Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Organic Silicon on the Growth Performance, Blood Biochemistry, Digestive Enzymes, Morphohistology, Intestinal Microbiota and Stress Resistance in Juvenile Hybrid Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus × Oreochromis niloticus).

In recent decades, interest has been aroused worldwide in the use of silicon in nutrition; however, information on its effect on nutrition and metabolism of fish is limited. The objective of the research was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with organic silicon on the growth performance, blood biochemistry, digestive enzymes, morphohistology and intestinal microbiota and stress resistance in hybrid Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus × Oreochromis niloticus). Methodologically, six levels of organic silicon (DOS) [control (0), 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg·kg-1] were used to feed juvenile fish (initial weight 7.51 ± 0.25 g) grown for eight weeks in 18 aquariums (15 fish/aquarium). The results indicated that growth performance showed differences (p < 0.05) for specific growth rate, feed conversion and survival. Triglycerides, cholesterol and glucose, transaminases and digestive enzymes were significantly influenced by DOS levels. The histological study confirmed that the administered diets did not cause damage and induced significant morphological changes in the proximal intestine. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis of the gut microbiota showed a high diversity and richness of OTU/Chao-1, with Fusobacteria, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Acidobacteria predominating in the DOS treatments compared to the control (p < 0.05). Induction of hypoxia stress after the feeding period showed a significant relative survival rate of 83.33% in fish fed 50 mg·kg-1. It is concluded that the DOS treatments performed better than the control treatment in most of the variables analysed. DOS had no negative effects on the fish. The results showed that up to 50 mg·kg-1 DOS improved digestive, metabolic and growth performance in hybrid Tilapia.

Fecal calprotectin levels in acute anterior uveitis in patients with spondyloarthritis / Níveis de calprotectina fecal na uveite anterior aguda em pacientes com espondiloartrites

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study measured fecal calprotectin levels in a series of patients with anterior uveitis in order to determine whether anterior uveitis patients with associated spondyloarthritis have higher levels of fecal calprotectin than patients with anterior uveitis of other etiologies. A third group of patients with spondyloarthritis without uveitis was also evaluated to understand the role of acute anterior uveitis in increasing fecal calprotectin. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 28 patients were divided into three groups: (a) Group 1, spondyloarthritis and uveitis (n=9); (b) Group 2, spondyloarthritis without uveitis (n=10); and (c) Group 3, uveitis without spondyloarthritis (n=9). The levels of fecal calprotectin were determined. Results: Groups 1 and 2 showed higher median fecal calprotectin levels (101.0 and 93.0 µg/g, respectively) compared with Group 3 (9.0 µg/g) (p=0.02). However, no relationship between fecal calprotectin levels and the presence of uveitis with spondyloarthritis could be demonstrated. Conclusion: Patients with spondyloarthritis with or without acute anterior uveitis have significantly elevated levels of fecal calprotectin. This test may be useful for differentiating spondyloarthrit-associated uveitis from uveitis of other etiologies.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo avaliou os níveis de calprotectina fecal em uma série de pacientes com uveíte anterior na tentativa de determinar se pacientes com uveíte associada com espondiloartrites apresentam níveis mais elevados desta proteína do que pacientes com uveíte anterior de outras etiologias. Um terceiro grupo com espondiloartrites sem uveíte também foi incluído na avaliação para entendimento do papel da uveíte anterior no aumento da calprotectina fecal. Métodos: Estudo transversal de 28 pacientes divididos em três grupos: (a) com espondiloartrites e uveíte (n=9); (b) com espondiloartrites sem uveíte (n=10) e (c) com uveíte sem espondiloartrites (n=9). A dosagem de calprotectina fecal foi avaliada. Resultados: Pacientes com uveíte anterior associada a espondiloartrites apresentaram valores medianos maiores de calprotectina fecal (101 µg/g) que os valores dos pacientes com uveíte sem espondiloartrites (9 µg/g), pacientes com espondiloartrites sem uveíte que também demonstraram valores maiores (93.0 µg/g) que os dos pacientes com uveíte sem espondiloartrites (p=0,02). Conclusão: Pacientes com espondiloartrites com e sem uveíte anterior aguda demonstraram níveis significativamente elevados de calprotectina fecal. Este teste pode ser útil na diferenciação entre uveítes associadas com espondiloartrites de uveítes de outras etiologias. Entretanto, não foi possível demonstrar associação entre o aumento dos níveis de calprotectina fecal e a presença da uveíte em espondiloartrites.

