Determination of fumonisin content in maize using near-infrared hyperspectral imaging (NIR-HSI) technology and chemometric methods.

Maize (Zea mays L.) is of socioeconomic importance as an essential food for human and animal nutrition. However, cereals are susceptible to attack by mycotoxin-producing fungi, which can damage health. The methods most commonly used to detect and quantify mycotoxins are expensive and time-consuming. Therefore, alternative non-destructive methods are required urgently. The present study aimed to use near-infrared spectroscopy with hyperspectral imaging (NIR-HSI) and multivariate image analysis to develop a rapid and accurate method for quantifying fumonisins in whole grains of six naturally contaminated maize cultivars. Fifty-eight samples, each containing 40 grains, were subjected to NIR-HSI. These were subsequently divided into calibration (38 samples) and prediction sets (20 samples) based on the multispectral data obtained. The averaged spectra were subjected to various pre-processing techniques (standard normal variate (SNV), first derivative, or second derivative). The most effective pre-treatment performed on the spectra was SNV. Partial least squares (PLS) models were developed to quantify the fumonisin content. The final model presented a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.98 and root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC) of 508 µg.kg-1 for the calibration set, an R2 of 0.95 and root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 508 µg.kg-1 for the test validation set and a ratio of performance to deviation of 4.7. It was concluded that NIR-HSI with partial least square regression is a rapid, effective, and non-destructive method to determine the fumonisin content in whole maize grains.

1,8-cineole and castor oil in sodium lauryl ether sulphate disrupt reproduction and ovarian tissue of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus.

Essential and fixed oils have been researched as alternatives to chemical acaricides. The activity of volatile compounds from essential oils (1,8-cineole, citral and eugenol) at 1.0% (w/v) and fixed oil (castor oil) at 0.3% (w/v) dissolved in 2.0% (v/v) dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) + 0.2% (w/v) Tween 80® was assessed against Rhipicephalus microplus using immersion tests. 1,8-cineole (29.0%) and castor oil (30.2%) had the highest reproductive inhibition rate. A second experiment was performed to verify the effect of the 1,8-cineole (10.0% w/v) and, or castor oil (0.3% w/v) on tick reproduction using different solubilizing agents. The highest reproductive inhibition was observed for the combination of 1,8-cineole/castor oil (94.1%) and 1,8-cineole in 2.0% (w/v) sodium lauryl ether sulphate (SLES) (92.8%). A third experiment showed morphological changes in R. microplus oocytes at different stages of development, as well as in pedicel cells. The most intense effects were observed when ticks were immersed in the formulation containing 1,8-cineole (10.0% w/v) and castor oil (0.3% w/v) dissolved in 2% (w/v) SLES. These findings highlight the potential of this formulation as an alternative for managing cattle ticks as their cytotoxic effects can reduce R. microplus reproductive success.

Follicle populations and gene expression profiles of Nelore and Angus heifers with low and high ovarian follicle counts.

The number of antral follicles counted (AFC) by ultrasound is associated with fertility in cattle. Cows with higher follicle count (HFC) have higher performance in reproductive-assisted technologies than cows with lower follicle count (LFC). In this study, we aimed to define the preantral follicle count by histology and to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using a microarray in Nelore and Angus heifers with HFC and LFC. The ovaries of each animal were scanned with an ultrasound device 12 to 24 hr after estrus. The groups were formed based on the average number of total follicles (≥3 mm) counted in each breed consistently ± the standard deviation. For the histological analysis, preantral follicles were counted and classified under a stereo microscope, and follicle density was determined. Microarray analysis was performed on pools of three follicles dissected from the ovaries of 15 Nelore (6 HFC and 9 LFC) and 17 Angus heifers (9 HFC and 8 LFC). Angus heifers have increased total and primordial follicle density. Nelore heifers have increased antral follicle count. Different patterns of gene expression regulate follicle recruitment and development in Angus and Nelore heifers and may be associated with the different follicle densities observed in Angus versus Nelore heifers. Furthermore, HFC heifers presented increased expression of genes associated with cellular development and metabolism.

Multi-trait BLUP model indicates sorghum hybrids with genetic potential for agronomic and nutritional traits.

