Feeding habits and reproductive biology of Astyanax abramis/Hábito alimentar e biologia reprodutiva de Astyanax abramis

The species of the genus Astyanax, popularly known as ‘lambaris’, are important ecologically since they can be used as environmental bioindicators. However, knowledge about the feeding habit and reproduction of species of this genus is scarce. Therefore, the aim of the study was to characterize the feeding habit and the spawning period of Astyanax abramis (Jenyns, 1842) collected from Queima-Pé River subbasin (Tangará da Serra/MT/Brazil) throughout the local hydrological cycle. Sampling was performed in April (rainy season), July and October 2016 (dry season) and January 2017 (rainy season), in six different sites from Queima-Pé River subbasin. A total of 92 A. abramis specimens were collected for evaluation of biometry (standard length, height and length of the intestine), degree of repletion of stomach, feeding habit, and gonadal maturation. The greatest lengths and height were observed in April (5.94 ± 0.23; 2.20 ± 0.08 cm, respectively) and October (4.89 ± 0.28; 1.73 ± 0.09 cm, respectively). The degree of repletion of stomach was approximately 2 (½ full) in all sampling months. The feeding habit of A. abramis species collected from Queima-Pé River subbasin was classified as unspecialized carnivore, consuming insects and fishes. Preference for fish occurs in the rainy season and for insects in the dry season. Feed of allochthonous origin were more significant in A. abramis diet from July to January. The species has a split spawning season, with greater reproduction activity in April and October, which corresponds to period to higher water temperature and pluviosity

Prevalência das espécies de Eimeria Schneider, 1875 e Isospora Schneider, 1881 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) parasitas de suínos do município de Videira, SC, Brasil

This work was carried out in order to study the prevalence of Eimeria and Isospora species in swine from Videira county, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Faeces samples were collected monthly from the rectum of animals, from August 2001 to July 2003. A total of 1150 samples, 290 not nursing sows, 300 pregnant sows, 300 sows in lactation and 260 piglets from seven to 20 days from both male and female, was assessed. The samples were packed in plastic bags properly identified, placed into a styrofoam box and sent to the Parasitology and Parasitary Diseases Laboratory of the Santa Catarina State University (UDESC) in Lages, SC, Brazil. The samples were submitted to the centrifugation-fluctuation in sugar modified technique and analyzed using optical microscopy. The positive samples were placed individually in a glass recipient with 2.5% potassium bichromate solution and kept in an acclimatized chamber with a controlled temperature of 27 ± 1ºC, relative humidity above 70% and in scotophase for the oocysts sporulation. The oocysts were concentrated by the centrifugation-fluctuation technique and identified using optical microscopy. From the 1150 samples analyzed, 40 presented oocysts of coccidia, with a prevalence of 3.48%. Seven species of Eimeria were identified: E. neodebliecki, E. debliecki, E. suis, E. porci, E. scabra, E. perminuta, E. spinosa, and one species of Isospora: I. suis. The highest prevalence of E. debliecki was in lactation sows (4.33%) and in piglets (5.77%). I. suis was prevalent in piglets (5%). From the 691 oocysts identified, 60.49% (418/691) were of the Eimeria genus and 39.51% (273/671) were from Isospora. The species Eimeria noedebliecki and I. suis contributed the most to the oocyst production, totalizing 39.36% e 39.51% to the final percentage.Este trabalho foi conduzido com o objetivo de estudar a prevalência das espécies dos gêneros Eimeria e Isospora em suínos do município de Videira, Santa Catarina. Foram coletadas, mensalmente, no período de agosto de 2001 a julho de 2003, fezes do reto de animais. As coletas totalizaram 1150 amostras, sendo 290 de fêmeas secas, 300 de fêmeas em gestação, 300 de fêmeas em lactação e 260 de leitões com idade entre sete e 20 dias e de ambos os sexos. As amostras foram acondicionadas em sacos plásticos devidamente identificados e enviados em caixa de isopor com gelo ao Laboratório de Parasitologia e Doenças Parasitárias da Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Lages- SC, onde foram submetidas à técnica de centrífugoflutuação em açúcar modificada e analisadas em microscópico óptico. As amostras positivas foram colocadas individualmente em recipiente de vidro, com solução de bicromato de potássio 2,5% e mantidas em câmara climatizada do tipo BOD, regulada à temperatura de 27 1ºC e umidade relativa superior a 70% e escotofase para esporulação dos oocistos. Estes foram concentrados utilizando-se novamente a técnica de centrífugo-flutuação e identificados. Das 1150 amostras analisadas, 40 apresentaram oocistos de coccídios, prevalência de 3,48%. Foram identificadas sete espécies de Eimeria: E. neodebliecki, E. debliecki, E. suis, E. porci, E. scabra, E. perminuta, E. spinosa e uma espécie de Isospora: I. suis. A maior prevalência de E. neodebliecki foi em fêmeas em lactação (4,33%) e em leitões (5,77%) e de I. suis em leitões (5%). Dos 691 oocistos identificados, 60,49% (418/691) foram do gênero Eimeria e 39,51% (273/691) de lsospora. As espécies E. neodebliecki e I. suis foram as que mais contribuíram totalizando 39,36% e 39,51% dos oocistos, respectivamente

