The impact of body size on Aedes [Stegomyia] aegypti wingbeat frequency: implications for mosquito identification.

Billions of people are at risk due to mosquito-borne diseases. Ideally, the control of mosquito-borne diseases should integrate mosquito control and surveillance to maximize transmission prevention while minimizing environmental impacts. Mosquito surveillance is often limited in scope by logistical constraints, especially the labour and expertise in identifying captured mosquitoes. Mosquito sounds, primarily the wingbeat frequencies (WBF), have been extensively studied in the literature, often targeting a straightforward assessment of this technology with species identification in laboratory conditions. Optical sensors for measuring the WBF of free-flying mosquitoes are the most recent proposal to automate species identification. However, many of the factors that may influence WBF within and between species have not been fully examined, resulting in failures in the species identification. Here we show that body size and temperature modify the wingbeat frequency of female Aedes [Stegomyia] aegypti Linnaeus (Diptera:Culicidae) and such an optical sensor can capture these alterations. We demonstrate that this study's optical sensor can distinguish wingbeat frequency from large and small mosquitoes at different temperatures. The relationship between WBF and size should be taken into account to improve the accuracy of devices that automatically identify species using WBF.

Spatial distribution of the sport fishing in the state of Amazonas, northern Brazil.

The objective of this study was to spatialize sport fishing operations and assess the frequency of the use of the fishing areas in the state of Amazonas by combining the Geographic Information System (GIS) approach and information available in the documents sent to the Instituto de Proteção Ambiental do Amazonas (IPAAM). Information on sport fishing tourism operations was gathered from the IPAAM database and fishing licenses (FLs). Data analysis was conducted utilizing descriptive analysis, and the spatialization of the locations was performed using Q-GIS software. From 2002 to August 2021, 163 requests for FLs were made. There was a decrease in the amount of first time FL requests, with a peak in 2018 and 2019, N=17 and N=18, respectively. The activity is conducted in 24 municipalities, with Barcelos (31.36%) and Presidente Figueiredo (17.75%) being the most popular. At the sub-basin level, sport fishing is notably present in the Negro, Amazonas, Aripuanã, Madeira, Purus and Solimões River basins. Overall, 26.38% of operations take place in conservation areas, specifically in sustainable development reserves (SDRs). Barcelos recorded the largest number of rivers used, with 15 rivers. These results can support future proposals for the sustainable management of fisheries through the zoning of fishing areas in the state of Amazonas.

Somatotype analysis of physically active individuals.

AIM: The present study aimed at comparing demographic variables, physical activity level, and health-related anthropometric indicators according to somatotype among physically active individuals. METHODS: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study, in which the sample consisted of 304 individuals, who are users of the jogging track at the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE) in Recife, state of Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil. Somatotypes were analyzed using the anthropometric technique proposed by Heath & Carter (1990). To assess physical activity level, we used the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). We used as health-related anthropometric indicators: body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and conicity index (CI). We used descriptive statistics to characterize the sample, and then used a multivariate analysis of variance (a = 0.05) to test for differences. RESULTS: In the somatotype analysis, we observed among women significant predominance of the endomorphy and lower predominance of the ectomorphy in comparison to men. In the age group ≤ 29 years significantly lower values were found for endomorphy than in other age groups. Irregularly active individuals had significantly lower values of endomorphy. We observed that individuals with obesity and risk in WHR, WC and CI had higher scores of endomorphy and mesomorphy and lower scores of ectomorphy. CONCLUSION: The somatotype of physically active individuals in the present study raises health concern, mainly related to high relative adiposity represented by endomorphy.

Mental stress induces endothelial dysfunction by AT1R-mediated redox imbalance in overweight/obese men.

