Enzootic stability of tick fever in Holstein calves grazing in a tropical region, subjected to strategic cattle tick control with fluralaner.

BACKGROUND: In 2022, fluralaner was launched on the market for use in the control of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus after showing 100% efficacy in registration trials against the causative agents of cattle tick fever (TFAs). The aim of the present study was to determine whether a strategic control regimen against R. microplus using fluralaner (FLU) in Holstein calves grazing in a tropical region would alter the enzootic stability status of cattle tick fever, triggering outbreaks in these animals up to 22 months age. METHODS: In this study, a group of calves treated with FLU was compared with a control group treated with the regimen currently being used on the farm, which consisted of the fipronil + fluazuron formulation (FIFLUA). In the first experiment, the efficacy of the FIFLUA pour-on formulation was evaluated in a field study. In the second experiment, which lasted 550 days, two experimental groups (n = 30/group) of Holstein calves naturally infested with R. microplus were analyzed. Calves aged 4 to 10 months received either a specific treatment regimen with FLU (experimental group) or FIFLUA (control group). During this period, tick counts, animal weight measurement, feces collection (to determine eggs and oocysts per gram of feces), tick fever monitoring, blood smears (to ascertain enzootic stability of the herd), PCR testing for TFAs and serology (indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [iELISA]) were performed. All calves were evaluated for signs of tick fever between ages 11 and 22 months. RESULTS: FIFLUA showed an acaricidal efficacy of > 90% from post-treatment days 14 to 35. Regarding treatments against the TFAs, the average number of treatments was similar between groups, but animals treated with FLU had a smaller reduction in packed cell volume on some of the evaluation dates of the second and third treatment against TFAs. In calves aged 10 months in the FLU group, B. bovis was not detected by PCR (0/15 samples), 40% of the samples had antibody titers and 33% (10/30) of the samples had positive blood smears. Regarding B. bigemina, > 86% of the samples in both groups tested positive for B. bigemina DNA and antibodies; there was no difference in the antibody titers between the groups. There were no clinical cases of cattle tick fever in calves aged 11 to 22 months. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison with the control treatment, the strategic control regimen against R. microplus with FLU that was implemented in the present study did not negatively affect the enzootic stability status of A. marginale and B. bigemina in the herd up to 22 months of age. The enzootic stability status of B. bovis was not reached by either group. These results likely represent a characteristic of the local tick population, so further studies should be performed.

What is the optimal timing to initiate strategic control of Rhipicephalus microplus in taurine cattle in a tropical region?

Cattle tick control poses a significant challenge for livestock in tropical and subtropical regions. The objective of this study was to determine the most suitable timing to initiate a strategic tick control program and to identify the ideal number of acaricide treatments for adult taurine cattle (Bos taurus taurus) in a tropical region throughout the year. Three groups with 10 bovines each were performed: T01 (strategic treatment in late autumn/winter/late spring, every 28 days), T02 (strategic treatment to act in the "first tick generation" - early spring/summer/early autumn, every 28 days) and T03 (control). Tick counts (females 4-8 mm) were conducted every 14 days. If the tick burden in any group reached 30 or more during these counts, we applied an additional treatment. Over the course of a year, T02 required significantly fewer (p < 0.05) acaricide treatments than T01, with nine treatments for T02 and eleven for T01. Furthermore, during the tick counts, animals in T02 showed a lower tick burden compared to those in T01. Initiating the strategic tick control program in early spring, corresponding to the first tick generation, proved more effective than starting in autumn. This approach not only required fewer acaricide treatments but also resulted in a reduced tick burden. These benefits are particularly valuable in terms of animal welfare and managing acaricide resistance issues.

Evaluation of mechanical transmission of Trypanosoma vivax by Stomoxys calcitrans in a region without a cyclic vector.

This work investigated the mechanical transmission of Trypanosoma vivax by Stomoxys calcitrans to cattle in a region without a cyclic vector. The study involved two experiments, one with calves experimentally infected with T. vivax, in the acute phase of trypanosomosis (Experiment 1) and the other in the chronic phase (Experiment 2). In both experiments, two transmission methods were used with flies that had not fed for 24 h or had never fed: (i) Method 1: flies released freely in cattle pens (≈3,300 flies/pen for 10 days); and (ii) Method 2: flies placed in a feeding chamber (12 flies/animal). To develop Method 1 in the two experiments (acute and chronic phases), T. vivax-positive animals were kept with T. vivax-negative animals. Periodically, the Brener method, Woo method, blood smears, cPCR, ELISA, IFAT, and Imunoteste® were performed to detect T. vivax in the animals. We also recorded the animals' head tossing and hoof stomping and the number of flies near the pens' inner walls. Subsequently, biological testing was performed using lambs. For Method 2 in both experiments, flies inside the feeding chamber first fed on T. vivax-positive animals and later on negative animals. In both experiments and methods, we examined the flies for the presence of T. vivax through blood smears and cPCR of the proboscis and abdomen. In Experiment 2 (chronic phase), a test was conducted to determine how long trypomastigotes forms could survive on the blood of animals with different levels of parasitemia. None of the animals (calves and lambs) became infected with T. vivax or showed antibodies against it. During the evaluation period, the animals in the presence of the flies exhibited more hoof stomping and head tossing compared to those without flies (control). Additionally, there was an increase in the number of flies in the pens during the experiment. Only in Experiment 1 (acute phase) were T. vivax trypomastigotes and DNA found in the abdomen of the flies but not in the proboscis. In Experiment 2 (chronic phase), higher concentrations of trypomastigotes per milliliter of blood were associated with a shorter the lifespan of this stage of the parasite. In conclusion, under the variable conditions of the experiments (hosts, number of flies, and level of parasitemia), S. calcitrans was unable to mechanically transmit T. vivax to cattle.

