Genome Sequence of Exiguobacterium antarcticum B7, Isolated from a Biofilm in Ginger Lake, King George Island, Antarctica

Exiguobacterium antarcticum is a psychotropic bacterium isolated for the first time from microbial mats of Lake Fryxell in Antarctica. Many organisms of the genus Exiguobacterium are extremophiles and have properties of biotechnological interest, e. g., the capacity to adapt to cold, which make this genus a target for discovering new enzymes, such as lipases and proteases, in addition to improving our understanding of the mechanisms of adaptation and survival at low temperatures. This study presents the genome of E. antarcticum B7, isolated from a biofilm sample of Ginger Lake on King George Island, Antarctic peninsula.

Predicted preoperative maximal static respiratory pressures in adult cardiac surgeries: evaluation of two formulas

Objectives: Cardiac surgery (CC) determines systemic and pulmonary changes that require special care. What motivated several studies conducted in healthy subjects to assess muscle strength were the awareness of the importance of respiratory muscle dysfunction in the development of respiratory failure. These studies used maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) values. This study examined the concordance between the values predicted by the equations proposed by Black & Hyatt and Neder, and the measured values in cardiac surgery (CS) patients. Methods: Data were collected from preoperative evaluation forms. The Lin coefficient and Bland-Altman plots were used for statistical concordance analysis. The multiple linear regression and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to produce new formulas. Results: There were weak correlations of 0.22 and 0.19 in the MIP analysis and of 0.10 and 0.32 in the MEP analysis, for the formulas of Black & Hyatt and Neder, respectively. The ANOVA for both MIP and MEP were significant (P <0.0001), and the following formulas were developed: MIP = 88.82 - (0.51 x age) + (19.86 x gender), and MEP = 91.36 -(030 x age) + (29.92 x gender). Conclusions: The Black and Hyatt and Neder formulas predict highly discrepant values of MIP and MEP and should not be used to identify muscle weakness in CS patients.

Solvent Effect in Reactions Using Stryker's Reagent

The solvent has a significant influence in the rate of reactions promoted by Stryker's reagent The reactions performed in THF were, in most cases, faster than in toluene.

On the temperature stability of extracellular hemoglobin of Glossoscolex paulistus, at different oxidation states: SAXS and DLS studies

Glossoscolex paulistus hemoglobin (HbGp) was studied by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). DLS melting curves were measured for met-HbGp at different concentrations. SAXS temperature studies were performed for oxy-, cyanomet- and met-HbGp forms, at several pH values. At pH 5.0 and 6.0, the scattering curves are identical from 20 to 60 degrees C, and R-g is 108 angstrom, independent of the oxidation form. At pH 7.0, protein denaturation and aggregation occurs above 55 degrees C and 60 degrees C, for oxy and met-HbGp, respectively. Cyanomet-HbGp, at pH 7.0, is stable up to 60 degrees C. At alkaline pH (8.0-9.0) and higher temperature, an irreversible dissociation process is observed, with a decrease of R-g, D-max and I(0). Analysis by p(r), obtained from GNOM, and OLIGOMER, was used to fit the SAXS experimental scattering curves by a combination of theoretical curves obtained for HbLt fragments from the crystal structure. Our results show clearly the increasing contribution of smaller molecular weight fragments, as a function of increasing pH and temperature, as well as, the order of thermal stabilities: cyanomet-> oxy- > met-HbGp. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of the genetic diversity of Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum isolates from north-eastern Brazil

