Single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) detection in six genes in the Portuguese indigenous sheep breed "Churra da Terra Quente"

Evaluation of the genetic diversity for six genes in forty animals of the Portuguese indigenous sheep breed (Ovis aries) “Churra da Terra Quente” was done. A non-radioactive method to allow single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) detection was optimised, starting from genomic DNAand PCR amplification of seven fragments: exon 1 of the a-lactalbumin gene; exons 10 and 11 of the as1-casein gene; exon 7 of the b-casein gene; exon 4 of the k-casein gene; exons 4 and 5 of the growth hormone gene and exon 6 of the growth hormone receptor gene. Polymorphisms were detected in five of the PCR products. Only k-casein and growth hormone receptor were monomorphic. a-lactalbumin and as1-casein exons showed three conformational patterns, b-casein and growth hormone exon 4 showed two electrophoretic patterns and growth hormone exon 5 showed five conformational patterns. These data provide evidence that “Churra da Terra Quente” has a high genetic variability, which opens interesting prospects for future selection programs and also for preservation strategies. Also, our data show that PCR-SSCP is an appropriate tool for evaluating genetic variability

Internações por condições sensíveis à atenção primária, Minas Gerais, 2000 e 2010

OBJECTIVE To analyze hospitalization rates and the proportion of deaths due to ambulatory care-sensitive hospitalizations and to characterize them according to coverage by the Family Health Strategy, a primary health care guidance program. METHODS An ecological study comprising 853 municipalities in the state of Minas Gerais, under the purview of 28 regional health care units, was conducted. We used data from the Hospital Information System of the Brazilian Unified Health System. Ambulatory care-sensitive hospitalizations in 2000 and 2010 were compared. Population data were obtained from the demographic censuses. RESULTS The number of ambulatory care-sensitive hospitalizations declined from 20.75/1,000 inhabitants [standard deviation (SD) = 10.42) in 2000 to 14.92/thousand inhabitants (SD = 10.04) in 2010 Heart failure was the most frequent cause in both years. Hospitalizations rates for hypertension, asthma, and diabetes mellitus, decreased, whereas those for angina pectoris, prenatal and birth disorders, kidney and urinary tract infections, and other acute infections increased. Hospitalization durations and the proportion of deaths due to ambulatory care-sensitive hospitalizations increased significantly. CONCLUSIONS Mean hospitalization rates for sensitive conditions were significantly lower in 2010 than in 2000, but no correlation was found with regard to the expansion of the population coverage of the Family Health Strategy. Hospitalization rates and proportion of deaths were different between the various health care regions in the years evaluated, indicating a need to prioritize the primary health care with high efficiency and quality.OBJETIVO Analisar taxas de permanência hospitalar e de proporção de óbitos por internações por condições sensíveis à atenção primária em saúde, caracterizando-as segundo cobertura pela Estratégia de Saúde da Família. MÉTODOS Trata-se de estudo ecológico que teve como unidade de análise os 853 municípios do estado de Minas Gerais, estratificados pelas 28 regionais de saúde. Foram utilizados dados do Sistema de Informação Hospitalar do Sistema Único de Saúde. As internações por condições sensíveis de 2000 foram comparadas às de 2010. Dados populacionais foram obtidos dos censos demográficos. RESULTADOS As internações por condições sensíveis à atenção primária apresentaram queda de 20,75/mil hab (DP = 10,42) em 2000 para 14,92/mil hab (DP = 10,04) em 2010. A insuficiência cardíaca foi a causa mais frequente em ambos os períodos. Houve redução nas taxas de internações por hipertensão arterial, asma e diabetes mellitus, bem como aumento nas internações por angina pectoris, doenças relacionadas ao pré-natal e parto, infecções de rim e trato urinário, além de outras infecções agudas. A permanência hospitalar e a proporção de óbitos por internações por condições sensíveis aumentaram significativamente. CONCLUSÕES A taxa média de internações por condições sensíveis foi significativamente menor em 2010 do que em 2000, mas não foi observada correlação com a expansão de cobertura populacional da Estratégia de Saúde da Família. As taxas de permanência hospitalar e proporção de óbitos entre os anos avaliados comportaram-se de forma distinta entre as diversas regionais de saúde, apontando necessidade de priorização de atenção primária resolutiva e de qualidade

