Challenges in the use of NG2 antigen as a marker to predict MLL rearrangements in multi-center studies

AbstractRearrangements in MLL (MLL-r) are common within very young children with leukemia and affect the prognosis and treatment. Previous studies have suggested the use of the NG2 molecule as a marker for MLL-r but these studies were performed using a small number of infants. We analyzed 148 patients (all less than 24 months, 86 less than 12 months) from various centers in Brazil to determine the predictive power of NG2 within that cohort. We show that NG2 can be used for MLL-r prediction; however, proper staff training and standardized sampling procedures are essential when receiving samples from multiple centers as the accuracy of the prediction varies greatly on a per center basis

Third head of the biceps brachii muscle and a communication between the musculocutaneous and median nerves : a case report.

Many authors have reported and classified several anatomical variations between the musculocutaneous (Mc) and median (Me) nerves, regarding their origin, number, and proximity with the coracobrachialis muscle. There also are, in the scientific community, records classifying the origin of supernumerary heads of the biceps brachii muscle. However, the occurrence of both aforementioned variations in the same arm is very uncommon. During a routine dissection of the right upper limb of a male cadaver, a third head of the biceps brachii was found originating from the fibers of the brachialis muscle, as well as a communicating branch between the Mc and the Me nerves, in the same limb. The objective of the present case report is to describe these multiple variations found, relating them and discussing their relevant clinical implications

Why Large Seeds with Physical Dormancy Become Nondormant Earlier Than Small Ones

Under natural conditions, large seeds with physical dormancy (PY) may become water permeable earlier than small ones. However, the mechanism for this difference has not been elucidated. Thus, our aim was to evaluate the traits associated with PY in seeds of Senna multijuga (Fabaceae) and to propose a mechanism for earlier dormancy-break in large than in small seeds. Two seedlots were collected and each separated into large and small seeds. Seed dry mass, water content, thickness of palisade layer in the hilar and distal regions and the ratio between palisade layer thickness (P) in the lens fissure and seed mass (M) were evaluated. Further, the correlation between seed mass and seed dimensions was investigated. Large seeds had higher dry mass and water content than small seeds. The absolute thickness of the palisade layer in the different regions did not show any trend with seed size; however, large seeds had a lower P:M ratio than small seeds. Seed mass correlated positively with all seed dimensions, providing evidence for a substantially higher volume in large seeds. Since wet, but not dry, high temperatures break PY in sensitive seeds of S. multijuga, the data support our prediction that internal pressure potential in the seed and palisade layer thickness in the water gap (lens), which is related to seed mass (i.e. P:M ratio), act together to modulate the second step (dormancy break) of the two-stage sensitivity cycling model for PY break. In which case, large seeds are predetermined to become water-permeable earlier than small ones

IKZF1 Deletions with COBL Breakpoints Are Not Driven by RAG-Mediated Recombination Events in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

IKZF1 deletion (ΔIKZF1) is an important predictor of relapse in both childhood and adult B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Previously, we revealed that COBL is a hotspot for breakpoints in leukemia and could promote IKZF1 deletions. Through an international collaboration, we provide a detailed genetic and clinical picture of B-ALL with COBL rearrangements (COBL-r). Patients with B-ALL and IKZF1 deletion (n = 133) were included. IKZF1 ∆1-8 were associated with large alterations within chromosome 7: monosomy 7 (18%), isochromosome 7q (10%), 7p loss (19%), and interstitial deletions (53%). The latter included COBL-r, which were found in 12% of the IKZF1 ∆1-8 cohort. Patients with COBL-r are mostly classified as intermediate cytogenetic risk and frequently harbor ETV6, PAX5, CDKN2A/B deletions. Overall, 56% of breakpoints were located within COBL intron 5. Cryptic recombination signal sequence motifs were broadly distributed within the sequence of COBL, and no enrichment for the breakpoint cluster region was found. In summary, a diverse spectrum of alterations characterizes ΔIKZF1 and they also include deletion breakpoints within COBL. We confirmed that COBL is a hotspot associated with ΔIKZF1, but these rearrangements are not driven by RAG-mediated recombination

