Purification and characterization of Ts15, the first member of a new alpha-KTX subfamily from the venom of the Brazilian scorpion Tityus serrulatus

Voltage-gated potassium channel toxins (KTxs) are basic short chain peptides comprising 23-43 amino acid residues that can be cross-linked by 3 or 4 disulfide bridges. KTxs are classified into four large families: alpha-, beta-, gamma- and kappa-KTx. These peptides display varying selectivity and affinity for K(v) channel subtypes. In this work, a novel toxin from the Tityus serrulatus venom was isolated, characterized and submitted to a wide electrophysiological screening on 5 different subtypes of Nay channels (Na(V)1.4; Na(V)1.5; Na(V)1.6; Na(V)1.8 and DmNa(V)1) and 12 different subtypes of Kv channels (K(V)1.1 - K(V)1.6; K(V)2.1; K(V)3.1; K(V)4.2; K(V)4.3; Shaker IR and ERG). This novel peptide, named Ts15, has 36 amino acids, is crosslinked by 3 disulfide bridges, has a molecular mass of 3956 Da and pI around 9. Electrophysiological experiments using patch clamp and the two-electrode voltage clamp techniques show that Ts15 preferentially blocks K(V)1.2 and K(V)1.3 channels with an IC(50) value of 196 +/- 25 and 508 +/- 67 nM, respectively. No effect on Na(V) channels was observed, at all tested concentrations. Since Ts15 shows low amino acid identity with other known KTxs, it was considered a bona fide novel type of scorpion toxin. Ts15 is the unique member of the new alpha-Ktx21 subfamily and therefore was classified as alpha-Ktx21.1. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Azana atlantica, n.sp., with reduced mouthparts and two ocelli: first record of Azana for the Neotropical region (Diptera : Mycetophilidae : Sciophilinae)

A new Sciophilinae-Azana atlantica, sp. n. - is described from the Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil. The species has a number of distinctive apomorphic features, including loss of the mid ocellus, reduced mouthparts, Sc short and incomplete, first section of Rs missing, r-m elongated, longitudinal in position, aligned with the second section of Rs ( R(5)), unforked medial and cubital veins, R(4) missing, M(4) entirely absent, gonostyle triangular, with an inner row of elongated spines and a basal, digitiform inner projection. Some of these features are shared with other genera of the Azana-group of Sciophilinae. The shape of the scutum and the strong spines on the gonostyle make it clear that the species belongs in Azana, despite the features that are distinctive from the remaining species in the genus. There are ten species described in Azana to date, from United States, Europe, Sri Lanka, Canary Islands, tropical Africa and Baltic amber. This is the first Neotropical species belonging to the genus. The complete loss of M(4) and the separated gonocoxites suggest that Azana atlantica, sp. n. forms a monophyletic group with the Afrotropical species of the genus. Azana, Morganiella, Neoaphelomera, Neotrizygia, and Trizygia are shown to compose a small clade within the Azana-group of genera. The division of the genus into two subgenera - A. ( Azana) and A. ( Jugazana) - most probably renders A. ( Azana) paraphyletic and it is suggested that this should be for the time being abandoned.

Morphology of the first zoeal stage of the commensal southwestern Atlantic crab Austinixa aidae (Righi 1967) (Brachyura: Pinnotheridae), hatched in the laboratory

The first zoeal stage of the endemic southern Atlantic pinnotherid crab Austinixa aidae is described and illustrated based on laboratory-hatched material from ovigerous females collected from the upper burrows of the thalassinidean shrimp Callichirus major at Ubatuba, So Paulo, Brazil. The zoeae of Austinixa species can be distinguished from other pinnotherids and especially from zoeae of the closely related species of Pinnixa by the telson structure.