The breeding of sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, aimed at improving its nutritional quality, is of great interest, since it can be used as a highly nutritive alternative food source and can possibly be cultivated in regions with low rainfall. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential and genetic diversity of grain-sorghum hybrids for traits of agronomic and nutritional interest. To this end, the traits grain yield and flowering, and concentrations of protein, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, manganese, and zinc in the grain were evaluated in 25 grain-sorghum hybrids, comprising 18 experimental hybrids of Embrapa Milho e Sorgo and seven commercial hybrids. The genetic potential was analyzed by a multi-trait best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) model, and cluster analysis was accomplished by squared Mahalanobis distance using the predicted genotypic values. Hybrids 0306037 and 0306034 stood out in the agronomic evaluation. The hybrids with agronomic prominence, however, did not stand out for the traits related to the nutritional quality of the grain. Three clusters were formed from the dendrogram obtained with the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean method. From the results of the genotypic BLUP and the analysis of the dendrogram, hybrids 0577337, 0441347, 0307651, and 0306037 were identified as having the potential to establish a population that can aggregate alleles for all the evaluated traits of interest.

Chemical composition and antifungal potential of Brazilian propolis against Candida spp.

Propolis is known to have biological properties against numerous microorganisms of clinical interest. This study aimed to determine the chemical composition and antifungal activity of Brazilian propolis (types 3 and 13) against Candida spp. and their effects on the morphology of preformed and mature Candida biofilms. Samples of propolis (3 and 13) collected by Apis mellifera honeybees were obtained from different regions in Brazil. Ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) were prepared, fractionated and submitted to chemical analysis by GC/MS. The extracts and their hexane, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions were tested for their ability to inhibit Candida spp. (C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, C. glabrata, C. kruzei, C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis) by determination of the minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations (MIC/MFC). Additionally, their effects on morphology of preformed and mature biofilms were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The phenolic compounds p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), kaempferol and quercetin were identified in the EEP-3 and its bioactive dichloromethane fraction; and isoflavonoids such as medicarpin, vestitol and formononetin were found in the EEP-13, and triterpenes in its bioactive hexane fraction. The EEP-3 and EEP-13 and their bioactive fractions showed MIC values ranging from 0.2 to 125µg/mL and MFC values between 125 and 500µg/mL. The EEP and fractions were predominantly fungistatic agents. All extracts and fractions disrupted biofilm structures at 500µg/mL and amorphous areas with cell damage were clearly observed in preformed and mature biofilms. Propolis types 3 and 13 have strong anti-Candida activity and should be considered as promising candidates to treat oral and systemic candidiasis.

Influence of Isolation Method of the Operative Field on Gingival Damage, Patients' Preference, and Restoration Retention in Noncarious Cervical Lesions.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the retention rates, gingival damage, and patients' preferences for adhesive restorations in noncarious cervical lesions (NCCL) associated with the use of rubber dam vs cotton rolls/retraction cord isolation. METHODS: Thirty patients having one pair of similar NCCL on opposing sides of the same arch were enrolled in this study. A total of 60 restorations were placed. In each patient one restoration was placed under rubber dam isolation (RD) using dental retainers, and the other one was placed using cotton rolls/retraction cord (CR/RC) isolation. Dental residents with more than 10 years of clinical experience restored all NCCL using the same adhesive (GO!, SDI Limited, Bayswater, Australia) and composite resin (Ice, SDI). The patients' preferences were recorded. The gingival condition (bleeding, gingival laceration, and gingival insertion level) was evaluated immediately after the restorative procedure and after one week. Gingival sensitivity was also assessed one week after the end of the restorative procedures. The clinical time required to perform each restoration was recorded. The performance of the restorations was assessed using the FDI criteria at baseline and six, 12, and 18 months after clinical service. All criteria evaluated were submitted to appropriate statistical analysis (α=0.05). RESULTS: The retention rates of the restorations at each recall time were not affected by the isolation method (p>0.05). No significant difference between isolation methods was found in regard to patients' preferences (p=0.86), gingival bleeding (p=0.57), laceration (p=0.64), insertion (p>0.52), gingival sensitivity (p=0.52), or chairside time (p=0.77). CONCLUSIONS: The use of CR/RC was shown to be similar to the use of RD in terms of retention rates, patient's preference, gingival damage, and chairside time for adhesive restorations in NCCL.

