RESUMO

Full Heusler alloys present martensitic transition and shape memory effect related phenomena and several technological applications can be envisaged. One promising area is the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) as the magnetic and structural transitions combine to produce a large isothermal entropy and adiabatic temperature change useful for heating and cooling applications. In this work, we study a Ni-(Mn, Cu)-(Ga, Al) Heusler alloy family which has a giant MCE when the chemical composition is fine-tuned to bring the temperature of the second-order magnetic transition close the first-order structural one. Our results show that, for a certain range of copper concentration, the samples show interesting physical properties captured by calorimetric, microscopy imaging, and magnetization measurements, leading to a high MCE with minimized hysteresis.

RESUMO

This study aimed at determining the clinical and pathological effects of the coinfection of young SPF chickens with chicken anemia virus (CAV) and Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) vaccine strains. The clinical signs, gross and microscopic lesions were determined after the experimental coinfection broilers with a CAV genotype 1 vaccine strain given intraperitoneally on the first day of age and a MG F-strain vaccine given intranasally on the 8th day of age. The experimental groups included the negative control (group 1), a group infected with the MG F-strain vaccine (group 2), and a group coinfected with CAV and MG vaccines (group 3). Chicks were examined clinically and post mortem at 23 days of age, and gross and microscopic lesions of the trachea, thymus, and air sacs were compared among treatments (Kruskal-Wallis test). Infections were confirmed by PCR for specific genetic fragments of each agent in the target tissues. Mortality was only observed in chicks on group 3, with two deaths and more severe lesions in the trachea, thymus and air sacs compared with groups 1 and 2 (p < 0.01). Dead chicks presented reduced thymus and spleen size, hemorrhagic trachea with catarrhal exudate and partial obstruction, pericarditis, catarrhal airsacculitis, lungs with liquid and ascites. The surviving chicks in group 3 showed more severe respiratory changes than those in group 2, in addition to thymus and spleen size reduction. Results indicate the adverse effects of the coinfection of young chickens with MG F-strain and CAV genotype 1 vaccines.

Assuntos

RESUMO

This study aimed at determining the clinical and pathological effects of the coinfection of young SPF chickens with chicken anemia virus (CAV) and Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) vaccine strains. The clinical signs, gross and microscopic lesions were determined after the experimental coinfection broilers with a CAV genotype 1 vaccine strain given intraperitoneally on the first day of age and a MG F-strain vaccine given intranasally on the 8th day of age. The experimental groups included the negative control (group 1), a group infected with the MG F-strain vaccine (group 2), and a group coinfected with CAV and MG vaccines (group 3). Chicks were examined clinically and post mortem at 23 days of age, and gross and microscopic lesions of the trachea, thymus, and air sacs were compared among treatments (Kruskal-Wallis test). Infections were confirmed by PCR for specific genetic fragments of each agent in the target tissues. Mortality was only observed in chicks on group 3, with two deaths and more severe lesions in the trachea, thymus and air sacs compared with groups 1 and 2 (p < 0.01). Dead chicks presented reduced thymus and spleen size, hemorrhagic trachea with catarrhal exudate and partial obstruction, pericarditis, catarrhal airsacculitis, lungs with liquid and ascites. The surviving chicks in group 3 showed more severe respiratory changes than those in group 2, in addition to thymus and spleen size reduction. Results indicate the adverse effects of the coinfection of young chickens with MG F-strain and CAV genotype 1 vaccines.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

