Anacardic acid from brazilian cashew nut trees reduces dentine erosion.

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of solutions containing saturated anacardic acid (AA) on dentine erosion in vitro. AA was chemically isolated from natural cashew nutshell liquid obtained by continuous extraction in a Soxhlet extractor and was fully saturated by catalytic hydrogenation. Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) activity, when exposed to buffers containing 100 µmol/l AA, was analyzed using zymography.

A new species of swamp rat of the genus Scapteromys waterhouse, 1837 (Rodentia: Sigmodontinae) endemic to Araucaria angustifolia forest in Southern Brazil.

A new species of swamp rat of the genus Scapteromys from the Meridional Plateau of Southern Brazil is described. Morphological, molecular, and karyological analysis support the recognition of the new species, distinct from S. aquaticus and S.

An initial clinical experience to improve postoperative monitoring of peripheral nerve regeneration following neurotmesis using magnetic resonance imaging at 1.5 Tesla.

Background: Peripheral nerve lesions in the upper limbs occur predominantly in reproductive-age men and are often caused by sharp objects. Microsurgery is the choice treatment for these injuries, and regeneration after surgery typically is evaluated with clinical and electrophysiological examinations. The aim of this study was to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate peripheral nerve regeneration after complete neurotmesis, and to compare the MRI findings with those obtained with clinical and EMG evaluations.

Genetic pool information reflects highly suitable areas: the case of two parapatric endangered species of Tuco-tucos (Rodentia: Ctenomiydae).

Conservation of small mammals requires knowledge of the genetically and ecologically meaningful spatial scales at which species respond to habitat modifications. Conservation strategies can be improved through the use of ecological niche models and genetic data to classify areas of high environmental suitability. In this study, we applied a Maxent model integrated with genetic information (nucleotide diversity, haplotype diversity and Fu's Fs neutrality tests) to evaluate potential genetic pool populations with highly suitable areas for two parapatric endangered species of tuco-tucos (Ctenomys minutus and C.

Erythrocyte deformability and nitric oxide mobilization under pannexin-1 and PKC dependence.

The erythrocyte adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is utilised for protein phosphorylation and exported through the pannexin 1 hemichannel (Px1) in the microcirculation. The physiological stimuli for ATP release are dependent of blood shear rate level and of the tissue oxygen content. The deoxygenated and oxygenated states of haemoglobin are respectively bound and unbound to N terminal domain of the protein band 3 of the erythrocyte membrane in dependence of its degree of phosphorylation.

TLR-driven early glycolytic reprogramming via the kinases TBK1-IKKɛ supports the anabolic demands of dendritic cell activation.

The ligation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) leads to rapid activation of dendritic cells (DCs). However, the metabolic requirements that support this process remain poorly defined. We found that DC glycolytic flux increased within minutes of exposure to TLR agonists and that this served an essential role in supporting the de novo synthesis of fatty acids for the expansion of the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi required for the production and secretion of proteins that are integral to DC activation.

Schistosomiasis.

Schistosomiasis is the second most important parasitic disease in the world in terms of public health impact. Globally, it is estimated that the disease affects over 200 million people and is responsible for 200,000 deaths each year. The three major schistosomes infecting humans are Schistosoma mansoni, S.

Molecular evidence for a recent demographic expansion in the puma (Puma concolor) (Mammalia, Felidae).

The puma is an iconic predator that ranges throughout the Americas, occupying diverse habitats. Previous phylogeographic analyses have revealed that it exhibits moderate levels of genetic structure across its range, with few of the classically recognized subspecies being supported as distinct demographic units. Moreover, most of the species' molecular diversity was found to be in South America.

DNA-based and geometric morphometric analysis to validate species designation: a case study of the subterranean rodent Ctenomys bicolor.

The genus Ctenomys (Rodentia: Ctenomyidae) shows several taxonomic inconsistencies. In this study, we used an integrative approach including DNA sequences, karyotypes, and geometric morphometrics to evaluate the taxonomic validity of a nominal species, Ctenomys bicolor, which was described based on only one specimen in 1912 by Miranda Ribeiro, and since then neglected. We sampled near the type locality assigned to this species and collected 10 specimens.

Molecular data reveal complex hybridization and a cryptic species of neotropical wild cat.

Hybridization among animal species has recently become more recognized as an important phenomenon, especially in the context of recent radiations. Here we show that complex hybridization has led to contrasting patterns of genomic composition among closely related species of the Neotropical cat genus Leopardus. We show strong evidence of ancient hybridization and introgression between the pampas cat (L.

DNA barcoding of sigmodontine rodents: identifying wildlife reservoirs of zoonoses.

Species identification through DNA barcoding is a tool to be added to taxonomic procedures, once it has been validated. Applying barcoding techniques in public health would aid in the identification and correct delimitation of the distribution of rodents from the subfamily Sigmodontinae. These rodents are reservoirs of etiological agents of zoonoses including arenaviruses, hantaviruses, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis.

Family socioeconomic status and the provision of motor affordances in the home.

Background: Socioeconomic status (SES) and stimulation provided in the home environment are influential factors in aspects of child well-being including motor development. Little is known regarding the influence of SES on specific aspects of the home environment.

Objective: To evaluate the availability of affordances in the home to promote infant motor development and family SES.

Severe multi-resistant pemphigus vulgaris: prolonged remission with a single cycle of rituximab.

Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune bullous disease whose therapy is based on systemic corticosteroids, with or without immunosuppressants. Rituximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody of the IgG class, directed at a specific CD20 B cell surface antigen, used in pemphigus vulgaris empirically since 2002, with success in 90% of the cases and long periods of remission. Male patient, 33 years old, diagnosed with pemphigus vulgaris, confirmed by histopathology and direct immunofluorescence.

