Piper auritum ethanol extract is a potent antimutagen against food-borne aromatic amines. Mechanisms of action and chemical composition.

An ethanol extract of Piper auritum leaves (PAEE) inhibits the mutagenic effect of three food-borne aromatic amines (2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP); 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx); 2-amino-3,4,8-trimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (4,8-DiMeIQx) in the TA98 Salmonella typhimurium strain. Preincubation with MeIQx demonstrated in mutagenesis experiments that inhibition of Cytochrome P450 (CYP), as well as direct interaction between component(s) of the plant extract with mutagens, might account for the antimutagenic observed effect. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis revealed that safrole (50.7%), α-copaene (7.7%), caryophyllene (7.2%), ß-pinene (4.2%), γ-terpinene (4.1%) and pentadecane (4.1%) as the main components of PAEE. Piper extract and safrole were able to inhibit the rat liver microsomal CYP1A1 activity that participates in the amines metabolism, leading to the formation of the ultimate mutagenic/ molecules. According to this, safrole and PAEE inhibited MeIQx mutagenicity but not that of the direct mutagen 2-nitrofluorene. No mutagenicity of plant extract or safrole was detected. This study show that PAEE and its main component safrole are associate with the inhibition of heterocyclic amines activation due in part to the inhibition of CYP1A subfamily activity.

Sertraline associated with gold nanoparticles reduce cellular toxicity and induce sex-specific responses in behavior and neuroinflammation biomarkers in a mouse model of anxiety.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sertraline associated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in vitro cell viability and in vivo behavior and inflammatory biomarkers in a mouse model of anxiety. Sertraline associated with AuNPs were synthesized and characterized. For the in vitro study, NIH3T3 and HT-22 cells were treated with different doses of sertraline, AuNPs, and sertraline + AuNPs and their viability was evaluated using the MTT assay. For the in vivo study, pregnant Swiss mice were administered a single dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the ninth day of gestation. The female and male offspring were divided into five treatment groups on PND 60 and administered chronic treatment for 28 days. The animals were subjected to behavioral testing and were subsequently euthanized. Their brains were collected and analyzed for inflammatory biomarkers. Sertraline associated with AuNPs exhibited significant changes in surface characteristics and increased diameters. Different doses of sertraline + AuNPs showed higher cell viability in NIH3T3 and HT-22 cells compared with sertraline alone. The offspring of LPS-treated dams exhibited anxiety-like behavior and neuroinflammatory biomarker changes during adulthood, which were ameliorated via sertraline + AuNPs treatment. The treatment response was sex-dependent and brain region-specific. These results suggest that AuNPs, which demonstrate potential to bind to other molecules, low toxicity, and reduced inflammation, can be synergistically used with sertraline to improve drug efficacy and safety by decreasing neuroinflammation and sertraline toxicity.

CBCovid19EC: A dataset complete blood count and PCR test for COVID-19 detection in Ecuadorian population.

In this work, we present the complete blood count data and PCR test results of a population of Ecuadorians from different provinces, primarily residing in the Andean region, especially in Quito. PCR was the standard test to detect Covid-19 during the pandemic since 2020. The data were obtained between March 1st and August 12th, 2021. Segurilab and Previne Salud laboratories performed the tests. The dataset contains about 400 clinical cases. Each patient agreed to participate in the study by sharing the results of their PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) tests and CBC (complete blood count). CBC test measured several components and features of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. The shared data are intended to provide researchers with input to analyze various events associated with the diagnosis of Covid-19 linked to potential diseases identified in the components measured in the CBC test. These data are helpful for pattern analysis of blood components in modeling prediction and clustering problems. The components measured in the complete blood count and CRP together can be helpful for the analysis of different medical conditions using machine learning algorithms.

