Detecção do Grupo Mycoplasma mycoides por imunoperoxidase indireta (IPI) e PCR-REA em conduto auditivo de bovinos

O Grupo Mycoplasma mycoides (GMM) foi diagnosticado por PCR-REA e imunoperoxidase indireta (IPI) em amostras de lavados de conduto auditivo de bovinos no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. 60 bovinos foram selecionados aleatoriamente. As lavagens foram feitas com uso de seringas estéreis contendo um volume de 60 mL de solução salina tamponada (PBS pH 7.2). As amostras obtidas foram estocadas em glicerol (1:2) e congeladas a 20ºC até uso. Estas amostras foram diluídas até 10-5 e repicadas em meio Hayflick modificado, sólido e líquido, sendo incubados a 37ºC por 48-72 horas. As placas foram mantidas em microaerofilia e observadas diariamente, para visualização das colônias típicas em “ovo-frito”. Das 60 amostras cultivadas, 48 (80,00%) foram positivas para Mycoplasma spp. A prevalência obtida para o GMM na IPI foi de 20,0% (12/60) enquanto na PCR-REA foi de 41,7% (25/60). Das cepas tipificadas pela IPI 58,3% (7/12) foram M. mycoides subsp. mycoides LC e 41,7% (5/12) foram M. capricolum. Na PCR-REA o grupo M. mycoides foi confirmado pela visualização de um amplicon de 785bp, compatível com este grupo. O valor encontrado no teste Kappa para associação entre estes testes foi de 0,14 (P>0,05. Na clivagem do produto da PCR com a enzima de restrição AluI, de cepas de referências e dos isolados de ouvido os fragmentos obtidos foram de 81, 98, 186 e 236pb, mas não de 370pb, que é específica para o agente da Pleuropneumonia Contagiosa Bovina. A presença de espécies de micoplasmas no conduto auditivo de bovinos assintomáticos representa um risco para propagação de Mycoplasma spp. entre rebanhos bovinos no Brasil.

Diagnose of the ingestion of Asclepias mellodora St. Hil. by sheep through microhistological analysis of their digestive contents

Asclepias mellodora St. Hil. is a native acute toxic species frequent in the grasslands of the Buenos Aires province, Argentina, whose toxicity had not been assessed until now. This study evaluates the minimal lethal dose of this species for sheep, and the possibility of microscopically recognizing its fragments in gastrointestinal contents as a complementary diagnostic tool in necropsies. Three Frisona sheep (average LW=55±4.5 kg) were dosed via an esophageal tube with each one of the following doses of asclepias: 8.0, 5.0, 2.0 and 0.8 g DM.kg LW-1. Sheep poisoned with the three higher doses died between 10 and 85 h after intoxication, but those receiving the lower dose did not. During necropsies we: 1) determined the dry weight of the contents of rumen+reticulum, omasum+abomasum, and large intestine, 2) estimated the percentages of asclepias fragments by microanalysis correcting for digestion effects on fragment recognition, and 3) calculated the total mass of asclepias in the digestive tract of each animal. For the three higher doses, the mass of asclepias identified in the total ingesta was 12.3±3.4% of the amount supplied, possibly because of the strong diarrhea its ingestion produced. The percentages of asclepias in rumen+reticulum did not differ from the average quantified for the entire tract. The results of this study indicate that the minimal lethal doses of asclepias for sheep is between 2.0 and 0.8g DM·kg LW-1, and that the microhistological analysis of the rumen+reticulum, the easiest region to sample, can be used to confirm the ingestion of this toxic species, although the estimated percentage will be not a good estimator of the ingested percentage.

Atypical actinobacillosis in bulls in Argentina: granulomatous dermatitis and lymphadenitis

Actinobacillosis is a common cause of sporadic infection in cattle. It was mostly characterized as a pyogranulomatous inflammation of the tongue, but also soft tissues as lymph nodes, other digestive tract localization and skin. The aim of this study was to describe an episode of granulomatous dermatitis and lymphadenitis affecting a bull herd in Argentina during 2010. Actinobacillus lignieresii was isolated from samples collected from one of the affected bulls, and characteristic lesions were observed. Lesions other than 'wooden tongue' are usually uncommon; however, actinobacillosis should be included as a differential diagnosis for cutaneous diseases.

[Siboney]

Soitinnus: trumpetti, orkesteri.

Natural abundance of 13C in tropical grasses from the INPA, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, herbarium

The stable carbon isotopic composition of 165 grass species was determined with the objective of verifying their photosynthetic pathway (C3 and C4). The samples, taken from the INPA herbarium, were mainly collected in the North of Brazil. Approximately 60% of the species proved to be of the C4 type, with d 13C values ranging from -13.6 to -9.5‰, while the remainder 40% belonged to the C3 type, with values ranging from -34.7 to -23.4‰. This relatively high proportion of C3 species is probably due to the high relative humidity of the sites where the species were collected.

