Prevalence of inadequate nutrient intake in a group of adolescents using dietary reference intake- based methods

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a prevalência de ingestão inadequada de nutrientes em um grupo de adolescentes de São Bernardo do Campo-SP. Dados de consumo de energia e nutrientes foram obtidos por meio de recordatórios de 24 horas aplicados em 89 adolescentes. A prevalência de inadequação foi calculada utilizando o método EAR como ponto de corte, após ajuste pela variabilidade intrapessoal, utilizando o procedimento desenvolvido pela Iowa State University. As Referências de Ingestão Dietética (IDR) foram os valores de referência para ingestão. Para os nutrientes que não possuem EAR estabelecida, a distribuição do consumo foi comparada com a AI. As maiores prevalências de inadequação em ambos sexos foram observadas para o magnésio (99,3 por cento para o sexo masculino e 81,8 por cento para o feminino), zinco (44,0 por cento para o sexo masculino e 23,5 por cento para o feminino), vitamina C (57,2 por cento para o sexo masculino e 59,9 por cento para o feminino) e folato (34,8 por cento para o sexo feminino). A proporção de indivíduos com ingestão superior à AI foi insignificante (menor que 2,0 por cento) em ambos os sexos

The development of an immobilized enzyme reactor containing glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase from Trypanosoma cruzi: the effect of species' specific differences on the immobilization

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) plays an important role in the life cycle of the Trypanosoma cruzi, and an immobilized enzyme reactor (IMER) has been developed for use in the on-line screening for GAPDH inhibitors. An IMER containing human GAPDH has been previously reported; however, these conditions produced a T. cruzi GAPDH-IMER with poor activity and stability. The factors affecting the stability of the human and T. cruzi GAPDHs in the immobilization process and the influence of pH and buffer type on the stability and activity of the IMERs have been investigated. The resulting T. cruzi GAPDH-IMER was coupled to an analytical octyl column, which was used to achieve chromatographic separation of NAD+ from NADH. The production of NADH stimulated by D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate was used to investigate the activity and kinetic parameters of the immobilized T. cruzi GAPDH. The Michaelis-Menten constant (K-m) values determined for D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate and NAD(+) were K-m = 0.5 +/- 0.05 mM and 0.648 +/- 0.08 mM, respectively, which were consistent with the values obtained using the non-immobilized enzyme.

Novel Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis, Brazil

We report a clinical case of spotted fever group rickettsiosis acquired in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Definitive diagnosis was supported by seroconversion between acute-phase and convalescent-phase serum samples. Molecular analysis of skin samples indicated the agent was a novel spotted fever group strain closely related to Rickettsia africae, R. parked, and R. sibirica.

Effect of Nd:YAG Laser and Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride on Bovine and Human Enamel Submitted to Erosion/Abrasion or Erosion Only: An in Vitro Preliminary Study

Objective: The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate, using two different methodologies, the effectiveness of pulsed Nd:YAG laser irradiation associated with topical acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) for preventing enamel erosion and structure loss under regimes of erosion and abrasion or erosion only. Background Data: An increased incidence of noncarious lesions (erosion and abrasion) has been observed, consequently new preventative therapies have been proposed. Materials and Methods: Two different methodologies were performed. For the first, 100 bovine crowns were submitted to four different treatments (n = 25): no treatment (control), 4 min application of APF, Nd:YAG laser irradiation (1 W, 100 mJ, 10 Hz, 141.5 J/cm(2)), and Nd:YAG laser irradiation+4 min of APF. After the specimens were exposed to citric acid (2% w/v; 30 min), they were submitted to 5000 brushing cycles. Specimen mass was measured before and after the treatments. For the second methodology, 20 human crowns were embedded in acrylic resin and cut surfaces were exposed and polished. The specimens were divided into four groups (n = 10): no treatment (control), APF for 4 min, Nd:YAG laser irradiation (1 W, 100 mJ, 10 Hz, 125 J/cm(2)), and Nd:YAG laser irradiation+APF. The samples were then immersed in citric acid (2% w/v; 90 min). Vickers hardness was obtained before and after the treatments. Results: The Nd:YAG laser irradiation+APF (bovine and human enamel) was more effective and yielded statistically significant results for surface microhardness and enamel wear. Conclusion: Nd:YAG laser irradiation associated with APF reduced bovine enamel wear and human enamel softening when samples were submitted to a regime of erosion and abrasion or erosion only in vitro.

