Interferon-gamma+874 Polymorphism in the First Intron of the Human Interferon-gamma Gene and Kidney Allograft Outcome

Background. Despite advances in immunosuppressive therapy in the past decade, allograft rejection remains an important cause of kidney graft failure. Cytokines play a major role in the inflammatory and immune responses that mediate allograft outcomes. Several studies have shown that the production of cytokines varies among individuals. These variations are determined by genetic polymorphisms, most commonly within the regulatory region of cytokine genes. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of allelic variation on acute rejection episodes (ARE) or chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) after kidney transplantation. Methods. To determine a possible correlation between the interferon (INF)-gamma +874 polymorphism and kidney allograft outcome, we isolated genomic DNA from 74 patients who underwent isolated kidney allografts and were classified into 2 groups-a rejection and a nonrejection group-for comparison with a control group of 163 healthy subjects. Results. We genotyped INF-gamma +874 polymorphisms in all groups. The transplant group showed a significantly increased homozygous genotype T/T (P = .0118) compared with healthy controls. Similarly, considering only patients with CAN, the homozygous genotype T/T (P = .0067) was significantly increased compared with the healthy controls. The rejection group indicated a significant increased homozygous genotype Tic compared with the control group (P = .0061). Conclusion. Homozygous genotype T/T was associated with increased levels of INF-gamma and greater numbers among the rejection and CAN cohorts.

Dental Erosion in a Group of 12- and 16-year-old Brazilian Schoolchildren

Purpose: This study`s purpose was to assess the prevalence of dental erosion in adolescents and to investigate the association between erosion and sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: This study consisted of a single center cluster random sample of 414 adolescents (12 and 16 years old) of both genders from private and public schools in Bauru, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Two previously calibrated examiners (kappa=0.85) used the O`Brien (7994) index for assessment of dental erosion on the buccal and palatal surfaces of the permanent maxillary incisors and on the occlusal surfaces of the permanent first molars. Data on gender, type of school, and mean family income were collected by a questionnaire completed by the adolescents. Descriptive statistics were applied to the data, and the associations between erosion and sociodemographic variables were investigated by chi-square test (P<0.05). Results: The prevalence of dental erosion was 20% (N=83), with only enamel being involved (score 1). The labial surface was the most affected (16%). There were no significant differences between the presence of erosion and gender, type of school, and mean family income. Conclusions: The results indicate that dental erosion restricted to enamel was observed among adolescents in Bauru/Brazil, and there was no correlation between this condition and sociodemographic factors. (Pediatr Dent 201733:23-8) Received August 7, 2009 1 Last Revision October 13, 2009 I Accepted October 14, 2009

Frontonasal Dysgenesis, First Branchial Arch Anomalies, and Pericallosal Lipoma: A New Subtype of Frontonasal Dysgenesis

We report on two unrelated Brazilian boys with craniofacial anomalies that involve the frontonasal process and the first branchial arch associated with pericallosal lipoma. To our knowledge this condition seems to have been reported only once previously, but may represent a new condition within the group of the frontonasal dysgenesis. Clinical and imaging data, phenotypic evolution, and differential diagnosis are discussed. (C) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Auriculo-condylar syndrome: mapping of a first locus and evidence for genetic heterogeneity