Características clínicas de la coriorretinopatía exudativa hemorrágica periférica en un centro de referencia en España / Clinical characteristics of peripheral exudative hemorrhagic chorioretinopathy in a referral center in Spain

Objetivo: Publicar las características clínicas de la coriorretinopatía exudativa hemorrágica periférica (CEHP) en la población española. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo y análisis de los resultados en pacientes con diagnóstico de CEHP. Fueron recogidas las características clínicas, por OCT, el tratamiento utilizado y la evolución posterior al tratamiento. Resultados: Se evaluaron 39 ojos de 23 pacientes con CEHP. La edad promedio al diagnóstico fue de 79 años (66-94 años). El síntoma ocular principal fue la disminución de visión en 26 ojos (66,6%), siendo 11 ojos (28,2%) asintomáticos. El diagnóstico de referencia más frecuente fue sangrado/exudación en 24 ojos (61,5%), le siguió melanoma coroideo con 9 (23,1%). Las hemorragias intra o subretinianas fueron el tipo de lesión periférica más frecuentemente encontrado, en 24 ojos (61,5%). Veinticinco ojos (58,9%) recibieron algún tipo de tratamiento: A 15 ojos (60%) se les realizó inyección intravítrea (IIV) de antioangiogénicos (anti-VEGF); se realizó fotocoagulación con láser en 2 casos (8%), terapia fotodinámica en 2 casos (8%) y 6 casos (18,2%) precisaron vitrectomía vía pars plana (VPP) por hemorragia vítrea. No hubo cambios en la agudeza visual (AV) en los pacientes seguidos con observación entre el inicio 0,66±0,80 (0,04-2,82) y el fin de seguimiento 0,75±0,96 (0,00-2,82) (p=0,352), ni para los que recibieron algún tipo de tratamiento entre inicio 0,78±0,79 (0,04-2,30) y fin 1,22±1,01 (0,04-2,82) (p=0,157), posiblemente debido al gran componente de degeneración macular asociada con la edad (DMAE) atrófica o exudativa presente en ambos grupos (29 ojos presentaron DMAE atrófica o exudativa). Conclusiones: La CEHP es una enfermedad poco frecuente, asociada frecuentemente con DMAE, que se presenta típicamente como una masa periférica que se confunde frecuentemente con melanoma...(AU)

Objective: To publish the clinical characteristics of peripheral exudative hemorrhagic chorioretinopathy (PHEC) in the Spanish population. Methods: Retrospective study and analysis of results in patients diagnosed with PHEC. The clinical characteristics, by OCT, the treatment used and the evolution after treatment were collected. Results: 39 eyes of 23 patients with PHEC were evaluated. The average age at diagnosis was 79 years (66-94 years). The main ocular symptom was low vision in 26 eyes (66.6%); only 11 eyes (28.2%) were asymptomatic. The most frequent referred diagnosis was bleeding/exudation in 24 eyes (61.5%), followed by choroidal melanoma in 9 (23.1%). Intra or subretinal hemorrhages were the type of peripheral lesion most frequently found, in 24 eyes (61.5%). Twenty-five eyes (58.9%) received some type of treatment: 15 eyes (60%) underwent intravitreal injection (IIV) of antiangiogenic agents (anti-VEGF); Laser photocoagulation was performed in 2 cases (8%), Photodynamic therapy in 2 cases (8%) and 6 cases (18.2%) required pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) due to vitreous hemorrhage. There were no changes in visual acuity (VA) in patients followed with observation between baseline 0.66±0.80 (0.04-2.82) and end of follow-up 0.75±0.96 (0.00-2.82) (P=.352), nor for those who received some type of treatment between the beginning 0.78±0.79 (0.04-2.30) and the end 1.22±1.01 (0.04-2.82) (P=.157), possibly due to the large component of atrophic or exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) presented in both groups. (29 eyes presented atrophic or exudative AMD). Conclusions: PHEC is a rare pathology, frequently associated with AMD, which typically presents as a peripheral mass that is frequently confused with choroidal melanoma and other intraocular tumors and hence the importance of learning to identify it, making the correct differential diagnosis and avoid unnecessary treatments. Antiangiogenic therapy is effective in most patients with...(AU)

Endoparasite community of anurans from an altitudinal rainforest enclave in a Brazilian semiarid area.

In the present study, we aimed to describe the composition of endoparasites associated with anurans from an altitudinal rainforest enclave in northeastern Brazil. Additionally, we tested if microhabitat use influences endoparasite abundance and richness, as well as the hypothesis that larger frogs tend to be more parasitized. We sampled 306 individuals from 25 anuran species that were necropsied and analysed using a stereomicroscope. The total endoparasite prevalence was 79.08%, with a parasitic community consisting of 46 taxa. Overall, we found the common pattern described for Neotropical amphibians, which is the predominance of generalist and direct-cycle parasites. Twenty new host records and two possible new parasite species were found, highlighting the importance of this type of inventory. We also observed that microhabitat use was associated with a significant difference in parasite richness between groups, in which arboreal and terrestrial species, and aquatic and arboreal species contributed to these differences. Moreover, larger frogs tended to be more parasitized regarding only an interspecific view. Our results suggest that parasite richness is directly related to infection cycle and how the host exploits its habitat.

