The function of the TGF-beta and Toll signalling pathways in Tribolium dorsoventral patterning

Dorsoventral (DV) patterning in Drosophila melanogaster is one of the most well-known gene regulatory networks (GRN) in biology. To investigate if this GRN is conserved during insect evolution, functional analysis of TGF-beta and Toll pathways in the short-germ beetle Tribolium castaneum was performed. In the first part, the function of several BMP/Dpp extracellular modulators, including the products of Tolloid (Tld) and Twisted-gastrulation/Crossveinless (Tsg-Cv), was investigated in Tribolium via parental RNAi (pRNAi). While Tc-tld pRNAi knock-down decreases embryonic BMP activity, Tc-tsg(cv) knock-down completely abolishes it. These observations are strikingly different from those in Drosophila, where tsg is only required for a subset of Dpp activity. These results suggest that Tsg/Cv-like proteins are essential for BMP signalling in Tribolium. Since duplicated copies of tsg(cv)- and tld-related genes are present in the Drosophila melanogaster genome, duplication followed by sub-functionalization of these modulators might have changed the BMP/Dpp gradient during evolution of the dipteran Drosophila lineage. In the second part, a functional analysis of the Toll pathway was performed. This analysis addressed the question of why the Tribolium Dorsal nuclear gradient is not stable, but rapidly shrinks and disappears, in contrast to the stable Drosophila gradient. Negative feedback accounts for this dynamic behavior: Tc-Dorsal and one of its target genes (Tc-Twist) activate transcription of the I-KappaB homolog Tc-cactus, which in turn terminates Dorsal function. Despite its transient role, Tc-Dorsal is strictly required to initiate DV polarity, as in Drosophila. However, unlike Drosophila, embryos lacking Tc-Dorsal display a periodic pattern of DV cell fates along the AP axis, indicating that a self-organizing ectodermal patterning system operates independently of mesoderm or maternal DV polarity cues. The presence of self-organizing patterning systems in short-germ insects like Tribolium is in agreement with a regulative type of embryogenesis proposed by classical fragmentation studies on hemimetabolous insects. These results also elucidate how extraembryonic tissues are organized in short-germ embryos, and how patterning information is transmitted from the early embryo to the growth zone. Altogether, the functional analysis of the TGF-betA and Toll pathways in Tribolium dorsoventral patterning suggests that extensive changes in this GRN have occurred during insect evolution

Dermatitis Associated with the Intake of Defatted Rice Bran by Cattle in the Southern Region of the State of Rio Grande do Sul

Background: Dermatitis associated with defatted rice bran (DRB) seems to be an underdiagnosed disease in Brazilian confined herds, characterized by localized skin lesions that develop mainly on hind limbs, and can affect any animal category. In this context, the goal of the present study was to describe an outbreak of dermatitis associated with the consumption of defatted rice bran on a property in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, demonstrating the clinical, hematological and epidemiological characteristics of the animals, as well as alternatives for the definitive diagnosis.Cases: Clinical and epidemiological data were obtained by anamnesis with the technician responsible for the property. Aberdeen Angus and crossbred males, with 24 to 36 months of age, with an average of 413 kg, from a property in the interior of the state of Rio Grande do Sul were analyzed. From a batch of 45 cattle, from 24 to 36 months of age, 20 presented lesions on hind limbs 8-17 days after supplementation of a commercial feed containing defatted rice bran. To assist in the diagnosis, blood samples were drawn into vacuum tubes with 10% EDTA, for a complete blood count with the investigation of hemoparasites, and without anticoagulant, for liver function tests. In addition, lesion tissue samples were also collected for bacteriological, mycological and histopathological examination and the ration offered to the animals, for intradermal tests. There were no significant hematological and biochemical changes in animals that developed DRB dermatitis, except when they have an associated secondary infection. The fungal research was negative. The bacterial culture revealed a growth of Staphylococcus aureus, possibly due to secondary infection resulting from the lesions. In histopathological examination, lesions were characterized by areas of alopecia, thickening of the epidermis, forming dry, thick crusts, and some ulcerative and serosanguineous lesions. Histologically, lesions were characterized by marked hyperkeratosis, ulceration, and in the superficial dermis, intense inflammatory infiltrate of eosinophils and lymphocytes.Histologic changes, although not pathognomonic, are typically described in this disease. The intradermal test was performed to contribute to the diagnosis of the disease, where a significant increase in volume was found between measurements on animals that developed the disease. It is believed that the disease is produced due to a food hypersensitivity as a consequence of the high protein level in DRB. The results of the intradermal test indicate that the animals developed hypersensitivity and reaction to proteins, and further research is required to determine the protein fraction leading to hypersensitivity reactions.Discussion: In the present study, acute lesions in hind limbs in a significant number of animals of the same batch in a short period of time after supplementation with a diet containing defatted rice bran, enabled a clinical diagnosis suggestive of dermatitis associated with DRB consumption. Through epidemiological data, reactive intradermal test, associated with the findings of the histopathological exam, which showed characteristic lesions of the disease (alopecia, erythema, epidermis thickening, with the formation of thick crusts, usually on hind limbs in the region of the hoof coronary band, progressing to pastern and fetlock), it was possible to establish the clinical-pathological diagnosis of dermatitis associated with the consumption of defatted rice bran. Keywords: dermatitis, cattle, supplementation, defatted rice bran.Descritores: dermatite, bovinos, suplementação, farelo de arroz desengordurado.Título: Dermatite associada ao consumo de farelo de arroz desengorduradoem bovinos na região sul do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul.