Storage substances in the androgametogenesis and mature pollen grain of Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil. (Aquifoliaceae)

Storage substances such as starch grains, proteins and lipids were studied during the male gametogenesis and in the mature pollen grain of Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil. (Aquifoliaceae). There are two cycles of amylogenesis and amylolyse. The first cycle lasts until the vacuolated stage when the starch is hydrolyzed and amorphous proteins are stored inside the single vacuole. The next cycle begins after mitosis with the formation of the vegetative and generative cells. At this point, the young vegetative cell stores many starch grains that are bigger than in the first cycle. During the maturation of the male gametophyte, the starch is hydrolyzed and it is absent in the mature pollen grain. Small lipid droplets surround the young generative cell after the mitosis of the androspore and are dispersed in the vegetative cytoplasm during its maturity. The relationship between the pollen storage substances and the ontogeny of the layers in the sporoderm, formation of the generative cell, and the male germ unit were discussed.

Desenvolvimento floral e estaminal no clone CP76 de Anacardium occidentale L.: cajueiro-anão precoce (Anacardiaceae)

Foram estudados o desenvolvimento floral inicial bem como a ontogênese estaminal em Anacardium occidentale L. As flores apresentam cinco sépalas e cinco pétalas com desenvolvimento helicoidal e unidirecional, respectivamente, androceu com um estame com desenvolvimento heterocrônico e heteromórfico marcante em relação aos nove estames restantes, e um carpelo unilocular terminal. O processo histogênico é idêntico em ambos os tipos de estames. Ao final da ontogênese estaminal, as anteras possuem quatro esporângios, sendo que cada esporângio apresenta epiderme, endotécio, duas camadas médias, tapete e tecido esporogênico. A porção interna do tapete não se origina do conectivo.

Grãos de pólen anômalos no clone CP76 de Anacardium occidentale L. (Anacardiaceae)

Durante a investigação do desenvolvimento das anteras e grãos de pólen no clone CP76 de Anacardium occidentale foram observadas anomalias relacionadas ao desenvolvimento do gametófito masculino. Foram observados andrósporos que interromperam seu desenvolvimento momentos antes da primeira mitose, além de grãos que apresentaram anomalias relacionadas à fase inicial da gametogênese masculina. A primeira mitose anômala produziu grãos de pólen binucleados com células idênticas, ou quase, e ainda grãos onde a parede celular, oriunda da primeira mitose, foi incompletamente formada. Fusão nuclear foi observada nos grãos onde a parede celular foi incompletamente formada. A interrupção no desenvolvimento é muito freqüente, ao contrário das anomalias relacionadas à primeira mitose, de ocorrência muito rara

Soils associated with rock outcrops in the Brazilian mountain ranges Mantiqueira and Espinhaço

Espinhaço and Mantiqueira are two mountain ranges of great importance in Brazil. In the uppermost parts of these areas, unique ecosystems occur, generally associated with rock outcrops, they are collectively called High Altitude Rocky Complexes. These environments show distinct soil and biota characteristics in relation to the surrounding biome. The soils are generally shallow, coarse textured, with high Al3+ and varying amounts of organic matter. Entisols, Inceptsols and Histosols are dominant, directly associated with the rock outcrops, and forming a complex mosaic of soils. Some of these soils are endemic, based on peculiar conditions of parent materials, topography and vegetation, and this pedodiversity is important for detecting unique and endangered soils. In these soils, organic matter is highly humified, with a great amount of soluble forms and conspicuous presence of charcoal. Spodic horizons and dark water rivers are typically associated with quartzite and quartzite outcrops, formed by illuviation of organic compounds, being less common in granitic rocks. The very low nutrient content of these soils and other environmental limitations required the development of specific physiological and morphological plant adaptations. Most high altitude environments are unstable under current climatic conditions, and anthropic interventions may be accelerating this process. Detailed soil surveys are necessary for a better understanding of the role of these soils in ecological processes and for the development of adequate conservation policies.

Immunocytochemistry of the mucilage cells of Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze (Araucariaceae)

The use of monoclonal antibodies for specific pectic epitopes is an important tool in the study of the cell wall. Throughout the development of mucilage cells of Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze, a gradient of distribution was observed in relation to the pectic de-esterification, as well as to the increase of galactan and arabinan epitope distribution, and to the reduction of arabinogalactans proteins (AGPs) epitope at maturity. AGP and methyl-esterified homogalacturonan (HGA) were present in the mucilage. Galactans and arabinans were also observed in the mucilage, though with weak labelling. Degradation of AGP in the maturity of mucilage cells, in cell wall, as well as in the secretion, could be involved in the programmed cell death (PCD). Different labellings found among parenchyma and mucilage cells suggested differences in the cell wall properties of the mucilage cells.

Viabilidade polínica de Carica papaya L.: uma comparação metodológica

A viabilidade polínica do mamoeiro cultivar 'Sunrise Solo' (Carica papaya L.) foi estudada utilizando germinação in vitro e testes colorimétricos, assim como a validade dos testes colorimétricos como estimativa de viabilidade comparada àquela do teste germinativo. Os dois meios de cultura, descritos na literatura como meios eficientes para germinação da espécie, diferem basicamente pela presença de nutrientes essenciais e concentração de ágar. O meio de cultura sem elementos essenciais e com maior concentração de ágar forneceu o melhor índice de germinação polínica (65%). Os cinco corantes testados foram: 2,3,5-cloreto de trifeniltetrazólio (TTC), Alexander, carmim acético, lugol e Sudan IV. O teste de coloração com TTC forneceu estimativa de viabilidade (67,5%) equivalente ao teste de germinação in vitro e, portanto, confiável de viabilidade polínica. Os demais corantes testados superestimaram a viabilidade polínica (> 90%), porém são eficientes na determinação de constituintes celulares e da integridade do grão de pólen.