Solid wastes from the enzyme production as a potential biosorbent to treat colored effluents containing crystal violet dye

Sugarcane bagasse, a largely available waste worldwide, was submitted to solid-state fermentation (SSF) using the fungus Metarhizium anisopliae, aiming to produce enzymes. The solid waste generated from SSF was tested as an alternative biosorbent to treat colored effluents containing crystal violet (CV) dye. The biosorbent, here named BW (bagasse waste), was characterized, and experimental tests were performed to verify the influence of pH and dosage on the CV biosorption. Isotherms and biosorption kinetics were performed, and the biosorption thermodynamic parameters were determined. The potential of BW was also evaluated for the treatment of a simulated textile effluent. The maximum biosorption capacity was 131.2 mg g−1 at 328 K, and the Liu was the most appropriate model to represent equilibrium data. The biosorption was spontaneous and endothermic. The use of BW in the simulated effluent showed that it is an efficient material, reaching color removal values of 85%. Therefore, the sugarcane bagasse generated from SSF can be considered a potential biosorbent to remove CV from textile effluents. This finding is relevant from the total environment viewpoint, since, at the same time, SSF generates enzymes and a solid waste, which in turn can be used as biosorbent to treat colored effluents

Simuladores digitais no contexto epistemológico de Gagné e Vygotsky: uma proposta de intervenção didática sobre eletricidade e circuitos elétricos

Este artigo apresenta uma proposta de intervenção didática, usando como referenciais teóricos Robert Gagné e Lev Vygotsky, envolvendo a utilização de simuladores experimentais como recurso didático. Tais referenciais são harmonizados entre si e, dessa harmonização, emergem importantes elementos ao processo de ensino e aprendizagem em física. A utilização de simula-dores leva em consideração o crescente uso das Tecnologias Digitais da Informação e Comunicação pelos estudantes na cultura digital, bem como sua relevância ao desenvolvimento de habilidades sociointeracionistas, que formam eixo central da perspecti-va de Vygotsky. A intervenção didática sugerida trata do tema eletricidade e construção de circuitos elétricos, como exemplo prático de aplicação de simuladores no processo pedagógico. Além disso, condizente com o referencial teórico adotado, é utili-zado o conceito de Zona de Desenvolvimento Proximal, para avaliação tantos dos estudantes, quanto da didática do professor

Digital simulators in the epistemological context of Gagné and Vygotsky : a didactic intervention proposal on electricity and electrical circuits

Este artigo apresenta uma proposta de intervenção didática, usando como referenciais teóricos Robert Gagné e Lev Vygotsky, envolvendo a utilização de simuladores experimentais como recurso didático. Tais referenciais são harmonizados entre si e, dessa harmonização, emergem importantes elementos ao processo de ensino e aprendizagem em física. A utilização de simuladores leva em consideração o crescente uso das Tecnologias Digitais da Informação e Comunicação pelos estudantes na cultura digital, bem como sua relevância ao desenvolvimento de habilidades sociointeracionistas, que formam eixo central da perspectiva de Vygotsky. A intervenção didática sugerida trata do tema eletricidade e construção de circuitos elétricos, como exemplo prático de aplicação de simuladores no processo pedagógico. Além disso, condizente com o referencial teórico adotado, é utilizado o conceito de Zona de Desenvolvimento Proximal, para avaliação tantos dos estudantes, quanto da didática do professor.This article provides a didactic intervention proposal, using Robert Gagné and Lev Vygotsky as theoretical references, involving experimental simulators as a didactic resource. Such references are harmonized with each other, and, as a result of this merge, important elements for to the teaching and learning process in Physics emerge. The use of simulators considers the increasing usage of Digital Information and Communication Technologies by students immersed in a digital culture and their relevance for the development of social-interactionist skills, which form the basis of Vygotsky’s perspective. The suggested didactic intervention deals with the theme of electricity and the construction of electrical circuits as a practical example of the application of simulators in the pedagogical process. In addition, aligned with this theoretical framework, the concept of Zone of Proximal Development is used to assess both students and the teacher’s didactics

