Insect feeding preferences on Piperaceae species observed in São Paulo city, Brazil

Piperaceae species have been placed among the basal angiosperm and are adapted to a variety of habitats including moist forests, secondary vegetation and dry high lands. The major anatomical/morphology features are of small trees, vines, and shrubs for Piper species, while the epiphytic and succulent characteristics are predominant forms among Peperomia species. Their secondary chemistry can be mostly represented by amides, phenylpropanoids/lignoids, and chromenes in addition to a phletoria of biosynthetically mixed-origin secondary compounds. Although several amides and lignans are known as insecticides, several phytophagous insects, among which some considered pests of economic importance, have been observed feeding vigorously on Piperaceae species. Herein we describe the feeding preferences of fourteen phytophagous species of Coleoptera, Lepidoptera and Hemiptera over approximately fifty Piperaceae species observed in São Paulo, SP, Brazil, in a long-term basis.

New insights into Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease (VKH), a well-established multiorgan disorder affecting pigmented structures, is an autoimmune disorder of melanocyte proteins in genetically susceptible individuals. Several clinical and experimental data point to the importance of the effector role of CD4+ T cells and Th1 cytokines, the relevance of searching a target protein in the melanocyte, and the relevance of the HLA-DRB1*0405 in the pathogenesis of the disease. Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease has a benign course when early diagnosed and adequatey treated. Full-blown recurrences are rare after the acute stage of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease is over. On the other hand, clinical findings, such as progressive tissue depigmentation (including sunset glow fundus) and uveitis recurrence, indicate that ocular inflammation may persist after the acute phase. Additionally, indocyanine green angiography findings suggest the presence of choroidal inflammation in eyes without clinically detectable inflammation. The aim of this paper is to review the latest research results on Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease pathogenesis and chronic/convalescent stages, which may help to better understand this potentially blinding disease and to improve its treatment.

Perfil de prescrições e uso de antibióticos em infecções comunitárias

INTRODUÇÃO: O objetivo deste estudo foi conhecer os padrões de utilização de antibióticos no município de Sorocaba, avaliando o diagnóstico referido, a terapêutica empregada e sua utilização. MÉTODOS: Utilizou-se um instrumento de avaliação aplicado por 12 meses em usuários de antibióticos. Foram coletados dados de 403 usuários e referiram-se à: informações sociodemográficas e de saúde, diagnóstico e terapêutica. RESULTADOS: Encontrou-se grande utilização e a maior utilização prévia na faixa etária de 0-10 anos (p<0,05). As infecções com envolvimento pulmonar foram as mais citadas (p<0,05) e as penicilinas, os fármacos mais utilizados, presentes em 45,1% das prescrições. Tempo médio de terapêutica (8,9 dias) esteve abaixo do preconizado para otites. Em sinusites, 22% das prescrições não orientaram para o uso recomendado (10 dias). CONCLUSÕES: A inexistência e não utilização de protocolos terapêuticos têm resultado em grande diferença nos padrões de prescrição, levando a insucesso terapêutico e recidiva de infecções - situações frequentemente encontradas neste estudo.

Compreendendo o idoso usuário de próteses auditivas

O objetivo principal foi identificar os fatores envolvidos na busca e no uso de próteses auditivas pelos idosos, assim como o conhecimento dos mesmos quanto à Política de Atenção à Saúde Auditiva. Foram selecionados 25 idosos de ambos os sexos usuários de próteses auditivas em Vitória (ES). Foi realizado contato telefônico para participarem da pesquisa respondendo a um questionário. Os resultados mostraram que a maioria dos idosos entrevistados (52%) usa o(s) aparelho(s) durante todo o dia, o que sugere uma boa adaptação ao processo. Treze idosos relataram procurar próteses auditivas por interesse próprio. As facilidades quanto ao uso envolvem a melhora da comunicação e para ouvir TV (64%); as dificuldades foram quanto ao uso em ambientes ruidosos: 56% não conseguem compreender o que é dito em palestras e igrejas, e quanto ao uso do telefone, 72% relataram não apresentar melhora com a prótese. 88% dos idosos participantes desconhecem a política de doação de aparelhos auditivos e 100% não têm conhecimento desse tipo de atendimento. As pesquisas e a prática de serviços de saúde com relação às questões auditivas ainda têm um largo curso a percorrer. Há necessidade de mudança por parte dos gestores com a finalidade de efetivar a própria política que define responsabilidades ao Estado.