UNLABELLED: This cross-sectional study involves randomly selected men aged 50 to 99 years and postmenopausal women. Either central fat mass or peripheral fat mass were associated to osteoporosis or osteopenia independently from fat-free body mass and other confounding factors. INTRODUCTION: Obesity and osteoporosis are public health problems that probably share common pathophysiological mechanisms. The question if body fat mass, central or peripheral, is protective or harmful for osteoporosis or osteopenia is not completely resolved. This study aims to investigate the association between osteoporosis or osteopenia, and fat body mass (central and peripheral) independently from fat-free body mass, in men aged 50 to 99 years old and postmenopausal women randomly selected in the community. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional investigation with a random sample of registered population in Niterói Family Doctor Program (FDP), State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Bone mineral density (BMD) and fat-free mass were assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). RESULTS: There was statistically significant bivariate association between bone loss with gender, age, skin color, alcohol consumption at risk dose, use of thiazide, fat-free body mass, and fat body mass (central and peripheral). In the multiple analysis of fat-free body mass, central and peripheral fat body mass showed an independent and protective effect on the presence of osteoporosis or osteopenia (p value <0.001). CONCLUSION: Since both obesity and osteoporosis are public health problems worldwide, strategies aimed at preventing both conditions should be encouraged during aging.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The occurrence of Aviadenovirus (FAdV) was investigated in chickens from the poultry industry of Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The investigation was conducted due to the scarcity of recent data in the country and its description in neighboring countries. For this purpose, livers were collected from layer chicks (n=25), older layers (n=25), broilers (n=300), and livers (n=25) and stool (n=25) samples from broiler breeders, representing the major poultry regions of the state. FAdV DNA was demonstrated using a previously described PCR protocol for amplifying part of the hexon gene encoding sequence. FAdV was found in layer chicks (36 percent), widespread (100 percent) in older layers, and with regional differences in broilers (24-86 percent). Although all broiler breeder stools were negative, FAdV DNA was detected in livers (16 percent, 4/25) of stool-negative birds. In order to obtain additional information on the circulation of the infection, livers of subsistence chickens collected from one poultry intensive region, were evaluated (n = 12), with FAdV being detected in all samples. FAdV was found in young and old layers, broilers, broiler breeders and free-range chickens, and results suggest the circulation of FAdV among different types of chickens. The detection in older layer chickens may indicate an extended risk of horizontal transmission in regions of Minas Gerais with mixed activity of egg and meat type chickens and poor biosecurity strategies. The infection in breeders may indicate vertical transmission and the continuous production of infected progenies. The hexon-gene-targeted PCR amplicon sequences aligned with FAdV of species D of Aviadenovirus. Results indicate the necessity for biosecurity, especially for breeders, separating flocks according to origin, age and health status, which will be an advantage regarding any pathogen.(AU)

Descreve-se a ocorrência de Aviadenovirus (FAdV) na avicultura mineira. Foram amostrados fígados de poedeiras jovens (n=25) e velhas (n=25) e de frangos de corte (n=300). Em matrizes pesadas foram amostrados fígados (n=25) e fezes (n=25). O estudo envolveu as principais regiões avícolas do Estado de Minas Gerais. O DNA de FAdV foi pesquisado por PCR universal, descrito para a amplificação do gene que codifica o hexon de Aviadenovirus, usando FAdV Phelps como referência. Foi demonstrada a presença do DNA de FAdV em 100 por cento (25/25) das poedeiras velhas (78 semanas de idade) e em 36 por cento (9/25) das jovens (18 dias). Em frangos de corte, a detecção variou entre 24 e 86 por cento. Embora as fezes das matrizes tenham sido negativas, foi obtido o amplicon específico em 4/25 dos fígados dessas mesmas aves, indicando menor sensibilidade para detecção nas fezes. Em amostras da avicultura familiar (fígado), colhidas de uma das regiões de avicultura intensificada, foi detectado o genoma de FAdV em 100 por cento das galinhas (n=12). A constatação de alta disseminação de FAdV em aves da avicultura industrial e familiar de Minas Gerais contribui para o entendimento da epidemiologia de Aviadenovirus. As sequências nucleotídicas dos produtos de PCR alinharam com FAdV da espécie D de Aviadenovirus. A demonstração de FAdV em reprodutores indica risco de transmissão vertical e reforça a necessidade de biosseguridade estrita nesses plantéis. A presença de FAdV em diversos setores avícolas, incluindo poedeiras comerciais, frangos de corte, reprodutores e galinhas da avicultura familiar, recomenda a biosseguridade estrita entre as criações de mesmo tipo e de tipos diferentes de aves. A detecção em matrizes pode indicar a continuada geração de progênies infectadas.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

