Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in invasive wild boars (Sus scrofa) and hunting dogs from Brazil.

The wild boar, an impactful invasive species in Brazil, is subject to population control activities, which often include the use of hunting dogs. Hunters commonly consume wild boar meat, which is also used to feed their dogs, posing a risk of Toxoplasma gondii infection for humans and both T. gondii and Neospora caninum for dogs. The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of infection in wild boars (n = 127) and hunting dogs (n = 73) from São Paulo, Rio Grande do Sul, and Paraná states. We employed histopathological, serological (indirect fluorescent antibody test), and molecular techniques (endpoint polymerase chain reaction). Histopathology slides of wild boar tissue (central nervous system, heart, skeletal muscle, liver, spleen, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, lymph nodes, and thyroid) sections revealed no T. gondii or N. caninum cysts (0/47). Antibodies anti-T. gondii were detected in 35/108 (32.4%) and anti-N. caninum in 45/108 (41.7%) wild boars. Only 2/18 (11.1%) wild boar tissue homogenate samples tested positive for T. gondii on endpoint PCR. Hunting dogs showed antibodies against T. gondii in 62/73 (85%) and against N. caninum in 31/73 (42%). The presence of antibodies against T. gondii and N. caninum in wild boars and hunting dogs, along with T. gondii DNA detection in wild boars, indicates the circulation of these parasites. Educating hunters on preventing these foodborne diseases, including zoonotic risks, is crucial.

Cholesterol transfer to high-density lipoprotein in obesity and the effects of weight loss after bariatric surgery.

Obesity increases serum triglycerides and decreases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The objective is to explore some functions of HDL, cholesterol transfers and antioxidant, in subjects with grade I (G1-OB) and III (G3-OB) obesity and effects of bariatric surgery on G3-OB. Fifteen G3-OB patients (43 ± 6 years, BMI 49 ± 3 kg/m2) were studied before and 1 year after bariatric surgery; 15 G1-OB (32 ± 2 years, 32 ± 2 kg/m2) and 15 normal weight (NW) (38 ± 6 years, 22 ± 1 kg/m2) were also studied. HDL diameter, cholesterol transfer to HDL and antioxidant capacity of HDL were determined. G3-OB had higher triglycerides and lower HDL-C; G1-OB had higher triglycerides than NW but HDL-C was equal. Compared to NW, HDL size was smaller in G3-OB but equal in G1-OB. One year after bariatric surgery, BMI and triglycerides of G3-OB decreased (p < .0001 and p = .0012, respectively) and HDL-C increased (p < .0001), equalling of NW group. Antioxidant capacity and cholesterol transfers were not different in groups and were unchanged 1 year after bariatric surgery in G3-OB. HDL antioxidant capacity and transfer of cholesterol to HDL were not defective in obesity despite HDL-C reduction and smaller HDL size. In addition, pronounced weight loss by bariatric surgery did not change those protective functions.

The beneficial effect of fluoxetine on behavioral and cognitive changes in chronic experimental Chagas disease unveils the role of serotonin fueling astrocyte infection by Trypanosoma cruzi.

BACKGROUND: In Chagas disease (CD), a neglected tropical disease caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the development of mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, and memory loss may be underpinned by social, psychological, and biological stressors. Here, we investigated biological factors underlying behavioral changes in a preclinical model of CD. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In T. cruzi-infected C57BL/6 mice, a kinetic study (5 to 150 days postinfection, dpi) using standardized methods revealed a sequential onset of behavioral changes: reduced innate compulsive behavior, followed by anxiety and depressive-like behavior, ending with progressive memory impairments. Hence, T. cruzi-infected mice were treated (120 to 150 dpi) with 10 mg/Kg/day of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine (Fx), an antidepressant that favors neuroplasticity. Fx therapy reversed the innate compulsive behavior loss, anxiety, and depressive-like behavior while preventing or reversing memory deficits. Biochemical, histological, and parasitological analyses of the brain tissue showed increased levels of the neurotransmitters GABA/glutamate and lipid peroxidation products and decreased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the absence of neuroinflammation at 150 dpi. Fx therapy ameliorated the neurochemical changes and reduced parasite load in the brain tissue. Next, using the human U-87 MG astroglioma cell line, we found no direct effect of Fx on parasite load. Crucially, serotonin/5-HT (Ser/5-HT) promoted parasite uptake, an effect increased by prior stimulation with IFNγ and TNF but abrogated by Fx. Also, Fx blocked the cytokine-driven Ser/5-HT-promoted increase of nitric oxide and glutamate levels in infected cells. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: We bring the first evidence of a sequential onset of behavioral changes in T. cruzi-infected mice. Fx therapy improves behavioral and biological changes and parasite control in the brain tissue. Moreover, in the central nervous system, cytokine-driven Ser/5-HT consumption may favor parasite persistence, disrupting neurotransmitter balance and promoting a neurotoxic environment likely contributing to behavioral and cognitive disorders.

