Resumo O reparo por excisão de nucleotídeos (NER) atua reparando danos no DNA, como lesões causadas por cisplatina. A proteína Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) está envolvida no reconhecimento de danos pela via de reparação global do genoma pelo NER (GG-NER) e tem sido estudada em diferentes organismos devido à sua importância em outros processos celulares. Neste trabalho, estudamos proteínas do NER em Trypanosoma cruzi e Trypanosoma evansi, parasitos de humanos e animais, respectivamente. Modelos tridimensionais das proteínas XPC de T. cruzi e T. evansi foram feitos e observou-se poucas diferenças estruturais entre estas proteínas. Durante testes, a inserção do gene XPC de T. evansi (TevXPC) em T. cruzi resultou em crescimento celular mais lento em condições normais. Após o tratamento com cisplatina, T. cruzi superexpressando seu próprio gene XPC (TcXPC) foi capaz de recuperar as taxas de divisão celular mais rapidamente do que T. cruzi expressando o gene TevXPC. Com base nesses testes, sugere-se que TevXPC (sendo uma proteína exógena em T. cruzi) interfere negativamente nos processos celulares em que TcXPC (a proteína endógena) está envolvida. Isso provavelmente ocorreu pois TevXPC é capaz de interagir com algumas moléculas ou proteínas endógenas de T.cruzi, mas é incapaz de interagir com outras. Isso reforça a importância do correto funcionamento de XPC dentro da célula.

Abstract Nucleotide excision repair (NER) acts repairing damages in DNA, such as lesions caused by cisplatin. Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) protein is involved in recognition of global genome DNA damages during NER (GG-NER) and it has been studied in different organisms due to its importance in other cellular processes. In this work, we studied NER proteins in Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma evansi, parasites of humans and animals respectively. We performed three-dimensional models of XPC proteins from T. cruzi and T. evansi and observed few structural differences between these proteins. In our tests, insertion of XPC gene from T. evansi (TevXPC) in T. cruzi resulted in slower cell growth under normal conditions. After cisplatin treatment, T. cruzi overexpressing its own XPC gene (TcXPC) was able to recover cell division rates faster than T. cruzi expressing TevXPC gene. Based on these tests, it is suggested that TevXPC (being an exogenous protein in T. cruzi) interferes negatively in cellular processes where TcXPC (the endogenous protein) is involved. This probably occurred due interaction of TevXPC with some endogenous molecules or proteins from T.cruzi but incapacity of interaction with others. This reinforces the importance of correctly XPC functioning within the cell.

Abstract: COVID-19 rapidly spread across the world in an unprecedented outbreak with a massive number of infected and fatalities. The pandemic was heavily discussed and searched on the internet, which generated big amounts of data related to it. This led to the possibility of attempting to forecast coronavirus indicators using the internet data. For this study, Google Trends statistics for 124 selected search terms related to pandemic were used in an attempt to find which keywords had the best Spearman correlations with a lag, as well as a forecasting model. It was found that keywords related to coronavirus testing among some others, such as “I have contracted covid”, had high correlations (≥0.7) with few weeks of lag (≤4 weeks). Besides that, the ARIMAX model using those keywords had promising results in predicting the increase or decrease of epidemiological indicators, although it was not able to predict their exact values. Thus, we found that Google Trends data may be useful for predicting outbreaks of coronavirus a few weeks before they happen, and may be used as an auxiliary tool in monitoring and forecasting the disease in Brazil.

Resumo Altas doses de antibióticos utilizados em hospitais podem afetar a composição microbiana dos esgotos, selecionando bactérias resistentes. Nesse sentido, avaliamos o perfil de resistência a antibióticos e o fenótipo multirresistente de bactérias isoladas em esgoto de um hospital terciário no interior do estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Para o isolamento de bactérias, foram semeados 10 µL das amostras de esgoto em meios de cultura seletivos e os isolados foram identificados usando o sistema automatizado VITEK-2. O teste de sensibilidade aos antibióticos foi realizado por disco-difusão em ágar. Elevadas porcentagens de resistência foram encontradas para amoxicilina, ampicilina, ceftazidima, clindamicina, vancomicina e o fenótipo multirresistente (MDR) foi atribuído a 60,7% dos isolados. Nossos resultados mostram bactérias classificadas como prioridade crítica/alta pela Lista de Patógenos Prioritários da OMS (Enterococcus e Staphylococcus aureus resistentes à vancomicina e Enterobacteriaceae resistentes aos carbapenêmicos) no esgoto hospitalar. Sendo assim, implementação de tecnologias de desinfecção do esgoto hospitalar reduziriam a carga bacteriana no esgoto que chegará às estações de tratamento de esgoto urbanas, minimizando a contaminação dos ecossistemas hídricos receptores e a disseminação da resistência bacteriana no ambiente.

