Genomic profile of a Li-Fraumeni-like syndrome patient with a 45,X/46,XX karyotype, presenting neither mutations in TP53 nor clinical stigmata of Turner syndrome

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

Changes in chemical profile of cephalic salivary glands of Scaptotrigona postica (Hymenoptera, Meliponini) workers are phase-related

Most advanced eusocial bees recruit their nestmates to food resources. Recently, studies in Meliponini species showed that the cephalic salivary (labial) glands (CSGs) are responsible for the production of scent-trail pheromones. Studies on CSGs have shown changes in glandular cell morphology since the worker emerges from brood combs (newly emerged) till forager phase, which may be correlated to changes in the composition of secretion produced. However, no study has been made till now regarding to the composition of CSGs secretion of Scaptotrigona postica and the chemical changes that occur in this secretion according to the worker's life phase or tasks performed. In this study, the chemical profile of CSG secretion in S. postica workers was studied. Glands were taken from specimens newly emerged (NE), working in the brood combs area (CA) and forager (FO) and were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results showed that glandular secretion consists of oxygenated compounds of middle volatility (acids, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters and ether), and their quantity varies among the different phases of life, increasing as the individual undergoes from intra- to extra-colonial activities. The NE phase contained the smallest variety and quantity of compounds. Due to the variability of compounds, the CA workers were separated into 3 groups according to the chemical constitution of their secretion. Forager workers showed the largest quantity and variety of chemical compounds. The major compounds in forager gland secretion are 7-hexadecen-1-yl acetate and 5-tetradecen-1-yl acetate. Statistical analysis indicates that the chemical composition of glandular secretion is task-related.

Changes in tri-methylation profile of lysines 4 and 27 of histone H3 in bovine blastocysts after cryopreservation

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

Mutagenicity profile of atmospheric particulate matter in a small urban center subjected to airborne emission from vehicle traffic and sugar cane burning

Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) is genotoxic and recently was classified as carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. PM chemical composition varies depending on source and atmospheric conditions. The Salmonella/microsome assay is the most used mutagenicity test and can identify the major chemical classes responsible for observed mutagenicity. The objective of this work was to characterize the mutagenicity of PM samples from a countryside city, Limeira, Brazil, which is influenced by heavy traffic and sugar cane biomass burning. Six samples of total PM were collected. Air mass backward trajectories were calculated. Organic extracts were assayed using the Salmonella/microsome microsuspension mutagenicity assay using TA98, YG1041, and TA1538, with and without metabolic activation (S9). YG1041 was the most sensitive strain and mutagenicity reached 9,700 revertants per m(3) without metabolic activation. Potency for TA1538 was higher than TA98, indicating that this strain should be considered in air mutagenicity studies. The increased response to YG1041 relative to TA98, and the decreased response with S9, suggests that nitroaromatics are the major contributors. Limeira is among the most mutagenic cities in the world. High mutagenicity in Limeira seems to occur when the air mass from the area of sugarcane production is mixed with air from the region impacted by anthropogenic activities such as traffic. An increase in the formation of nitro-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons may result from longer contact time between the aromatic compounds and the atmosphere with high NOx and ozone concentration, although more studies are required to confirm this hypothesis. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Epidemiological profile of hepatitis C virus infection in patients from west region of Minas Gerais State, Brazill

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Profile of the production engineer student at a school of engineering in Brazil: academic and professional trajectories and tendencies

The objective of this paper is to introduce a study on the academic trajectory and professional profile of production engineers who graduated in a traditional and renowned Brazilian University (School of Engineering at Bauru – FEB). The study was conducted with the first three classes of undergraduates in the production engineering program at FEB/UNESP. A 50% response rate was obtained and with the data collected it was possible to characterize the professional profile of the students and outline their academic trajectory. According to the sample, the main result is that the curricular grid is the main criterion of similarity in student education, thus, the focus on program improvements should focus on the curricular grid. Tendencies are also pointed out to guide the search for improvements in the academic trajectory of production engineering students.

Does the acute cerebellitis play a role in the neurocognitive profile of a child after its onset?

This study aimed to present the neuropsychological assessment of MC, a seven-year-old girl, who was diagnosed with acute viral cerebellitis. The protocol included cognitive tests, stress and mood scales, behavioral observation, and interviews with family and school. In the neuropsychological assessment, difficulties in crystallized skills, especially in language and numerical cognition domains, were observed. The results of the neuropsychological assessment were discussed to detail her neurocognitive profile and verify to what extent her impairment could be attributed to the acute viral cerebellitis.