Auriculo-condylar syndrome (ACS), an autosomal dominant disorder of first and second pharyngeal arches, is characterized by malformed ears (`question mark ears`), prominent cheeks, microstomia, abnormal temporomandibular joint, and mandibular condyle hypoplasia. Penetrance seems to be complete, but there is high inter-and intra-familial phenotypic variation, with no evidence of genetic heterogeneity. We herein describe a new multigeneration family with 11 affected individuals (F1), in whom we confirm intra-familial clinical variability. Facial asymmetry, a clinical feature not highlighted in other ACS reports, was highly prevalent among the patients reported here. The gene responsible for ACS is still unknown and its identification will certainly contribute to the understanding of human craniofacial development. No chromosomal rearrangements have been associated with ACS, thus mapping and positional cloning is the best approach to identify this disease gene. To map the ACS gene, we conducted linkage analysis in two large ACS families, F1 and F2 (F2; reported elsewhere). Through segregation analysis, we first excluded three known loci associated with disorders of first and second pharyngeal arches (Treacher Collins syndrome, oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum, and Townes-Brocks syndrome). Next, we performed a wide genome search and we observed evidence of linkage to 1p21.1-q23.3 in F2 (LOD max 3.01 at theta = 0). Interestingly, this locus was not linked to the phenotype segregating in F1. Therefore, our results led to the mapping of a first locus of ACS (ACS1) and also showed evidence for genetic heterogeneity, suggesting that there are at least two loci responsible for this phenotype.

Lithothamnion superpositum (Corallinales; Rhodophyta): First description for the Western Atlantic or rediscovery of a species?

P>Nongeniculate Corallinaceae are poorly known in Brazil. In our endeavor to identify this group of seaweeds along the Brazilian coast we came across some specimens that fit well into the accepted circumscription of Litothamnion Heydrich. Within this genus they could be identified to what has been called L. superpositum Foslie. The specimens were represented by nongeniculate, free living specimens (rhodoliths); lumpy to fruticose growth-form, presenting flared epithallial cells in transversal section; multiporate tetrasporangial conceptacles, with roof protruding above or flush with the surrounding thallus surface; chambers 250-525 mu m in diameter and 150-230 mu m high, roof structured by filaments with 3-5 cells long; and pores in depression. Among the species described from the Brazilian coast, L. heteromorphum (Foslie) Foslie presented anatomical and reproductive characteristics similar to the referred species described from southern Africa and Australia. Therefore, we propose to consider L. heteromorphum as a heterotypic synonym of L. superpositum and extending its distribution to the Western Atlantic.

Behavioral suites mediate group-level foraging dynamics in communities of tropical stingless bees

Competition for floral resources is a key force shaping pollinator communities, particularly among social bees. The ability of social bees to recruit nestmates for group foraging is hypothesized to be a major factor in their ability to dominate rich resources such as mass-flowering trees. We tested the role of group foraging in attaining dominance by stingless bees, eusocial tropical pollinators that exhibit high diversity in foraging strategies. We provide the first experimental evidence that meliponine group foraging strategies, large colony sizes and aggressive behavior form a suite of traits that enable colonies to improve dominance of rich resources. Using a diverse assemblage of Brazilian stingless bee species and an array of artificial ""flowers"" that provided a sucrose reward, we compared species` dominance and visitation under unrestricted foraging conditions and with experimental removal of group-foraging species. Dominance does not vary with individual body size, but rather with foraging group size. Species that recruit larger numbers of nestmates (Scaptotrigona aff. depilis, Trigona hyalinata, Trigona spinipes) dominated both numerically (high local abundance) and behaviorally (controlling feeders). Removal of group-foraging species increased feeding opportunities for solitary foragers (Frieseomelitta varia, Melipona quadrifasciata and Nannotrigona testaceicornis). Trigona hyalinata always dominated under unrestricted conditions. When this species was removed, T. spinipes or S. aff. depilis controlled feeders and limited visitation by solitary-foraging species. Because bee foraging patterns determine plant pollination success, understanding the forces that shape these patterns is crucial to ensuring pollination of both crops and natural areas in the face of current pollinator declines.