Fecal calprotectin levels in acute anterior uveitis in patients with spondyloarthritis.

PURPOSE: This study measured fecal calprotectin levels in a series of patients with anterior uveitis in order to determine whether anterior uveitis patients with associated spondyloarthritis have higher levels of fecal calprotectin than patients with anterior uveitis of other etiologies. A third group of patients with spondyloarthritis without uveitis was also evaluated to understand the role of acute anterior uveitis in increasing fecal calprotectin. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 28 patients were divided into three groups: (a) Group 1, spondyloarthritis and uveitis (n=9); (b) Group 2, spondyloarthritis without uveitis (n=10); and (c) Group 3, uveitis without spondyloarthritis (n=9). The levels of fecal calprotectin were determined. RESULTS: Groups 1 and 2 showed higher median fecal calprotectin levels (101.0 and 93.0 µg/g, respectively) compared with Group 3 (9.0 µg/g) (p=0.02). However, no relationship between fecal calprotectin levels and the presence of uveitis with spondyloarthritis could be demonstrated. CONCLUSION: Patients with spondyloarthritis with or without acute anterior uveitis have significantly elevated levels of fecal calprotectin. This test may be useful for differentiating spondyloarthrit-associated uveitis from uveitis of other etiologies.

Impact of high-fidelity simulation exposure of nursing students with their objective structured clinical examination: A quasi-experimental study.

AIM: The study aimed to establish the impact of high-fidelity simulation (HFS) in the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) of nursing students enrolled in four undergraduate courses (medical-surgical, critical-care, maternal-health and paediatric nursing). DESIGN: This quasi-experimental research study was performed during the midterm and final OSCEs of nursing students at the institution, and their OSCE performance was assessed. METHODS: The students were divided into two: those who were exposed to HFS in addition to their clinical training and the other group who underwent clinical training without HFS exposure. RESULTS: The combined mean midterm and final OSCE results of the group of nursing students with HFS exposure and those without HFS exposure were 92.58 and 82.66, respectively, with a mean between-group difference of 9.92% (p < .01). Our findings reveal that the HFS exposure in addition to clinical training enhanced the students' OSCE performance.

Impact of simulation debriefing structure on knowledge and skill acquisition for postgraduate critical care nursing students: three-phase vs. multiphase.

BACKGROUND: Simulation is part of the training provided to nurses enrolled in the master's degree for critical care nursing programmes at our institution. Although the students are practicing nurses, many still make mistakes when performing nursing procedures related to critical care during simulation sessions, and these mistakes must be addressed during the debriefing session. The aim of the study is to compare the knowledge and skills acquired by groups of postgraduate critical care nursing students who were exposed to high-fidelity simulation (HFS) by using different debriefing structures. METHODS: A quasi-experimental crossover design was utilised during the post-tests and objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs). The students were divided into two groups: one was exposed to HFS with a 3-phase debriefing, and the other was exposed to HFS with a multiphase debriefing. Both groups involved facilitator-guided and video-assisted debriefings. RESULTS: Overall, the post-test scores (p-value: Phase 1 = 0.001 and Phase 2 = 0.000) and post-OSCE scores (p-value: Phase 1 = 0.002 and Phase 2 = 0.002) support that the group of postgraduate students who underwent HFS with a multiphase debriefing structure gained significantly higher scores compared to the group who underwent HFS with a 3-phase debriefing structure. CONCLUSION: Debriefing is a critical component of successful simulation. Learning requires assessment that creates constructive criticism based on feedback and reflection. A multiphase debriefing structure, specifically the healthcare simulation after-action review, provides a significant advantage for knowledge and skills acquisition.