Since the beginning of the HIV epidemic, there has been a significant increase in the number of histoplasmosis cases in Ceara, a state in north-east Brazil. The lack of epidemiological data on the genotypes circulating in the north-east region shows the importance of more detailed studies on the molecular epidemiology of Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum in this region. Different molecular techniques have been used to better characterize the genetic profile of H. capsulatum var. capsulatum strains. The aim of this study was to analyse the genetic diversity of H. capsulatum var. capsulatum isolates in Fortaleza, the capital of Ceara, through the sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS)1-5.8S-ITS2 region, and establish the molecular profile of these isolates, along with strains from south-east Brazil, by RAPD analysis, featuring the different clusters in those regions. The isolates were grouped into two clusters. Cluster 1 included strains from the south-east and north-east regions with separation of isolates into three distinct subgroups (subgroups 1a, 1 b and 1 c). Cluster 2 included only samples from north-east Brazil. Sequencing of the ITS1 -5.8S-ITS2 region allowed the detection of two major clades, which showed geographical correlation between them and their subgroups. Therefore, it can be concluded that the H. capsulatum var. capsulatum isolates from Ceara have a high degree of genetic polymorphism. The molecular data also confirm that populations of this fungus are composed of different genotypes in Brazil and worldwide.

Structural Investigation of Anti-Trypanosoma cruzi 2-Iminothiazolidin-4-ones Allows the Identification of Agents with Efficacy in Infected Mice

We modified the thiazolidinic ring at positions N3, C4, and C5, yielding compounds 6-24. Compounds with a phenyl at position N3, 15-19, 22-24, exhibited better inhibitory properties for cruzain and against the parasite than 2-iminothiazolidin-4-one S. We were able to identify one high-efficacy trypanocidal compound, 2-minothiazolidin-4-one 18, which inhibited the activity of cruzain and the proliferation of epirnastigotes and was cidal for trypomastigotes but was not toxic for splenocytes. Having located some of the structural determinants of the trypanocidal properties, we subsequently wished to determine if the exchange of the thiazolidine for a thiazole ring leaves the functional properties unaffected. We therefore tested thiazoles 26-45 and observed that they did not inhibit cruzain, but they exhibited trypanocidal effects. Parasite development was severely impaired when treated with 18, thus reinforcing the notion that this class of heterocycles can lead to useful cidal agents for Chagas disease.

Fauna e Flora do Brasil (especialmente do Mato Grosso) segundo Joseph Barbosa de Sáa (1769): (Dialogos geograficos, coronologicos, polliticos, e naturais, escripos [sic] por Joseph Barbosa de Sáa nesta Villa Reyal do Senhor Bom Jesus do Cuyaba – Manuscrito 235 da Biblioteca Pública do Porto)

Joseph Barbosa de Sáa (? – 1775), mais conhecido por seus escritos sobre a história do estado do Mato Grosso, Brasil, completou em 1769 um volumoso (408 fólios) e erudito manuscrito, intitulado “Dialogos geograficos, coronologicos, polliticos e naturais”, que nunca foi publicado na íntegra. Esse manuscrito está depositado na Biblioteca Pública do Porto (manuscrito no. 235), em Portugal. Dez capítulos desse manuscrito tratam dos produtos naturais do Brasil (acima de mil, quase a metade sendo animais), observados por Sáa ao longo da costa do Rio de Janeiro, em São Paulo, sul de Goiás e especialmente no Mato Grosso, sendo a primeira monografia sobre a história natural deste último estado. Esses capítulos são aqui transcritos e comentados.

Desfechos intra-hospitalares e preditores de mortalidade no infarto agudo do miocárdio com choque cardiogênico tratados por angioplastia primária: dados do registro InCor

INTRODUÇÃO: O choque cardiogênico é a maior causa de morte em pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento de ST (IAMCSST). O presente estudo avaliou pacientes com IAMCSST e choque cardiogênico submetidos a intervenção coronária percutânea primária com o objetivo de estabelecer seu perfil e os preditores de mortalidade hospitalar. MÉTODOS: Registro unicêntrico, incluindo 100 pacientes avaliados no período de 2001 a 2009 quanto a características clínicas, angiográficas e do procedimento, e a desfechos intra-hospitalares. Por análise multivariada foram determinados preditores independentes da mortalidade hospitalar. RESULTADOS: Com relação às características clínicas, foi observada alta prevalência de fatores de risco, sendo a taxa de sucesso angiográfico de 92%, apesar da complexidade das lesões (83,1% do tipo B2/C). A artéria mais acometida foi a descendente anterior (45%), tendo o padrão multiarterial ocorrido em 73% dos casos. A taxa de mortalidade foi de 45%, sendo seus preditores independentes o padrão multiarterial [odds ratio (OR) 2,62; intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC 95%) 1,16-5,90] e o fluxo coronário TIMI < 3 ao final do procedimento (OR 2,11, IC 95% 1,48-3,02). CONCLUSÕES: Os pacientes com IAMCSST complicado por choque cardiogênico apresentaram características clínicas e angiográficas de alto risco e, apesar do alto sucesso angiográfico do procedimento, altas taxas de mortalidade. Foram preditores independentes de mortalidade o padrão multiarterial e fluxo TIMI < 3 ao final do procedimento.

