Chromosome polymorphism of heterochromatin and nucleolar regions in two populations of the fish Astyanax bockmanni (Teleostei: Characiformes)

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

Fractal behavior throughout stretch zone of 15-5PH steel under elastic-plastic loading conditions

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

A Model for Bundled Conductors considering a Non-Homogeneous Distribution of the Current through Subconductors

This paper describes an alternative procedure to obtain an equivalent conductor from a bundled conductor, taking into account the distribution of the current in subcondutors of the bundle. Firstly, it is introduced a brief background about the concept of Geometric Mean Radius (GMR) and how this methodology is applied to define an equivalent conductor and its electric parameters. Emphasizing that the classical procedure, using GMR, is limited to premise which the current is equally distributed through subconductors. Afterwards, it is described the development of proposed method and applications for an equivalent conductor obtained from a conventional transmission line bundled conductor and from an equivalent conductor based on a bundle with compressed SF(6) insulation system, where the current is unequally distributed through subconductors.

Numerical analysis of refrigerant flow along non-adiabatic capillary tubes using a two-fluid model

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

Distribuição socioespacial dos fatores dinâmicos da população na Região Metropolitana de Natal

The Metropolitan Region of Natal, like other metropolitan regions in Brazil, was marked by intense and rapid urbanization of the country occurred only in the second half of the twentieth century, coinciding with the process of consolidation of the industry in the country, resulting in serious urban social problems, such as the increase in slums, lack of infrastructure and this increase in violence in urban centers. When enters the reality of the metropolitan region, assessing the impacts of restructuring productive in the context of globalization, analyzing how the socio-economic factors influencing the dynamic of the population, whose configuration was shown to be contradictory according to social class busy. Accordingly, we studied the demographic configuration of the Metropolitan Region of Natal, analyzing their spatial distribution and their socio-demographic differences in light of building a type socio-space, which cuts the metropolitan space in homogeneous areas

Microallelotyping defines novel regions of loss of heterozygosity in uterine leiomyomas

Uterine leiomyomas are extremely common, benign, smooth muscle tumors that represent a significant public health problem. Although there have been few molecular studies of uterine leiomyomas, most of them have reported a very low frequency of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in different regions of the genome. The detection of LOH has been used to identify genomic regions that harbor tumor suppressor genes and to characterize different tumor types. We have used a set of 15 microsatellite polymorphism markers to examine the frequency of allele loss in a panel of 64 human uterine leiomyomas matched to normal DNAs. The markers were chosen from regions involved in losses identified by comparative genomic hybridization in a subset of uterine leiomyomas described in a previous report. DNA from tumors and normal tissue was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction and subsequently analyzed using an ABI Prism 377 DNA automated sequencer. The frequency of LOH observed was low, except for the markers D15S87 (15q26.3), D7S493 (7p15.3), and D7S517 (7p22.2). No changes in microsatellite size were detected in our samples. These results provide useful clues for identifying putative tumor suppressor genes associated with a subset of uterine leiomyomas. (C) 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Comparison of the sequences of the internal transcribed Spacer regions and PbGP43 genes of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis from patients and armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus)

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis isolates from 10 nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) were comparable with 19 clinical isolates by sequence analysis of the PbGP43 gene and ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) and ITS2 and by random amplified polymorphic DNA. In this original ITS study, eight isolates differed by one or three sites among five total substitution sites.

Antibacterial activity of propolis collected in different regions of Brazil

The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial activity of propolis samples from Goiás, Paraná and São Paulo States, Brazil, and their flavonoids content. Ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) were prepared (30g of propolis in 70% ethanol), and the microorganisms Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were tested. The methodology employed was agar diffusion using filter paper discs. Ampicillin and tetracycline were used as controls. Antibacterial activity was determined by the reading of inhibition zone diameters (mm) after 24 hours incubation at 37°C. Results demonstrated that EEP inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus but not that of Escherichia coli. Tetracycline and ampicillin showed an efficient action against both bacteria. Flavonoids content was variable, depending on the propolis sample. According to the results, it may be concluded that EEP showed effective action against Gram-positive bacteria, independently on their geographic origin, and a positive correlation between antibacterial activity and flavonoids content.

Gingival Papilla Dimensions in Anterosuperior Regions Adjacent to Single-Tooth Implants

This study compared the dimensions of gingival papillae in anterosuperior areas presenting at natural teeth (teeth sites) or single-tooth implants adjacent to natural teeth (implant-tooth sites) by analyzing determined distances. A total of 45 teeth and 46 implant-tooth sites were carefully selected. Clinical evaluation consisted of visual and quantitative analyses with millimeter grids on radiographs. Implant-tooth sites showed a smaller gingival papilla dimension than tooth sites (P < .01). Both evaluated distances (contact point to bone crest and between the roots of adjacent teeth or implant platform to root of adjacent tooth) in all groups significantly influenced the presence/absence of gingival papillae (P < .01). (Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent 2012;32:93-100.)