Insulin mediated improvement in glycemic control in elderly with type 2 diabetes mellitus can improve depressive symptoms and does not seem to impair health-related quality of life.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is very prevalent among the elderly. Insulin therapy is often required for glycemic control. The association of starting this therapy with depressive symptoms as well the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is unknown among the elderly patients. AIMS: Evaluate the association of starting insulin therapy depressive symptoms as well with HRQoL of elderly people with T2D. METHODS: 36 T2D participants (67.9 % females, age 66.5 years ± 5.1) were recruited, 26 of whom completed the follow-up. Generic (Short-Form 36 Health Survey - SF-36) and specific (Problem Areas in Diabetes - PAID) HRQoL questionnaires, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), clinical, laboratorial and socio-demographic data were recorded on baseline and 6 months after the beginning of insulin treatment. RESULTS: There was a reduction in the BDI score after the use of insulin, which means an improvement in depressive symptoms (Before/After: median - 10.5 / 7; p = 0008). There were no statistically significant differences in HRQoL scores between the two time periods There was also a reduction in HbA1c (Before/After: median - 8.7/7.9). Otherwise, there were no statistically significant differences in: BMI (28.1/28.3); Abdominal circumference:(100.5/99.5) and chronic complications status. CONCLUSION: Insulin therapy in elderly people with type 2 diabetes can lead to an improvement of depressive symptoms and does not seem to affect negatively HRQoL of the participants.

Efeito moluscicida do óleo essencial de Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt (Poaceae) sobre Lymnaea columella (Say, 1817) e Biomphalaria tenagophila (D'Orbigny, 1835) / Molluscicidal effect of essential oil of Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt (Poaceae) on Lymnaea columella (Say, 1817) and Biomphalaria tenagophila (D'Orbigny, 1835)

RESUMO O uso das substâncias moluscicidas convencionais no controle de planorbídeos vetores constitui-se uma importante ferramenta no combate da fasciolose hepática e esquistossomose. Sendo, portanto, de extrema relevância para a pecuária e para os serviços de Vigilância Epidemiológica. Por outro lado, a seleção de caramujos resistentes a tais substâncias e sua baixa seletividade estimulam a busca por novas substâncias. Neste sentido, o presente trabalho foi desenvolvido para avaliar o efeito do óleo essencial de Cymbopogon winterianusJowitt sobre Lymnaea columella e Biomphalaria tenagophila, hospedeiros intermediários de Fasciola hepatica e esquistossomose mansônica, respectivamente. O óleo essencial foi extraído a partir de folhas frescas utilizando o sistema Clevenger. A análise qualitativa foi realizada por meio de cromatografia gasosa acoplada a espectrometria de massas (CG/EM) e a quantificação dos constituintes presentes no óleo foi determinada por cromatografia gasosa acoplada ao detector de ionização de chama (CG/DIC). O efeito moluscicida foi avaliado utilizando seis moluscos de cada espécie e o óleo essencial de C. winterianus nas concentrações finais de 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80 e 100 ppm. A análise por cromatografia gasosa do óleo essencial possibilitou a identificação dos componentes majoritários geraniol (28,62%), citronelal (23,62%) e citronelol (17,10%). Os valores de DL100 e DL50para os moluscos das espécies L. columella e B. tenagophila foram, respectivamente, 60 e 40 ppm; 80 ppm e 60 ppm. O óleo de Cymbopogon winterianus demonstrou-se uma alternativa promissora para o controle dos moluscos, sendo a espécie L. columella mais sensível ao mesmo.

