Lymphocyte transformation assay for C neoformans antigen is not reliable for detecting cellular impairment in patients with Neurocryptococcosis

Background: Cryptococcus neoformans causes meningitis and disseminated infection in healthy individuals, but more commonly in hosts with defective immune responses. Cell-mediated immunity is an important component of the immune response to a great variety of infections, including yeast infections. We aimed to evaluate a specific lymphocyte transformation assay to Cryptococcus neoformans in order to identify immunodeficiency associated to neurocryptococcosis (NCC) as primary cause of the mycosis.Methods: Healthy volunteers, poultry growers, and HIV-seronegative patients with neurocryptococcosis were tested for cellular immune response. Cryptococcal meningitis was diagnosed by India ink staining of cerebrospinal fluid and cryptococcal antigen test (Immunomycol-Inc, SP, Brazil). Isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with C. neoformans antigen, C. albicans antigen, and pokeweed mitogen. The amount of H-3-thymidine incorporated was assessed, and the results were expressed as stimulation index (SI) and log SI, sensitivity, specificity, and cut-off value (receiver operating characteristics curve). We applied unpaired Student t tests to compare data and considered significant differences for p<0.05.Results: The lymphotoxin alpha showed a low capacity with all the stimuli for classifying patients as responders and non-responders. Lymphotoxin alpha stimulated by heated-killed antigen from patients with neurocryptococcosis was not affected by TCD4+ cell count, and the intensity of response did not correlate with the clinical evolution of neurocryptococcosis.Conclusion: Response to lymphocyte transformation assay should be analyzed based on a normal range and using more than one stimulator. The use of a cut-off value to classify patients with neurocryptococcosis is inadequate. Statistical analysis should be based on the log transformation of SI. A more purified antigen for evaluating specific response to C. neoformans is needed.

Mechanical removal of necrotic periodontal ligament by either Robinson bristle brush with pumice or scalpel blade. Histomorphometric analysis and scanning electron microscopy

One of the important factors accounting for successful delayed replantation of avulsed teeth is seemingly the type of root surface treatment. Removal of necrotic cemental periodontal ligament remnants may prevent the occurrence of external root resorption, which is the major cause of loss of teeth replanted in such conditions. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of two mechanical techniques for removal of root-adhered periodontal ligament. Preservation or removal of the cementum layer concomitantly with these procedures was also assessed. Forty-five roots of healthy premolars extracted for orthodontic purposes were selected. After extraction, the teeth were kept dry at room temperature for 1 h and then immersed in saline for rehydration for an additional 10 min. Thereafter, the roots were assigned to three groups, as follows: group 1 (control) - the cemental periodontal ligament was preserved; group 2 - removal of the periodontal ligament by scraping root surface with a scalpel blade (SBS); group 3 - periodontal ligament remnants were removed using a Robinson bristle brush at low-speed with pumice/water slurry (RBP). The specimens were analysed histomorphometrically and examined by scanning electron microscopy. The quantitative and qualitative analyses of the results showed that the RBP technique was significantly more effective than the SBS technique for removal of the periodontal ligament remnants adhered to root surface. Both techniques preserved the cementum layer.

Collision of positronium with atoms, molecules and ions using a modified coupled-channel framework

Scattering of positronium (Ps) from atoms (H, He, Ne, Ar), molecule (H(2)) and ion (He(+)) have been investigated using a coupled-channel (CC) formalism with a regularised non-local exchange potential. The advantage of using such a regularized exchange potential in the close-coupling formalism and the normalizability aspect of the solution at low energies with a minimum effective coupling are discussed. Results for the elastic and total scattering cross-sections, resonance and binding energies in Ps-H, and pick-off annihilation results in Ps-He are found to be in excellent agreement with measurements and variational predictions. (C) 2000 Elsevier B.V. B.V. All rights reserved.

High sensitivity low cost capacitive strain gage

This paper describes a high senstivity low cost capacitive strain gage sensor. The theory, design, and sensor construction details are presented. It consists of eight capacitive sensors connected in two full bridges. The capacitive strain gage sensor structure was designed in order to produce high sensitivity and low dependence with temperature. By using a simple signal conditioning circuit constituted by a differential amplifier, a band-pass filter, and a precision rectifier the device can measure forces with resolution of 0.009 N and precision of 98.7%. It is rugged, presents linear response, and good repeatability. It presents sensitivity of 8.7 V/N and fall time of 12 ms.

