Kin-bias, breeding site selection and female fitness in a cannibalistic Neotropical frog

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Ultrasonic waves: Bioeffects on yeast cells

Applications of ultrasound were starting from 1912 with the primary objective the detection of icebergs on prevention of maritime accidents. Algae, fish deaths and destruction were observed in the vicinity of sonar that equipped ships and submarines during the First World War.The evolutions of research and studies with ultrasound have big advances following the discovery of piezoelectric transducers in science and technology. As an example we can mention its application in microsurgery, fatigue detection in aerospace mechanics, catalysis sonochemical, biotechnology and others.The work presented here aims to demonstrate the application of ultrasonic in pulsed mode beams in biotechnology with the aim of improving the fermentation of a culture broth containing biological agents. In these experiments we used as ultrasound equipment and oscilator Sonics VCX-600 (20KHz), probe type wave guide. The experiments were conducted in a glass reactor of 200 mL of biomaterial containing cane juice and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in suspension. The parameters analyzed were related to the content Alcohlic (FID gas chromatography), and cell viability (Neubauer chamber), TRS (refractometry). Analysis of results showed that the total production exceeded in irradiated samples compared to normal fermentation (without ultrasound), suggesting additional advantage of ultrasound activation. Lastin Trials 1400 min, showed ethanol production systems 12% more than non-enabled systems. In this context alternatives for ethanol production, bio fuel and many other byproducts of the alcohol industries and chemicals could benefit from the use of ultrasound beams in this range of frequencies.

Análise de metilação da região promotora do gene RASSF1 em linhagens celulares derivadas de carcinomas mamários

O câncer de mama é o tipo de neoplasia que mostra as maiores taxas de mortalidade entre as mulheres no Brasil, provavelmente pelo fato de que, na maioria dos casos, a doença é diagnosticada em estadios avançados, dificultando o sucesso do tratamento. Dessa forma, essa doença é considerada um problema crítico de saúde pública. O câncer é uma doença que se caracteriza por sucessivas alterações genéticas e epigenéticas que causam um crescimento e multiplicação celular desordenados. A hipermetilação da região promotora de genes específicos pode levar ao silenciamento gênico, um evento importante no processo da carcinogênese. Este estudo analisou o padrão de metilação da isoforma RASSF1A do gene RASSF1 em linhagens celulares derivadas de carcinoma mamário. Esse gene está mapeado na região cromossômica 3p21.3 e, segundo dados da literatura, atua como supressor tumoral. O principal objetivo desse estudo foi investigar a presença de hipermetilação na região promotora desse gene em linhagens celulares de carcinomas mamários. Para a realização dessa análise foi empregada a metodologia de MSP (Methylation-specific Polymerase Chain Reaction) convencional e de qMSP (Methylation-Specific Polymerase Chain Reaction quantitativa em tempo real). Todas as linhagens de carcinomas mamários analisadas no estudo (MCF7, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-453, MDA-MB-134 e SKBR3) apresentaram um padrão hipermetilado na região promotora do gene RASSF1 corroborando com dados da literatura que relacionam a inativação desse gene à hipermetilação do promotor. Estes dados, associados aos obtidos em uma análise paralela realizada em nosso laboratório que demonstrou a re-expressão do gene RASSF1 após o tratamento com o agente desmetilante 5 aza 2’desoxicitidina, confirmam a regulação epigenética desse gene supressor tumoral

Avaliação das condições de uso de um equipamento de tomografia computadorizada e otimização de protocolos de crânio empregados na rotina do HCFMB-UNESP

Almost forty years computed tomography (CT) has been one of the most powerful tools in diagnostic imaging. However, this modality delivers relatively high doses to their patients. It is known that the inappropriate use and unnecessary radiation may be associated with a significant risk of cancer, especially in pediatric patients. Moreover, the quality assurance in CT, provided and required by Portaria 453/98 and the guide of the RE 1016/05, ensures that the images generated by computer tomography provide reliable diagnostic information with doses as low as reasonably achievable. This research aimed to make the quality control (QC) of CT equipment; establish a better relationship between dose and noise on the image to protocols of skull CT according to the study of optimization proposed in 2005 by Daros; and assess the dose distribution in different cranial organs for protocols of adult and pediatric use in the routine of the Department of Diagnostic Imaging of HCFMB-UNESP. The equipment used for testing QC, optimization and dosimetry was a third generation tomograph GE Sytec 3000i