Revision of the larval morphology (Zoea I) of the family Hippolytidae (Decapoda, Caridea), with a description of the first stage of the shrimp Hippolyte obliquimanus Dana, 1852

The aim of this study was to summarize the available data on larval morphology of the first zoea of the family Hippolytidae and describe the first zoeal stage of H. obliquimanus from two geographically distinct populations, Brazilian and Caribbean in order to discuss inter- and intraspecific variability. Ovigerous females of Hippolyte obliquimanus were collected at Cahuita (Limon, Costa Rica) and at Ubatuba (Sao Paulo, Brazil). We compiled the published descriptions of all available hippolytid Zoea I (66 spp., 21%), and all zoeae share several characteristics. However, such morphological features cannot be used to distinguish the first zoeae of Hippolytidae from other caridean larvae. Historically, the presence of an exopodal seta at the maxillule and the absence of the anal spine/papilla have been considered as characteristic for the Zoea I of the genus Hippolyte. The results of our revision, however, did not support these conclusions: although H. obliquimanus showed an exopodal seta at the maxillule, four congeners did not bear such structure; moreover, H. obliquimanus as well as one other congener have an anal spine/papilla. All morphological characters observed in the first zoeal stage of H. obliquimanus are shared with others species of the family Hippolytidae. Intraspecific variability in Hippolyte obliquimanus was detected in one morphological aspect: the first zoea had four denticles on the ventral margin of the carapace in the Brazilian population, while specimens from the Costa Rican population had three.

The genus Phthinia Winnertz (Diptera, Mycetophilidae) in the Neotropical region, with the first records from Brazil

Three Neotropical species of Phthinia Winnertz have been described to date. The genus is known from Chile and southern Argentina. Four new species are herein described for the genus in the region, two from Brazil-Phthinia theresae, sp. n., from the State of Espirito Santo, and Phithinia urubici, sp. n., from the State of Santa Catarina-and two from Chile-Phthinia freemani, sp. n., and Phthinia parafurcata, sp. n. Comments are made about the relationships between the Neotropical species. Some notes are added about P. furcata Freeman, P. flagellata Freeman, and P. fasciata Freeman, from Chile and southern Argentina. Attention is called for the fact that Phthinia has two species in Brazil disjunct from the other temperate species of the genus in South America, differently from most similar cases, that have a single known representative in Brazil.

Triphora uniflora AC Ferreira, Baptista & Pansarin (Orchidaceae: Triphorcae): a new species and the first record of the genus Triphora Nutt. for Sao Paulo state, Brazil

(Triphora uniflora A.C. Ferreira, Baptista & Pansarin (Orchidaccae: Triphorcae): a new species and the first record of the genus Triphora Nutt. for Sao Paulo state, Brazil). Triphora uniflora A. C. Ferreira, Baptista & Pansarin, a new species of Orchidaceae, is described and illustrated. Furthermore, this is the first report of the genus Triphora for Sao Paulo state, Brazil. The relationship of this new species to other taxa of the genus and the need to preserve the natural habitat of this Triphora species are discussed.

Configuration of stilbene derivatives by (1)H NMR and theoretical calculation of chemical shifts

The direct E/Z configuration assignment of tri- and tetra-substituted stilbenes (and other analogous olefins) when only one of the isomers is available is a quite challenging task. Sometimes, a chemical transformation or some other tedious method is necessary for determination of the double bond substitution pattern. In this paper, we relied on theoretical calculation of chemical shifts as a complementary tool for (1)H NMR determination of the configuration of an alpha-phenylcinnamic acid prepared as a unique isomer by the Perkin reaction. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

First detection of lead in black paper from intraoral film An environmental concern

Lead (Pb) contamination in the black paper that recovers intraoral films (BKP) has been investigated. BKP samples were collected from the Radiology Clinics of the Dental School of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. For sake of comparison, four different methods were used. The results revealed the presence of high lead levels, well above the maximum limit allowed by the legislation. Pb contamination levels achieved after the following treatments: paper digestion in nitric acid, microwave treatment, DIN38414-54 method and TCLP method were 997 mu g g(-1), 189 mu g g(-1), 20.8 mu g g(-1), and 54.0 mu g g(-1), respectively. Flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were employed for lead determination according to the protocols of the applied methods. Lead contamination in used BKP was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (SEM-EDS). All the SEM imaging was carried out in the secondary electron mode (SE) and backscattered-electron mode (QBSD) following punctual X-ray fluorescence spectra. Soil contamination derived from this product revealed the urgent need of addressing this problem. These elevated Pb levels, show that a preliminary treatment of BKP is mandatory before it is disposed into the common trash. The high lead content of this material makes its direct dumping into the environment unwise. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome: first brazilian case

