Balancing immunity and tolerance: genetic footprint of natural selection in the transcriptional regulatory region of HLA-G

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Evaluation of the genotoxicity of waters impacted by domestic and industrial effluents of a highly industrialized region of So Paulo State, Brazil, by the comet assay in HTC cells

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Entoepidemiology of Chagas disease in the Western region of the State of Sao Paulo from 2004 to 2008, and cytogenetic analysis in Rhodnius neglectus (Hemiptera, Triatominae)

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

Prevalence survey of selected bovine pathogens in water buffaloes in the north region of Brazil

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Bone Ceramic® at implants installed immediately into extraction sockets in the molar region: an experimental study in dogs

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

The shadows of a ghost: a survey of canine leishmaniasis in Presidente Prudente and its spatial dispersion in the western region of São Paulo state, an emerging focus of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil

Visceral leishmaniasis is an emerging zoonosis and its geographic distribution is restricted to tropical and temperate regions. Most of the individuals infected in Latin America are in Brazil. Despite the control measures that have been adopted, the disease is spreading throughout new regions of the country. Domestic dogs are involved in the transmission cycle and are considered to be the main epidemiologic reservoir of Leishmania infantum (syn. L. chagasi). Our aim was to determine the prevalence of canine leishmaniasis (CL) and Ehrlichiosis infection in Presidente Prudente as well as the spatial dispersion of the disease in the western region of São Paulo state. Dogs underwent clinical examination and symptoms related to CL were recorded. Anti- Leishmania antibodies were detected using ELISA, rK39-immunocromatographic tests (DPP), and an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Anti-E. canis antibodies were detected by IFAT. A follow-up was conducted in dogs that were positive in the ELISA at the baseline study. Data on the spatial distribution of L. longipalpis and CL in São Paulo state were obtained from Brazilian public health agencies. Serum samples from 4547 dogs were analyzed. The seroprevalence of CL was 11.2 % by ELISA and 4.5 % by IFAT. In the follow-up, seroprevalence was 32.9 % by ELISA, 15.3 % by IFAT, 11.8 % by DPP test, and 66.5 % for E. canis. There was a significant positive association between Leishmania and E. canis infection (P < 0.0001). In the follow-up, clinical examinations revealed symptoms compatible with CL in 33.5 % of the dogs. L. longipalpis was found in 24 and CL in 15 counties of the Presidente Prudente mesoregion. The dispersion route followed the west frontier of São Paulo state toward Paraná state. Low CL and high ehrlichiosis prevalence rates were found in Presidente Prudente city. This emerging focus of CL is moving through the western region of São Paulo state toward the border of Paraná state. Integrated actions to fight the vector, parasites, infected dogs, and humans are needed to monitor the disease and implement strategies for epidemiologic control.

Joint economic design of X̄ and R control charts for processes subject to two independent assignable causes

A model for the joint economic design of X̄ and R control charts is developed. This model assumes that the process is subject to two assignable causes. One assignable cause shifts the process mean; the other shifts the process variance. The occurrence of the assignable cause of one kind does not block the occurrence of the assignable cause of another kind. Consequently, a second process parameter can go out-of-control after the first process parameter has gone out-of-control. A numerical study of the cost surface to the model considered has revealed that it is convex, at least in the interest region.

Colombian results of the interlaboratory quality control exercise 2009 2010

Colombian Reference National Laboratory, GENES LTDA, have organized and coordinated for the past two years (2009 and 2010) the Quality Control Exercise for laboratories undertaking paternity, maternity and forensic tests with DNA markers. Twenty-two laboratories have participated in 2009, increasing the number to 27 in 2010. Laboratories in Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Dominican Republic and Panama have participated in these exercises. There have been some similarities in the two controls: A practical exercise, three blood samples on FTA cards were sent to each participating laboratory to be genotyped for DNA markers using the routine methodologies in their laboratories; theoretical exercises including optional and obligatory cases. For the theoretical exercises, the participating laboratories should calculate the partial and final PI or BRI (Biological Relationship Index or Paternity Index). Forty-nine and 52 markers were under consensus for 2009 and 2010, respectively, distributed in autosomal, Y and X chromosomes STR. With respect to 2008, 12 and 15 additional markers were under consensus for 2009 and 2010, respectively. The rate of reporting error was 2.9% in 2009 while in 2010, 4.7% error was reported. The Proficiency Test conducted through the Colombian National Reference Laboratory has become a useful tool for quality assurance of all Colombian laboratories and some of Latin America that do DNA testing to establish biological relationships and an excellent opportunity for ongoing training of experts from the region.

Assessment of the quality evaluation of compounded fluconazole capsules marketed in the region of Araraquara (SP, Brazil)

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

Potential use of polyacrylamide for soil erosion control in Brazil

Since soil erosion is currently a worldwide threat, its control has become a necessity. The performance and effectiveness of synthetic organic polymers such polyacrylamide (PAM), have been intensively studied, especially for erosion control in temperate climate conditions. In tropical regions, however, where climatic conditions are usually severe, very little research has been conducted. The Brazilian region is a good example, where few papers on this subject exist. In addition to the severe climatic conditions, careless land use has been prevalent for many years. The use of PAM for erosion control in Brazilian soils may be a good option to minimize the impacts of the soil degradation process, but more research is required to optimize its application.

