angiogenesis (hematoxylin-eosin), and gene expression analysis of iNOS and VEGF-a biomarkers.The HBOT group showed an increase in viable area compared with the control group (84% versus 47%, p = 0.009, respectively). The HBOT group also showed an increase in appendage units (1.69 ± 0.54 versus 1.87 ± 0.58, p = 0.04) and angiogenesis density (1.29 ± 0.45 versus 1.82 ± 0.64, p 0.001) compared to the control group. There was a difference between the control and HBOT groups in iNOS levels (0.926 ± 1.4 versus 0.04 ± 0.1 p = 0.002, respectively). However, this study did not show a difference between the groups concerning the gene expression of VEGF-a.The use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy increased the viability of cutaneous flaps in tobacco-exposed rats and decreased iNOS mRNA levels; however, it did not change VEGF-a levels. Level of Evidence IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

The main motivation for this research is the growing awareness of the impact of climate change and the increasing relevance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to contribute to the measurement of quantities like precipitation and rate of rainfall. This knowledge is widely used in hydrology, climatology and meteorology, providing data and information applied in modelling, pattern definition and recognition, and forecasting. This work is concerned with estimating the average areal rainfall in a stipulated region from rainfall intensity observations made at measurement stations within that region. It focuses on three straightforward estimation approaches: the arithmetic mean method, the Thiessen polygon method and the isohyetal method. The evaluation of the associated measurement uncertainty, for which the law of propagation of uncertainty and a Monte Carlo method as described in guidance documents from the Joint Committee for Guides in Metrology are applied, is the main consideration. The approaches described may be readily applied by practitioners. A comparison of results from applying these methods to a simple example is made. Such results are required for conformity assessment and support in urban management and water resources management worldwide.

As the rubber industry is being extended to non-traditional areas in Uva, Northern and Eastern provinces in Sri Lanka, it was important to extend the crop protection arm to those areas also. The disease profile recorded in those areas for a period of three years was studied. The symptomatology of the major diseases and the diversity of the Sri Lankan populations of the pathogens causing major diseases were also studied. Furthermore, the alternative hosts of the pathogens of the major diseases were also looked for. With the observations made, it could be concluded that, during the study period, brown root disease was the malady with the highest incidence in the non-traditional rubber-growing areas of Sri Lanka. Encrustation of sand and stones on the root surface could be identified as the characteristic diagnostic symptom of the disease. The different isolates of Phellinus noxius showed variations in colony morphology. With the contextual observations of the reported incidences, drier soil conditions, poor land preparation and association with the forest-associated tree species were suggested to be the major reasons for the higher incidence of brown root disease in the studied areas. White root disease was also recorded to a lesser extent. Corynespora leaf fall disease was found to be the foliar disease with the highest incidence. Cow pea (Vigna unguiculata) and soy bean (Glycine max) were recorded to be two alternative hosts of Corynespora-causing fungus.