Thrico-rhino-falangeal syndrome is a rare genetic disease characterized by the presence of typical alterations with a long, bulbous nose, hair alterations, a long flat philtrum, and one-shaped epiphyses of the phalanges. We describe herein the first Brazilian case of a 24-year-old woman with thrico-rhino-falangeal syndrome type I. Physical examination demonstrated typical nose and hair abnormalities, and one-shaped epiphyses of the phalanges, and the genetic study confirmed the diagnosis. Thrico-rhino-falangeal syndrome is characterized by musculoskeletal alterations that at the first view may simulate juvenile idiopathic arthritis. These musculoskeletal deformities could imply the differential diagnosis with rheumatic diseases.

Mania as the first manifestation of Wilson`s disease

Background: Although mental changes are frequent in Wilson`s disease, severe psychiatric disorders occur uncommonly and usually accompany the neurological picture. There are few reports in the literature of Wilson`s disease patients with typical bipolar affective disorder (BPAD). Case report: The authors report the case of a patient with Wilson`s disease whose initial manifestation was a manic episode followed by depression. Tremor in the upper limbs appeared one year after the onset of symptoms. The diagnosis of Wilson`s disease was established three years after the first symptoms appeared, based on the neuropsychiatric picture, the detection of Kayser-Fleischer rings and the results of diagnostic tests indicating chronic liver disease and copper excess. ATP7B genotyping and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain with proton spectroscopy study were also performed. The patient became asymptomatic two years after starting treatment with penicillamine and remained non-symptomatic controlled during the eight-year follow-up period, without any specific treatment for the BPAD. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is a singular report of a case of Wilson`s disease in which a manic episode preceded the onset of neurological symptoms. The association between Wilson`s disease and bipolar disorder is discussed.

Quantification of Regional Left and Right Ventricular Deformation Indices in Healthy Neonates by Using Strain Rate and Strain Imaging

Background: Color Doppler myocardial imaging (CDMI) allows the calculation of local longitudinal or radial strain rate (SR) and strain (epsilon). The aims of this study were to determine the feasibility and reproducibility of longitudinal and radial SR and epsilon in neonates during the first hours of life and to establish reference values. Methods: Data were obtained from 55 healthy neonates (29 male; mean age, 20 +/- 14 hours; mean birth weight, 3,174 +/- 374 g). Apical and parasternal views quantified regional longitudinal and radial SR and epsilon in differing ventricular wall segments. Values at peak systole, early diastole, and late diastole were calculated from the extracted curves. CDMI data acquired at 300 +/- 50 frames/s were analyzed offline. Three consecutive cardiac cycles were measured during normal respiration. The timing of specific systolic or diastolic regional events was determined. Multiple comparisons between walls and segments were made. Results: Left ventricular (LV) longitudinal deformation showed basal differences compared with apical segments within one specific wall. Right ventricular (RV) longitudinal deformation was not homogeneous, with significant differences between basal and apical segments. Longitudinal 3 values were higher in the RV free basal and middle wall segments compared with the left ventricle. In the RV free wall apical segment, longitudinal SR and 3 were maximal. LV systolic SR and epsilon values were higher radially compared with longitudinally (radial peak systolic SR midportion, 2.9 +/- 0.6 s(-1); radial peak systolic epsilon 53.8 +/- 19%; longitudinal peak systolic SR midportion, -1.8 +/- 0.5 s(-1); longitudinal peak systolic epsilon, -24.8 +/- 3%; P < .01). Longitudinal systolic epsilon and SR interobserver variability values were 1.2% and 0.7%, respectively. Conclusion: Ultrasound-based SR and 3 imaging is a practical and reproducible clinical technique in neonates, allowing the calculation of regional longitudinal and radial deformation in RV and LV segments. These regional SR and epsilon indices represent new, noninvasive parameters that can quantify normal neonate regional cardiac function. Independent from visual interpretation, they can be used as reference values for diagnosis in ill neonates. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2009;22:369-375.)