In Vivo Effects on the Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A(165) Messenger Ribonucleic Acid of an Infrared Diode Laser Associated or Not with a Visible Red Diode Laser

Objective: This study investigated and correlated the kinetic expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A(165) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) with the associated use or not of an infrared laser and a visible red laser during the wound healing in rats. Background Data: There is a lack of scientific evidence demonstrating the influence of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the expression of VEGF mRNA in vivo. Materials and Methods: Forty-five Wistar rats were randomly allocated to one of three groups: I (n = 5, nonoperated animals), II (n = 25, operated animals), and III (n = 25, animals operated and subjected to laser irradiation). A surgical wound was performed using a scalpel in the right side of the tongue of operated animals. In group III, two sessions of laser irradiation were performed, one right after the surgical procedure (infrared laser, 780 nm, 70mW, 35 J/cm(2)) and the other 48 h later (visible red laser, 660 nm, 40mW, 5J/cm(2)). Five animals each were sacrificed 1, 3, 5, and 7 days postoperatively in groups II and III, and samples of tongue tissue were obtained. The animals of group I were sacrificed on day 7. Total RNA was extracted using guanidine-isothiocyanate-phenol-chloroform method. The results of horizontal electrophoresis after reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction permitted the ratio of VEGF-A(165) mRNA and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase mRNA expression for groups I, II, and III to be assessed (two-way analysis of variance and Tukey test, p<0.05). Results: The expression of VEGF-A(165) mRNA in group II (0.770 +/- 0.098) was statistically greater than that observed in groups I (0.523 +/- 0.164) and III (0.504 +/- 0.069) in the first day after surgery (p<0.05). Significant differences between the groups were not observed in other time periods. Conclusion: LLLT influenced the expression of VEGF-A(165) mRNA during wound healing after a surgical procedure on the tongue of Wistar rats.

In Vitro Evaluation of Enamel Erosion After Nd:YAG Laser Irradiation and Fluoride Application

Objective: Previous investigations have demonstrated improved enamel demineralization resistance after laser irradiation. Due to the possibility of a synergistic effect between laser and fluoride, this study investigated the effect of fluoridated agents and Nd:YAG irradiation separately and in combination on enamel resistance to erosion. Methods: One hundred bovine enamel blocks were randomly divided into 10 groups: G1, untreated (control); G2, acidic phosphate fluoride (APF) (1.23% F) for 4 min; G3, fluoride varnish for 6 h (NaF, 2.26%); G4, 0.5 W Nd: YAG laser (250 mm pulse width, 10 Hz, 35 J/cm(2), with uniform velocity for 30 sec in each application); G5, 0.75 W Nd:YAG laser (52.5 J/cm(2)); G6, 1.0 W Nd:YAG laser (70 J/cm(2)); G7, APF + 0.75 W Nd:YAG laser; G8, 0.75 W Nd:YAG laser + APF; G9, fluoride varnish + 0.75 W Nd:YAG laser; and G10, 0.75 W Nd:YAG laser + fluoride varnish. During 10 d the erosive cycle was conducted by immersion of the blocks in Sprite light for 1 min, followed by immersion in artificial saliva for 59 min. This procedure was consecutively repeated four times per day. In each day, during the remaining 20 h, the blocks were maintained in artificial saliva. The wear was evaluated by profilometry (days 5 and 10). Data were tested by two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni's tests (p < 0.05). Results: The mean wear at days 5 and 10 was, respectively: G1, 1.83 and 2.67 mu m; G2, 1.04 and 2.60 mu m; G3, 1.03 and 2.48 mu m; G4, 1.13 and 2.47 mu m; G5, 1.07 and 2.44 mu m; G6, 1.0 and 2.35 mu m; G7, 0.75 and 2.27 mu m; G8, 0.80 and 2.12 mu m; G9, 0.76 and 2.47 mu m; and G10, 1.09 and 2.46 mu m. At day 5, all the experimental groups presented significant lesser wear when compared to control group. However, at 10 d, only G7 and G8 were still different from control. Conclusions: The association between APF application and laser irradiation seems to be an alternative preventive measure against dental erosion.