Memória: tipos e mecanismos – achados recentes

We examine the definitions and main characteristics of the major types of memory, according to their function, contents and duration, the brain areas responsible for them, and the molecular synaptic mechanisms that underlie the formation and extinction of the various memory types in those areas. We comment on certain aspects of their biology, particularly concerning working memory, short-term memory, retrieval and extinction, with some emphasis on their formation, retrieval and extinction, as well as their modulation by brain and peripheral system. We end with some recommendations for the maintenance of the major memory forms.Examinamos as definições e características gerais dos principais tipos de memórias de acordo com sua função, conteúdo e duração, as áreas cerebrais responsáveis por elas e os mecanismos moleculares sinápticos envolvidos na formação e extinção dos diversos tipos de memórias nessas áreas. Damos particular destaque a alguns aspectos de sua biologia, com alguma ênfase na memória de trabalho, na memória de curta duração e na memória de extinção, comentando os principais processos fisiológicos responsáveis por sua formação, evocação e extinção, assim como sobre sua modulação por sistemas cerebrais e periféricos. Encerramos com algumas recomendações para a manutenção das principais formas de memória

Usuários dos serviços de saúde com diabetes mellitus: do conhecimento à utilização dos direitos à saúde

Se trata de un estudio descriptivo de abordaje cualitativo, con el objetivo de analizar el conocimiento de los usuarios de los servicios de salud con diabetes mellitus (DM) acerca de sus derechos. Participaron 12 personas con DM atendidas en un centro universitario del interior paulista en 2008, por medio de entrevista abierta. El análisis de contenido temático de los datos posibilitó identificar dos categorías: el (des)conocimiento de los usuarios de los servicios de salud con diabetes sobre sus derechos y el ejercicio no consciente de sus derechos por las personas con DM. Fue posible constatar que, a pesar de los avances legalmente alcanzados por las políticas públicas, la mayoría de los usuarios de los servicios de salud con DM desconoce sus derechos, a pesar de que utilizan los beneficios provenientes de la legislación, de manera no consciente. Se resalta como punto fundamental proveer informaciones completas y suficientes para que la persona pueda tomar la mejor decisión en relación a su tratamiento, preservando su autonomía en los servicios de salud.Estudo descritivo de abordagem qualitativa, e teve como objetivo analisar o conhecimento dos usuários dos serviços de saúde com diabetes mellitus (DM), acerca dos seus direitos. Participaram 12 pessoas com DM, atendidas em um centro universitário do interior paulista, em 2008, por meio de entrevista aberta. A análise de conteúdo temática dos dados possibilitou identificar duas categorias: o (des)conhecimento dos usuários dos serviços de saúde com diabetes sobre seus direitos e o exercício não consciente dos seus direitos pelas pessoas com DM. Foi possível constatar que, apesar dos avanços legalmente alcançados pelas políticas públicas, a maioria dos usuários dos serviços de saúde com DM desconhece seus direitos, embora utilize, de maneira não consciente, os benefícios advindos da legislação. Ressalta-se como ponto fundamental prover informações completas, suficientes para que a pessoa possa tomar a melhor decisão em relação ao seu tratamento, preservando sua autonomia, nos serviços de saúde.This descriptive study with qualitative approach analyzes the knowledge of individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) concerning their health rights. Open interviews were conducted with 12 individuals with DM in a university center in the interior of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Content analysis enabled the identification of two categories: the users (lack of) knowledge concerning their rights and the unaware exercise of their rights. The results revealed that despite the legal advancements achieved in public policies, most users with DM are unaware of their rights, although they use the benefits that accrue from law in an unconscious way. Providing complete and sufficient information is essential so that individuals are able to make the best decision in relation to their treatment, preserving their autonomy

