Effects of cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid supplementation on maternal reproductive parameters.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a mixture of positional isomers of linoleic acid found in ruminant products and meat. The diet supplementing with CLA is an emerging area, requiring studies to elucidate its effects on animals and human reproduction, as well as its side effects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of CLA gastric administration, during the pregestational and gestational period in biometric and reproductive parameters, as well as in ovarian morphophysiology. Animals were distributed in three groups: (1) control (n = 10); (2) fish oil (n = 10); and (3) CLA (n = 10), that daily received, by gavage, phosphate-buffered saline, fish oil and CLA, respectively, carried out over 50 days (before mating, mating and pregnancy). There was an increment in the nasoanal distance and Lee index of the CLA and fish oil-treated groups during the first weeks (P > 0.05). CLA administration did not affect the ovarian follicle mobilization (P > 0.05), the number of follicles (P > 0.05) and the integrated density of lipid content of oocytes included in antral follicles (P > 0.05). There was no effect of CLA administration on the litter weight (P > 0.05; F2 and F3), however, an increment (P < 0.05) in the number of pups per litter (F2) was observed. Overall, this study demonstrated the absence of side effects of the CLA gastric administration on mice reproductive performance and suggests that this treatment would transgenerationally enhance fertility in this species.

Submicroscopic malaria parasite carriage: how reproducible are polymerase chain reaction-based methods?

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods for the diagnosis of malaria infection are expected to accurately identify submicroscopic parasite carriers. Although a significant number of PCR protocols have been described, few studies have addressed the performance of PCR amplification in cases of field samples with submicroscopic malaria infection. Here, the reproducibility of two well-established PCR protocols (nested-PCR and real-time PCR for the Plasmodium 18 small subunit rRNA gene) were evaluated in a panel of 34 blood field samples from individuals that are potential reservoirs of malaria infection, but were negative for malaria by optical microscopy. Regardless of the PCR protocol, a large variation between the PCR replicates was observed, leading to alternating positive and negative results in 38% (13 out of 34) of the samples. These findings were quite different from those obtained from the microscopy-positive patients or the unexposed individuals; the diagnosis of these individuals could be confirmed based on the high reproducibility and specificity of the PCR-based protocols. The limitation of PCR amplification was restricted to the field samples with very low levels of parasitaemia because titrations of the DNA templates were able to detect < 3 parasites/µL in the blood. In conclusion, conventional PCR protocols require careful interpretation in cases of submicroscopic malaria infection, as inconsistent and false-negative results can occur.

Effect of co-transporter blockers on non-synaptic epileptiform activity-computational simulation.

The important role of cation-chloride co-transporters in epilepsy is being supported by an increasing number of investigations. However, enormous complexity is involved since the action of these co-transporters has effects on the ionic homeostasis influencing directly the neuronal excitability and the tissue propensity to sustain seizure. To unravel the complex mechanisms involving the co-transporters action during seizure, this paper shows simulations of non-synaptic epileptiform activity and the effect of the blockage of the two different types of cation-chloride co-transporters present in the brain: Na, K and 2Cl co-transporter (NKCC) and K and Cl co-transporter (KCC). The simulations were performed with an electrochemical model representing the non-synaptic structure of the granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus (DG) of the rat hippocampus. The simulations suggest: (i) the potassium clearance is based on the systemic interplay between the Na/K pump and the NKCC co-transporters; (ii) the simultaneous blockage of the NKCC of the neurons and KCC of glial cells acts efficiently suppressing the epileptiform activities; and (iii) the simulations show that depending on the combined blockage of the co-transporters, the epileptiform activities may be suppressed or enhanced.

Cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid gastric administration during the pregestational and gestational periods does not influence the follicular endowment of the progeny.

Fetal programming suggests that maternal stimulation and nutrition during the period of fetal development can program the progeny. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), an isomer of linoleic acid, has been characterized in several aspects, but few studies have been performed on its involvement in reproduction and fetal programming. The aim of this study was to evaluate the F1, F2 and F3 progeny of female mice supplemented with CLA during the pregestational and gestational periods with respect to biometric and reproductive parameters, as well as ovarian morphophysiology. The F1 progeny of mothers supplemented with CLA exhibited stable weight gain, while the F2 progeny showed no effects (P=0.0187 and P=0.0245, respectively). A reduction in Lee's Index was observed in both generations at the second post-weaning evaluation week in the animals treated with CLA (P=0.0100 and P=0.0078, respectively). The F2 generation showed an increase in the anogenital index in both sexes of the animals treated with CLA (P= 0.0114 and P<0.0001, female and male respectively). CLA administration to mothers did not affect any of the following in their progeny: ovarian follicle mobilization (P>0.05), follicle number (P>0.05) and the integrated density of the lipid content of oocytes included in antral follicles (P>0.05). This study evaluated the use of CLA in mothers and found that it did not affect the progeny regarding murine reproductive performance, suggesting that this supplement can be used safely.

