Pycnoscelus surinamensis (Linnaeus, 1758) (Blaberoidea: Blaberidae), a cockroach with a possible association with the ant Brachymyrmex cordemoyi Forel, 1895 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and which may be exhibiting a domiciliation trend.

In the present paper, we report on the occurrence of the cockroach Pycnoscelus surinamensis (Linnaeus, 1758) in Brachymyrmex cordemoyi Forel, 1895 nests, indicating a possible symbiosis between these two species. Also, the finding of intradomicile P. surinamensis nymphs may indicate this species is extending its habitat to human habitations, i.e. changing its ecological category from peridomestic to domestic.

Constant-random practice and the adaptive process in motor learning with varying amounts of constant practice

The adaptive process in motor learning was examined in terms of effects of varying amounts of constant practice performed before random practice. Participants pressed five response keys sequentially, the last one coincident with the lighting of a final visual stimulus provided by a complex coincident timing apparatus. Different visual stimulus speeds were used during the random practice. 33 children (M age=11.6 yr.) were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups: constant-random, constant-random 33%, and constant-random 66%. The constant-random group practiced constantly until they reached a criterion of performance stabilization three consecutive trials within 50 msec. of error. The other two groups had additional constant practice of 33 and 66%, respectively, of the number of trials needed to achieve the stabilization criterion. All three groups performed 36 trials under random practice; in the adaptation phase, they practiced at a different visual stimulus speed adopted in the stabilization phase. Global performance measures were absolute, constant, and variable errors, and movement pattern was analyzed by relative timing and overall movement time. There was no group difference in relation to global performance measures and overall movement time. However, differences between the groups were observed on movement pattern, since constant-random 66% group changed its relative timing performance in the adaptation phase.

Quality of martensitic stainless steel type AISI-420 utilized in the manufacture surgical implements

Until now the martensitic stainless steel type AISI-420 is widely used in the manufacture of surgical implements. These implements present premature corrosion problems identified after cleaning, sterilization and cutting edge loss and/or rupture during the surgical processes.. This study evaluates the steel as to the chemical composition, hardness, microstructure and pitting corrosion resistance in a solution of enzyme detergent diluted in water by anodic cyclic polarization. This mixture is used in the cleaning of surgical implements that are submerged in this solution for 2 h before cleaning and sterilization. The results show steels with martensite microstructures in the ferrite phase, together with impurities. These presented low pitting potential values in compariston to steels with a fully martensitic microstructure.

Using of the residues and wood composites for production of an electric guitar

The residues generation is a quite serious problem in several industrial areas and also in the lumbering area. The search for the elimination or reduction of the volume of generated residues is endless, however limited, resulting in the search for a proper destination or better use, instead of simply burning it. A lot of uses and services are commonly proposed, but with low aggregated value to the residue. This work shows the usage viability of different discarded residues and wood composites in the production of an electric guitar. Cupiuba, ipe and jatoba residues have been used besides wood composites of pinus. The residues and wood composites have shown appropriate resistance, surfacing quality and design terms, and could be used to substitute the traditionally wood used in the production of the instrument as well as in other products of similar characteristics and with larger aggregated value.

The Ruthenium Complex cis-(Dichloro)tetraammineruthenium(III) Chloride Presents Selective Cytotoxicity Against Murine B Cell Lymphoma (A-20), Murine Ascitic Sarcoma 180 (S-180), Human Breast Adenocarcinoma (SK-BR-3), and Human T Cell Leukemia (Jurkat) Tumor Cell Lines

The aim of present study was to verify the in vitro antitumor activity of a ruthenium complex, cis-(dichloro)tetraammineruthenium(III) chloride (cis-[RuCl(2)(NH(3))(4)]Cl) toward different tumor cell lines. The antitumor studies showed that ruthenium(III) complex presents a relevant cytotoxic activity against murine B cell lymphoma (A-20), murine ascitic sarcoma 180 (S-180), human breast adenocarcinoma (SK-BR-3), and human T cell leukemia (Jurkat) cell lines and a very low cytotoxicity toward human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The ruthenium(III) complex decreased the fraction of tumor cells in G0/G1 and/or G2-M phases, indicating that this compound may act on resting/early entering G0/G1 cells and/or precycling G2-M cells. The cytotoxic activity of a high concentration (2 mg mL(-1)) of cis-[RuCl(2)(NH(3))(4)]Cl toward Jurkat cells correlated with an increased number of annexin V-positive cells and also the presence of DNA fragmentation, suggesting that this compound induces apoptosis in tumor cells. The development of new antineoplastic medications demands adequate knowledge in order to avoid inefficient or toxic treatments. Thus, a mechanistic understanding of how metal complexes achieve their activities is crucial to their clinical success and to the rational design of new compounds with improved potency.