Fatal acute respiratory distress syndrome in a patient with paracoccidioidomycosis: first case report

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis that is usually acquired early in life by inhalation of conidia which convert in the lungs into yeast forms; these in turn trigger an inflammatory process. This mycosis may appear as an acute/subacute form or a chronic, adult form. Acute/subacute presentations can be observed in children and young adults, with the reticuloendothelial system frequently involved but the lungs are usually spared or present with mild clinical or radiological alterations. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), an extensive dysfunction of the lungs alveolar-capillary barrier has occasionally been observed in other endemic mycoses such as coccidioidomycosis, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis and blastomycosis. We describe the first patient with acute paracoccidioidomycosis who developed fatal ARDS accompanied by multiple organ injuries. The basis of the rarity of this entity in patients with paracoccidioidomycosis, as well as the reasons that may have lead to the development of ARDS in this patient are discussed.

Ultrasound detection rate of single umbilical artery in the first trimester of pregnancy

Objective To determine accuracy of first trimester detection of single umbilical artery (SUA). Methods The number of vessels in the umbilical cord was examined in a prospective cohort of 779 singleton, low-risk, unselected pregnancies, in the first (11-13 weeks) and second (17-24 weeks) trimesters, using both power and color Doppler and after delivery, by placental histopathologic exam. Concordance between first and second trimester findings to postnatal diagnoses was compared by calculating kappa coefficients. Results There was medium concordance between the findings in the first trimester and the postnatal diagnoses (kappa = 0.52) and high concordance (kappa = 0.89) for the second trimester scan. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for the findings in the first trimester were 57.1, 98.9, 50.0 and 99.2% and for the second trimester were 86.6, 99.9, 92.9 and 99.7%. Conclusion Sensitivity and positive predictive value of first trimester scan to identify an isolated SUA in a prospective unselected population was poor. Diagnosis of isolated SUA as well as a definitive judgment about the presence of associated anomalies would still require a scan in the second trimester. Copyright (C) 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Intrauterine Growth Restriction and Zinc Concentrations in Term Infants during the First Month of Life

Objective: We analyzed the influence of IUGR on the concentrations of plasma (Znpl) and erythrocyte (Zne) zinc and on the ratios of Zne to Znpl (Zne:Znpl) and Zne to hemoglobin (Zne:Hb) in term infants during the first month of life. Design: Cohort study. Setting: Tertiary Care Neonatal Unit. Subjects: Exclusively breastfed term newborns (n = 84) were divided into 3 groups: group 1, without IUGR (n = 41), group II. with mild to moderate IUGR (n = 12). and group III, with severe IUGR (n = 31). IUGR was defined as birth weight under the 5th percentile of the Alexander et at curve and as a Kramer Index (KI: ratio of birth weight to estimated weight for each gestational age) <0.85. Severe IUGR was defined as a KI <0.75. Znpl, Zne. and Hb were measured at birth. 3 days, and 1 month of life. Results: Znpl tended to decrease (P = 0.073), Zne and Zne:Znpl increased (P < 0.001), and Hb decreased (P < 0.001) during the first month of life. There was not Znpl, Zne and Zne:Znpl time by group interaction. Zne:Hb increased (P < 0.001) during the first month of life and was lower in Group II at I month of age. Differences between Groups I and If (P = 0.017) and Groups II and III at I month of age (P = 0.011) were detected. Conclusions: Our results suggest that IUGR did not have association with erythrocyte zinc and Zne:Hb ratio at birth. However. neonatal nutrition could have influenced zinc incorporation during this period, through Zne increase.