Abstract High doses of antibiotics used in hospitals can affect the microbial composition of sewers, selecting resistant bacteria. In this sense, we evaluated the antibiotic resistance profile and the multiresistant phenotype of bacteria isolated in sewage from a tertiary hospital in the interior São Paulo state, Brazil. For bacteria isolation, 10 µL of sewage samples were sown in selective culture media and the isolates were identified using VITEK-2 automatized system. The antibiotic sensitivity test was performed by disk diffusion. High percentages of resistance were found for amoxicillin, ampicillin, ceftazidime, clindamycin, vancomycin and the multidrug-resistant phenotype (MDR) was attributed to 60.7% of the isolates. Our results show bacteria classified as critical/high priority by WHO List of Priority Pathogens (Enterococcus and Staphylococcus aureus resistant to vancomycin and Enterobacteriaceae resistant to carbapenems) in hospital sewage. Therefore, the implementation of disinfection technologies for hospital sewage would reduce the bacterial load in the sewage that will reach urban wastewater treatment plants, minimizing superficial water contamination and bacterial resistance spread in the environment.

Abstract This study assessed the effect of non-thermal plasma (NTP) on Nannochloropsis gaditana cell rupture and subsequent lipid extraction. Micrograph images showed that the surface of original N. gaditana cells appeared smooth and had no apparent holes, whereas after NTP the cells showed a non-uniform apparently fractured surface with many pores and large splits. Maximum lipid recovery from N. gaditana cells (~19%) for NTP-assisted rupture was observed at 10 min, similar to extraction after 10 min sonication (19.0%). The lipid recovery after both pretreatments (average 19.0%) was 2-fold higher than the control treatment (no pretreatment 9.5%). In addition, lipids from unruptured algal cells were mainly composed of ω-3polyunsaturated fatty acids (~31% of total fatty acids), while lipids after NTP were predominantly composed of saturated fatty acids (36.0% of total fatty acids), which could be advantageous for biodiesel production. This study demonstrates an alternative approach based on NTP-technology for algal cell rupture prior to lipid extraction with potential uses for algal biodiesel production.

Resumo Introdução O entendimento das associações entre as preferências alimentares e nutrição materna durante a gravidez e lactação poderia colaborar para a compreensão dos mecanismos da obesidade e fornecer informações para prevenir essa infermidade. Objetivo: Identificar estudos que investigaram os efeitos das intervenções nutricionais durante a gravidez e lactação em preferências alimentares dos descendentes. Método: A revisão foi conduzida com busca de artigos nas bases de dados: Scopus, Pubmed, Medline, Lilacs, Scielo e Science Direct. Os critérios de exclusão utilizados: revisões, estudos em humanos, estudos com drogas ou outras substâncias não-alimentares. Resultados: No final da pesquisa nas bases de dados, 176 referências foram encontradas. Depois de usar os critérios de exclusão, lendo os títulos, resumos e artigos completos, 11 artigos foram selecionados para compor a revisão. Conclusão: Os estudos selecionados sugeriram que a nutrição desequilibrada no início da vida altera a preferência alimentar e componentes neurais relacionadas com o consumo de alimentos gordurosos e açucarados em prole de roedores.

Abstract Introduction Understanding associations between food preferences and maternal nutrition during pregnancy and lactation could inform efforts to understanding the obesity mechanisms and provide insight to prevent it. Objective: To identify studies that investigated the effects of nutritional interventions during the pregnancy and lactation on the food preferences of offspring. Method: The review was conducted with search for articles in the databases: Scopus, Pubmed, Medline, LILACS, Scielo and Science Direct. Exclusion criteria were used: reviews, human studies, studies with drugs or other substances not related to food. Results: At the end of the search in the databases, 176 references were found. After use the exclusion criteria, reading the titles, abstracts and full articles, were selected 11 articles to compose the review. Conclusion: The selected studies suggested that unbalanced nutrition in early life alters the food preference and neural components related to the consumption of fatty and sugary foods in offspring rodents.