Searching for star formation outside galaxies: Multiwavelength analysis of the intragroup medium of Hickson Compact Group 100

We use multiwavelength data (H I, FUV, NUV, R) to search for evidence of star formation in the intragroup medium of the Hickson Compact Group 100. We find that young star-forming regions are located in the intergalactic H I clouds of the compact group which extend to over 130 kpc away from the main galaxies. A tidal dwarf galaxy (TDG) candidate is located in the densest region of the H I tail, 61 kpc from the brightest group member and its age is estimated to be only 3.3 Myr. Fifteen other intragroup H II regions and TDG candidates are detected in the Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) FUV image and within a field 10' x 10' encompassing the H I tail. They have ages <200 Myr, H I masses of 10(9.2-10.4) M(circle dot), 0.001

REVISITING THE FOSSIL GROUP CANDIDATES UGC 842 AND NGC 6034

We present a new insight on NGC 6034 and UGC 842, two groups of galaxies previously reported in the literature as being fossil groups. The study is based on optical photometry and spectroscopy obtained with the CTIO Blanco telescope and Sloan Digital Sky Survey archival data. We find that NGC 6034 is embedded in a large structure, dominated by three rich clusters and other small groups. Its first and next four ranked galaxies have magnitude differences in the r band and projected distances which violate the optical criteria to classify it as a fossil group. We confirm that the UGC 842 group is a fossil group, but with about half the velocity dispersion that is reported in previous works. The velocity distribution of its galaxies reveals the existence of two structures in its line of sight, one with sigma(nu) similar to 223 km s(-1) and another with sigma(nu) similar to 235 km s(-1), with a difference in velocity of similar to 820 km s(-1). The main structure is dominated by passive galaxies, while these represent similar to 60% of the second structure. The X-ray temperature for the intragroup medium of a group with such a velocity dispersion is expected to be kT similar to 0.5-1 keV, against the observed value of kT similar to 1.9 keV reported in the literature. This result makes UGC 842 a special case among fossil groups because (1) it represents more likely the interaction between two small groups, which warms the intragroup medium and/or (2) it could constitute evidence that member galaxies lost energy in the process of spiraling toward the group center, and decreased the velocity dispersion of the system. As far as we know, UGC 842 is the first low-mass fossil group studied in detail.

Taxonomic and Nomenclatural Changes in the Ocotea indecora Group (Lauraceae)

Following a recent revision of the Ocotea indecora (Schott) Meisn. ex Mez group (Lauraceae), some taxonomic and nomenclatural changes have been made. We present here the resulting synonyms, together with typifications, and one new combination. Seven new synonyms are proposed. The following seven names are lectotypified: Mespilodaphne indecora (Schott) Meisn. var. cannella Meisn.. M. indecora var. intermedia Meisn., M. indecora var. laxa Meisn., indecora var. stricta Meisn., O. complicata (Meisn.) Maz, O. elegans Mez, and O. fasciculata (Nees) Mez. Mespilodaphne leucophloea Nees & Mart, is transferred as O. leacophloea (Nees & Mart.) L. C. S. Assis & Mello-Silva.