Alterações do tecido muscular com o envelhecimento

Sarcopenia is characterized by a progressive generalized decrease of skeletal muscle mass, strength and function with aging. Recent- ly, the genetic determination has been associated with muscle mass and muscle strength in elderly. These two phenotypes of risk are the most commonly recognized and studied for sarcopenia, with heritability ranging from 30 to 85% for muscle strength and 45-90% for muscle mass. It is well known that the development and maintenance of muscle mass in early adulthood reduces the risk of developing sarcopenia and leads to a healthy aging. For that reason it seems important to identify which genetic factors interact with aging and in particular with the musculoskeletal response to exercise in such individuals. This review is designed to summarize the most important and representative studies about the possible association between certain genetic polymorphisms and muscle phenotypes in older populations. Also we will focuses on nutrition and some concerns associated with aging, including the role that exercise can have on reducing the negative effects of this phenomenon. Some results are inconsis- tent between studies and more replication studies underlying sarcopenia are needed, with larger samples and with different life cycles, particularly in the type and level of physical activity throughout life. In future we believe that further progress in understanding the ge- netic etiology and the metabolic pathways will provide valuable information on important biological mechanisms underlying the muscle physiology. This will enable better recognition of individuals at higher risk and the ability to more adequately address this debilitating condition.Sarcopenia é caracterizada por uma diminuição generalizada e progressiva da força, massa e função muscular com o envelhecimento. Recentemente, a determinação genética tem sido associada com a massa muscular e força muscular em idosos. Estes dois fenótipos de risco são os mais comumente reconhecidos e estudados em relação à sarcopenia, com hereditariedade variando de 30 a 85% para a força muscular e 45-90% para a massa muscular. É bem conhecido que o desenvolvimento e manutenção da massa muscular na idade adulta reduz o risco de desenvolver sarcopenia e conduz a um envelhecimento saudável. Por isso, é importante identificar quais os fatores genéticos que interagem com o envelhecimento e, em particular, com a resposta músculo-esquelética ao exercício. Esta revisão destina-se a resumir os estudos mais importantes e representativos sobre a possível associação entre determinados polimorfismos genéticos e fenótipos musculares nas populações mais velhas. Os aspetos nutricionais serão discutidos, incluindo o papel que o exercício pode ter sobre a redução dos efeitos negativos deste fenômeno. Alguns resultados são inconsistentes e desta forma é necessária uma maior replicação subjacente à sarcopenia, com amostras maiores e em diferentes ciclos da vida, especial- mente no tipo e nível de atividade física. No futuro, acreditamos que mais progressos na compreensão da etiologia genética e as vias metabólicas vai fornecer informações valiosas sobre importantes mecanismos biológicos envolvidos na fisiologia muscular. Isto irá permitir um melhor reconhecimento dos indivíduos com maior risco e uma maior capacidade de enfrentar adequadamente essa condição debilitante

The influence of ACE ID and ACTN3 R577X polymorphisms on lower-extremity function in older women in response to high-speed power training