A atenção farmacêutica no combate ao câncer de mama / Pharmaceutical attention in the fight against breast cancer

INTRODUÇÃO: O farmacêutico que trabalha na área de oncologia tem sua importância, com relação ao tratamento do câncer, pois estes fazem a opção e aquisição dos fármacos, inclusive até a manipulação dos quimioterápicos. A funcionalidade do farmacêutico vem colaborando para a garantia de qualidade das orientações, informações e procedimentos com relação aos quimioterápicos e, por conseguinte, para a segurança do paciente. OBJETIVO: Verificar a importância do acompanhamento farmacoterapêutico as pacientes com câncer de mama. MÉTODOS: Estudo de revisão sistemática, utilizando as palavras-chave “Câncer de mama; Detecção precoce da cancerologia, Prevenção e Diagnóstico da oncologia.” e a ferramenta de busca acadêmica b-on, que contém diferentes bases bibliográficas. Foram aplicados os critérios PRISMA para redigir o relatório da revisão. Foram incluídos artigos originais de pesquisa quantitativa e qualitativa. Os critérios de exclusão foram: relatos anteriores a 2015, artigos que não aborde o objetivo do estudo, ou contextualizados numa língua diferente do português. RESULTADOS: Iniciou-se a pesquisa com 160 textos e foram selecionados e incluídos neste trabalho 20 artigos que mostraram a doença “câncer de mama”, prevenção, seu diagnostico, tratamento e a utilidade da atenção do profissional farmacêutico. CONCLUSÕES: É possível combater o câncer de mama, existem atitudes cientificamente provadas que ajudam a diminuir o risco da doença e diversos estudos também comprovam que a atenção farmacêutica faz toda a diferença, devido a orientação do uso dos medicamentos para tentar minimizar os riscos, e promover uma terapia mais segura e eficaz

Uncovered stent does not provoke reactions in renal arteries and renal parenchyma in swines

OBJECTIVE: To assess the histological changes of the aorta, the renal arteries and the renal parenchyma in swine, induced by a metalic uncovered stent implanted in transrenal position in the abdominal aorta. METHODS: Ten pigs with a mean weight of 86.6 kg and mean age of 6 months underwent implantation of metal stent graft placed in the aorta at the level of the renal arteries after 100 days of implantation. The self-expanding stents were released by laparotomy. Anatomic and histological analyses of the abdominal aorta, the renal arteries and the renal parenchyma were performed. Histological slices were performed in the following sites: 1) transitional zone between the aorta with and without stent graft; 2) portion of the renal arteries ostia; 3) renal parenchyma. The slices were stained through the hematoxylin and eosin stain technique and analyzed according the protocol of histological analyses applied in the clinical practice of pathology labs. RESULTS: The macroscopic findings showed thickening of the aortic wall; patent renal arteries; and normal anatomic renal structures. Microscopic analyses, close to the stents, showed thickening of the vascular wall, renal arteries without changes, and preserved renal parenchyma. CONCLUSION: The uncovered stainless steel stent caused a significant inflammatory reaction with thickening of the aortic wall. However, the renal arteries remained patent and the renal parenchyma did not present embolic or ischemic changes.OBJETIVO: Avaliar as alterações histológicas da aorta, artéria renal e parênquima renal, em suínos, induzidos pelo stent metálico descoberto implantado em localização transrenal na aorta abdominal. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 10 suínos com peso médio de 86,6 quilos e idade média de 6 meses, submetidos a implante de stent metálico posicionado na aorta, no nível das artérias renais, após 100 dias do implante. Os stents foram liberados por auto-expansão com laparotomia. Foram realizadas análises anatômicas e histológicas da aorta abdominal, artérias renais e parênquima renal. Os cortes histológicos foram realizados nos seguintes locais: 1) transição entre a aorta normal e aorta contendo stent; 2) porção contendo os óstios das artérias renais, 3) parênquima renal. As lâminas foram coradas pela técnica da hematoxilina e eosina e analisadas conforme protocolo de análise histológica aplicada na prática clínica dos laboratórios de patologia. RESULTADOS: Os achados macroscópicos revelaram espessamento da parede aórtica; artérias renais pérvias; estrutura anatômica renal normal. Análises microscópicas, próximas aos stents, evidenciaram espessamento da parede vascular, artérias renais sem alterações e parênquima renal preservado. CONCLUSÃO: O stent de aço inoxidável descoberto produziu importante reação inflamatória com espessamento da parede da aorta. No entanto, as artérias renais permaneceram pérvias e o parênquima renal sem alterações isquêmicas ou embólicas.INCOR Hospital Maternidade Marieta Konder BonhausemUNIFESPUNIFESP - Escola Paulista de Medicina São PauloUniversidade do Estado de Santa Catarina Hospital VeterinárioLaboratório RochaHospital São JoséSanta CasaUNIFESP, EPMSciEL