Drastic Loss of Antral Follicles Due to Gene Expression Dysregulation Occurs on the First Day After Subcutaneous Ovarian Transplantation.

Ovarian cryopreservation is an alternative for the preservation of fertility, and the subcutaneous transplantation site is considered one of the most promising. Studies evaluating the follicular growth and its relationship with gene expression and vascular perfusion are essential for improving this technique and its clinical application. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of subcutaneous autotransplantation and vitrification on follicular growth and atresia and their relationship with vascular perfusion and gene expression. Therefore, female mice were ovariectomized, and the ovaries were divided in two experimental groups (1) vitrified (treatment, n = 97) and (2) not vitrified (control, n = 97) and subsequently were transplanted. Then grafts, from both groups, were recovered after 1, 12, or 23 days (D1, D12, D23) and subjected to follicular quantification, morphometry, and qPCR. Non-transplanted ovaries (D0) were also used. The estrous cycle and vascular perfusion were monitored throughout the experiment. On D9, 100% of the animals had reestablished their estrous cycles (p > 0.05). Blood perfusion at the transplant site was similar for both treatments (p > 0.05), with greater perfusion at the site of vitrified transplants only on D1 (p < 0.05). A drastic reduction in the number of antral follicles and an increased number of atretic follicles were observed on D1 (p < 0.0001), associated with upregulation of Casp3, Fshr, and Igf1r; and downregulation of Bax, Acvr1, Egfr, and Lhcgr (p < 0.05). Our findings indicate that the first day after subcutaneous transplantation is a critical period for follicular survival, with intense follicular atresia independent of Bax upregulation.

Treatment of canine cutaneous leishmaniasis by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis in dogs with furazolidone and ß-cyclodextrin: case report.

Euthanasia of animals is not accepted as a control for cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and drugs used in humans for the treatment of leishmaniasis are not allowed for animals in Brazil. Miltefosine was authorized for dogs infected by Leishmania infantum with variable results for L. braziliensis. Thus, nine dogs infected with Leishmania (V.) braziliensis were treated by a combination of furazolidone and ß-cyclodextrin. The nine dogs were mongrels, weighing between 4-17 kg and 3-10 years old. These dogs had ulcerous lesions in different regions such as scrotal tissue, auricular pavilion and nostrils. Serological, molecular and protozoal culture techniques were used for laboratory diagnosis. The treatment used furazolidone + ß-cyclodextrin complex (1: 2) at a concentration of 60 mg/mL given orally at a dose of 15 mg/kg every 12 hours. The re-epithelialization of lesions occurred between 35 and 41 days of treatment. During fourteen months the animals were monitored and there was no reactivation of lesions or growth of the protozoan in a culture medium of the biopsies. This study demonstrated that treatment with FZD and CD is effective in reducing the cutaneous lesions caused by L. braziliensis in dogs.

Sand fly bioecological aspects and risk mapping of leishmaniasis by geographical information systems approach in a mineral exploration area of Brazil.

Epidemiological studies of leishmaniasis in areas of great human influence and environmental change serve as important tools for the implementation of effective control plans. Mining is currently a major economic activity in Brazil with the municipality of Pains, in the state of Minas Gerais, being one of the main lime producing municipalities in the country. This study aimed to map areas of potential transmission risks within the municipality of Pains using an epidemiological approach in association with the ecological study of sand flies. Twelve samplings carried out between May 2015 and April 2016 collected a total of 12,728 sandflies, comprising 2,854 females (22.42%) and 9,874 males (77.58%), of 20 species belonging to ten genera. The most abundant species was Lutzomyia longipalpis (80%). Leishmania DNA was detected in seven pools of female sand flies with an infection rate of 0.37%. Geoprocessing and the use of maps revealed that vector sand flies are distributed throughout the urban area, as are cases of canine and human leishmaniasis. However, the greatest abundances of sand flies were at sampling points at the border of the urban area. Higher densities of sand flies and the presence of Leishmania DNA may be correlated with extensive degradation by limestone mining. Integrated and multidisciplinary research approaches are necessary to better understand how the impacts of environmental change influence these insect vectors of leishmaniasis.