The main goal of this study was to determine whether oxidative imbalance mediated by AT1 receptor (AT1R) is responsible for deleterious endothelial responses to mental stress (MS) in overweight/obese class I men. Fifteen overweight/obese men (27±7 years old; 29.8±2.6 kg/m2) participated in three randomized experimental sessions with oral administration of the AT1R blocker olmesartan (40 mg; AT1R blockade) or ascorbic acid (AA; 3g) infusion or placebo [both intravenously (0.9% NaCl) and orally]. After two hours, endothelial function was determined by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) before (baseline), 30 min (30MS), and 60 min (60MS) after a five-minute acute MS session (Stroop Color Word Test). Blood was collected before (baseline), during MS, and 60 min after MS for redox homeostasis profiling: lipid peroxidation (TBARS; thiobarbituric acid reactive species), protein carbonylation, and catalase activity by colorimetry and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity by an ELISA kit. At the placebo session, FMD significantly decreased 30MS (P=0.05). When compared to baseline, TBARS (P<0.02), protein carbonylation (P<0.01), catalase (P<0.01), and SOD (P<0.01) increased during the placebo session. During AT1R blockade, FMD increased 30 min after MS (P=0.01 vs baseline; P<0.01 vs placebo), while AA infusion increased FMD only 60 min after MS. No differences were observed during MS with the AT1R blockade and AA regarding TBARS, protein carbonylation, catalase, and SOD. AT1R-mediated redox imbalances played an important role in endothelial dysfunction to mental stress.

Influence of Nd:YAG or Er:YAG laser surface treatment on microtensile bond strength of indirect resin composites to resin cement. Lasers surface treatment of indirect resin composites.

This study evaluated the influence of the surface pretreatment of indirect resin composite (Signum, Admira Lab and Sinfony) on the microtensile bond strength of a resin cement. Sixty samples made of each brand were divided into 6 groups, according to surface treatment: (1) control; (2) controlled-air abrasion with Al2O3; (3) Er:YAG Laser 200 mJ, 10 Hz, for 10s; (4) Er: YAG Laser 300 mJ, 10 Hz, for 10 s; (5) Nd:YAG 80 mJ, S15Hz for 1 min; (6) Nd:YAG 120mJ, 15 Hz for 1 min. After treatments, all the groups received an application of 37% phosphoric acid and adhesive. The pair of blocks of the same brand were cemented to each other with dual resin cement. The blocks were sectioned to obtain resin-resin sticks (1 x1 mm) and analyzed by microtensile bond testing. The bond strength values were statistically different, irrespective of the surface treatment performed, with highest values for Sinfony (43.81 MPa) and lowest values for Signum (32.33 MPA). The groups treated with the Nd:YAG laser showed the lowest bond strength values and power did not interfere in the results, both for Nd:YAG laser and Er:YAG. Controlled-air abrasion with Al203 is an efficient surface treatment method and the use of the Nd:YAG and Er:YAG lasers reduced bond strength, irrespective of the intensity of energy used.

The relaxation induced by uroguanylin and the expression of natriuretic peptide receptors in human corpora cavernosa.

INTRODUCTION: Receptors for natriuretic peptides have been demonstrated as potential targets for the treatment of male erectile dysfunction. AIM: This study investigates the relaxant effects of the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and uroguanylin (UGN), and expression of natriuretic peptide receptors on strips of human corpora cavernosa (HCC). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Quantitative analysis of natriuretic receptor expression and relaxation of precontracted strips were used to assess the membrane-bound guanylate cyclase-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway in HCC strips. METHODS: HCC was obtained from a cadaver donor at the time of collection of organs for transplantation (14-47 years) and strips were mounted in organ baths for isometric studies. RESULTS: ANP and UGN both induced concentration-dependent relaxation on HCC strips with a maximal response attained at 300 nM, corresponding to 45.4±4.0% and 49±4.8%, respectively. The relaxation is not affected by 30 µM 1H-[1,2,4]oxaolodiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) (a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor), but it is significantly blocked by 10 µM isatin, a nonspecific particulate guanylate cyclase (pGC) inhibitor. UGN was unable to potentiate electrical field stimulation (EFS) or acetylcholine-induced relaxations. The potential role of pGC activation and cGMP generation in this effect is reinforced by the potentiation of this effect by phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor vardenafil (55.0±7.5-UGN vs. 98.6±1.4%-UGN+vardenafil; P<0.05). The relaxant effect was also partially (37.6%) blocked by the combination iberitoxin-apamin but was insensitive to glybenclamide. The expression of guanylate cyclase receptors (GC-A, GC-B, GC-C) and the expression of the natriuretic peptide "clearance" receptor (NPR-C) were confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The exposure of HCC strips to ANP (1 µM) and UGN (10 µM) significantly increased cGMP, but not cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels. CONCLUSIONS: UGN relaxes HCC strips by a guanylate cyclase and K(ca)-channel-dependent mechanism. These findings obtained in HCC reveal that the natriuretic peptide receptors are potential targets for the development of new drugs for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Ascorbic acid inhibits vascular remodeling induced by mental stress in overweight/obese men.