Follow-up Study of Unknowingly Pregnant Women Vaccinated Against Rubella in Brazil, 2001–2002

Background. Brazil conducted mass immunization of women of childbearing age in 2001 and 2002. Surveillance was initiated for vaccination of women during pregnancy to monitor the effects of rubella vaccination on fetal outcomes. Methods. Women vaccinated while pregnant or prior to conception were reported to the surveillance system. Susceptibility to rubella infection was determined by anti-rubella immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG immunoassays. Susceptible women were observed through delivery. Live-born infants were tested for anti-rubella IgM antibody; IgM-seropositive newborns were tested for viral shedding and observed for 12 months for signs of congenital rubella syndrome. Incidence of congenital rubella infection was calculated using data from 7 states. Results. A total of 22 708 cases of rubella vaccination during pregnancy or prior to conception were reported nationwide, 20 536 (90%) of which were from 7 of 27 states in Brazil. Of these, 2332 women were susceptible to rubella infection at vaccination. Sixty-seven (4.1%) of 1647 newborns had rubella IgM antibody (incidence rate, 4.1 congenital infections per 100 susceptible women vaccinated during pregnancy [95% confidence interval, 3.2–5.1]). None of the infants infected with rubella vaccine virus was born with congenital rubella syndrome. Conclusions. As rubella elimination goals are adopted worldwide, evidence of rubella vaccine safety aids in planning and implementation of mass adult immunization.

Proposta di traduzione commentata dei racconti per bambini "O Troca-Tintas" e "O Céu Está A Cair" della scrittrice portoghese Luísa Ducla Soares

L’obiettivo del presente elaborato è quello di fornire una proposta di traduzione dei racconti "O Troca-Tintas" e "O Céu Está A Cair" della scrittrice portoghese Luísa Ducla Soares, pubblicati all’interno della raccolta di storie per l’infanzia "Contos para Rir", dalla casa editrice Civilização Editora nel 2004. Nel secondo capitolo sarà illustrata la biografia dell’autrice. Il terzo capitolo sarà dedicato alla raccolta "Contos para Rir" e alla trama dei racconti. Il capitolo 4 conterrà la proposta di traduzione dei racconti "O Troca-Tintas" e "O Céu Está A Cair" in lingua italiana. Nei capitoli successivi sarà presente un approfondito commento alla traduzione, all’interno del quale saranno evidenziati i principali problemi riscontrati durante la traduzione e le strategie traduttive adottate. Saranno quindi illustrate le scelte traduttive di rilievo per la resa italiana, quali ad esempio la traduzione di espressioni idiomatiche, rime, diminutivi ed onomatopee, mettendo in luce le caratteristiche e gli elementi tipici dei racconti per l’infanzia. Dal momento che la raccolta "Contos para Rir" è un libro consigliato dal Plano Nacional de Leitura, l’intero capitolo 7 sarà dedicato all’analisi di questo progetto nei suoi principi fondanti, obiettivi ed iniziative. Infine, gli ultimi capitoli saranno dedicati alle conclusioni e alla bibliografia e sitografia consultate.

Lucas Soares. Anaximandro y la tragedia. La proyección de su filosofía en la Antígona de Sófocles. Buenos Aires, Biblos, 2002, 157 pp.

Fil: Guevara de Álvarez, María Estela.