Townes-Brocks syndrome or hemifacial microsomia-VACTERL phenotype?

We report a male with imperforate anus, pedunculated triphalangeal thumbs, hemifacial microsomia, microtia, preauricular tags and cardiac anomalies. This is the first individual with Townes-Brocks syndrome to have hydrocephalus.

De la sanidad del cuerpo a la sanidad del alma: estudio sobre la lógica de construcción de las identidades colectivas en el neo-pentecostalismo argentino

No presente artigo, o autor se propõe a estudar em grandes traços a lógica de construção das identidades coletivas que se desenvolvem dentro dos grupos evangélicos neo- pentecostais. Para isso analisa a síntese entre religião, psicanálise e auto-ajuda que expressa o discurso de "sanidade interior", desenvolvido no marco de uma igreja evangélica, localizada em um setor de altos ingressos na Cidade de Buenos Aires, Argentina. A teoria da hegemonia de Ernesto Laclau lhe permite analisar o lugar que os significantes flutuantes ocupam no trabalho religioso de construir uma identidade ampla que se nutre de diferentes universos simbólicos no momento de interpelar os sujeitos a partir da teologia da sanidade.

CYP2A6 and CYP2E1 polymorphisms in a Brazilian population living in Rio de Janeiro

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) is a superfamily of enzymes involved in the metabolism of endogenous compounds and xenobiotics. CYP2A6 catalyzes the oxidation of nicotine and the activation of carcinogens such as aflatoxin B1 and nitrosamines. CYP2E1 metabolizes ethanol and other low-molecular weight compounds and can also activate nitrosamines. The CYP2A6 and CYP2E1 genes are polymorphic, altering their catalytic activities and susceptibility to cancer and other diseases. A number of polymorphisms described are ethnic-dependent. In the present study, we determined the genotype and allele frequencies of the main CYP2A6 and CYP2E1 polymorphisms in a group of 289 volunteers recruited at the Central Laboratory of Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto. They had been residing in the city of Rio de Janeiro for at least 6 months and were divided into two groups according to skin color (white and non-white). The alleles were determined by allele specific PCR (CYP2A6) or by PCR-RFLP (CYP2E1). The frequencies of the CYP2A6*1B and CYP2A6*2 alleles were 0.29 and 0.02 for white individuals and 0.24 and 0.01 for non-white individuals, respectively. The CYP2A6*5 allele was not found in the population studied. Regarding the CYP2E1*5B allele, we found a frequency of 0.07 in white individuals, which was statistically different (P < 0.05) from that present in non-white individuals (0.03). CYP2E1*6 allele frequency was the same (0.08) in both groups. The frequencies of CYP2A6*1B, CYP2A6*2 and CYP2E1*6 alleles in Brazilians are similar to those found in Caucasians and African-Americans, but the frequency of the CYP2E1*5B allele is higher in Brazilians.

Circadian cardiac autonomic function in perinatally HIV-infected preschool children

The 24-h heart rate variability and QT-interval adaptation was investigated in perinatally HIV-infected preschool children classified according to immunological status in order to assess autonomic function at early stages of infection. Thirty-five perinatally HIV-infected and clinically stable children (4.8 ± 0.3 years) were enrolled after approval of the study by the University Hospital Pedro Ernesto Ethics Committee and written informed parental consent was obtained. The children were classified according to peripheral CD4+ count (cells/µL) as follows: group 1, N = 11 (≥1000); group 2, N = 7 (≥500 and <1000); group 3, N = 17 (<500). Left ventricular ejection fraction (>55%), 24-h RR interval variability (RRV) indexes (NN, SDANN, SDNN index, r-MSSD) and 24-h QT and Bazett-corrected QT (QTc) were determined, and groups were matched for age, body surface area, and left ventricular ejection fraction, reducing biases in RRV. The peak differences (∆) between the highest and lowest RRV and QT indexes were extracted from nocturnal (1 am-6 am) and daytime (1 pm-6 pm) hourly assessed segments, respectively. Pearson’s correlation (r) and Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA were used to compare groups. CD4+ count correlated positively with ∆NN (r = 0.45; P = 0.003). There were no significant differences in daytime NN among groups. Nighttime SDNN index (P = 0.01), nighttime r-MSSD (P = 0.003), ∆NN (P = 0.01), ∆SDNN index (P = 0.03) and ∆r-MSSD (P = 0.004) were significantly lower in group 3 than in the other groups. Expected nighttime QTc-interval lengthening was not observed in all groups. In perinatally HIV-infected preschool children with preserved left ventricular systolic function, parasympathetic-mediated autonomic dysfunction parallels immune status, impairing both RRV and circadian QTc interval adaptation.