[First- and second-line hospital management of ophthalmologic emergencies: Clinical pathway study of 1360 patients]. / Prise en charge des urgences ophtalmologiques en premier et second recours hospitaliers : analyse du parcours de 1360 patients.

The general practitioner (GP) might offer a good alternative for the management of certain ophthalmologic emergencies in his or her practice, given the increasing demand for ophthalmological care and difficulties with access to ophthalmologists. The main objective of the study was to describe ophthalmological complaints and their management in general emergency departments compared to ophthalmological emergency departments in order to assess which pathologies can be treated by the GP. This was a single-center retrospective study at the University Hospital of Reims, based on consultation data from the general and ophthalmological emergency departments for all adult patients presenting for an ophthalmological problem in September 2019 and September 2020. Consultations where patients were brought back following a first emergency consultation and consultations for another non-ophthalmological reason were excluded. Out of 1360 consultations recorded, 16% of patients had initially consulted their GP. The 4 most frequent diagnoses were: "ocular trauma," "conjunctivitis," "eye pain" and "visual impairment." A prescription for medication was issued in 77% of cases, 37% of which were for antibiotics. Only 29% of consultations carried out in general emergency departments led to a request for a complementary ophthalmology consultation. The GP might therefore be able to manage certain ophthalmological emergencies in his or her practice as a first line and refer certain ophthalmologic emergencies. However, the training of GPs in this specialty must be reinforced in collaboration with ophthalmologists.

Eustigmatophyte strains with potential interest in cancer prevention and treatment: partial chemical characterization and evaluation of cytotoxic and antioxidant activity.

The interest in bioactive compounds from microalgae is increasing since they have medicinal and nutritional areas. The present work aims to evaluate the potential pharmaceutical interest of extracts from three eustigmatophyte strains from the Coimbra Collection of Algae (ACOI): Chlorobotrys gloeothece, Chlorobotrys regularis and Characiopsis aquilonaris. Antioxidant and antiproliferative activities were determined as well as chlorophyll a, carotenoid and phenolic total contents. In addition, major pigments and sterols were identified and quantified. The three strains were grown until the stationary phase and then the biomass was extracted. Antioxidant activity was measured by TEAC, DPPH and FRAP assays and antiproliferative effect was assessed by the MTT method on MCF-7, PC-3 and NHDF cells. The pigment and phenolic total contents were determined by spectrophotometry. Of these strains, C. aquilonaris showed the highest antioxidant activity measured by TEAC and FRAP assays (23.98 ± 0.01 µmol TE eq g-1 DW and 42.57 ± 0.04 µmol TE eq g-1 DW, respectively), a selective effect in reduting MCF-7 cells proliferation and a larger amount of chlorophyll a, carotenoids and phenolic content (18.40 ± 0.00 µg chlorophyll a mg-1 DW, 2.27 ± 0.00 mg carotenoids g-1 DW and 6.23 ± 0.01 mg GAE g-1 DW, respectively). A positive correlation between chlorophyll a and TEAC assay was observed, as well as between carotenoids and TEAC and FRAP assays, suggesting these compounds as important contributors to significant antioxidant activity. Violaxanthin, cholesterol and stigmasterol were present in larger amount in C. aquilonaris while C. regularis showed a higher amount of ß-carotene. These results suggest that these three ACOI eustigmatophytes are promising for applications in the improvement of human health, particularly in cancer prevention and treatment.

Relationship between superovulation and embryo production with ovarian follicular population before superovulatory treatment in Brazilian Bergamasca sheep / [Relação da resposta superovulatória e produção embrionária com a população folicular ovariana antes do tratamento superovulatório de ovelhas da raça Bergamácia Brasileira]