ABSTRACT Conventional molluscicides have been employed to control of planorbids vectors and are an important tool in order to control the hepatic fascioliasis and schistosomiasis. Thus, these substances have been showinggreat relevance for both Veterinary and Livestock Services as well as for Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance. On the other hand, the process of drug pressure for the selection of resistant snails to such components and their low selectivity have stimulated the search for new substances. Since researches on new drugs are the starting point to assist on themolluscs control, this work was developed in order to evaluate the effect of Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt essential oil on L. columella and B. tenagophila, intermediate hosts of Fasciola hepatica and Schistosoma mansoni, respectively. The essential oil was obtained from fresh leaves by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus. A qualitative analysis was performed by gas chromatography together with a mass spectrometry one (GC/MS) and the chemical constituent content was determined by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC/FID). The molluscicidal effect was evaluated through the use of six snails of each species and C. winterianus essential oil at 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80 and 100 ppm. The result of the gas chromatographic analysis for the essential oil showed geraniol (28.62%), citronellal (23.62%) and citronellol (17.10%) as the major chemical components . The DL100 and DL50 values for L. columella and B. tenagophila species were, respectively, 60 and 40 ppm; 80 ppm and 60 ppm. L. columella had demonstrated more sensitivity to this essential oil than theB. tenagophila species. The C. winterianus essential oil proved to be a promising alternative for the control of these molluscs being the L. columella species the most sensitive of them.

Detection of Helicobacter pylori in gastric biopsies, saliva and dental plaques of dyspeptic patients from Marília, São Paulo, Brazil: presence of vacA and cagA genes

Helicobacter pylori, a gram-negative bacterium, possesses two important virulence factors: the vacuolating toxin (vacA), and the cytotoxin-associated gene product (cagA). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of H. pylori in the stomach and oral cavity of humans and compare the cagA and vacA genotypes of H. pylori found in different samples (stomach, saliva and dental plaque) from the same patient. Gastric biopsies, saliva and dental plaques were obtained from 62 dyspeptic adults. DNA was extracted and evaluated for the presence of H. pylori and the alleles cagA and vacA. Persons with gastritis had a higher frequency of H. pylori -positive samples in the stomach while positive samples from gastric biopsies were significantly correlated with those from the oral cavity. There was a high H. pylori frequency in patients while the cagA gene was associated with vacA s1 alleles in gastric biopsies. Our results suggest a reservoir of the species in the oral cavity and that, in one patient, more than one H. pylori strain may exist in the saliva, dental plaque and stomach. We found a relationship between gastric infection and the bacterium in the oral cavity, with the cytotoxin genotype varying between saliva and dental plaque.(AU)

Nova técnica para contagem do número de células de blastocistos / A new technique to count the number of cells of blastocysts

A simplified, fast, and innovative method was developed to count the total cell number in blastocysts. Murine blastocysts (N = 195) were used in this study. They were obtained after 10h culture of initial blastocysts, compact morulae grades I and II recovered from superovulated mouse. After culture, the blastococysts were selected to test the new proposal of counting. The process was done after embryo fixation in a sodium citrate solution, and adherence in glass slide. Following, the coloration was done using a fast panoptic coloration kit. As a result, it was possible to identify the blastomeres and count them in each blastocyst. This method provided a fast and effective analysis of the total cell number when compared with other techniques. Moreover, this new method shows advantages related to the cell visualization, which can be done in more simple equipment like stereoscopic microscope. Other interesting observed point was the long period of time and quality that the coloration stays on slides, considering other techniques.

Radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation guided by spectral mapping of atrial fibrillation nests in sinus rhythm.

BACKGROUND: Two types of myocardia can be observed through the endocardial spectral mapping (SM) in sinus rhythm: the compact type with a smooth spectrum and the fibrillar type with a segmented spectrum (atrial fibrillation nests). During the atrial fibrillation (AF), the compact type has an organized activation and low frequency (passive), whereas the fibrillar type has a rather disorganized activation and high frequency (active/resonant), with both being activated by high-frequency sustained tachycardia--the background tachycardia (BT). OBJECTIVE: To describe the treatment of AF by the ablation of the AF nests and BT. METHODS: 1) Catheter ablation of the AF nests with RF [4/8 mm-60 masculine/30-40 J/30s] guided by SM in sinus rhythm, outside the pulmonary vein; 2) atrial stimulation -300 ppm; 3) Additional ablation of the AF nests if AF is induced; 4) Focal ablation if BT and/or Flutter is induced; 5) Clinical follow-up+ ECG+ Holter. RESULTS: A total of 50+/-18 AF nests/patient were treated. After 11.3+/-8 m, 81 patients (88%) did not present AF (28.3% with antiarrhythmic drugs). After the ablation of the AF nests, AF was not reinduced in 61 patients (71%) and BT was induced and treated in 24 patients (26%). There were two episodes of pericardial bleeding (1 treated clinically and 1 surgically), caused by sheaths that are no longer used CONCLUSION: The SM in sinus rhythm can be used in the ablation of AF nests. During the AF, the AF nests present a reactive-resonant pattern and the compact myocardium is passive, stimulated by the high frequency of the BT. After the ablation of the AF nests and the BT, it was not possible to reinduce the sustained AF. The Ablation of AF nests outside the pulmonary veins showed to be safe and highly effective in the cure and/or clinical control of the AF.

