SEGUID v2: Extending SEGUID checksums for circular, linear, single- and double-stranded biological sequences.

Background: Synthetic biology involves combining different DNA fragments, each containing functional biological parts, to address specific problems. Fundamental gene-function research often requires cloning and propagating DNA fragments, such as those from the iGEM Parts Registry or Addgene, typically distributed as circular plasmids.Addgene's repository alone offers around 150,000 plasmids.

Hippocampal Microglia Activation Induced by Acute Pancreatic Injury in Rats.

Background: Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreatic glandular parenchyma that causes injury with or without the destruction of pancreatic acini. Clinical and experimental evidence suggest that certain systemic proinflammatory mediators may be responsible for initiating the fundamental mechanisms involved in microglial reactivity. Here, we investigated the possible repercussions of acute pancreatitis (AP) on the production of inflammatory mediators in the brain parenchyma focusing on microglial activation in the hippocampus.

Bacteria and Yeast Colony PCR.

The bacteria Escherichia coli and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae are currently the two most important organisms in synthetic biology. E. coli is almost always used for fundamental DNA manipulation, while yeast is the simplest host system for studying eukaryotic gene expression and performing large-scale DNA assembly.

Gastrotomy followed by gastrorrhaphy as a reliable and more physiologic technique for inducing peritoneal adhesion in rats.

Objective: this research objective was to develop a new peritoneal adhesion animal model that would lead to adhesions formation in all operated animals, simple and reproducible, associated with maintenance the animal's health.

Methods: eighteen adult male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) were randomly distributed into three groups: Control Group (anatomical and clinical parameters), Sham Group (delicate manipulation of the stomach and exposure of the peritoneal cavity to ambient air) and Surgery Group (gastrotomy followed by gastrorrhaphy). The animals were analyzed and classificated macroscopically according to two adhesion classification models and differences between groups were considered significant when p<0.

Optimization of a hybrid bacterial/ fatty acid synthase system II in .

Fatty acids are produced by eukaryotes like baker's yeast mainly using a large multifunctional type I fatty acid synthase (FASI) where seven catalytic steps and a carrier domain are shared between one or two protein subunits. While this system may offer efficiency in catalysis, only a narrow range of fatty acids are produced. Prokaryotes, chloroplasts and mitochondria rely instead on a FAS type II (FASII) where each catalytic step is carried out by a monofunctional enzyme encoded by a separate gene.

My social comfort zone: Attachment anxiety shapes peripersonal and interpersonal space.

Following positive social exchanges, the neural representation of interactive space around the body (peripersonal space; PPS) expands, whereas we also feel consciously more comfortable being closer to others (interpersonal distance; ID). However, it is unclear how relational traits, such as attachment styles, interact with the social malleability of our PPS and ID. A first, exploratory study (N=48) using a visuo-tactile, augmented reality task, found that PPS depended on the combined effects of social context and attachment anxiety.

Glyphosate-Based Herbicide Causes Cellular Alterations to Gut Epithelium of the Neotropical Stingless Bee Melipona quadrifasciata quadrifasciata (Hymenoptera: Meliponini).

Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH) are the best-selling pesticides in Brazil, with hundreds of thousands of tons sold per year. There is no study investigating morphological alterations caused by GBH on the epithelium of the gut in bees. Here, we aimed to demonstrate effects of chronic ingestion of GBH in the midgut digestive cells of the Brazilian stingless bee Melipona quadrifasciata quadrifasciata Lepeletier 1836.

Three new species of the Neurigona orbicularis species group from Brazil (Diptera: Dolichopodidae).

The Neurigona orbicularis species group (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) is recorded from Brazil for the first time, and three new species are described and illustrated, including figures of the male genitalia: N. lopesi sp. nov.

Laparoscopic Pancreatectomy in Rats: The Development of an Experimental Model.

Introduction: several pancreatectomy techniques in rats have been described and utilized for research concerning the pancreas endocrine and exocrine functions. However, we did not find a description of any kind of laparoscopic pancreatectomy in rats in the consulted databases. The objective of this study is to describe a laparoscopic splenic lobe pancreatectomy in rats.

Cryopreserved Rat Thyroid Autotransplantation in the Treatment of Postoperative Hypothyroidism.

To verify the viability and functionality of cryopreserved thyroid autotransplantation in rats who underwent total thyroidectomy in the treatment of postoperative hypothyroidism. Thirty-two Wistar rats were randomly assigned into groups (G) with eight animals each: control (CG); simulation (SG); hypothyroidism (HTG) and transplanted (TG). At the beginning and in the 13th week of the experiment, serum levels of total T3, free T4, TSH and calcium were determined.

A novel D-xylose isomerase from the gut of the wood feeding beetle Odontotaenius disjunctus efficiently expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Carbohydrate rich substrates such as lignocellulosic hydrolysates remain one of the primary sources of potentially renewable fuel and bulk chemicals. The pentose sugar D-xylose is often present in significant amounts along with hexoses. Saccharomyces cerevisiae can acquire the ability to metabolize D-xylose through expression of heterologous D-xylose isomerase (XI).

Reduction of synchronous reluctance motor currents with minimization of direct and cross saturation magnetic model.

In this paper, two cost functions are presented which are minimized to provide the optimized reference currents for the controlled drive of the synchronous reluctance motor. Since the synchronous reluctance motor operation is divided into two operating regions: one up to rated speed (0-1740 rpm), known as constant torque region and variable power, and other above this speed, called field weakening region (1740-2000 rpm), each of the cost functions proposals is appropriate for a specific region. The optimization problem is solved by the method of Lagrange Multiplier which allows finding the minimum value of a function with one or more constraints.

Rat models of high risk colorectal anastomoses 1.