The present study evaluated the concentrations of Total Suspended Particles (TSP) and associated metals in three distinct regions of Ribeirão Preto city (Center City, Campus and Airport) in the dry and rainy seasons. There were no significant differences (p < 0.05) in TSP and metals concentrations between the sampling sites, except for Cu, Cr and Zn. Seasonal variation was observed for TSP and the following associated metals: As, Be, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn and V, being the highest concentrations observed in the dry period. The TSP concentrations did not exceed the air quality standards in São Paulo state, but these can cause harm to the population health, especially in the dry season. Cadmium was the only element that exceeded the WHO air quality guidelines in two consecutive samplings in the Center City and the Airport during the dry season. In this way, preventive measures should be taken through public policies to improve local air quality control and reduce the health risks to the population.

Resumo Aqui, nós fornecemos novos registros de ocorrência de Scinax nasicus (Cope, 1862) para o estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Sul do Brasil. Todos os novos registros aqui fornecidos estão localizados na metade sul do estado. Além disso, nós fornecemos o primeiro registro para a espécie na zona costeira brasileira. Esses registros melhoram consideravelmente o nosso conhecimento sobre a distribuição da espécie no Sul do Brasil.

Abstract Herein, we provide new occurrence records of Scinax nasicus (Cope, 1862) for the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil. All new records here provide are located on Southern half of the state. Besides this, we provide the first record for species in Brazilian coastal zone. Those records improve considerably our knowledge regarding species distribution in Southern Brazil.

Um cão da raça Pointer Inglês, de 12 anos de idade, foi encaminhado para avaliação clínica por apresentar aumento de volume no canto temporal (medial) da órbita direita, o qual estava causando deformidade facial. O cão apresentava epífora, secreção nasal mucopurulenta, epistaxe, dispnésia e perda de peso progressiva. Uma massa foi observada na cavidade oral, próxima aos dentes pré-molares, do lado direito da face. Suspeitou-se de proliferação neoplásica baseando-se nos testes auxiliares, entre os quais: radiografia craniana e oral, ultrassonografia ocular e tomografia computadorizada. A análise histopatológica da massa revelou tratar-se de carcinoma transicional envolvendo as cavidades oral e nasal, os ossos da maxila e da órbita, além do espaço retrobulbar. Os tumores da cavidade nasal representam aproximadamente 2% de todos os tumores diagnosticados nessa espécie. O carcinoma transicional é o segundo tipo de neoplasia epitelial maligna mais comum nos seios nasais de cães. Este trabalho descreve a destruição extensiva dos tecidos moles e dos ossos da face e chama atenção para o fato de que esse tipo de neoplasia deve ser considerado nas doenças da órbita.

A 12-year-old male English Pointer was examined due to a soft-tissue swelling at the medial canthus of the right orbital region, which was causing facial deformity. The dog had epiphora, purulent nasal discharge, epistaxis, dyspnea, and progressive weight loss. An intraoral mass was observed near the right maxillary premolars. Neoplastic disease was diagnosed based on ancillary tests, which included blood work, skull and intraoral radiographs, ocular ultrasonography and computed tomography. Histopathology revealed transitional carcinoma involving the nasal and oral cavities, maxilla, bony orbit and retrobulbar space. Nasal tumors represent approximately 2% of all tumors diagnosed in this species. Transitional carcinoma is the second most common type of malignant epithelial tumor in the nasal sinuses. This case illustrates the extensive destruction of the soft and bony tissues of the face, including the bony orbit that this type of tumor can cause.

