Genomic and epidemiological monitoring of yellow fever virus transmission potential.

The yellow fever virus (YFV) epidemic in Brazil is the largest in decades. The recent discovery of YFV in Brazilian Aedes species mosquitos highlights a need to monitor the risk of reestablishment of urban YFV transmission in the Americas. We use a suite of epidemiological, spatial, and genomic approaches to characterize YFV transmission. We show that the age and sex distribution of human cases is characteristic of sylvatic transmission. Analysis of YFV cases combined with genomes generated locally reveals an early phase of sylvatic YFV transmission and spatial expansion toward previously YFV-free areas, followed by a rise in viral spillover to humans in late 2016. Our results establish a framework for monitoring YFV transmission in real time that will contribute to a global strategy to eliminate future YFV epidemics.

Using in situ flow cytometry images of ciliates and dinoflagellates for aquatic system monitoring / Usando imagem de citometria de fluxo in situ de ciliados e dinoflagelados para o monitoramento de sistemas aquáticos

Abstract Short-period variability in plankton communities is poorly documented, especially for variations occurring in specific groups in the assemblage because traditional analysis is laborious and time-consuming. Moreover, it does not allow the high sampling frequency required for decision making. To overcome this limitation, we tested the submersible CytoSub flow cytometer. This device was anchored at a distance of approximately 10 metres from the low tide line at a depth of 1.5 metres for 12 hours to monitor the plankton at a site in the biological reserve of Barra da Tijuca beach, Rio de Janeiro. Data analysis was performed with two-dimensional scatter plots, individual pulse shapes and micro images acquisition. High-frequency monitoring results of two interesting groups are shown. The abundance and carbon biomass of ciliates were relatively stable, whereas those from dinoflagellates were highly variable along the day. The linear regression of biovolume measures between classical microscopy and in situ flow cytometry demonstrate high degree of adjustment. Despite the success of the trial and the promising results obtained, the large volume of images generated by the method also creates a need to develop pattern recognition models for automatic classification of in situ cytometric images.

Resumo A variabilidade de curto período em comunidades do plâncton é pouco documentada, especialmente as variações que ocorrem em grupos específicos das assembleias por causa das análises tradicionais serem muito trabalhosas e demoradas. Além disso, não permitem que a alta frequência amostral necessária para a tomada de decisão. Para superar esta limitação, nós testamos o CytoSub, um citômetro de fluxo submersível. Este aparelho foi ancorado a aproximadamente 10 metros de distância da linha de maré baixa a uma profundidade de 1,5 metros por 12 horas para monitorar o plâncton em um sítio da reserva biológica da praia da Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro. A análise dos dados foi realizada a partir de gráficos de dispersão bidimensionais, pelas assinaturas ópticas individuais escaneadas (pulse shape profile) e aquisição de micro imagens. Resultados do monitoramento de alta frequência de dois grupos interessantes são apresentados. A abundância e a biomassa de carbono de um grupo de ciliados foram relativamente estáveis, ao passo que o grupo de dinoflagelado, foi altamente variável ao longo do dia. O modelo de regressão linear das medidas de biovolume entre a clássica microscopia e a citometria de fluxo in situ apresentou alto grau de ajustamento. Apesar do sucesso deste ensaio e dos resultados promissores obtidos, o grande volume de imagens geradas por este método também gerou a necessidade de se desenvolver modelos de reconhecimento de padrões para a classificação automática de imagens de citometria in situ.

Using in situ flow cytometry images of ciliates and dinoflagellates for aquatic system monitoring.