Entre as fontes de energia alternativas ao diesel de petróleo, destaca-se o biodiesel. Atualmente, é produzido a partir de um catalisador homogêneo básico, o que pode gerar problemas ambientais, como o gasto excessivo de água na purificação dos produtos. A fim de propor uma rota mais limpa, o presente trabalho investigou a produção de biodiesel via catálise enzimática, tendo o óleo de soja e o metanol como reagentes e a enzima imobilizada Novozyme 435® como catalisador. Para tal, foram avaliados o uso de cossolventes (neste caso, o tercbutanol e o hexano), a adição de água, a razão molar de metanol/óleo, a quantidade de catalisador na reação, a conversão ao longo do tempo, bem como o equilíbrio de fases a partir do programa ASPEN Plus®. Dentre os resultados, viu-se que, do lado dos ossolventes, a uma razão volumétrica de 8:1 de óleo/terc-butanol, a conversão atingiu 76%, enquanto que com razão volumétrica de 1:4 de óleo/hexano, a conversão máxima foi de 43%. Sobre a adição de água, verificou-se que, quanto maior a quantidade desta, menor foi a conversão em biodiesel, não favorecendo a reação. Do mesmo modo, observou-se que um excesso de metanol também não facilitou o processo, uma vez que, com razão molar de 3:1 metanol/óleo, a conversão foi de 66%, sendo 10% menor que quando utilizada razão molar de 4:1. Em seguida, averiguou-se que a quantidade de enzima necessária foi de 2% em massa de enzima em relação à de óleo, convertendo 77%, visto que, com valores maiores, a conversão manteve-se a mesma. Já o experimento de conversão no tempo mostrou que foram necessárias 44 horas para uma conversão de 78,6%, entretanto, uma análise econômica poderia determinar o melhor tempo de reação. Por último, a simulação do equilíbrio de fases mostrou que, quanto mais hexano no sistema, maior a concentração de metanol na fase que contém óleo, diminuindo a conversão pelo efeito inibidor que o álcool tem na enzima. Já com o terc-butanol, deu-se que, quanto menor a quantidade de cossolvente, maior a concentração de metanol na fase que contém óleo. Apesar do sistema permanecer em duas fases nas condições testadas, a concentração de metanol na faixa que contém óleo é alta o suficiente para se obter boas conversões e baixa o bastante para não desnaturar a enzima. A proposta do processo enzimático, comparado ao alcalino, é vantajoso na separação e purificação dos produtos, não necessita de água de lavagem e nem faz uso de ácido para neutralização, mostrando-se uma rota mais limpa. Além disso, o ciclo de separação tem menor gasto energético, com economia de 233% de água de resfriamento e de 34,4% de energia. Among the alternative sources of energy to diesel oil is biodiesel. Nowadays, it is produced from a basic homogeneous catalyst, which can cause environmental problems, such as excessive waste of water during purification of products. In order to propose a cleaner route, this study investigated the production of biodiesel through enzymatic catalysis, with soybean oil and methanol as reagents and immobilized enzyme Novozyme 435® as catalyst. Thereunto, a variety of tests were made, such as the use of cosolvents (in this case, tert-butanol and hexane), the addition of water, the molar ratio of methanol/oil, the amount of catalyst in the reaction, the conversion over time, as well as the phase balancing with ASPEN Plus® software. From the results it was found that, about the cosolvents, at a volume ratio of 8:1 oil/tert-butanol, the conversion reached 76%, while at the volumetric ratio of 1:4 oil/hexane, the maximum conversion was 43%. Regarding the addition of water, it was verified that the higher the amount of water, the lower the conversion to biodiesel, not favoring the reaction. Likewise, it was observed that an excess of methanol also did not benefited the process, since a molar ratio of 3:1 methanol/oil, converted 66% to biodiesel, being 10% less than the molar ratio of 4:1. Then, it was found that the appropriate amount of enzyme was 2% by mass of enzyme over oil, converting 77%, being that the conversion remained the same with larger values. The time conversion experiment showed that it took 44 hours for a conversion of 78.6%, however, an economic analysis could determine the best time for the reaction. Finally, the equilibrium of phases simulation showed that the more hexane in the system, the higher the concentration of methanol in the oil-containing phase, reducing the conversion because of the inhibitory effect that alcohol has on the enzyme. With tert-butanol, it was found that the lower the amount of cosolvent, the higher the concentration of methanol in the oil-containing phase. Although the system remained in two stages under the tested conditions, the concentration of methanol in the oil-containing phase showed to be high enough to generate good conversions and low enough to not denature the enzyme. The proposed enzymatic process, compared to the alkaline, has advantages in separating and purifying the products, it does not require washing water and neither the use of acid for neutralization, proving to be a cleaner route. In addition, in this case, the separation cycle has lower energy expenditure, with a saving of 233% of cooling water and 34.4% of energy.

This study aimed to evaluate different air dosing strategies such as microaeration flow rates and air dosing points to enhance H

Objetivos Avaliar a mobilidade funcional e sua relação com a capacidade cognitiva em pacientes com diabetes tipo 2 (DM2) entre 50 e 65 anos de idade, e com menos de 10 anos de diagnóstico. Materiais e métodos Estudo observacional, analítico e transversal envolvendo indivíduos não diabéticos e pacientes com DM2 com controle glicêmico inadequado, selecionados por amostra de conveniência. Em ambos os grupos, foram aplicados questionário estruturado, avaliação cognitiva com Miniexame do Estado Mental (MEEM) e teste do relógio (TDR), além da avaliação de mobilidade funcional pelo teste Timed Up & GO (TUG). Resultados No TUG os pacientes com DM2 apresentaram tempo médio de 11,27 segundos versus 9,52 segundos nos controles (p = 0,013). A associação entre declínio cognitivo e dismobilidade foi positiva nos indivíduos com DM2 (p = 0,037). No subgrupo que apresentou dismobilidade e declínio cognitivo associados, 18% eram portadores de DM2 e 1,6% era do grupo sem DM2 (p < 0,01). Conclusões Pacientes com DM2 apresentaram pior mobilidade funcional e desempenho cognitivo, favorecendo a hipótese de que o DM2 influencia a mobilidade funcional e capacidade cognitiva antes do aparecimento de complicações vasculares ou neuropáticas. Esses dados sugerem que a hiperglicemia é um fator agravante no desempenho de atividades que exijam funções mentais como atenção, orientação e memória de trabalho. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(9):946-52