Pathogen reduction with amotosalen/UVA reduces platelet refractoriness in a dog platelet transfusion model.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pathogen reduction of donor platelets with amotosalen/UVA has been shown to effectively inactivate pathogens and also contaminating white blood cells (WBCs). We wanted to determine whether WBC inactivation could also decrease alloimmune refractoriness to donor platelets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Platelets were prepared from a donor dog's whole blood, and the platelets were either transfused without modification [standard (STD) platelets] or treated with amotosalen/UVA under conditions modelling the amotosalen/UVA Blood System for human platelets (APR) using either 4 or 3 J/cm2 of UVA exposure. Platelets were transfused weekly from a single donor dog for 8 weeks or until the recipient dog became refractory to their donor's platelets. Antibody samples were drawn weekly and tested against the donor dog's platelets and WBCs (CD8 and B cells). RESULTS: Only 1/7 (14%) dogs that received STD platelets accepted 8 weeks of donor transfusions. Following APR 4 J/cm2 donor transfusions, 3/9 (33%) recipients accepted their donor's transfusions, but only one recipient remained antibody negative. Following APR 3 J/cm2 donor transfusions, the same dose as used for human platelet transfusions, 7/10 (70%) recipients accepted their donor's transfusions, but only two remained antibody negative. CONCLUSION: As a very high percentage of recipient dogs (70%) accepted APR 3 J/cm2 donor transfusions, these data suggest that preventing alloimmune platelet refractoriness may be another benefit of pathogen reduction using amotosalen/UVA.

Amotosalen/UVA treatment inactivates T cells more effectively than the recommended gamma dose for prevention of transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease.

INTRODUCTION: Transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (TA-GVHD) is a rare complication after transfusion of components containing viable donor T cells. Gamma irradiation with doses that stop T-cell proliferation is the predominant method to prevent TA-GVHD. Treatment with pathogen inactivation methodologies has been found to also be effective against proliferating white blood cells, including T cells. In this study, T-cell inactivation was compared, between amotosalen/ultraviolet A (UVA) treatment and gamma-irradiation (2500 cGy), using a sensitive limiting dilution assay (LDA) with an enhanced dynamic range. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Matched plasma units (N = 8), contaminated with 1 × 106 peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) per mL, were either treated with amotosalen/UVA or gamma irradiation, or retained as untreated control. Posttreatment, cells were cultured under standardized conditions. T-cell proliferation was determined by the incorporation of 3 H-thymidine and correlated with microscopic detection. RESULTS: Range-finding experiments showed that after gamma irradiation (2500 cGy), significant T-cell proliferation could be observed at a 1 × 107 cell culture density, some proliferation at 1 × 106 , and none at 1 × 105 cells/well. Based on these facts, a quantitative comparison was carried out between amotosalen/UVA at the highest challenge of 1 × 107 PBMCs/well, and gamma irradiation at 1 × 106 and 1 × 105 PBMCs/well. Complete inactivation of the T cells after amotosalen/UVA treatment was observed, equivalent to greater than 6.2 log inactivation. Complete inactivation of the T cells was also observed after gamma irradiation when 1 × 105 PBMCs/well were cultured (>4.2 log inactivation). Proliferation was observed when 1 × 106 PBMCs/well were cultured (≤5.2 log inactivation) after gamma irradiation. CONCLUSION: Amotosalen/UVA treatment more effectively inactivates T cells than the current standard of gamma irradiation (2500 cGy) for the prevention of TA-GVHD.

Assessment of nucleic acid modification induced by amotosalen and ultraviolet A light treatment of platelets and plasma using real-time polymerase chain reaction amplification of variable length fragments of mitochondrial DNA.