Detection of serum antibodies to parainfluenza type 3 virus, respiratory syncytial virus, bovine viral diarrhea virus, and herpes virus type 1 in sheep in the region of Botucatu, São Paulo - Brazil

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

Towards biological control strategies for the bronze bug, Thaumastocoris peregrinus, on eucalyptus plantations in South America

The bronze bug is an invasive Australian pest that has reached eucalypt production areas worldwide in <10 years. The fi rst record in South America was in 2005 in Argentina. Collaboration in the region towards a unifi ed strategy for the management of the bronze bug started soon after the dispersal of the pest into Brazil and Uruguay was confi rmed. Here, we present the main achievements of this collaboration in four main topics: 1) biology of the pest, 2) monitoring, 3) biological control, and 4) cooperative networks. Two mass rearing procedures have been implemented in the region with relative success, allowing basic biological studies on the pest. Continuous monitoring in the region for >5 years has provided a reasonable knowledge on seasonal patterns of T. peregrinus. Biological control strategies developed include the use of local natural enemies of T. peregrinus, the development of biopesticides, and the introduction of Cleruchoides noackae, an egg parasitoid of T. peregrinus from Australia. We review the main achievements in each country. Finally, a regional network of institutions, researchers, and students has strengthened in the region, providing a solid background for future collaboration.

Prevalence of leptospirosis in dairy goats in the semiarid region of Paraiba state

Higino S.S.S., Alves C.J., Santos C.S.A.B., Vasconcellos S.A., Silva M.L.C.R., Brasil A.W.L., Pimenta C.L.R.M. & Azevedo S.S. 2012. [Prevalence of leptospirosis in dairy goats in the semiarid region of Paraiba state.] Prevalencia de leptospirose em caprinos leiteiros do semiarido paraibano. Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira 32(3):199-203. Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Centro de Saude e Tecnologia Rural, Unidade Academica de Medicina Veterinaria, Av. Universitaria s/n, Patos, PB 58700-970, Brazil. E-mail: sergio.azevedo@pq.cnpq.br This study aimed to determine the prevalence of positive dairy goat herds and seropositive animals for leptospirosis in the semiarid region of Paraiba state, Brazil. Sampling was designed to determine the prevalence of positive herds (foci) and seropositive animals for leptospirosis. A total of 975 serum samples were collected from goats of 110 dairy herds in the Monteiro municipality, Western Cariri microregion of Paraiba. For the serological diagnosis of leptospirosis the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was carried out using 24 Leptospira spp. serovars as antigens. A herd was considered positive when existed at least one seropositive animal. The prevalence of positive herds and seropositive animals were 43.6% (95% CI = 34.2-53.4%) and 8.7% (95% CI = 58.7-12.9%) respectively. The most frequent serovars in goats were Autumnalis (1.74%; 95% CI = 0.97-3.09%), Sentot (1.71%; 95% CI = 0.82-3.52%) and Whitcomb (1.39%; 95% CI = 0.65-2.93%), and by herd, serovars Autumnalis (10.9%; 95% CI = 5.8-18.3%), Whitcomb (8.2%; 95% CI = 3.8-15.0%) and Sentot and Patoc (7.3%; 95% CI = 3.2-13.8%) were the most frequent. It is suggested that leptospirosis is spread in goats in the region, and that there is need to implement control and preventive measures in order to reduce infection and economic losses, and to avoid possible transmission of infection to humans.

BILATERAL ANOMALY IN EVANDROMYIA EVANDROI (DIPTERA: PSYCHODIDAE: PHLEBOTOMINAE) CAPTURED IN VICENCIA MUNICIPALITY, NORTHERN RAINFOREST REGION OF PERNAMBUCO STATE, BRAZIL

Approximately 800 species of phlebotomine sand flies, many of which are vectors of Leishmania, have been described. Besides morphological similarities within groups, the occurrence of anomalies within a species may lead to an erroneous description of new species. This paper describes one phlebotomine sand fly, Evandromyia evandroi, with a symmetrical bilateral anomaly in the number of spines on the gonostyle. In this specimen, the anomalous spine is located in the external region of gonostyle, inserted between the upper external and the lower external spines. It is important to document morphological anomalies, so as to avoid erroneous sand fly identifications.

Loss of Y-chromosome does not correlate with age at onset of head and neck carcinoma: a case-control study

Loss of Y-chromosome has been correlated with older age in males. Furthermore, current evidence indicates that Y-chromosome loss also occurs in several human tumors, including head and neck carcinomas. However, the association between Y nullisomy and the occurrence of neoplasias in elderly men has not been well established. In the present study, the association between Y-chromosome loss and head and neck carcinomas was evaluated by comparison to cells from peripheral blood lymphocytes and normal mucosa of cancer-free individuals matched for age using dual-color fluorescence in situ hybridization. Twenty-one patients ranging in age from 28 to 68 years were divided into five-year groups for comparison with 16 cancer-free individuals matched for age. The medical records of all patients were examined to obtain clinical and histopathological data. None of the patients had undergone radiotherapy or chemotherapy before surgery. In all groups, the frequency of Y-chromosome loss was higher among patients than among normal reference subjects (P < 0.0001) and was not age-dependent. These data suggest that Y-chromosome loss is a tumor-specific alteration not associated with advanced age in head and neck carcinomas.