Evaluation of four molecular typing Methodologies as tools for determining taxonomy relations and for identifying. species among Yersinia isolates

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

Morphological, biological and molecular characterization of three strains of Trypanosoma cruzi Chagas, 1909 (Kinetoplastida, Trypanosomatidae) isolated from Triatoma sordida (Stal) 1859 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) and a domestic cat

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Bottled mineral water as a potential source of antibiotic resistant bacteria

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Cytogenetic characterization of F1, F2 and backcross hybrids of the Neotropical catfish species Pseudoplatystoma corruscans and Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum (Pimelodidae, Siluriformes)

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

Inferências carioevolutivas sobre grupos crípticos de peixes marinhos e estuarinos

Cytogenetic studies have been revealing a great diversity not detected, until then, in several families of fishes. Many of these groups, especially those that exhibit great diversity, like Perciformes and Siluriformes, possess species with difficult morphologic characterization, called cryptic species, commonly detected through karyotypic analyses, which reveals outstanding interespecific variations with relationship to the number and its chromosomal structures. Thus, the present work intends to contribute for the cytogenetic knowledge of marine and brackish fish species, because they peculiar life habits and by lack of cytogenetic data of your genetic aspects. Therefore, cytogenetic studies were developed in a species of Apogonidae (Perciformes), two species of sea catfishes of the family Ariidae (Siluriformes) and brackish fish Paurachenipterus galeatus (Siluriformes, Auchenipteridae), through C banding, Ag-NOR, use of base-specific flourochromes (DAPI and CMA3), as well as FISH (Fluorescent in situ hybridization) using ribosomal DNA probes 5S and 18S. The present results contribute to a better understanding of the processes of differentiation patterns and chromosome evolution in these groups. The use of other approaches (the morphology and molecular tools) will allow a larger understanding of the genetic and biological diversity of the Brazilian ichthyofauna.

Theoretical analysis of the energy levels induced by oxygen vacancies and the doping process (Co, Cu and Zn) on SnO2 (110) surface models

Density functional calculation at B3LYP level was employed to study the surface oxygen vacancies and the doping process of Co, Cu and Zn on SnO2 (110) surface models. Large clusters, based on (SnO2)(15) models, were selected to simulate the oxidized (Sn15O30), half-reduced (Sn15O29) and the reduced (Sn15O28) surfaces. The doping process was considered on the reduced surfaces: Sn13Co2O28, Sn13Cu2O28 and Sn13Zn2O28. The results are analyzed and discussed based on a calculation of the energy levels along the bulk band gap region, determined by a projection of the monoelectron level structure on to the atomic basis set and by the density of states. This procedure enables one to distinguish the states coming from the bulk, the oxygen vacancies and the doping process, on passing from an oxidized to a reduced surface, missing bridge oxygen atoms generate electronic levels along the band gap region, associated with 5s/5p of four-/five-fold Sn and 2p of in-plane O centers located on the exposed surface, which is in agreement with previous theoretical and experimental investigations. The formation energy of one and two oxygen vacancies is 3.0 and 3.9 eV, respectively. (C) 2001 Elsevier B.V. B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparative study of the topical effectiveness of the andiroba oil (Carapa guianensis) and DEET 50% as repellent for Aedes sp

O DEET (N, N-dietil-3-metilbenzamida) é hoje o repelente mais efetivo disponível, porém, seu uso pode apresentar importantes efeitos colaterais tópicos e sistêmicos. Alguns compostos botânicos, como a Andiroba (Carapa guianensis), têm demonstrado propriedades repelentes a um baixo custo e baixa toxicidade. Quatro voluntários hígidos submeteram seus antebraços recobertos com óleo de Andiroba a 100%, DEET 50% (controle positivo), óleo de soja refinado, óleo de Andiroba 15% e na ausência de produtos (controles negativos), diretamente a picadas de fêmeas saudáveis de Aedes sp. Foram aferidos os tempos da primeira e terceira picadas. Os resultados mostraram que a mediana da primeira picada nos antebraços sem produto foi 17.5s e a terceira picada, 40.0s. No óleo de soja, as picadas ocorreram em 60.0s e 101.5s. No óleo de Andiroba 100%, em 56.0s e 142.5s. Com Andiroba 15%, em 63.0s e 97.5s. Usando DEET 50% não houve picadas após 3600s na maioria dos experimentos (p < 0.001 Wilcoxon). O óleo de Andiroba 100% comparado ao óleo de soja, antebraço sem produto e óleo de Andiroba 15%, mostrou discreta superioridade (p < 0.001 Wilcoxon). Concluímos que o óleo puro de Andiroba apresenta efeito repelente discreto contra picada de Aedes sp., sendo significativamente inferior ao DEET 50%.

Amniotic Fluid Interleukin-1 Beta and Interleukin-6, but not Interleukin-8 Correlate with Microbial Invasion of the Amniotic Cavity in Preterm Labor

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

Comparison between actual and predicted postoperative stair-climbing test, walk test and spirometric values in patients undergoing lung resection