The objective of this study was to quantify the superovulatory response and embryo production of Brazilian Bergamasca sheep and to evaluate the link to the follicular condition before superovulatory treatment, as a reference for selection of donors with potential for superovulation. Follicular population of twenty-three sheep was evaluated by ultrasound during metestrus phase of the estrous cycle and divided into groups of low, medium and high follicular population. Subsequently, they were synchronized, superovulated with 133mg of pFSH, mated and subjected to embryo collection. The superovulatory response (9.0±3.3 vs 10.7±6.2 vs 13.8±7.1) and embryo production (4.0±3.8 vs 2.6±2.0 vs 1,8±4.0) were similar between groups (P>0.05). There was a positive correlation between the number of follicles during the metestrus phase and the number of corpus luteum with premature regression (PLR) (0.52) and a negative correlation between the recovery rate and PLR (-0.44) (P<0.05). The sheep that presented PLR had more follicles during metestrus (16.9±7.8 vs 12.7±3.2) and lower embryo recovery rate (38.8±29.3 vs 72.2±29.9) than those with functional CLs (P<0.05). Follicular quantification during metestrus phases was unable to identify donors with high embryo production. Animals with PLR had a larger follicular population during metestrus and lower embryo recovery rate.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi quantificar a resposta superovulatória e a produção embrionária de ovelhas Bergamácia Brasileira e relacioná-las com a condição folicular antes do tratamento superovulatório, como referência para seleção de doadoras com potencial para superovulação. Vinte e três ovelhas foram avaliadas quanto à população folicular por ultrassonografia na fase de metaestro do ciclo estral e divididas em grupos com baixa, média e alta população folicular. Posteriormente foram sincronizadas, superovuladas com 133mg de pFSH, acasaladas e submetidas à coleta de embriões. A resposta superovulatória (9,0±3,3 vs. 10,7±6,2 vs. 13,8±7,1) e a produção embrionária (4,0±3,8 vs. 2,6±2,0 vs. 1,8±4,0) foram semelhantes entre os grupos (P>0,05). Houve correlação positiva entre o número de folículos no metaestro e o número de corpos lúteos com regressão prematura (RPCL) (0,52) e correlação negativa entre a taxa de recuperação e RPCL (-0,44) (P <0,05). As ovelhas que apresentaram RPCL tiveram mais folículos no metaestro (16,9±7,8 vs. 12,7±3,2) e menor taxa de recuperação embrionária (38,8±29,3 vs. 72,2±29,9) do que as que apresentaram CLs funcionais (P<0,05). A quantificação folicular nas fases de metaestro não foi capaz de identificar doadoras com alto potencial de produção embrionária. Animais com RPCL tiveram maior população folicular no metaestro e menor recuperação de embriões.(AU)

Depression and anxiety disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis: association with neurodegeneration and neurofilaments.

There is increasing evidence that neurofilament light chain (NF-L) can be considered as a biomarker for neuro-axonal damage. This polypeptide can be released into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the blood, where it can be quantified. The concentration of NF-L is elevated in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and psychiatric disorders. We aimed to investigate the NF-L levels in the CSF from treated MS patients and the relationship with depression or anxiety. The study involved three groups: control group (individuals without inflammation), the relapse-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS)-untreated group, and the RRMS-Fingo group (RRMS patients who were treated with fingolimod). MS disability was assessed by the Expanded Disability Status Scale, and depression and anxiety were evaluated by a neuropsychologist, using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory-II, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Individual CSF samples were collected to measure NF-L levels. The results of the statistical analysis on levels of NF-L in the CSF of control subjects, RRMS-untreated patients, and RRMS-Fingo patients were significant. The relationship between depression and anxiety in RRMS-Fingo patients and NF-L levels was not statistically significant. In conclusion, MS events such as anxiety and depression appear to contribute to the onset of clinical relapses, subclinical cases, and neurodegeneration.

Depression and anxiety disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis: association with neurodegeneration and neurofilaments

There is increasing evidence that neurofilament light chain (NF-L) can be considered as a biomarker for neuro-axonal damage. This polypeptide can be released into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the blood, where it can be quantified. The concentration of NF-L is elevated in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and psychiatric disorders. We aimed to investigate the NF-L levels in the CSF from treated MS patients and the relationship with depression or anxiety. The study involved three groups: control group (individuals without inflammation), the relapse-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS)-untreated group, and the RRMS-Fingo group (RRMS patients who were treated with fingolimod). MS disability was assessed by the Expanded Disability Status Scale, and depression and anxiety were evaluated by a neuropsychologist, using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory-II, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Individual CSF samples were collected to measure NF-L levels. The results of the statistical analysis on levels of NF-L in the CSF of control subjects, RRMS-untreated patients, and RRMS-Fingo patients were significant. The relationship between depression and anxiety in RRMS-Fingo patients and NF-L levels was not statistically significant. In conclusion, MS events such as anxiety and depression appear to contribute to the onset of clinical relapses, subclinical cases, and neurodegeneration.