Clinical characteristics of peripheral exudative hemorrhagic chorioretinopathy in a referral center in Spain.

OBJECTIVE: To publish the clinical characteristics of peripheral exudative hemorrhagic chorioretinopathy (PHEC) in the Spanish population. METHODS: Retrospective study and analysis of results in patients diagnosed with PHEC. The clinical characteristics, by OCT, the treatment used and the evolution after treatment were collected. RESULTS: 39 eyes of 23 patients with PHEC were evaluated. The average age at diagnosis was 79 years (66-94 years). The main ocular symptom was low vision in 26 eyes (66.6%); only 11 eyes (28.2%) were asymptomatic. The most frequent referred diagnosis was bleeding/exudation in 24 eyes (61.5%), followed by choroidal melanoma in 9 (23.1%). Intra or subretinal hemorrhages were the type of peripheral lesion most frequently found, in 24 eyes (61.5%). Twenty-five eyes (58.9%) received some type of treatment: 15 eyes (60%) underwent intravitreal injection (IIV) of antiangiogenic agents (anti-VEGF); Laser photocoagulation was performed in 2 cases (8%), Photodynamic therapy in 2 cases (8%) and 6 cases (18.2%) required pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) due to vitreous hemorrhage. There were no changes in visual acuity (VA) in patients followed with observation between baseline 0.66±0.80 (0.04-2.82) and end of follow-up 0.75±0.96 (0.00-2.82) (P=.352), nor for those who received some type of treatment between the beginning 0.78±0.79 (0.04-2.30) and the end 1.22±1.01 (0.04-2.82) (P=.157), possibly due to the large component of atrophic or exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) presented in both groups. (29 eyes presented atrophic or exudative AMD) CONCLUSIONS: PHEC is a rare pathology, frequently associated with AMD, which typically presents as a peripheral mass that is frequently confused with choroidal melanoma and other intraocular tumors and hence the importance of learning to identify it, making the correct differential diagnosis and avoid unnecessary treatments. Antiangiogenic therapy is effective in most patients with an active phase (exudative/hemorrhagic) into leading to fibrosis of peripheral hemorrhagic areas.

Progress in the use of plasma rich in growth factors in ophthalmology: from ocular surface to ocular fundus.

INTRODUCTION: The use of blood derivatives and especially Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF), for regenerative purposes has been a common trend along the last decades in the field of oral surgery, dermatology, orthopedics, and more recently in ophthalmology. AREAS COVERED: PRGF is a type of platelet-rich plasma that is being explored for the treatment of ocular injuries. The present review article highlights 50 ophthalmology-related publications about the application of PRGF in the treatment of acute and chronic pathologies in ophthalmology as well as most relevant challenges and future prospects. EXPERT OPINION: PRGF technology provides a wide range of formulations that can be used therapeutically in many different acute and chronic ocular pathologies. In addition to eye drops enriched with autologous growth factors, PRGF enables the preparation of both immunologically safe and fibrin-based formulations. Recent advances in the field have promoted PRGF storage for 12 months under freezing conditions, its daily use for 7 days at room temperature and the freeze-dried formulation. The thermally treated immunosafe formulation has shown promising clinical results for the treatment of several diseases such as Sjögren syndrome, graft versus host disease or cicatrizing conjunctivitis. In addition, several fibrin formulations have been preclinically evaluated and clinically incorporated as an adjuvant to ocular surface or glaucoma surgeries, dermal fat graft procedures, limbal stem cell expansion and retinal surgeries. The present review explores the latest scientific and clinical data, current challenges, and main prospects of this technology for the treatment of several ocular injuries.

Apoptosis Induction in Murine Melanoma (B16F10) Cells by Mannosylerythritol Lipids-B; a Glycolipid Biosurfactant with Antitumoral Activities.