Disease conditions caused by Phytophthora species are common on rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) in all rubber-growing countries. Bark rot is the most economically damaging disease of the tapping panel of the rubber tree, leading to the cessation of tapping during the monsoon months in rubber plantations. To overcome this situation, the disease screening programs aiming disease resistant/tolerant clones are continually carried out. The current study attempted to evaluate the reaction of different clones of H. brasiliensis against the Phytophthora bark rot in order to recommend a suitable planting material for the industry. Forty clones of H. brasiliensis were screened at the bud wood nursery of Kuruwita substation of Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka during South West monsoon, 2014. Each clone consisted ten bud wood plants and in each bud wood plant, three branches were used for the inoculation. These plants of different clones were artificially inoculated with a standard spore suspension of Phytophthora meadii. This was prepared by scraping the sporangia on the surface of culture plates into sterile distilled water and the final concentration was adjusted to 1x104 spores per ml. At the inoculation, the bark of the selected branches was removed with a cork borer and the wood was exposed. A sterile absorbent cotton wool plug saturated with 2 ml of the zoospore suspension was placed on the exposed wood of the plant. The cotton wool plugs were taken in sterile Petri dishes to the experimental site and a freshly-prepared zoospore suspension was used. As the control, in each of the bud wood plant tested, one branch was inoculated with a cotton wool plug with sterile distill water. After the inoculation, the inoculated portions of the branch were sealed off with budding tape in such a manner to ensure aeration. Four weeks after the inoculation, the exposed lesions were traced on to tracing papers, after removing the bark and the area under the lesions were measured with a plannimeter. The area under the lesion was assumed to be inversely proportional to the resistance level of the relevant rubber clones towards the P. meadii infection. The area of the lesion resulted after each treatment was subjected to analysis of variance in SAS statistical software. The results of the trial carried out suggest the possibility of categorizing the screened clones into three clusters. The clones RRISL 222, RRISL 220, RRISL 208, RRISL 219, RRIM 600, RRIC 102, RRIM 717 and PB 235 are among the most resistant clones while the clones, PB 255, RRISL 206, RRISL 225, RRISL 201, RRIC 130, RRISL 211, RRISL 205 and RRIC 131 are among the most susceptible clones against Phytophthora bark rot. Therefore, it can be concluded that, the screened clones were showing differential reaction to the Phytophthora bark rot under bud wood nursery conditions. Keywords: Phytophthora bark rot, Hevea brasiliensis, Clonal screening

The novel Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor ibrutinib has demonstrated high response rates in B-cell lymphomas; however, a growing number of ibrutinib-treated patients relapse with resistance and fulminant progression. Using chemical proteomics and an organotypic cell-based drug screening assay, we determine the functional role of the tumour microenvironment (TME) in ibrutinib activity and acquired ibrutinib resistance. We demonstrate that MCL cells develop ibrutinib resistance through evolutionary processes driven by dynamic feedback between MCL cells and TME, leading to kinome adaptive reprogramming, bypassing the effect of ibrutinib and reciprocal activation of PI3K-AKT-mTOR and integrin-β1 signalling. Combinatorial disruption of B-cell receptor signalling and PI3K-AKT-mTOR axis leads to release of MCL cells from TME, reversal of drug resistance and enhanced anti-MCL activity in MCL patient samples and patient-derived xenograft models. This study unifies TME-mediated de novo and acquired drug resistance mechanisms and provides a novel combination therapeutic strategy against MCL and other B-cell malignancies., Ibrutinib has demonstrated high response rates in B-cell lymphomas but a lot of ibrutinib-treated patients relapse with resistance. This study unified TME-mediated de novo and acquired drug resistance through B-cell receptor signalling and PI3K-AKT-mTOR axis and provides a combination therapeutic strategy against B-cell malignancies.

Papillomaviruses are found in epithelial lesions and are linked to different carcinogenic processes in humans and other animals. Although BPV has been characterized as epitheliotropic, the presence of viral DNA has been detected in other tissues and fluids, such as fresh semen. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence and expression of BPV in sperm cells of bulls (Bos taurus) asymptomatic for papillomatosis. A PCR assay was carried out with specific primers to test BPV2 in 26 semen samples. The presence of BPV transcripts was assessed by RT-PCR to E2 and E5 genes. BPV2 DNA was detected in nine out of 26 samples and the expression of E2 and E5 were detected in five out of nine BPV positive samples. This is the first record of BPV2 expression in bull sperm cells.

Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) is a diverse group of double-stranded DNA oncogenic viruses, which have been detected in epithelial lesions and body fluids. Most studies of BPV infection rely on a single method for DNA detection; however the use of any single method or technique may underestimate the true prevalence of this virus. The purpose of this study was to compare two PCR strategies for the detection of BPV in skin lesions and fluids: these involve the use of BPV type-specific and consensus primers. Seventy-two cutaneous lesions, 57 blood samples and 59 semen samples were collected. PCR was used with the FAP consensus primers and BPV type-specific primers (for BPVs 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9 and 10), along with sequencing assays, to detect the BPV types. Phylogenetic analysis was carried out by means of the maximum likelihood method. It was found that both FAP and BPV type-specific primer sets could amplify BPV types of DNA in skin lesions, blood and semen samples. However, the BPV type-specific primers were more sensitive than the consensus primers and were able to detect co-infection of BPV in the samples. The consensus primers amplified five BPV types and were more suitable for detecting new putative BPV types. Thus, account should be taken of both PCR primer systems to identify co-infection, the presence of novel viruses, and avoid false-negative results.

Bovine papillomaviruses (BPVs) can infect epithelial cells and fibroblasts, inducing fibropapillomas in cattle. Gap junctions are communication channels between cells composed of connexins (Cxs). This study evaluated expression of Cx26 and the major BPV oncoprotein E5 in bovine cutaneous fibropapillomas. BPV DNA was amplified from 20/20 fibropapillomas and 3/3 samples of normal skin. All fibropapillomas (20/20) were positive by immunostaining for E5, whereas the three normal skin samples were negative. Cx26 was expressed faintly in the normal skin epithelium. Positive cytoplasmic and juxtanuclear immunoreactivity for Cx26 was evident in 18/20 (90%) fibropapillomas. Western blot analysis demonstrated higher expression of Cx26 in 6/6 fibropapillomas compared to normal skin samples.

Despite the increasing evidence of human papillomavirus (HPV) vertical transmission, this route is regarded as less clinically important because of the detections of transient HPV DNA. However, recent studies have provided clear evidence of papillomavirus productive infection in lymphocytes, placenta, and bovine fetal tissue. Furthermore, a model of papillomavirus latency has been recently proposed that could explain the failure or transience in HPV detection observed in some infected infants. This new evidence of hematogeneous and vertical spread of HPV suggests that these modes of transmission should be investigated in greater detail to obtain a better understanding of the infection and a fuller awareness of the preventive measures that can be taken against HPV-related diseases.

The objective of this study was to determine the frequencies of autoantibodies to heterogeneous islet-cell cytoplasmic antigens (ICA), glutamic acid decarboxylase(65) (GAD(65)A), insulinoma-associated antigen-2 (IA-2A) and insulin (IAA)-and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II markers (HLA-DR and -DQ) in first degree relatives of heterogeneous Brazilian patients with type I diabetes (T1DM). A major focus of this study was to determine the influence of age, gender, proband characteristics and ancestry on the prevalence of autoantibodies and HLA-DR and -DQ alleles on disease progression and genetic predisposition to T1DM among the first-degree relatives.IAA, ICA, GAD(65)A, IA-2A and HLA- class II alleles were determined in 546 first-degree-relatives, 244 siblings, 55 offspring and 233 parents of 178 Brazilian patients with T1DM.Overall, 8.9% of the relatives were positive for one or more autoantibodies. IAA was the only antibody detected in parents. GAD(65) was the most prevalent antibody in offspring and siblings as compared to parents and it was the sole antibody detected in offspring. Five siblings were positive for the IA-2 antibody. A significant number (62.1%) of siblings had 1 or 2 high risk HLA haplotypes. During a 4-year follow-up study, 5 siblings (expressing HLA-DR3 or -DR4 alleles) and 1 offspring positive for GAD(65)A progressed to diabetes.The data indicated that the GAD(65) and IA-2 antibodies were the strongest predictors of T1DM in our study population. The high risk HLA haplotypes alone were not predictive of progression to overt diabetes.

Summary The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of different types of Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) in cattle skin lesions and to identify new viral types in Brazil. A total of 72 skin lesions were analysed from 66 different bovines by PCR using degenerate and specific primers, and subsequent sequencing. Sequencing quality was determined using Staden package with Phred 30. Similarity analysis was performed with BioEdit and BLAST programs to verify the identity with known BPV types. Phylogenetic analysis was carried out using Maximum Likelihood method with TIM3 + G as nucleotide substitution model in PAUP*, and 1000 non-parametric bootstrap replicates. Analyses revealed the presence of ten different types of BPV in the samples, with the exception of BPV7. The presence of co-infections was very high as almost all samples (89%) were co-infected. A putative new BPV11 subtype was also found in lesions from different animals. These results add significant knowledge about the prevalence and diversity of BPV infection in Brazilian cattle, which could be used in future studies aiming at the development of more specific treatment and diagnostic methods.