TEMPO E TEMPERATURA EM REFEIÇÕES TRANSPORTADAS

Analyzing the time-temperature binomial in the production of transported meals was the objective of this study. To this end, it was carried out at different times in the five stages of production of the transported meals, being controlled the time and temperature of the food and equipment used for storage and distribution of meals. The measurement techniques followed the recommended by the manual of good food handling practices. The analyzes used were: simple and absolute frequency to identify the proportion of temperature deviations; McNemar test to compare periods and to evaluate temperature frequencies; t-test to verify if there was a statistical difference in the average temperatures of the equipment. Thus, it was identified that in the cold chain, in both periods studied, there was a significant difference in the temperature of juice and dessert. The salads had 100% of temperature inadequacies from production to reception. In the heated chain, the average temperature in the production, waiting, filling and distribution phases, the preparations were above 60°C. At load reception the average temperature was below 60°C for garnish, main course and option in the first period of the study. Thus, there was nonconformity in food temperatures throughout the production cycle, even with minor improvements.Analisar o binômio tempo-temperatura na produção de refeições transportadas foi o objetivo deste estudo. Para tal, o mesmo foi realizado em períodos distintos nas cinco fases de produção das refeições transportadas, sendo controlado o tempo e temperatura dos alimentos e equipamentos utilizados para armazenamento e distribuição das refeições. As técnicas de aferição seguiram o recomendado pelo manual de boas práticas de manipulação de alimentos. As análises utilizadas foram: frequência simples e absoluta para identificar a proporção de desvios de temperatura; teste McNemar para comparação dos períodos e para avaliar as frequências de temperatura; t-teste para verificar se houve diferença estatística nas temperaturas médias dos equipamentos. Desta forma, foi identificado que na cadeia fria, em ambos os períodos estudados, houve diferença significativa na temperatura do suco e sobremesa. As saladas obtiveram 100% de inadequações de temperatura da produção até a recepção. Na cadeia aquecida, a média de temperatura nas fases da produção, espera, envase e distribuição, as preparações estavam acima de 60°C. Na recepção da carga a média de temperatura estava abaixo de 60°C para a guarnição, prato principal e opção no primeiro período do estudo. Assim, houve inconformidade nas temperaturas dos alimentos em todo ciclo produtivo, mesmo com pequenas melhorias

Hipermídia educativa em acolhimento e classificação de risco obstétrico: validação de conteúdo e usabilidade

Objetivo: Validar o conteúdo e usabilidade de hipermídia educativa sobre acolhimento e classificação de risco obstétrico.Métodos: Estudo metodológico, desenvolvimento pelo modelo de design instrucional básico, realizado em cinco etapas. Participaram 22 juízes para validar conteúdo e usabilidade. Para a análise, foram utilizados o Índice de Validade de Conteúdo a System Usability Scale e o teste binomial.Resultados: No conteúdo obtiveram um Índice de Validade de Conteúdo de 0,96 e para e usabilidade obteve-se 91,9. Na avaliação global, todos os requisitos obtiveram 0,98 de índice.Conclusão: A hipermídia educativa desenvolvida apresenta evidência de validade e se constitui como recurso inovador para o processo de ensino e aprendizagem em Enfermagem. Palavras-chave: Complicações na gravidez. Educação em enfermagem. Tecnologia educacional. Estudo de validação

Physicochemical characteristics of dry aged beef from younger Nellore bulls slaughtered at different body weights