Effect of a preventive strategic control program, with imidocarb dipropionate, against tick fever agents in dairy calves.

Chemoprophylaxis with dipropionate imidocarb (IMD) is a method adopted to prevent cattle tick fever (TF). Sixty weaned dairy heifers (±60 days old), without previous exposure to Rhipicephalus microplus ticks, were housed in Tifton paddocks and were subsequently exposed to R. microplus ticks and monitored up to 315 days old. Thirty animals were kept as controls (T01) and 30 received five preventive strategic treatments with IMD at 21-day intervals (T02). The heifers were monitored weekly by means of packed cell volume (PCV) and blood smears to evaluate the presence of TF agents. Salvage treatments (ST) with diminazene and enrofloxacin were administered when animals showed PCV ≤ 24%. The A. marginale prevalence was 39.3% and 37.7%, B. bovis 6.0%, and 7.3%, and B. bigemina 16.3% and 13.7% for T01 and T02, respectively. Regarding PCV values, group T01 showed lower PCV than group T02, between 119 and 161 days of life, but when animals were 196, 210, 217, and between 252 to 301 days old, an inversion occurred. The IMD treatment protocol was effective in group T02 from day 91 to 175 while treatment was being administered, but from day 182 to 315 after the IMD treatment protocol was completed, the number of salvage treatments against TF agents performed in T02 group increased significantly. The sequential application of IMD treatments with intervals less than 21 days is not recommended.

Selective versus strategic control against Rhipicephalus microplus in cattle: A comparative analysis of efficacy, animal health, productivity, cost, and resistance management.

This study compared selective control versus strategic control against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, under conditions of a real dairy farm. Strategic control requires that all animals be treated with acaricide at regular pre-determined intervals. Selective control only requires treatment of infested animals and only when they are at or above a pre-determined threshold. Tick counts on animals and in pasture were performed and the susceptibility of tick populations to the different treatment methods was evaluated at the beginning and end of the study using the Larval Packet Test, Larval Immersion Test, and Adult Immersion Test. Over the four years of the study strategic control was more advantageous than the selective control as the group experienced lower tick burden on animals and in pasture, absence of skin lesions and myiases, lower operating costs, treatments concentrated in fewer months of the year and lower resistance pressure.

Influence of the acaricide emulsion pH on the effectiveness of spray products to control the cattle tick: laboratory and field investigations.

The current work evaluated the efficacy of 10 commercial acaricides in different pHs (4.5, 5.5, and 6.5) in laboratory (adult immersion tests (AIT), pH evaluation over time) and field assays (tick counts and efficacy). In the AIT (n=70), higher efficacies were obtained when the acaricide emulsion had a more acidic pH (4.5), mainly for two combinations of pyrethroids + organophosphate (acaricide 3 and acaricide 9). For amidine, a higher pH (6.5) showed a higher efficacy. Over time, there was a trend in the pH of these emulsions increasing. When the efficacy of chlorpyrifos + cypermethrin + piperonyl butoxide (acaricide 3) at different pHs was evaluated over time (0, 6, 12, and 24h) by AIT, the less acidic pH (6.5) showed a strongly variation in the acaricide efficacy range. The mean pH of the water samples from different regions of Brazil was 6.5. In the field, the association of pyrethroid + organophosphates (acaricide 9) with pH of 4.5 and 5.5 were more effective in tick control than the emulsion prepared with this same spray formulation at pH 6.5. The pH of the acaricide emulsions is an important point of attention and is recommended that the veterinary industry start to develop/share information regarding how the pH can affect the acaricide efficacy.

Soil aggregation and associated organic matter under management systems in sandy-textured soils, subtropical region of Brazil.

Increasing the diversity of plant species in agricultural production areas favors the maintenance or improvement of soil quality, particularly for soils with a sandy texture. This beneficial effect is related to the formation of aggregates of different origins. This study aimed to (i) verify whether soil use and management affect the proportion of biogenic (Bio) and physicogenic (Phy) aggregates and (ii) verify whether biogenic aggregation is more likely to lead to soil improvement than physicogenic aggregation. Three management systems were evaluated (permanent pasture, PP; no-tillage system, NT; and no-tillage + Brachiaria system, NT + B) as well as a reference area (Atlantic Forest biome vegetation, NF). According to their origin or formation pathway, the aggregates were separated, identified, and classified as Bio (formed by biological processes) and Phy (resulting from chemical and physical actions). The differentiation between Bio and Phy aggregates was performed based on the visualization of morphological features, such as shape, size, presence of roots, porosity, and subunit arrangements, and junctions. Only the PP area was able to promote greater aggregate formation of biological origin, with greater amounts of Bio aggregates. The highest total organic carbon (TOC) contents and the least negative δ13C values were also quantified in the aggregates of the PP area. The NT + B system provided an increase in the TOC content of its aggregates in comparison with aggregates in the NT and NF areas. Among the formation pathways, the Bio aggregates had the highest TOC and soil organic matter fractions contents and the most negative δ13C values. Perennial forage grasses vegetation was more important than the plant species diversity in favoring Bio aggregate formation. The beneficial effect of Brachiaria can be observed when incorporated as part of intercropping with corn in grain production systems. The biogenic aggregates favored the concentration of more labile soil organic matter fractions. The results of this study can provide important theoretical information for future studies focused on the combination of different plant species in agricultural food production areas on sandy-textured soils.