Analyzing Spatial Patterns of Health Vulnerability to Drought in the Brazilian Semiarid Region.

Health determinants might play an important role in shaping the impacts related to long-term disasters such as droughts. Understanding their distribution in populated dry regions may help to map vulnerabilities and set coping strategies for current and future threats to human health. The aim of the study was to identify the most vulnerable municipalities of the Brazilian semiarid region when it comes to the relationship between drought, health, and their determinants using a multidimensional index. From a place-based framework, epidemiological, socio-economic, rural, and health infrastructure data were obtained for 1135 municipalities in the Brazilian semiarid region. An exploratory factor analysis was used to reduce 32 variables to four independent factors and compute a Health Vulnerability Index. The health vulnerability was modulated by social determinants, rural characteristics, and access to water in this semiarid region. There was a clear distinction between municipalities with the highest human welfare and economic development and those municipalities with the worst living conditions and health status. Spatial patterns showed a cluster of the most vulnerable municipalities in the western, eastern, and northeastern portions of the semiarid region. The spatial visualization of the associated vulnerabilities supports decision making on health promotion policies that should focus on reducing social inequality. In addition, policymakers are presented with a simple tool to identify populations or areas with the worst socioeconomic and health conditions, which can facilitate the targeting of actions and resources on a more equitable basis. Further, the results contribute to the understanding of social determinants that may be related to medium- and long-term health outcomes in the region.

Level of Knowledge and Risk Factors for Visceral Leishmaniasis in a Mining Area of Minas Gerais State, Brazil.

Aiming to optimize and adjust leishmaniasis prevention and control measures for the resident population of Pains, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, a structured questionnaire containing conceptual questions and questions about household characteristics was used to evaluate knowledge level and exposure risk. A total of 396 individuals were interviewed revealing unscientific and fragmented knowledge about the subject for most of the studied population. The female population was found to have 1.68 times more chance of knowing about the disease than the male population, while highly educated individuals were found to have 2.92 times more chances of knowing about leishmaniasis compared to basic educated individuals. All of the respondents reported the presence of, at least, one risk factor, while ages ≥40 years were considered a protective factor compared to younger ages, indicating that older individuals are more likely to recognize risks and protect themselves against leishmaniasis. These results will contribute to the production of didactic materials for the population with respect to their previous knowledge and will provide a basis for control and prophylactic measures.

Mapping human vulnerability to climate change in the Brazilian Amazon: The construction of a municipal vulnerability index.

Vulnerability, understood as the propensity to be adversely affected, has attained importance in the context of climate change by helping to understand what makes populations and territories predisposed to its impacts. Conditions of vulnerability may vary depending on the characteristics of each territory studied-social, environmental, infrastructural, public policies, among others. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate what makes the municipalities of the state of Amazonas, Brazil, vulnerable to climate change in the context of the largest tropical forest in the world, and which regions of the State are the most susceptible. A Municipal Vulnerability Index was developed, which was used to associate current socio-environmental characteristics of municipalities with climate change scenarios in order to identify those that may be most affected by climate change. The results showed that poor adaptive capacity and poverty had the most influence on current vulnerability of the municipalities of Amazonas with the most vulnerable areas being the southern, northern, and eastern regions of the state. When current vulnerability was related to future climate change projections, the most vulnerable areas were the northern, northeastern, extreme southern, and southwestern regions. From a socio-environmental and climatic point of view, these regions should be a priority for public policy efforts to reduce their vulnerability and prepare them to cope with the adverse aspects of climate change.

Social, Environmental, and Health Vulnerability to Climate Change: The Case of the Municipalities of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Vulnerability to climate change is a complex and dynamic phenomenon involving both social and physical/environmental aspects. It is presented as a method for the quantification of the vulnerability of all municipalities of Minas Gerais, a state in southeastern Brazil. It is based on the aggregation of different kinds of environmental, climatic, social, institutional, and epidemiological variables, to form a composite index. This was named "Index of Human Vulnerability" and was calculated using a software (SisVuClima®) specifically developed for this purpose. Social, environmental, and health data were combined with the climatic scenarios RCP 4.5 and 8.5, downscaled from ETA-HadGEM2-ES for each municipality. The Index of Human Vulnerability associated with the RCP 8.5 has shown a higher vulnerability for municipalities in the southern and eastern parts of the state of Minas Gerais.