Purpose: To evaluate the most frequent surgical techniques of high-risk colorectal anastomoses in rats.

Methods: Wistar rats were enrolled in three different models comprising inflammatory (TNBS enema), vascular (portal vein occlusion) or obstructive (a non-ischemic constricting ring) mechanisms associated with colonic anastomosis that had accomplished after these former lesions. Histological analyses (Hematoxylin and eosin and Picrosirius red) were performed.

A technical note on low cost rat laparoscopy an initial experience.

Purpose: To evaluate a novel and adapted low-cost set model for laparoscopic surgery in rats.

Methods: Nine Wistar rats underwent two different laparoscopic procedures, splenectomy (n=3) and distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (n = 6), after assembling a low-cost set replacing the conventional one (monitor, micro camera, image processor, light source, laparoscope and insufflator). The new set included an Android Tablet 10.

Quantitative assessment of DNA damage in the industrial ethanol production strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae PE-2.

Lignocellulosic hydrolysates remain one of the most abundantly used substrates for the sustainable production of second generation fuels and chemicals with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Nevertheless, fermentation inhibitors such as acetic acid, furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural are formed during the process and can lead to slow or stuck fermentations and/or act as genotoxic agents leading to production strain genetic instability. We have developed a novel dominant deletion (DEL) cassette assay for quantification of DNA damage in both wild-type and industrial yeast strains.

The participation of Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMSs) in the perception of pain in patients with migraine: A psychological profile.

Unlabelled: Young's early maladaptive schemas questionnaire (YSQ-S3) is used to understand psychological aspects.

Objective: EMSs were evaluated in patients with migraine.

Methods: Sixty-five subjects were evaluated using the YSQ-S3 under standard conditions in a room with air conditioning at 22 ± 2°C.

Cholecystectomy during ceftriaxone therapy. A translational study with a new rabbit model.

Purpose: To evaluate the actual incidence of both microlithiasis and acute cholecystitis during treatment with intravenous ceftriaxone in a new rabbit model.

Methods: New Zealand rabbits were treated with intravenous ceftriaxone or saline for 21 days. Ultrasound monitoring of the gallbladder was performed every seven days until the 21st day when histopathology, immunohistochemistry for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), pro-caspase-3 and CD68, liver enzyme biochemistry, and chromatography analysis of the bile and sediments were also performed.

Student insight about the discipline of surgical technique on the formative process in the School of Medicine of UFRJ.

Purpose:: To evaluate whether undergraduate students feel motivated to develop surgical skills and know their impression about the importance of having a surgical technique discipline in the curriculum of a medical school.

Methods:: A prospective study including three classes in a row, from the 8th period (n = 265) evaluated the knowledge acquired at the Center of Experimental Surgery, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine of Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). The importance of the discipline for medical training as a way of encouragement to arouse and deepen the interest in surgical technique was emphasized.

Central precocious puberty: revisiting the diagnosis and therapeutic management.

Clinical and laboratory diagnosis and treatment of central precocious puberty (CPP) remain challenging due to lack of standardization. The aim of this revision was to address the diagnostic and therapeutic features of CPP in Brazil based on relevant international literature and availability of the existing therapies in the country. The diagnosis of CPP is based mainly on clinical and biochemical parameters, and a period of follow-up is desirable to define the "progressive" form of sexual precocity.

Exogenous pulmonary surfactant prevents the development of intra-abdominal adhesions in rats.

Intra-abdominal adhesions are major post-operative complications for which no effective means of prevention is available. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of exogenous pulmonary surfactant administration in the prevention of post-operative abdominal adhesions. Rats were randomly assigned to undergo laparotomy (L) or gastroenterostomy (GE) and then treated with surfactant (groups L-S and GE-S, respectively).

Ureteral reconstruction with abdominal wall muscle flap: experimental study in rabbits.

The authors detail the experimental development of a technique for the reconstruction of the ureter using a tubular shape, muscle flap of the abdominal wall. the preliminary results indicate the feasibility of this surgical technique.

Effect of alpha lipoic acid on the blood cell count and iron kinetics in hypertensive patients.

Introduction: The -lipoic acid (ALA) has been used as a treatment to reduce oxidative damage in Systemic Arterial Hypertension (SAH), but there are no in vivo studies reporting the effect of its mechanism of action on iron metabolism.

Objective: To evaluate the antioxidant effect of -lipoic acid on Blood cell count (CBC) and iron metabolism in hypertensive subjects with or without anemia.

Method: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Ten-year evaluation of a Neonatal Screening Program for congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Objective: Evaluate the Neonatal Screening Program (NSP) for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) of the Department of Health of the State of Santa Catarina (Secretaria de Estado da Saúde de Santa Catarina, SES/SC), and provide information to improve the program.

Subjects And Methods: Descriptive, retrospective study of 748,395 children screened between January 2001 and December 2010. We analyzed the coverage of the NSP-SES/SC prevalence of CAH, child's age when the first sample for 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) measurement was collected, levels of 17OHP, mean age at treatment onset and main clinical manifestations.

In-vivo bone response to titanium screw implants anodized in sodium sulfate.

Purpose: To evaluate the early bone response to a nanotextured dental implant treated with sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), using a rabbit model.

Methods: Twelve animals were randomly divided into group 1 (Control) - machined implants and group 2 (Test) - nanotextured implants. Extra-oral incision was performed to provide access to intended surgical site where the dental implant was inserted immediately after the extraction of the mandibular first premolar.

Electrophysiological characteristics of Chagas disease.

Objective: Chagas disease has become a global problem due to changing migration patterns. An electrophysiological study is generally indicated for assessing sinus node function, conduction through the atrioventricular node and His-Purkinje system, in addition to evaluating the mechanisms of arrhythmia. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of electrophysiological study findings in patients with Chagas disease.