BACKGROUND: Mental stress (MS) is related to endothelial dysfunction in overweight/obese men. It is believed that the pro-oxidant profile, associated with an imbalance in the vascular remodeling process, may contribute to deleterious effects of MS on endothelial function. However, it is unknown whether administration of ascorbic acid (AA), a potent antioxidant, can prevent oxidative and remodeling dysfunction during MS in these subjects. METHODS: Fourteen overweight/obese grade I men (27 ± 7 years; 29.7 ± 2.6 kg·m-2) underwent the Stroop Color Word Test for 5 min to induce MS after AA (3 g) or placebo (PL, 0.9% NaCl) intravenous infusions. Venous blood samples were collected at baseline and the last minute of MS to measure nitrite concentration (chemiluminescence), protein carbonylation, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and catalase activity (colorimetric assays), superoxide dismutase (SOD; immunoenzymatic assay), activities of active/inactive (pro) forms of metalloproteinases-9 and -2 (MMP; zymography) and its respective tissue inhibitors concentration (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2; immunoenzymatic assays). RESULTS: At baseline, MMP-9 activity (p < 0.01), the MMP-9/proMMP-9 ratio (p = 0.02) and TIMP-1 concentration (p = 0.05) were reduced, whereas proMPP-9 activity was increased (p = 0.02) after AA compared to PL infusion. After PL infusion, MS increased protein carbonylation (p < 0.01), catalase (p < 0.01), and the MMP-9/proMMP-9 ratio (p = 0.04) when compared to baseline. AA infusion reduced protein carbonylation (p = 0.02), MMP-9 activity (p < 0.01), and MMP-9/pro-MMP-9 ratio (p < 0.01), while SOD (p = 0.04 vs baseline), proMPP-9 (p < 0.01 vs PL), MMP-2 (p < 0.01 vs PL) and TIMP-2 (p = 0.02 vs baseline) remained elevated during MS. CONCLUSIONS: AA appears to minimize the oxidative imbalance and vascular remodeling induced by MS.

Comparison between vertical jumps of high performance athletes on the Brazilian men's beach volleyball team.

AIM: The aim of this paper was to compare the anthropometric profile and the vertical jumps of two groups of Brazilian male high performance beach volleyball players. METHODS: The sample consisted of 38 male beach volleyball players from the Brazilian Beach Volleyball Circuit of 2006, allocated to two groups according to national ranking of their teams. Anthropometric measures and performance in vertical jumps were assessed using a specific methodology. RESULTS: The anthropometric results of the groups showed no statistically significant differences. The players of group 1 (G1) were better in the spike jump (P<0.01), block jump (P<0.01) and block difference (P<0.01) than the players of group 2 (G2). The prediction model of the spike jump for G2 included body mass and standing spike reach (adjusted R2=0.77) while for the block jump model it was body mass and standing block reach (adjusted R2=0.73). The regression models for G1 were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: It is likely that vertical jump height (spike and block) influences the performance of beach volleyball players, and consequently the performance of their teams, since the present study found higher values in G1 than in G2 for the spike jump, block jump and block difference. However, an athlete's success is not related only to the variables investigated in this study; technical skill, tactics, psychology and physical conditioning can also play a role.