Sarcopenia in Children With Wilms Tumor: A Marker of Undernutrition Which May Impact Adversely on Clinical Outcomes.

The therapeutic approach to Wilms tumor (WT) is multidisciplinary and leads to significant patient impairment, increasing the risk of nutritional compromise and malnutrition. Children with cancer are vulnerable to sarcopenia which has been recognized as a negative impact of anticancer therapy. Recent studies have highlighted the reduction in the total psoas muscle area (TPMA) to be associated with a poor prognosis in many pediatric diseases, including cancer. This study aims to evaluate changes in the TPMA compartment during the treatment of children with WT. An observational, longitudinal, and retrospective study was undertaken in a single institution evaluating children (1 to 14 y, n=38) with WT between 2014 and 2020. TPMA was assessed by the analysis of previously collected, electronically stored computed tomography images of the abdomen obtained at 3 time points: diagnosis, preoperatively, and 1 year after surgery. For all patients, TPMA/age were calculated with a specific online calculator. Our data show a high incidence of sarcopenia (55.3%) at diagnosis which increased after 4 to 6 weeks of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (73.7%) and remained high (78.9%) 1 year after the surgical procedure. Using TPMA/age Z-score curves we have found significant and rapid muscle loss in children with WT, with little or no recovery in the study period.

Pharmacopuncture with a low dosage of B complex vitamins in the Da Zhui acupoint (Governing Vessel 14) for controlling gastrointestinal parasitism in periparturient ewes / Farmacopuntura com dose baixa de vitaminas do complexo B no acuponto Da Zhui (Vaso Governador 14) para o controle da parasitose gastrintestinal em ovelhas no periparto

Gastrointestinal parasites are a significant challenge in sheep farming, and periparturient ewes are one of the most susceptible categories in sheep flocks. This study aimed to verify whether the injection of B vitamins at the acupuncture point governing vessel 14 (GV14) can influence the parasitic load or host-parasite interaction in naturally infected ewes during the peripartum period. Four weeks before parturition, 25 ewes were divided into five treatment groups: (1) Dose Control: 0.2 mL of B complex via IM; (2) Drug Control: 2 mL Complex B via IM; (3) Acupoint Control: 0.2 mL of Water at GV14 point; (4) Control; (5) Test group: 0.2 mL of B complex at the GV14 point. Treatments were performed at weeks -3, -1, 2, 4, and 6 about the parturition time. Fecal samples to estimate the parasitic load by fecal egg counts (FEC) and total blood samples for hemogram examination were performed seven days after the treatment, coinciding with weeks -2, 3, 5, and 7 about the parturition time. The number of peripheral eosinophils was higher in group 3 than in group 1 (p <0.05). Although groups 3 and 5 had lower mean values of FEC and higher hematological values at the time of weaning, these differences were not statistically significant (p> 0.05) according to the F test. However, all animals in groups 3 and 5 maintained low parasitism levels until the end of the experiment. Further studies should be performed with larger sample sizes and minor changes to the experimental protocol to elucidate the role of GV14 acupoint stimulation in the host-parasite relationship.(AU)