The Ruthenium Complex cis-(Dichloro) Tetraammineruthenium(III) Chloride Presents Immune Stimulatory Activity on Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

Ruthenium compounds in general are well suited for medicinal applications. They have been investigated as immunosuppressants, nitric oxide scavengers, antimicrobial agents, and antimalarials. The aim of this study is to evaluate the immunomodulatory activity of cis-(dichloro) tetraammineruthenium(III) chloride (cis-[RuCl(2)(NH(3))(4)]Cl) on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The cytotoxic studies performed here revealed that the ruthenium( III) complex presents a cytotoxic activity towards normal human PBMC, only at very high concentration. Results also showed that cis-[ RuCl(2)(NH(3))(4)] Cl presents a dual role on PBMC stimulating proliferation and interleukin-2 (IL-2) production at low concentration and inducing cytotoxicity, inability to proliferate, and inhibiting IL-2 production at high concentration. The noncytotoxic activity of cis-[RuCl(2)(NH(3))(4)] Cl at low concentration towards PBMC, which correlates with the small number of annexin V positive cells and also the absence of DNA fragmentation, suggest that this compound does not induce apoptosis on PBMC. For the first time, we show that, at low concentration (10-100 mu g L(-1)), the cis-[ RuCl(2)(NH(3))(4)] Cl compound induces peripheral blood lymphocytes proliferation and also stimulates them to IL-2 production. These results open a new potential applicability of ruthenium(III) complexes as a possible immune regulatory compound acting as immune suppressor at high concentration and as immune stimulator at low concentration.

Early Increase in Myocardial Perfusion After Stem Cell Therapy in Patients Undergoing Incomplete Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Incomplete revascularization is associated with worse long-term outcomes. Autologous bone marrow cells (BMC) have recently been tested in patients with severe coronary artery disease. We tested the hypothesis that intramyocardial injection of autologous BMC increases myocardial perfusion in patients undergoing incomplete coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Twenty-one patients (19 men), 59 +/- 7 years old, with limiting angina and multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD), not amenable to complete CABG were enrolled. BMC were obtained prior to surgery, and the lymphomonocytic fraction separated by density gradient centrifugation. During surgery, 5 mL containing 2.1 +/- 1.3 x 10(8) BMC (CD34+ = 0.8 +/- 0.3%) were injected in the ischemic non-revascularized myocardium. Myocardial perfusion was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline and 1 month after surgery. The increase in myocardial perfusion was compared between patients with < 50% (group A, n = 11) with that of patients with > 50% (group B, n = 10) of target vessels (stenosis a parts per thousand yenaEuro parts per thousand 70%) successfully bypassed. Injected myocardial segments included the inferior (n = 12), anterior (n = 7), and lateral (n = 2) walls. The number of treated vessels (2.3 +/- 0.8) was significantly smaller than the number of target vessels (4.2 +/- 1.0; P < 0.0001). One month after surgery, cardiac MRI showed a similar reduction (%) in the ischemic score of patients in group A (72.5 +/- 3.2), compared to patients in group B (78.1 +/- 3.2; P = .80). Intramyocardial injection of autologous BMC may help increase myocardial perfusion in patients undergoing incomplete CABG, even in those with fewer target vessels successfully treated. This strategy may be an adjunctive therapy for patients suffering from a more advanced (diffuse) CAD not amenable for complete direct revascularization.

Reciprocal changes in gene expression profiles of cocultured breast epithelial cells and primary fibroblasts