Number of rainy days in a week influencing screwworm navel myiasis in beef calves and efficacies of injectable and topical antiparasitics.

Rainfall incidence as a risk factor for umbilical myiasis by Cochliomyia hominivorax in newborn beef cattle and the preventive and curative efficacies of injectable and topical products against its larvae were evaluated. The prevalence of navel myiasis did not differ between sex, however, it did differ between seasons of the year, independent of animal sex, with it being higher in the rainy season than in the dry season for both sexes (males 64.6%, females 62.1%). During the rainy season, rains occurred intermittently and the number of rainy days in a week had a direct influence on prevalence, with an increase (≥87%) in the number of calves with navel myiasis caused by C. hominivorax. When it rained intermittently for four, five and six days in a week during the rainy season, calves had ≈12, 24 and 11 times greater chances, respectively, of having navel myiasis compared to a week without rain during the rainy season. The injectable products did not reach preventive efficacies higher than 35%, while all treatments of topic products reached 100% preventive efficacy at 10 days post-treatment. Only the formulations with 30% dichlorfenthion and 0.32% fipronil achieved 100% curative efficacy. The results reinforce the need for intensified inspection and healing of the umbilicus during the rainy season, mainly during rainier weeks. Furthermore, topical formulations may be a better alternative as a preventive treatment than avermectin formulations. However, the curative efficacy of the topical product containing dichlorvos did not demonstrate a relationship with preventive efficacy for newborn calves.

Comparison of sampling designs from the two editions of the Brazilian National Health Survey, 2013 and 2019.

Our objective is to describe the differences in the sampling plans of the two editions of the Brazilian National Health Survey (PNS 2013 and 2019) and to evaluate how the changes affected the coefficient of variation (CV) and the design effect (Deff) of some estimated indicators. Variables from different parts of the questionnaire were analyzed to cover proportions with different magnitudes. The prevalence of obesity was included in the analysis since anthropometry measurement in the 2019 survey was performed in a subsample. The value of the point estimate, CV, and the Deff were calculated for each indicator, considering the stratification of the primary sampling units, the weighting of the sampling units, and the clustering effect. The CV and the Deff were lower in the 2019 estimates for most indicators. Concerning the questionnaire indicators of all household members, the Deffs were high and reached values greater than 18 for having a health insurance plan. Regarding the indicators of the individual questionnaire, for the prevalence of obesity, the Deff ranged from 2.7 to 4.2, in 2013, and from 2.7 to 10.2, in 2019. The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes per Federative Unit had a higher CV and lower Deff. Expanding the sample size to meet the diverse health objectives and the high Deff are significant challenges for developing probabilistic household-based national survey. New probabilistic sampling strategies should be considered to reduce costs and clustering effects.

Techniques for monitoring dairy calves against the tick fever agents: a comparative analysis.

Data regarding parasitemia (blood smears), rectal temperature (RT), packed cell volume (PCV) and vaginal mucosa coloration (VMC) of Gyr x Holstein female calves between 3-7mo were accessed to evaluate different techniques for monitoring the bovine tick fever agents (TFA). The 1st experiment determined the correlation between the TFA parasitemia with RT and PCV. The 2nd, evaluated the associated risk of A. marginale parasitemia with RT and PCV in relation to the Gyr/Holstein genetic proportion (5/8,3/4,7/8 and 15/16) using Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC). The 3rd, two groups were performed: cattle monitored by RT (T01) and by PCV (T02), during their 80-210 days of age, data regarding TFA parasitemia, RT, PCV, VMC and weight were registered. In 1st experiment, RT showed weak correlation with TFA parasitemia, while PCV showed a strong correlation with A. marginale and B. bigemina, but not with B. bovis parasitemia. In experiment 2, the ROC curve analysis showed that when the genetic proportion of B. t. taurus increased, least reliable RT was to monitor calves infected with A. marginale. The PCV for monitoring A. marginale was the best technique, showing sensitivity of 74.2% and specificity of 97.0% than other techniques that used RT and VCM as a monitoring tool. In general, calves monitored by PCV (T02) showed higher PCV values, lower A. marginale parasitemia, less pneumonia as co-infection and less salvation treatment were performed than in animals monitored by RT (T01). Furthermore, animals from T02 gained 23.5 kg more than those from T01. The low frequency of B. bovis and B. bigemina found in this study made impossible to compare the monitoring techniques for these pathogenic agents.

Comparison of sampling designs from the two editions of the Brazilian National Health Survey, 2013 and 2019 / Comparação de desenhos amostrais das duas edições da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde, 2013 e 2019 / Comparación entre diseños muestrales de las dos ediciones de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud Brasil, 2013 y 2019

Our objective is to describe the differences in the sampling plans of the two editions of the Brazilian National Health Survey (PNS 2013 and 2019) and to evaluate how the changes affected the coefficient of variation (CV) and the design effect (Deff) of some estimated indicators. Variables from different parts of the questionnaire were analyzed to cover proportions with different magnitudes. The prevalence of obesity was included in the analysis since anthropometry measurement in the 2019 survey was performed in a subsample. The value of the point estimate, CV, and the Deff were calculated for each indicator, considering the stratification of the primary sampling units, the weighting of the sampling units, and the clustering effect. The CV and the Deff were lower in the 2019 estimates for most indicators. Concerning the questionnaire indicators of all household members, the Deffs were high and reached values greater than 18 for having a health insurance plan. Regarding the indicators of the individual questionnaire, for the prevalence of obesity, the Deff ranged from 2.7 to 4.2, in 2013, and from 2.7 to 10.2, in 2019. The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes per Federative Unit had a higher CV and lower Deff. Expanding the sample size to meet the diverse health objectives and the high Deff are significant challenges for developing probabilistic household-based national survey. New probabilistic sampling strategies should be considered to reduce costs and clustering effects.