Ablação da fibrilação atrial por cateter com radiofreqüência guiada por mapeamento espectral endocárdico dos "ninhos de FA" em ritmo sinusal / Radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation guided by spectral mapping of atrial fibrillation nests in sinus rhythm

FUNDAMENTO: Através de mapeamento espectral-(ME) endocárdico em ritmo sinusal, observam-se dois tipos de miocárdio atrial: o compacto de espectro liso e o fibrilar de espectro segmentado ("Ninho de FA" [NFA]). Durante a FA o compacto tem ativação organizada e baixa freqüência (passivo) enquanto o fibrilar apresenta ativação bastante desorganizada e alta freqüência (ativo/ressonante) sendo ambos ativados por uma taquicardia protegida de alta freqüência, taquicardia de background (TB). OBJETIVO: Descrever o tratamento da FA pela ablação dos NFA e da TB. MÉTODOS: 1) Ablação por cateter-RF [4/8mm-60°/30-40J/30s] dos NFA guiada por ME em ritmo sinusal, fora das veias pulmonares; 2) Estimulação atrial-300ppm; 3) Ablação adicional de NFA se induzida FA; 4) Ablação focal se induzida TB e/ou Flutter; 5) Seguimento clínico+ECG+Holter. RESULTADOS: Foram tratados 50±18 NFA/paciente. Após 11,3±8m 81p (88 por cento) estavam sem FA (28,3 por cento com antiarrítmico). Após a ablação dos NFA: a FA não foi reinduzida em 61p(71 por cento); TB foi induzida e tratada em 24p(26 por cento). Ocorreram 2 sangramentos pericárdicos (1 tratado clinicamente e 1 cirurgicamente) ocasionados por bainhas não mais utilizadas. CONCLUSÃO: O ME em ritmo sinusal ablaciona os NFA. Durante a FA os NFA apresentam um padrão reativo-ressonante e o miocárdio compacto apresenta-se passivo, estimulados pela alta freqüência da TB. Após a ablação dos NFA e da TB não foi possível reinduzir FA sustentada. A ablação dos NFA fora das VP se mostrou segura e altamente eficiente para a cura e/ou o controle clínico da FA.

BACKGROUND: Two types of myocardia can be observed through the endocardial spectral mapping (SM) in sinus rhythm: the compact type with a smooth spectrum and the fibrillar type with a segmented spectrum (atrial fibrillation nests). During the atrial fibrillation (AF), the compact type has an organized activation and low frequency (passive), whereas the fibrillar type has a rather disorganized activation and high frequency (active/resonant), with both being activated by high-frequency sustained tachycardia - the background tachycardia (BT). OBJECTIVE: To describe the treatment of AF by the ablation of the AF nests and BT. METHODS: 1) Catheter ablation of the AF nests with RF [4/8mm-60°/30-40J/30s] guided by SM in sinus rhythm, outside the pulmonary vein; 2) atrial stimulation -300ppm; 3) Additional ablation of the AF nests if AF is induced; 4) Focal ablation if BT and/or Flutter is induced; 5)Clinical follow-up+ ECG+ Holter. RESULTS: A total of 50±18 AF nests/patient were treated. After 11.3±8m, 81 patients (88 percent) did not present AF (28.3 percent with antiarrhythmic drugs). After the ablation of the AF nests, AF was not reinduced in 61 patients (71 percent) and BT was induced and treated in 24 patients (26 percent). There were two episodes of pericardial bleeding (1 treated clinically and 1 surgically), caused by sheaths that are no longer used CONCLUSION: The SM in sinus rhythm can be used in the ablation of AF nests. During the AF, the AF nests present a reactive-resonant pattern and the compact myocardium is passive, stimulated by the high frequency of the BT. After the ablation of the AF nests and the BT, it was not possible to reinduce the sustained AF. The Ablation of AF nests outside the pulmonary veins showed to be safe and highly effective in the cure and/or clinical control of the AF.

