Miopatia necrosante paraneoplásica – relato de caso

Univ Fed Sao Paulo, UNIFESP, Div Med Interna, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Divisão de Medicina Interna, São Paulo, SP, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Propylthiouracil-induced cutaneous vasculitis

The use of propylthiouracil (PTU) is associated with the development of different auto-antibodies, amongst them are antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) that are involved in the pathogenesis of ANCA associated systemic vasculitis. The case of a 46-years old woman who presented cutaneous vasculitis when taking PTU for Graves' disease is reported. Perinuclear ANCA (p-ANCA) was positive with titer > 1/320, but anti-myeloperoxidase antibodies were not detected. Skin biopsy showed leucocytoclastic vasculitis. The patient improved within ten days after withdrawing PTU and the resolution of hyperthyroidism was achieved with radioiodine (131I). The p-ANCA test remained positive > 1/320 eight months and four years after PTU withdrawal.O uso do propiltiouracil (PTU) está associado ao desenvolvimento de diferentes auto-anticorpos, entre eles anticorpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilos (ANCA), que estão envolvidos na patogênese das vasculites sistêmicas ANCA-associadas (VSAA). Será relatado o caso de um paciente do sexo feminino, de 46 anos, que apresentou vasculite cutânea durante o uso de PTU como terapêutica para doença de Graves. O ANCA com padrão perinuclear (p-ANCA) foi positivo em títulos > 1/320, porém anticorpos antimielo-peroxidase (MPO) não foram detectados. A biópsia de pele revelou uma vasculite leucocitoclástica. Houve melhora clínica em dez dias após a retirada do PTU e optou-se pelo iodo radioativo (I131) para o tratamento do hipertireoidismo. O p-ANCA manteve-se positivo em títulos > 1/320 em duas medidas, realizadas oito meses e quatro anos após a suspensão do PTU.Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual Francisco Morato de OliveiraUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de MedicinaUNIFESP, EPMSciEL

Bio-based synthesis of oxidation resistant copper nanowires using an aqueous plant extract

Copper nanowires have recently emerged as promising nanomaterials for transparent conducting electrodes applications, however, their production commonly involves the use of harmful reagents. In this study, we describe for the first time a simple and cost-effective bio-based synthesis of copper nanowires using an aqueous plant extract (Eucalyptus globulus) as the reducing/stabilizing agent and oleic acid and oleylamine as surfactants. Well-dispersed crystalline copper nanowires (λmáx = 584–613 nm) were obtained with average diameters in the nanometric range (44 and 145 nm) and lengths in the micrometric range (from 5 to dozens of micrometres) using extract concentrations between 10 and 50 mg mL−1. Moreover, the aspect ratio of these nanowires can be adjusted (from around 14–20 to 160–400) by changing the experimental conditions, namely the use of oleic acid. Phenolic compounds were found to have a key role in this bioreduction process allowing to obtain practically only nanowires (without other morphologies). Nevertheless, the use of oleic acid/oleylamine is essential to manipulate their size and aspect ratio. Most importantly, these bio-based copper nanowires were found to be resistant under storage in ethanol and when submitted to air exposure, both for 2 weeks, certainly due to the adsorption of antioxidant biomolecules (phenolic) at their surface, thus avoiding the use of other polymeric protective layers. The conductivity of the CuNWs was found to be 0.009 S cm−1. As a result, this study opens a new standpoint in this field, “closing the door” to the use of hazardous reagents and synthetic polymeric protective layers, on the production of stable copper nanowires with potential application as conductive materials.publishe