Nosso objetivo é descrever as diferenças nos desenhos amostrais das duas edições da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS 2013 e 2019) e avaliar como suas mudanças afetaram o coeficiente de variação (CV) e o efeito do desenho (Deff) de alguns dos indicadores avaliados. Variáveis de diferentes partes do questionário foram analisadas para avaliar proporções com diferentes magnitudes. A prevalência de obesidade foi incluída na análise uma vez que a medição de antropometria na pesquisa de 2019 foi realizada em uma subamostra. Os valores do estimador pontual, CV e Deff foram calculados para cada indicador considerando a estratificação das unidades amostrais primárias, a ponderação das unidades amostrais, e o efeito do agrupamento. Para a maioria dos indicadores, CV e Deff foram menores nas estimativas de 2019. Em relação aos indicadores para todos os membros familiares, Deffs foram elevados e atingiram valores superiores a 18 para a posse de um plano de saúde. Quanto aos indicadores no questionário individual, Deff variou de 2,7 a 4,2 em 2013 e de 2,7 a 10,2 em 2019 para a prevalência de obesidade. A prevalência de hipertensão arterial e diabetes por Unidade Federativa apresentou CV maior e Deff menor. A expansão do tamanho da amostra para atender aos diversos objetivos de saúde e Deff altos são desafios expressivos para o desenvolvimento de uma pesquisa nacional domiciliar probabilística. Novas estratégias de amostragem probabilística devem ser consideradas para reduzir custos e efeitos do agrupamento.

Nuestro objetivo es describir las diferencias en los diseños muestrales de las dos ediciones de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud (PNS 2013 y 2019) y evaluar cómo sus cambios afectaron el coeficiente de variación (CV) y el efecto de diseño (Deff) de algunos de los indicadores evaluados. Se analizaron variables de diferentes partes del cuestionario para evaluar proporciones con diferentes magnitudes. La prevalencia de obesidad se incluyó en el análisis, ya que la medición de la antropometría en la encuesta de 2019 se realizó en una submuestra. Los valores del estimador puntual, CV y Deff se calcularon para cada indicador considerando la estratificación de las unidades de muestreo primarias, la ponderación de las unidades de muestreo y el efecto de agrupamiento. Para la mayoría de los indicadores, CV y Deff fueron más bajos en las estimaciones de 2019. En cuanto a los indicadores para todos los miembros de la familia, los Deff fueron altos y alcanzaron valores superiores a 18 por tener un plan de salud. En cuanto a los indicadores del cuestionario individual, Deff osciló entre 2,7 y 4,2 en 2013, y entre 2,7 y 10,2 en 2019 para la prevalencia de obesidad. La prevalencia de hipertensión arterial y diabetes por Unidad Federativa tuvo mayor CV y menor Deff. Un mayor tamaño de la muestra para cumplir con los diversos objetivos de salud y un alto valor de Deff son desafíos importantes para el desarrollo de una encuesta nacional domiciliar probabilística. Se deben considerar nuevas estrategias de muestreo probabilístico para reducir los costos y efectos de agrupamiento.

Delayed reduction of Anaplasma marginale parasitemia and packed cell volume normalization despite prolonged enrofloxacin treatment of cattle co-infected with Trypanosoma vivax.

Although co-infections of Trypanosoma vivax, Anaplasma spp., and Babesia spp. have been reported, knowledge gaps remain that need to be addressed. The present study evaluated the efficacy of enrofloxacin (7.5 mg/kg) against A. marginale in naturally infected cattle and cattle experimentally co-infected with T. vivax by observation of the variation in A. marginale parasitemia and packed cell volume (PCV) for 39 days. Bovines were distributed into two groups, each with six calves: T01 = animals immunosuppressed with dexamethasone and with latent anaplasmosis; T02 = animals immunosuppressed with dexamethasone, with latent anaplasmosis and experimentally co-infected with T. vivax on day 0 (D0). Animals of both groups were immunosuppressed with dexamethasone and received enrofloxacin (7.5 mg/kg) whenever mean values of parasitemia for A. marginale were ≥ 5% per group. Cattle of group T02 were also treated with isometamidium chloride (0.5 mg/kg) on D25. On D17 and D22 to D28 of the study, there was a higher (P ≤ 0.05) A. marginale parasitemia in animals of T02 than in those of T01. Animals of T01 required one enrofloxacin treatment to decrease A. marginale parasitemia, while those from T02 needed five treatments. From D5 to D37 of study, the mean values of PCV for calves from T02 were lower (P ≤ 0.05) than that for calves from T01. In conclusion, bovines co-infected T. vivax needed four more treatments with enrofloxacin to reduce A. marginale parasitemia and keep PCV values within reference standards.

Neonatal mortality rates in Brazilian municipalities: from 1996 to 2017.