Hábito alimentar e reprodução de Astyanax scabripinnis (jenyns, 1842) na sub-bacia do Rio Queima-Pé, no município de Tangará da Serra – MT

Há uma carência de conhecimento do hábito alimentar e da reprodução da espécie Astyanax scabripinnis (Jenyns, 1842). Assim, o objetivo do trabalho realizado na sub-bacia do rio Queima-Pé, Tangará da Serra/MT, foi identificar o hábito alimentar e o período de reprodução de Astyanax scabripinnis. Os espécimes foram coletados no período da chuva (outubro e janeiro) e da seca (abril e julho), em seis pontos amostrais, sendo um na Nascente, na Represa, dois no Curso Médio e dois na Foz. Foram analisados 25 exemplares para cada mês de coleta (100 no total), com relação à altura, comprimento padrão (CP), comprimento absoluto (CAI) e relativo do intestino (CRI), grau de repleção (GR) e conteúdo estomacal, sexo e estádios de maturação gonadal. Os maiores comprimentos e altura foram observados nos meses de julho e outubro e os menores nos meses de janeiro e abril (P<0,05). O CAI foi similar entre os meses de coleta (P>0,05), enquanto o CRI foi inverso ao resultado do comprimento, com maiores valores de CRI em janeiro e abril (P<0,05). O GR indicou fase de enchimento em todos os meses de coleta, sendo maior em julho que janeiro (P<0,05). A espécie Astyanax scabripinnis foi classificada como onívora, com preferência por sementes em janeiro, restos de insetos e sementes em abril e restos de peixes em julho e outubro. A desova dessa espécie é do tipo parcelada, com predominância próximo ao mês de outubro

Subtelomeric I-Scel-Mediated Double-Strand Breaks Are Repaired by Homologous Recombination in Trypanosoma cruzi

Trypanosoma cruzi chromosome ends are enriched in surface protein genes and pseudogenes (e.g., trans-sialidases) surrounded by repetitive sequences. It has been proposed that the extensive sequence variability among members of these protein families could play a role in parasite infectivity and evasion of host immune response. In previous reports we showed evidence suggesting that sequences located in these regions are subjected to recombination. To support this hypothesis we introduced a double-strand break (DSB) at a specific target site in a I cruzi subtelomeric region cloned into an artificial chromosome (pTAC). This construct was used to transfect T. cruzi epimastigotes expressing the I-Scel meganuclease. Examination of the repaired sequences showed that DNA repair occurred only through homologous recombination (HR) with endogenous subtelomeric sequences. Our findings suggest that DSBs in subtelomeric repetitive sequences followed by HR between them may contribute to increased variability in T. cruzi multigene families.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Univ Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado, Lab Genet Mol Dr Yunis Turbay, Ciencias Salud, Barquisimeto, VenezuelaNIAID, Lab Malaria & Vector Res, NIH, Rockville, MD USAUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Escola Paulista Med, Dept Microbiol Imunol & Parasitol, Sao Paulo, BrazilConsejo Nacl Invest Cient & Tecn, Inst Invest Ingn Genet & Biol Mol, Lab Biol Mol Enfermedad Chagas, Buenos Aires, DF, ArgentinaJ Craig Venter Inst, Dept Infect Dis, Rockville, MD USAFdn Inst Estudios Avanzados, Ctr Biotecnol, Caracas, VenezuelaUniv Estadual Campinas, Fac Ciencias Med, Dept Patol Clin, Campinas, SP, BrazilDepartamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, BrazilFAPESP: 11/51693-0FAPESP: 11/51475-3CNPq: 306591/2015-4Web of Scienc

