Intrinsic bent DNA sites in the chromosomal replication origin of Xylella fastidiosa 9a5c

The features of the nucleotide sequences in both replication and promoter regions have been investigated in many organisms. Intrinsically bent DNA sites associated with transcription have been described in several prokaryotic organisms. The aim of the present study was to investigate intrinsic bent DNA sites in the segment that holds the chromosomal replication origin, oriC, of Xylella fastidiosa 9a5c. Electrophoretic behavior analyses, as well as in silico analyses of both the 2-D projection and helical parameters, were performed. The chromosomal segment analyzed contains the initial sequence of the rpmH gene, an intergenic region, the dnaA gene, the oriC sequence, and the 5' partial sequence of the dnaN gene. The analysis revealed fragments with reduced electrophoretic mobility, which indicates the presence of curved DNA segments. The analysis of the helical parameter ENDS ratio revealed three bent DNA sites (b1, b2, and b3) located in the rpmH-dnaA intergenic region, the dnaA gene, and the oriC 5' end, respectively. The chromosomal segment of X. fastidiosa analyzed here is rich in phased AT tracts and in CAnT motifs. The 2-D projection indicated a segment whose structure was determined by the cumulative effect of all bent DNA sites. Further, the in silico analysis of the three different bacterial oriC sequences indicated similar negative roll and twist >34.00° values. The DnaA box sequences, and other motifs in them, may be associated with the intrinsic DNA curvature

Observation Of Language, Visual And Hearing Function Development In Infants [observação Do Desenvolvimento De Linguagem E Funções Auditiva E Visual Em Lactentes]

Objective. To investigate language, visual and hearing function development among infants in a day-care center based on educators' assessments. Methods. One hundred and fifteen infants who attended a day-care center at one university of the São Paulo State, Brazil, were assessed during the period between 1998 and 2001. The "Protocol for Observation of Language, Visual and Hearing Function Development," containing a total of 39 standardized tests, was utilized to assess infants from three to twelve months old. The protocol was applied by trained educators, members of the day-care center staff. Statistical analysis was carried out using Chi-square test or Fischer's exact test at p <0.05. Results. Infants showed different language development patterns as for polysyllabic babbling and production of first words. For visual function, infants showed a different pattern of imitation and initiation in gesture games and following commands with gestures. Conclusions. The day-care center setting is probably promoting a distinct pattern of language, visual and hearing function development. Prevention in day-care centers should aim at integrating education and health to achieve the common purpose of child welfare.381106112Azevedo, M.F., Vilanova, L.C.P., Vieira, R.M., Desenvolvimento auditivo de crianças normais e de alto-risco (1995), São Paulo: PlexusBayley, N., (1993) Manual for the Bayley Scales of Ilnfant Development, , San Antonio: The Psychological CorporationCampos, M.M., Haddad, L.J., Rosemberg, F., Educação infantil, creches e pré-escolas (1993), Centro Feminista de Estudos e Assessoria. Pensando nossa cidadania: proposta para uma legislação não discriminativa. Brasília (DF): CFEMEACoplan, J., The early language Milestone Scale (1993), Austin: Pro-EdDiament, A., Cypel, S., (1996) Neurologia Infantil, , 3a ed. São Paulo: AtheneuGagliardo, H.G.R.G., Investigação do comportamento visuomotor do lactente normal no primeiro trimestre de vida (1997), Campinas: Universidade Estadual de Campinas [dissertação de mestrado]Knoblock, H., Pasamanik, B., Gesell e Amatruda: Diagnóstico do desenvolvimento (1990), Rio de Janeiro: AtheneuLima, M.C.M.P., Avaliação de fala em lactentes no período pré-linguístico: Uma proposta de detecção de problemas auditivos (1997), [tese de doutorado]. Campinas: Universidade Estadual de CampinasLima, M.C.M.P., Gagliardo, H.G.R.G., Gonçalves, V.M.G., Desenvolvimento da função visual em lactentes ouvintes e surdos: Importância para a aquisição da língua de sinais (2001) Rev. Dist. Comun., 12, pp. 239-255Lima, M.C.M.P., Gonçalves, V.M.G., Quagliato, E.M.A.B., Detecção da deficiência auditiva por meio da Escala de Aquisições Iniciais de Linguagem (ELM): Um estudo piloto (1998) Rev. Dist. Comun., 10, pp. 77-90Manning, A.S., O desenvolvimento da criança e do adolescente (1993), São Paulo: CultrixNorthern, J., Downs, M., Audição em crianças (1989), São Paulo: ManoleRosemberg, F., Campos, M.M., (1994), organizadores. Creches e pré-escolas no hemisfério norte. São Paulo: Ed. Cortez/ Fundação Carlos ChagasRubino, R., (1989), Representando o interlocutor no período pré-lingüístico [dissertação de mestrado]. São Paulo: Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paul