[A cross-sectional study of the impact of educational information on topical photoprotection habits in medical students]. / Estudio transversal sobre la repercusión de la información educativa en los hábitos de fotoprotección tópica en estudiantes de medicina.

OBJECTIVES: Skin cancer (melanoma and non-melanoma) is the most common cancer in humans, with melanoma being the most aggressive. Due to the fact that ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure is the only adjustable aetiological factor, UV protection is the essential preventive measure. Based on these grounds, a study was conducted in order to compare three population groups with different levels of knowledge about UV protection, as well as to determine any differences in sun exposure habits, and the level of awareness of the damaging effects of the sun on the skin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire survey of 317 Spanish university students aged 18-25years old, between October and December 2015. Descriptive statistics methods and Pearson's Chi-squared were used. RESULTS: Six questions were used to evaluate the sun exposure habits. Significant differences were detected in two of them: mole self-assessment (P<.001) and the use of an appropriate sun protection factor (P=.025). Five questions were asked concerning the level of knowledge about UV protection, with differences (P<.001) being found in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Despite having more knowledge about the risks of sun exposure in the medical dermatology students group, only two of the six habits questioned were improved. Other factors that could be involved are the aesthetic or sociocultural factors. The early prevention of skin cancer is essential, with health promotion programs needing to be established that take into account all these conditions.

Multiple correspondence analysis as a strategy to explore the association between categories of qualitative variables related to oral-maxillofacial trauma and violent crimes at the community level.

The main objective of this study was to show the applicability of multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) in the detection and representation of underlying structures in large datasets used to investigate oral-maxillofacial lesions. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving the analysis of the medical-forensic and social records of 992 people who experienced oral-maxillofacial trauma resulting from non-fatal violent crimes that occurred in the community. Based on the MCA results, two distinct victim profiles were identified. The first profile was characterized by adult men, victims of instruments of violence (such as firearms, knives, or mixed aggression), resulting in severe trauma, mainly affecting the upper or middle third of the face. The second profile was characterized by adolescent and young adult women, victims of aggression using physical force, resulting in soft tissue traumas, mainly affecting the lower third of the face or more than one region at the same time. MCA has been demonstrated to be a powerful tool for exploring complex data related to oral-maxillofacial trauma, showing whether there is a relationship and how variables are related. This multivariate method can also be very valuable in the study of several outcomes in oral and maxillofacial surgery and supporting specialties.

Bloqueio do plexo braquial em um tamanduá-mirim (Tamandua tetradactyla) utilizando estimulador de nervos periféricos: relato de caso / Brachial plexus block in a tamanduá-mirim (Tamandua tetradactyla) using a peripheral nerve stimulator: Case report

Objetivou-se relatar a utilização do neurolocalizador para bloqueio do plexo braquial bilateral em tamanduá-mirim (Tamandua tetradactyla). O animal, pesando 5kg, atendido pelo Centro de Reabilitação de Animais Silvestres, foi encaminhado ao Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul para realização de exames complementares, sendo, posteriormente, encaminhado para cirurgia de osteossíntese de úmero e rádio/ulna esquerdo e colocação de fio de cerclagem em olécrano direito. O paciente foi pré-medicado com cetamina S (5mg/kg) + midazolam (0,15mg/kg), indução anestésica com propofol (5mg/kg) e manutenção anestésica com isoflurano, com o auxílio de máscara. Os parâmetros cardiovasculares e respiratórios foram monitorados durante todo o procedimento. Realizou-se o bloqueio do plexo braquial em ambos os membros utilizando-se estimulador de nervos periféricos. Os anestésicos locais empregados foram lidocaína 2% sem vasoconstritor (3mg/kg) + ropivacaína 0,75% sem vasoconstritor (1mg/kg). O bloqueio foi realizado primeiramente no membro torácico direito, e, após realização do procedimento cirúrgico, o mesmo bloqueio foi realizado no membro contralateral. O paciente teve recuperação tranquila ausente de vocalização e expressão álgica, e a soltura ocorreu após 120 dias.(AU)

