Produção in vitro de embriões de ovinos: uma visão crítica do método e de seu resultado a campo

A metodologia de produção in vitro de embriões de ovinos implica no desenvolvimento de meios de maturação, fertilização e cultivo que permitam aumentar a taxa de clivagem e desenvolvimento, tanto para o investimento biotecnológico em programas comerciais, quanto para sua utilização em clonagem e transgenia dessa espécie animal. Do ponto de vista da pesquisa, os ovócitos podem ser obtidos pelas técnicas de punção e slicing a partir de ovários oriundos de matadouros, ou através de aspiração folicular por laparoscopia. Como vantagem, este método permite o uso de uma mesma doadora estimulada hormonialmente em intervalos periódicos, mantida sob rigoroso controle sanitário, o que é de vital importância para a produção de biofármacos em programas que utilisem os ovinos como modelo biológico. Por outro lado, em nosso país a demanda pela multiplicação de animais de alto valor genético, seja pela produtividade ou pelo elevado valor comercial dos mesmos, impõe o desenvolvimento, adaptação e otimização das diferentes metodologias desenvolvidas ao longo dos ultimos anos em laboratórios de referência mundiais. Nesse contexto, cresce de importância o perfeito conhecimento da fisiologia dessa espécie e das raças criadas em nosso país, e da problemática da produção in vitro de seus embriões. Respeitando essas premissas, gerar o desenvolvimento de protocolos que permitam não apenas aumentar a população de ovócitos passíveis de maturação in vitro, mas de sua competência ao desenvolvimento ao estágio de blastocisto, ou, alternativamente, sua transferência a receptoras em estágios precoces do desenvolvimento, evitando assim as conhecidas perdas durante o desenvolvimento in vitro, e o baixo percentual de gestações que chegam a termo, com cordeiro saudáveis. Trata-se de um desafio, que já apresenta os primeiros resultados em nosso país, tanto na produção comercial de embriões produzidos in vitro, quanto em programas de clonagem e transgenia.

Menopausal status: a possible predictive factor for recurrence in women with cancer of the uterine cervix without pelvic lymph node metastasis

Abstract Objectives to evaluate risk factors for recurrence of carcinoma of the uterine cervix among women who had undergone radical hysterectomy without pelvic lymph node metastasis, while taking into consideration not only the classical histopathological factors but also sociodemographic, clinical and treatment-related factors. Study desin This was an exploratory analysis on 233 women with carcinoma of the uterine cervix (stages IB and IIA) who were treated by means of radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy, with free surgical margins and without lymph node metastases on conventional histopathological examination. Women with histologically normal lymph nodes but with micrometastases in the immunohistochemical analysis (AE1/AE3) were excluded. Disease-free survival for sociodemographic, clinical and histopathological variables was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify the independent risk factors for recurrence. Twenty-seven recurrences were recorded (11.6%), of which 18 were pelvic, four were distant, four were pelvic + distant and one was of unknown location. The five-year disease-free survival rate among the study population was 88.4%. The independent risk factors for recurrence in the multivariate analysis were: postmenopausal status (HR 14.1; 95% CI: 3.7-53.6; P < 0.001), absence of or slight inflammatory reaction (HR 7.9; 95% CI: 1.7-36.5; P = 0.008) and invasion of the deepest third of the cervix (HR 6.1; 95% CI: 1.3-29.1; P = 0.021). Postoperative radiotherapy was identified as a protective factor against recurrence (HR 0.02; 95% CI: 0.001-0.25; P = 0.003). (To continue) Postmenopausal status is a possible independent risk factor for recurrence even when adjusted for classical prognostic factors (such as tumour size, depth of tumour invasion, capillary embolisation) and treatment-related factors (period of treatment and postoperative radiotherapy status)

Population-based multicentric survey of hepatitis B infection and risk factor differences among three regions in Brazil

This multicentric population-based study in Brazil is the first national effort to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV) and risk factors in the capital cities of the Northeast, Central-West, and Federal Districts (2004-2005). Random multistage cluster sampling was used to select persons 13-69 years of age. Markers for HBV were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The HBV genotypes were determined by sequencing hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Multivariate analyses and simple catalytic model were performed. Overall, 7,881 persons were included; < 70 per cent were not vaccinated. Positivity for HBsAg was less than 1 per cent among non-vaccinated persons and genotypes A, D, and F co-circulated. The incidence of infection increased with age with similar force of infection in all regions. Males and persons having initiated sexual activity were associated with HBV infection in the two settings; healthcare jobs and prior hospitalization were risk factors in the Federal District. Our survey classified these regions as areas with HBV endemicity and highlighted the risk factors differences among the settings