The occurrence of Aviadenovirus (FAdV) was investigated in chickens from the poultry industry of Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The investigation was conducted due to the scarcity of recent data in the country and its description in neighboring countries. For this purpose, livers were collected from layer chicks (n=25), older layers (n=25), broilers (n=300), and livers (n=25) and stool (n=25) samples from broiler breeders, representing the major poultry regions of the state. FAdV DNA was demonstrated using a previously described PCR protocol for amplifying part of the hexon gene encoding sequence. FAdV was found in layer chicks (36 percent), widespread (100 percent) in older layers, and with regional differences in broilers (24-86 percent). Although all broiler breeder stools were negative, FAdV DNA was detected in livers (16 percent, 4/25) of stool-negative birds. In order to obtain additional information on the circulation of the infection, livers of subsistence chickens collected from one poultry intensive region, were evaluated (n = 12), with FAdV being detected in all samples. FAdV was found in young and old layers, broilers, broiler breeders and free-range chickens, and results suggest the circulation of FAdV among different types of chickens. The detection in older layer chickens may indicate an extended risk of horizontal transmission in regions of Minas Gerais with mixed activity of egg and meat type chickens and poor biosecurity strategies. The infection in breeders may indicate vertical transmission and the continuous production of infected progenies. The hexon-gene-targeted PCR amplicon sequences aligned with FAdV of species D of Aviadenovirus. Results indicate the necessity for biosecurity, especially for breeders, separating flocks according to origin, age and health status, which will be an advantage regarding any pathogen...

Descreve-se a ocorrência de Aviadenovirus (FAdV) na avicultura mineira. Foram amostrados fígados de poedeiras jovens (n=25) e velhas (n=25) e de frangos de corte (n=300). Em matrizes pesadas foram amostrados fígados (n=25) e fezes (n=25). O estudo envolveu as principais regiões avícolas do Estado de Minas Gerais. O DNA de FAdV foi pesquisado por PCR universal, descrito para a amplificação do gene que codifica o hexon de Aviadenovirus, usando FAdV Phelps como referência. Foi demonstrada a presença do DNA de FAdV em 100 por cento (25/25) das poedeiras velhas (78 semanas de idade) e em 36 por cento (9/25) das jovens (18 dias). Em frangos de corte, a detecção variou entre 24 e 86 por cento. Embora as fezes das matrizes tenham sido negativas, foi obtido o amplicon específico em 4/25 dos fígados dessas mesmas aves, indicando menor sensibilidade para detecção nas fezes. Em amostras da avicultura familiar (fígado), colhidas de uma das regiões de avicultura intensificada, foi detectado o genoma de FAdV em 100 por cento das galinhas (n=12). A constatação de alta disseminação de FAdV em aves da avicultura industrial e familiar de Minas Gerais contribui para o entendimento da epidemiologia de Aviadenovirus. As sequências nucleotídicas dos produtos de PCR alinharam com FAdV da espécie D de Aviadenovirus. A demonstração de FAdV em reprodutores indica risco de transmissão vertical e reforça a necessidade de biosseguridade estrita nesses plantéis. A presença de FAdV em diversos setores avícolas, incluindo poedeiras comerciais, frangos de corte, reprodutores e galinhas da avicultura familiar, recomenda a biosseguridade estrita entre as criações de mesmo tipo e de tipos diferentes de aves. A detecção em matrizes pode indicar a continuada geração de progênies infectadas...

Assuntos

RESUMO

Fifty-four fecal samples taken from broiler chickens from 1 to 45 days of age, and of pullets from 10 to 13 weeks of age, original from eight different poultry regions in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, were collected from March 2008 to January 2010 for avian Orthoreovirus (ARV) and avian Rotavirus (AvRV) analyses. For the assay of ARV, RNA was immediately extracted (Trizolâ) and transcribed into cDNA for assaying in a nested-PCR with ARV-specific primers. For AvRV, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) was performed with RNA extracts obtained by phenol-chloroform extraction. CAV was additionally investigated through a nested-PCR of thymus and spleen. Results found 5.55% positive for ARV and 9.25% for AvRV. Also, CAV and ARV genomes were detected in co-infection, in a highly prostrated and claudicating chicken flock. No ARV or AvRV infections were detected in pullets. Material of a clinically affected flock was inoculated into SPF embryos, resulting in embryonic hemorrhage, whitish foci in the chorio-allantoic membrane and death. Sequencing of ARV amplicons and isolate cDNA grouped local strains with the ARV S1133 strain, historically used in live vaccines, suggesting the continued circulation of this vaccine virus strain in intensive poultry regions. Detection rates for ARV and AvRV, as well as the presence of CAV, were additionally indicative of failing biosecurity strategies for the intensive poultry regions examined.