Short-period variability in plankton communities is poorly documented, especially for variations occurring in specific groups in the assemblage because traditional analysis is laborious and time-consuming. Moreover, it does not allow the high sampling frequency required for decision making. To overcome this limitation, we tested the submersible CytoSub flow cytometer. This device was anchored at a distance of approximately 10 metres from the low tide line at a depth of 1.5 metres for 12 hours to monitor the plankton at a site in the biological reserve of Barra da Tijuca beach, Rio de Janeiro. Data analysis was performed with two-dimensional scatter plots, individual pulse shapes and micro images acquisition. High-frequency monitoring results of two interesting groups are shown. The abundance and carbon biomass of ciliates were relatively stable, whereas those from dinoflagellates were highly variable along the day. The linear regression of biovolume measures between classical microscopy and in situ flow cytometry demonstrate high degree of adjustment. Despite the success of the trial and the promising results obtained, the large volume of images generated by the method also creates a need to develop pattern recognition models for automatic classification of in situ cytometric images.

Avaliação do impacto de laboratórios de análises clínicas de hospitais de urgência e emergência do município de Belém-PA na saúde / Health impact assessment of clinical analysis laboratories in Urgency and Emergency hospitals in Belém (PA, Brazil)

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o impacto de laboratórios de análises clínicas de hospitais de urgência e emergência do município de Belém-PA na saúde. Trata-se de um estudo do tipo descritivo com abordagem quantitativa, no qual os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas diretas por meio de um questionário contendo perguntas abertas e fechadas, seguindo uma ordem de questionamentos divididos em diferentes avaliações de impacto na saúde. Os resultados revelaram que os laboratórios de análises clínicas dos hospitais de urgência e emergência apresentam os serviços bem estruturados, com profissionais próprios qualificados e treinados periodicamente. Para a rotina laboratorial há documentos para guiar na operacionalização dos serviços, manuais de qualidade e credenciamento a programas e/ou empresas de certificação ou acreditação de qualidade. Os laboratórios realizam auditorias internas, apresentam dispositivo de medição quanto a ensaios e equipamentos calibrados, com manutenções periódicas e possuem responsáveis técnicos e diretores de laboratório. Quanto à citação do número de exames laboratoriais, o LAC A e o LAC D apresentam todos os exames hematológicos questionados, no entanto, o LAC B e LAC C apresentam 85,71% (n =12) dos exames questionados. Quando questionados em relação às dosagens bioquímicas, o LAC A e LAC D mostraram-se mais abrangentes por realizarem todos os exames bioquímicos propostos. Diante dos resultados obtidos, conclui-se que os laboratórios de urgência e/ou emergência existentes no município de Belém-PA oferecem ampla variedade de serviços, bem como apresentam preocupação com a garantia da qualidade da prestação de seus serviços...

This study is an assessment of the health impact of 4 clinical analysis laboratories (LAC A, B, C and D) in Urgency and Emergency hospitals in Belém (PA). In a descriptive study with a quantitative approach, we collected data through interviews conducted with a questionnaire containing open and closed questions, which were organized into various levels of health impact assessment. The results revealed that the clinical analysis laboratories of urgency and emergency hospitals have well-structured services, with qualified professionals who received periodic in service training. For routine lab work, there are well documented operational guidelines, quality manuals and programs and/or companies offering quality certification and accreditation. The laboratories make internal audits and possess measuring devices for assays and periodically calibrated equipment; they have responsible technicians and laboratory directors. In response to questions on the number of laboratory tests, LAC A and LAC D exhibited all the hematological tests cited, while LAC B and C showed 85.71% (n = 12) of the tests. Regarding the biochemical dosages, LAC A and LAC D proved to be more inclusive, covering all the recommended biochemical tests. On the basis of these results, we conclude that the clinical laboratories in urgency and/or emergency hospitals in Belém offer a wide variety of services, as well as showing concern for quality assurance in the provision of these services...

The use of Salvinia auriculata as a bioindicator in aquatic ecosystems: biomass and structure dependent on the cadmium concentration.