Mental stress induces endothelial dysfunction by AT1R-mediated redox imbalance in overweight/obese men

The main goal of this study was to determine whether oxidative imbalance mediated by AT1 receptor (AT1R) is responsible for deleterious endothelial responses to mental stress (MS) in overweight/obese class I men. Fifteen overweight/obese men (27±7 years old; 29.8±2.6 kg/m2) participated in three randomized experimental sessions with oral administration of the AT1R blocker olmesartan (40 mg; AT1R blockade) or ascorbic acid (AA; 3g) infusion or placebo [both intravenously (0.9% NaCl) and orally]. After two hours, endothelial function was determined by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) before (baseline), 30 min (30MS), and 60 min (60MS) after a five-minute acute MS session (Stroop Color Word Test). Blood was collected before (baseline), during MS, and 60 min after MS for redox homeostasis profiling: lipid peroxidation (TBARS; thiobarbituric acid reactive species), protein carbonylation, and catalase activity by colorimetry and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity by an ELISA kit. At the placebo session, FMD significantly decreased 30MS (P=0.05). When compared to baseline, TBARS (P<0.02), protein carbonylation (P<0.01), catalase (P<0.01), and SOD (P<0.01) increased during the placebo session. During AT1R blockade, FMD increased 30 min after MS (P=0.01 vs baseline; P<0.01 vs placebo), while AA infusion increased FMD only 60 min after MS. No differences were observed during MS with the AT1R blockade and AA regarding TBARS, protein carbonylation, catalase, and SOD. AT1R-mediated redox imbalances played an important role in endothelial dysfunction to mental stress.

Prevalence of TB/HIV coinfection in antiretroviral-naïve patients at the Fann Ambulatory Treatment Center in Dakar.

To determine the prevalence of tuberculosis and describe its epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, and therapeutic characteristics and its outcome in patients with HIV. This retrospective, descriptive, and analytical study examined the records of patients with HIV at our outpatient treatment center and selected those who were antiretroviral-naive and presented tuberculosis between January 2008 and December 2012. Among a total of 757 HIV-positive patients, 76 had tuberculosis, for a prevalence of 10 %. The sex ratio of 1.23 favored men. The average age was 42.5 years (range: 25 to 69 years. Nearly all these patients (71 cases) had HIV-1. A history of tuberculosis was reported by 39.5 %. Seventeen patients were malnourished. Management included chemoprophylaxis with cotrimoxazole for 64 patients. The pulmonary form predominated (72.4 %). Among these forms, there were 34 cases of negative microscopy tuberculosis and 21 cases of positive microscopy tuberculosis. The extrapulmonary forms (21 cases) were dominated by tuberculosis in the lymph nodes (11 cases), the pleura (7), pericardium (2), and peritoneum (1). Anemia was found in 44 patients. Severe immunosuppression was noted in 90 %, with CD4+ cell counts <350/mm3. Lethality was 7.9 %. TB/HIV coinfection is a major public health problem in Africa. Better coordination of activities in support of programs for tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS are needed.

[Efficacy and tolerance of antiretroviral therapy in HIV-2 infected patients in Dakar: preliminary study]. / Evaluation de l'efficacité et de la tolérance du traitement antirétroviral chez des patients infectés par le VIH-2 à Dakar: étude préliminaire.

OBJECTIVE: The authors had for aim to evaluate the clinical and immunological response as well as the tolerance to antiretroviral therapy in HIV-2 infected patients. DESIGN: A retrospective chart review was made from August 1998 to August 2004. RESULTS: 188 patients were on protease inhibitor based regimen. 153 (81.38%) were HIV-1 and 35 (18.62%) HIV-2 infected patients. The mean weight gain was significantly higher in the HIV-2 group at months 9 and 12 (P=0.02 et P=0.01 respectively), whereas CD4 cells count gain was higher in the HIV-1 group at month 6 (P=0.004). New AIDS defining criteria are less likely to occur in HIV-2 infected patients on HAART than in HIV-1 (P=0.004). Lipodystrophy syndrome was present only in HIV-1 infected patients. CONCLUSION: Antiretroviral therapy in HIV-2 infected patients shows similar clinical and immunological efficacy than in HIV-1 infected ones and is also well tolerated.