An Integrated Approach Using Spatial Analysis to Study the Risk Factors for Leishmaniasis in Area of Recent Transmission.

Some epidemiological aspects of leishmaniasis in the municipality of Formiga, Brazil, an important touristic site, were evaluated. Those included phlebotomine sand fly vectors, canine infection, and geoprocessing analysis for determining critical transmission areas. Sand flies (224 insects) belonging to ten different species were captured. The most captured species included Lutzomyia longipalpis (35.3%), Lutzomyia cortelezzii (33.5%), and Lutzomyia whitmani (18.3%). A significant correlation between sand fly densities and climatic conditions was detected. Serological diagnosis (DPP and ELISA) was performed in 570 dogs indicating a prevalence of 5.8%. After sequencing the main species circulating in the area were Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis. Spatial analysis demonstrated that vegetation and hydrography may be related to sand fly distribution and infected dogs. The municipality of Formiga has proven leishmaniasis vectors and infected dogs indicating the circulation of the parasite in the city. Correlation of those data with environmental and human cases has identified the critical areas for control interventions (south, northeast, and northwest). In conclusion, there is current transmission of visceral and canine human cases and the city is on the risk for the appearance of cutaneous cases.

Clinical treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis in dogs with furazolidone and domperidone.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a zoonosis and a public health problem in countries of subtropical America. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of furazolidone and domperidone treatment of dogs naturally infected with Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. Infection was confirmed by PCR and parasite culture of tissue collected from skin scrapings of the lesion borders of dogs. Naturally infected animals were divided into control (n=4) and treatment (n=8) groups. The treatment group was administered furazolidone for 21 days interspersed with domperidone for 10 days by oral gavage. Dogs that showed no lesion healing during this period were administered the same treatment cycle for up to 93 days. Among the eight treated animals, seven were clinically cured without recurrence of skin lesions during the 12-month study period. However, during lesion healing, skin scrapings were positive for L. (V.) braziliensis by PCR; no growth of the protozoan in NNN-LIT medium occurred until the end of follow-up. These results suggest that treatment with furazolidone and domperidone is effective for epithelialisation and lesion healing of dogs with clinical CL caused by L. (V.) braziliensis.

Construção e aplicação de um índice de vulnerabilidade humana à mudança do clima para o contexto brasileiro: a experiência do estado do Espírito Santo / Construction and application of a human vulnerability index for climate change in the Brazilian context: the experience of the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil

Resumo A mudança do clima representa séria ameaça para a população humana, causando impactos em diferentes setores. Conhecer os fatores que elevam a vulnerabilidade do ser humano à mudança do clima permite identificar pontos críticos e direcionar ações imediatas para reduzi-la. Assim, este estudo desenvolveu e aplicou um índice de vulnerabilidade à mudança do clima para as microrregiões do Espírito Santo, abarcando os elementos fundamentais da vulnerabilidade - exposição, sensibilidade e capacidade adaptativa. Anomalias climáticas de precipitação e temperatura também foram usadas para estimar as alterações para o futuro. A construção dos indicadores se baseou na atribuição de notas indicativas de vulnerabilidade para cada grupo de municípios (clustering), com posterior média aritmética e padronização dos valores para gerar índices variando entre 0 e 1. Verificou-se que a microrregião Noroeste apresenta vulnerabilidade extremamente elevada, em virtude de características, sociodemográficas, econômicas e ambientais. Todo o estado poderá ser afetado por alterações do clima futuro, principalmente pelo aumento de temperaturas médias. O norte do estado poderá ter aumento no número de dias secos consecutivos. Espera-se que esses resultados contribuam para orientar ações de adaptação à mudança do clima e aumentar a resiliência do território a partir da identificação das vulnerabilidades existentes.

Abstract Climate change poses a serious threat to the human population, causing impacts in different sectors. Understanding the factors that may increase human's vulnerability to climate change allows to identify critical points and to direct immediate actions to reduce vulnerability. Thus, this study developed and applied an index of vulnerability to climate change for the microregions of the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, encompassing the key elements of vulnerability - Exposure, Sensitivity and Adaptive Capacity. Climatic anomalies of precipitation and temperature were also used for estimate future climate changes. Construction of the indicators was based on the assignment of scores indicating levels of vulnerability for each group of municipalities (clustering); subsequent arithmetic mean and standardization of the values were applied to generate indices from 0 and 1. The Northwestern microregion presented high vulnerability due to its sociodemographic, economic and environmental characteristics. In addition, the entire state may be affected by changes in future climate, mainly by the increase of average temperatures. The Northern region may have a considerable increase in the number of consecutive dry days. These results are expected to contribute to guide actions of adaptation to the climate change and to increase the resilience of the territory from the identification of existing vulnerabilities.