Avaliação do padrão de metilação dos genes ESR1, ESR2 e PGR nas linhagens celulares derivadas do câncer de mama

Breast cancer has received an increasing attention because it is one of the most common cancer type and a leading cause of morbity and mortality among women worldwide. This disease has been considered as a heterogeneous condition, demonstrating a large spectrum of clinical and histopathological variability. In the last two decades, several studies have been conducted to identify new molecular markers of cancer cells, including the alterations of DNA methylation, which is the major epigenetic mechanism associated with the control of gene expression. The hypermethylation of promoter-associated CpG islands contributes to the loss of function of several cancer-related genes, including those encoding to the estrogen receptor (ESR) and progesterone receptor (PGR). This study aimed to determine the methylation patterns of CpG islands of the genes encoding the estrogen receptor α (ESR1 gene, promoters A and B), estrogen receptor β (ESR2 gene) and progesterone receptor (PGR gene, promoter A and B) in 15 cell lines derived from breast cancer. The DNA methylation analysis was based on the “Methylation Specific-Polymerase Chain Reaction” (MSP), which provides a qualitative assessment of the methylation status of a specific CpG island. The results revealed heterogeneous data: the promoter region of ESR1A showed complete methylation in one cell line (BT549) and only two cell lines showed partial methylation (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-453), while the others lineages presented unmethylated alleles. The promoter region of isoform ESR1B was unmethylated in the cell lines BT549, SKBR3 and T47D; partial methylation were observed in the cell lines MDA-MB- 231, MCF-7 and ZR-75-30, while the others cell lines presented complete methylation. All lineages showed complete or partial methylation of the ESR2 gene. The methylation pattern of the promoter A of the PGR ...(Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Controle de qualidade em equipamentos mamográficos

Nowadays the mammography is the most effective way of revealing early breast cancer. The image in this kind of exam is gotten trough a x-ray sheaf of low energy, however, the suitable visualization of the interesting structures by the radiologist is not always possible due several factors that appears since the mamma composition until the equipments limitation. The regulation 453/98 sets quality control tests and limits of acceptation that guarantee a good development of the mammographys. The purpose of this study is the 3D principle ( Diagnostic, Dose and Dollar), that means, an improved diagnosis, a dose reduction in the patient and a cost decrease for the Institution. In this study was made the quality control tests set by the Regulation in two mammography equipments from Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu (HCFMB - UNESP). The results reached in this research were used in the renovation process of quality stamp in mammography granted by Colégio Brasileiro de Radiologia (CBR) to the diagnosis by image from the HCFMB – UNESP

Controle de qualidade em equipamentos de tomografia computadorizada

The computed tomography, devised by Godfrey Hounsfield and Allan Cormack, is in its fourth decade of the clinical use and has presented to be a very useful tool in the diagnosis of several pathologies. For this reason, its use is increasing each day, due to technological progress since its creation. Due to be more and more utilized, the equipment must be in good operating conditions, because it is subject to variance and wearing, damage the quality of diagnosis. To evaluate whether the performance of the scanner remains constant along the time and the dose received by the patient is within the desired limits, periodic tests of quality control must be performed. For this subject, the regulation 453 (June 01, 1998) was created, which determines the need of the implementation of a program for quality assurance (PGQ), where, in addition to the tests of quality control, are established the necessary measurements for the proper functioning of the equipment, generating a trustworthy diagnosis, reducing the dose for the patient and the costs. In this document, are presented tests of quality control carried out in hospitals of the city of Sao Paulo carried out together with the Technical Section of Applications by Imaging Diagnostic (STADI) of the Institute of Electrotechnics and Energy of the University of São Paulo (IEE/USP)