The importance of epithelial-stroma interaction in normal breast development and tumor progression has been recognized. To identify genes that were regulated by these reciprocal interactions, we cocultured a nonmalignant (MCF10A) and a breast cancer derived (MDA-MB231) basal cell lines, with fibroblasts isolated from breast benign-disease adjacent tissues (NAF) or with carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAF), in a transwell system. Gene expression profiles of each coculture pair were compared with the correspondent monocultures, using a customized microarray. Contrariwise to large alterations in epithelial cells genomic profiles, fibroblasts were less affected. In MDA-MB231 highly represented genes downregulated by CAF derived factors coded for proteins important for the specificity of vectorial transport between ER and golgi, possibly affecting cell polarity whereas the response of MCF10A comprised an induction of genes coding for stress responsive proteins, representing a prosurvival effect. While NAF downregulated genes encoding proteins associated to glycolipid and fatty acid biosynthesis in MDA-MB231, potentially affecting membrane biogenesis, in MCF10A, genes critical for growth control and adhesion were altered. NAFs responded to coculture with MDA-MB231 by a decrease in the expression of genes induced by TGF beta 1 and associated to motility. However, there was little change in NAFs gene expression profile influenced by MCF10A. CAFs responded to the presence of both epithelial cells inducing genes implicated in cell proliferation. Our data indicate that interactions between breast fibroblasts and basal epithelial cells resulted in alterations in the genomic profiles of both cell types which may help to clarify some aspects of this heterotypic signaling. (C) 2009 UICC

BIOMECHANICAL EVALUATION OF ORTHOPAEDIC CEMENT COMBINED WITH ANTIBIOTIC AND METHYLENE BLUE

Objective: Acrylic cement has been used for years on orthopaedic surgeries, especially on knee arthroplasties, deserving special attention when added to antibiotics (for treatment of deep bone infections) or stains (to facilitate its removal). The present study was conducted in order to evaluate potential mechanical differences between the orthopaedic cement itself and when this is added to antibiotic and/or stains. Methods: Surgical bone cement Simplex@P Stryker, vancomycin and methylene blue were used, and the mixtures were submitted to physical and mechanical tests according the ABNT NBR ISO 5833 rule. The parameters studied here were: time for mass formation, intrusion capability, resistance to compression, resistance to flexion and maximum temperature reached by the mixtures. Results: The evaluated mixtures were approved as to mass formation, maximum temperature, intrusion capability and resistance to compression. Only the one containing pure cement was approved on the flexion essay. Conclusion: The addition of vancomycin and/or methylene blue to Surgical Simplex@P Stryker bone cement reduces its resistance to flexion, being unacceptable by the ABNT NBR ISO 5833 rule.

Effects of Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom on lung mechanics and inflammation in mice

The present study evaluated the effects of an intramuscular injection of Tityus serrulatus venom (TsV) (0.67 mu g/g) on lung mechanics and lung inflammation at 15, 30, 60 and 180 min after inoculation. TsV inoculation resulted in increased lung elastance when compared with the control group (p < 0.001): these values were significantly higher at 60 min than at 15 and 180 min (p < 0.05). Resistive pressure (Delta P(1)) values decreased significantly at 30, 60 and 180 min after TsV injection (p < 0.001). TsV inoculation resulted in increased lung inflammation, characterised by an increased density of mononuclear cells at 15, 30, 60 and 180 min after TsV injection when compared with the control group (p < 0.001). TsV inoculation also resulted in an increased pulmonary density of polymorphonuclear cells at 15, 30 and 60 min following injection when compared to the control group (p < 0.001). In conclusion, T serrulatus venom leads to acute lung injury, characterised by altered lung mechanics and increased pulmonary inflammation. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pulmonary mechanic and lung histology injury induced by Crotalus durissus terrificus snake venom

In the present work we investigated the effects of Crotalus durissus terrificus venom (CdtV) on the pulmonary mechanic events [static and dynamic elastance, resistive (Delta P1) and viscoelastic pressures (Delta P2)] and histology after intramuscular injection of saline solution (control) or venom (0.6 mu g/g). The static and dynamic elastance values were increased significantly after 3 It of venom inoculation, but were reduced at control values in the other periods studied. The Delta P1 values that correspond to the resistive properties of lung tissue presented a significant increase after 6 h of CdtV injection, reducing to basal levels 12 h after the venom injection. In Delta P2 analysis, correspondent to viscoelastic components, an increase occurred 12 h after the venom injection, returning to control values at 24 h. CdtV also caused an increase of leukocytes recruitment (3-24 h) to the airways wall as well as to the lung parenchyma. In conclusion, C. durissus terrificus rattlesnake venom leads to lung injury which is reverted, after 24 h of inoculation. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Deregulated expression of superoxide dismutase-2 correlates with different stages of cervical neoplasia

Objective: Superoxide dismutase-2 (SOD2) is considered one of the most important antioxidant enzymes that regulate cellular redox state in normal and tumorigenic cells. Overexpression of this enzyme may be involved in carcinogenesis, particularly in lung, gastric, colorectal and breast cancer. Methods: In the present study, we have evaluated SOD2 protein levels by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 331 cervical histological samples including 31 low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (LSIL), 51 high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (HSIL), 197 squamous cervical carcinomas (SCC) and 52 cervical adenocarcinomas (ADENO). Results: We observed that SOD2 staining increases with cervical disease severity. Intense SOD2 staining was found in 13% of LSIL, 25.5% of HSIL and 40% of SCC. Moreover, 65.4% of ADENO exhibited intense SOD2 staining. Conclusions: Differences in the expression of SOD2 could potentially be used as a biomarker for the characterization of different stages of cervical disease.

