Mapping the risk for transmission of urban schistosomiasis in the Brazilian Northeast.

This is an analysis of the risk of schistosomiasis transmission in the city of Recife in the Northeast of Brazil based on the number of schistosomiasis cases (Schistosoma mansoni) registered for the period 2007-2017 together with data resulting from active search of breeding sites of the Biomphalaria snail intermediate host. The analyses were performed using Kernel Density Estimation (KDE), SaTScan and Map Algebra methodology using human socio-demographic data and biotic and abiotic data from the snail breeding sites. Investigating 44 breeding sites resulted in a total of 3.800 snails, 31.8% of which were positive for S. mansoni DNA. These data were considered in relation to total of 652 schistosomiasis cases. The KDE showed two high-risk and two medium-risk clusters, while three significant clusters were identified by SaTScan. Combining these data with the Map Algebra methodology showed that all high-risk neighbourhoods had breeding sites with snails positive for S. mansoni. It was concluded that schistosomiasis transmission cannot be controlled without basic sanitation and sewage management in the presence of Biomphalaria snails. The technique of Map Algebra was found to be fundamental for the analysis and demonstration of areas with a high probability of schistosomiasis transmission.

Evaluation of the effects of erythropoietin and interleukin-6 in rats submitted to acute spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and erythropoietin (EPO) in experimental acute spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. METHODS: Using standardized equipment, namely, a New York University (NYU) Impactor, a SCI was produced in 50 Wistar rats using a 10-g weight drop from a 12.5-mm height. The rats were divided into the following 5 groups of 10 animals each: "Group EPO", treated with erythropoietin only; "Group EPO + IL-6", treated with both substances; "Group IL-6", receiving IL-6 administration only; "Group Placebo", receiving a placebo solution; and "Group Sham", submitted to an incomplete procedure (only laminectomy, without SCI). All drugs and the placebo solution were administered intraperitoneally for three weeks. The animals were followed up for 42 days. Functional motor recovery was monitored by the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scale on days 2, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42. Motor-evoked potential tests were performed on the 42nd day. Histological analysis was performed after euthanasia. RESULTS: The group receiving EPO exhibited superior functional motor results on the BBB scale. IL-6 administration alone was not superior to the placebo treatment, and the IL-6 combination with EPO yielded worse results than did EPO alone. CONCLUSIONS: Using EPO after acute SCI in rats yielded benefits in functional recovery. The combination of EPO and IL-6 showed benefits, but with inferior results compared to those of isolated EPO; moreover, isolated use of IL-6 resulted in no benefit.

Neurophysiological assessment of spinal cord injuries in dogs using somatosensory and motor evoked potentials.

Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) and motor evoked potentials (MEPs) are non-invasive neurophysiological tests that reflect the functional integrity of sensory and motor pathways. Despite their extensive use and description in human medicine, reports in veterinary medicine are scarce. SSEPs are obtained via peripheral stimulation of sensory or mixed nerves; stimulation induces spinal and cortical responses, which are recorded when sensory pathways integrity is preserved. MEPs can be obtained via transcranial electrical or magnetic stimulation; in this case, thoracic and pelvic limb muscle responses are captured if motor pathways are preserved. This review describes principles, methodology and clinical applicability of SSEPs and MEPs in companion animal medicine. Potential interferences of anesthesia with SSEP and MEP recording are also discussed.

Analysis of the time series of pertussis in Brazil from 2010 to 2019 / Análise da série temporal da coqueluche no Brasil no período de 2010 a 2019

Abstract Objectives: to analyze a decade of spatio-temporal behavior of pertussis in Brazil and its epidemiological characteristics. Methods: ecological time series study of pertussis cases and deaths from the Notifable Diseases Information System in Brazil (2010-2019). The method of generalized linear analysis of Prais-Winsten and the Kernel analysis were used. Results: 32,849 cases were reported, of which 466 (1.42%) evolved to death, with a prevalence of 1.63/100,000 inhabitants and a mortality rate of 0.023/100,000 inhabitants. In the temporal analysis, the cyclical behavior of pertussis was evidenced, with trend variations in the period in 2014. Most cases occurred in children under 1 year of age (60.16%, p<0.01), sex female (55.28%, p=0.066) and white (48.42%, p=0.14). The largest share of deaths was in children aged <1 year (98.07, p<0.01), females (56.01%, p=0.066) and whites (43.78%, p=0.14). In the Kernel of prevalence, the South, Southeast and Northeast regions stood out with high density; while for mortality, the Southeast and Northeast stood out. Conclusions: the cyclical behavior of pertussis was observed, with a decreasing trend in recent years and the concentration of cases in children. This reinforces the importance of strengthening the population's immunization process.