Estudo de parâmetros radiométricos e legislação sobre radioproteção em equipamentos de radiodiagnóstico

O uso de radiações ionizantes (R.I.), nas mais variadas atividades tem aumentado nas últimas décadas. Com o avanço tecnológico, novos e sofisticados equipamentos emissores de R.I. tem surgido no cenário nacional, o que torna imperativo a difusão do conhecimento sobre os conceitos de proteção radiológica junto à comunidade em geral, e neste sentido, o curso de física médica desenvolve um importante papel, quer seja no aspecto informativo quanto formativo de cidadãos e profissionais críticos e politicamente corretos, que possam contribuir com as Políticas Públicos dos órgãos normatizadores e fiscalizadores das atividades de vigilância sanitária. Conforme a legislação atual (Resolução SS-625 de 14/12/1994, da Secretaria de Estado da Saúde, e Portaria 453 de 01/06/1998 da Vigilância Sanitária do Ministério da Saúde), todos os serviços que utilizam radiações ionizantes devem realizar testes de avaliação dos parâmetros radiométricos dos equipamentos emissores de R.I., sendo exigidos as medidas de Levantamento Radiométrico das instalações, o Teste de Radiação de Fuga do cabeçote emissor e a implementação de Programa de Garantia de Qualidade dos equipamentos e dos procedimentos radiológicos. Este procedimento tem como objetivo principal a obtenção de imagens radiográficas com qualidade e a segurança de pacientes e profissionais, evitando a exposição desnecessária à radiação de pacientes e profissionais. A correta realização de procedimentos radiológicos além de reduzir a dose nos pacientes também promove significativa diminuição nos custos, por não haver necessidade da repetição dos exames. No Brasil, conforme dados da Secretaria de Atenção à Saúde SAS/MS, atualmente existem instalados 4.469 mamógrafos, 25.930 aparelhos de raios-x médicos, 39.438 aparelhos de raios-x odontológicos e...(Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo)

Uso do método de Monte Carlo para simulação e detecção do espectro de raios-X gerado com feixes de elétrons em alvo de Molibdênio, utilizando o Geant4

The huge demand for procedures involving ionizing radiation promotes the need for safe methods of experimentation considering the danger of their biological e ects with consequent risk to humans. Brazilian's legislation prohibits experiments involving this type of radiation in humans through Decree 453 of Ministry of Health with determines that such procedures comply with the principles of justi cation, optimization and dose limitation. In this line, concurrently with the advancement of available computer processing power, computing simulations have become relevant in those situations where experimental procedures are too cost or impractical. The Monte Carlo method, created along the Manhattan Project duringWorldWar II, is a powerful strategy to simulations in computational physics. In medical physics, this technique has been extensively used with applications in diagnostics and cancer treatment. The objective of this work is to simulate the production and detection of X-rays for the energy range of diagnostic radiology, for molybdenum target, using the Geant4 toolkit. X-ray tubes with this kind of target material are used in diagnostic radiology, speci cally in mammography, one of the most used techniques for screening of breast cancer in women. During the simulations, we used di erent models for bremsstrahlung available in physical models for low energy, in situations already covered by the literature in earlier versions of Geant4. Our results show that although the physical situations seems qualitatively adequate, quantitative comparisons to available analytical data shows aws in the code of Geant4 Low Energy source

Otimização de procedimentos de controle de qualidade em equipamentos radiográficos convencionais do Instituto de Eletrotécnica e Energia - USP

Radiography is currently an important method of diagnosis, both medical, dental and veterinary. The image in this type of survey is obtained using an X-ray beam, where the radiologist can possibly view structures of interest. It isn't always possible to get the desired images due to various factors, such as equipment limitations. The Administrative Law 453/98, the State Resolution SS 625/94, and other standards require testing and quality control acceptance limits that guarantee a good performance of the equipment for the security and quality of care, giving service users greater effectiveness in exams. This study were performed in the accompaniment of testing procedures for quality control established by Administrative Law 453/98 in several X-ray equipment to make a comparison and optimization in the descriptions of the procedures used by the Institute for Electrical Energy and the University of São Paulo (IEE / USP / SP).The optimization of the procedures were performed with the aid of a current literature, the Resolution 453/98, State Resolution SS 625/94 and other international standards. On this basis it was possible to observe the importance of regular monitoring of tests for an update, following the technological development of instruments used in the service