Background We studied the influence of the ACE I/D and ACTN3 R577X polymorphisms (single or combined) on lower-extremity function in older women in response to high-speed power training. Methods One hundred and thirty-nine healthy older Caucasian women participated in this study (age: 65.5 ± 8.2 years, body mass: 67.0 ± 10.0 kg and height: 1.57 ± 0.06 m). Walking speed (S10) performance and functional capacity assessed by the “get-up and go” (GUG) mobility test were measured at baseline (T1) and after a consecutive 12-week period of high-speed power training (40-75% of one repetition maximum in arm and leg extensor exercises; 3 sets 4–12 reps, and two power exercises for upper and lower extremity). Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples, and genotyping analyses were performed by PCR methods. Genotype distributions between groups were compared by Chi-Square test and the gains in physical performance were analyzed by two-way, repeated-measures ANOVA. Results There were no significant differences between genotype groups in men or women for adjusted baseline phenotypes (P > 0.05). ACE I/D and ACTN3 polymorphisms showed a significant interaction genotype-training only in S10 (P = 0.012 and P = 0.044, respectively) and not in the GUG test (P = 0.311 and P = 0.477, respectively). Analyses of the combined effects between genotypes showed no other significant differences in all phenotypes (P < 0.05) at baseline. However, in response to high-speed power training, a significant interaction on walking speed (P = 0.048) was observed between the “power” (ACTN3 RR + RX & ACE DD) versus “non-power” muscularity-oriented genotypes (ACTN3 XX & ACE II + ID)]. Conclusions Thus, ACE I/D and ACTN3 R577X polymorphisms are likely candidates in the modulation of exercise-related gait speed phenotype in older women but not a significant influence in mobility traits

TWIST1 Gene: First Insights in Felis catus

TWIST1 is thought to be a novel oncogene. Understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating the TWIST1 gene expression profiles in tumor cells may give new insights regarding prognostic factors and novel therapeutic targets in veterinary oncology. In the present study we partially isolated the TWIST1 gene in Felis catus and performed comparative studies. Several primer combinations were used based on the alignments of homologous DNA sequences. After PCR amplification, three bands were obtained, purified and sequenced. Several bioinformatic tools were utilized to carry out the comparative studies. Higher similarity was found between the isolated TWIST1 gene in Felis catus and Homo sapiens (86%) than between Homo sapiens and Rattus norvegicus or Mus musculus (75%). Partial amino acid sequence showed no change in the four species analyzed. This confirmed that coding sequences presented high similarity (~96%) between man and cat. These results give the first insights regarding the TWIST1 gene in cat but further studies are required in order to establish, or not, its role in tumor formation and progression in veterinary oncology

The influence of ACE ID and ACTN3 R577X polymorphisms on lower-extremity function in older women in response to high-speed power training

Background: We studied the influence of the ACE I/D and ACTN3 R577X polymorphisms (single or combined) on lower-extremity function in older women in response to high-speed power training. Methods: One hundred and thirty-nine healthy older Caucasian women participated in this study (age: 65.5 ± 8.2 years, body mass: 67.0 ± 10.0 kg and height: 1.57 ± 0.06 m). Walking speed (S10) performance and functional capacity assessed by the “get-up and go” (GUG) mobility test were measured at baseline (T1) and after a consecutive 12-week period of high-speed power training (40-75% of one repetition maximum in arm and leg extensor exercises; 3 sets 4–12 reps, and two power exercises for upper and lower extremity). Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples, and genotyping analyses were performed by PCR methods. Genotype distributions between groups were compared by Chi-Square test and the gains in physical performance were analyzed by two-way, repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: There were no significant differences between genotype groups in men or women for adjusted baseline phenotypes (P > 0.05). ACE I/D and ACTN3 polymorphisms showed a significant interaction genotype-training only in S10 (P = 0.012 and P = 0.044, respectively) and not in the GUG test (P = 0.311 and P = 0.477, respectively). Analyses of the combined effects between genotypes showed no other significant differences in all phenotypes (P < 0.05) at baseline. However, in response to high-speed power training, a significant interaction on walking speed (P = 0.048) was observed between the “power” (ACTN3 RR + RX & ACE DD) versus “non-power” muscularity-oriented genotypes (ACTN3 XX & ACE II + ID)]. Conclusions: Thus, ACE I/D and ACTN3 R577X polymorphisms are likely candidates in the modulation of exercise-related gait speed phenotype in older women but not a significant influence in mobility traits.The study was developed with the aid of a research fellowship, reference number SFRH/BD/47114/2008, funded by POPH – QREN, shared by the European Social Fund and the national funds of MCTES. This work was supported in part by the Spanish Department of Health and Institute Carlos III of the Government of Spain [Spanish Net on Aging and frailty; (RETICEF)] and Economy and Competitivity Department of the Government of Spain, under grants numbered RD12/043/0002, and DEP2011-24105, respectively

Lixo contaminado que produzo em casa, onde descartar?