Resumo Objetivos: analisar uma década do comportamento espaço-temporal da coqueluche no Brasil e as suas características epidemiológicas. Métodos: estudo ecológico de série temporal dos casos e óbitos por coqueluche do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação no Brasil (2010-2019). Utilizou-se o método de análise linear generalizada de Prais-Winsten e a análise de Kernel. Resultados: notificaram-se 32.849 casos, desses 466 (1,42%) evoluíram para óbito, com prevalência de 1,63/100.000 habitantes e coeficiente de mortalidade de 0,023/100.000 habitantes. Na análise temporal, evidenciou-se o comportamento cíclico da coqueluche com variações de tendência no período em 2014. A maioria dos casos ocorreu em menores de 1 ano (60,16%, p<0,01), sexo feminino (55,28%, p=0,066) e brancos (48,42%, p=0,14). A maior parcela dos óbitos foi em crianças <1 ano (98,07, p<0,01), sexo feminino (56,01%, p=0,066) e brancos (43,78%, p=0,14). No Kernel da prevalência, destacaram-se as regiões Sul, Sudeste e Nordeste com alta densidade; enquanto para mortalidade, sobressaíram-se Sudeste e Nordeste. Conclusão: observou-se o comportamento cíclico da coqueluche, com tendência de decréscimo nos últimos anos e a concentração de casos no público infantil. O que reforça a importância de fortalecer o processo de imunização da população.

A Mixed Kijima Model Using the Weibull-Based Generalized Renewal Processes.

Generalized Renewal Processes are useful for approaching the rejuvenation of dynamical systems resulting from planned or unplanned interventions. We present new perspectives for the Generalized Renewal Processes in general and for the Weibull-based Generalized Renewal Processes in particular. Disregarding from literature, we present a mixed Generalized Renewal Processes approach involving Kijima Type I and II models, allowing one to infer the impact of distinct interventions on the performance of the system under study. The first and second theoretical moments of this model are introduced as well as its maximum likelihood estimation and random sampling approaches. In order to illustrate the usefulness of the proposed Weibull-based Generalized Renewal Processes model, some real data sets involving improving, stable, and deteriorating systems are used.

Mandibular branch of the facial nerve in wistar rats: new experimental model to assess facial nerve regeneration.

Introduction The ideal animal model for nerve regeneration studies is the object of controversy, because all models described by the literature have advantages and disadvantages. Objective To describe the histologic and functional patterns of the mandibular branch of the facial nerve of Wistar rats to create a new experimental model of facial nerve regeneration. Methods Forty-two male rats were submitted to a nerve conduction test of the mandibular branch to obtain the compound muscle action potential. Twelve of these rats had the mandibular branch surgically removed and submitted to histologic analysis (number, partial density, and axonal diameter) of the proximal and distal segments. Results There was no statistically significant difference in the functional and histologic variables studied. Conclusion These new histologic and functional standards of the mandibular branch of the facial nerve of rats establish an objective, easy, and greatly reproducible model for future facial nerve regeneration studies.

Evaluation of the effects of erythropoietin and interleukin-6 in rats submitted to acute spinal cord injury

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and erythropoietin (EPO) in experimental acute spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. METHODS: Using standardized equipment, namely, a New York University (NYU) Impactor, a SCI was produced in 50 Wistar rats using a 10-g weight drop from a 12.5-mm height. The rats were divided into the following 5 groups of 10 animals each: "Group EPO", treated with erythropoietin only; "Group EPO + IL-6", treated with both substances; "Group IL-6", receiving IL-6 administration only; "Group Placebo", receiving a placebo solution; and "Group Sham", submitted to an incomplete procedure (only laminectomy, without SCI). All drugs and the placebo solution were administered intraperitoneally for three weeks. The animals were followed up for 42 days. Functional motor recovery was monitored by the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scale on days 2, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42. Motor-evoked potential tests were performed on the 42nd day. Histological analysis was performed after euthanasia. RESULTS: The group receiving EPO exhibited superior functional motor results on the BBB scale. IL-6 administration alone was not superior to the placebo treatment, and the IL-6 combination with EPO yielded worse results than did EPO alone. CONCLUSIONS: Using EPO after acute SCI in rats yielded benefits in functional recovery. The combination of EPO and IL-6 showed benefits, but with inferior results compared to those of isolated EPO; moreover, isolated use of IL-6 resulted in no benefit.