Longitudinal Evaluation of Bond Strength to Enamel of Dental Adhesive Systems Associated with Nd:YAG Laser.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the durability of bond strength to enamel using total-etch (Single Bond/SB) and self-etch (Clearfil SE Bond/CSEB) adhesives associated with neodymium:yttrium-aluminu-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser irradiation through the uncured adhesives. METHODS: Bovine incisors were worn to expose an area of enamel and were divided into four groups: group 1 (control) SB + polymerization; group 2 (control) CSEB + polymerization; group 3 (laser) - SB + Nd:YAG laser (174.16 J/cm(2)) + polymerization; and group 4 (laser) CSEB + Nd:YAG (174.16 J/cm(2)) + polymerization. Blocks of composite were fabricated and stored for 24 hours or 12 months, sectioned into beams, and submitted to microtensile tests. Results were analyzed by three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (adhesive, technique, and storage time) and Tukey tests. RESULTS: ANOVA revealed significant differences for adhesive × technique and technique × storage time (p<0.05). The mean values (MPa) for interaction adhesive × technique (standard deviation) were as follows: SB/control = 35.78 (6.04)a; SB/laser = 26.40 (7.25)b, CSEB/control = 26.32 (5.71)b, CSEB/laser = 23.90 (7.49)b. For interaction technique × storage time the mean values were as follows: control/24 hours = 32.58 (6.49)a; control/12 months = 29.52 (8.38)a; laser/24 hours = 29.37 (5.71)a; laser/12 months = 20.92 (6.5)b. Groups with the same letters showed no statistically significant differences. CONCLUSION: Scanning electron microscope analysis showed evident areas of micromorphological alterations in lased samples after 12 months of water storage. Nd:YAG laser irradiation of enamel through unpolymerized total-etch adhesive significantly reduced bond strength compared with the control. Bond strength decreased when enamel samples irradiated with Nd:YAG laser through unpolymerized adhesives were stored in water for 12 months.

Initial suboptimal CD4 reconstitution with antiretroviral therapy despite full viral suppression in a cohort of HIV-infected patients in Senegal.

OBJECTIVE: We determined the risk factors and incidence of clinical events associated with suboptimal immune reconstitution (SIR) defined by an increase in CD4 inferior to 50 cells/µL, from inclusion up to six months of antiretroviral treatment (ARVT), in patients with an undetectable viral load (<50 copies/mL). METHODS: Logistic regression and Cox's proportional hazards model were used to examine risk factors for SIR and the association between SIR and the risk of new clinical events or death, respectively after six months of ARVT. RESULTS: One hundred and two (15.5%) of the 657 patients presented with SIR. Age > 40 years (aOR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.10-2.75), baseline CD4 ≥ 100 cells/µL (aOR = 2.06, 95% CI = 1.24-3.42), ARVT including AZT (aOR = 4.57, 95% CI=1.06-19.76), and the occurrence of a severe opportunistic infection during the first semester of ARVT (aOR = 2.38 95% CI= 1.49-3.80) were associated with SIR. After six months of ARVT and up to seven years of follow-up, 39 patients with SIR had presented with an opportunistic infection or death (rate= 9.78/100 person-years) compared to 168 with a normal recovery (rate = 7.75/100 person-years) but the difference was not statistically significant (aHR = 1.22, 95% CI = 0.85 to 1.74). CONCLUSION: SIR is less common in our country and is not associated with increased mortality or a greater incidence of opportunistic infections after six months of ARVT.

Differential abnormalities in plasma 5-HIAA and platelet serotonin concentrations in violent suicide attempters: relationships with impulsivity and depression.