Anatomy and evolution of telomeric and subtelomeric regions in the human protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi

Background: the subtelomeres of many protozoa are highly enriched in genes with roles in niche adaptation. T. cruzi trypomastigotes express surface proteins from Trans-Sialidase (TS) and Dispersed Gene Family-1 (DGF-1) superfamilies which are implicated in host cell invasion. Single populations of T. cruzi may express different antigenic forms of TSs. Analysis of TS genes located at the telomeres suggests that chromosome ends could have been the sites where new TS variants were generated. the aim of this study is to characterize telomeric and subtelomeric regions of T. cruzi available in TriTrypDB and connect the sequences of telomeres to T. cruzi working draft sequence.Results: We first identified contigs carrying the telomeric repeat (TTAGGG). of 49 contigs identified, 45 have telomeric repeats at one end, whereas in four contigs the repeats are located internally. All contigs display a conserved telomeric junction sequence adjacent to the hexamer repeats which represents a signature of T. cruzi chromosome ends. We found that 40 telomeric contigs are located on T. cruzi chromosome-sized scaffolds. in addition, we were able to map several telomeric ends to the chromosomal bands separated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. the subtelomeric sequence structure varies widely, mainly as a result of large differences in the relative abundance and organization of genes encoding surface proteins (TS and DGF-1), retrotransposon hot spot genes (RHS), retrotransposon elements, RNA-helicase and N-acetyltransferase genes. While the subtelomeric regions are enriched in pseudogenes, they also contain complete gene sequences matching both known and unknown expressed genes, indicating that these regions do not consist of nonfunctional DNA but are instead functional parts of the expressed genome. the size of the subtelomeric regions varies from 5 to 182 kb; the smaller of these regions could have been generated by a recent chromosome breakage and telomere healing event.Conclusions: the lack of synteny in the subtelomeric regions suggests that genes located in these regions are subject to recombination, which increases their variability, even among homologous chromosomes. the presence of typical subtelomeric genes can increase the chance of homologous recombination mechanisms or microhomology-mediated end joining, which may use these regions for the pairing and recombination of free ends.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista Med, Dept Microbiol Imunol & Parasitol, São Paulo, BrazilFIOCRUZ MG, Ctr Pesquisas Rene Rachou, Belo Horizonte, MG, BrazilUniv Fed Minas Gerais, ICB, Dept Parasitol, Belo Horizonte, MG, BrazilUCLA, Barquisimeto, VenezuelaFdn Inst Estudios Avanzados IDEA, Caracas, VenezuelaUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista Med, Dept Microbiol Imunol & Parasitol, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Albright osteodystrophy