The aim of this study was to report the use of the neurolocalizer for blocking the bilateral brachial plexus in tamanduá-mirin. The subject weighing 5kg was attended by the Center for the Rehabilitation of Wild Animals and referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul for complementary tests. Through the examinations, the need to perform humerus and left radius/ulna osteosynthesis and cerclagem placement on right olecranon was established. For surgery performance, the patient was pre-medicated with ketamine S (5mg/kg-1) associated to midazolam (0.15mg/kg-1) via intramuscular and intravenous propofol (5mg/kg-1) was used for induction. The anesthetic maintenance was performed with isoflurane, provided by an oxygen mask. Cardiovascular and respiratory parameters were monitored throughout the procedure. Brachial plexus block was performed in both limbs using peripheral nerve stimulator. The local anesthetics used were lidocaine without vasoconstrictor (3mg/kg-1) plus 0.75% ropivacaine without vasoconstrictor (1mg/kg-1). Blocking was first performed on the right thoracic limb followed by the surgical procedure. The same blockage was performed on the contralateral limb. The patient had a smooth recovery, without vocalization and pain. The release to its natural habitat occurred after 120 days.(AU)

Identification of SNP c. -22G>A in the melanophilin gene from a dog with color dilution alopecia: case report / Identificação do SNP c. -22G>A no gene da melanophilina em um cão com alopecia por diluição da cor: relato de caso

Mutant color alopecia is an ectodermical defection of color dilution, characterized by partial alopecia, dry, shine-less hair, and peeling and papule. Melanization damages also occur on the cortical structure of the affected hair. The animals affected have big melanin grains with irregular shape on the basal keratinocytes, also on the hair matrix cells and rod. Therefore, there is not a specific treatment that makes any difference on the syndrome evolution. Although in some animals, it is possible to use weekly showers with benzyl peroxide to reduce seborrhea formation and secondary infections. There is evidence that the condition in dogs is caused by a single nucleotide polymorphism in the gene encoding the melanophilin protein. In the present study the identification of the SNP c.-22G>A in the melanophilin gene of a Dachshund breed dog with clinical and histopathologic evidence of color dilution alopecia is reported.(AU)

Alopecia por diluição da cor é um defeito ectodérmico caracterizado por alopecia parcial, pelagem seca e sem brilho, escamação e pápulas em áreas com defeitos na melanização e na estrutura cortical dos pelos. Os animais acometidos têm grânulos de melanina grandes e com formato irregular nos ceratinócitos basais, nas células da matriz dos pelos e nas hastes pilosas. Não existe tratamento específico que altere a evolução da síndrome, mas, em alguns animais, podem ser benéficos banhos semanais com xampu de peróxido de benzoíla, para reduzir a formação de seborreia e infecções secundárias. Há evidências de que a condição em cães é causada por uma mutação de ponto no gene que codifica a proteína melanophilina. No presente estudo, é relatada a identificação da mutação SNP c.-22G>A no gene da melanophilina em um cão da raça Dachshund com evidências clínicas e histopatológicas de alopecia por diluição da cor.(AU)

Self-declared ethnicity and genomic ancestry in prostate cancer patients from Brazil.

Some studies of polymorphisms in prostate cancer (PCa) analyze individuals in a uniform manner, regardless of genetic ancestry. However, PCa aggressiveness differs between subjects of African descent and those of European extraction. Thus, genetic ancestry analysis may be used to detect population stratification in case-control association studies. We genotyped 11 ancestry informative markers to estimate the contributions of African, European, and Amerindian ancestries in a case-control sample of 213 individuals from Bahia State, Northeast Brazil, including 104 PCa patients. We compared this data with self-reported ancestry and the stratification of cases by PCa aggressiveness according to Gleason score. A larger African genetic contribution (44%) was detected among cases, and a greater European contribution (61%) among controls. Self-declaration data revealed that 74% of PCa patients considered themselves non-white (black and brown), and 41.3% of controls viewed themselves as white. Our data showed a higher degree of European ancestry among fast-growing cancer cases than those of intermediate and slow development. This differs from many previous studies, in which the prevalence of African ancestry has been reported for all grades. Differences were observed between degrees of PCa aggressiveness in terms of genetic ancestry. In particular, the greater European contribution among patients with high-grade PCa indicates that a population's genetic structure can influence case-control studies. This investigation contributes to our understanding of the genetic basis of tumor aggressiveness among groups of different genetic ancestries, especially admixed populations, and has significant implications for the assessment of inter-population heterogeneity in drug treatment effects.