BACKGROUND: Pathogen inactivation methods are increasingly used to reduce the risk of infections after transfusion of blood products. Photochemical treatment (PCT) of platelets (PLTs) and plasma with amotosalen and ultraviolet A (UVA) light inactivates pathogens and white blood cells through formation of adducts between amotosalen and nucleic acid that block replication, transcription, and translation. The same adducts block the amplification of nucleic acids using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a manner that correlates with the number of adducts formed, providing a direct quality control (QC). Current QC measures for PCT rely on indirect methods that measure the delivered UVA dose or percent residual amotosalen after illumination, rather than directly measuring nucleic acid modification. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Endogenous mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which is detectable in PLT and plasma units, was chosen as a target for the quantification of photochemically induced modifications. DNA was extracted from untreated or amotosalen and UVA-treated PLTs or plasma, and mtDNA fragments of variable lengths were quantified using a real-time PCR inhibition assay. RESULTS: PCT induced increasing real-time PCR inhibition of mtDNA amplification for larger amplicon sizes. Amplification was unaffected by treatment with amotosalen or UVA alone, whereas up to 3 log inhibition was observed after PCT. Blinded PCR testing of a panel of 110 samples each, from PLT or plasma components prepared for routine use within a blood center, allowed 100% discrimination between untreated and treated units. CONCLUSION: Our initial findings indicate that an adequately sensitive, quantitative real-time PCR inhibition assay targeting mtDNA could provide a valuable tool to confirm and monitor PCT.

Prevalência de prolapso de valva mitral e doença tireoidiana em pacientes com artrite reumatóide de um hospital universitário / Mitral valve prolapse and thyroid diseases in patients with rheuma-toid arthritis in a university hospital

A correlação entre doença auto-imune tireoidiana e artrite reumatóide tem sido demonstrada de longa data. A incidência de prolapso de valva mitral é maior em populações com doença tireoidiana. Acredita-se haver algum componente auto-imune relacionado ao prolapso de valva mitral. Nesse estudo foram avaliados 203 prontuários de pacientes com Artrite reumatóide com ecocardiograma com o objetivo de estabelecer a prevalência de prolapso de valva mitral e doença tireoidiana nessa população. Desses 19 (9,3%) eram homens e 184 (90,6%) eram mulheres. A idade média foi de 53,50±13.67 anos) e o tempo médio de doença de 102±105.8 meses. O prolapso de valva mitral foi visto em 18 (8,86%) pacientes. A avaliação da função tireoidiana foi realizada em 186 indivíduos e desses 3 (1,6%) tinham hipertireoidismo, 28 (15,05%) hipotireoidismo e 155 (83,33%) eram eutireoideos. Pacientes com prolapso de válvula mitral não diferenciaram dos sem prolapso quanto à presença do látex (p=0,5), titulo do látex (p=0,51), presença de FAN (p=0,76), presença de hipotireoidismo (p=0,47), sexo (p=1,0) e idade de aparecimento da doença (p=0,1). Pacientes com prolapso de válvula mitral tinham artrite reumatóide de maior duração (p=0,0021). Conclusão: Os pacientes de artrite reumatóide com prolapso de valva mitral não se diferenciam da população sem prolapso quanto a sexo, idade de início da artrite reumatóide, presença e titulo do fator reumatóide, presença de FAN e de hipotireoidismo.

There is a well established correlation between auto-immune thyroid diseases and rheuma-toid arthritis. The mitral valve prolapse incidence is higher among the patients with thyroid diseases and it´s believed that there is an auto-immune component in its origins. The objective of this study was to explore the prevalence of mitral valve prolapse and thyroid disease in 203 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The results showed that 19 (9, 3%) were men and 184 (90,6%) were women. The average age was 53, 50±13.67 years and the average time of disease was 102±105.8 months. The mitral valve prolapse prevalence was 8, 86% (18 pa-tients). The thyroid function was studied in 186 patients. Among these, 3 (1, 6%) had hyperthyroidism, 28 (15, 05%) hypothyroidism and in 155 (83, 33%) the thyroid function were normal. There was no difference between individuals with mitral valve prolapse and without on rheumatoid factor presence (p=0,5), latex title (p=0,51), antinuclear antibody presence (p=0,76), hipothyroidism (p=0,47), gender (p=1,0) and age of rheumatoid arthritis onset (p=0,1). Patients with mitral valve prolapse had longer disease duration (p=0,0021). Conclusion: The rheumatoid arthritis patients with mitral valve prolapse from this study have no significant differences from the population without mitral valve prolapse in gender, age of disease onset, presence and levels of rheumatoid factor, presence of antinuclear anti-bodies and hypothyroidism.