Studies of the concentration of total organic carbon (TOC) in soil and organic matter fractions contribute significantly to the evaluation of soil quality, particularly in the study region, where there is no information on this topic. Moreover, there is also a worldwide concern about the carbon cycle, depending on the greenhouse effect that harms the world's climatic conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of production systems in TOC concentration in a soil classified as dystrophic red clayey latosol, in the fraction of particulate organic carbon and in the mineral carbon fraction, i. e., the fraction of carbon associated with soil minerals and in various classes of aggregates of the soil planted with: 1) 13 and 20-year-old eucalyptus (Eucalyptus saligna), 2) pastures and 3) native forest where hygrophilous species and deciduous xerophytes dominate. Soil samples were collected in the district of Butiá, Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil) in 2006 in the depths 0.00 to 0.05, 0.05 to 0.10, 0.10 to 0.20 and from 0.20 to 0.40 m. Samples were air-dried at 20 °C and sieved according to the classes of granulometric fractionation, considering the aggregate classes of 4.76 to 8.00 mm, 2.00 to 4.76 mm, 1.00 to 2.00 mm, 0.50 to 1.00 mm, 0.25 to 0.50 mm and <0.25 mm. For each class of aggregate, particulate organic carbon and TOC was determined. The highest TOC concentrations, particulate organic carbon and mineral carbon occurred in the largest fraction (8.00 to 4.76 mm). In pasture soils greatest TOC accumulation was found at depth of 0.05 to 0.20 m, in classes of aggregates 8.00 to 0.50 mm.

Los estudios de la concentración de carbono orgánico total (COT) del suelo y de las fracciones de la materia orgánica contribuyen significativamente para la evaluación de la calidad del suelo, en particular en la región estudiada, donde no hay información sobre el tema. Además hay una preocupación mundial sobre el ciclo del carbono, en función del efecto invernadero que perjudica las condiciones climáticas del planeta. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el efecto de los sistemas productivos en la concentración de COT en un suelo clasificado como latosol arcilloso rojo distrófico, en la fracción de carbono orgánico particulado y en la fracción de carbono mineral, o sea, la fracción de carbono asociado a los minerales del suelo y en varias clases de agregados del suelo plantado con: 1) eucaliptus (Eucalyptus saligna) de 13 y 20 años, 2) pastizales y 3) bosque nativo donde predominan especies higrófitas y xerófitas deciduales. Las muestras de suelo se recolectaron en el distrito de Butiá, Rio Grande do Sul (Brasil) en el 2006 en profundidades de 0.00 a 0.05, 0.05 a 0.10, 0.10 a 0.20 y 0.20 a 0.40 m. Las muestras se secaron al aire a 20 °C y se tamizaron según las clases de fraccionamiento granulométrico, considerando las clases de agregados 4.76 a 8.00 mm, 2.00 a 4.76 mm, 1.00 a 2.00 mm, 0.50 a 1.00 mm; 0.25 a 0.50 mm y <0.25 mm. Para cada clase de agregado se determinó carbono orgánico particulado y COT. Las mayores concentraciones de COT, carbono orgánico particulado y carbono mineral ocurrieron en la fracción de mayor tamaño (8.00 a 4.76 mm). En los suelos de pradera la mayor acumulación de COT se encontró en la profundidad de 0.05 a 0.20 m, en las clases de agregados 8.00 a 0.50 mm.

The antibacterial activity of plant extracts obtained from Bixa orellana L., Chamomilla recutita L., Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil., Malva sylvestris L., Plantago major L. and Rheum rhaponticum L. has been evaluated against two reference strains and eleven clinical isolates of Helicobacter pylori. All the plant species chosen are used in popular Brazilian cuisine and folk medicine in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Initial screening was made by the disk diffusion test and then minimum inhibitory concentration was determined by the agar dilution method. The results presented in this work demonstrated that among the plant preparations analyzed, B. orellana L., C. recutita L., I. paraguariensis A. St.-Hil. and M. sylvestris L. were capable of inhibiting the in vitro growth of H. pylori.