Assessment of the mean glandular dose using LiF:Mg,Ti, LiF:Mg,Cu,P, Li2B4O7:Mn and Li2B4O7:Cu TL detectors in mammography radiation fields.

The aim of this paper is the characterization of four thermoluminescence detectors (TLD), namely, LiF:Mg,Ti, LiF:Mg,Cu,P, Li2B4O7:Mn and Li2B4O7:Cu for the measurement of the entrance surface air kerma (ESAK) and estimation of the mean glandular dose (MGD) in digital mammography examinations at hospitals and clinics. Low-energy x-ray beams in the typical energy ranges of mammography, produced with a tungsten target and additional 60 µm molybdenum filtration were implemented and characterized at the Laboratory of Metrology of Ionizing Radiation at Instituto Superior Técnico. These beams were used for the characterization of the TLDs in terms of sensitivity, linearity, reproducibility, energy dependence and fading at 40 °C. The energy dependence test was further extended using clinical beams produced by mammography units at hospitals and clinics. The method proposed by the International Atomic Energy Agency was used for the measurement of ESAK and assessment of MGD. The combined standard uncertainty for the measurement of ESAK (and MGD) was determined in accordance to the Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement. The x-ray beams generated in the 23-40 kVp range presented HVL values from 0.36 to 0.46 mm Al. The beam produced at 28 kVp (HVL 0.39 mm Al) was considered as reference. The radiation field defined a circle with 84 mm diameter with a maximum variation of the beam intensity of less than 1% at the top flat (plateau) within 4 cm of the central axis. The estimated total uncertainty for the measurement of air kerma was 0.42%. All the TL detectors tested showed good performance except the commercial Li2B4O7:Mn (or TLD-800) which was excluded due to its poor sensitivity in our experimental set up. Both lithium fluorides showed better linearity and reproducibility as well as lower energy dependence and fading when compared to lithium borates. The stable behaviour of LiF:Mg,Ti and LiF:Mg,Cu,P detectors is reflected in the low combined standard uncertainty of ±5.6% and ±4.3% respectively (or ±5.1% and ±3.6% if fading is neglected). In general a total combined uncertainty lower than ±10% for the measurement of ESAK was obtained for the four TL materials studied.

First report of a de novo mutation at SLC20A2 in a patient with brain calcification.

Primary familial brain calcification (PFBC) is identified by mineralization of the basal ganglia and other brain regions in the absence of known causes. The condition is often inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern and can manifest itself clinically with neuropsychiatric symptoms such as Parkinsonism, headaches, psychosis, and mood swings. Mutations in the SLC20A2 gene account for ~40% of inherited cases, and this gene encodes an inorganic phosphate transporter (PiT-2), a transmembrane protein associated with Pi homeostasis. The p.Y386X mutation in SLC20A2 was identified in a patient who presented migraines, brain calcification, and mild but chronic hypovitaminosis D. SLC20A2 c.1158C > G single-nucleotide heterozygous mutation results in a premature stop codon and a putative truncated protein of 385 amino acids. Proband parents do not present the mutation, which is also not present in major public SNP databases, suggesting a de novo sporadic trait. This study describes for the first time a de novo SLC20A2 mutation in a PFBC patient with migraine and mild hypovitaminosis D. This data further reinforces the pathogenic role of SLC20A2 mutations as causal factors in PFBC physiopathology.

Neutrophils have a protective role during early stages of Leishmania amazonensis infection in BALB/c mice.