Proporção Corporal em Crianças e Adolescentes com Síndrome de Down

ResumoO presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as proporções corporais entre estatura tronco-cefálica e comprimento de pernas de crianças e adolescentes com Síndrome de Down (SD). Para tanto, a amostra foi composta por 99 pessoas SD (40 meninas com idade média de 11,45±2,6 anos e 59 meninos com 12,07±3,0 anos). Os seguintes parâmetros foram coletados: idade cronológica, estatura, estatura tronco-cefálica e comprimento de pernas. As proporções corporais dos segmentos foram calculadas através dos índices corpóreos e modelo Phantom. Para a análise estatística recorreu-se ao teste de normalidade e análises descritivas de tendência central e dispersão, posteriormente, foi adotado o teste t de Student. Para todos os tratamentos utilizou-se o programa estatístico SPSS 13.0 e nível de significância de p<0,05. Observou-se que, a proporção corporal entre os segmentos superiores e inferiores de crianças e adolescentes com SD apresenta diferença quando comparado a população típica. Sendo esta diferença para comprimento de pernas, e a proporção de estatura tronco-cefálica atingiu valores próximos aos intervalos da população sem SD.AbstractThe present study aimed to evaluate the body proportions of sitting height and leg length in children and adolescents with Down’s syndrome (DS). The sample consisted of 99 individuals with DS (40 girls with an average age of 11.45 ± 2.6 years and 59 boys with an average age of 12.07 ± 3.0 years). The following parameters were studied: chronological age, height, sitting height and leg length. The body proportions of each segment were calculated using body indices and the Phantom model. For the statistical analysis, the normality test and descriptive analyses of central tendency and dispersion were performed, and Student’s t-test was used. For all treatments, the statistical software program SPSS version 13.0 was used, and a significance level of p < 0.05 was set. The body proportion of the upper and lower segments of children and adolescents with DS differed from those of the typical population in terms of leg length, whereas the seated height values of individuals with DS †were similar to those of individuals without DS

Physiological characteristics of grapevine under irrigation and fertilization management

The viticulture in the semiarid region of Brazil stands out in the country due to the expansion of its cultivated area and increased production, especially in the sub-mid São Francisco Valley. However, the supplying of water and an efficient replacement of nutrients to the soil are essential for these crops, due to the intrinsic climatic conditions of this region, such as low rainfall and high evapotranspiration. This study aimed at evaluating the physiological characteristics of ‘Itália’ grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) under irrigation and fertilization management. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, with four replications, in a split-plot arrangement, with four irrigation water depths (0.75, 1.00, 1.25 and 1.5 times the crop coefficient) in the plots and four fertilizer rates (100 %, 75 %, 50 % and 25 %, based on the recommended fertilizer rates for this crop) in the subplots, with addition of organic compounds. The leaf water potential, leaf chlorophyll content, relative water content, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, internal CO2 partial pressure, leaf temperature and biomass accumulation in the berries were evaluated. The highest leaf chlorophyll contents were found in treatments with fertilizer rates of 70-85 %. Stomatal conductance decreased with the increasing irrigation water depths, thus reducing the internal CO2 partial pressure and increasing the leaf temperature and air vapor pressure deficit. The reduction of 25 % in the conventional fertilization and irrigation of 135 % of the recommended coefficient resulted in the highest average weight of berries. The highest yields were obtained with the lowest irrigation water depths and fertilizer rates of 50-65 %

Venenos e toxinas ofídicas purificadas como ferramenta biotecnológica para o controle de Ralstonia solanacearum

The objective of this work was to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity of snake venoms and purified toxins on the phytopathogenic bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum. The evaluations were performed with 17 crude venoms (13 from Bothrops, 3 from Crotalus, and 1 from Lachesis) and seven toxins (1 from Bothrops and 6 from Crotalus). Antibacterial activity was assessed in MB1 medium containing solubilized treatments (1 μL mL‑1). A total of 100 μL bacterial suspension (8.4 x 109 CFU mL-1) was used. After incubation at 28°C, the number of bacterial colonies at 24, 48, and 72 hours after inoculation was evaluated. SDS-PAGE gel at 15% was used to analyze the protein patterns of the samples, using 5 μg protein of each sample in the assay. Furthermore, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and lethal concentration (LC50) values were determined by the Probit method. Venoms and toxins were able to reduce more than 90% of R. solanacearum growth. These results were either equivalent to those of the positive control chloramphenicol or even better. While MIC values ranged from 4.0 to 271.5 µg mL-1, LC50 ranged from 28.5 µg mL-1 to 4.38 mg mL-1. Ten crude venoms (7 from Bothrops and 3 from Crotalus) and two purified toxins (gyroxin and crotamine) are promising approaches to control the phytopathogenic bacterium R. solanacearum.O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a atividade antibacteriana in vitro de venenos e toxinas purificadas de serpentes sobre a bactéria fitopatogênica Ralstonia solanacearum. As avaliações foram realizadas em 17 venenos brutos (13 de Bothrops, 3 de Crotalus e 1 de Lachesis) e sete toxinas (1 de Bothrops e 6 de Crotalus). A atividade antibacteriana foi avaliada em meio MB1 que continha os tratamentos solubilizados (1 μL mL-1). Utilizou-se o total de 100 μL de suspensão bacteriana (8,4 x 109 UFC mL-1). Após incubação a 28°C, avaliou-se o número de colônias bacterianas às 24, 48 e 72 horas após a inoculação. O gel SDS-PAGE a 15% foi usado para analisar o perfil proteico das amostras, tendo-se utilizado 5 μg de proteína no ensaio. Além disso, os valores de concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) e concentração letal (CL50) foram determinados pelo método Probit. Os venenos e as toxinas foram capazes de reduzir mais de 90% do crescimento de R. solanacearum. Esses resultados foram ou equivalentes aos do controle positivo cloranfenicol ou até melhores. Enquanto os valores de CIM variaram de 4,0 a 271,5 µg mL-1, a CL50 variou de 28,5 µg mL-1 a 4,38 mg mL-1. Dez venenos brutos (7 de Bothrops e 3 de Crotalus) e duas toxinas (giroxina e crotamina) são abordagens promissoras para o controle da bactéria fitopatogênica R. solanacearum