OBJECTIVES: Neonatal mortality is a global public health problem, and the efforts to reduce child mortality is one of the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, launched in 2015 by the United Nations. The availability of historical neonatal mortality rates (NMR) data in Brazilian municipalities is crucial to evaluate trends at local, regional and national level, identifying gaps and vulnerable territories. Therefore, the objective of this article is to offer an integrated dataset containing monthly data in a historical series from 1996 to 2017 with information on all births, neonatal deaths, and NMR (total, early and late components) enriched with information related to the municipality. DATA DESCRIPTION: It is a dataset of historical data with information on the number of births, the number of neonatal deaths, the neonatal mortality rate (including early and late), and geographic information for each month (between January 1996 and December 2017) and Brazilian municipality.

Nailfold capillaroscopy and microvascular involvement in Diabetes Mellitus / Capilaroscopia de leito ungueal e envolvimento microvascular em Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: to study the relationship between microvascular lesions of Diabetes Mellitus and alterations in the nailfold capillaroscopy. Subjects and Methods: cross-sectional study including 140 individuals (70 with Diabetes Mellitus and 70 controls). Epidemiological and clinical variables were collected from patient's charts. Fundus ophthalmoscopy, nailfold capillaroscopy, analysis of microalbuminuria and renal clearance as well as fasting glycaemia and HbA1c values were studied simultaneously. Results: capillary density was reduced, and vascular dilatation was increased in Diabetes Mellitus patients when compared to controls (both with p<0.0001). In diabetic individuals the number of dermal papillary capillaries/mm3 correlated negatively with microalbuminuria (p=0.02), patient's age (p=0.03), values of HbA1c (p=0.03). Patients with diabetic retinopathy and using antiplatelet agents had lower capillary density (p<0.0001 and 0.04 respectively). Capillary dilatation was associated with disease duration (p=0.04). Conclusion: microvascular disease in Diabetes Mellitus is reflected in nailfold capillaroscopy. Decreased capillary density, increased number of ectasias and increased presence of avascular areas were observed in patients with diabetes when compared to controls. In the present study, capillary density correlated/associate with age, retinopathy, use of antiplatelet medication, HbA1c, microalbuminuria and diabetes duration. Ectasias or dilatations were related to retinopathy, glomerular filtration rate and longer disease duration.

Objetivo: estudar a relação entre lesões microvasculares do Diabetes Mellitus e alterações na capilaroscopia ungueal. Sujeitos e Métodos: estudo transversal incluindo 140 indivíduos (70 com Diabetes Mellitus e 70 controles). Variáveis epidemiológicas e clínicas foram coletadas dos prontuários dos pacientes. A oftalmoscopia de fundo, capilaroscopia ungueal, análise de microalbuminúria e depuração renal, bem como glicemia de jejum e valores de HbA1c foram estudados simultaneamente. Resultados: a densidade capilar foi reduzida e a dilatação vascular aumentada em pacientes com Diabetes Mellitus quando comparados aos controles (ambos com p <0,0001). Em indivíduos diabéticos, o número de capilares papilares dérmicos/ mm3 correlacionou-se negativamente com microalbuminúria (p = 0,02), idade do paciente (p = 0,03), valores de HbA1c (p = 0,03). Pacientes com retinopatia diabética e em uso de antiagregante plaquetário apresentaram menor densidade capilar (p <0,0001 e 0,04 respectivamente). A dilatação capilar foi associada ao tempo de doença (p = 0,04). Conclusão: a doença microvascular no Diabetes Mellitus reflete-se na capilaroscopia ungueal. Diminuição da densidade capilar, aumento do número de ectasias e aumento da presença de áreas avasculares foram observados em pacientes com diabetes quando comparados aos controles. No presente estudo, a densidade capilar se correlacionou/ se associou com idade, retinopatia, uso de antiagregante plaquetário, HbA1c, microalbuminúria e tempo de diabetes. Ectasias ou dilatações foram relacionadas à retinopatia, à taxa de filtração glomerular e a maior duração da doença.

Trypanosomatid infections in captive wild mammals and potential vectors at the Brasilia Zoo, Federal District, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Conservation projects in zoos may involve translocation of captive animals, which may lead to pathogen spread. Neotropical mammals are important hosts of Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. the etiological agents of Chagas disease and Leishmaniasis respectively. Studies of trypanosomatid-infected mammals and vectors (triatomines and sandflies) in zoos are important for the establishment of surveillance and control measures. OBJECTIVES: We investigated trypanosomatid infections in captive wild mammals, triatomines and sandflies at the Brasília Zoo. METHODS: We collected triatomines during active bimonthly surveys, sampled sandflies using light-traps and obtained blood samples from 74 mammals between 2016 and 2017. We used quantitative PCR to detect trypanosomatids in vectors and mammals. RESULTS: We found a colony of 19 Panstrongylus megistus in the porcupine unit and detected T. cruzi infections in five bugs. We captured 17 sandflies of four species including Nyssomyia whitmani and Lutzomyia longipalpis, but no Leishmania infection was detected. qPCR detected 50 T. cruzi-infected mammals belonging to 24 species and five groups of mammals (Carnivora, Cetartiodactyla, Perissodactyla, Pilosa and Primates); Leishmania DNA was detected in 23 mammals from 15 species, mainly carnivores. We detected trypanosomatid infections in 11 mammals born at the Brasília Zoo. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest vector-borne transmission of T. cruzi among maned wolves; measures to reduce the risk of new infections should therefore be taken. We also report sandfly presence and Leishmania-infected mammals at the Brasília Zoo. Translocation of wild mammals in and out of the Brasília Zoo should consider the risk of T. cruzi and Leishmania spread.