Exposição a pesticidas e genótipo heterozigoto de GSTP1-Alw26I associam-se à doença de Parkinson

Objective This study aimed to analyze the frequency of GSTP1-Alw26I polymorphism and to estimate its association with toxic substances in Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods A study group with 154 patients - subdivided into familial and sporadic PD groups - and 158 elderly individuals without the disease (control group) were evaluated. GSTP1-Alw26I polymorphism was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results Patients were significantly more exposed to pesticides compared with the control group (p=0.0004), and the heterozygote genotype associated to exposure to pesticides also prevailed in patients (p=0.0001). Wild homozygote genotype was related to tobacco use (p=0.043) and alcoholism (p=0.033) in familial PD patients. Conclusion Exposure to pesticides is associated to PD, whose effect can be enhanced when combined with the heterozygote genotype of GSTP1-Alw26I. Also, large genetic and environmental studies considering tobacco use, alcoholism, GSTP1 and PD are necessary to confirm our findings.Objetivo Analisar a frequência do polimorfismo GSTP1-Alw26I, assim como estimar sua associação com substâncias tóxicas na doença de Parkinson (DP). Métodos A casuística avaliada foi composta por um grupo de estudo, com 154 pacientes, subdivididos em DP familial e esporádica, e outro com 158 idosos sem a doença (grupo controle). O polimorfismo GSTP1-Alw26I foi analisado por reação em cadeia da polimerase/polimorfismo de comprimento do fragmento de restrição (PCR/RFLP). Resultados Os pacientes foram significativamente mais expostos a pesticidas, comparados com o grupo controle (p=0,0004), e o genótipo heterozigoto associado a exposição a pesticidas também prevaleceu nos pacientes (p=0,0001). O genótipo homozigoto selvagem apresentou relação com tabagismo (p=0,043) e etilismo (p=0,033) em pacientes com DP familial. Desse modo, a exposição a pesticidas está associada à DP, cujo efeito pode ser potencializado quando combinado ao genótipo heterozigoto de GSTP1-Alw26I. Estudos genético-ambientais envolvendo tabagismo, etilismo, GSTP1 e DP devem ser realizados em casuísticas numerosas, confirmando essa associação.Sao Jose do Rio Preto Medical School Department of NeuroscienceFAMERPFederal University of São PauloHospital de BaseUNIFESPSciEL

Vitamin C and Vitamin E in Prevention of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in Choline Deficient Diet Fed Rats

AIM: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Vitamin C and vitamin E are known to react with reactive oxygen species (ROS) blocking the propagation of radical reactions in a wide range of oxidative stress situations. The potential therapeutic efficacy of antioxidants in NAFLD is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of antioxidant drugs (vitamin C or vitamin E) in its prevention. METHODS: Fatty liver disease was induced in Wistar rats by choline-deficient diet for four weeks. The rats were randomly assigned to receive vitamin E (n = 6) – (200 mg/day), vitamin C (n = 6) (30 mg/Kg/day) or vehicle orally. RESULTS: In the vehicle and vitamin E-treated rats, there were moderate macro and microvesicular fatty changes in periportal area without inflammatory infiltrate or fibrosis. Scharlach stain that used for a more precise identification of fatty change was strong positive. With vitamin C, there was marked decrease in histological alterations. Essentially, there was no liver steatosis, only hepatocellular ballooning. Scharlach stain was negative. The lucigenin-enhanced luminescence was reduced with vitamin C (1080 ± 330 cpm/mg/minx10(3)) as compared to those Vitamin E and control (2247 ± 790; 2020 ± 407 cpm/mg/minx10(3), respectively) (p < 0.05). Serum levels of aminotransferases were unaltered by vitamin C or vitamin E. CONCLUSIONS: 1) Vitamin C reduced oxidative stress and markedly inhibited the development of experimental liver steatosis induced by choline-deficient diet ; 2)Vitamin E neither prevented the development of fatty liver nor reduced the oxidative stress in this model