Mannosylerythritol lipids have drawn attention to cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries due to their non-toxicity and excellent biological interactions with human skin, particularly with the deepest epidermal layer. Lamellar liquid crystal structure, formed by MEL-B, is an interesting feature due to its similarity to the stratum corneum molecular arrangement and cell signaling events involved in the deregulation of the cancerous cell membrane. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of commercial mannosylerythritol lipids-B in murine melanoma, fibroblast, and human erythrocytes cells. Cytotoxic effect was more pronounced on the tumor cells from 20 µg/mL, reducing cell viability by 65%, whereas fibroblast and human erythrocytes cells were more resistant to glycolipid treatment. Fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometer proved that mannosylerythritol lipids-B is an apoptosis inducer in tumor cells related to reactive oxygen species generation.

Hallazgos oftalmológicos en pacientes con leucemia en una población colombiana / Ophthalmological findings in patients with leukaemia in a Colombian population

Objetivo Publicar las manifestaciones oculares en paciente con leucemia. Métodos Estudio observacional analítico de corte transversal, en pacientes con manifestaciones oculares por leucemia. Resultados Se evaluaron 14 ojos de 8 pacientes (5 mujeres y 3 varones) con leucemia. La edad promedio al diagnóstico de leucemia fue de 43 años (31-76 años). Seis ojos correspondían a pacientes con leucemia mieloide aguda (LMA), 4 ojos a pacientes con leucemia linfoide aguda (LLA), 2 ojos a pacientes con leucemia mieloide crónica (LMC) y 2 ojos a pacientes con leucemia de células peludas (LCP). Los hallazgos oculares primarios fueron: invasión coroidea en 12 ojos (85,7%), infiltración retiniana en 4 ojos (28,6%) y desórdenes neuroftalmológicos en 4 ojos (28,6%). La agudeza visual promedio mejoró de 0,689 a 0,449 logMAR (p 0,012) luego del tratamiento con quimioterapia sistémica e intratecal. De los 8 pacientes, 4 murieron debido a complicaciones de su enfermedad. Conclusiones Este es el primer artículo de múltiples manifestaciones oculares secundaria a leucemia en una población colombiana. Es importante tener en cuenta que este tipo de manifestaciones hacen parte de los síndromes de enmascaramiento por lo tanto es primordial hacer un diagnóstico y manejo precoz ya que en ocasiones está en riesgo la vida del paciente (AU)

Objective To report the ocular manifestations in patients with leukaemia. Methods This is a retrospective, descriptive and observational study in patients with ocular manifestations of leukaemia. Results A total of 14 eyes were evaluated corresponding to 8 patients (5 women and 3 men) with ocular manifestations of leukaemia. The mean age at diagnosis was 43 years (31-76 years). Six eyes corresponded to patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), four eyes to acute lymphoid leukaemia (ALL), two eyes to chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), and the remaining two belonged to patients with hairy cell leukaemia (HCL). The primary ocular findings were choroidal invasion in 12 eyes (85.7%), retinal infiltration in 4 eyes (28.6%), and neuro-ophthalmic disorders in 4 eyes (28.6%). The mean visual acuity improved from 0.689 to 0.449 (logMAR) (P=.012) after the systemic and intrathecal chemotherapy. Of the eight patients, four died from systemic complications of the underlying disease. Conclusions This is the first report of multiple ocular manifestations secondary to leukaemia in a Colombian population. It is important to keep in mind that this disease is included within the masquerade syndromes and that the ophthalmological findings that, while subtle, can also be devastating and be signs of a life-threatening disease (AU)

Achievement of effective cardiopulmonary trauma surgical skills training throughout the incorporation of a low-cost and easy to implement pulsatile simulation model.

OBJECTIVES: . In the last decade, concern regarding the preparedness of general surgery graduates to effectively manage thoracic trauma cases has been raised. However, due to limited availability and elevated costs, access to cardiopulmonary trauma simulation models is limited. This article describes our experience implementing a low-cost blended ex vivo tissue-based simulation model using animal by-products that incorporates pump perfusion and ventilation. DESIGN: . Firstly, for validation purposes 8 junior residents, 8 recently graduated general surgeons, and 3 cardiothoracic surgery attendings from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Clinical Hospital were recruited. Proficiency in performing a pulmonary tractotomy and a myocardial injury repair was assessed with global and specific rating scales. Secondly, to evaluate the effectiveness of the model as a learning tool, 16 general surgery residents from different programs across the country were recruited receiving intensive, personalized training on the models. Proficiency was measured before and after the training. RESULTS: . For the validation phase, significant differences among groups according to the previous level of expertise were shown, and therefore construct validity was established. The results of the second phase showed a significant overall improvement in participant's performance. CONCLUSION: . Effective training and assessment for advanced surgical skills in cardiothoracic trauma can be achieved using a low-cost pulsatile simulation model.