Sexual System, Sex Ratio, and Group Living in the Shrimp Thor amboinensis (De Man): Relevance to Resource-Monopolization and Sex-Allocation Theories

The sexual system of the symbiotic shrimp Thor amboinensis is described, along with observations on sex ratio and host-use pattern of different populations. We used a comprehensive approach to elucidate the previously unknown sexual system of this shrimp. Dissections, scanning electron microscopy, size-frequency distribution analysis, and laboratory observations demonstrated that T amboinensis is a protandric hermaphrodite: shrimp first mature as males and change into females later in life. Thor amboinensis inhabited the large and structurally heterogeneous sea anemone Stichoclactyla helianthus in large groups (up to 11 individuals) more frequently than expected by chance alone. Groups exhibited no particularly complex social structure and showed male-biased sex ratios more frequently than expected by chance alone. The adult sex ratio was male-biased in the four separate populations studied, one of them being thousands of kilometers apart from the others. This study supports predictions central to theories of resource monopolization and sex allocation. Dissections demonstrated that unusually large males were parasitized by an undescribed species of isopod (family Entoniscidae). Infestation rates were similarly low in both sexes (approximate to 11%-12%). The available information suggests that T. amboinensis uses pure search promiscuity as a mating system. This hypothesis needs to be formally tested with mating behavior observations and field measurements on the movement pattern of both sexes of the species. Further detailed studies on the lifestyle and sexual system of all the species within this genus and the development of a molecular phylogeny are necessary to elucidate the evolutionary history of gender expression in the genus Thor.

Group IV Graphene- and Graphane-Like Nanosheets

We performed a first-principles investigation on the structural and electronic properties of group IV (C, SiC, Si, Ge, and Sn) graphene-like sheets in flat and buckled configurations and the respective hydrogenated or fluorinated graphane-like ones. The analysis on the energetics, associated with the formation of those structures, showed that fluorinated graphane-like sheets are very stable and should be easily synthesized in the laboratory. We also studied the changes of the properties of the graphene-like sheets as a result of hydrogenation or fluorination. The interatomic distances in those graphane-like sheets are consistent with the respective crystalline ones, a property that may facilitate integration of those sheets within three-dimensional nanodevices.

Electronic, vibrational and related properties of group IV metal oxides by ab initio calculations

We present our theoretical results for the structural, electronic, vibrational and optical properties of MO(2) (M = Sn, Zr, Hf and Ti) obtained by first-principles calculations. Relativistic effects are demonstrated to be important for a realistic description of the detailed structure of the electronic frequency-dependent dielectric function, as well as of the carrier effective masses. Based on our results, we found that the main contribution of the high values calculated for the oxides dielectric constants arises from the vibrational properties of these oxides, and the vibrational static dielectric constant values diminish with increasing pressure. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of Age on Outcome of Reduced-Intensity Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Older Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia in First Complete Remission or With Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Purpose Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) primarily afflict older individuals. Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is generally not offered because of concerns of excess morbidity and mortality. Reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) regimens allow increased use of allogeneic HCT for older patients. To define prognostic factors impacting long-term outcomes of RIC regimens in patients older than age 40 years with AML in first complete remission or MDS and to determine the impact of age, we analyzed data from the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR). Patients and Methods We reviewed data reported to the CIBMTR (1995 to 2005) on 1,080 patients undergoing RIC HCT. Outcomes analyzed included neutrophil recovery, incidence of acute or chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), nonrelapse mortality (NRM), relapse, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). Results Univariate analyses demonstrated no age group differences in NRM, grade 2 to 4 acute GVHD, chronic GVHD, or relapse. Patients age 40 to 54, 55 to 59, 60 to 64, and >= 65 years had 2-year survival rates as follows: 44% (95% Cl, 37% to 52%), 50% (95% Cl, 41% to 59%), 34% (95% Cl, 25% to 43%), and 36% (95% Cl, 24% to 49%), respectively, for patients with AML (P = .06); and 42% (95% Cl, 35% to 49%), 35% (95% Cl, 27% to 43%), 45% (95% Cl, 36% to 54%), and 38% (95% Cl, 25% to 51%), respectively, for patients with MDS (P = .37). Multivariate analysis revealed no significant impact of age on NRM, relapse, DFS, or OS (all P>.3). Greater HLA disparity adversely affected 2-year NRM, DFS, and OS. Unfavorable cytogenetics adversely impacted relapse, DFS, and OS. Better pre-HCT performance status predicted improved 2-year OS. Conclusion With these similar outcomes observed in older patients, we conclude that older age alone should not be considered a contraindication to HCT.