A poesia, a música e a performance da canção: alma minha gentil - um estudo de caso na obra de Glauco Velásquez

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

A periferia de “nosotros”. O debate sobre o documentarismo na América Latina: uma análise do filme La Hora de los hornos (1968)

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

Treatment of Atrophic Mandibular Fractures with the Pencilboneplate: Report of 2 Cases

The incidence of fractures of the atrophic edentulous mandible is still low, even with the increasing life expectancy. The reduced blood supply of the sclerotic bone, the diminished contact area between bone fragments and the patient’s systemic condition makes the treatment of those fractures a challenge for any professional. Treatment of atrophic mandibular fractures by means of miniplate osteosynthesis has not been the preferred method of fixa- tion by many authors. Yet, many surgeons have applied this type of fixation for the atrophied jaw sections. This paper reports 2 cases of fractured atrophic mandibles treated with the pencilboneplate, a monocortical 2.0 mm titanium, 8 or 10-hole hardware with reinforcement on its middle portion, highlighting important considerations of its use. The pencilboneplate appears to be a valuable option for the treatment of atrophic mandibular fractures, espe- cially by an intra-oral approach, and warrants further bio- mechanical and clinical studies.

As canções de Camargo Guarnieri e Suzanna de Campos: um estudo para a interpretação

Pós-graduação em Música - IA

Short-term low-intensity blood flow restricted interval training improves both aerobic fitness and muscle strength

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

The Predation of Artemia Nauplii by the Larvae of the Amazon River Prawn, Macrobrachium amazonicum (Heller, 1862), is Affected by Prey Density, Time of Day, and Ontogenetic Development

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Caracterização biológica, histopatológica e análise de ácido nucléico de uma cepa Trypanosoma cruzi da região de Marília, SP

Estudou-se o comportamento biológico e histopatológico de uma cepa genuínamente mariliense de Trypanosoma cruzi, isolada em 1997 através de xenodiagnóstico artificial. Vinte e cinco camundongos swiss foram infectados intraperitonealmente, sendo 11 utilizados para a realização da curva parasitêmica e observação da morfologia dos tripomastigotas e 14 foram sacrificados após o 17, 23, 30, 60 e 180 dias pós-infecção e coletados coração, esôfago, fígado, cólon, e músculo esquelético (fragmento da coxa direita) para análise histopatológica. Cultura em meio LIT foi realizada para análise de DNA. Os resultados mostraram predomínio de formas largas, baixa parasitemia com picos médios de 860 tripomastigotas/5mil de sangue ao redor do 20º dia de infecção. Nenhum camundongo morreu na fase aguda da infecção. Exame histopatológico mostrou poucos ninhos de amastigotas em coração, raros em músculo esquelético e cólon com discreto processo inflamatório. Comparada com a cepa Y, que foi isolada de uma paciente da mesma região, notamos diferentes características biológicas e comportamentais, porém a análise de DNA as coloca no mesmo grupo, demonstrando a proximidade dessas cepas.

Correlação linear e espacial entre a produtividade do feijoeiro e atributos físicos de um LATOSSOLO VERMELHO Distroférrico de Selvíria, Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul

Os atributos físicos do solo têm se mostrado de grade interesse para a agricultura contemporânea, uma vez que refletem decisivamente sobre a produtividade vegetal. em 2006, no campus da Faculdade de Engenharia de Ilha Solteira, Unesp, analisouse a produtividade do feijoeiro (PG) no sistema plantio direto irrigado, a resistência mecânica do solo à penetração (RP), a densidade do solo (DS) e as umidades gravimétrica (UG) e volumétrica (UV) em profundidade, num LATOSSOLO VERMELHO Distroférrico. O objetivo foi determinar as correlações lineares e espaciais, entre os atributos estudados, visando selecionar um indicador da qualidade física do solo de boa representatividade para a PG. Foi instalada a malha, para a coleta de dados contendo 135 pontos amostrais, numa área de 7.500 m². A correlação linear entre a produtividade de grãos com os atributos do solo foi baixa. As de melhor correlação com a PG foram a DS1 e RP1. Contudo, do ponto de vista espacial, houve significativa correlação inversa entre a PG e DS1. Portanto, no presente trabalho, dentre os atributos estudados, a DS, avaliada na camada de 0-0,10 m, apresentou-se como o melhor indicador da qualidade física de um Latossolo de Selvíria, quando destinado à produtividade de grãos de feijão.