Ophthalmological findings in patients with leukaemia in a Colombian population. / Hallazgos oftalmológicos en pacientes con leucemia en una población colombiana.

OBJECTIVE: To report the ocular manifestations in patients with leukaemia. METHODS: This is a retrospective, descriptive and observational study in patients with ocular manifestations of leukaemia. RESULTS: A total of 14 eyes were evaluated corresponding to 8 patients (5 women and 3 men) with ocular manifestations of leukaemia. The mean age at diagnosis was 43 years (31-76 years). Six eyes corresponded to patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), four eyes to acute lymphoid leukaemia (ALL), two eyes to chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), and the remaining two belonged to patients with hairy cell leukaemia (HCL). The primary ocular findings were choroidal invasion in 12 eyes (85.7%), retinal infiltration in 4 eyes (28.6%), and neuro-ophthalmic disorders in 4 eyes (28.6%). The mean visual acuity improved from 0.689 to 0.449 (logMAR) (P=.012) after the systemic and intrathecal chemotherapy. Of the eight patients, four died from systemic complications of the underlying disease. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of multiple ocular manifestations secondary to leukaemia in a Colombian population. It is important to keep in mind that this disease is included within the masquerade syndromes and that the ophthalmological findings that, while subtle, can also be devastating and be signs of a life-threatening disease.

A new species of Rhabdias (Nematoda: Rhabdiasidae), a lung parasite of Pseudopaludicola pocoto (Anura: Leptodactylidae) from north-eastern Brazil: description and phylogenetic analyses.

Rhabdias pocoto n. sp. is herein described from the lungs of the swamp frog Pseudopaludicola pocoto Magalhães, Loebmann, Nogueira, Kokubum, Baptista, Haddad & Garda, 2014, from the Caatinga biome in the state of Ceará, in north-eastern Brazil. The new species is characterized by a body that dilates posteriorly, six small lips (protuberances) and two rounded lateral expansions of cuticular inflation on the anterior end, each containing an amorphous gland-like structure inside and a short and conical tail. Additionally, molecular analysis and comparison of the partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I sequence of R. pocoto n. sp. revealed genetic divergence between the new species and the sequences of Rhabdias spp. previously deposited in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the new taxon into the R. pseudosphaerocephala species complex + R. glaurungi clade. The new discovery represents the 19th species of Rhabdias spp. described in the Neotropical region, the ninth in Brazil and the first species of Rhabdias found parasitizing South American frogs of the genus Pseudopaludicola, as well as the first Caatinga biome species of Rhabdias.

Helminths associated with Norops fuscoauratus (Squamata, Dactyloidae) in highland marshes of the Brazilian semi-arid.

Helminthological studies may contribute with valuable information on host biology and conservation. Herein, we provide new data on helminths infecting the lizard Norops fuscoauratus, testing one of the factors considered most important in parasitic ecology: host size. We analysed 25 specimens of N. fuscoauratus from three highland marshes in the Brazilian semi-arid. Eight taxa of helminths belonging to Nematoda, Trematoda and Acanthocephala were found. Physaloptera sp. showed the higher prevalence (40%), with a mean intensity of infection of 3.3 ± 1.46 (1-16) and mean abundance 1.32 ± 0.65 (0-16). Norops fuscoauratus represents four new host records for the helminths Cyrtosomum sp., Pharyngodon travassosi, Strongyloides sp. and Centrorhynchus sp. There is no relationship of host body size (P = 0.79) and mass (P = 0.50) with parasite richness. In addition, the present study contributes to the knowledge of the parasitic fauna of N. fuscoauratus and the Neotropical region.

Infection Patterns of Helminths in Norops Brasiliensis (Squamata, Dactyloidae) from a Humid Forest, Northeastern Brazil and their Relation with Body Mass, Sex, Host Size, and Season.

