The recurrence of odontogenic keratocysts in pediatric patients is associated with clinical findings of Gorlin-Goltz Syndrome

Odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is an odontogenic developmental cyst that presents distinct clinical behavior. This lesion has been described as dental cysts with keratinization since the 1930s, however the term "OKC" was established in 1956. This study aims to determine the frequency and features of OKC in children aged 0 to 14 years in an oral pathology service in Brazil. A retrospective study was performed to review cases of OKC in children diagnosed between 1986 and 2017. Clinical data were evaluated from medical records (gender, race, age, anatomical location, treatment, radiographic findings and follow-up). Ninety-seven cases of OKC were diagnosed in a 31-year-period in all age groups and 10 were found in children (10.3%). Age ranged from 2 to 14 years (mean age=10.5±3.5), with 8 males and 2 females. The most frequent location was the anterior region of the mandible (n=4). Patients were predominantly asymptomatic. Moreover, in two children, clinical findings of Gorlin-Goltz Syndrome were observed. The most commonly used treatment was enucleation followed by curettage. In all cases of Gorlin-Goltz Syndrome were observed recurrences and occurrence of new keratocysts. Although uncommon in pediatric patients, OKC should be considered a differential diagnosis in cases of osteolytic lesions in gnathic bones. Thus, the periodic assessment of children by dentists and pediatricians is essential to get a correct diagnosis and early treatment to avoid greater mutilation of these patients

Mucopolysaccharidoses in northern Brazil : targeted mutation screening and urinary glicosaminoglycan excretion in patients undergoing enzyme replacement therapy

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are rare lysosomal disorders caused by the deficiency of specific lysosomal enzymes responsible for glycosaminoglycan (GAG) degradation. Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT) has been shown to reduce accumulation and urinary excretion of GAG, and to improve some of the patients' clinical signs. We studied biochemical and molecular characteristics of nine MPS patients (two MPS I, four MPS II and three MPS VI) undergoing ERT in northern Brazil. The responsiveness of ERT was evaluated through urinary GAG excretion measurements. Patients were screened for eight common MPS mutations, using PCR, restriction enzyme tests and direct sequencing. Two MPS I patients had the previously reported mutation p.P533R. In the MPS II patients, mutation analysis identified the mutation p.R468W, and in the MPS VI patients, polymorphisms p.V358M and p.V376M were also found. After 48 weeks of ERT, biochemical analysis showed a significantly decreased total urinary GAG excretion in patients with MPS I (p < 0.01) and MPS VI (p < 0.01). Our findings demonstrate the effect of ERT on urinary GAG excretion and suggest the adoption of a screening strategy for genotyping MPS patients living far from the main reference centers

SIMULADOR DA BOLSA DE VALORES: O USO DE FERRAMENTAS DE VIRTUALIZAÇÃO COMO MEIO DE APRENDIZAGEM NA EDUCAÇÃO SUPERIOR

O uso de ambientes virtuais como meio de aprendizagem, tem crescido bastante ultimamente. Na área financeira, observa-se que as negociações automatizadas têm sido muito valorizadas na rede mundial de computadores em investimentos em ações. Os Simuladores de Bolsa de Valores tem se apresentado como uma ferramenta contundente para estudos nessa área. Uma turma de acadêmicos de Administração teve o incremento da ferramenta Simulador FOLHAINVEST durante um semestre letivo, de modo a familiarizar-se com o mundo do mercado de ações, na prática. Essa ferramenta é disponibilizada em site como parceria entre a Folha de São Paulo e a BM&FBovespa. Quanto aos procedimentos metodológicos, a pesquisa é descritiva, de abordagem qualitativa. Quanto aos procedimentos técnicos, trata-se de uma pesquisa documental/bibliográfica e estudo de caso. Conclui-se que as tomadas de decisão pelos acadêmicos, por compra/venda de ações teve influência de fontes amadoras e de fontes especializadas. Estes, seguiam as informações veiculadas na mídia além de sua própria intuição e influência dos colegas. Os resultados avaliam o simulador como importante ferramenta de inovação tecnológica na dinâmica ensino/aprendizado no ambiente acadêmico

ASPECTOS CONTROVERTIDOS DOS ACORDOS DE LENIÊNCIA NO DIREITO BRASILEIRO

O artigo versa sobre diversas questões relativas ao acordo de leniência previsto na Lei n. 12.529/2011 e Lei n. 12.846/2013. Discorre-se sobre sua origem, seu desenvolvimento no Brasil, seus requisitos legais, sobre sua relação com a responsabilidade empresarial e individual, sobre os conflitos de interesse no âmbito da organização empresarial, sobre questões processuais penais, incluído a pertinência ou não da participação do Ministério Público na celebração de acordo de leniência, além de seus possíveis reflexos no âmbito da improbidade administrativa