Protein-energy malnutrition alters the C3 complement factor in response to lipopolysaccharide in a murine model

A desnutrição proteico-energética modifica a resistência à infecção, modificando diversos processos fisiológicos, incluindo a hematopoiese e as funções imunológicas. Neste estudo, avaliamos as concentrações séricas do fator C3 e do Sistema Complemento total (CH50) em um modelo no qual camundongos submetidos à desnutrição proteico-energética são estimulados com lipopolissacarídeo (LPS), e avaliamos a celularidade periférica, medular e esplênica. Camundongos Swiss, machos, adultos, com dois meses de idade foram submetidos ao processo de desnutrição proteica com uma dieta contendo 4% de proteína em comparação aos animais controles com uma dieta contendo 20% de proteína. Quando os animais do grupo desnutrido alcançaram aproximadamente 20% de perda de peso, em relação ao inicial, foram inoculados endovenosamente com LPS. As células do sangue, da medula óssea e do baço foram quantificadas, bem como as concentrações circulantes de C3 e CH50 em animais estimulados com LPS. Os animais desnutridos apresentaram anemia e leucopenia, além de redução significativa da celularidade da medula óssea e do baço. Os animais desnutridos apresentaram menor taxa de sobrevivência, bem como das concentrações do fator C3 do complemento e do complemento total em relação aos animais controles. Estes resultados sugerem que animais desnutridos apresentam uma resposta deficiente aos LPS. A síntese menor do complemento pode ser em parte responsável pela imunodeficiência observada. Estes resultados conduzem-nos a inferir que a desnutrição proteico-energética interfere na ativação da resposta imune

Avaliação ambiental e econômica da produção de madeira da espécie nativa em dois municípios na Amazônia Brasileira

Na Amazônia brasileira, a exploração das florestas tem se dado com imensos danos ambientais e desperdício de recursos. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a cadeia produtiva da madeira de espécie nativa em dois municípios do estado do Pará, Paragominas e Novo Progresso, mediante pesquisa bibliográfica e documental. Os dois municípios são polos madeireiros expressivos para realização do trabalho de campo: um de exploração mais antiga e outro mais recente. Foram entrevistados representantes de empresas de diferentes tamanhos com enfoque na cadeia produtiva da madeira (extração, processamento primário e beneficiamento). Nos dois municípios de forma geral, o parque industrial encontrado é antigo e com tecnologia defasada. Conclui-se que uma política de agregação de valor aos recursos naturais deveria incluir investimentos relevantes em capacitação, treinamento e tecnologia. A cadeia de base florestal pode desempenhar um papel importante na manutenção da floresta em pé, na geração de empregos e nas exportações da região

Análise da produção acadêmica em vigilância sanitária de alimentos, 1993-2007

O objetivo do estudo foi analisar os temas relacionados à área de vigilância sanitária de alimentos abordados em pesquisas científicas de cursos de pós-graduação, com potencial de aplicação no serviço. O total de 337 teses e dissertações apresentadas à Universidade de São Paulo entre os anos de 1993 e 2007 foi analisado. Os resultados mostraram que as pesquisas desenvolvidas nas universidades têm potencial para aplicação em vigilância sanitária, sobretudo no sentido de orientar os profissionais da área em práticas atualizadas

Tendências da produção científica em odontologia no Brasil

Objetivo. Descrever a tendência da produção científica odontológica no Brasil, destacando-se a área de saúde bucal coletiva, nos primeiros anos do século XXI. Métodos. Os resumos de trabalhos apresentados nas reuniões da Sociedade Brasileira de Pesquisa Odontológica (SBPqO) de 2001 a 2006 foram avaliados em termos do seu desenho metodológico (estudo agregado ou individuado; estudo observacional ou de intervenção ; estudo transversal ou longitudinal), natureza geral (revisões bibliográficas, estudos com seres humanos ou pesquisas laboratoriais) e enquadramento em uma das 19 especialidades reconhecidas pelo Conselho Federal de Odontologia (CFO). Dos 10406 trabalhos apresentados nesse período, foram lidos 5203 (50,0% do total). Resultados. Quanto ao desenho metodológico, 87,5% dos resumos eram do tipo operativo individuado e 12,5% do tipo agregado. Na classificação da natureza geral da pesquisa, 41,7% dos resumos tratavam de estudos com seres humanos. Os resumos restantes ( 58,3%) tratavam de pesquisas laboratorais in vitro (31,1%), pesquisas laboratoriais in vivo (23,6%) e revisões bibliográficas (3,6%). Com relação às áreas de conhecimento do CFO, apenas cinco atingiram percentuais de ocorrência superiores a 10,0%: dentística, periodontia, endodontia, odontopediatria e saúde coletiva. Conclusões. A produção científica odontológica brasileira no período de 2001 a 2006 foi equilibrada, com crescente interesse na área de saúde bucal coletiva