A parasitose gastrointestinal é o principal desafio sanitário para a criação de ovinos a pasto, e as ovelhas no periparto são uma das categorias mais susceptíveis a esta infeção no rebanho. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar se a injeção de vitaminas do complexo B no acuponto Vaso Governador 14 (VG14) poderia influenciar a carga parasitária ou modular a interação hospedeiro-parasito em ovelhas naturalmente infectadas no período de periparto. Quatro semanas antes da data prevista para o parto, 25 ovelhas foram divididas em cinco grupos de tratamento (1) Controle da dose: 0,2 mL de vitaminas do complexo B via IM; (2) Controle do fármaco: 2mL complexo B via IM; (3) Controle do Ponto: 0,2 mL de água destilada no ponto VG14; (4) Controle sem tratamento; (5) Grupo teste: 0,2 mL de complexo B no pontoVG14. Estes tratamentos foram realizados nas semanas -3; -1; 2; 4 e 6 em relação à data do parto. Amostras de fezes para contagem de ovos por grama de fezes (OPG), assim como amostras de sangue para realizar o hemograma, foram obtidas dos animais sete dias após os tratamentos, coincidindo com as semanas -2, 3, 5 e 7 do parto. O número de eosinófilos periféricos foi superior no grupo 3 se comparado ao grupo 1 (p <0,05). Os animais dos grupos 3 e 5 tiveram menores valores de OPG e maior hematócrito, mas estas diferenças não foram consideradas significativas pelo teste F (p> 0,05). No entanto, todas as ovelhas dos grupos 3 e 5 se mantiveram com níveis baixos de parasitismo durante todo o experimento. Sugere-se que novos estudos sejam realizados com algumas modificações deste protocolo a fim de aprofundar o conhecimento do potencial imunomodulador do acuponto VG14.(AU)

Endoparasites of marsupials in fragments of the Atlantic rainforest, western Paraná State, Brazil / Endoparasitas de marsupiais em fragmentos de Mata Atlântica no oeste do Estado do Paraná, Brasil

Abstract Knowledge of taxonomy and biodiversity of parasites is fundamental to better understand ecosystem dynamics. The objective of this study was to describe the helminth fauna of two species of marsupials in five fragments of the Atlantic rainforest in the western region of Paraná State, Brazil. In a total of 4050 trap-nights, the animals were captured using Sherman, Tomahawk, and Pitfall traps, euthanized, necropsied, and their organs inspected for helminths. After identification of the parasites, descriptors of infection, such as prevalence, mean abundance, mean intensity, and range of intensity, were calculated. Collectively, six helminth species were observed in 18 animals. The following five species were observed in Marmosa paraguayana: Viannaia hamata (58.8%), Gracilioxyuris agilisis (52.9%), Travassostrongylus sextus (17.6%), Oncicola luehei (5.9%), and Pritchardia boliviensis (5.9%). Whereas the following two species were observed in Monodelphis dimidiata: Trichohelix tuberculata (100%) and Travassostrongylus sextus (100%). This study represents a new locality record for all helminths described herein, and a new host for four helminth species. This is the first report on the helminth fauna of Monodelphis dimidiata, expanding knowledge about marsupials in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

Resumo Conhecimentos taxonômicos e da biodiversidade parasitária são fundamentais para uma melhor compreensão da dinâmica do ecossistema. O objetivo do estudo foi descrever a helmintofauna de marsupiais em cinco fragmentos de Mata Atlântica, na região Oeste do Estado do Paraná, Brasil. Em um total de 4.050 armadilhas/noite, os animais foram capturados com as do tipo Sherman, Tomahawk e Pitfall, eutanasiados, necropsiados e seus órgãos inspecionados em busca de helmintos. Após a identificação do parasita, foram calculados os indicadores de infecção (prevalência, abundância média, intensidade média e variação de intensidade). Seis espécies de helmintos foram observadas em dezoito animais; cinco em Marmosa paraguayana: Viannaia hamata (58,8%), Gracilioxyuris agilisis (52,9%), Travassostrongylus sextus (17,6%), Oncicola luehei (5,9%) e Pritchardia boliviensis (5,9%), e duas em Monodelphis dimidiata: Trichohelix tuberculata (100%) e Travassostrongylus sextus (100%). Este estudo representa um novo registro de localidade para todos os helmintos descritos e um novo hospedeiro para quatro deles. Trata-se do primeiro relato da helmintofauna de Monodelphis dimidiata, expandindo-se os conhecimentos sobre marsupiais na mata Atlântica brasileira.

Is a negative correlation between sTNFR1 and TNF in patients with chronic Chagas disease the key to clinical progression?