Group I introns and associated homing endonuclease genes reveals a clinal structure for Porphyra spiralis var. amplifolia (Bangiales, Rhodophyta) along the Eastern coast of South America

Background: Group I introns are found in the nuclear small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rDNA) of some species of the genus Porphyra (Bangiales, Rhodophyta). Size polymorphisms in group I introns has been interpreted as the result of the degeneration of homing endonuclease genes (HEG) inserted in peripheral loops of intron paired elements. In this study, intron size polymorphisms were characterized for different Porphyra spiralis var. amplifolia (PSA) populations on the Southern Brazilian coast, and were used to infer genetic relationships and genetic structure of these PSA populations, in addition to cox2-3 and rbcL-S regions. Introns of different sizes were tested qualitatively for in vitro self-splicing. Results: Five intron size polymorphisms within 17 haplotypes were obtained from 80 individuals representing eight localities along the distribution of PSA in the Eastern coast of South America. In order to infer genetic structure and genetic relationships of PSA, these polymorphisms and haplotypes were used as markers for pairwise Fst analyses, Mantel's test and median joining network. The five cox2-3 haplotypes and the unique rbcL-S haplotype were used as markers for summary statistics, neutrality tests Tajima's D and Fu's Fs and for median joining network analyses. An event of demographic expansion from a population with low effective number, followed by a pattern of isolation by distance was obtained for PSA populations with the three analyses. In vitro experiments have shown that introns of different lengths were able to self-splice from pre-RNA transcripts. Conclusion: The findings indicated that degenerated HEGs are reminiscent of the presence of a full-length and functional HEG, once fixed for PSA populations. The cline of HEG degeneration determined the pattern of isolation by distance. Analyses with the other markers indicated an event of demographic expansion from a population with low effective number. The different degrees of degeneration of the HEG do not refrain intron self-splicing. To our knowledge, this was the first study to address intraspecific evolutionary history of a nuclear group I intron; to use nuclear, mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA for population level analyses of Porphyra; and intron size polymorphism as a marker for population genetics.

Systematic Revision of the granulatus Group of Urophonius Pocock, 1893 (Scorpiones, Bothriuridae), with Description of a New Species from Central Chile

A systematic revision of the granulatus group of the bothriurid scorpion genus Urophonius Pocock, 1893 is presented. Urophonius pizarroi, n. sp., a new species from central Chile, is described. Urophonius granulatus Pocock, 1898, Urophonius somuncura Acosta, 2003, and Urophonius tregualemuensis Cekalovic, 1981, are redescribed using modern standards. The adult males of U. somuncura and U. tregualemuensis are described for the first time. A distribution map and key to the species of the granulatus group are provided, along with a discussion of their phenology.

Purine nucleoside phosphorylase from Schistosoma mansoni in complex with ribose-1-phosphate

Schistosomes are blood flukes which cause schistosomiasis, a disease affecting approximately 200 million people worldwide. Along with several other important human parasites including trypanosomes and Plasmodium, schistosomes lack the de novo pathway for purine synthesis and depend exclusively on the salvage pathway for their purine requirements, making the latter an attractive target for drug development. Part of the pathway involves the conversion of inosine (or guanosine) into hypoxanthine (or guanine) together with ribose-1-phosphate (R1P) or vice versa. This inter-conversion is undertaken by the enzyme purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) which has been used as the basis for the development of novel anti-malarials, conceptually validating this approach. It has been suggested that, during the reverse reaction, R1P binding to the enzyme would occur only as a consequence of conformational changes induced by hypoxanthine, thus making a binary PNP-R1P complex unlikely. Contradictory to this statement, a crystal structure of just such a binary complex involving the Schistosoma mansoni enzyme has been successfully obtained. The ligand shows an intricate hydrogen-bonding network in the phosphate and ribose binding sites and adds a further chapter to our knowledge which could be of value in the future development of selective inhibitors.