The aim of this study was to characterize the reproductive disorders in the acute and chronic phases in ewes experimentally infected with different doses of Toxoplasma gondii during artificial insemination occurred. Animals (n=41) were divided into three experimental groups: in the group 1 (G1, n=15), animals were inseminated using contaminated semen containing 6.5×10⁴ tachyzoites; in the group 2 (G2, n=15), animals were inseminated with contaminated semen containing 4×10⁷ tachyzoites and in the group 3 (G3, n=11), animals were inseminated using tachyzoite-free semen, serving as control group. Parasitemia and seroconversion were observed in 28 of 30 and 20 of 30, respectively, from the seventh day after infection. Embryonic reabsorption was observed in the acute phase in ewes from G1 and G2. Persistent anestrus, hydrometra, mucometra and follicular cysts were observed in the second phase of the experiment in animals from G1 and G2. Histopathological lesions similar to those of toxoplasmosis were found in the placentas. In conclusion, artificial insemination using semen containing experimentally added tachyzoites can establish toxoplasmosis in ewes and cause reproductive pathologies during the acute and chronic phases of the disease.

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii that affects reproductive performance in small ruminants. Although the T. gondii life cycle is well understood since 1960s, several aspects related to its infection remain unclear. In the present study we hypothesized that sheep inseminated with T. gondii -contaminated semen would develop toxoplasmosis. In order to test that hypothesis, 41 sheep were experimentally infected with semen spiked with the organism. Females were divided in three groups (G1–G3): (a) females in G1 group were inseminated with semen containing 6.5 × 10 4 tachyzoites; (b) females in G2 group with semen containing 4 × 10 7 tachyzoites; and (c) females in G3 group with tachyzoite-free semen (control group). To confirm T. gondii infection via semen, serological tests were performed using indirect immunofluorescence reaction and the detection of parasite DNA in the blood stream using the nested PCR test. While in G1 group only 5/15 (33.3%) of the females presented seroconversion, all sheep in G2 15/15 (100%) seroconverted. The nested PCR test showed that 14/15 (93.3%) of the females in the G1 and 14/15 (93.3%) in the G2 group were positive for T. gondii while in the G3 group all samples were negative. In addition, ultra-sound test evidenced that in sheep presented embryonic reabsorption in animals from the infected groups. In conclusion, insemination using fresh semen experimentally contaminated with different infectant doses of T. gondii tachyzoites was able to infect sheep, leading to the possibility of toxoplasmosis transmission via semen.

O objetivo deste trabalho é realizar uma revisão de literatura sobre os materiais que estão sendo associados ao cimento de ionômero de vidro (CIV), visando melhorar suas propriedades mecânicas e físico-químicas. Foi realizada uma seleção de artigos científicos nas bases de dados PubMed, Europe PMC e ScienceDirect, usando os descritores Glass Ionomer Cements, Dental Materials e Dental Composite. O critério de inclusão foi estudo in vitro acerca do tema proposto e os de exclusão foram revisões de literatura e estudos clínicos. Foram encontrados 130 artigos, publicados entre os anos de 2012 a 2017, dos quais foram selecionados 10. De acordo com esta revisão, o uso de substâncias naturais, tais como os nanocristais de celulose, melhorou a resistência à compressão e diametral, módulo de elasticidade e resistência ao desgaste do CIV. Já a associação com o propólis resultou na diminuição significativa da resistência à compressão e o aumento da solubilidade do CIV. O uso das nanopartículas de AlO, ZrO e TiO2 foi avaliado, mostrando redução da porosidade dos cimentos ionoméricos e aumento da resistência à compressão. Quando o Nanoclay (montmorillonita de grau polimérico) foi adicionado à porção líquida do CIV, suas propriedades mecânicas melhoraram, entretanto a resistência à tensão diametral não apresentou melhora estatística significante. Portanto, o uso de substâncias associadas ao CIV mostrou melhora de suas propriedades, principalmente quando os nanocristais de celulose foram utilizados, podendo representar um novo e promissor material de restauração dentária.Palavras-chave: Cimentos de Ionômeros de Vidro. Materiais Dentários. Propriedades Físicas e Químicas.

OBJECTIVE—The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) −634G>C at the 5′ regulatory region of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the risk of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) in the Brazilian population of European ancestry with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A case-control study was conducted in 501 type 2 diabetic patients of European ancestry. Patients underwent a standardized clinical, ophthalmological, and laboratory evaluation. Of these, 167 patients had PDR (case patients), and 334 were considered as control subjects (patients without PDR) for PDR. A reference population (110 individuals of European ancestry) was also evaluated. RESULTS—No evidence of association between −634G>C/VEGF and the presence of diabetic retinopathy or type 2 diabetes was observed (P > 0.05). However, CC homozygous for the SNP −634G>C was significantly more frequent in patients with PDR (37 of 167; 22.2%) than in the corresponding control group (40 of 334; 12%) in accordance with a recessive model (P = 0.003). This effect was further observed when creatinine, BMI, sex, duration of type 2 diabetes, HDL cholesterol, and systolic blood pressure were taken into account (odds ratio 1.9 [95% CI 1.01–3.79], P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS—The presence of the allele −634C/VEGF in homozygosity is an independent risk factor for the development of PDR in type 2 diabetic patients of European ancestry.