Adubação verde, nítrica e aplicação foliar de prolina na redução do estresse na melancia irrigada com água salina

: O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da adubação verde, nítrica e aplicação de prolina na redução do estresse em melancia irrigada com água salina. O experimento foi realizado a campo, no município de São João do Rio do Peixe - Paraíba, no período de 14/07 a 16/09/2012, utilizando-se o híbrido de melancia ‘Quetsali’. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por duas doses de adubo verde utilizando-se Crotalaria juncea L. (0 e 9 t ha-1 de massa seca), dois níveis de salinidade da água de irrigação (0,3 e 4 dS m-1) e dois osmorreguladores (prolina = 5 mmol L-1 e nitrato de potássio = 250 Kg ha-1). Os 250 kg ha-1 de nitrato de potássio, aplicados além da recomendação para cultura da melancieira, corresponde a 40 kg de N e 115 kg de K2O. O delineamento experimental foi o blocos casualizados, no esquema fatorial 2 x 2 x 2, com quatro repetições. As características avaliadas foram: crescimento e acúmulo de massa seca, fotossíntese líquida, transpiração, condutância estomática e concentração intercelular de CO2, produção e seus componentes. Os maiores valores quanto aos parâmetros fisiológicos, de crescimento da planta e produção na melancia foram observados na salinidade da água de 0,3 em relação a 4,0 dS m-1. A prolina foi mais efetiva que KNO3 no processo de osmorregulação e, consequentemente, no maior desempenho da fotossíntese e produção. O adubo verde não proporcionou significativa alteração fisiológica, morfológica e de produção em plantas de melancia submetidas à irrigação com água salina

Genetic potential of segregating cowpea progenies regarding inflorescence type

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial genético produtivo de progênies de feijão-caupi (Vigna unguiculata) segregantes quanto ao tipo da inflorescência. Foram avaliadas 68 progênies F4 obtidas dos retrocruzamentos: (TV x 5058‑09C x Cacheado‑roxo) x TV x 5058‑09C e (AU94‑MOB‑816 x Cacheado‑roxo) x AU94‑MOB‑816, com os genitores. Dois experimentos foram conduzidos no delineamento de blocos ao acaso, tendo‑se avaliado 17 progênies, com quatro repetições, em parcelas subdivididas quanto à inflorescência: simples e composta. A análise estatística foi realizada por modelos mistos via procedimento REML/BLUP. As estimativas das variâncias genéticas foram significativas para todos os caracteres estudados. Os caracteres comprimento do pedúnculo, número médio de vagens por pedúnculo e floração inicial apresentaram alta variabilidade e expressão do componente genético para a inflorescência composta. As progênies de inflorescência simples apresentam potencial genético produtivo similar às progênies de inflorescência composta. As progênies resultantes do retrocruzamento (AU94‑MOB‑816 x Cacheado‑roxo) x AU94‑MOB‑816 são promissoras como estratégia para aumentar os níveis atuais de produtividade do feijão-caupi.The objective of this work was to evaluate the genetic yield potential of segregating cowpea progenies regarding inflorescence type. Sixty‑eight F4 progenies obtained from the backcrosses (TV x 5058‑09C x Curly‑purple) x TV x 5058‑09C, and (AU94‑MOB‑816 x Curly‑purple) x AU94‑MOB‑816, with parents, were evaluated. Two experiments were carried out in a randomized complete block design with 17 progenies and four replicates, in a split‑plot arrangement regarding inflorescence: simple and composite. The statistical analysis was carried out by mixed models via REML/BLUP procedure. The estimates of genetic variance were significant for all evaluated traits. The traits peduncle length, average number of pods per peduncle, and initial flowering showed high variability and expression of the composite inflorescence genetic component. Progenies with simple inflorescence show similar genetic yield potential to the progenies with composite inflorescence. The progenies resulting from the backcrosses (AU94‑MOB‑816 x Curly‑purple) x AU94‑MOB‑816 are promising as a strategy to increase the current levels of grain yield in cowpea