Reducing slaughter age can improve meat quality and reduce costs, while an ageing process can result in more standardized products. Thus, the objective of this paper was to measure the physicochemical characteristics of dry aged meat from younger Nellore bulls slaughtered at different body weights. Twenty-four Longissimus thoracis from young bulls (14 months of age) finished in a feedlot at body weights of 350, 400 and 450 kg were used. Fromeach group (N = 8), samples were divided into three portions for 0, 14 and 28 days of dry ageing. After the samples reached their dry aged period weight, pH and colour were measured. Next, water losses, shear force, the chemical composition and the fatty acids profile of the meat were measured. Reducing slaughter weight (350 kg) of young bulls did not affect meat tenderness but increased saturated fatty acids contents at day 1 of dry ageing. During the dry ageing process, drip loss increased, but thawing losses were reduced. Colour parameter was reduced by dry ageing and meat becomes darker, but meat tenderness was increased. Dry ageing increased the ash content. Dry ageing increased saturated fatty acid and reduced the monounsaturated and saturated fatty acid ratio (MUFA/SFA), but did not change the polyunsaturated fatty acids. Nellore young bulls (14 months) can be slaughtered with 400 or 450 kg without compromising physicochemical characteristics, while dry ageing improved meat tenderness but increased saturated fatty acids and changed meat colour.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

O Teste de Aprendizagem Auditivo-Verbal de Rey (RAVLT) no diagnóstico diferencial do envelhecimento cognitivo normal e patológico

This paper aims at reviewing the literature on the use of Rey’s Verbal Auditory Learning Test (RAVLT) with respect to its potential contribution to the differential diagnosis between normal aging and Alzheimer’s disease. We researched articles published in the last ten years, indexed in the databases of PubMed and Lilacs, which were designed to evaluate the use of the RAVLT in the diagnosis of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. Thirty-sevenstudies were selected according to the methodology outlined. Seventeen items assessed the utility of the RAVLT test in neuropsychological assessment of dementia is usefulness to differentiate AD and normal development and twenty studies investigated the performance of normal elderly on RAVLT or how the factors age, education and gender may influence the performance in the test. We conclude that the RAVLT is an effective tool to assist in the differential diagnosis between normal and pathological aging. It is necessary, however, further studies on regulation of it to evaluate the different dementia syndromes.Key words: RAVL, normal and pathological aging, Alzheimer’s disease.O objetivo deste texto é revisar a literatura sobre o uso do Teste de Aprendizagem Auditivo Verbal de Rey (RAVLT) com relação ao seu potencial para contribuição ao diagnóstico diferencial entre o envelhecimento normal e doença de Alzheimer. Para tanto, foram pesquisados artigos publicados nos últimos dez anos, indexados nas bases de dados da PubMed e Lilacs, que tiveram como objetivo avaliar a utilização do RAVLT no diagnóstico das emências,sobretudo da doença de Alzheimer. Trinta e sete artigos foram selecionados de acordo com a metodologia delineada. Dezessete estudos avaliaram o papel do teste RAVLT na avaliação neuropsicológica das demências sua eficácia na diferenciação de DA e no desenvolvimento normal e vinte estudos investigaram o desempenho de idosos normais no RAVLT ou o papel das variáveis idades, escolaridade e gênero no desempenho no teste. Conclui-se que o RAVLT é um instrumento eficaz para auxiliar o diagnóstico diferencial entre envelhecimento normal e patológico. Torna-se necessário, no entanto, mais estudos de normatizaçãodo mesmo para avaliação das diferentes síndromes demenciais.Palavras-chave: RAVLT, envelhecimento normal e patológico, doença de Alzheimer

Recovery of fat snook, Centropomus parallelus (Teleostei: Perciformes) after subchronic exposure to copper

We studied the recovery of juvenile fat snook (Centropomus parallelus) after subchronic exposure to different concentrations of copper. Healthy juveniles (1.98 g) were exposed to 25 or 50 μg Cu/L for 30 days (12 replicates with 5 fish in each one), and recovery was observed at 0, 4, 10, and 30 days after exposure (3 replicates with 5 fish in each one). Copper genotoxicity in exposed individuals was observed using a micronucleus assay, and recovery was not observed even 30 days post-exposure. Copper accumulation was observed in fish exposed to 25 or 50 μg/L of copper in the gills (14.4 and 34.4 μg/g, respectively) and muscle (5.7 and 5.5 μg/g, respectively), and a return to normal copper levels (6.0 μg/g for gills and 2.5 μg/g for muscle) was observed 4 and 30 days post-exposure in the gills and muscle tissues, respectively. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) was 80% inhibited in individuals exposed to copper and returned to normal levels for fish exposed to basal concentrations within 10 days. Although copper accumulation in tissues dispersed 30 days post-exposure, no recovery from genotoxicity was observed during this time. Thirty days was not enough to recover juvenile fat snook following subchronic exposure to copper. © 2013 Elsevier Inc