Soluble TNF receptors (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2) are natural endogenous inhibitors of TNF and are elevated in inflammatory, autoimmune, and chronic degenerative diseases. In Chagas disease, pleiotropic cytokine TNF is considered key in immunopathology. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the levels of TNF, sTNFR1, and sTNFR2 in the serum of patients with chronic Chagas disease. TNF and its soluble receptors were quantified using Cytometric Bead Array in the serum of 132 patients, of which 51 had the indeterminate form (IND), 39 the mild cardiac form (CARD 1), 42 the severe cardiac form (CARD 2), and 20 non-infected individuals (NI). The results indicate that the soluble receptors may regulate TNF in Chagas disease, as their leves were higher in T. cruzi-infected individuals when compared to non-infected individuals. We found a moderate negative correlation between sTNFR1 and TNF in individuals with the IND form, suggesting a relationship with non-progression to more severe forms, such as heart disease. sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 were increased in all clinical forms, but with a moderate positive correlation in more severe patients (r = 0.50 and p = 0.0005). TNF levels showed no statistical differences in the groups of patients. These findings suggest the importance of the endogenous balance of the levels of soluble TNF receptors in the protection and balance in patients with chronic Chagas disease, besides revealing the immunological complexity in chronic T. cruzi-infected individuals.

Biochemical serum profile of quarter mile equines in team penning training / Caracterização do perfil bioquímico sérico em equinos quarto de milha submetidos ao treinamento para team penning

The objective of this work was to evaluate the proteins, minerals, metabolites, and serum enzymes profile in Quarter Mile equines subjected to training for Team Penning competitions by comparing the results before and after training. The animals were from the Agricultural Exhibition Park of Uberlândia (CAMARU), in Uberlândia in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. These animals perform constant periodic training with an average duration of two and a half hours per training. Blood samples from twenty male and female equines were collected at the beginning and end of a 45-day interval and then analyzed. A 5 mL blood sample from each animal was collected before and after training by a jugular external venipuncture, and the samples were placed in a tube­without anticoagulant and containing separator gel­to obtain the serum. The components analyzed were: total proteins, albumin, globulins, albumin to globulin ratio (A:G), total and ionized calcium, phosphorus, calcium to phosphorus ratio (Ca:P), cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, urea, alkaline phosphatase, ɤ-glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and creatine kinase (CK). Statistical differences were observed with higher values after exercise for total calcium, ionized calcium, Ca: P ratio, creatinine and ALT and decreased concentrations were found for globulins, phosphorus, cholesterol and triglycerides. Despite the changes observed in the serum concentrations of some elements after exercises, it was concluded that the animals were in adequate physical condition to perform the proposed physical exercises.

O presente estudo objetivou comparar o perfil de proteínas, metabólitos, minerais e enzimas séricas em equinos Quarto de Milha submetidos a treinamento para provas de Team Penning no Parque de Exposições Agropecuárias de Uberlândia (CAMARU), Uberlândia-MG. Os animais realizavam treinos periódicos e constantes com duração de duas horas e meia em média. Foram analisadas 40 (quarenta) amostras de sangue de 20 (vinte) equinos, machos e fêmeas, coletadas em dois momentos com intervalo de 45 dias. Por meio de venopunção jugular externa, coletou-se 05 (mL) de sangue em tubo sem anticoagulante e contendo gel separador para obtenção de soro, antes e após o treinamento de cada momento. Os constituintes analisados foram proteínas totais, albumina, globulinas, relação albumina globulina (A:G), cálcio total e ionizado, fósforo, relação cálcio fósforo (Ca:P), colesterol, triglicérides, creatinina, ureia, fosfatase alcalina, ɤ-glutamiltransferase (GGT), lactato desidrogenase (LDH), aspartato aminotransferase (AST), alanina aminotransferase (ALT) e creatina quinase (CK). Sendo observado diferenças estatísticas com valores mais elevados após o exercicio para cálcio total, cálcio ionizado, relação Ca:P, creatinina e ALT e concentrações diminuidas para globulinas, fósforo, colesterol e triglicérides. Apesar das alterações observadas nas concentrações séricas de alguns elementos após a prática esportiva, conclui-se que os animais se encontravam em condicionamento físico adequado para realizarem os exercícios físicos propostos.

Oncicola luehei in a wild crab-eating raccoon (Procyon cancrivorus) from the Brazilian Cerrado Savanna