Resumo não disponíve

Erica: Prevalences Of Hypertension And Obesity In Brazilian Adolescents

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)To estimate the prevalence of arterial hypertension and obesity and the population attributable fraction of hypertension that is due to obesity in Brazilian adolescents. METHODS: Data from participants in the Brazilian Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA), which was the first national school-based, cross-section study performed in Brazil were evaluated. The sample was divided into 32 geographical strata and clusters from 32 schools and classes, with regional and national representation. Obesity was classified using the body mass index according to age and sex. Arterial hypertension was defined when the average systolic or diastolic blood pressure was greater than or equal to the 95th percentile of the reference curve. Prevalences and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of arterial hypertension and obesity, both on a national basis and in the macro-regions of Brazil, were estimated by sex and age group, as were the fractions of hypertension attributable to obesity in the population. RESULTS: We evaluated 73,399 students, 55.4% female, with an average age of 14.7 years (SD = 1.6). The prevalence of hypertension was 9.6% (95% CI 9.0-10.3); with the lowest being in the North, 8.4% (95% CI 7.7-9.2) and Northeast regions, 8.4% (95% CI 7.6-9.2), and the highest being in the South, 12.5% (95% CI 11.0-14.2). The prevalence of obesity was 8.4% (95% CI 7.9-8.9), which was lower in the North region and higher in the South region. The prevalences of arterial hypertension and obesity were higher in males. Obese adolescents presented a higher prevalence of hypertension, 28.4% (95% CI 25.5-31.2), than overweight adolescents, 15.4% (95% CI 17.0-13.8), or eutrophic adolescents, 6.3% (95% CI 5.6-7.0). The fraction of hypertension attributable to obesity was 17.8%. CONCLUSIONS: ERICA was the first nationally representative Brazilian study providing prevalence estimates of hypertension in adolescents. Regional and sex differences were observed. The study indicates that the control of obesity would lower the prevalence of hypertension among Brazilian adolescents by 1/5.501Brazilian Department of Science and Technology at the Secretariat of Science and TechnologyStrategic Inputs of the Ministry of Health (Departamento de Ciencia e Tecnologia da Secretaria de Ciencia e Tecnologia e Insumos Estrategicos do Ministerio da Saude - Decit/SCTIE/MS)Health Fund Sector (Fundo Setorial de Saude - CT-health) at the Ministry of science, Technology and Innovation (Ministerio da Ciencia, Tecnologia e Inovacao - MCTI)FINEP [01090421]CNPq [2010/565037-2]hospital research incentive fund for Clinics in Porto Alegre (fundo de incentivo a Pesquisa do Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre - HCPA) [405,009/FIPE-2012-7]Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq

Causes of morphological discontinuities in soils of Depressão Central, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil

Morphological, particularly textural, discontinuities between horizons increase soil erodibility in Depressão Central, Rio Grande do Sul State (Brazil). Characterization of such discontinuities would help to understand landscape evolution and to model near-surface hydrology. The objective of this research was to explore the relationship between morphological discontinuity and deposition of transported materials during pedogenesis. Transported material was meant to be mineral particles found in the soil profile, transported probably by water or gravity, that were not present neither in the parent material nor derived from it. Five soils of this region (two Alfisols, two Ultisols and one Mollisol) were sampled and morphological, sand grain size statistics, chemical and mineralogical analyses were used to search for evidences of deposition of transported materials. Two soils had abrupt textural change but no evidence of deposition of transported materials, two soils had less contrasting morphology and some characteristics that are possibly related to deposition, and one soil had no morphological discontinuity, but had deposition of material enriched in magnetite-maghemite in the sand fraction of the A horizon. Therefore, there were no relationship between morphological discontinuity and deposition of transported materials for these profiles in the Depressão Central.Contrastes morfológicos entre horizontes, e particularmente os contrastes texturais, aumentam a erodibilidade do solo na Depressão Central do Rio Grande do Sul (Brasil). A caracterização destes contrastes contribui para a compreensão da evolução da paisagem e para a modelagem da hidrologia de superfície. Cinco solos desta região foram amostrados e a morfologia, distribuição do tamanho de grãos da fração areia, análises químicas e mineralógicas foram usadas para tentativamente relacionar o contraste textural e morfológico com materiais transportados durante a pedogênese. Por materiais transportados entendem-se as partículas minerais presentes no perfil do solo, transportadas provavelmente por água ou gravidade, e que não estavam presentes nem no material de origem e nem foram derivadas deste. Dois solos apresentaram mudança textural abrupta sem evidências de deposição, dois solos apresentaram menor contraste morfológico e evidências que sustentam a possibilidade de deposição e um solo não apresentou contraste morfológico, porém as características indicam deposição de material rico em magnetita-maghemita na fração areia do horizonte A. Portanto, não foi encontrada relação entre descontinuidades morfológicas e deposição de materiais transportados, na Depressão Central