Experimental and theoretical investigation of first hyperpolarizability in aminophenols

This work reports theoretical and experimental studies on the first hyperpolarizability (beta) of aminophenols, evaluating the influence of the NH(2) group position relative to the OH group on the hyperpolarizability. A new extension of hyper-Rayleigh scattering technique using picosecond pulse trains was employed to obtain the experimental absolute values of (beta). The theoretical static beta(0) values were calculated using AMI method implemented in the AMPAC program. The theoretical and experimental data show a clear dependence between beta and the relative position of the electron donor (D) and acceptor (A) groups, presenting the 2-aminophenol the higher values. Moreover, calculations show excellent qualitative agreement between theoretical and experimental data, which are improved when the simulations considering the solvated molecule in a combination of discrete solvent molecules interacting with the solute and the application of continuous dielectric model. Besides, the study indicates that the experimental hyperpolarizabilities seem to be a property of the solute-solvation shell system. These facts have affirmed that the theoretical approach employed can be successfully used to foresee the variation in beta due to modifications in the D/A position. Moreover, a theoretical study of the ground state absorption is performed and compared with experimental data. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Study of the spectroscopic properties and first hyperpolarizabilities of disperse azo dyes derived from 2-amino-5-nitrothiazole

The solvatochromism and other spectroscopic and photophysical characteristics of four azo disperse dyes, derived from 2-amino-5-nitrothiazole, were evaluated and interpreted with the aid of experimental data and quantum mechanical calculations. For the non-substituted compound two conformers, E and Z, were proposed for the isolated molecules, being the second one considerably less stable. The optimization of these structures in combination with a SCRF methodology (IEFPCM, Simulating the molecules in a continuum dielectric with characteristics of methanol), suggests that the Z form is not stable in solution. This same behaviour is expected for the substituted compounds, which is corroborated by experimental data presented in previous investigations [A.E.H. Machado, L.M. Rodrigues, S. Gupta, A.M.F. Oliveira-Campos, A.M.S. Silva, J. Mol. Struct. 738 (2005) 239-245]. For the substituted compounds, two forms derived from E conformer (A and R) are possible. Quantum mechanical data suggest for the isolated molecules, that the low energy absorption hand of the E conformers involve at least two close electronic states. having the low-lying excited state a (1)(n,pi*) nature, and being the S-2 state attributed to a (1)(pi,pi*) transition. The data also suggest a small energy gap between the absorption peaks of A and B, related to the easy conversion between these forms. For the structures optimized in combination with the applied SCRF methodology, an states inversion is observed for the Substituted compounds, with a considerable diminish of the energy gap between A and B absorption peaks. The electronic spectra of these compounds are quite sensitive to changes in the solvent polarity. The positive solvatochromism is more evident in aprotic solvents, probably due to the polarization induced by the solute. These compounds do not fluoresce at 298 K, but present a small but perceptible fluorescence at 77 K, which seems to be favoured by the nature of the group in the 2 `-position of the phenyl ring. Moreover, such compounds present expressive values for first hyperpolarizability, which implies in good non-linear optics (NLO) responses and photoswitching capability. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Menezesite, the first natural heteropolyniobate, from Cajati, Sao Paulo, Brazil: Description and crystal structure