This study shows, in a multiple-level approach, the responses of Salvinia auriculata to Cd pollution in aquatic ecosystems. S. auriculata ramets were cultivated in nutrient solution and subjected to five treatments with Cd for ten days. At the end of the experiment, the number of new ramets and the dry biomass were determined. For ultrastructural observations, the leaves of S. auriculata were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. At the end of the experiment, the plants exposed to Cd showed damage in the leaves including necrosis and chlorosis, stomate deformations and damaged trichomes. We observed a decrease in the number of new ramets and dry biomass of S. auriculata following the increase in Cd concentration in the solution. At the ultrastructural level, leaves exposed to Cd presented chloroplast deformations and deterioration in the cell wall. All the symptoms of toxicity were directly proportionate to the concentration of Cd in the solution. The results suggests that S. auriculata shows good potential for use as a bioindicator and it can be used in the biomonitoring of aquatic ecosystems contaminated by Cd.

Virioplankton abundance in trophic gradients of an upwelling field

This work correlates time series of biological and physical variables to the marine viruses across trophic gradients within Arraial do Cabo upwelling system, Southeast of Brazil. The objective is to investigate the major controlling factors of virioplankton dynamics among different water masses. It was used an in situ and ex situ flow cytometry for accessing the plankton community. Viruses were highly correlated to bacteria and phytoplankton, but although the lack of direct correlation with physicals, upwelling turned out to be the main contributing factor to the highest values of viral abundance and virus:bacterial ratio. Our data suggest that the lowest temperature of upwelled South Atlantic Central Waters would help to maintain a high viral abundance and higher temperatures of Coastal and Tropical Waters might be another ecological niche allowing the co-existence.

Virioplankton abundance in trophic gradients of an upwelling field.

This work correlates time series of biological and physical variables to the marine viruses across trophic gradients within Arraial do Cabo upwelling system, Southeast of Brazil. The objective is to investigate the major controlling factors of virioplankton dynamics among different water masses. It was used an in situ and ex situ flow cytometry for accessing the plankton community. Viruses were highly correlated to bacteria and phytoplankton, but although the lack of direct correlation with physicals, upwelling turned out to be the main contributing factor to the highest values of viral abundance and virus:bacterial ratio. Our data suggest that the lowest temperature of upwelled South Atlantic Central Waters would help to maintain a high viral abundance and higher temperatures of Coastal and Tropical Waters might be another ecological niche allowing the co-existence.

Evaluation of the effect of oxamniquine, praziquantel and a combination of both drugs on the intramolluscan phase of Schistosoma mansoni.

The activity of oxamniquine (OXA), praziquantel (PZQ), and a combination of both drugs was evaluated at the intramolluscan phase of Schistosoma mansoni. Biomphalaria glabrata snails infected with S. mansoni were treated with 500 mg/kg OXA, 1000 mg/kg PZQ or with 250 mg/kg OXA and 500 mg/kg PZQ, in association, at the pre-patent and patent phases of infection. The results showed that either treatments with OXA or PZQ, alone, at the pre-patent period, delayed the parasite's development, increasing the pre-patent period by approximately 10 days. At the same pre-patent period, treatment with a combination of OXA/PZQ delayed the parasite's development even more, extending the pre-patent period up to 56 days. At the patent period, treatment with OXA and PZQ, alone, interrupted cercarial shedding. When the snails were treated with 1000 mg/kg PZQ, the cercarial production was re-established 15 days after treatment, but in lower numbers than those obtained before treatment, whereas the snails treated with 500 mg/kg OXA were able to shed cercariae in similar quantities to those observed before treatment. The association 250 mg/kg OXA+500 mg/kg PZQ, at the patent period, not only discontinued cercarial shedding, but also led to the "cure" of the snails, showing a synergistic effect of this combination of drugs. These results suggest that this model will be useful for selection of resistant parasites, as well as for screening new antischistosomal drugs.

Cavitary acetabular defects treated with morselized cancellous bone graft and cementless cups.