Chitosan microparticles loaded with essential oils inhibit duo-biofilms of Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans

Oral candidiasis is a common fungal infection that affects the oral mucosa, and happens when Candida albicans interacts with bacteria in the oral microbiota, such as Streptococcus mutans, causing severe early childhood caries. C. albicans and S. mutans mixed biofilms are challenging to treat with conventional antimicrobial therapies, thus, new anti-infective drugs are required. Objective: This study aimed to test a drug delivery system based on chitosan microparticles loaded with geranium and lemongrass essential oils to inhibit C. albicans and S. mutans mixed biofilms. Methodology: Chitosan microparticles loaded with essential oils (CM-EOs) were obtained by spray-drying. Susceptibility of planktonic were performed according CLSI at 4 to 2,048 µg/mL. Mixed biofilms were incubated at 37ºC for 48 h and exposed to CM-EOs at 256 to 4,096 µg/mL. The antimicrobial effect was evaluated using the MTT assay, with biofilm architectural changes analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. RAW 264.7 cell was used to evaluate compound cytotoxicity. Results: CM-EOs had better planktonic activity against C. albicans than S. mutans. All samples reduced the metabolic activity of mixed C. albicans and S. mutans biofilms, with encapsulated oils showing better activity than raw chitosan or oils. The microparticles reduced the biofilm on the slides. The essential oils showed cytotoxic effects against RAW 264.7 cells, but encapsulation into chitosan microparticles decreased their toxicity. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that chitosan loaded with essential oils may provide an alternative method for treating diseases caused by C. albicans and S. mutans mixed biofilm, such as dental caries

Chitosan microparticles loaded with essential oils inhibit duo-biofilms of Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans

Abstract Oral candidiasis is a common fungal infection that affects the oral mucosa, and happens when Candida albicans interacts with bacteria in the oral microbiota, such as Streptococcus mutans, causing severe early childhood caries. C. albicans and S. mutans mixed biofilms are challenging to treat with conventional antimicrobial therapies, thus, new anti-infective drugs are required. Objective This study aimed to test a drug delivery system based on chitosan microparticles loaded with geranium and lemongrass essential oils to inhibit C. albicans and S. mutans mixed biofilms. Methodology Chitosan microparticles loaded with essential oils (CM-EOs) were obtained by spray-drying. Susceptibility of planktonic were performed according CLSI at 4 to 2,048 µg/mL. Mixed biofilms were incubated at 37ºC for 48 h and exposed to CM-EOs at 256 to 4,096 µg/mL. The antimicrobial effect was evaluated using the MTT assay, with biofilm architectural changes analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. RAW 264.7 cell was used to evaluate compound cytotoxicity. Results CM-EOs had better planktonic activity against C. albicans than S. mutans. All samples reduced the metabolic activity of mixed C. albicans and S. mutans biofilms, with encapsulated oils showing better activity than raw chitosan or oils. The microparticles reduced the biofilm on the slides. The essential oils showed cytotoxic effects against RAW 264.7 cells, but encapsulation into chitosan microparticles decreased their toxicity. Conclusion This study demonstrates that chitosan loaded with essential oils may provide an alternative method for treating diseases caused by C. albicans and S. mutans mixed biofilm, such as dental caries