Padronização de uma técnica de ELISA indireta para o diagnóstico de Fasciolose hepática pela pesquisa de antígenos nas fezes de búfalos (Bubalus bubalis LINNAEUS, 1758) / Standardization of an indirect ELISA test for the demonstration of fasciola hepatica by the antigens research in the feces of water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis linnaeus, 1758)

Avaliou-se a presença de antígenos de Fasciola hepatica LINNAEUS,1758 nas fezes de búfalos comprovadamente positivos ou comprovadamente negativos por uma técnica indireta de ELISA. Para tanto se utilizou soro hiperimune de coelho (Oryctolagus cuniculus LINNAEUS, 1758) inoculando-se esses animais com um antígeno de secreção/excreção obtido pela incubação de exemplares de F. hepatica em solução tampão seguida de concentração por diálise. Utilizou-se também conjugado anticoelho-peroxidase e substrato cromogênico ortofenilenodiamino (OPD). Para padronização da técnica foram testadas várias diluições de antígeno frente a diversas concentrações de soro hiperimune, variando-se também as concentrações do conjugado e substrato. Utilizando-se as concentrações de reagentes que apresentaram os melhores resultados, estabeleceu-se o ponto de corte para o teste (“cut-off point”), aplicando-o a dois “pools” de extratos de fezes: um de dez búfalos que comprovadamente apresentavam o parasito em seus fígados, e outro de dez búfalos que comprovadamente não o apresentavam. Uma vez determinado o “cut-off point”, o teste foi aplicado a 220 amostras de fezes de búfalos colhidas diretamente da ampola retal dos animais abatidos em abatedouro comercial. Obteve-se uma sensibilidade de 68 e especificidade de 96, sendo que a confirmação da existência ou não da parasitose foi feita por meio de inspeção sanitária “post-mortem” de rotina dos fígados correspondentes. Devido à sobreposição de alguns resultados positivos e negativos nessa última fase, o teste foi aplicado a amostras adicionais de fezes de 20 animais portadores de mais de 20 exemplares de F. hepatica no fígado e de 20 animais comprovadamente sem o parasito, isso verificado mediante exaustiva dissecação dos ductos biliares. A positividade ou negatividade desses animais foi testada adicionalmente por uma modificação da técnica dos quatro tamises metálicos (UENO et al, 1988). Aplicado o teste de ELISA a esses animais, obtev...

An indirect ELISA test evaluated the presence of Fasciola hepatica LINNAEUS, 1758 antigens in the feces of water positive or negative buffaloes. It was standardized using hyper-immune serum from rabbits inoculated with a/an secretion/ excretion antigen obtained from the incubation of F. hepatica in buffered saline concentrated by dialysis. A conjugated anti-rabbit serum–peroxidase and ortophenyle diamine (OPD) chromogen substrate were also used. Different concentrations of antigen and serum, as well as different concentrations of conjugate and substrate were tested to determine the best combination of reagents to establish a “cut-off point” which applied the test to two pools of fecal extracts of ten water buffaloes, one positive and one negative for F.hepatica. The test was then applied to 220 samples of feces collected directly from the rectum of water buffaloes at an abattoir where the animals’ livers were submitted to macroscopic routine sanitary inspection. The test showed a sensibility of 68 and a sensitivity of 96. Because there was overlapping of some positive and negative results in this last stage, the test was applied to the feces of additional 20 positive and 20 negative water buffaloes. These animals were considered positive when a minimum of 20 parasites were found and negative when no parasites were found even after thorough and careful dissection of their bile-ducts. The positivism or negativity of these animals was further attested by a modification of the four-sieve technique (UENO et al, 1988). The ELISA test applied to these animals yielded a sensibility of 95 and a specificity of 100. Since the tested animals came from an area where there is the Eurytrema coelomaticum GIARD ET BILLET, 1892 and with the objective of verifying the possibility of immunological differential diagnosis between the two parasitizes, a preliminary technique of electro-immune-transference (EITB) was developed using hyper-immune rabbit’s serum against F. hepati...