Brain serotonergic systems may participate in the regulation of mood, impulsivity and aggressive behavior. Because some monoaminergic mechanisms seem to be similar in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues, we tested whether serotonergic or dopaminergic biochemical parameters in peripheral venous blood are related or not to violent suicide behavior.We simultaneously studied plasma serotonin (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), homovanillic acid (HVA) and platelet 5-HT content in patients within 3 days following a violent suicide attempt and in matched healthy controls. We examined their relationship with depression and impulsivity. Twenty seven drug-free suicide attempters and controls were included. Plasma 5-HIAA and platelet 5-HT concentrations were lower in suicide attempters than in controls. Fifteen patients were classified as impulsive (I), including all patients suffering from personality disorder and alcohol abuse, and 12 as non impulsive (NI), mostly melancholics. MADRS scores were similar in both I and NI suicide attempters. When controlling for age, plasma 5-HIAA was lower in I than in NI suicide attempters or controls; these findings are similar to those we observed recently with CSF 5-HIAA in I and NI violent suicide attempters. Contrarily, platelet 5-HT levels were lower in NI than in I patients or controls. Plasma HVA was not associated with suicide behavior. Plasma 5-HIAA concentration was inversely associated with the degree of impulsivity and platelet 5-HT with the intensity of depression. This study indicates that each peripheral serotonergic index is specifically related to a distinct clinical feature and shows differential alteration according to the impulsivity group. In I and NI drug-free violent suicide attempters an inverse figure between plasma 5-HIAA and platelet 5-HT data was observed indicating a non parallelism between these two peripheral variables. Further prospective studies are needed to investigate whether these peripheral serotonergic parameters may be used as helpful early predictors of violent suicide behavior.

Predictors of short-term deterioration and compliance in psychiatric emergency patients: a prospective study of 457 patients referred to the emergency room of a general hospital.

The aim of this study was to identify predictors of (1) short-term outcome and (2) short-term compliance with treatment (for non-hospitalized patients) in psychiatric emergency patients. Subjects comprised 457 patients referred to the emergency ward of a French general hospital and requiring examination by a psychiatrist. Clinical and therapeutic assessments were carried out at baseline, using DSM-IV diagnoses and overall psychopathological scoring scales [Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and Symptom Checklist-90 Revised]. Clinical outcome and compliance were assessed 3 weeks after entry. For each of the two issues assessed, stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed following univariate comparisons. The three best predictors of deterioration at 3 weeks were lack of compliance to treatment, presence of a previous psychiatric history, and a low BPRS hebephrenic factor score. The best predictors of compliance in non-hospitalized patients were a previous psychiatric history, marital status, a low BPRS hostility factor score, and older age. The main predictor of deterioration was non-compliance. Thus, we emphasize the importance of improving compliance, especially among young patients with no previous psychiatric history.

[The risk of suicide]. / Le risque suicidaire.

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: A certain number of historical elements including the progressive loss of religious values and the fact that suicide is considered to be an integral part of medical knowledge must be taken into consideration when assessing the risk of suicide. The sociological and psychoanalytical approaches attempt to help draw the suicidal subject out of the his/her personal implication by affecting the social and subconscious aspects of the problem respectively. Other elements such as psychiatric, sociocultural, biological and psychopathological factors are also involved in evaluating the risk of suicide. RISK FACTORS: Durkheim's analysis of the social, familial and occupational factors observed in suicide remains pertinent for assessing risk. Psychiatric disorders are also highly significant risk factors since some type of disorder is found in approximately 90% of all suicide victims. Affective disorders including rapidly alternating bipolar behavior, psychoses, particularly schizophrenia, and borderline personality are the most frequently observed, especially when associated with certain types of behavior such as drug or alcohol abuse. The risk related to other factors such as suicidal behavior (attempts or ideation) is independent of the psychiatric illness. For example, the risk of successful suicide is 30 greater the year after an attempted suicide than in the normal population. ASSESSING RISK: There are no known clinical means, notably psychometric, which can successfully predict the imminence of suicide. Recent studies on brain monoamine levels have shown that a lower 5-HIAA level does play some role in suicidal behavior, particularly violent suicide, although there is no predictive power for normality. It is important to recall that certain advances in the field of psychopathic illnesses offer new insight into concepts such as the death instinct and the suicidal act itself.