Herniated lumbar disc surgery in triathlon athletes with intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring.

Intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring was performed in a patient by somatosensory evoked potential, motor evoked potential and free-running electromyography with intraoperative stimulation. It was verified that after decompression, there was an increase in the amplitude of motor evoked potential responses, showing an immediate improvement of the treated levels. Intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring for surgical lumbar disc herniation in an athlete allowed a dynamic neurophysiological diagnosis, differentiation of the involvement of compression at the central or foraminal levels, and clinical awareness of the iatrogenic damage, thereby increasing safety.

Positioning of pedicle screws in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using electromyography / Posição de parafusos pediculares na escoliose idiopática do adolescente com uso da eletromiografia / Posición de tornillos pediculares en escoliosis idiopática del adolescente con electromiografía

To analyze the occurrence of poor positioning of pedicle screws inserted with the aid of intraoperative electromyographic stimulation in the treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS).

Analisar a ocorrência do mau posicionamento de parafusos pediculares inseridos com auxílio de estimulação eletromiográfica intraoperatória, no tratamento de escoliose idiopática do adolescente (EIA).

Analizar la incidencia de la mala colocación de tornillos pediculares insertados con la ayuda de la estimulación electromiográfica intraoperatoria para el tratamiento de la Escoliosis Idiopática del Adolescente (EIA).

Mandibular Branch of the Facial Nerve in Wistar Rats: New Experimental Model to Assess Facial Nerve Regeneration

Introduction: The ideal animal model for nerve regeneration studies is the object of controversy, because all models described by the literature have advantages and disadvantages. Objective: To describe the histologic and functional patterns of the mandibular branch of the facial nerve of Wistar rats to create a new experimental model of facial nerve regeneration. Methods: Forty-two male rats were submitted to a nerve conduction test of the mandibular branch to obtain the compound muscle action potential. Twelve of these rats had the mandibular branch surgically removed and submitted to histologic analysis (number, partial density, and axonal diameter) of the proximal and distal segments. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the functional and histologic variables studied. Conclusion: These new histologic and functional standards of the mandibular branch of the facial nerve of rats establish an objective, easy, and greatly reproducible model for future facial nerve regeneration studies...

A realidade do uso da monitorização neurofisiológica intraoperatória entre os cirurgiões de coluna brasileiros / The reality of using intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring among Brazilian spine surgeons / La realidad del uso del monitoreo neurofisiológico intraoperatorio entre los cirujanos de columna brasileños