Os ensaios não destrutivos fornecem informações quanto às propriedades do concreto das estruturas, mas a confiabilidade da avaliação dessas propriedades depende da experiência do profissional que realiza esses ensaios e das curvas empregadas para correlacionar as grandezas medidas nos ensaios com as propriedades do concreto investigado. Este estudo visou prover os engenheiros de curvas de correlação que os possibilitem estimar, por meio da utilização de ensaios não destrutivos, a resistência à compressão e o módulo de elasticidade dos concretos dosados em central utilizados no Rio de Janeiro. Foram ensaiados corpos-de-prova moldados com concretos usados em diversas obras, fornecidos por diferentes concreteiras. Esses concretos tinham, em geral, fck nominal de 25 MPa ou 30 MPa. Objetivando englobar concretos com resistências mais variadas e os dois tipos de agregados graúdos típicos do Rio de Janeiro, foram ensaiados corpos-de-prova moldados nos laboratórios de dois grupos de concreteiras. Nestes concretos, variaram-se a relação água-cimento (0,40 a 0,60) e a característica petrográfica do agregado graúdo. Foram realizados ensaios de resistência à compressão e de módulo de elasticidade, de velocidade de propagação de ondas ultra-sônicas, de esclerometria e de penetração de pinos, em concretos com idades de 3, 7, 14, 28 e 90 dias. Aqui são apresentadas as curvas de correlação obtidas a partir da análise dos resultados de todos esses ensaios. Ao se usarem os métodos isolados, o de esclerometria foi o que levou à melhor avaliação da resistência à compressão e a combinação desse método com o de cravação de pinos melhorou a acurácia dessa avaliação. Na impossibilidade de se realizarem ensaios de módulo de elasticidade, o ensaio de velocidade de propagação de ondas ultra-sônicas pode ser uma opção interessante para a avaliação dessa grandeza.

Non-destructive tests give information about the properties of the concrete of a structure, but the reliability of the evaluation of those properties depends on the experience of the professional that carries out the tests and the curves employed to correlate the measured values with the properties of the investigated concrete. The main objective of this study was to supply engineers with correlation curves that make it possible to evaluate, by using non-destructive test results, the compressive strength and the modulus of elasticity of ready-mixed concretes used in Rio de Janeiro. Test specimens cast with concretes used in several constructions and supplied by different ready-mixed concrete producers were tested. These concretes had, in general, nominal fck value of 25 MPa or 30 MPa. Aiming to include concretes with strength varying within a wider range and made with the two types of typical coarse aggregates of Rio de Janeiro, test specimens cast in the laboratories of two readymixed concrete producers were tested. In these concretes, the water-cement ratio (0.40 to 0.60) and the petrographic characteristic of the coarse aggregate were varied. Compressive strength and modulus of elasticity tests, ultrasonic pulse velocity, rebound hammer and penetration resistance tests were carried out, at the ages of 3, 7, 14, 28 and 90 days. The correlation curves obtained from the analysis of the results of all those tests are presented here. When only one non-destructive test was used, the rebound hammer was the one that led to the best estimation of compressive strength and the combination of that test with the penetration resistance test improved the accuracy of the evaluation. If modulus of elasticity tests cannot be carried out, the ultrasonic pulse velocity test can be an interesting option to evaluate that property.

FUNDAMENTOS: AA proteína MAX, componente salivar de Lutzomyia longipalpis, vetor do calazar ou leishmaniose sistêmica, tem sido empregada como vacina para leishmaniose tegumentar experimental, com funções de vasodilatação e imunomodulação. OBJETIVOS: Detectar anticorpos séricos antiMAX em pacientes com LTA e verificar a expressão de MAX em L. neivai, vetor da LTA na região em estudo. MÉTODOS: Anticorpos antiMAX foram detectados por Elisa em soro de 42 pacientes com LTA e 63 controles. A extração de proteínas e de DNA de L. longipalpis (controle positivo) e de L. neivai foi realizada pelo método Trizol e seguida pela detecção de proteínas por eletroforese e pela expressão gênica de MAX por PCR-RFLP (polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism) com as enzimas Hha I e Rsa I. RESULTADOS: Títulos maiores de anticorpos antiMAX foram observados na LTA (p=0,0132). A eletroforese de proteínas mostrou frações semelhantes para L. longipalpis e L. neivai, tendo-se observado para ambos fração protéica de peso molecular similar à proteína MAX. A expressão gênica de MAX em L. longipalpis e L. neivai foi confirmada por PCR-RFLP. CONCLUSÕES: A presença de antiMAX nos grupos em estudo tornou imprescindível a pesquisa de MAX no vetor de LTA da região, tendo sido registrada pela primeira vez expressão protéica e gênica de MAX em L. neivai. Detecção de antiMAX em controles confirma exposição a picadas de flebótomos. Títulos de anticorpos antiMAX maiores na LTA sugerem exposição prévia e natural à picada e, conseqüentemente, à proteína MAX, não protegendo da doença e desfavorecendo seu emprego em vacinação.