Foi elaborado um material educativo, com abordagem do tema de orientação e cuidados necessários a respeito do descarte correto de resíduos gerados em domicílio, voltado aos pacientes/usuários portadores de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e que utilizam nutrição parenteral total. Este material é composto por folder informativo e orientativo, sendo colorido, escrita de fácil compreensão e imagens. Os conteúdos contemplados foram: orientações sobre o que são as fitas de HGT, seringas e agulhas, material utilizado para nutrição parenteral e materiais de curativo e dicas de recipiente, modo de utilização e descarte correto dos insumos utilizados. A utilização desse recurso informativo virtual poderá ocorrer de forma presencial ou por meio da autoaplicação/aprendizagem. Além disso, também poderá ser socializado via grupos de educação em saúde cotidianos e nas unidades de saúde. Isto posto, oferece à equipe responsável pela condução do trabalho alternativas interventivas conforme as orientações de biossegurança e Estratégias para o cuidado da pessoa com doença crônica vigentes e relacionadas à educação em saúde.Estes arquivos não podem ser editados, pois é um formato fechado. Este formato permite que sejam feitas edições — como marcação de texto e comentários, além de preenchimento de formulários — caso o autor permita. Este arquivo pode ser visualizado em leitores de PDF como o Adobe Acrobat Reader ou em navegadores da web.Materiais de cursos e disciplinasSugere-se distribuir aos pacientes portadores de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e que fazem uso de nutrição parenteral em domicilio no qual fazem parte e utilizam os serviços de saúde. Pode ser entregue na forma impressa, pois o material foi elaborado da melhor maneira lúdica e didática e uma leitura rápida.1. versã

An Efficient Method for Genomic DNA Extraction from Different Molluscs Species

The selection of a DNA extraction method is a critical step when subsequent analysis depends on the DNA quality and quantity. Unlike mammals, for which several capable DNA extraction methods have been developed, for molluscs the availability of optimized genomic DNA extraction protocols is clearly insufficient. Several aspects such as animal physiology, the type (e.g., adductor muscle or gills) or quantity of tissue, can explain the lack of efficiency (quality and yield) in molluscs genomic DNA extraction procedure. In an attempt to overcome these aspects, this work describes an efficient method for molluscs genomic DNA extraction that was tested in several species from different orders: Veneridae, Ostreidae, Anomiidae, Cardiidae (Bivalvia) and Muricidae (Gastropoda), with different weight sample tissues. The isolated DNA was of high molecular weight with high yield and purity, even with reduced quantities of tissue. Moreover, the genomic DNA isolated, demonstrated to be suitable for several downstream molecular techniques, such as PCR sequencing among others

CLUBE DE CIÊNCIAS: DISCUTINDO GÊNERO, IDENTIDADE E A VALORIZAÇÃO-INSERÇÃO DE MENINAS NO CAMPO CIENTÍFICO

O presente artigo visa apresentar os resultados parciais de uma aplicação realizada no grupo/projeto L.I.R.A. sobre a percepção de um grupo de meninas a respeito do papel delas na sociedade e nas ciências, bem como refletir sobre como essa percepção, tanto de si quanto do outro, afeta a construção de suas identidades. A análise dos dados foi feita através de uma metodologia qualitativa com a aplicação de um grupo focal que teve como foco o discurso das participantes sobre o tema pesquisado. Os resultados parciais demonstraram que embora as meninas apresentem interesse por ciências e por algumas de suas áreas específicas: matemática, engenharia entre outras, sofrem preconceito de gênero por parte de amigos e familiares por esses não acreditarem em sua capacidade. Logo, a discussão sobre essa tema se mostrou de grande relevância não só para os objetivos da pesquisa, mas também para incentivar as meninas a pensarem sobre essa temática e se inserirem na área científica