RESUMO Os biossurfactantes se destacam como tecnologia alternativa no controle da poluicao provocada por hidrocarbonetos. Neste sentido a Candida bombicola foi cultivada em meio contendo 5% de melaco, 5% de oleo de fritura e 5% de milhocina, durante 120 horas a 200 rpm para a producao de biossurfactante. O liquido metabolico livre de celulas contendo o biossurfactante foi submetido a um conservante comercial a fim de testar sua estabilidade frente a diferentes variacoes de pH, temperatura e sal. Apos formulacao do liquido metabolico, foram estocadas a 28 oC por 120 dias, onde foram realizados testes de tensao superficial, atividade de emulsificacao e capacidade de dispersao. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram estabilidade na tensao superficial frente as variacoes de pH, temperatura e salinidade. Os melhores percentuais do indice de emulsificacao foram para o oleo de motor e oleo de milho. Os resultados obtidos foram promissores para utilizacao no controle da poluicao ambiental.

Papillomavirus (PV) are double-stranded DNA viruses that can cause both benignant and malignant tumours in mammals. Twelve genotypes of bovine papillomavirus (BPV1-12) have been identified so far. The presence of BPV1 and 2 has been found in the body fluids of cattle and horses. The aim of this study is to investigate the presence of BPV DNA and the expression of viral genes in the blood and sperm cells of healthy horses using PCR and RT-PCR. BPV-1 or 2 was detected in 14 of 70 blood samples (20%) and in 11 of 31 semen samples (35%). In five of fourteen blood samples, the E5 expression tested positive, while no blood sample was positive for L1 expression. Four of 11 (36%) semen cell samples proved to be positive for E5 expression, while no gene expression in L1 could be detected. This is the first study that shows BPV1 gene expression in the blood and semen of healthy horses. Our data illustrate the need for a better understanding of the presence of BPV in non-epithelial tissues of horses and their role in the vertical and horizontal transmission of these viruses.

Avaliamos a prevalência dos anticorpos anti-insulina (IAA), anti-decarboxilase do ácido glutâmico (anti-GAD), anti-ilhota de Langerhans (ICA) e as características clínicas e metabólicas de 66 pacientes com diabetes mellitus (DM) de início na idade adulta (47,2±11,6 anos) e duração do DM de 14,3±8,4 anos. RESULTADOS: ICA foi positivo em 10 casos (10 a 640U JDF), três deles também positivos para anti-GAD (15,6 a 113,5U/ml) e um deles para IAA (naqueles sem terapia insulínica). 15,2% dos pacientes tinham um ou mais autoanticorpos, com maior prevalência para ICA. Os pacientes com e sem autoanticorpos não diferiram quanto à apresentação clínica do DM ou à prevalência de complicações. Apenas os níveis de colesterol foram menores no grupo anticorpo positivo (205,2±49,6 vs. 247,1±61,3mg/dl; p

Antagonistic effect of some locally available plant spp. on Rigidoporus microporus (Fr.) Overeem, which causes white root disease was tested in vitro and in the field. As in vitro tests, Poisoned Food Technique (PFT) and Soil Fungicide Screening Test (SFST) were used. In the field study, the plant species were established in plots and were inoculated with Rigidoporus microporus. The innoculum potential of the soil of each plot was assessed after a certain period of time. Among the nine species used, several species showed antagonistic action over Rigidoporus microporus at in vitro tests, while Alpinia galanga L. (Galangale) showed the most significant inhibitory effect. In the field trial, the plot with Alpinia galanga showed a significantly low innoculum potential. Alpinia galanga has the potential to be developed as an antagonistic agent against the white root disease.

Papillomaviruses (PV) are double-stranded DNA viruses that can cause benignant and malignant tumors in amniotes. There are 13 types of bovine papillomavirus (BPV-1 to -13); they have been found in reproductive tissues and body fluids. Normally these viruses are detected in epithelial tissue. We looked for BPV in the blood of healthy cattle and cattle with papillomatosis, using PCR and RT-PCR. BPV types 1 and 2 were detected in 8/12 blood samples of asymptomatic bovines and in 8/9 samples from cattle with papillomatosis. Six of 8 asymptomatic samples positive for BPV also showed expression for BPV. Five of 6 samples were positive for E2 expression, while 3/6 samples were positive for E5 expression. Five of 8 symptomatic samples positive for BPV also showed BPV expression. Five of 5 were positive for E2 expression, while 1/5 was positive for E5 expression. Two of 6 blood samples of asymptomatic cattle and 1/5 symptomatic blood samples scored positive for both E2 and E5 expression. This is the first study showing expression of BPV genes in the blood of asymptomatic and papillomatosis-affected animals.