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o uso da monitorização neurofisiológica intraoperatória (MNIO) por cirurgiões de coluna brasileiros. MÉTODO: A coleta de dados foi realizada através de um questionário aplicado em 307 cirurgiões de coluna brasileiros, durante o 11º Congresso de Cirurgia Espinhal e XIII Congresso da Sociedade Brasileira de Coluna. RESULTADOS: Dos cirurgiões entrevistados, 42% são neurocirurgiões e 58% ortopedistas. A maioria (72,3%) relatou que já fez uso do MNIO, entretanto apenas 29,6% utilizam este procedimento rotineiramente. Destes 39% são ortopedistas. Entre os neurocirurgiões, a maior parte (84%) relatou não utilizar MNIO como rotina. Nos casos de deformidade, 85,7% dos profissionais disseram usar rotineiramente a MNIO. Do total, 68,1% responderam que não tinham fácil acesso à MNIO, sendo que 10% deles atuam na região Centro-oeste do país e 11%, na região Nordeste. Dos que relataram facilidade de acesso ao procedimento, 77% atuam na região Sudeste. A média de idade dos participantes foi 41,9 anos, com mediana de 39,0, desvio padrão de 11,3 e intervalo de confiança de 1,3. Para o tempo de formação médica, a média foi 17,8 anos, com mediana de 14,0 e intervalo de confiança 1,2. Em relação ao tempo de prática em cirurgia de coluna encontrou-se que 56,3% têm até 10 anos de prática. CONCLUSÃO: A maioria dos cirurgiões de coluna já fez uso da MNIO, contudo poucos utilizam-na como rotina. A região Sudeste é onde se encontra maior facilidade de acesso à MNIO, ao contrário das regiões Centro-oeste e Nordeste.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the use of intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring (MNIO) by Brazilian spine surgeons. METHOD: Data collection was conducted through a questionnaire applied to 307 spine surgeons during the 11º Congresso de Cirurgia Espinhal e XIII Congresso da Sociedade Brasileira de Coluna. RESULTS: Of the surgeons interviewed, 42% are neurosurgeons and 58% are orthopedists. Most of them (72.3%) reported that have already used MNIO, however, only 29.6% use this procedure routinely. 39% of them are orthopedists. Among neurosurgeons, most (84%) reported not using MNIO routinely. In cases of deformity, 85.7% of the professionals said they use routinely the MNIO. 68. 1% answered that did not have easy access to MNIO, of which 10% work in the Midwest region of the country and 11% in the Northeast. Of those who reported ease access to the procedure, 77% work in Southeast. The average age of the participants was 41.9 years, with a median of 39.0, standard deviation of 11.3 and a confidence interval of 1.3. For the medical training period, the average was 17.8 years, with a median of 14.0 and a standard deviation of 1.2. Regarding the length of practice in spinal surgery it was found that 56.3% are under 10 years of practice. CONCLUSION: The majority of spine surgeons have already used MNIO, yet few use it as a routine. The Southeast region is where there is easier access to MNIO, unlike the Midwest and Northeast.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar el uso del monitoreo neurofisiológico intraoperatorio (MNIO) por cirujanos de columna brasileños. MÉTODO: La recolección de datos fue realizada a través de un cuestionario aplicado en 307 cirujanos de columna brasileños, durante el 11º Congresso de Cirurgia Espinhal y el XIII Congresso da Sociedade Brasileira de Coluna. RESULTADOS: De los cirujanos entrevistados, el 42 % son neurocirujanos, y el 58 % son ortopedistas. La mayoría, el 72,3 %, relató que ya hacen uso del MNIO, mientras solamente el 29,6 % utilizan este procedimiento rutinariamente. De estos, 39 % son ortopedistas. Entre los neurocirujanos, la mayoría (84 %) relataron no utilizar MNIO como rutina. En los casos de deformidades, el 85,7 % de los profesionales dijeron que utilizan rutinariamente el MNIO; el 68,10 % respondieron que no tienen fácil acceso al MNIO, siendo que el 10% de ellos actúan en la región Centro-oeste del país y el 11% en el Nordeste. De los que reportaron la facilidad de acceso al procedimiento, el 77 % actúa en la región Sureste. La edad media de los participantes fue de 41,9 % años, mediana de 39,0, desviación estándar del 11,3 e intervalo de confianza de 1,3. Con respecto al tiempo de formación médica, la media fue de 17,8 años, con mediana de 14,0 e intervalo de confianza de 1,2. En duración de la práctica en cirugía espinal se encontró que el 56,3% tienen menos que 10 años de práctica. CONCLUSIÓN: La mayoría de los cirujanos de columna han hecho uso del MNIO, pero pocos lo utilizan como rutina. La región sureste es donde se encuentra mayor facilidad de acceso al MNIO, a diferencia de las regiones Centro-oeste y Nordeste.

Cirurgia de hérnia de disco lombar em atleta de triathlon com monitoração neurofisiológica intraoperatória / Herniated lumbar disc surgery in triathlon athletes with intraoperative neurophysiologic monitor

Intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring was performed in a patient by somatosensory evoked potential, motor evoked potential and free-running electromyography with intraoperative stimulation. It was verified that after decompression, there was an increase in the amplitude of motor evoked potential responses, showing an immediate improvement of the treated levels. Intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring for surgical lumbar disc herniation in an athlete allowed a dynamic neurophysiological diagnosis, differentiation of the involvement of compression at the central or foraminal levels, and clinical awareness of the iatrogenic damage, thereby increasing safety.

Foi realizada em um paciente a monitorização intraoperatória neurofisológica com potencial somatossensitivo, motor e eletroneuromiografia contínua com estimulação intraoperatória. Depois da descompressão, ocorreu aumento da amplitude de resposta do potencial evocado motor, mostrando imediata melhora dos níveis tratados. A monitorização neurofisiológica intraoperatória para hérnia de disco lombar em um atleta permitiu um diagnóstico neurofisiológico dinâmico, diferenciação da compressão central ou foraminal e diagnosticar qualquer alteração iatrogênica aumentando a segurança.