Influence of temperature and excitation procedure on the athermal behavior of Nd(3+)-doped phosphate glass: Thermal lens, interferometric, and calorimetric measurements

In this work, thermal and optical properties of the commercial Q-98 neodymium-doped phosphate glass have been measured at low temperature, from 50 to 300 K. The time-resolved thermal lens spectrometry together with the optical interferometry and the thermal relaxation calorimetry methods were used to investigate the glass athermal characteristics described by the temperature coefficient of the optical path length change, ds/dT. The thermal diffusivity was also determined, and the temperature coefficients of electronic polarizability, linear thermal expansion, and refractive index were calculated and used to explain ds/dT behavior. ds/dT measured via thermal lens method was found to be zero at 225 K. The results provided a complete characterization of the thermo-optical properties of the Q-98 glass, which may be useful for those using this material for diode-pumped solid-state lasers. (C) 2009 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3234396]

Flat tori, lattices and bounds for commutative group codes

We show that commutative group spherical codes in R(n), as introduced by D. Slepian, are directly related to flat tori and quotients of lattices. As consequence of this view, we derive new results on the geometry of these codes and an upper bound for their cardinality in terms of minimum distance and the maximum center density of lattices and general spherical packings in the half dimension of the code. This bound is tight in the sense it can be arbitrarily approached in any dimension. Examples of this approach and a comparison of this bound with Union and Rankin bounds for general spherical codes is also presented.

Characterization and greenhouse evaluation of Brazilian calcined nonapatite phosphate rocks for rice

Little information is available on the agronomic effectiveness of calcined nonapatite phosphate rock (PR) sources containing crandallite minerals in the form of Ca-Fe-Al-P for flooded and upland rice (Oryza sativa L.). We conducted laboratory and greenhouse studies to (i) characterize the mineralogical composition, (ii) investigate the solubility and dissolution behavior, and (iii) evaluate the agronomic effectiveness of two nonapatite PR sources (Juquia and Sapucaia) from Brazil and compared them with (i) a highly reactive Gafsa PR (Tunisia) containing apatite in the form of Ca-P and (ii) a reference water-soluble triple superphosphate (TSP) for flooded and upland rice. After calcination at 500 degrees C for 4 h, the solubility of Juquia PR and Sapucaia PR in neutral ammonium citrate (NAC) significantly increased from almost nil to a maximum of 39.3 and 114 g P kg(-1), respectively. X-ray diffraction showed that crystalline crandallite mineral was transformed to an amophorus form after calcination. The solubility behavior of the two calcined PR sources followed the same trend as Gafsa PR, that is, P release decreased with increasing equilibrium pH in the 0.01 M KCl solution (PH 3.0-8.0). At PH 3, the solubility followed: Gafsa PR > calcined Sapucaia PR > calcined Juquia PR. No P release was detected from any of the PR sources at pH >= 5.0 in the solution, indicating the Ca-P characteristic of the Ca-Fe-Al-P mineral controlled P dissolution of the calcined PR. Without calcination, both Juquia PR and Sapucaia PR were totally ineffective for upland rice grown on a Hiwassee clay loam (fine, kaolinitic, thermic Rhodic Kanhapludult) with pH 5.4 whereas a significant P response was observed with the calcined PR samples. For flooded rice grown on Hiwassee soil, the calcined Juquia PR and Sapucaia PR were 66 and 72%, respectively, as effective as TSP in increasing rice grain yield whereas Gafsa PR was ineffective. For upland rice grown on the unlimed soil, Gafsa PR was as effective as TSP in increasing rice grain yield whereas calcined Juquia PR and Sapucaia PR were 89 and 83% of TSP. The effectiveness of Gafsa PR was reduced to 0% after the soil was limed to pH 7.0 whereas the two calcined PR sources were reduced to 49% of TSP. Soil available P extracted by iron oxide impregnated filter paper (Pi test) or anion-exchange resin after rice harvest correlated well with P uptake by rice grain for flooded and upland rice.