Analysis of human kallikrein 7 expression as a potential biomarker in cervical neoplasia

Overexpression of kallikrein 7, a proteolytic enzyme important for epithelial cell shedding, may be causally involved in carcinogenesis, particularly in tumor metastasis and invasion. In this study, we have evaluated hK7 (human kallikrein 7) protein levels by immunohistochemistry in 367 cervical histological samples including 35 cases of cervicitis, 31 low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, 51 high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (H-SIL), 197 squamous cervical carcinomas (SCC) and 53 cervical adenocarcinomas. We have observed that hK7 staining increased with the severity of cervical disease. Intense hK7 staining was found in 15.2% of cervicitis samples, in contrast to 55% of H-SIL and 68% of SCC. Moreover, 92.5% of adenocarcinomas also exhibited intense hK7 staining. Differences in the expression of hK7 could potentially be used as a biomarker for the characterization of different stages of cervical disease.

Biomechanical evaluation on tendon reinsertion by comparing trans-osseous suture and suture anchor at different stages of healing: Experimental study on rabbits

Background: Through an experimental biomechanical study on rabbits, tendon reinsertion by means of trans-osseous suture on a spongy bone bed and suture anchor were evaluated comparatively at different phases of healing. Methods: Twenty-four New Zealand White rabbits were used: 2 as pilots, 4 as the control group, and 18 as the experimental group. These 18 animals underwent sectioning and reinsertion of the Achilles tendon bilaterally, using the technique of trans-osseous suture on 1 side and suture anchor on the other. All the pelvic limbs that underwent the procedure were then immobilized for 3 weeks. The experimental group was divided into 3 groups that were sacrificed, respectively, 3, 6, and 12 weeks later. The tendon-bone complex was subjected to biomechanical tests to evaluate the parameters of maximum strength, stiffness, and yield strength. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the suture anchor group and the trans-osseous suture group, in relation to yield strength (3 weeks, P = .222; 6 weeks, P = .465; and 12 weeks, P = .200) or maximum strength (3 weeks, P = .222; 6 weeks, P = .076; and 12 weeks, P = .078). In relation to stiffness, the suture anchor group showed a statistically significant difference only at 3 weeks of healing ( P = .032) over the trans-osseous suture group. Conclusion: The technique of suturing with an anchor was shown to be similar to the technique of trans-osseous suture for the studied parameters. Level of evidence: Basic Science Study, In-Vitro Biomechanics Study. (C) 2010 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees.

Management of prolactinomas in Brazil: an electronic survey

Dopamine agonists are the treatment of choice for prolactinomas. However, there are still controversies concerning dose, treatment duration and criteria for drug withdrawal in different clinical situations. The aim of this study was to assess diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to prolactinomas among members of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM). SBEM members answered a questionnaire sent by e-mail that included 18 questions related to controversial issues about the management of prolactinomas. Among SBEM members, 721 (approximately 24% of total) answered the questionnaire. Concerning the diagnosis, 38% of the respondents stated that prolactin levels < 100 ng/ml would exclude the presence of a prolactinoma. Most of them favored the screening for macroprolactin in asymptomatic individuals instead of a routine screening (74% vs. 26%). Regarding the treatment, 70% of the respondents chose cabergoline as the drug of choice to treat macroprolactinomas whereas similar proportions advised cabergoline or bromocriptine as the best treatment for microprolactinomas (52% vs. 48%). Only 20% and 34% of respondents favored treatment withdrawal 2-3 years after prolactin normalization in patients with macroprolactinomas and microprolactinomas, respectively. In case of pregnancy, only 58 and 70% of respondents advocated discontinuation of treatment with dopamine agonists in patients with macroprolactinomas and microprolactinomas, respectively. Finally, only 36% would allow breast-feeding without restriction, 44% would restrict it to patients with microprolactinomas and 20% would not recommend it for women with prolactinomas There are several points of disagreement among SBEM members regarding the management of prolactinomas.