Tunnel technique with a surgical maneuver to increase the graft extension: Case report with a 3-year follow-up

Background: This article reports a clinical case with a 3-year follow-up in which a subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) was used with the tunnel technique to treat multiple gingival recessions, and describes a technique used to enlarge the extension of the graft.Methods: A 41 -year-old female patient was referred for evaluation and treatment of maxillary multiple recessions. Following basic therapy, the plaque index was 23%, and the gingival index was 12%. Thus, SCTG with the tunnel technique was proposed to provide root coverage of Miller Class I recession on teeth #8 through #11 and a Miller Class III recession on tooth #12. After the donor area had been prepared, SCTG was removed and split cross-sectionally to lengthen it. The graft was placed through the tunnel and sutured.Results: Two weeks after the surgical procedure, the tissue color was nearly homogeneous with some reddish regions where the connective tissue was left uncovered, and there were no signs of incisions or suture marks. After 3 years of follow-up, the mean coverage of the recessions was 2.2 +/- 0.7 mm (74.2%), which corresponded to the gain of keratinized tissue. In addition, a gain in tissue thickness was observed.Conclusion: In a long-term evaluation, the tunnel technique with the elongated SCTG was used successfully for treatment of multiple gingival recessions with an increase of the soft tissue volume and gain of keratinized tissue.

Antioxidant defense in rat brain regions after developmental lead exposure

Oxidative stress is considered a possible molecular mechanism involved in Pb neurotoxicity. Considering the vulnerability of the developing brain to Pb neurotoxicity, this study was carried out to investigate the effects of low-level developmental Pb exposure on brain regions antioxidant enzymes activities. Wister dams were exposed to 500 ppm of Pb, as Pb acetate, or to 660 ppm Na acetate in the drinking water during pregnancy and lactation. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase were determined in the hypothalamus, hippocampus and striatum of male pups at 23 (weaned) or 70 days (adult) of age. In the Pb-exposed 23-day-old pups, the activity of SOD was decreased in the hypothalamus. Regarding adults, there was no significant treatment effect in any of the enzymes and regions evaluated. Based on the present results, it seems that oxidative stress due to decreased antioxidant function may occur in weaned rats but it is suggested that this should not be the main mechanism involved in the neurotoxicity of low-level Pb exposure. (C) 2001 Elsevier B.V. Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sequence characterization of coding regions of the myostatin gene (GDF8) from Brazilian Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) and comparison with the Bos taurus sequence

Within about 30 years the Brazilian buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) herd will reach approximately 50 million head as a result of the great adaptive capacity of these animals to tropical climates, together with the good productive and reproductive potential which make these animals an important animal protein source for poor and developing countries. The myostatin gene (GDF8) is important in the physiology of stock animals because its product produces a direct effect on muscle development and consequently also on meat production. The myostatin sequence is known in several mammalian species and shows a high degree of amino acid sequence conservation, although the presence of non-silent and silent changes in the coding sequences and several alterations in the introns and untranslated regions have been identified. The objective of our work was to characterize the myostatin coding regions of B. bubalis (Murrah breed) and to compare them with the Bos taurus regions looking for variations in nucleotide and protein sequences. In this way, we were able to identify 12 variations at DNA level and five alterations on the presumed myostatin protein sequence as compared to non double-muscled bovine sequences.

Anti-coagulase-negative Staphylococcus activity of ethanolic extracts of propolis from two Brazilian regions and synergism with antimicrobial drugs by the E-test method

Propolis is a natural resinous substance collected by bees from vegetal sources and its therapeutic properties have been investigated. In this work, we evaluated the inhibitory activity of ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) from the Southeast and South of Brazil on coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CNS) growth as well as the EEP in vitro synergism with antimicrobial drugs by using the diffusion method (E-test). The EEP chemical characteristics (dry weight, pH, flavonoid and phenolic compounds) were determined. Seven drugs were tested, and synergism was observed between three drugs and Southeast EEP, six drugs and South EEP, and one drug and ethanol control. Ethanolic extracts of propolis from the South of Brazil presented the greatest flavonoid content and synergism rate, while EEP from the Southeast presented the greatest anti-CNS activity and phenolic compound content. Results showed the correlation among anti-CNS activity, synergism rate and chemical characteristics of propolis.

Calcaneal Tendon Regions Exhibit Different MMP-2 Activation After Vertical Jumping and Treadmill Running

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