Menezesite, ideally Ba2MgZr4(BaNb12O42)center dot 12H(2)O, occurs as a vug mineral in the contact zone between dolomite carbonatite and ""jacupirangite"" (=a pyroxenite) at the Jacupiranga mine, in Cajati county, Sao Paulo state, Brazil, associated with dolomite, calcite, magnetite, clinohumite, phlogopite, ancylite-(Ce), strontianite, pyrite, and tochilinite. This is also the type locality for quintinite-2H. The mineral forms rhombododecahedra up to I mm, isolated or in aggregates. Menezesite is transparent and displays a vitreous luster; it is reddish brown with a white streak. It is non-fluorescent. Mohs hardness is about 4. Calculated density derived from the empirical formula is 4.181 g/cm(3). It is isotropic, 1.93(1) (white light); n(calc) = 2.034. Menezesite exhibits weak anomalous birefringence. The empirical formula is (Ba1.47K0.53Ca0.3,Ce0.17Nd0.10Na0.06La0.02)(Sigma 2.66)(Mg0.94Mn0.23Fe0.23Al0.03)(Sigma 1.43)(Zr2.75Ti0.96Th0.29)(Sigma 4.00)[(Ba0.72Th0.26U0.02)(Sigma 1.00)(Nb9.23Ti2.29Ta0.36Si0.12)Sigma O-12.00(42)]center dot 12H(2)O. The mineral is cubic, space group 10 (204), a = 13.017(1) angstrom, V = 2206(1) angstrom(3), Z = 2. Menezesite is isostructural with the synthetic compound Mg-7[MgW12O42](OH)(4)center dot 8H(2)O. The mineral was named in honor of Luiz Alberto Dias Menezes Filho (born 1950), mining engineer, mineral collector and merchant. Both the description and the name were approved by the CNMMN-IMA (Nomenclature Proposal 2005-023). Menezesite is the first natural heteropolyniobate. Heteropolyanions have been employed in a range of applications that include virus-binding inorganic drugs (including the AIDs virus), homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts, electro-optic and electrochromic materials, metal and protein binding, and as building blocks for nanostructuring of materials.

Tectono-sedimentary evolution of the Neoproterozoic BIF-bearing Jacadigo Group, SW-Brazil

The Jacadigo Group contains one of the largest sedimentary iron and associated manganese deposits of the Neoproterozoic. Despite its great relevance, no detailed sedimentological study concerning the unit has been carried out to date. Here we present detailed sedimentological data and interpretation on depositional systems, system tracts, external controls on basin evolution, basin configuration and regional tectonic setting of the Jacadigo Basin. Six depositional systems were recognized: (I) an alluvial fan system; (II) a siliciclastic lacustrine system; (III) a fan-delta system; (IV) a bedload-dominated river system; (V) an iron formation-dominated lacustrine or marine gulf system; and (VI) a rimmed carbonate platform system. The interpreted depositional systems are related to three tectonic system tracts. The first four depositional systems are mainly made of continental siliciclastics and refer to the rift initiation to early rift climax stage; the lake/gulf system corresponds to the mid to late rift climax stage and the carbonate platform represents the immediate to late post rift stage (Bocaina Formation deposits of the Ediacaran fossil-bearing Corumba Group). The spatial distribution of the depositional systems and associated paleocurrent patterns indicate a WNW-ESE orientation of the master fault zone related to the formation of the Jacadigo Basin. Thus, the iron formations of the Jacadigo Group were deposited in a starved waterbody related to maximum fault displacement and accommodation rates in a restricted continental rift basin. The Fe-Si-Mn source was probably related to hydrothermal plume activity that reached the basin through the fault system during maximum fault displacement phases. Our results also suggest a restricted tectono-sedimentary setting for the type section of the Puga Formation. The Jacadigo Group and the Puga Formation, usually interpreted as glacial deposits, are readdressed here as basin margin gravitational deposits with no necessary relation to glacial processes. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

On Polar Foliations and the Fundamental Group

In this work we investigate the relation between the fundamental group of a complete Riemannian manifold M and the quotient between the Weyl group and reflection group of a polar action on M, as well as the relation between the fundamental group of M and the quotient between the lifted Weyl group and lifted reflection group. As applications we give alternative proofs of two results. The first one, due to the author and Toben, implies that a polar action does not admit exceptional orbits, if M is simply connected. The second result, due to Lytchak, implies that the orbits are closed and embedded if M is simply connected. All results are proved in the more general case of polar foliations.