Transcriptomic profiling of gamma ray induced mutants from the CGL1 human hybrid cell system reveals novel insights into the mechanisms of radiation-induced carcinogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Somatic cell hybrid systems generated by combining cancerous with non-cancerous cells provide useful model systems to study neoplastic transformation. Combined with recent advances in omics-based technologies, novel molecular signatures that drive radiation-induced carcinogenesis can be analyzed at an exceptional global level. METHODS: Here, we present a complete whole-transcriptome analysis of gamma-induced mutants (GIM) and gamma irradiated control (CON) segregants isolated from the CGL1 (HeLa x normal fibroblast) human hybrid cell-system exposed to high doses of radiation. Using the Human Transcriptome Array 2.0 microarray technology and conservative discrimination parameters, we have elucidated 1067 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between tumorigenic and non-tumorigenic cells. RESULTS: Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that tumorigenic cells demonstrated shifts in extracellular matrix (ECM) and cellular adhesion profiles, dysregulation of cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling, and alterations in nutrient transport and cellular energetics. Furthermore, putative upstream master regulator analysis demonstrated that loss of TGFß1 signaling due to reduced SMAD3 expression is involved in radiation-induced carcinogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, this study presents novel insights into specific gene expression and pathway level differences that contribute to radiation-induced carcinogenesis in a human cell-based model. This global transcriptomic analysis and our published tumor suppressor gene deletion loci analyses will allow us to identify and functionally test candidate nexus upstream tumor suppressor genes that are deleted or silenced after exposure to radiation.

Crianças queimadas atendidas no Hospital Universitário Evangélico de Curitiba: perfil epidemiológico / Burned children admitted at the Hospital Universitário Evangélico de Curitiba: epidemiological profile / Niños quemados asistidos en el Hospital Universitário Evangélico de Curitiba: perfil epidemiológico

Objetivo: Avaliar as internações e traçar o perfil epidemiológico das queimaduras em crianças internadas no Hospital Universitário Evangélico de Curitiba. Método: Realizado estudo quantitativo, retrospectivo e transversal por meio da análise de prontuários de 666 crianças que deram entrada e foram atendidas no Departamento de Queimados do Hospital Universitário Evangélico de Curitiba, entre julho de 2013 e junho de 2014. Foram incluídos registros de crianças com menos de 5 anos queimadas. Não foram incluídos registros de crianças cujos prontuários não estavam preenchidos completamente e/ou corretamente. Foram analisados indicadores do total de internações, sexo e idade dos pacientes, número de regiões anatômicas lesionadas e a etiologia das queimaduras. Resultados: 59% dos pacientes eram do sexo masculino e 41% do feminino, com idade média de 1 ano e 6 meses. A taxa de internação geral foi de 15%, sendo que crianças com 3 e 4 anos estiveram mais suscetíveis a serem internadas. Os casos ocorridos devido a fogo/brasa/inflamáveis foram frequentes entre as crianças que precisaram ser internadas (33% dos acometidos por esta etiologia foram hospitalizados). Contudo, a escaldadura foi a etiologia que mais gerou internações no serviço, sendo 72 casos das 97 internações. Conclusão: A necessidade ou não de internamento esteve relacionada ao número de regiões lesadas e com a sua etiologia. Obteve-se como perfil epidemiológico mais prevalente de um paciente internado o de menino de 1 ano, com lesão sofrida por escaldadura em duas regiões do corpo.

Objectives: To evaluate the hospitalization and to define the epidemiological profile of burns among hospitalized children at Hospital Universitário Evangélico de Curitiba. Methods: It was performed a quantitative, retrospective and transversal research by analyzing the records of 666 children admitted to the Burns Department of the Hospital Universitário Evangélico de Curitiba from July 2013 to June 2014. Records of burned children who were younger than 5 years old were included in the study. Records of children who had their hospital data filled up wrongly and/or incompletely were not included in this study. The researchers analyzed the number of internments, childrens gender and age, the number of body regions stricken by the lesions and the burn causal agent. Results: 59% of the patients were male and 41% were female. The average age was one year and six months old. The hospitalization rate was 15%, with three and four-year-old children being more susceptible to be hospitalized. Burns caused due to fire/coal/inflammables were frequent among children who needed to be hospitalized (33% of the kids injured by this etiology were hospitalized). However, scalds were the cause that generated more internments (72 out of 97 total hospitalizations). Conclusion: The necessity or not of internment depended on the regions injured and the etiology of the burns. The most prevalent epidemiological profile of a burned kid was one-year-old boy injured by scald in two anatomical surfaces.

Objetivos: Evaluar las hospitalizaciones de pacientes y definir el perfil epidemiológico de quemaduras en niños internados en el Hospital Universitário Evangélico de Curitiba. Método: Se realizó estudio cuantitativo, retrospectivo y transversal mediante el análisis de historias clínicas de 666 niños asistidos en el Servicio de Quemaduras del Hospital Universitário Evangélico de Curitiba, entre julio de 2013 y junio de 2014. Se incluyó registros de niños menores de 5 años quemados. No se incluyó registros de niños que sus archivos médicos no estaban llenados completamente y/o correctamente. Fueron analisados indicadores del total de ingresos, sexo y edad de los pacientes, número de regiones anatómicas quemadas y la etiologia de la quemadura. Resultados: 59% de los pacientes eran hombres y 41% mujeres, mientras que la edad media fue de 1 año y 6 meses. La tasa de hospitalización fue de 15%. Los niños de 3 y 4 años estuvieran más susceptibles a la hospitalización. Las quemaduras por fuego/agua/liquidos inflamables fueron frecuentes entre niños que necesitaran hospitalización (33% de los acometidos por esta etiología fueran hospitalizados). Sin embargo, la escaldadura fue la etiología que más generó ingresos (72 de las 97 hospitalizaciones totales). Conclusión: La necesidad de internamiento se relacionó al número de regiones anatómicas quemadas y su etiología. En este estudio, el perfil epidemiológico más prevalente de un paciente hospitalizado fue de un niño a la edad de 1 año que sufrió lesión por escaldadura en dos sitios de su cuerpo