BACKGROUND: The protein MAX, salivary component of Lutzomyia longipalpis, vector of calazar or systemic leishmaniasis, has been used as vaccine for experimental tegumentar leishmaniasis, which vasodilatory and immunomodulatory functions are described. OBJECTIVES: Our purpose was to detect antibodies antiMAX in sera samples from patients with ATL and to verify the genetic and protein expression of MAX in L. neivai, phlebotomy vector of ATL in the area of study. METHODS: Antibodies antiMAX were detected by ELISA in sera from 42 patients with ATL and 63 controls. The extraction of proteins and of DNA from L. longipalpis (positive control) and L. neivai was accomplished by the method Trizol, following for the detection of proteins by electrophoresis, and genetic expression of MAX by PCR-RFLP (polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism) with the enzymes Hha I and Rsa I. RESULTS: Increased titles of antibodies antiMAX were observed in ATL, compared to controls (p=0,0132). Electrophoreses of proteins showed similar fractions for L. longipalpis and L. neivai, and for both a protein fraction with molecular weight similarity to MAX was observed. The genetic expression of MAX in L. longipalpis and L. neivai was confirmed by PCR-RFLP. CONCLUSIONS: The description of antibodies antiMAX in ATL patients and controls turned indispensable the research of MAX in the phlebotomy vector of ATL in the area of study. For the first time, it was registered protein and genetic expression of MAX in L. neivai. The antiMAX detection in controls confirms the previous exposition to prick of phlebotomies. Increased titles of antibodies antiMAX in ATL patients suggest previous and natural exposition to the bite and, consequently, to the protein MAX, not protecting them of disease and discouraging its employment in vaccination.

Seventy-nine HIV-1 infected patients were studied in three groups: Group G1 - 11 patients with no antiretroviral therapy; G2 - 40 patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy, 33 with only two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI), and seven with two NRTI and one protease inhibitor (PI), all with viral load (VL) equal or higher than 80 copies of plasma RNA/ml; Group G3 - 28 patients, 23 on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), 18 with two NRTI and one PI, and five with two NRTI and one non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), the remaining five with combination of two NRTI. All G3 patients had undetectable viral load for at least the past six months. The control group (Gc) included 20 normal blood donors without clinical complaints or signs of disease and negative for anti-HIV-1/2 antibodies. Serum cytokine levels pg/ml (TNF-alpha, INF-gamma, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10) were determined in all patients including controls. CD4+ T and CD8+ T lymphocyte counts were made in the 79 patients by flow cytometry; VL determination was by NASBA technology. Analysis of results showed that the number of CD4+ T and CD8+ T lymphocytes were higher in G2 than G1, while VL was 0.5 log lower. G3 patients had similar lymphocyte values to G2, however they were chosen for G3 because their VL was undetectable, different by 4.0 log to G2. These results show the effect of antiretroviral treatment in G2 and G3 patients with better performance in the latter. Statistical difference was seen between the three groups and controls for serum cytokine behavior: TNF-alpha [H=48.323; p<0.001;(G1=G2=G3)>Gc]; INF-gamma[H=28.992; p<0.001; (G1=G2=G3)>Gc]; IL-4[H=48.323; p<0.001; (G1=G2=G3)>Gc]; IL-10[H=47.256; p<0.001; (G1=G2=G3)>Gc. There was no statistical difference in IL-2 values between all groups (H=6.071; p>0.10; G1=G2=G3=Gc). In absolute values however, G3 showed slightly lower TNF-alpha, IL-4, and IL-10, and higher INF-gamma and IL-2, to G1 and G2. This suggests a better performance in G3 patients, especially in IL-2 behavior. For cytokine profile, the three groups showed mature Th0 subset. In G1 72.73% were mature Th0, and 27.27% Th2; G2, 72.50% mature Th0, and 27.50% Th2; and G3, 89.29% mature Th0, and 10.71% Th2. There was no statistical difference between groups (chi22=3.014; p>0.10; G1=G2=G3). Statistical difference was seen between G2 and G3 for antiretroviral regimes used (chi21=27.932; p<0.001; G3>G2); HAART with PI predominated in G3, suggesting that it was responsible for this better performance. Linear correlation between pairs of variables was made with patient groups only, excluding controls. This was made separately for G1 and G2, 51 patients with detectable VL, and G1, G2, and G3 also including those with undetectable VL. The results showed a strong positive correlation between TNF-alpha and IL-4; TNF-alpha and IL-10; INF-gamma and IL-2; IL-4 and IL-10; IL-2 and CD4+. Weak negative correlation was seen between IL-2 and VL. Considering all correlations together, we found that IL-2 had the most correlations - eleven - strong, weak, positive, and negative; it was the only one that correlated with CD4+ (positively) and LV (negatively). The number of correlations allowed us to evaluate qualitative aspects such as IL-2 correlated positively with INF-gamma and CD4+ and negatively with LV; this somehow expresses the compatible profile with subset Th1, which could signify a tendency towards immune response recovery. Determination of cytokine serum values, especially IL-2, could be useful in follow-up of HIV-1 infected patients under HAART together with CD4+ and VL count.