Frequency upconversion luminescence from Yb(+3)-Tm(+3) codoped PbO-GeO(2) glasses containing silver nanoparticles

Infrared-to-visible and infrared-to-infrared frequency upconversion processes in Yb(3+)-Tm(3+) doped PbO-GeO(2) glasses containing silver nanoparticles (NPs) were investigated. The experiments were performed by exciting the samples with a diode laser operating at 980 nm (in resonance with the Yb(3+) transition (2)F(7/2)->(2)F(5/2)) and observing the photoluminescence (PL) in the visible and infrared regions due to energy transfer from Yb(3+) to Tm(3+) ions followed by excited state absorption in the Tm3+ ions. The intensified local field in the vicinity of the metallic NPs contributes for enhancement in the PL intensity at 480 nm (Tm(3+) :(1)G(4)->(3)H(6)) and at 800 nm (Tm(3+) : (3)H(4) -> (3)H(6)). (C) 2009 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3211300]

Validation of dot blot hybridization and denaturing high performance liquid chromatography as reliable methods for TP53 codon 72 genotyping in molecular epidemiologic studies

Background: Mutations in TP53 are common events during carcinogenesis. In addition to gene mutations, several reports have focused on TP53 polymorphisms as risk factors for malignant disease. Many studies have highlighted that the status of the TP53 codon 72 polymorphism could influence cancer susceptibility. However, the results have been inconsistent and various methodological features can contribute to departures from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, a condition that may influence the disease risk estimates. The most widely accepted method of detecting genotyping error is to confirm genotypes by sequencing and/or via a separate method. Results: We developed two new genotyping methods for TP53 codon 72 polymorphism detection: Denaturing High Performance Liquid Chromatography (DHPLC) and Dot Blot hybridization. These methods were compared with Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) using two different restriction enzymes. We observed high agreement among all methodologies assayed. Dot-blot hybridization and DHPLC results were more highly concordant with each other than when either of these methods was compared with RFLP. Conclusions: Although variations may occur, our results indicate that DHPLC and Dot Blot hybridization can be used as reliable screening methods for TP53 codon 72 polymorphism detection, especially in molecular epidemiologic studies, where high throughput methodologies are required.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE SENSITIVITY OF DIABETIC LOWER EXTREMITIES WITH AND WITHOUT ULCERS USING THE PSSD (TM)

Introduction To determine and compare thresholds of cutaneous sensitivity of lower extremities in diabetic patients with an ulcer on only one lower extremity Methods and Materials The study group included 20 patients with mean age of 61 6 and average time with diabetes of 12 4 years All patients were previously tested using Semmes-Weinstein monofilament 5 07 Sensitivity was evaluated using the two point discrimination test and the PSSD (TM) (Pressure-Specified Sensory Device) in order to assess touch thresholds in a quantitative manner, in g/mm(2) Three skin areas were tested hallux pulp, dorsum of foot and medial heel, including four tests 1 point static, 1 point moving, 2 points static and 2 points moving Results Mean 2 point discrimination distance in mm was higher in feet with ulcers, but the difference between extremities was only statistically significant for the hallux. With the PSSD (TM), all patients had higher pressure thresholds in feet with ulcers when compared with feet without ulcers, in all tests, with statistical significance Conclusion The PSSD (TM) was able to differentiate levels of sensation between extremities with and without ulcers in diabetic patients, with statistical significance

Influence of the heat treatment on the nucleation of silver nanoparticles in Tm(3+) doped PbO-GeO(2) glasses

Nucleation of silver nanoparticles (NPs) in Tm(3+) doped PbO-GeO(2) (PGO) glass is reported. The influence of the heat treatment on the nucleation of silver NPs is studied by means of transmission electron microscopy and optical spectroscopy. Two heat treatment procedures were applied in order to compare their performance. Observation of infrared-to-visible frequency upconversion (UC) luminescence of Tm(3+) ions is reported and correlated with the heat-treatment procedure. Enhancement of the UC emission for samples heat treated during various time intervals is attributed to the increased local field in the vicinity of the NPs. Quenching of the UC signal was also observed and correlated with the growth of NPs amount and size.