Oral colonization: a possible source for candidemia in low-weight neonates.

OBJECTIVE: To check the oral colonization in neonates at high-risk and to associate these cases with candidemia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study was conducted in the NICU. For six months, 125 high-risk neonates were investigated for oral colonization and septicemia by yeasts. From this total, 19 neonates had yeasts on the oral mucosae and 12 neonates developed fungemia. All of the 12 neonates with fungemia were included in the amount of 19 who have presented oral colonization by yeasts. RESULTS: There was a species concordance between the yeasts of the oral mucosae and the blood in 6 neonates (50%) among the 12 neonates with oral colonization and septicemia at the same time. The yeasts isolated in these 6 cases regarding the species concordance were Candida albicans (5 cases, 83.4%) and Candida parapsilosis (1 case, 16.6%). All of the cases involving an association were confirmed by PFGE. All of the strains of yeasts involved in oral colonization and also blood presented the same karyotype. A total of 66.6% of the patients with strains in agreement progressed to death. CONCLUSION: The results indicate the relevance of monitoring the oral microbiota, as a possible source of fungal infection, and assisting to develop appropriate therapeutic strategy.

Two-year clinical performance of self-etching adhesive systems in composite restorations of anterior teeth.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the two-year clinical performance of Class III, IV, and V composite restorations using a two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive system (2-ERA) and three one-step self-etching adhesive systems (1-SEAs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred Class III, IV, and V composite restorations were placed into 50 patients. Each patient received four composite restorations (Amaris, Voco), and these restorations were bonded with one of three 1-SEAs (Futurabond M, Voco; Clearfil S3 Bond, Kuraray; and Optibond All-in-One, Kerr) or one 2-ERA (Adper Single Bond 2/3M ESPE). The four adhesive systems were evaluated at baseline and after 24 months using the following criteria: restoration retention, marginal integrity, marginal discoloration, caries occurrence, postoperative sensitivity and preservation of tooth vitality. After two years, 162 restorations were evaluated in 41 patients. Data were analyzed using the χ(2) test (p<0.05). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the 2-ERA and the 1-SEAs regarding the evaluated parameters (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The 1-SEAs showed good clinical performance at the end of 24 months.

Repeated rat-forced swim test: reducing the number of animals to evaluate gradual effects of antidepressants.

The forced swim test (FST) is a pre-clinical test to short and long term treatment with antidepressant drugs (ADT), which requires between-subject designs. Herein a modified protocol of the FST using within-subject design (repeated rat-FST) was evaluated. Male Wistar rats were submitted to 15 min of swimming (Day 1: pretest) followed by three subsequent 5 min-swimming tests one week apart (Day 2: test, Day 7: retest 1, Day 14: retest 2). To determine the temporal and factorial characteristics of the variables scored in the repeated rat-FST, the protocol was carried out in untreated animals (E1). To validate the method, daily injections of Fluoxetine (FLX, 2.5mg/kg, i.p.) or saline were given over a 2-week period (E2). Tests and retests have been videotaped for further register of the latency, frequency and duration of behaviors. Over retesting the latency to immobility decreased whereas duration of immobility tended to increase. Factorial analysis revealed that the test, the retest 1 as well as the retest 2 have variables suitable to detection of antidepressant-like effects of ADT. Compared to saline, FLX chronically administrated reduced duration of immobility whereas increased duration of swimming in retest 2. The data suggest that repeated rat-FST detected the gradual increase in the efficacy of low doses of FLX over time. Therefore, repeated rat-FST seemed suitable to detect short and long term effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or other ADT, thus reducing the number of animals used in the screenings of this type of compounds.