Effects of anterior thalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation in chronic epileptic rats.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been investigated for the treatment of epilepsy. In rodents, an increase in the latency for the development of seizures and status epilepticus (SE) has been reported in different animal models but the consequences of delivering stimulation to chronic epileptic animals have not been extensively addressed. We study the effects of anterior thalamic nucleus (AN) stimulation at different current intensities in rats rendered epileptic following pilocarpine (Pilo) administration. Four months after Pilo-induced SE, chronic epileptic rats were bilaterally implanted with AN electrodes or had sham-surgery. Stimulation was delivered for 6 h/day, 5 days/week at 130 Hz, 90 µsec. and either 100 µA or 500 µA. The frequency of spontaneous recurrent seizures in animals receiving stimulation was compared to that recorded in the preoperative period and in rats given sham treatment. To investigate the effects of DBS on hippocampal excitability, brain slices from animals receiving AN DBS or sham surgery were studied with electrophysiology. We found that rats treated with AN DBS at 100 µA had a 52% non-significant reduction in the frequency of seizures as compared to sham-treated controls and 61% less seizures than at baseline. Animals given DBS at 500 µA had 5.1 times more seizures than controls and a 2.8 fold increase in seizure rate as compared to preoperative values. In non-stimulated controls, the average frequency of seizures before and after surgery remained unaltered. In vitro recordings have shown that slices from animals previously given DBS at 100 µA had a longer latency for the development of epileptiform activity, shorter and smaller DC shifts, and a smaller spike amplitude compared to non-stimulated controls. In contrast, a higher spike amplitude was recorded in slices from animals given AN DBS at 500 µA.

Healing of the Achilles tendon in rabbits--evaluation by magnetic resonance imaging and histopathology.

BACKGROUND: Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) could provide valuable findings for tendon regeneration. A non-invasive image method that can effectively evaluate the quality of the scar tissue has not yet been employed. METHODS: Thirteen New Zealand rabbits were divided into two groups: group 1--non-treated control (n = 4); group 2--surgical intervention (n = 9). The central portion of the Achilles tendon was resected, and after 30 days, DCE-MRI was performed. Contrast enhancement methods were applied using the region of interest (ROI) technique. In the medium third of the Achilles tendon, the intra-substantial signal intensity and the presence of hyper-intense intra-tendon focus points and of signal heterogeneity were evaluated. Antero-posterior and transversal diameters of the tendon were measured. The Achilles tendon was removed and dissected free from other tissues. Sections from the central part of the tendon were stained for histological analysis. RESULTS: The difference between the contrast enhancement curves of the control and surgical groups (p < 0.0001) was observed. The surgical group had an intense contrast enhancement in the contrast sequences, enlargement of the diameter and intra-substantial signal intensity alteration, with hyper-signal focus points and widening of the tendon sheath, which presented irregular contours and intense contrast enhancement. On histology, the Achilles tendon presented diffuse widening of the tendon sheath and wedge-shaped areas with scarring tissue rich in disordered collagen fibres. These findings were related to alteration in the intra-substantial signal intensity, with hyper-signal focus points in the DCE-MRI. CONCLUSIONS: MRI with perfusion could be a useful technique for evaluating tissue and fibrous scarring in tendons.

Role of adenosine in the antiepileptic effects of deep brain stimulation.

Despite the effectiveness of anterior thalamic nucleus (AN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) for the treatment of epilepsy, mechanisms responsible for the antiepileptic effects of this therapy remain elusive. As adenosine modulates neuronal excitability and seizure activity in animal models, we hypothesized that this nucleoside could be one of the substrates involved in the effects of AN DBS. We applied 5 days of stimulation to rats rendered chronically epileptic by pilocarpine injections and recorded epileptiform activity in hippocampal slices. We found that slices from animals given DBS had reduced hippocampal excitability and were less susceptible to develop ictal activity. In live animals, AN DBS significantly increased adenosine levels in the hippocampus as measured by microdialysis. The reduced excitability of DBS in vitro was completely abolished in animals pre-treated with A1 receptor antagonists and was strongly potentiated by A1 receptor agonists. We conclude that some of the antiepileptic effects of DBS may be mediated by adenosine.