Controle de Qualidade em Raios X Odontológico Periapical

The purpose of this work is to provide quality control requirements and security in dental x-rays in order to obtain good quality image which allows the correct diagnosis, which reduces the dose to the patient, mainly due to the repetition of tests, and decreasing cost. The requirements apply to related activities to quality control and procedures using ionizing radiation for diagnostic imaging in dentistry by evaluating a minimum set of parameters to be tested or verified. Quality control follows the Ordinance No. 453 of the Ministry of Health of 06.01.1998, SS Resolution No. 625 of 12.14.1994 and Resolution No. 64 of the Health Surveillance Center – Department of Health of Sao Paulo and National Health Surveillance Agency – Ministry of Health of Brazil. This study was conducted in the city of Marilia, Sao Paulo, along with the Company P&R Consulting and Medical Physics, in a dental clinic of the University UNIMAR in the x-ray equipment used on that site. The physical parameters of the device were tested with the aid of ionization chambers to measure rates of radiation, electrometer to measure rates of time, kV and doses, radiographic films and positioning devices. Finally, this work demonstrates the need and importance of quality control, which one ensures the proper use of x-ray machines, maintaining efficiency and at the same time it reduces the risks to the patient, to the dentist and to the general public

Controle de qualidade e levantamento radiométrico em aparelho de Raios-X médico convencional

Along with the advance of technology, in terms of the expansion of medical exams that uses the ionizing radiation for diagnosis, there is also the concern about quality control for maintaining quality in radiographic imaging and for delivering low dose to the patient. Based on the Federal Order 453 of the Secretariat of Health Surveillance, which takes account of the practical and justification of individual medical exposures, the optimization of radiological protection, limitation of individual dose, and the prevention of accidents, were done through this paper radiodiagnostic tests on medical equipment in order to accept it or not, according to SVS-453. Along with the help and support of P&R Consulting and Medical Physics Marilia, SP, were made Quality Control and Radiometric Control in equipment from various cities across the state of São Paulo. The equipment discussed in this work is classified as conventional X-ray. According to the Federal Order SVS-453, the quality control in the program of quality assurance should include the following minimum set of constancy tests, with following minimum frequency: biennial tests for representative values of dose given to the patients of radiography and CT performed in the service; annual tests for accuracy of the indicator tube voltage (kVp), accuracy of exposure time, half-value layer, aligning the central axis of the beam of x-ray tube, performance (mGy / mA.min.m²), linearity of the rate of kerma on air with the mAs, reproducibility of the kerma on air rates, reproducibility of the automatic exposure, focal spot size, integrity of accessories and clothing for individual protection; semiannually for collimation system accuracy; weekly for temperature processing system and sensitometry processing system. For the room Radiometric Survey it was done a sketch...(Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Some Results in Stability Analysis of Hybrid Dynamical Systems

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

A monopolização territorial e a (re) construção do território camponês em projetos de assentamento de reforma agrária

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

A coordenação pedagógica nas escolas estaduais paulistas: as resoluções recentes e a atuação cotidiana na gestão e organização escolar

This article analyzes the pedagogical coordination work in public schools of the state of São Paulo within a context of educational reforms occurred between 1996 and 2010. The paper analyzes the main resolutions published by the Secretariate of Education regarding the functions performed by coordinating teachers, and discusses data obtained from empirical research conducted with three schools in inner cities of the state of São Paulo, specifically in the final years of elementary school and high-school. The analysis has enabled us to identify the implications of educational reforms on the functions of coordinating teachers. In addition, we have identified and interpreted the ways in which subjects are (re)adjusted in school management and organization.