Bovine papillomaviruses (BPVs) are a diverse group of double-stranded DNA viruses, of which 12 viral types have been detected and characterized so far. However, there is still a limited understanding of the diversity of BPV. Several putative new BPVs have been detected and some of these have been recently characterized as new viral types. However, only a very limited amount of information is available on the pathology associated with these novel viral types yet this information could be of significant value in improving our understanding of the biology of BPV. The objective of this study was to examine some of the epidemiological features of cutaneous bovine papillomatosis in Brazilian cattle, in particular to establish the relationship between BPV types isolated from beef and dairy cattle herds and the lesions they cause. Seventy-two cutaneous lesions were collected from 60 animals. Histopathological, PCR and sequencing assays were conducted to characterize the lesions and detect the BPV types responsible. Phylogenetic analysis was carried out using the maximum likelihood method. BPV types 1-6 and 8-10 were found, as well as a putative new BPV type that belongs to the Deltapapillomavirus genus. The tumors were all classified as fibropapillomas. This is believed to be the first record of BPV types 3 and 10 associated with fibropapillomas. These results confirm that there is a wide range of BPV types that infect cattle, and that an understanding of this diversity is necessary for improved methods of therapeutic treatment.

Background The biosimilar medicines are identical to authorised biological medicines. The biosimilar infliximab, a TNF-α inhibitor, was approved by the EMA for use in rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis. Studies have shown that the biosimilar of infliximab demonstrates pharmacokinetics and therapeutic equivalence relative to its reference, with lower costs, making it a useful alternative in terms of cost-efficacy. Portugal was the first EU country that authorised the the use of biosimilar monoclonal antibodies. Purpose To analyse the efficacy and cost of treatment with the biosimilar infliximab in comparison with its reference. Material and methods All new patients treated with infliximab between January 2014 and July 2015 were considered for our study. The criteria used to evaluate treatment efficacy were: for psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis, the number of tender joints and the number of swollen joints; for ankylosing spondylitis, the BASDAI and BASFI scales; for patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, biochemical and clinical development before and after treatment with infliximab. Results Our sample comprised 46 patients, 23 treated with the biological reference and 23 with the biosimilar. According to the medical records, there was similar efficacy between the reference and the biosimilar infliximab. 73.9% (17/23 in both arms) of treated patients were responders. 21.3% (5/23) of patients treated with the reference infliximab and 13.0% (3/23) in the biosimilar group stopped treatment because of inefficacy. One patient in the biosimilar treatment group stopped because of toxicity. The economic impact of switching all patients to a biosimilar could result in a 30% saving in annual spending on infliximab, corresponding to 200 000€ (for actual prices). Conclusion The use and monitoring of biosimilars in hospitals, and their proven efficiency and safety compared with the reference, has opened the discussion on the therapeutic change (switch) between biopharmaceuticals and their biosimilars. The savings associated with the use of biosimilars contributes to the sustainability of the health system, relieving resources so that patients continue to take advantage of therapeutic innovation in Portugal. References and/or Acknowledgements McKeage K. Biodrugs 2014;28:313-21 What you need to know about biosimilar medical products, European Commission No conflict of interest.

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a well-established cause of cervical cancer. While many studies have been performed so far on HPV viral biology, mode of infection and prevention measures, scanty information is available on lesion sites of infected women and the incidence of viral types at specific locations. We looked for a possible relationship between the most common viral types (HPVs 16, 18, 31, 33) found in Recife, PE, Brazil, and lesion sites. We examined 396 HPV-positive women at the Gynecological Unit of the IMIP at Recife; 288 women were positive for HPV 16, 18, 31, or 33, present as a single-virus type or as co-infection. HPV 16 was the most frequent virus type found in the vulva, vagina, uterine cervix-vagina, and uterine cervix. HPV 31 was the second prevalent virus type in vulva, vagina, uterine cervix-vagina, uterine cervix, and mole. HPVs 18 and 33 were present with similar frequencies in the mole-vulva region. Among the co-infections, HPV 16/18 and HPV16/31 were the most frequent in our study group, followed by HPV 16/33.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of different types of Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) in cattle skin lesions and to identify new viral types in Brazil. A total of 72 skin lesions were analysed from 66 different bovines by PCR using degenerate and specific primers, and subsequent sequencing. Sequencing quality was determined using Staden package with Phred 30. Similarity analysis was performed with BioEdit and BLAST programs to verify the identity with known BPV types. Phylogenetic analysis was carried out using Maximum Likelihood method with TIM3 + G as nucleotide substitution model in PAUP*, and 1000 non-parametric bootstrap replicates. Analyses revealed the presence of ten different types of BPV in the samples, with the exception of BPV7. The presence of co-infections was very high as almost all samples (89%) were co-infected. A putative new BPV11 subtype was also found in lesions from different animals. These results add significant knowledge about the prevalence and diversity of BPV infection in Brazilian cattle, which could be used in future studies aiming at the development of more specific treatment and diagnostic methods.