Avaliou-se a ocorrência de Orthoreovirus (ARV) e Rotavirus (AvRV) aviários na avicultura industrial de Minas Gerais. Foram colhidas cinquenta e quatro amostras de fezes de frangos de corte entre um e 45 dias e de frangas de postura de 10 a 13 semanas de idade. Para análise de ARV, o RNA foi imediatamente extraído (Trizol), transcrito em cDNA e avaliado em uma PCR com oligonucleotídeos iniciadores específicos para ARV. Para a investigação de AvRV, os extratos de RNA foram obtidos por fenol-clorofórmio e submetidos à eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida. Todas as amostras foram também avaliadas para o DNA do vírus da anemia das galinhas (CAV) em uma nested-PCR específica. Em frangos de corte, a positividade encontrada para ARV foi de 5,55% e para AvRV de 9,25%. CAV foi detectado em coinfecção em um plantel com refugagem, claudicação e prostração. Nenhuma amostra de poedeiras foi positiva para ARV ou AvRV. Material de plantel com sinais clínicos foi purificado e inoculado em ovos SPF embrionados, sendo obtidas lesões hemorrágicas e focos brancos na membrana cório-alantóide. O sequenciamento dos produtos de PCR e de embrião agrupou os isolados de ARV com a estirpe S1133, historicamente usada como vacina viva. Os resultados sugerem a continuada circulação da infecção por estirpes assemelhadas a ARV S1133 nas regiões de avicultura industrial. Os índices de detecção de ARV, AvRV e CAV indicam que a intensificação nas regiões produtoras tem resultado em falhas de biosseguridade.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Fifty-four fecal samples taken from broiler chickens from 1 to 45 days of age, and of pullets from 10 to 13 weeks of age, original from eight different poultry regions in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, were collected from March 2008 to January 2010 for avian Orthoreovirus (ARV) and avian Rotavirus (AvRV) analyses. For the assay of ARV, RNA was immediately extracted (Trizolâ) and transcribed into cDNA for assaying in a nested-PCR with ARV-specific primers. For AvRV, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) was performed with RNA extracts obtained by phenol-chloroform extraction. CAV was additionally investigated through a nested-PCR of thymus and spleen. Results found 5.55% positive for ARV and 9.25% for AvRV. Also, CAV and ARV genomes were detected in co-infection, in a highly prostrated and claudicating chicken flock. No ARV or AvRV infections were detected in pullets. Material of a clinically affected flock was inoculated into SPF embryos, resulting in embryonic hemorrhage, whitish foci in the chorio-allantoic membrane and death. Sequencing of ARV amplicons and isolate cDNA grouped local strains with the ARV S1133 strain, historically used in live vaccines, suggesting the continued circulation of this vaccine virus strain in intensive poultry regions. Detection rates for ARV and AvRV, as well as the presence of CAV, were additionally indicative of failing biosecurity strategies for the intensive poultry regions examined.(AU)

Avaliou-se a ocorrência de Orthoreovirus (ARV) e Rotavirus (AvRV) aviários na avicultura industrial de Minas Gerais. Foram colhidas cinquenta e quatro amostras de fezes de frangos de corte entre um e 45 dias e de frangas de postura de 10 a 13 semanas de idade. Para análise de ARV, o RNA foi imediatamente extraído (Trizol), transcrito em cDNA e avaliado em uma PCR com oligonucleotídeos iniciadores específicos para ARV. Para a investigação de AvRV, os extratos de RNA foram obtidos por fenol-clorofórmio e submetidos à eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida. Todas as amostras foram também avaliadas para o DNA do vírus da anemia das galinhas (CAV) em uma nested-PCR específica. Em frangos de corte, a positividade encontrada para ARV foi de 5,55% e para AvRV de 9,25%. CAV foi detectado em coinfecção em um plantel com refugagem, claudicação e prostração. Nenhuma amostra de poedeiras foi positiva para ARV ou AvRV. Material de plantel com sinais clínicos foi purificado e inoculado em ovos SPF embrionados, sendo obtidas lesões hemorrágicas e focos brancos na membrana cório-alantóide. O sequenciamento dos produtos de PCR e de embrião agrupou os isolados de ARV com a estirpe S1133, historicamente usada como vacina viva. Os resultados sugerem a continuada circulação da infecção por estirpes assemelhadas a ARV S1133 nas regiões de avicultura industrial. Os índices de detecção de ARV, AvRV e CAV indicam que a intensificação nas regiões produtoras tem resultado em falhas de biosseguridade.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