The occurrence of Oncicola luehei is reported in a road killed crab-eating raccoon (Procyon cancrivorus) near the municipality of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais State. The animal was collected as part of a study that monitors wildlife road killing in the Triângulo Mineiro region. In necropsy, a single male acanthocephalan was recovered from the large intestine. The parasite was wrinkled, whitish in color, with a total body length of 15.88mm, globular proboscis (0.71 x 0.81mm) armed with 36 spiraled hooks, long lemniscus (7.30 x 0.81 mm) surpassing the anterior testis. The testes were ellipsoid in shape, disposed in tandem, the anterior measuring 1.44 x 0.53mm and the posterior 1.5 x 0.50mm. At the posterior part of the body, eight cement glands arranged in two rows of four, measuring 0.38 x 0.46 mm each. Based on this, the parasite was classified as Oncicola luehei. This study represents a new host and locality records for the parasite.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms of cytokine-related genes and association with clinical outcome in a Chagas disease case-control study from Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The severity of chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC), the most frequent clinical outcome of Chagas disease (CD), has been associated with cytokine-enriched heart tissue inflammation, and high serum levels of transforming growth factor (TGFß), interferon-gamma (IFNγ), and tumour necrosis factor (TNF). Conversely, increased interleukin (IL)-10 serum concentrations have been associated with asymptomatic CD. Cytokines and cytokine-related gene polymorphisms may control cytokine expression and have been proposed to contribute to CCC outcomes. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the association of 13 cytokine-related genes (TGFB: rs8179181, rs8105161, rs1800469; IL10: rs1800890, rs1800871, rs1800896; IFNG: rs2430561; TNF: rs1800629; BAT1: rs3853601; LTA: rs909253, rs2239704; TNFR1: rs767455; TNFR2: rs1061624) with risk and progression of CCC. FINDINGS: Four hundred and six seropositive patients from CD endemic areas in the state of Pernambuco, north-eastern Brazil, were classified as non-cardiopathic (A, 110) or cardiopathic (mild, B1, 163; severe, C, 133). We found no evidence of TGFB, IL10, TNF, or TNFR1/2 gene polymorphisms associated with CCC risk or progression. Only BAT1 rs3853601 -22G carriers (B1 vs. C: OR = 0.5; p-value = 0.03) and IFNG rs2430561 +874AT (A vs. C: OR = 0.7; p-value = 0.03; A vs. B1+C: OR = 0.8; p-value = 0.02) showed a significant association with protection from cardiopathy in a logistic regression analysis with adjustment for gender and ethnicity; however, the association disappeared after performing adjustment for multiple testing. A systematic review of TNF rs1800629 -308G>A publications included five studies for meta-analysis (534 CCC and 472 asymptomatic patients) and showed no consensus in pooled odds ratio (OR) estimates for A allele or A carriers (OR = 1.4 and 1.5; p-values = 0.14 and 0.15, respectively). In CD patients, TNF serum levels were increased, but not affected by the TNF rs1800629 -308A allele. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest no significant contribution of the analysed gene variants of cytokine-related molecules to development/severity of Chagas' heart disease, reinforcing the idea that parasite/host interplay is critical to CD outcomes.

Lipid transfers to HDL are diminished in long-term bedridden patients: association with low HDL-cholesterol and increased inflammatory markers.

Plasma lipids have been extensively studied in sedentary and in subjects practicing exercise training, but not in extreme inactivity as occurs in bedridden patients. This is important for the care of bedridden patients and understanding the overall plasma lipid regulation. Here, we investigated plasma lipids, lipid transfers to HDL and inflammatory markers in bedridden patients. Fasting blood samples were collected from 23 clinically stable bedridden patients under long-term care (>90 days) and 26 normolipidemic sedentary subjects, paired for age and gender. In vitro transfer of four lipids to HDL was performed by incubating plasma with donor nanoparticles containing radioactive lipids. Total (193 ± 36 vs 160 ± 43, p = 0.005), LDL (124 ± 3 vs 96 ± 33 p = 0.003) and HDL-cholesterol (45 ± 10 vs 36 ± 13, p = 0.008), apolipoprotein A-I (134 ± 20 vs 111 ± 24, p = 0.001) and oxidized LDL (53 ± 13 vs 43 ± 12, p = 0.011) were lower in bedridden patients, whereas triglycerides, apolipoprotein B, CETP and LCAT were equal in both groups. Transfers of all lipids, namely unesterified cholesterol, cholesterol esters, triglycerides and phospholipids, to HDL were lower in bedridden patients, probably due to their lower HDL-cholesterol levels. Concentrations of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, HGF and NGF were higher in bedridden patients compared to sedentary subjects. In conclusion, inactivity had great impact on HDL, by lowering HDL-cholesterol, apolipoprotein A-I and thereby cholesterol transfers to the lipoprotein, which suggests that inactivity may deteriorate HDL protection beyond the ordinary sedentary condition.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance-Verified Myocardial Fibrosis in Chagas Disease: Clinical Correlates and Risk Stratification / Fibrose Miocárdica Definida por Ressonância Magnética Cardíaca em Doença de Chagas: Correlações Clínicas e Estratificação de Risco