Inactivation of parvovirus B19 in human platelet concentrates by treatment with amotosalen and ultraviolet A illumination.

BACKGROUND: The human erythrovirus B19 (B19) is a small (18- to 26-nm) nonenveloped virus with a single-stranded DNA genome of 5.6 kb. B19 is clinically significant and is also generally resistant to pathogen inactivation methods. Photochemical treatment (PCT) with amotosalen and ultraviolet A (UVA) inactivates viruses, bacteria, and protozoa in platelets (PLTs) and plasma prepared for transfusion. In this study, the capacity of PCT to inactivate B19 in human PLT concentrates was evaluated. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: B19 inactivation was measured by a novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISPOT) erythroid progenitor cell infectivity assay and by inhibition of long-range (up to 4.3 kb) polymerase chain reaction (PCR), under conditions where the whole coding region of the viral genome was amplified. B19-infected plasma was used to test whether incubation of amotosalen with virus before PCT enhanced inactivation compared to immediate PCT. RESULTS: Inactivation of up to 5.8 log of B19 as measured by the infectivity assay, or up to 6 logs as measured by PCR inhibition can be achieved under non-limiting conditions. Inactivation efficacy was found to increase with incubation prior to UVA illumination. Without incubation prior to illumination 2.1 +0.4 log was inactivated as determined by infectivity assay. When measured by PCR inhibition, inactivation varied inversely with amplicon size. When primers that spanned the entire coding region of the B19 genome were used, maximum inhibition of PCR amplification was demonstrated. CONCLUSION: Under defined conditions, PCT with amotosalen combined with UVA light can be used to inactivate B19, a clinically significant virus that can be transmitted through blood transfusion, and heretofore has been demonstrated to be refractory to inactivation.

Allozymic variation and differentiation in the chilean blue mussel, Mytilus chilensis, along its natural distribution

Genetic differentiation in the Chilean blue mussel Mytilus chilensis (Hupé 1854) was investigated based on the variation in the allozyme frequencies of Pgm, Gpi, Icd, Me, Gsr, Lap and Pep in eight samples collected along 1800 km from Arauco (VIII Region) to Punta Arenas (XII Region). Despite the large geographic separations, values of Neis unbiased genetic distance, D (0.004-0.048) and standardised genetic variation among populations, Fst (0.011-0.055) were small. The levels of gene flow (Nm = 8) found in this study prevent the effect of differentiation among populations by genetic drift. This findings indicate that its long-lived planktotrophic larvae provides this species with considerable dispersal ability throughout its range which is favoured by the ocean currents along the chilean coast. In terms of management of the M. chilensis fishery, the results provide no evidence for discrete stocks, with the possible exception of the Punta Arenas population. Considering the intensive aquaculture activities with this species the present study provide preliminary data which can be used as a baseline for further characterization and /or monitoring these mussel populations.

Estudo da prevalência dos óbitos por trauma nos principais pronto-socorros de Curitiba no período de abril/2001 a abril/2002 / Prevalence deaths by trauma in the main emergency hospitals of Curitiba in the period 04/2001 until 04/2002

O trauma é a terceira maior causa de morte no mundo, com índices menores que as neoplasias e doenças cardiovasculares. Esse estudo objetiva verificar a prevalência de óbitos por trauma nos tres principais pronto-socorros curitibanos, quanto às etiologias mais frequêntes, o sexo e a faixa et0ria mais acometidos e evidenciar a média de anos perdidos devido a esse agravo. Ocorreram no período de abril/2001 a abril/2002 749 óbitos por trauma. A causa mais frequênte foi acidente de trânsito, 43,9 por cento. A faixa etária mais acometida foi 24-29 anos (17,8 por cento), sendo a idade média da mortalidade 35,5 anos, representando 29,5 anos produtivos perdidos. O sexo mais afetado foi o masculino, 82,2 por cento. Conclui-se que jovens em idade produtiva morrem mais por acidentes de trânsito. A maioria destes säo homens e perdem em média quase 30 anos produtivos, levando-se em conta que a vida produtiva de uma pessoa se estende até os 65 anos