Serum protein profile of hookworm infection in dogs

Hookworms are parasitic nematodes that cause anemia and intestinal infections in dogs, especially with large worm burdens. However, the serum protein profile of this parasitological disease is still poorly understood. The present study was design to evaluate 80 asymptomatic dogs (age; 8 months–2 years) to detect the presence of the hookworm thin-shelled, morulated eggs in faeces using faecal flotation and to evaluate the serum protein fractions determined by means of sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Forty dogs had an elevated quantity of eggs in faeces (+++) (PD) and 40 dogs were healthy (HD). Infected dogs showed significant increases for IgG estimated concentrations (PD 1.79±0.8 g/dL and HD 1.44±0.72 g/dL, p= 0.04), for ceruloplasmin estimated concentrations (PD 19±15 mg/dL and HD 5±3.5 mg/dL, p=0.0001), for alpha 1-acid glycoprotein estimated concentrations (PD 31.4±17.9 mg/dL and HD 13.5±12.1 mg/dL, p=0.0001) and for a non-identified protein of 23 kDa estimated concentrations (PD 641.5±194.9 mg/dL and HD 519.8± 197.9 mg/dL, p=0.007). Dogs with hookworm infection showed significant differences in the serum protein profile when compared to healthy animals.

Socioeconomic, financial and production infrastructure profile of farmers in rural settlements in the western region of the state of São Paulo, Brazil

Family agriculture, mostly represented by rural settlements especially in the state of São Paulo, makes up rural establishments in Brazil. Current investigation collects, analyzes and compares data on farmers on two rural settlements in the western region of the state of São Paulo, specifically in the municipality of Rancharia, with regard to their socioeconomic, financial and productive infrastructure profile, coupled to information on eventual restrictions to rural credit, by an analysis based on descriptive statistics. Results show that there are different factors between farmers and production systems, which cause loan restrictions due to such differences as age, agricultural and cattle-breeding activity, technical assistance and management. The valorization of these differences should be taken into account for the construction of new events, without extremes, and work for situations featuring demand-based development and characteristics of the locality

Effect of the inclusion of fish residue oils in diets on the fatty acid profile of muscles of males and females lambari (Astyanax altiparanae)

This study evaluated the effects of two lipids sources of fish residue (tilapia and salmon) compared with a vegetable oil source (soybean oil) on the fatty acid profiles of male and female lambari. This experiment was developed in a completely randomized experimental design in a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement, totaling 6 treatments resulting from the combination of the three experimental diets for both sexes, with four replications for each treatment. This study involved 120 male (2.58 +/- 0.13 g) and 72 female lambari (4.00 +/- 0.09 g), fed the experimental diets twice a day until apparent satiation for a period of 60 days. Oleic, linoleic, palmitic and stearic fatty acids were found at higher concentrations in all experimental oils and diets, as well in the muscle of male and female lambari. The low amounts of arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids in the experimental diets and subsequent greater concentrations in muscle tissue, suggested that lambari are able to desaturate and elongate the chain of fatty acids with 18 carbons. The fish of both sexes that received the diet with soybean oil showed high levels of n-6 fatty acids, especially of C18: 2n-6 and low levels of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. The diet with salmon residue oil promoted higher levels of fatty acids of the n-3 series and resulted in the best n-3/n-6 ratio in the muscle of male and female lambari. The oils from fish residues can be a substitute for traditional fish oil and its use in the lambari diets does not impair its growth.

Profile of Trypanosoma cruzi Reactivity in a Population at High Risk for Endemic Pemphigus Foliaceus (Fogo Selvagem)

Fogo Selvagem (FS) is an autoimmune bullous disease with pathogenic IgG autoantibodies recognizing desmoglein 1 (Dsg1), a desmosomal glycoprotein. In certain settlements of Brazil, a high prevalence of FS (3%) is reported, suggesting environmental factors as triggers of the autoimmune response. Healthy individuals from endemic areas recognize nonpathogenic epitopes of Dsg1, and exposure to hematophagous insects is a risk factor for FS. Fogo selvagem and Chagas disease share some geographic sites, and anti-Dsg1 has been detected in Chagas patients. Indeterminate Chagas disease was identified in a Brazilian Amerindian population of high risk for FS. In counterpart, none of the FS patients living in the same geographic region showed reactivity against Trypanosoma cruzi. The profile of anti-Dsg1 antibodies showed positive results in 15 of 40 FS sera and in 33 of 150 sera from healthy individuals from endemic FS sites, and no cross-reactivity between Chagas disease and FS was observed.