The use of impacted morselized cancellous bone grafts in conjunction with cementless hemispherical acetabular cups for treatment of AAOS type II acetabular cavitary deficiencies was evaluated in a retrospective study of 23 primary and 24 revision total hip arthroplasties, at a mean follow-up of 7.9 and 8.1 years, respectively. All primary hips received autografts, while all revision hips received allografts. Modified Harris Hip Scores for primary and revision hip replacements increased from a pre-operative mean of 37 and 47 to a postoperative mean of 90 and 86, respectively. All 23 autografts and 23 out of 24 cancellous allografts were radiographically incorporated without evidence of resorption. There were no instances of infection, component migration, or cases requiring subsequent acetabular revision. We conclude that impacted morselized cancellous bone-graft augmentation of cementless cups is a viable surgical option for AAOS type II cavitary acetabular defects.

Seroprevalence of bovine leptospirosis in Garanhuns Municipal District, Pernambuco State, Brazil.

The prevalence of Leptospira interrogans serovars in dairy cattle was determined by analyzing 464 serum samples from cows on 15 properties in Garanhuns municipal district, Pernambuco State, Brazil. A microscopic seroagglutination test including 12 serovars of Leptospira interrogans as antigens was used. Samples with titres 100 were considered positive. Two hundred and twenty-one (47.63%) of the samples were positive to one or more serovars. The prevalence of the serovars was hardjo (21.98%), bratislava (15.73%), castellonis (11.64%), tarassovi (10.56%), pyrogenes (1.72%), icterohaemorrhagiae (1.08%), pomona (0.86%), wolffi (0.86%), grippotyphosa (0.86%), djasiman (0.43%), canicola (0.21 %), and copenhageni (0.21%).

Proteção miocárdica por cardiologia sanguínea durante circulação extracorpórea. Avaliação ultra-estrutural miocárdica no cão / Myocardial protection by blood cardioplegia during extracorporeal circulation. Ultrastructural myocardial evaluation in the dog

Os autores desenvolveram metodo simplificado para infusao de cardioplegia sanguinea durante circulacao extracorporea. Fizeram estudo experimental, em caes, para averiguar a eficiencia do metodo. Dois grupos de 5 caes foram submetidos a 60 min de esquemia cardiaca, seguidos de 60 min de reperfusao coronaria. A protecao miocardica, durante isquemia cardiaca, foi obtida com o metodo de cardioplegia sanguinea no grupo I e com cardioplegia acelular gelada no grupo II. Para comparar os dois metodos empregados, foram feitas quatro biopsias de ventriculo esquerdo, para estudo ultra-estrutural: antes da isquemia cardiaca; ao fim de 60 min de isquemia cardiaca; com 30 mim de reperfusao coronaria e com 60 min de reperfusao coronaria.Nas tres primeiras biopsias houve apenas alteracoes ultra-estruturais miocardicas discretas, sem diferencas entre os dois grupos. Nas ultimas, as alteracoes ultraestruturais foram mais severas no grupo II do que no grupo I. Conclui-se que o metodo de protecao miocardica com cardioplegia sanguinea e eficaz para 60 min de isquemia cardiaca, sendo inclusive superior a cardioplegia acelular gelada

Alterações da ultra-estrutura miocárdica durante cirurgia cardíaca / Ultrastructural changes of the myocardium during cardiac surgery

Os autores fazem uma revisao da ultra-estrutura miocardica normal e alterada por isquemia cardiaca e circulacao extracorporea, analisando a quantificacao das alteracoes encontradas. Admiten que o estudo da ultra-estrutura miocardica e um bom metodo para estudar a protecao miocardica durante cirurgia cardiaca

On the fine structure of the electrocyte of Electrophorus electricus L.

The general ultrastructure of the electrocyte, the basic unit of the electric organs of Electrophorus electricus, is analyzed. Presented herein are detailed observations of the syncytial surface, its fibrillar coat, invaginations of the plasma membrane and synaptic terminals. Using Thiéry's method glycogen granules were identified in the syncytial cytoplasm and inside the synaptic terminals, their size and structure being compatible with the muscular origin of the electric organs, to which the filamentous meshwork found in the cytoplasm may be related. Among the perinuclear-organelles, are dense bodies with crystalline patterns. The mitochondrial matrix contains dense granules, their size and structure varying according to the organ to which they belong and to the fixation method used.