Chromosomal location of heterochromatin and 45S rDNA sites in four South American triatomines (Heteroptera: Reduviidae)

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

The Pediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organization American-College-of-Rheumatology provisional criteria for the evaluation of response to therapy in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus: Prospective validation of the definition of improvement

Objective. To use the Pediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organization (PRINTO) core set of outcome measures to develop a validated definition of improvement for the evaluation of response to therapy in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Methods. Thirty-seven experienced pediatric rheumatologists from 27 countries, each of whom had specific experience in the assessment of juvenile SLE patients, achieved consensus on 128 patient profiles as being clinically improved or not improved. Using the physicians' consensus ratings as the gold standard measure, the chi-square, sensitivity, specificity, false-positive and false-negative rates, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, and kappa level of agreement for 597 candidate definitions of improvement were calculated. Only definitions with a kappa value greater than 0.7 were retained. The top definitions were selected based on the product of the content validity score multiplied by its kappa statistic.Results. The definition of improvement with the highest final score was at least 50% improvement from baseline in any 2 of the 5 core set measures, with no more than 1 of the remaining worsening by more than 30%.Conclusion. PRINTO proposes a valid and reproducible definition of improvement that reflects well the consensus rating of experienced clinicians and that incorporates clinically meaningful change in core set measures in a composite end point for the evaluation of global response to therapy in patients with juvenile SLE. The definition is now proposed for use in juvenile SLE clinical trials and may help physicians to decide whether a child with SLE responded adequately to therapy.

Synthetic and natural polycations for gene therapy: State of the art and new perspectives

Currently, the major drawback of gene therapy is the gene transfection rate. The two main types of vectors that. are used in gene therapy are based on viral or non-viral gene delivery systems. There are several non-viral systems that can be used to transfer foreign genetic material into the human body. In order to do so, the DNA to be transferred must escape the processes that affect the disposition of macromolecules. These processes include the interaction with blood components, vascular endothelial cells and uptake by the reticuloendothelial system. Furthermore, the degradation of therapeutic DNA by serum nucleases is also a potential obstacle for functional delivery to the target cell. Cationic polymers have a great potential for DNA complexation and may be useful as non-viral vectors for gene therapy applications. The objective of this review was to address the state of the art in gene therapy using synthetic and natural polycations and the latest strategies to improve the efficiency of gene transfer into the cell.

Oxygen uptake of active and aestivating earthworm Glosso scolex pa ulistus (Oligochaeta, Glossoscolecidae)

1. 1. The onset of or reactivation from aestivation in the earthworm Glossoscolex paulistus were dependent upon soil moisture. No evidence of temperature effect in the process was found either in field or laboratory data. 2. 2. Oxygen uptake measured in active and aestivating groups revealed remarkable reduction for aestivating earthworms at various temperatures studied. 3. 3. No evidences of temperature compensation in oxygen uptake was found in both groups of earthworms, indicating that reduction in oxygen uptake is the only adaptation for the aestivating G. paulistus. © 1985.

Effects of cervical headgear and edgewise appliances on growing patients

Maxillary basal bone, dentoalveolar, and dental changes in Class II Division 1 patients treated to normal occlusion by using cervical headgear and edgewise appliances were retrospectively evaluated. A sample of 45 treated patients was compared with a group of 30 untreated patients. Subjects were drawn from the Department of Orthodontics, Araraquara School of Dentistry, Brazil, and ranged in age from 7.5 to 13.5 years. The groups were matched based on age, gender, and malocclusion. Roughly 87% of the treated group had a mesocephalic or brachicephalic pattern, and 13% had a dolicocephalic pattern. Cervical headgear was used until a Class I dental relationship was achieved. Our results demonstrated that the malocclusions were probably corrected by maintaining the maxillary first molars in position during maxillary growth. Maxillary basal bone changes (excluding dentoalveolar changes) did not differ significantly between the treated and the untreated groups. Molar extrusion after the use of cervical headgear was not supported by our data, and this must be considered in the treatment plan of patients who present similar facial types. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2001;119:531-9).

Effect of 0.4% stannous fluoride gel on Streptococci mutans in relation to elastomeric rings and steel ligatures in orthodontic patients

Background: Patients with fixed orthodontic appliances often experience an absolute increase in the number of Streptococci mutans colony-forming units (cfu). The aim of this investigation was to study the development of biofilm and S. mutans cfu in connection with stainless steel ligatures and elastomeric rings in orthodontic patients treated with and without 0.4% stannous fluoride gel (SFG). Material: Forty-seven patients were divided into 2 groups: those treated with 0.4% SFG for 4 minutes (experimental) and those without 0.4% SFG (control). In each patient, elastomeric rings were used for ligation on 1 side of the dental arch midline, and stainless steel ligatures were used on the opposite side. Saliva samples were collected before and after appliance placement. At 15 and 30 days after appliance placement, biofilm samples from the stainless steel ligatures and the elastomeric rings were collected and subjected to microbiologic procedures and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Results: The numbers of S. mutans cfu in the saliva and biofilm were not statistically different between the teeth fitted with elastomeric rings and stainless steel ligatures, or between the experimental and control groups. SEM analysis showed biofilm formation on both ligature ties. Conclusions: Topical application of 0.4% SFG in orthodontic patients with elastomeric rings or stainless steel ligatures does not cause a significant decrease in S. mutans cfu in the saliva and biofilm. Copyright © 2005 by the American Association of Orthodontists.

Productividad de la mano de obra y de la tierra en la agricultura latinoamericana = Productivity of labour and land in Latin American agriculture

Incluye Bibliografía

Trade and economic growth: a Latin American perspective on rhetoric and reality

Incluye Bibliografía

The Latin American Demographic Centre (CELADE): a summary evaluation of accomplishments and shortcomings

Incluye Bibliografía

Use of mathematical and numerical methods in the Latin American Demographic Centre CELADE. Santiago, Chile

Includes bibliography

Knowledge and data for population in development: information activities of CELADE and the Latin American and Caribbean Population Information Network (IPALCA)

Includes bibliography