Spatial resolution of pacemapping and activation mapping in patients with idiopathic right ventricular outflow tract tachycardia.

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the spatial resolution of activation mapping and pacemapping in patients undergoing ablation of idiopathic ventricular tachycardia (VT) arising from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). A direct comparison of the two techniques has not been undertaken.

Methods And Results: Electroanatomical activation maps of the RVOT were obtained during VT in 15 patients.

Novel lipid mediator aspirin-triggered lipoxin A4 induces heme oxygenase-1 in endothelial cells.

Lipoxins (LX) and aspirin-triggered LX (ATL) are eicosanoids generated during inflammation via transcellular biosynthetic routes that elicit distinct anti-inflammatory and proresolution bioactions, including inhibition of leukocyte-mediated injury, stimulation of macrophage clearance of apoptotic neutrophils, repression of proinflammatory cytokine production, and inhibition of cell proliferation and migration. Recently, it was reported that aspirin induces heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression on endothelial cells (EC) in a COX-independent manner, what confers protection against prooxidant insults. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

Low accumulation of L90M in protease from subtype F HIV-1 with resistance to protease inhibitors is caused by the L89M polymorphism.

Background: This work evaluates the role of subtype F human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) protease (PR) substitutions L89M and L90M in viral replication and resistance to PR inhibitors (PIs).

Methods: Subtype B and F PR genes were subjected to site-directed mutagenesis, to create and reverse the methionine at positions 89 and 90. Viruses were re-created in cell culture, and their replicative capacity was assessed by fitness assay.

Two breeding females within free-living groups may not always indicate polygyny: alternative subordinate female strategies in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus).

The mating system of callitrichids has been reported to be monogamous, polygynous and polyandrous. In Callithrix jacchus, groups with 2 breeding females and groups with 1 breeding female have been reported. Our purpose was to evaluate the occurrence of occasional reproduction by subordinate females in free-ranging C.

Metal-binding proteins scanning and determination by combining gel electrophoresis, synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence and atomic spectrometry.

In the present work, protein bands from in vitro embriogenic callus (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) were investigated using micro-synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence (muSR-XRF) after sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) separation. Metal-binding protein quantification was done after microwave oven decomposition of gel by synchrotron radiation total reflection X-ray fluorescence (SR-TXRF), flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and flame atomic emission spectrometry (FAES).

Multiresidue analysis of pesticides in soil by supercritical fluid extraction/gas chromatography with electron-capture detection and confirmation by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

The applicability of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) in pesticide multiresidue analysis (organohalogen, organonitrogen, organophosphorus, and pyrethroid) in soil samples was investigated. Fortification experiments were conducted to test the conventional extraction (solid-liquid) and to optimize the extraction procedure in SFE by varying the CO2 modifier, temperature, extraction time, and pressure. The best efficiency was achieved at 400 bar using methanol as modifier at 60 degrees C.

HLA class II and antibody responses to circumsporozoite protein repeats of P. vivax (VK210, VK247 and P. vivax-like) in individuals naturally exposed to malaria.

We studied the seroreactivity against the circumsporozoite protein (CSP) repeats of Plasmodium vivax variants in individuals living in malaria-endemic area of the Brazilian Amazon region (Candeias do Jamari - RO). The prevalence of IgG antibodies for at least one of the P. vivax CSP repeats was 49%.

Heme inhibits human neutrophil apoptosis: involvement of phosphoinositide 3-kinase, MAPK, and NF-kappaB.

High levels of free heme are found in pathological states of increased hemolysis, such as sickle cell disease, malaria, and ischemia reperfusion. The hemolytic events are often associated with an inflammatory response that usually turns into chronic inflammation. We recently reported that heme is a proinflammatory molecule, able to induce neutrophil migration, reactive oxygen species generation, and IL-8 expression.

A sensitive method for cadmium determination using an on-line polyurethane foam preconcentration system and thermospray flame furnace atomic absorption spectrometry.

A new sensitive and low cost method for cadmium determination at microg l(-1) levels that combines an on-line preconcentration system with the thermospray flame furnace atomic absorption spectrometry technique (TS-FF-AAS) is described in this work. Cadmium is preconcentrated from an acidic medium (pH 2.0) by forming a complex with ammonium O,O-diethyldithiophosphate (DDTP), which is then adsorbed onto polyurethane foam (PUF).

Lung microvascular permeability and neutrophil recruitment are differently regulated by nitric oxide in a rat model of intestinal ischemia-reperfusion.

We investigated the effect of two inhibitors of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, N(w)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and aminoguanidine, on lung inflammation caused by intestinal ischemia/reperfusion in rats. Relative to the sham-operated rats, intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (ischemia: 45 min; reperfusion: 30 min, 2 and 4 h) induced neutrophil recruitment (increased myeloperoxidase activity) and increased microvascular permeability (Evans blue dye extravasation) in the lungs and increased tumor necrosis factor (TNF) levels in the serum (L-929 cytotoxicity assay). L-NAME given before the ischemia exacerbated neutrophil accumulation, plasma extravasation, serum TNF and caused death of the animals, which was prevented by concomitant injection of L-arginine.

Experimental murine mycobacteriosis: evaluation of the functional activity of alveolar macrophages in thalidomide- treated mice.

Thalidomide is a selective inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a cytokine involved in mycobacterial death mechanisms. We investigated the role of this drug in the functional activity of alveolar macrophages in the presence of infection induced by intranasal inoculation of Mycobacterium avium in thalidomide-treated and untreated adult Swiss mice. Sixty animals were inoculated with 5 x 10(6) M.

Quantitative determination of sporozoites and circumsporozoite antigen in mosquitoes infected with Plasmodium falciparum or P. vivax.