An alternative in vitro drug screening test using Leishmania amazonensis transfected with red fluorescent protein.

Fluorescent and colorimetric reporter genes are valuable tools for drug screening models, since microscopy is labor intensive and subject to observer variation. In this work, we propose a fluorimetric method for drug screening using red fluorescent parasites. Fluorescent Leishmania amazonensis were developed after transfection with integration plasmids containing either red (RFP) or green fluorescent protein (GFP) genes. After transfection, wild-type (LaWT) and transfected (LaGFP and LaRFP) parasites were subjected to flow cytometry, macrophage infection, and tests of susceptibility to current antileishmanial agents and propranolol derivatives previously shown to be active against Trypanosoma cruzi. Flow cytometry analysis discriminated LaWT from LaRFP and LaGFP parasites, without affecting cell size or granulosity. With microscopy, transfection with antibiotic resistant genes was not shown to affect macrophage infectivity and susceptibility to amphotericin B and propranolol derivatives. Retention of fluorescence remained in the intracellular amastigotes in both LaGFP and LaRFP transfectants. However, detection of intracellular RFP parasites was only achieved in the fluorimeter. Murine BALB/c macrophages were infected with LaRFP parasites, exposed to standard (meglumine antimoniate, amphotericin B, Miltefosine, and allopurinol) and tested molecules. Although it was possible to determine IC(50) values for 4 propranolol derivatives (1, 2b, 3, and 4b), all compounds were considered inactive. This study is the first to develop a fluorimetric drug screening test for L. amazonensis RFP. The fluorimetric test was comparable to microscopy with the advantage of being faster and not requiring manual counting.

Alcohol abuse promotes changes in non-synaptic epileptiform activity with concomitant expression changes in cotransporters and glial cells.

Non-synaptic mechanisms are being considered the common factor of brain damage in status epilepticus and alcohol intoxication. The present work reports the influence of the chronic use of ethanol on epileptic processes sustained by non-synaptic mechanisms. Adult male Wistar rats administered with ethanol (1, 2 e 3 g/kg/d) during 28 days were compared with Control. Non-synaptic epileptiform activities (NEAs) were induced by means of the zero-calcium and high-potassium model using hippocampal slices. The observed involvement of the dentate gyrus (DG) on the neurodegeneration promoted by ethanol motivated the monitoring of the electrophysiological activity in this region. The DG regions were analyzed for the presence of NKCC1, KCC2, GFAP and CD11b immunoreactivity and cell density. The treated groups showed extracellular potential measured at the granular layer with increased DC shift and population spikes (PS), which was remarkable for the group E1. The latencies to the NEAs onset were more prominent also for the treated groups, being correlated with the neuronal loss. In line with these findings were the predispositions of the treated slices for neuronal edema after NEAs induction, suggesting that restrict inter-cell space counteracts the neuronal loss and subsists the hyper-synchronism. The significant increase of the expressions of NKCC1 and CD11b for the treated groups confirms the existence of conditions favorable to the observed edematous necrosis. The data suggest that the ethanol consumption promotes changes on the non-synaptic mechanisms modulating the NEAs. For the lower ethanol dosage the neurophysiological changes were more effective suggesting to be due to the less intense neurodegenertation.

Epidemiologic aspects of toxoplasmosis and evaluation of its seroprevalence in pregnant women.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to analyze the exposure to risk factors for toxoplasmosis disease and the level of knowledge in pregnant women who were treated by the Public Health Care System (SUS) from October 2007 to September 2008 in Divinópolis City, Brazil. METHODS: We analyzed 2,136 prenatal exams of pregnant women that were treated from October 2007 to September 2008. RESULTS: Out of the 2,136 pregnant women evaluated, 200 answered a quantitative questionnaire; 49.5% were seropositive for immunoglobulin (Ig) G and 3.6% for IgM. Comparative analysis of congenital toxoplasmosis cases were evaluated in 11 regions and showed an irregular distribution (p < 0.01). This difference was also observed among the pregnant women observed in each location. The results from the questionnaire show that 93% of the pregnant women had no knowledge about toxoplasmosis, and 24% presented with positive serology, but no clinical manifestation. Analysis for pregnant IgG-positive women and the presence of pets showed a statistically significant correlation (p < 0.05), suggesting that the transmission of this disease might occur in the domestic environment. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest the implementation of a triage program for pregnant women and health education to encourage their use of SUS services.