Variação Genética e ganho esperado na seleção de progênies de Pinus caribaea var. caribaea em Selvíria, MS

The present research has proposed to estimate the genetic variation of growth traits and to estimate the expected gain by multi-effect index (MEI), in order to transform a Pinus caribaea var. caribaea progeny trial into a seedling seed orchard. The progeny trial was set up in 1989, in Selviria, MS, Brazil, using a 10 x 10 triple lattice design, with 99 progenies and a commercial control, with linear plots of ten plants, by the 3 x 3 m spacing between plants and rows. Total plant height, diameter at breast height (Dbh), wood volume, stem form, wood density at breast height, and survival were the evaluated quantitative traits. The trial was measured through 14, 15, and 16 years old. The 50% intensity of thinning at 14.3 years old was done. No significant was the genetic variation of different traits. Heritability estimates have presented low magnitude with low variation by the different ages. The application of MEI to DBH, at two years after thinning, resulted in higher gains than the selection of within and among progenies. The best selection strategy to obtain higher gains and to keep genetic diversity is to select until five plants per progenies.

Tratamento médico e fonoaudiológico da disfonia espasmódica: uma revisão bibliográfica

A disfonia espasmódica (DE) é um distúrbio vocal caracterizado por voz tensa-estrangulada, com quebras de sonoridade e que compromete a comunicação do indivíduo. O objetivo deste estudo é apresentar uma revisão bibliográfica dos tratamentos médico e fonoaudiológico proposto para a DE no período entre 2006 e 2010. Os tratamentos descritos foram: injeção de toxina botulínica (TB), miectomia, neurectomia, denervação e reinervação laríngea seletiva adutora, tireoplastia, miotermia tiroaritenóidea com radiofrequência, injeção de lidocaína, homeopatia e tratamento fonoaudiológico (fonoterapia). O uso de injeção de TB mostrou resultados que indicaram a satisfação dos pacientes tratados, embora alguns dos artigos apontassem a necessidade de reaplicação da toxina frequentemente, como desvantagem. Os procedimentos cirúrgicos foram considerados duradouros e indicados para os pacientes que não quiseram se submeter às aplicações de TB. Tais estudos, no entanto, apresentaram contingência de pacientes restrita e os resultados foram baseados, na maioria das investigações, no julgamento dos próprios pacientes sobre a sua qualidade vocal. Os tratamentos, com uso de lidocaína e homeopatia, mostraram resultados positivos em relação à qualidade vocal dos pacientes e foram sugeridos como uma opção, também, para aqueles que não gostariam de ser submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico ou à aplicação de TB. Os poucos estudos que reportam fonoterapia assinalaram bons resultados quando a mesma foi associada à injeção de TB, mostrando a escassez de informações nesta área. Futuras pesquisas envolvendo a fonoterapia no tratamento da DE são necessárias.

Ambulatory surgery in proctology: retrospective analysis of 1 031 cases

Introduction: The number of ambulatory surgeries accomplished in hospitals, as in private clinics, grows each day, with this increase having been observed principally in the last two decades. In many countries, such as France, ambulatory surgeries have predominated in relation to those in hospitals. Objective: To evaluate retrospectively 1 031 cases of patients operated on in the Ambulatory Surgery Service of CH. in the School of Medicine at Botucatu. Material and method: Retrospectively, 1 031 clinical cases of orificial pathologies operated on in the service were studied, analyzing the distribution by age group, sex, pathologies and postoperative complications. Result: We note predominance of patients aged less than 45 years (56.6%), discrete prevalence of males (51.2%), with hemorrhoidal disease (60%) being the principal affliction, with pain and bleeding being the most frequent complications (3.2%). Conclusions: The results obtained demonstrate that ambulatory procedures in proctology can be accomplished in a safe and systematic manner at low cost with advantages and fewer complications in relation to procedures completed in a hospitalization regime.