OBJETIVO: Verificar se os testes: Volume Expiratório Forçado no 1º segundo (VEF1), Teste de Caminhada de 6 minutos (TC6) e Teste de Escada (TE) se alteram proporcionalmente ao pulmão funcionante ressecado. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos pacientes candidatos a toracotomia para ressecção pulmonar. No pré-operatório (pré) e no mínimo três meses após a cirurgia (pós), realizaram espirometria, TC6 e TE. O TE foi realizado em escada com 12,16m de altura. O tempo para subir todos os degraus o mais rápido possível foi chamado tempo de escada (tTE). Os cálculos dos valores dos testes preditos para o pós-operatório (ppo) foram realizados conforme o número de segmentos funcionantes perdidos. Os valores pré, ppo e pós foram comparados entre si para cada teste. Estatística: foi utilizada a análise de variância para medidas repetidas (ANOVA), com significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Foram estudados 40 pacientes. A ressecção pulmonar variou desde o ganho de dois segmentos funcionantes até a perda de 9. Os valores pré, ppo e pós foram respectivamente: VEF1 -pré = 2,6±0,8L, ppo = 2,3±0,8L, pós = 2,3±0,8L (VEF1pré > VEF1ppo = VEF1pós), TC6-pré = 604±63m, ppo = 529±103m, pós = 599±74m (TC6pré = TC6pós > TC6ppo), tTE-pré = 32,9±7,6s, ppo = 37,8±12,1s, pós = 33,7±8,5s (tTEpré = tTEpós < tTEppo). CONCLUSÃO: Nas ressecções pulmonares, este grupo de pacientes perdeu função pulmonar medida através da espirometria, mas não perdeu a capacidade de exercício, medida através dos testes de escada e caminhada.

The relationship between the degree of thrombocytopenia and infection with Ehrlichia canis in an endemic area

Ehrlichia canis is the causative agent of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis. In order to evaluate platelet counts as a screening test for E. canis in an endemic area, 217 whole blood samples from dogs were divided into three groups: 71 non-thrombocytopenic samples (group A, platelet counts greater than 200000/muL) and 146 thrombocytopenic samples (less than 200000/muL). The thrombocytopenic group was further divided into 62 with platelet counts between 100000-200000/muL (Group B) and 84 samples with less than 100000 platelets/muL (Group C). All samples were examined for the presence of a segment of the Ehrlichia canis 16S rRNA gene using a nested polymerase chain reaction. Sixty-seven of the 217 samples (30.9%) were positive for the presence of the E. canis 16S rRNA gene; 53 (63.1%) of the group C samples and 13 (21%) of group B. Only one (1.4%) of the non-thrombocytopenic samples (Group A) was positive. These data support the concept that platelet counts may be a good screening test for canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, and that the magnitude of thrombocytopenia may increase the reliability of diagnosis.

First identification of Sarcocystis tenella (Railliet, 1886) Moule, 1886 (Protozoa: Apicomplexa) by PCR in naturally infected sheep from Brazil

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

Molecular detection of Streptococcus agalactiae in bovine raw milk samples obtained directly from bulk tanks

Mastitis is the most common infectious disease affecting dairy cattle; in addition, it remains the most economically important disease of dairy industries around the world. Streptococcus agalactiae, a contagious pathogen associated with subclinical mastitis, is highly infectious. This bacterium can cause an increase in bulk tank bacterial counts (BTBC) and bulk tank somatic cell counts (BTSCC). The microbiological identification of S. agalactiae in samples from bulk tanks is an auxiliary method to control contagious mastitis. Thus, there are some limitations for time-consuming cultures or identification methods and additional concerns about the conservation and transport of samples. Bulk tank samples from 247 dairy farms were cultured and compared through polymerase chain reaction (PCR), directed to 16S rRNA genes of S. agalactiae, followed by BTBC and S. agalactiae isolation. The mean value of BTBC was 1.08 x 10(6) CFU mL(-1) and the bacterium was identified through the microbiological method in 98 (39.7%; CI95% = 33.8-45.9%) and through PCR in 110 (44.5%; CI95% = 38.5-50.8%) samples. Results indicated sensitivity of 0.8571 +/- 0.0353 (CI95% = 0.7719-0.9196) and specificity of 0.8255 +/- 0.0311 (CI95% = 0.7549-0.8827). The lack of significant difference between microbiological and molecular results (kappa = 0.6686 +/- 0.0477 and CI95% = 0.5752-0.7620) indicated substantial agreement between the methods. This suggests that PCR can be used for bulk tank samples to detect contagious mastitis caused by S. agalactiae. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Uncommon mandibular osteomyelitis in a cat caused by Nocardia africana

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

Detection of Leptospira spp. from pure cultures and from experimentally contaminated bovine semen by polymerase chain reaction

Considerando a importância do sêmen na transmissão da leptospira bovina, foi realizado o presente estudo que teve como objetivo aplicar a reação em cadeia pela polimerase (PCR) para a detecção de leptospiras em sêmen bovino experimentalmente contaminado. A reação de PCR foi capaz de amplificar um fragmento de DNA específico de 330 pares de bases a partir de cultivos puros de 26 sorovares de Leptospira spp. A contaminação experimental de sêmen com Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo revelou que a técnica de PCR conseguiu detectar 10 bactérias/ml, concentração sensivelmente mais baixa que as 1.000 bactérias/ml detectadas através do cultivo microbiológico. Os resultados observados revelam o grande potencial da reação de PCR para a detecção de Leptospira spp. em sêmen bovino, notadamente em centrais de inseminação artificial.

Molecular identification of Cryptosporidium spp. from fecal samples of felines, canines and bovines in the state of São Paulo, Brazil

The objective of this study was to obtain information of epidemiological nature through genotypic characterization of Cryptosporidium isolates from dogs, cats and bovines from the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The extraction of DNA from oocysts was carried out and polymerase chain reaction was accomplished using specific primers to 18S rRNA gene. The amplicons were directed sequenced. Seven cat samples, nine dog samples and nine bovine samples were analysed. From the seven cat samples the genotypic analyses revealed Cryptosporidium felis in all. These were the first genotypic characterization of Cryptosporidium from domestic felines in Brazil. In nine sequenced samples from dogs, genotypic identities compatible with Cryptosporidium canis were revealed in all samples. The genotypic analyses in bovines revealed Cryptosporidium parvum in eight samples and Cryptosporidium bovis in another sample, the last one being a non-zoonotic species, not related to clinical symptoms and described for the first time in Brazil. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.