TRANEXAMIC ACID ACTION ON LIVER REGENERATION AFTER PARTIAL HEPATECTOMY: EXPERIMENTAL MODEL IN RATS.

BACKGROUND: Different lesions may affect the liver resulting in harmful stimuli. Some therapeutic procedures to treat those injuries depend on liver regeneration to increase functional capacity of this organ. AIM: Evaluate the effects of tranexamic acid on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rats. METHOD: 40 rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus, Rodentia mammalia) of Wistar-UP lineage were randomly divided into two groups named control (CT) and tranexamic acid (ATX), with 20 rats in each. Both groups were subdivided, according to liver regeneration time of 32 h or seven days after the rats had been operated. The organ regeneration was evaluated through weight and histology, stained with HE and PCNA. RESULTS: The average animal weight of ATX and CT 7 days groups before surgery were 411.2 g and 432.7 g, and 371.3 g and 392.9 g after the regeneration time, respectively. The average number of mitotic cells stained with HE for the ATX and CT 7 days groups were 33.7 and 32.6 mitosis, and 14.5 and 14.9 for the ATX and CT 32 h groups, respectively. When stained with proliferating cell nuclear antigen, the numbers of mitotic cells counted were 849.7 for the ATX 7 days, 301.8 for the CT 7 days groups, 814.2 for the ATX 32 hand 848.1 for the CT 32 h groups. CONCLUSION: Tranexamic acid was effective in liver regeneration, but in longer period after partial hepatectomy.

RACIONAL: Muitas são as injúrias que acometem o fígado e levam a estímulo lesivo. Alguns procedimentos terapêuticos para tratamento dessas lesões dependem da regeneração hepática para aumentar a sua capacidade funcional. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito do ácido tranexâmico na regeneração hepática após hepatectomia parcial em ratos. MÉTODO: Foram utilizados 40 ratos (Rattus norvegicus albinus, Rodentia mammalia) convencionais da linhagem Wistar-UP. Foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos de 20: grupo controle (CT) e grupo ácido tranexâmico (ATX). Cada um deles foi divido em dois subgrupos para avaliar a regeneração hepática no tempo de 32 h e 7 dias do pós-operatório. A regeneração do órgão foi avaliada quanto ao peso e histologia, sendo esta última por hematoxilina-eosina e antígeno nuclear de proliferação celular. RESULTADOS: A média dos pesos dos animais dos grupos ATX 7 dias e CT 7 dias no pré-operatório foram de 411,2 g e 432,7 g, respectivamente, e após a regeneração foram de 371,3 g e 392,9 g. As médias das taxas de mitose coradas por HE dos dois grupos em 7 dias foram de 33,7 e 32,6 mitoses, respectivamente, e de 14,5 e 14,9 mitoses para os grupos ATX e CT 32 h. A contagem de células por antígeno nuclear de proliferação celular mostrou valores de 849,7 para o grupo ATX 7 dias e 301,8 para o CT 7 dias; 814,2 para o grupo ATX 32 h e 848,1 para o CT 32 h. CONCLUSÃO: O ácido tranexâmico mostrou-se efetivo na regeneração hepática somente em período mais longo de observação após hepatectomia parcial.

Tranexamic acid action on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy: experimental model in rats / Ação do ácido tranexâmico na regeneração hepática após hepatectomia parcial: modelo experimental em ratos

ABSTRACT Background: Different lesions may affect the liver resulting in harmful stimuli. Some therapeutic procedures to treat those injuries depend on liver regeneration to increase functional capacity of this organ. Aim: Evaluate the effects of tranexamic acid on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rats. Method: 40 rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus, Rodentia mammalia) of Wistar-UP lineage were randomly divided into two groups named control (CT) and tranexamic acid (ATX), with 20 rats in each. Both groups were subdivided, according to liver regeneration time of 32 h or seven days after the rats had been operated. The organ regeneration was evaluated through weight and histology, stained with HE and PCNA. Results: The average animal weight of ATX and CT 7 days groups before surgery were 411.2 g and 432.7 g, and 371.3 g and 392.9 g after the regeneration time, respectively. The average number of mitotic cells stained with HE for the ATX and CT 7 days groups were 33.7 and 32.6 mitosis, and 14.5 and 14.9 for the ATX and CT 32 h groups, respectively. When stained with proliferating cell nuclear antigen, the numbers of mitotic cells counted were 849.7 for the ATX 7 days, 301.8 for the CT 7 days groups, 814.2 for the ATX 32 hand 848.1 for the CT 32 h groups. Conclusion: Tranexamic acid was effective in liver regeneration, but in longer period after partial hepatectomy.