Avaliação tecnológica de painéis MDF de madeira de Eucalyptus grandis confeccionados em laboratório e em linha de produção industrial

MDF panels of Eucalyptus grandis wood fibers were made in either experimentally in a laboratory or on an industrial production line. In order to analyze the influence of the production condition, the anatomical, physical and mechanical properties of the panels were determined. The wood refining induced the transversal rupture of the transversal fiber wall. The MDF panels obtained from the industrial production line presented less swelling in thickness and absorption values and improved mechanical properties in the requirements of bending strength, module of elasticity and surface resistance. For laboratory MDF panels, it was possible to verify a statistically significant correlation between bending strength and module of elasticity, medium density and internal bond and swelling in thickness and absorption. This tendency was also true for the MDF panels obtained in real conditions of production, however without statistical significance. By comparing the quality properties of MDF panels produced in the laboratory with those obtained in real conditions of production, it was sought to standardize the established variables for obtaining panels on a small scale, as well to make possible the safe transfer and divulgation of information obtained in the laboratory.

Produção de óleo essencial e balanço nutricional em Corymbia citriodora adubado com lodo de esgoto em diferentes espaçamentos

The Corymbia citriodora is one of the most cultivated species in Brazil for wood and essential oil production. The oil is obtained by the leaves distillation and the yield is around 2%. For the sustainability of leaves extraction is necessary a good nutritional replacement, because the leaves contain a large quantity of nutrients. The sewage sludge application in Corymbia plantations is a way to apply organic fertilizer and is also a good alternative for the final disposal of this residue. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the sewage sludge use as fertilizer for the essential oil production in two different Spacing. The experiment was constituted by 4 blocks and the treatments were: i) Close spacing (1m x 1m) with sewage sludge + K and B; ii) Close spacing with mineral fertilization: iii) Regular spacing (3m x 1m) with sewage sludge + K and B; and iv) Regular spacing with mineral fertilization. When the C. citriodora plots were 12, 18, 24 and 30 months old, leaves and branches biomass and also essential oil production were quantified. It was observed that the system of close planting totalized a higher biomass, 3.8 times more than the conventional system, providing 3 times more essential oil production (363 l ha(-1) at the close spacing and 116 l ha(-1) at the regular Spacing during 30 months). No difference was found in the leaves or oil production with the use of sewage sludge or mineral fertilizer any of spacing studied The use of sewage sludge as fertilizer for Corymbia citriodora plantations may be an interesting alternative. because it supplies large quantities of nutrients and ensures a positive budget of nutrients in the ecosystem.

Gestão do Conhecimento: a produção científica em períodos brasileiros entre 1997 e 2006

This study analyzes how the subject ""Knowledge Management"" (KM) has been published by authors of the Information Science (IS) and Administration (ADM). The research identifies the most productive periodicals, the most prolific institutions and authors in each area, as well as the results obtained. This is a study that presents the mapping of the Brazilian scientific production on KM, in national periodicals level A from CAPES, in the IS and ADM areas. The study is divided into three periods: 1997-2006, 1997-2001 and 2002-2006. The theoretical foundation is based on Nonaka and Takeuchi, Davenport and Prusak, Davenport and Cronin. Seventy-six articles are analyzed, forty in the IS area and thirty-six in the ADM area. The results indicate that the IS has published much more on the subject KM than the ADM. Although the chart presented is not exhaustive, it represents an important sample of the Brazilian scientific production on KM, from 1997-2006.

Epidermal growth factor in liposomes may enhance osteoclast recruitment during tooth movement in rats

Objective: To evaluate the effects of local administration of epidermal growth factor (EGF) located within liposomes on recruitment of osteoclasts during mechanical force in rats. Materials and Methods: An orthodontic elastic band was inserted between the left upper first and second molars, to move mesially the first molar. Rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 8): EGF (2 ng/mu L) located within liposomes (group 1), liposomes only (group 2), soluble EGF (2 ng/mu L; group 3), or vehicle alone (group 4). The solutions were injected into the region of the root furcation of the left first molar after elastic band insertion. Tooth movement was measured using a plaster model of the maxilla, and the number of osteoclasts recruited at the pressure side of the first molar was histologically evaluated. Results: Intergroup analysis showed that there was no significant difference between group 2 and group 4 (P >.05) and between group 1 and group 3 (P >.05). However, group 1 and group 3 exhibited greater differences in tooth movement than group 2 and group 4 (P <.05). On the other hand, group 1 showed greater tooth movement than groups 2 and 4 with statistical significance (P <.01). The increase in the number of osteoclasts in group 1 was significantly higher than in the other groups (P <.05). Conclusion: Exogenous EGF-liposome administration has an additive effect when compared with soluble EGF on the rate of osteoclast recruitment, producing faster bone resorption and tooth movement.