Se evaluó la presencia de antígenos de Fasciola hepatica LINNAEUS, 1758 en los excrementos de búfalos comprobadamente positivos o comprobadamente negativos por una técnica indirecta de ELISA. Para eso se utilizó suero hiperinmune de conejo (Oryctolagus cuniculus LINNAEUS, 1758), inoculándose esos animales con un antígeno de secreción/excreción obtenido por la incubación de ejemplares de F. Hepatica en solución taponada seguida de concentración por diálisis. También se utilizó conjugado anticonejo peroxidase y sustrato cromogénico ortofenilenodiamino (OPD). Para padronización de la técnica fueron testadas varias diluciones de antígeno frente a diversas concentraciones de suero hiperinmune, variándose también las concentraciones del conjugado y sustrato. Utilizándose las concentraciones de reactivos que presentaron los mejores resultados, se estableció el punto de corte para el test (“cut-off-point”) aplicándolo en dos “pools” de extractos de excrementos: uno de diez búfalos que comprobadamente presentaron parásito en sus hígados y otro de diez búfalos que comprobadamente no lo presentaban. Se evaluó la presencia de antígenos de Fasciola hepatica LINNAEUS, 1758 en los excrementos de búfalos comprobadamente positivos o comprobadamente negativos por una técnica indirecta de ELISA. Para eso se utilizó suero hiperinmune de conejo (Oryctolagus cuniculus LINNAEUS, 1758), inoculándose esos animales con un antígeno de secreción/excreción obtenido por la incubación de ejemplares de F. Hepatica en solución taponada seguida de concentración por diálisis. También se utilizó conjugado anticonejo peroxidase y sustrato cromogénico ortofenilenodiamino (OPD). Para padronización de la técnica fueron testadas varias diluciones de antígeno frente a diversas concentraciones de suero hiperinmune, variándose también las concentraciones del conjugado y sustrato...

Helicobacter pylori and cagA and vacA gene status in children from Brazil with chronic gastritis.

Helicobacter pylori has been shown to be strongly associated with chronic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulceration, and is a risk factor for gastric carcinoma. Histology, urease, culture, and polymerase chain reaction have been employed as for H. pylori diagnostic methods, pre and post treatment or during follow-up of dyspeptic adult individuals referred for endoscopy. In order to obtain a more-sensitive and specific method for H. pylori detection, we evaluated gastric body and antrum biopsies of 134 consecutive Brazilian consecutive dyspeptic children aged 1-16 years by rapid urease test, histology and polymerase chain reaction using two pairs of oligonucleotides. Our results indicated that polymerase chain reaction with Southern blotting and hybridization with specific chemiluminescent probes increased the number of positive H. pylori patients by 35%. The genotyping of H. pylori strains directly from gastric biopsy using the same nucleic acid methodology revealed that there is no association of chronic gastritis in our infant patients with vacA s1 and the presence of the cagA gene. These data suggest an initial infection of children with normal mucosa and probably others factors than vacA s1 genotype or the presence of the cagA gene are associated with the onset of gastric disease. Altogether, our results reinforce the need for using more sensitive diagnostic methods in order to understand the role of H. pylori in the genesis of gastric disease in children and its progression in adults.

[Burnout in nursing workers: relationship between nursing work and workers' health]. / O desgaste do trabalhador de enfermagem: relação trabalho de enfermagem e saúde do trabalhador.

The study aims the understanding of the process health-illness, as it is experienced by nursing workers in the acting of its work, being bases in the social determination of that process. It evidences the particularities of the relationship between labor and health of a concrete reality. The adopted methodology permitted to establish the link between the valorization process, work process, loads and strain. This relationship of determination permit to show the unhealthy profile of those nursing workers. The sharp accidents, bones, muscles and joint diseases are characteristics damages of in this profile.

[The execution and design of teaching methodology of scientific investigation in public health]. / O exercício e a construção do ensino da metodologia de investigação científica em saúde coletiva.

The authors present and discuss the development of a discipline of Scientific Research Methodology in Public Health, taught to students of The Nursing Concentration Area in Public Health--from the Nursing Graduation Program of São Paulo University. The discipline was based in the framework of the historical and dialectical materialism.