Abstract Background: Chagas disease (CD) is an important cause of heart failure and mortality, mainly in Latin America. This study evaluated the morphological and functional characteristics of the heart as well the extent of myocardial fibrosis (MF) in patients with CD by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). The prognostic value of MF evaluated by myocardial-delayed enhancement (MDE) was compared with that via Rassi score. Methods: This study assessed 39 patients divided into 2 groups: 28 asymptomatic patients as indeterminate form group (IND); and symptomatic patients as Chagas Heart Disease (CHD) group. All patients underwent CMR using the techniques of cine-MRI and MDE, and the amount of MF was compared with the Rassi score. Results: Regarding the morphological and functional analysis, significant differences were observed between both groups (p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a strong correlation between the extent of MF and the Rassi score (r = 0.76). Conclusions: CMR is an important technique for evaluating patients with CD, stressing morphological and functional differences in all clinical presentations. The strong correlation with the Rassi score and the extent of MF detected by CMR emphasizes its role in the prognostic stratification of patients with CD.

Resumo Fundamento: A doença de Chagas (DC) é importante causa de insuficiência cardíaca e mortalidade, principalmente na América Latina. Este estudo avaliou as características morfológicas e funcionais do coração, assim como a extensão da fibrose miocárdica (FM) em pacientes com DC através de ressonância magnética cardíaca (RMC). O valor prognóstico da FM avaliada por realce tardio miocárdico (RTM) foi comparado àquele do escore de Rassi. Métodos: Avaliação de 39 pacientes divididos em 2 grupos: grupo 'forma indeterminada' (IND), 28 pacientes assintomáticos; e grupo 'cardiopatia chagásica' (CC), pacientes sintomáticos. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a RMC com as técnicas de cine-RM e RTM, sendo a quantidade de FM evidenciada ao exame comparada ao escore de Rassi. Resultados: As análises morfológica e funcional mostraram significativas diferenças entre os 2 grupos (p < 0,001). Houve ainda uma forte correlação entre a extensão da FM e o escore de Rassi (r = 0,76). Conclusões: A RMC é uma importante técnica para avaliar pacientes com DC, ressaltando as diferenças morfológicas e funcionais em todas as apresentações clínicas. A forte correlação entre o escore de Rassi e a extensão da FM detectada por RMC enfatiza seu papel na estratificação prognóstica de pacientes com DC.

Cell therapy in Chagas cardiomyopathy (Chagas arm of the multicenter randomized trial of cell therapy in cardiopathies study): a multicenter randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies suggested that transplantation of autologous bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BMNCs) improves heart function in chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy. We report the results of the first randomized trial of BMNC therapy in chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients 18 to 75 years of age with chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy, New York Heart Association class II to IV heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <35, and optimized therapy were randomized to intracoronary injection of autologous BMNCs or placebo. The primary end point was the difference in LVEF from baseline to 6 and 12 months after treatment between groups. Analysis was by intention to treat and powered to detect an absolute between-group difference of 5. Between July 2005 and October 2009, 234 patients were enrolled. Two patients abandoned the study and 49 were excluded because of protocol violation. The remaining 183 patients, 93 in the placebo group and 90 in the BMNC group, had a trimmed mean age of 52.4 years (range, 50.8-54.0 years) and LVEF of 26.1 (range, 25.1-27.1) at baseline. Median number of injected BMNCs was 2.20×10(8) (range, 1.40-3.50×10(8)). Change in LVEF did not differ significantly between treatment groups: trimmed mean change in LVEF at 6 months, 3.0 (1.3-4.8) for BMNCs and 2.5 (0.6-4.5) for placebo (P=0.519); change in LVEF at 12 months, 3.5 (1.5-5.5) for BMNCs and 3.7 (1.5-6.0) for placebo (P=0.850). Left ventricular systolic and diastolic volumes, New York Heart Association functional class, Minnesota quality-of-life questionnaire, brain natriuretic peptide concentrations, and 6-minute walking test did also not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: Intracoronary injection of autologous BMNCs does not improve left ventricular function or quality of life in patients with chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy.

Surgical treatment of primary cardiac rhabdomyosarcoma.