O uso racional de medicamentos é indispensável para garantir a qualidade e eficácia de um tratamento medicamentoso. Diante disto, a utilização de medicamentos durante a gestação deve ser analisada e acompanhada minuciosamente para minimizar os riscos e possíveis conseqüências ao feto e à gestante. Foram analisadas 100 receitas medicamentosas para gestantes, internadas no Hospital e Maternidade Mãe do Divino Amor na Providência de Deus do município de Mirassol, SP, utilizando os indicadores de prescrição propostos pela OMS, análise de interação medicamentosa por programas informatizados e pela literatura, classificação dos medicamentos encontrados segundo a classificação da segurança do fármaco durante a gravidez prescrita pelo Food and Drug Administration (FDA) a Relação Nacional de Medicamentos Essenciais (RENAME) e a Classificação Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC). Na análise dos indicadores de prescrição, nas 100 receitas avaliadas, encontrou-se a média de 2,6 medicamentos por prescrição; 21,5% de medicamentos prescritos pelo nome genérico; 40% delas contendo antibiótico; 59,4% com pelo menos um medicamento injetável e 58 % de medicamentos prescritos, presentes na Lista de Medicamentos Padronizados. Quanto à análise de interações medicamentosas, observa-se a prescrição do antibiótico cefalexina com o antiinflamatório cetoprofeno. Portanto, considerando-se os resultados obtidos no estudo e na revisão da literatura, sugere-se que as prescrições de medicamentos neste hospital para gestantes sejam melhor avaliadas segundo risco benefício, visando à minimização dos efeitos adversos desnecessários, tanto maternos como fetais.

The racional usage of medicines is indispensable to warrant the quality and efficacy of a medical treatment. Considering this, the use of remedies during pregnancy must be examined and followed in details to minimize the risks to the fetus and to the pregnant. A hundred of prescriptions to pregnant women interned at the Hospital Mãe do Divino Amor na Providência de Deus, in Mirassol city, São Paulo State, were analysed and compared with the prescription index designated by the WHO (World Health Organization). This work shows too the analysis of medicines interaction by softwares and literature and the classification of remedies by FDA (Food and Drug Administration) risk to the fetus, Rename (National List of Essential Medicines) and ATC (Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical). In one hundred of prescriptions analysed, there is a average of 2,6 medicines per precept, 21,5% of remedies prescribed by the generic name, 40% of indications of antibiotics, 59,4% of instructions with at least one medicine ministered by injection and 58 % of substances quoted in Remune (Municipal List of Essential Medicines). There was find only one interaction between the medicines: an antibiotic that belongs to the group of celafosporin and non-steroidal antiinflamatory. Thus, considering the results of the study and literature review, is suggested that the prescription of drugs in this hospital to betaken by the pregnantes be better assessed for risks and benefits, to minimize unnecessaru harm to the mother and the fetus.

Assuntos

RESUMO

In this work, we evaluate the stability, dynamics and protein-nucleic acid interaction in Flock House virus (FHV). FHV is an RNA insect virus, non-enveloped, member of the family Nodaviridae. It is composed of a bipartite single-stranded RNA genome packaged in an icosahedral capsid of 180 copies of an identical protein (alpha protein). A fundamental property of many animal viruses is the post-assembly maturation required for infectivity. FHV is constructed as a provirion, which matures to an infectious virion by cleavage of alpha protein into beta and gamma subunits. We used high pressure, temperature and chemical denaturing agents to promote perturbation of the viral capsid. These effects were monitored by spectroscopy measurements (fluorescence, light scattering and CD) and size-exclusion chromatography. The data showed that FHV was stable to pressures up to 310 MPa at room temperature. The fluorescence emission and light scattering values showed small changes that were reversible after decompression. When we combined pressure and sub-denaturing urea concentrations (1 M), the changes were more drastic, suggesting dissociation of the capsid. However, these changes were reversible after pressure release. The complete dissociation of FHV could be observed only under high urea concentrations (10 M). There were no significant changes in emission spectra up to 5 M urea. FHV also was stable when we used temperature treatments (high and low). We also compared the effects of urea and pressure on FHV wild type and cleavage-defective mutant VLPs (virus-like particles). The VLPs and authentic particles are distinguishable by protein-RNA interactions, since VLPs pack cellular RNA and native particles contain viral RNA. Our results demonstrated that native particles are more stable than VLPs to physical and chemical treatments. Our data point to the specificity of the interaction between the capsid protein and the viral RNA. This specificity is crucial to the stability of the particle, which makes this interaction an excellent target for drug development.

Assuntos