Climatic and ecological factors can influence the parasite load of a host. Variation in rainfall, body size, and sex of the hosts may be related to the abundance of parasites. This study investigated the helminth fauna associated with a population of Norops brasiliensis, together with the effect of host biology (sex, body size, and mass) and variation in rainfall regime on the abundance of helminths. Species of three groups of endoparasites were found (Nematoda, Cestoda, and Trematoda), with nematodes as the most representative taxa with eight species, prevalence of 63.2 %, mean intensity of 4.0 ± 0.58 (1 - 25), and mean abundance of 2.66 ± 0.44 (0 - 25). Nine helminth species are new host records for N. brasiliensis. The nematode Rhabdias sp. had the highest prevalence (53.3 %). There was no signifi cant relationship between abundance of the trematode Mesocoelium monas and host sex or season, although the abundance of this parasite increased significantly with host body size and mass, while abundance of nematodes was related to season and host mass. This study increases the knowledge about the diversity of helminth fauna associated with N. brasiliensis, revealing infection levels of hosts from northeastern Brazil.

Description of the Habitat of Four Species of the Genus Lymanopoda (LEPIDOPTERA: NYMPHALIDAE: SATYRINAE) in Páramo areas of Colombia / Descripción del hábitat de cuatro especies del género lymanopoda (lepidoptera: nymphalidae: satyrinae) en áreas de páramo de colombia

RESUMEN Las mariposas del género Lymanopoda son típicas de ecosistemas altoandinos y se caracterizan por tener como planta hospedera a especies del género Chusquea. El objetivo de esta investigación es presentar una descripción del hábitat de cuatro especies del género Lymanopoda que residen en zonas de páramo de los Andes de Colombia. Para describir el hábitat, se realizó la búsqueda de mariposas en tres localidades, dos en la Cordillera Oriental y una en la Cordillera Occidental. Se estudió la composición florística de las áreas que habitan las especies de Lymanopoda y se registraron variables para calcular la cobertura y la frecuencia relativa de elementos arbóreos, arbustivos y herbáceos. Estos datos permitieron identificar patrones en la fisonomía, estructura y diversidad de las coberturas vegetales en las que fueron observadas las mariposas. Se encontró que, aunque la composición florística entre las localidades estudiadas es diferente, la distribución de abundancias es similar, presentando pocos elementos dominantes y alta equidad. En cuanto a la estructura de la vegetación se encontró que la cobertura del estrato arbustivo y de Chusquea spp., es similar en las áreas de borde de los parches. A partir de los resultados obtenidos se puede concluir que, aunque la presencia de Chusquea es fundamental para las mariposas estudiadas, estas residen en coberturas vegetales diversas (i.e. con poca dominancia y alta equidad) con una estructura que incluya elementos herbáceos, arbustivos y arbóreos.

ABSTRACT Butterflies of the Lymanopoda genus are typical of the high Andean ecosystem and they are characterized by having species of Chusquea genus as host plants. This research aims to present the habitat description of four species of Lymanopoda inhabiting in "páramo" areas of the Colombian Andes. The habitat description was based on searching butterflies in three localities; two at the "Cordillera Oriental" and another one at the "Cordillera Occidental". After, we explored the floristic composition of inhabiting areas by the Lymanopoda species and we registered data to calculate vegetation coverage and relative frequency of tree, shrub and herb layers. Such data made it possible to identify patterns in botanical physiognomy, structure and diversity of the vegetal coverages among the butterflies that were found. Our outcomes show that although the floristic composition between the four localities is different, the abundance distribution of species is related to limited dominance and high equitability. With regard to vegetation structure we found that shrub layer and Chusquea spp. Coverage is similar at an edge of the patches. Based on the results, we conclude that presence of Chusquea is essential to the assessed butterflies but also, they only reside inside diverse vegetation coverages (i.e. with limited dominance and high equitability) whit a botanical structure that includes tree, shrub and herb layers.

Active surveillance as a successful management strategy for patients with clinical stage I germ cell testicular cancer.