The role of chromosomal rearrangements and geographical barriers in the divergence of lineages in a South American subterranean rodent (Rodentia: Ctenomyidae: Ctenomys minutus).

Identifying factors and the extent of their roles in the differentiation of populations is of great importance for understanding the evolutionary process in which a species is involved. Ctenomys minutus is a highly karyotype-polymorphic subterranean rodent, with diploid numbers ranging from 42 to 50 and autosomal arm numbers (ANs) ranging from 68 to 80, comprising a total of 45 karyotypes described so far. This species inhabits the southern Brazilian coastal plain, which has a complex geological history, with several potential geographical barriers acting on different time scales.

Electron collisions with the HCOOH···(H2O)n complexes (n = 1, 2) in liquid phase: the influence of microsolvation on the π* resonance of formic acid.

We report momentum transfer cross sections for elastic collisions of low-energy electrons with the HCOOH···(H2O)n complexes, with n = 1, 2, in liquid phase. The scattering cross sections were computed using the Schwinger multichannel method with pseudopotentials in the static-exchange and static-exchange plus polarization approximations, for energies ranging from 0.5 eV to 6 eV.

Penial morphology in three species of Brazilian tuco-tucos, Ctenomys torquatus, C. minutus, and C. flamarioni (Rodentia: Ctenomyidae).

The present study analyses the glans penis and baculum morphology of three Brazilian tuco-tucos, Ctenomys torquatus Lichtenstein, 1830, Ctenomys minutus Nehring, 1887 and Ctenomys flamarioni Travi, 1981, in order to identify possible variations and understand some more about this taxonomically complex group. We used fixed penis from 15 previously listed adult specimens. For a more detailed baculum analysis, the penis underwent dissection and diaphanisation, whereas to analyse the glans penis surface we used Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).

Treadmill training following orthopedic surgery in lower limbs of children with cerebral palsy.

Purpose: To determine the effect of treadmill training on gross motor function and functional mobility in children with cerebral palsy (CP) receiving physical therapy following orthopedic surgery for the lower limbs.

Methods: Children with CP between 8 and 15 years of age participated and were divided into 2 groups: those having undergone soft tissue surgery and those having undergone both soft tissue and bone surgery. The program consisted of 12 weeks of treadmill training without partial weight support at a frequency of one 30-minute session per week.

Molecular evolution of the melanocortin 1-receptor pigmentation gene in rodents.

Adaptive variation in the melanocortin 1-receptor gene (MC1R), a key locus in melanogenesis, has been identified in some species of rodents. However, in others, MC1R has no causative role in pigmentation phenotypes despite their coat color variation. In this study, we characterized the rates and patterns of MC1R nucleotide and amino acid sequence evolution and, particularly, selective pressures in the separated domains of the protein using a comparative analysis of 43 species representing three major lineages of rodents with variable coat colors.

DNA damage and cytotoxicity in adult subjects with prediabetes.

Prediabetes (intermediate hyperglycemia) is a high-risk state for diabetes that is defined by higher than normal glycemic levels that are below the level required for a diagnosis of diabetes. Prediabetes is characterized by oxidative stress, yet the associated DNA damage and cytotoxicity remain unknown to date. Therefore, we evaluated the relationship between glycemic alterations, DNA damage and cytotoxicity in the lymphocytes of individuals with pre-diabetes.

A hybrid zone of the genus Ctenomys: A case study in southern Brazil.

We describe variation at microsatellite loci and the chromosomal polymorphisms of a hybrid population, and hybridizing populations of Ctenomys minutus (the minor tuco-tuco) from the coastal plain of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. Cytogenetic analysis and a survey of six microsatellite loci included 101 specimens of C. minutus from the parental populations (2n/AN = 42/74 and 48a/76) and their contact zone.

Can joint analysis of postoperative MELD, base excess and blood lactate levels be used as an index of postoperative outcome for patients submitted to liver transplantation?

Purpose: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the postoperative levels of classical or pure MELD and changes in lactate or base excess (BE) levels as possible predictive factors of the type of outcome of patients submitted to orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).

Methods: The study was conducted on 60 patients submitted to OLT at the University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, USP, between October 2008 and March 2012. The 30 latest survivor (S) and non-survivor (NS) cases were selected.

Draft genome sequence of the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis.

Background: Hevea brasiliensis, a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, is the major commercial source of natural rubber (NR). NR is a latex polymer with high elasticity, flexibility, and resilience that has played a critical role in the world economy since 1876.

Results: Here, we report the draft genome sequence of H.

Prospective analysis of 44 consecutive liver transplants performed at a university hospital.

Purpose: To analyze the intraoperative and immediate postoperative biochemical parameters of patients submitted to orthotopic liver transplantation.

Methods: Forty four consecutive orthotopic liver transplants performed from October 2009 to December 2010 were analyzed. The patients (38 male and eight female) were divided into two groups: group A, survivors, and group B, non-survivors.

Molecular identification of melanised non-sporulating moulds: a useful tool for studying the epidemiology of phaeohyphomycosis.

Subcutaneous infections caused by melanised fungi have been increasingly reported among transplant patients, and these infections have the potential for blood and visceral dissemination. Some moulds, such as Mycelia sterilia, cannot grow and sporulate on different media, making their identification impossible by conventional methods. The fast and accurate identification of melanised fungi at the species level is important because species may have tropism to different organs and different susceptibilities to antifungal agents.