The sciatic nerve, branch of the sacral plexus, leaves the pelvis and passes usually below of the piriform muscle. The sciatic nerve also comes from this plexus and can have distinct relationships with the mentioned muscle, as the high division of the nerve. However, there are few studies that correlate that division with the course of the sciatic nerve and its relationship with the piriform muscle, as well as, variations of that muscle in human fetuse. In order to verify a possible association between those anatomical structures, we dissected 100 gluteal regions of human fetuses. Three types of variations were found between the sciatic nerve and the piriform muscle. The common fibular nerve pierced the muscle and the tibial nerve passed below of its inferior margin in 8 cases (16,0 %), corresponding to the type I. In these cases, we found 62,5% in right side and 37,5% in left side. The type II was observed in 1 case (2,0 %), the common fibular nerve passed over the superior margin and the tibial nerve below of the inferior margin of the piriform muscle. In the type III the sciatic nerve passed into piriform muscle, without any division. The piriform muscle presented variations of fusion with the medium gluteal muscle (right side =2,0%) and with the higher gemeo muscle (right side =24,0% and left side =32,0%). These data show that there is equivalence between the sciatic nerve course and the piriform muscle in fetuses and adults and that the variations of the piriform muscle are not associated with alterations in the pelvis byomechanics.

El nervio isquiático, ramo del plexo sacro, abandona la pelvis pasando, generalmente, por debajo del músculo piriforme. Este nervio puede presentar variaciones en su relación con el músculo piriforme, entre ellas, las referidas a la división alta. Sin embargo, son pocos los trabajos que correlacionan esta división con variaciones anatómicas y su relación con el músculo piriforme, en fetos humanos. Con el propósito de verificar una posible asociación entre el trayecto y relaciones de ramos del nervio isquiático, fueron disecadas 100 regiones glúteas de fetos humanos. Se encontraron 3 tipos de variaciones entre el nervio isquiático y el músculo piriforme: en 8 casos (16,0 %) el nervio fibular común pasó a través del músculo y el nervio tibial transcurrió por debajo de su margen inferior (Tipo I). En estos mismos casos se observó que 5 (62,5%) estaban a la izquierda y 3 a la derecha. En un caso (2,0 %), el nervio fibular común hizo su trayecto por sobre el margen superior del músculo piriforme y el nervio tibial pasó por debajo de su margen inferior (Tipo II). Fue observado en el Tipo III,que el nervio isquiático perfora el músculo piriforme, no presentando ninguna división. El músculo piriforme mostró variaciones de fusión con el músculo glúteo mediano (lado derecho =2,0%) y con el músculo gemelo superior (lado derecho =24,0% e izquierdo =32,0%). Estos datos muestran que existe una equivalencia de variacion entre los trayectos y relaciones del nervio isquiático con el músculo piriforme en fetos y adultos. Las variaciones en el músculo piriforme no están asociadas con alteraciones funcionales en la biomecánica de la pelvis.

Eventhough the rationale behind the use of medicinal plantes in Brazil and Chine is different, twenty four species are used in both countries. Scientific name, vulgar name and uses in both countries along with their chemical constituents are listed.