Reverse Microemulsion Synthesis, Structure, and Luminescence of Nanosized REPO(4):Ln(3+) (RE = La, Y, Gd, or Yb, and Ln = Eu, Tm, or Er)

A surfactant-mediated solution route for the obtainment of nanosized rare-earth orthophosphates of different compositions (LaPO(4):Eu(3+), (Y,Gd)PO(4):Eu(3+),LaPO(4):Tm(3+), YPO(4):Tm(3+), and YbPO(4):Er(3+)) is presented, and the implications of the morphology control on the solids properties are discussed. The solids are prepared in water-in-heptane microemulsions, using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and 1-butanol as the surfactant and cosurfactant; the alteration of the starting microemulsion composition allows the obtainment of similar to 30 nm thick nanorods with variable length. The morphology and the structure of the solids were evaluated through scanning electron microscopy and through powder X-ray diffractometry; dynamic light scattering and thermal analyses were also performed. The obtained materials were also characterized through vibrational (FTIR) and luminescence spectroscopy (emission/excitation, luminescence lifetimes, chromaticity, and quantum efficiency), where the red, blue, and upconversion emissions of the prepared phosphors were evaluated.

Mapping changes in coastline geomorphic features using Landsat TM and ETM+ imagery: examples in southeastern Brazil

Multitemporal Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) and Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) imagery was used to assess coastline morphological changes in southeastern Brazil. A spectral linear mixing approach (SLMA) was used to estimate fraction imagery representing amounts of vegetation, clean water (a proxy for shade) and soil. Fraction abundances were related to erosive and depositional features. Shoreline, sandy banks (including emerged and submerged banks) and sand spits were highlighted mainly by clean water and soil fraction imagery. To evaluate changes in the coastline geomorphic features, the fraction imagery generated for each data set was classified in a contextual approach using a segmentation technique and ISOSEG, an unsupervised classification. Evaluation of the classifications was performed visually and by an error matrix relating ground-truth data to classification results. Comparison of the classification results revealed an intense transformation in the coastline, and that erosive and depositional features are extremely dynamic and subject to change in short periods of time.

Twelve-month Outcomes After Coronary Stenting With the Genous (TM) Bio-Engineered R Stent (TM) in Diabetic Patients from the e-HEALING Registry

Objectives: We compared 12-month outcomes, regarding ischemic events, repeat intervention, and ST, between diabetic and nondiabetic patients treated with the Genous (TM) EPC capturing R stent (TM) during routine nonurgent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using data from the multicenter, prospective worldwide e-HEALING registry. Background: Diabetic patients have an increased risk for restenosis and stent thrombosis (ST). Methods: In the 4,996 patient e-HEALING registry, 273 were insulin requiring diabetics (IRD), 963 were non-IRD (NIRD), and 3,703 were nondiabetics. The 12-month primary outcome was target vessel failure (TVF), defined as target vessel-related cardiac death or myocardial infarction (MI) and target vessel revascularization. Secondary outcomes were the composite of cardiac death, MI or target lesion revascularization (TLR), and individual outcomes including ST. Cumulative event rates were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with a log-rank test. Results: TVF rates were respectively 13.4% in IRD, 9.0% in NIRD, and 7.9% in nondiabetics (P < 0.01). This was mainly driven by a higher mortality hazard in IRD (P < 0.001) and NIRD (P = 0.07), compared with nondiabetics. TLR rates were comparable in NIRD and nondiabetics, but significantly higher in IRD (P = 0.04). No difference was observed in ST. Conclusion: The 1-year results of the Genous stent in a real-world population of diabetics show higher TVF rates in diabetics compared with nondiabetics, mainly driven by a higher mortality hazard. IRD is associated with a significant higher TLR hazard. Definite or probable ST in all diabetic patients was comparable with nondiabetics. (J Interven Cardiol 2011;24:285-294)