RESUMO Racional: Muitas são as injúrias que acometem o fígado e levam a estímulo lesivo. Alguns procedimentos terapêuticos para tratamento dessas lesões dependem da regeneração hepática para aumentar a sua capacidade funcional. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito do ácido tranexâmico na regeneração hepática após hepatectomia parcial em ratos. Método: Foram utilizados 40 ratos (Rattus norvegicus albinus, Rodentia mammalia) convencionais da linhagem Wistar-UP. Foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos de 20: grupo controle (CT) e grupo ácido tranexâmico (ATX). Cada um deles foi divido em dois subgrupos para avaliar a regeneração hepática no tempo de 32 h e 7 dias do pós-operatório. A regeneração do órgão foi avaliada quanto ao peso e histologia, sendo esta última por hematoxilina-eosina e antígeno nuclear de proliferação celular. Resultados: A média dos pesos dos animais dos grupos ATX 7 dias e CT 7 dias no pré-operatório foram de 411,2 g e 432,7 g, respectivamente, e após a regeneração foram de 371,3 g e 392,9 g. As médias das taxas de mitose coradas por HE dos dois grupos em 7 dias foram de 33,7 e 32,6 mitoses, respectivamente, e de 14,5 e 14,9 mitoses para os grupos ATX e CT 32 h. A contagem de células por antígeno nuclear de proliferação celular mostrou valores de 849,7 para o grupo ATX 7 dias e 301,8 para o CT 7 dias; 814,2 para o grupo ATX 32 h e 848,1 para o CT 32 h. Conclusão: O ácido tranexâmico mostrou-se efetivo na regeneração hepática somente em período mais longo de observação após hepatectomia parcial.

Perfil dos acidentes por queimaduras em crianças atendidas no Hospital Universitário Evangélico de Curitiba / Perfil de las quemaduras en niños asistidos en el Hospital Universitário Evangélico de Curitiba / Profile of accidents by burns in children admitted at the Hospital Universitário Evangélico of Curitiba

Estabelecer a relação entre a etiologia das queimaduras com a idade dos pacientes e traçar o perfil epidemiológico das queimaduras na população estudada. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo quantitativo, retrospectivo e transversal pela análise de prontuários de 666 crianças que deram entrada e foram atendidas no setor de Queimados do Hospital Universitário Evangélico de Curitiba, PR, entre julho de 2013 e junho de 2014. Os critérios de inclusão foram crianças menores de 5 anos vítimas de queimaduras; já os de exclusão foram crianças cujos prontuários não estavam preenchidos completamente e/ou corretamente. Foram analisados indicadores sobre o total de internações, sexo, idade, os locais acometidos pelas queimaduras, a porcentagem da superfície corporal queimada e o agente causador. Resultados: Cinquenta e nove por cento dos pacientes eram do sexo masculino e 41% do feminino, com idade média de 1 ano e 6 meses. A taxa de internação foi de 15%. A faixa etária mais prevalente foi a de 1 ano de idade, com 300 crianças. Quanto ao agente etiológico, a escaldadura foi o mais frequente, sendo responsável por 56,1% dos casos. Conclusão: A escaldadura foi a causa mais frequente de queimaduras na faixa etária estudada. O perfil epidemiológico neste estudo foi o de um menino, com idade de 1 ano, apresentando queimadura na(s) mão(s), tendo sofrido lesão por escaldadura e que não necessita de internamento...

The objectives were to establish the relationship between the burns etiology and the patients age and define the epidemiological burns profile among the studied population. Methods: It was performed a quantitative, retrospective and transversal research by the analysis of 666 children’s records. Those patients were admitted to the Burns Department of the Hospital Universitário Evangélico of Curitiba from July 2013 to June 2014. The inclusion criteria were children under five year old victims of burns; as well, the exclusion criteria involved records that were not filled out completely or correctly. The researchers analysed the number of internments, children’s gender and age, the body region strickened by the lesions and the burn causal agent. Results: Fifty nine percent of the patients were male and 41% were female. The average age was one year and six months. The internment rate was 15%. The age most affected was one year, represented by 300 patients. The main etiological agent was the scald being responsible for 56.1% of the occurrences. Conclusion: The scald was the most frequent agent of the burns at the studied age. The epidemiological profile in this research was a one year-old boy that suffered a scald burn in his hand or hands that did not result in an internment...

Establecer la relación entre la etiología de las quemaduras a la edad de los pacientes y definir el perfil epidemiológico de las quemaduras en esta población. Metodo: Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo, retrospectivo y transversal mediante el análisis de las historias clínicas de 666 niños que fueron asisitidos en el Servicio de Quemaduras del Hospital Universitário Evangélico de Curitiba entre julio de 2013 y junio de 2014. Los criterios de inclusión fueron niños menores de cinco años víctimas de quemaduras, ya que la exclusión eran niños que sus registros no fueron llenados complectamete o correctamente. Se analizaron los ingresos totales, el sexo, la edad, los sitios afectados por quemaduras y el agente causante. Resultados: Cincuenta y nueve por ciento de los pacientes eran hombres y 41% mujeres, mientras que la edad media fue de 1 año y 6 meses. La tasa de hospitalización fue de 15%. La edad más frecuente fue de 1 año (300 niños). Como el agente etiologico, la escaldadura fue el más frecuente con 56,1% de los casos. Conclusión: La escaldadura fue la causa más frecuente de las quemaduras en el grupo de edad estudiado. Como se encuentra en este estudio, el perfil epidemiológico de niño a la edad de un año que sufrió lesión por escaldadura en la(s) mano(s) y no requiere hospitalización...