The authors report a case of a 16-year-old man who presented progressive dyspnea. At that time the diagnosis of rheumatic fever with mitral valve involvement was performed. The bidimensional echocardiogram showed presence of mobile mass inside the left atrium. The tumor presented lobules, projecting into the left ventricle during the diastole and provoking turbulence. The patient underwent surgical resection with postoperative course needing re-operation for mitral valve replacement. Histopathology has proven that such tumor was a primary cardiac rhabdomyosarcoma and the early clinical diagnosis of rheumatic mitral valve disease was very difficult.

Surgical treatment of primary cardiac rhabdomyosarcoma / Tratamento cirúrgico de rabdomiosarcoma primário do coração

The authors report a case of a 16-year-old man who presented progressive dyspnea. At that time the diagnosis of rheumatic fever with mitral valve involvement was performed. The bidimensional echocardiogram showed presence of mobile mass inside the left atrium. The tumor presented lobules, projecting into the left ventricle during the diastole and provoking turbulence. The patient underwent surgical resection with postoperative course needing re-operation for mitral valve replacement. Histopathology has proven that such tumor was a primary cardiac rhabdomyosarcoma and the early clinical diagnosis of rheumatic mitral valve disease was very difficult.

Os autores reportam caso de jovem de 16 anos, o qual apresentou dispnéia progressiva. No momento do atendimento foi feito diagnóstico de febre reumática com comprometimento da valva mitral. Ecocardiograma bidimensional demonstrou a presença de massa móvel dentro do átrio esquerdo. O tumor apresentava lobos, se projetando para o interior do ventrículo esquerdo durante a diástole, provocando turbulência. O paciente foi submetido a ressecção cirúrgica, complicada com reoperação e troca valvar mitral. A histopatologia demonstrou tratar-se de rabdomiosarcoma primário e o diagnóstico clínico diferencial com febre reumática e doença valvar mitral foi muito difícil desde o seu início.

Estado nutricional e níveis hematológicos e séricos de ferro em pré-escolares de municípios com diferentes índices de desenvolvimento infantil / Nutritional status, hematological and serum levels of iron in preschool children from cities with different child development indexes

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o estado nutricional e os níveis hematológicos e séricos de ferro em pré-escolares de municípios com diferentes índices de desenvolvimento infantil (IDI). MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal de 34 pré-escolares com idade de três a seis anos do município de Laranjal, Paraná, com IDI baixo e com o mesmo número de crianças pareadas por idade e gênero, provenientes de Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, município com IDI médio. Avaliou-se o estado nutricional por meio do escore Z das relações peso/estatura e estatura/idade. A avaliação bioquímica constou de dosagens de hemoglobina, hematócrito, ferro sérico e ferritina. Para a análise estatística foram usados os testes t de Student, Mann-Whitney, qui-quadrado e o exato de Fisher. RESULTADOS: Peso, estatura e escore Z das relações antropométricas foram significantemente menores no grupo de crianças de Laranjal comparados aos de Presidente Prudente. A prevalência de anemia em ambos os grupos foi 8,8 por cento, não havendo diferença significante para a prevalência de ferropenia e para os valores de ferritina sérica. CONCLUSÕES: Pré-escolares do município com IDI baixo apresentam mais desnutrição, enquanto sobrepeso e obesidade são predominantes nos pré-escolares do município com IDI médio. Quanto às alterações dos níveis hematológicos e séricos de ferro, não há diferença entre os pré-escolares dos municípios estudados.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate nutritional status and iron hematological and serum levels of preschool children from cities with different child development indexes (CDI). METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled 34 preschool children aged between three to six years from two municipalities of Brazil: Laranjal, Paraná, with a low CDI, and Presidente Prudente, Sao Paulo, with a medium CDI. Children of both cities were matched by age and gender. The nutritional status was evaluated by Z score for weight/height and height/age. The biochemical evaluation included hemoglobin, hematocrit, seric iron and ferritin levels. The following tests were used for statistical analysis: t test, Mann-Whitney, chi-square and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: The weight, height and Z score of the anthropometric relationships were significantly lower in the group of Laranjal children. Anemia was present in 8.8 percent of the children studied in both cities, without significant differences in the prevalence of iron deficiency or in the ferritin levels. CONCLUSIONS: The preschool children from the city with low CDI presented mainly malnutrition, while overweight and obesity were more prevalent on preschool children from the city with a medium CDI. Hematimetric values, iron and ferritin levels were similar between the preschool children of both cities.