BACKGROUND: Cancer-specific survival for patients with clinical stage I (CSI) germ cell testicular cancer (GCTC) is outstanding after inguinal orchidectomy regardless the treatment utilized. This study evaluated whether active surveillance (AS) of such patients yielded similar health outcomes to other therapeutic strategies such as adjuvant chemotherapy, radiotherapy or primary retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy as described in the literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with CSI GCTC were screened between January 2012 and December 2016. Patients had previously undergone inguinal orchidectomy as the primary treatment and chosen AS as their preferred management strategy after receiving information about all available strategies. RESULTS: Out of 91 patients screened, 82 patients selected AS as their preferred management strategy. Relapse rate in the overall population was 20% (95% CI 12-30) and median time to relapse was 11.5 months (range 1.0-35.0). In patients with seminomatous tumors, relapse rate decreased to 13% and median time to relapse was 13 months; whereas in patients with non-seminomatous tumors, relapse rate was 33% (IA) or 29% (IB) and median time to relapse was 12 months in stage IA and 4.5 months in stage IB patients. All relapses were rescued with three or four cycles of chemotherapy and two also required a retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy. All patients are currently alive and free of disease. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical outcomes of patients with CSI GCTC managed by AS in this series were excellent. This strategy limited the administration of active treatments specifically to the minority of patients who relapsed without compromising performance.

New records of Helminths in Reptiles from five states of Brazil / Novos registros de helmintos em répteis de cinco estados do Brasil

Abstract Forty five specimens representing nine species of reptile (Salvator merianae, Enyalius bilineatus, Amphisbaena alba, Xenopholis undulatus, Chironius fuscus, Helicops angulatus, Chironius flavolineatus, Erythrolamprus viridis and Crotalus durissus) collected in five Brazilian states were examined for helminths. Twelve helminth species were found as follow: nine Nematoda (Physaloptera tupinambae, Strongyluris oscari, Paracapillaria sp., Dracunculus brasiliensis, Physaloptera liophis, Serpentirhabias sp. 1, Serpentirhabias sp. 2, Serpentirhabias sp. 3 and Aplectana sp.), one Cestoda (Semenoviella amphisbaenia), one Trematoda (Paracotyletrema sp.), and one Acantocephala (Centrorhynchus sp.). Ten new host records and seven new locality records were reported.

Resumo Quarenta e cinco espécimes que representa nove espécies de répteis (Salvator merianae, Enyalius bilineatus, Amphisbaena alba, Xenopholis undulatus, Chironius fuscus, Helicops angulatus, Chironius flavolineatus, Erythrolamprus viridis e Crotalus durissus) coletados em cinco estados brasileiros foram examinados para helmintos. Foram encontrados doze espécies de helmintos sendo: nove Nematoda (Physaloptera tupinambae, Strongyluris oscari, Paracapillaria sp., Dracunculus brasiliensis, Physaloptera liophis, Serpentirhabias sp. 1, Serpentirhabias sp. 2, Serpentirhabias sp. 3 e Aplectana sp.), um Cestoda (Semenoviella amphisbaenia), um Trematoda (Paracotyletrema sp.) e um Acantocephala (Centrorhynchus sp.). Dez novos registros de hospedeiros e sete novos registros de localidade foram relatados.

Clinical Outcomes of Sequential Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments and an Extended Range of Vision Intraocular Lens Implantation in Patients with Keratoconus and Cataract.

PURPOSE: To evaluate efficacy, safety, and predictability of sequential Ferrara-type intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) and an extended range of vision intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in patients with keratoconus and cataract. METHODS: This study comprised patients with keratoconus and cataract that had ICRS implantation followed 6 months later by extended range of vision IOL implantation. The uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and residual refractive errors, analysed using vector analysis, were recorded preoperatively, 6 months after ICRS implantation, and 6 months after IOL implantation, respectively. RESULTS: The study enrolled 17 eyes (11 patients). The mean UDVA (logMAR scale) was 1.15 ± 0.67 preoperatively, 0.88 ± 0.69 six months after ICRS implantation (P = 0.005), and 0.27 ± 0.18 six months after IOL implantation (P < 0.0001). The CDVA changed from 0.26 ± 0.15 (logMAR) before surgery to 0.17 ± 0.08 six months after Ferrara-type ICRS implantation (P = 0.002) and to 0.07 ± 0.06 six months after IOL implantation (P < 0.0001). The spherical equivalent and the refractive cylinder declined steeply after IOL implantation (P < 0.001). The magnitude of depth of focus was 2.60 ± 1.02 D. There were no statistically significant differences in visual acuity for a defocus range from +0.50 D to -0.50 D (P > 0.1). CONCLUSION: Sequential Ferrara-type ICRS and an extended range of vision IOL implantation provided good visual and refractive outcomes, being an effective, safe, and predictable procedure for the treatment of selected cases of patients with keratoconus and cataract. In addition, this approach provides an increase of tolerance to defocus.