Impact of Glucocorticoid Receptor Gene Polymorphisms on the Metabolic Profile of Adult Patients with the Classical Form of 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency

Background: CAH patients have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and it remains unknown if lifelong glucocorticoid (GC) treatment is a contributing factor. In the general population, glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) polymorphisms are associated with an adverse metabolic profile. Our aim was to analyze the association between the NR3C1 polymorphisms and the metabolic profile of CAH patients. Methodology: Sixty-eight adult patients (34SV/34SW) with a mean age of 28.4 +/- 9 years received dexamethasone (mean 0.27 +/- 0.11 mg/day) to obtain normal androgen levels. SW patients also received fludrocortisone (50 mu g/day). Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was defined by the NCEP ATPIII criteria and obesity by BMI >= 30 kg/m(2). NR3C1 alleles were genotyped, and association analyses with phenotype were carried out with Chi-square, t-test and regression analysis. Results: Obesity and MetS were observed in 23.5% and 7.3% of patients, respectively, and were not correlated with GC doses and treatment duration. BMI was positively correlated with blood pressure (BP), triglycerides (TG), LDL-c levels and HOMA-IR and inversely correlated with HDL-c levels. BclI and A3669G variants were found in 26.4% and 9.6% of alleles, respectively. Heterozygotes for the BclI polymorphism presented with higher BMI (29 kg/m(2) +/- 5.3 vs. 26 kg/m(2) +/- 5.3, respectively) and waist circumference (89 cm +/- 12.7 vs. 81 cm +/- 13, respectively) compared to wild-type subjects. Hypertension was found in 12% of patients and heterozygotes for the BclI polymorphism presented higher systolic BP than wild type subjects. Low HDL-c and high TG levels were identified in 30% and 10% of patients, respectively, and were not associated with the NR3C1 polymorphisms. A3669G carriers and non-carriers did not differ. Conclusion: In addition to GC therapy, the BclI GR variant might play an important role in obesity susceptibility in CAH patients. Genotyping of GR polymorphisms could result in the identification of a subgroup at risk patients, allowing for the establishment of personalized treatment and the avoidance of long-term adverse consequences.

PROFILE OF CAREGIVERS OF ELDERLY PEOPLE WITH ALZHEIMER DISEASE ASSOCIATED TO RESILIENCE

This exploratory and descriptive study described sociodemographic and health variables of caregivers of elderly people with Alzheimer's disease, associating care provided with resilience. Participants were 101 caregivers over 18 years old who accompanied older adults in a Primary Care Unit of a Brazilian public hospital in 2009. Questionnaires regarding the profile, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Resilience Scale were used. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Most caregivers were female, without depression, aided by other people in providing care, and had a high degree of resilience. The variables degree of kinship, medical treatment, the use of medication, tiredness, prostration, discouragement, and caregivers' mental health had significant association with resilience. Physical health was significantly associated to experience in care, with 82 elderly people presenting acute cognitive damage. Older adults in the family context can benefit from a more resilient caregiver.

Anthropometric, physiological, performance, and nutritional profile of the Brazil National Canoe Polo Team

The purpose of this study was to determine the physiological, anthropometric, performance, and nutritional characteristics of the Brazil Canoe Polo National Team. Ten male canoe polo athletes (age 26.7 +/- 4.1 years) performed a battery of tests including assessments of anthropometric parameters, upper-body anaerobic power (Wingate), muscular strength, aerobic power, and nutritional profile. In addition, we characterized heart rate and plasma lactate responses and the temporal pattern of the effort/recovery during a simulated canoe polo match. The main results are as follows: body fat, 12.3 +/- 4.0%; upper-body peak and mean power, 6.8 +/- 0.5 and 4.7 +/- 0.4 W . kg(-1), respectively; 1-RM bench press, 99.1 +/- 11.7 kg; peak oxygen uptake, 44.3 +/- 5.8 mL . kg(-1) . min(-1); total energy intake, 42.8 +/- 8.6 kcal . kg(-1); protein, carbohydrate, and fat intakes, 1.9 +/- 0.1, 5.0 +/- 1.5, and 1.7 +/- 0.4 g . kg(-1), respectively; mean heart rate, 146 +/- 11 beats . min(-1); plasma lactate, 5.7 +/- 3.8 mmol . L-1 at half-time and 4.6 +/- 2.2 mmol . L-1 at the end of the match; effort time (relative to total match time), 93.1 +/- 3.0%; number of sprints, 9.6 +/- 4.4. The results of this study will assist coaches, trainers, and nutritionists in developing more adequate training programmes and dietary interventions for canoe polo athletes.