It is essential for malariologists and researchers to have simple and accurate means of assessing the threat of Plasmodium parasites. An attempt was therefore made to re-standardize one of the circumsporozoite (CS) ELISA that can be used to detect and quantify the circumsporozoite antigens of P. falciparum and P.

Argatroban use during pediatric interventional cardiac catheterization.

Argatroban is a synthetic direct thrombin inhibitor that does not interact with or induce heparin-dependent antibodies. It is approved for use in adults for prevention and treatment of thrombosis associated with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). It has been administered safely in adults with HIT during coronary interventions.

Biosorption of heavy metals using rice milling by-products. Characterisation and application for removal of metals from aqueous effluents.

The morphological characteristics as well as chemical composition of rice husks were evaluated by different techniques such as spectroscopy and thermogravimetry. The material, which is considered a by-product obtained from rice milling, was then investigated as a potential decontaminant of toxic heavy metals present in laboratory effluents. Studies using glass columns were carried out at room temperature employing 100 ml of synthetic solutions containing Cd(II) and Pb(II) at 100 mg l(-1) in order to study the effects of pH, flow rate and particle size on Cd(II) and Pb(II) adsorption.

Large left atrial thrombus formation despite warfarin therapy after device closure of a patent foramen ovale.

Appropriate anticoagulation after transcatheter device placement is controversial. Patients with no history of thromboembolism or neurologic event typically receive antiplatelet therapy for several months while the device endothelializes. For patients with a history of stroke, there are no established guidelines for postdevice anticoagulation.

Matrilineal genetic structure within and among populations of the cooperatively breeding common marmoset, Callithrix jacchus.

Common marmosets are members of the family Callitrichidae, South American primates characterized by highly social group living and cooperative breeding. In this study we analysed 1112 base pairs (bp) of the mitochondrial control region in 59 Callithrix jacchus individuals, sampled mainly from two geographically distinct field sites in N.E.

Nuclear and mitochondrial rDNA variability in Crinipellis perniciosa from different geographic origins and hosts.

Genetic variability in Crinipellis perniciosa, the causal organism of witches' broom disease in Theobroma cacao, was determined in strains originating from T. cacao and other susceptible host species Heteropterys acutifolia and Solanum lycocarpum in Brazil, in order to clarify host specificity and geographical variability. RFLP analysis of the ribosomal DNA ITS regions (rDNA ITS), and the mitochondrial DNA small subunit ribosomal DNA gene (mtDNA SSU rDNA) did not reveal any genetic variability in 120 tested strains, possibly serving only as species level markers.

Time elapsed from onset of symptoms to diagnosis of endometriosis in a cohort study of Brazilian women.

Background: The study aim was to assess the time elapsed between onset of symptoms and diagnosis of endometriosis, and to identify the factors associated with diagnostic delay in a group of Brazilian women.

Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 200 women with surgically confirmed endometriosis were interviewed at an endometriosis outpatient clinic.

Results: The median (interquartile range) time elapsed from onset of symptoms until diagnosis of endometriosis was 7.

Morphometrical analysis of cleaning capacity using nickel-titanium rotary instrumentation associated with irrigating solutions in mesio-distal flattened root canals.

Variations in the internal anatomy of root canals may interfere with the success of root canal because tissue remnants may remain in the isthmus, re-entrances and ramifications of flattened root canals making instrumentation more difficult. Successful root canal treatment depends fundamentally on shaping, cleaning, disinfection and obturation. This study verified the quality of cleaning of ProFile .

Transcriptome characterization of the dimorphic and pathogenic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis by EST analysis.

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is a pathogenic fungus that undergoes a temperature-dependent cell morphology change from mycelium (22 degrees C) to yeast (36 degrees C). It is assumed that this morphological transition correlates with the infection of the human host. Our goal was to identify genes expressed in the mycelium (M) and yeast (Y) forms by EST sequencing in order to generate a partial map of the fungus transcriptome.

Ablation of epicardial macroreentrant ventricular tachycardia associated with idiopathic nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy by a percutaneous transthoracic approach.

Characterization of the substrate and mechanism of epicardial ventricular tachycardia (VT) associated with idiopathic nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy is limited. We report a case of successful mapping and ablation of an epicardial VT by a percutaneous transthoracic approach in a patient with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, frequent VT, and previously unsuccessful endocardial ablation. Evidence of myocardial scar was limited to the epicardium.

[Correlation between TNM classification, histological grading and anatomical location in oral squamous cell carcinoma].

The aim of this study was to investigate the existence of correlation between the TNM clinical classification, histologic malignancy grading and anatomical location of oral squamous cell carcinoma. A total of 120 oral squamous cell carcinomas were selected from the files of the Dr. Luiz Antonio Hospital (Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil).

Invader technology for DNA and RNA analysis: principles and applications.

Concomitant advances made by the Human Genome Project and in the development of nucleic acid screening technologies are driving the expansion of pharmacogenomic research and molecular diagnostics. However, most current technologies are restrictive due to their complexity and/or cost, limiting the potential of personalized medicine. The invader assay, which can be used for genotyping as well as for gene expression monitoring without the need for intervening target amplification steps, presents an immediate solution that is accurate, simple to use, scaleable and cost-effective.

Coronary sinus-ventricular accessory connections producing posteroseptal and left posterior accessory pathways: incidence and electrophysiological identification.

Background: The coronary sinus (CS) has a myocardial coat (CSMC) with extensive connections to the left and right atria. We postulated that some posteroseptal and left posterior accessory pathways (CSAPs) result from connections between a cuff of CSMC extending along the middle cardiac vein (MCV) or posterior coronary vein (PCV) and the ventricle. The purpose of the present study was to use CS angiography and mapping to define and determine the incidence of CSAPs and determine the relationship to CS anatomy.