A atuação da Área Industrial do BNDES na Região Sudeste

Bibliografia: p. 94-95Ao apresentar uma síntese da atuação da Área Industrial do BNDES (AI-BNDES) no Sudeste, o texto mostra o peso que o apoio financeiro a projetos de investimento de vários ramos industriais representa para a economia da região. Além disso, diversas questões setoriais estratégicas são discutidas.Analyzing the performance of the BNDES’ Industrial Division in the Southeast, the text shows the importance that financial support for projects in several industries represents in the region’s economy. In addition, several strategic sectorial issues are discussed

Soroprevalência de anticorpos do vírus SARS-CoV-2 em escolares no município de São Paulo, 2020

OBJECTIVE: To estimate seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in schoolchildren aged 4 to 14 years living in the city of São Paulo, according to clinical, demographic, epidemiological, and social variables, during the school closure period as a measure against covid-19 spread. METHODS: A serological survey was made in September 2020 with a random sample stratified by school system (municipal public, state public and private) type. A venous blood sample was collected using the Wondfo SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Test (lateral flow method) for detection of total SARS-CoV-2 virus antibodies. Semi-structured questionnaires were applied to collect clinical, demographic, social, and epidemiological data. RESULTS: Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in schoolchildren was of 16.6% (95%CI 15.4–17.8). The study found higher seroprevalence in the municipal (18.5%; 95%CI 16.6–20.6) and state (16.2%; 95%CI 14.4–18.2) public school systems compared to the private school system (11.7; 95%CI 10.0–13.7), among black and brown students (18.4%; 95%CI 16.8–20.2) and in the most vulnerable social stratum (18.5 %;95%CI 16.9–20.2). Lower seroprevalence was identified in schoolchildren who reported following the recommended protective measures against covid-19. CONCLUSION: Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies is found mainly in the most socially vulnerable schoolchildren. This study can contribute to support public policies that reinforce the importance of suspending face-to-face classes and developing strategies aimed at protective measures and monitoring of the serological status of those who have not yet been included in the vaccination schedule.OBJETIVO: Estimar a soroprevalência de anticorpos do vírus SARS-CoV-2 em escolares de quatro a 14 anos de idade residentes no município de São Paulo, segundo variáveis clínicas, demográficas, epidemiológicas e sociais, durante o período de fechamento das escolas como medida de controle da covid-19. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se um inquérito sorológico em setembro de 2020 com amostra aleatória estratificada por tipo de rede de ensino (pública municipal, pública estadual e privada). Foi coletada amostra de sangue venoso utilizando-se o teste de imunoensaio de fluxo lateral da fabricante Wondfo para detecção de anticorpos totais contra o vírus SARS-CoV-2. Aplicaram-se questionários semiestruturados para o levantamento de dados clínicos, demográficos, sociais e epidemiológicos. RESULTADOS: A soroprevalência de anticorpos do vírus SARS-CoV-2 em escolares foi de 16,6% (IC95% 15,4–17,8). O estudo encontrou soroprevalências mais elevadas na rede pública municipal (18,5%; IC95% 16,6–20,6) e estadual (16,2%; IC95% 14,4–18,2) em relação à rede privada (11,7; IC95% 10,0–13,7) e entre escolares da raça/cor preta e parda (18,4%; IC95% 16,8–20,2) e no estrato social mais vulnerável (18,5%; IC95% 16,9–20,2). A pesquisa identificou menores soroprevalências nos escolares que relataram seguir as medidas recomendadas de proteção contra a covid-19. CONCLUSÃO: A soroprevalência de anticorpos contra o vírus SARS-CoV-2 atinge principalmente os escolares socialmente mais vulneráveis. Este estudo pode contribuir para embasar políticas públicas que reforcem a importância da suspensão das aulas presenciais e da necessidade de estratégias de medidas de proteção e acompanhamento do status sorológico daqueles que ainda não foram contemplados no calendário vacinal

A atuação da Área Industrial do BNDES na Região Sul

Bibliografia: p. 102-103.Neste capítulo, são apresentados resumos setoriais, cases empresariais e discussões prospectivas relativos a alguns dos vários setores em que a Área Industrial (AI) do BNDES atua, por exemplo, automotivo, sucroenergético, complexo industrial da saúde, de tecnologias de informação e comunicação (TICs), de bens de capital, comércio, serviços e cultura. Defende-se que o peso da indústria na Região Sul dá origem a um quadro complexo e diversificado, o que faz com que a AI do BNDES atue de modo igualmente complexo em seu esforço de promoção do desenvolvimento econômico.In this chapter, we present sectorial summaries, corporate case studies and prospective discussions on some of the many sectors in which the BNDES’ Industrial Division (AI) operates, for example, automotive, sugar-based ethanol, industrial health, information and communication technologies (ICTs), capital goods, trade, services and culture. It defends that the strength of industry in the South region of Brazil gives rise to complex and diversified circumstances, which result in the AI division operating in an equally complex manner in its efforts to boost economic development

Inquérito sorológico de lentiviroses de pequenos ruminantes (Maedi-Visna e artrite-encefalite caprina) no estado de São Paulo