A produção social do conhecimento na sociedade da informação

This work is an approach to some problems and challenges to a contemporary social construction of knowledge from some paradoxes generated around the concepts of knowledge, information, culture and information society. The article proposes to think over problems about a common sense concept which is that the technologies would automatically release the man from repetitive work and would allow the access to information and knowledge. In this sense, it points out to the importance of cultural mediation and information activities in the field of Information Science.

Factor (NF) kappa B polymorphism is associated with heart function in patients with heart failure

Background: Cardiac remodeling is generally an adverse sign and is associated with heart failure (HF) progression. NFkB, an important transcription factor involved in many cell survival pathways, has been implicated in the remodeling process, but its role in the heart is still controversial. Recently, a promoter polymorphism associated with a lesser activation of the NFKB1 gene was also associated with Dilated Cardiomyopathy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of this polymorphism with clinical and functional characteristics of heart failure patients of different etiologies. Methods: A total of 493 patients with HF and 916 individuals from a cohort of individuals from the general population were investigated. The NFKB1-94 insertion/deletion ATTG polymorphism was genotyped by High Resolution Melt discrimination. Allele and genotype frequencies were compared between groups. In addition, frequencies or mean values of different phenotypes associated with cardiovascular disease were compared between genotype groups. Finally, patients were prospectively followed-up for death incidence and genotypes for the polymorphism were compared regarding disease onset and mortality incidence in HF patients. Results: We did not find differences in genotype and allelic frequencies between cases and controls. Interestingly, we found an association between the ATTG(1)/ATTG(1) genotype with right ventricle diameter (P = 0.001), left ventricle diastolic diameter (P = 0.04), and ejection fraction (EF) (P = 0.016), being the genotype ATTG(1)/ATTG(1) more frequent in patients with EF lower than 50% (P = 0.01). Finally, we observed a significantly earlier disease onset in ATTG(1)/ATTG(1) carriers. Conclusion: There is no genotype or allelic association between the studied polymorphism and the occurrence of HF in the tested population. However, our data suggest that a diminished activation of NFKB1, previously associated with the ATTG(1)/ATTG(1) genotype, may act modulating on the onset of disease and, once the individual has HF, the genotype may modulate disease severity by increasing cardiac remodeling and function deterioration.

Endometrial claudin-4 and leukemia inhibitory factor are associated with assisted reproduction outcome

Background: Claudin-4 (CLDN4) is one of several proteins that act as molecular mediators of embryo implantation. Recently, we examined immunolabeling of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in the endometrial tissue of 52 IVF patients, and found that LIF staining intensity was strongly correlated with successful pregnancy initiation. In the same set of patients, we have now examined endometrial CLDN4 expression, to see how expression intensity may vary with LIF. We examined CLDN4 in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, immediately preceding IVF treatment. Our aim was to compare expression of LIF and CLDN4 in the luteal phase, and document these patterns as putative biomarkers for pregnancy. Methods: Endometrial tissue was collected from women undergoing IVF. Endometrial biopsies were obtained during the luteal phase preceding IVF, and were then used for tissue microarray (TMA) immunolabeling of CLDN4. Previously published LIF expression data were then combined with CLDN4 expression data, to determine CLDN4/LIF expression patterns. Associations between successful pregnancy after IVF and combined CLDN4/LIF expression patterns were evaluated. Results: Four patterns of immunolabeling were observed in the endometrial samples: 16% showed weak CLDN4 and strong LIF (CLDN4(-)/LIF(+)); 20% showed strong CLDN4 and strong LIF (LIF(+)/CLDN4(+)); 28% showed strong CLDN4 and weak LIF (CLDN4(+)/LIF(-)); and 36% showed weak CLDN4 and weak LIF (CLDN4(-)/LIF(-)). Successful implantation after IVF was associated with CLDN4(-)/LIF(+)(p = 0.003). Patients showing this endometrial CLDN4(-)/LIF(+) immunolabeling were also 6 times more likely to achieve pregnancy than patients with endometrial CLDN4(+)/LIF(-) immunolabeling (p = 0.007). Conclusion: The combined immunolabeling expression of CLDN4(-)/LIF(+) in endometrial tissue is a potential biomarker for predicting successful pregnancy in IVF candidates.