Clinical results after coronary stenting with the Genous (TM) Bio-engineered R stent (TM): 12-month outcomes of the e-HEALING (Healthy Endothelial Accelerated Lining Inhibits Neointimal Growth) worldwide registry

Aims: e-HEALING is a worldwide, internet-based registry designed to capture post marketing clinical data on the use of the Genous (TM) EPC capturing R stent (TM). Rapid restoration of a healthy endothelial layer after stent placement by capturing circulating endothelial progenitor cells may reduce both stent thrombosis (ST) and in-stent-restenosis. Methods and results: We planned a 5,000 patient registry with >= 1 lesion suitable for stenting. The 12-month primary outcome was target vessel failure (TVF), defined as target vessel-related cardiac death or myocardial infarction (MI) and target vessel revascularisation. Secondary outcomes were the composite of cardiac death, MI or target lesion revascularisation (TLR), and individual outcomes including ST. A total of 4,939 patients received >= 1 Genous stent between 2005 and 2007. Baseline characteristics showed a median age of 63 years, 79% males, 25% diabetics, and 37% with prior MI. A total of 49% of lesions treated were ACC/AHA type B2 or C; 1.1 stents per lesion were used. At 12 months, TVF occurred in 8.4% and the composite of cardiac death, MI or TLR in 7.9%. Twelve-month TLR and ST were 5.7% and 1.1%, respectively. Conclusions: Coronary stenting with the Genous results in good clinical outcomes, and low incidences of repeat revascularisation and ST.

Essential role of TM V and VI for binding the C-terminal sequences of Des-Arg-kinins

In the kallikrein-kinin and renin-angiotensin systems the main receptors, B-1 and B-2 (kinin receptors) and AT(1) and AT(2) (angiotensin receptors) respectively, are seven-transmembrane domain G-protein-coupled receptors. Considering that the B, agonists Des-Arg(9)-BK (Arg-Pro-Pro-Gly-Phe-Ser-Pro-Phe), Lys-desArg(9)-BK or Des-Arg(10)-KD (Lys-Arg-Pro-Pro-Gly-Phe-Ser-Pro-Phe) and the AT, agonist (Asp-Arg-Val-Tyr-lle-His-Pro-Phe) have the same two residues at the C-terminal region (i.e. Pro-Phe), we hypothesized that TM V and TM VI of the B-1 receptor could play an essential role in agonist binding and activity, being these regions receptor sites for binding the C-terminal sequences of Des-Arg-kinins similarly to that observed to AT, receptor. To investigate this hypothesis, we replaced Arg(212) for Ala at the top of the TM V and the sequence 274-282 (CPYHFFAFL) in TM VI of the rat kinin B, receptor by the 32 receptor homologous sequence, 289-297 (FPFQISTFL) and subsequently analyzed the consequences of these mutations by competition binding and functional assays. Despite correct expression, observed at the mRNA and protein level by RT-PCR and confocal microscopy, respectively, no agonist binding and function was verified for the mutated receptors. Therefore, our results suggest an important role for Arg(212) in the TM V and a region of TM VI of rat B, receptor in the interaction with the C-terminal residues of Des-Arg-kinins, similar to that observed with AngII. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Performance of a chromogenic medium for the isolation of Listeria monocytogenes in food

According to the producers, CHROMagar (TM) Listeria medium comes to facilitate the detection, differentiating Listeria monocytogenes from the other species, directly on the isolation process, allowing final results in 72 h, while the traditional method takes up to 10 days. A total of 120 food samples of sliced cooked ham, ground beef and frankfurters was analyzed. From 151 colonies presenting typical L. monocytogenes characteristics on CHROMagar (TM) Listeria (bluish, surrounded by a white halo), only 95 (62.9%) were confirmed as L. monocytogenes. The medium was highly sensitive to detect L. monocytogenes in ground beef and frankfurter, but not in sliced ham. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.