Contaminação de Telefones Públicosem Franca, São Paulo, Brasil / Contamination of payphones in Franca, São Paulo, Brazil

Este trabalho avaliou qualitativamente equantitativamente a contaminação de telefones públicospresentes em seis locais de grande fluxo de pessoas nacidade de Franca, SP. Material e Métodos: Amostras de 51aparelhos foram colhidas e processadas para contagem eidentificação de bactérias e fungos. Resultados: Bactérias(5 espécies) foram isoladas em todos os telefones, sendoque 91,2% deles com nível de contaminação acima de 2,0UFC/cm2; os fungos (18 espécies) foram isolados em 62,75% dosmesmos, também com contagens acima do limite comparado(2,0 UFC/cm2). Os locais cujos telefones apresentaram maiorcontaminação foram hospital, rodoviária e shopping.Conclusão: Conclui-se que os telefones públicos pesquisadosestão contaminados com microrganismos potencialmentepatogênicos, sendo possível, portanto, que haja infecçãodaqueles que os utilizam. Recomenda-se a desinfecçãoperiódica desses aparelhos...

This study evaluated quantitatively and qualitativelythe contamination in payphones located at six places ofintensive public traffic in the city of Franca, SP, Brazil.Material and Methods: Samples were taken from 51payphones and processed for counting and identification ofbacteria and fungi. Results: Five bacterial strains wereisolated in all phones, 91.2% of them with a contaminationlevel above 2.0 CFU/cm2. Eighteen fungi strains were isolatedin 62.75% of the phones, also with counting above thereference level (2.0 CFU/cm2). The places with the highestcontamination levels were the hospitals, bus stations andshopping malls. Conclusion: It may be concluded that thepayphones evaluated in this study are contaminated withpotentially pathogenic microorganisms and their users areprone to be infected by these pathogens. Periodic disinfectionof pay phones is advisable...

Gênese e redefinições do militantismo ambientalista no Brasil / The birth and redefinitions of environmental activism in Brazil / Genèse et redéfinitions du militantisme écologique au Brésil

This article examines the conditions under which environmental activism emerged and evolved in Brazil from 1970 e 2006. The idea was to introduce a conceptual discussion on the relations between "opportunity structures", "political processes", and "individual involvement" in the emergence of mobilizations and collective protests. The methodology consisted of biographical interviews with three different generations of activists, focusing on the meanings associated with the use of academic training in activism, the principal modalities of militant careers, and the types of resources and social ties that support the activists' concepts and practices. The research showed that the period under study constitutes a milestone for the emergence of new patterns for reconverting university and professional training into militant resources for action in the "environmental field".

Dans cet article, on examine les conditions du surgissement et des transformations du militantisme écologique au Brésil de 1970 à 2006. On cherche à discuter les concepts à partir des relations entre "structures d'opportunité", "processus politiques" et "engagement individuel" dans l'apparition de mobilisations et manifestations collectives. L'approche méthodologique se fait par des entretiens biographiques avec trois générations différentes d'activistes, afin d'examiner les significations associées à l'usage de la formation scolaire dans la militance, les principales modalités des carrières des militants et les types de moyens et de liens sociaux qui supportent les concepts et pratiques militantes des activistes. D'après la recherche, la période étudiée représente un point de surgissement de nouveaux modèles de transformation de la formation universitaire et professionnelle en ressources militantes pour agir dans "le domaine de l'environnement".

Estudo histológico, histométrico e histoquímico do rim da traira Hoplias malabaricus (Erithrinidae; Pisces) / Histological, histometrical and histochemical study of the kidney of the traira Hoplias malabaricus

Fragmentos de rim da traira Hoplias malabaricus foram estudados histológica, histométrica e histoquimicamente. O nefron consiste de túbulos contorcidos (TC) proximais e distais. O TC proximal mostra três segmentos distintos, aqui designados I, II e III. O TC distal, nitidamente distinto dos segmentos proximais, desemboca em ducto coletor, o qual se dirige para o centro do órgão, onde os ductos coletores acompanham a grande veia central. Mucossubstâncias neutras foram evidenciadas nos túbulos contorcidos e ducto coletor, enquanto que mucossubstâncias ácidas carboxiladas e sulfatadas foram detectadas nos TC distais e ductos coletores. Massas de tecido hemocitopoético e pigmentos ferruginosos são vistos no estroma do órgão