The aim of this study was to carry out the serological occurrence of Maedi-Visna virus (MVV) and CAE virus (CAEV) in ovines and caprines breeding in São Paulo state. The test to detect MVV and CAEV antibodies was agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID). The detection of antibodies against MVV was 0,3% (4/1235) and against CAEV was 15,1% (30/199). Was carried analysis of risk factors associated with the presence of positive property for CAEV and Maedi-Visna. Variables were selected for both diseases, however, when these variables were used in multivariate logistic regression model were not identified risk factors for the infections. The CAEV infection in the São Paulo state has a wide spread and a high prevalence while MVV has low prevalence. It emphasizes the importance of prevention and control measures to reduce CAEV occurrence and prevent the spread of Maedi-Visna.O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a frequência de animais soropositivos ao vírus da Maedi-Visna (MVV) em ovinos e ao vírus da CAE (CAEV) em caprinos criados no estado de São Paulo. Na pesquisa dos anticorpos séricos anti- MVV e anti-CAEV foi utilizada a técnica de imunodifusão em gel de ágar (IDGA). Dentre os ovinos estudados, 0,3% (4/1235) eram sororreagentes ao MVV e 15,1% caprinos (30/199) ao CAEV. Foi realizada a análise de fatores de risco associados à condição de propriedade positiva para CAEV e Maedi-Visna. Foram selecionadas variáveis para as duas enfermidades, no entanto, quando essas variáveis foram usadas na regressão logística múltipla, não foram identificados fatores de risco para as infecções. A infecção pelo CAEV no estado de São Paulo tem uma ampla disseminação e com uma alta prevalência enquanto que o MVV apresenta baixa prevalência. Ressalta-se a importância de medidas de prevenção e controle para diminuir a ocorrência da CAE e evitar a disseminação da Maedi-Visna

Panoramic snapshot of serum soluble mediator interplay in pregnant women with convalescent COVID-19: an exploratory study

IntroductionSARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy can induce changes in the maternal immune response, with effects on pregnancy outcome and offspring. This is a cross-sectional observational study designed to characterize the immunological status of pregnant women with convalescent COVID-19 at distinct pregnancy trimesters. The study focused on providing a clear snapshot of the interplay among serum soluble mediators.MethodsA sample of 141 pregnant women from all prenatal periods (1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters) comprised patients with convalescent SARS-CoV-2 infection at 3-20 weeks after symptoms onset (COVID, n=89) and a control group of pre-pandemic non-infected pregnant women (HC, n=52). Chemokine, pro-inflammatory/regulatory cytokine and growth factor levels were quantified by a high-throughput microbeads array.ResultsIn the HC group, most serum soluble mediators progressively decreased towards the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy, while higher chemokine, cytokine and growth factor levels were observed in the COVID patient group. Serum soluble mediator signatures and heatmap analysis pointed out that the major increase observed in the COVID group related to pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-12, IFN-γ and IL-17). A larger set of biomarkers displayed an increased COVID/HC ratio towards the 2nd (3x increase) and the 3rd (3x to 15x increase) trimesters. Integrative network analysis demonstrated that HC pregnancy evolves with decreasing connectivity between pairs of serum soluble mediators towards the 3rd trimester. Although the COVID group exhibited a similar profile, the number of connections was remarkably lower throughout the pregnancy. Meanwhile, IL-1Ra, IL-10 and GM-CSF presented a preserved number of correlations (≥5 strong correlations in HC and COVID), IL-17, FGF-basic and VEGF lost connectivity throughout the pregnancy. IL-6 and CXCL8 were included in a set of acquired attributes, named COVID-selective (≥5 strong correlations in COVID and &lt;5 in HC) observed at the 3rd pregnancy trimester.Discussion and conclusionFrom an overall perspective, a pronounced increase in serum levels of soluble mediators with decreased network interplay between them demonstrated an imbalanced immune response in convalescent COVID-19 infection during pregnancy that may contribute to the management of, or indeed recovery from, late complications in the post-symptomatic phase of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women

The complete genome sequence of Chromobacterium violaceum reveals remarkable and exploitable bacterial adaptability

Chromobacterium violaceum is one of millions of species of free-living microorganisms that populate the soil and water in the extant areas of tropical biodiversity around the world. Its complete genome sequence reveals (i) extensive alternative pathways for energy generation, (ii) ≈500 ORFs for transport-related proteins, (iii) complex and extensive systems for stress adaptation and motility, and (iv) wide-spread utilization of quorum sensing for control of inducible systems, all of which underpin the versatility and adaptability of the organism. The genome also contains extensive but incomplete arrays of ORFs coding for proteins associated with mammalian pathogenicity, possibly involved in the occasional but often fatal cases of human C. violaceum infection. There is, in addition, a series of previously unknown but important enzymes and secondary metabolites including paraquat-inducible proteins, drug and heavy-metal-resistance proteins, multiple chitinases, and proteins for the detoxification of xenobiotics that may have biotechnological applications