Onychomycosis is the nail infection caused by a wide spectrum of fungi species, including yeasts, dermatophytes and filamentous fungi non-dermatophytes (FFND). This fungal infection represents an important medical problem because it involves the patient's life quality.The aim was to isolate and identify the fungal agents of onychomycosis, and to determine the in vitro susceptibility to antifungal agents.During the period of March 2008 to March 2009, 114 patients clinically suspected of having onychomycosis were examined. Demographic data, mainly age and gender were obtained from each patient. The nail samples collected (136) were submitted to direct examination with potassium hydroxide 20% and grown on Sabouraud dextrose agar. The in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing was performed according to the method of broth microdilution, recommended by the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI).Onychomycosis was observed in 95 (83.3%) patients, including 16 men (16.8%) and 79 women (83.2%), with mean age of 48.1 years. Candida parapsilosis, Trichophyton rubrum and Fusarium spp were the fungi most frequently isolated. The most of the isolated yeasts showed susceptibility to antifungal agents studied. Among filamentous fungi, high MIC values to itraconazole were found for T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes, while Fusarium spp showed decreased susceptibility to itraconazole and voriconazole.C. parapsilosis was the most common fungal species isolated from patients with onychomycosis. The different response obtained by in vitro susceptibility testing to drugs shows the importance of these methods to assist clinicians in choosing the best therapeutic option.

Papillomaviruses are found in epithelial lesions and are linked to different carcinogenic processes in humans and other animals. Although bovine papillomavirus (BPV) has been characterized as epitheliotropic, the presence of viral DNA has been detected in other sample types, including fresh semen. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of BPV DNA in spermatozoa and seminal plasma samples of commercial frozen semen taken from bulls ( Bos taurus ) and its effects on semen function. PCR assays were conducted with specific primers to detect BPV types 1–6 in 40 semen samples of dairy Gir bulls. The semen quality was assessed by the use of parameters such as motility, vigor, acrosomal integrity and DNA integrity. BPV-2 DNA was detected in all of the sperm cell samples and all the seminal samples; however BPV-1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 could not be detected. The presence of BPV DNA was apparently not a cause of reduced sperm function. This is the first record of BPV-2 DNA the commercial frozen semen taken from dairy Gir cattle by several companies that provide semen. Further studies are needed to assess the viability of the virus and the extent to which it can be spread through semen.

Mild streptozotocin diabetic rats, characterized by normal or slightly elevated fasting blood glucose levels and glucose intolerance, treated with excessive doses of monocomponent pork insulin (0.5 U/day) (I) or glybenclamide (0.6 mg/day) (S) were compared to controls (C) and streptozotocin-diabetic rats without treatment (D). Intravenous glucose tolerance tests (0.75 g/kg) were performed in all animals and repeated after overtreatment. Insulin binding and insulin-induced D-(U-14C)-glucose transport and oxidation were also determined in isolated epididymal adipocytes. Diabetic rats showed a failure in the initial phase of insulin release and glucose intolerance as compared with (C). In overtreated rats glucose tolerance worsened (p0.05) after therapy. Maximal insulin binding by isolated adipocytes at tracer insulin concentration was unchanged after excessive insulin or sulfonylurea therapy. Besides, glucose transport and oxidation in the cells of overtreated rats were greater than in D and even greater than in C. These apparently divergent results, i.e. deterioration of glucose tolerance with increased insulin action in adipocytes suggest that overtreatment induces a state of resistance to hormone action in other target tissue(s) than the adipose one, possibly muscle.

A total of 124 Cryptococcus isolates, including 84 clinical strains obtained from cerebrospinal fluid from AIDS patients and 40 environmental isolates from pigeon excreta and from Eucalyptus trees, were studied. The varieties, serotypes, phospholipase activity and molecular profile of these isolates were determined. Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii serotype A was identified in 120 isolates and Cryptococcus gattii serotype B in four isolates. The clinical isolates showed higher phospholipase activity than environmental isolates. Similar patterns of in vitro susceptibility to amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole and no resistance were found for all isolates. Molecular type VNI (C. neoformans var. grubii) was recovered in 80 clinical and 40 environmental isolates while the type VGIII (C. gattii) was found in four clinical isolates. This study demonstrated for the first time the molecular types of clinical and environmental Cryptococcus isolates in the midwest Brazil region.