Neutrophils are involved in the early stages of immune responses to pathogens. Here, we investigated the role of neutrophils during the establishment of Leishmania amazonensis infection in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. First, we showed an accumulation of neutrophils between 6 and 24 h post-infection, followed by a reduction in neutrophil numbers after 72 h. Next, we depleted neutrophils prior to infection using RB6-8C5 or 1A8 mAb. Neutrophil depletion led to faster lesion development, increased parasite numbers and higher arginase activity during the first week of infection in BALB/c mice, but not in C57BL/6 mice. Increased susceptibility was accompanied by augmented levels of anti-L. amazonensis IgG and increased production of IL-10 and IL-17. Because IL-10 is a mediator of susceptibility to Leishmania infection, we blocked IL-10 signalling in neutrophil-depleted mice using anti-IL-10R. Interestingly, inhibition of IL-10 signalling abrogated the increase in parasite loads observed in neutrophil-depleted mice, suggesting that parasite proliferation is at least partially mediated by IL-10. Additionally, we tested the effect of IL-17 in inflammatory macrophages and observed that IL-17 increased arginase activity and favoured parasite growth. Taken together, our data indicate that neutrophils control parasite numbers and limit lesion development during the first week of infection in BALB/c mice.

Pharmacokinetic assessment of sufentanil in cardiac surgery.

Plasma monitoring and pharmacokinetic assessment are important tools used in therapeutic control. Sufentanil is responsible for the hemodynamic stabilization of patients, providing better suppression of the neuroendocrine response compared to its analogue fentanyl. This study aims to use the plasma monitoring of sufentanil in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation (ECC, group 1) or without ECC (group 2) to assess the pharmacokinetics of the compound.The 42 patients in this study received 0.5 µg/kg of sufentanil through bolus injection followed by a maintenance infusion of 0.5 µg/kg.h. Serial blood samples were collected during the post induction intraoperative period and during the postoperative period until 36 h after sufentanil administration. The plasma concentrations were determined by a validated method utilizing liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The pharmacokinetic modeling was performed using a 3-compartment model fit.The surgical patients included in the protocol were adults of both genders, with 30 patients in the ECC group and 12 in the group without ECC. The plasma concentrations obtained were significantly different between the 2 groups. During the extracorporeal circulation procedure, intense fluctuations were observed in the sufentanil plasma concentrations. Compared with the results of group 2, the ECC procedure reduced the terminal or gamma half-life from 36.35 ± 6.37 h to 23.25 ± 2.75 h in group 1. In addition, the ECC procedure promoted higher fluctuations in the sufentanil plasma concentrations without causing alterations in the area under the curve, distribution volume, clearance or the distributional (alpha) and rapid elimination (beta) half-lives (t1/2α and t1/2ß, respectively).

Cellulitis lesions in broiler chickens are induced by Escherichia coli Vacuolating Factor (ECVF).

Escherichia coli Vacuolating Factor (ECVF) is a heat-labile, vacuolating cytotoxin produced by avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) isolated from avian cellulitis lesions. In this report, we intend to demonstrate that purified ECVF induces the inflammatory process of cellulitis. Our group is the first to demonstrate the effect of ECVF in a histological analysis by in situ inoculation of broiler chickens with purified ECVF. The animals were inoculated with the APEC AC53 and with purified ECVF subcutaneously on their ventral surface (in the sternum region). The histological analysis showed different grades of an acute inflammatory response in the epidermis, dermis and panniculus. An increase in mRNA expression of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α was also demonstrated in the inflamed tissue. When ECVF was systemically administered, increased levels of TNF-α and IL-10 were observed in the serum. These results suggest that ECVF plays a key role in the inflammatory process associated with cellulitis that is mainly mediated by TNF-α. In addition, this inflammation can be downregulated by the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.

Parasitism of gallus gallus (linnaeus, 1758) by species of phthiraptera on free-range chickens in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil / Parasitismo de Gallus Gallus (Linnaeus, 1758) por espécies de Phthiraptera em criações coloniais na região sul do Rio Grande Do Sul, Brasil

This study was conducted in order to identify the species of biting lice (order Phthiraptera: Amblycera suborders and Ischnocera) that infest free-range chickens in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Fifty adult females from 10 farms located in 5 different municipalities were examined for ectoparasites. The chickens were euthanized and then washed with water and detergent for the collection of ectoparasites by filtration using a 150-µm mesh sieve, then separated into pellet and supernatant, which were preserved in ethanol 70% for the screening procedures and identification. A total of 19,437 lice were examined, presenting the following breakdown by species: Menopon gallinae (85.9%), Goniodes dissimilis (6.1%), Lipeurus caponis (3.0%), Goniocotes gallinae (2.5%), Menacanthus pallidus (2.1%) and Menacanthhus stramineus (0.1%). It was found that all the chickens examined were parasitized by one or more species of Phthiraptera, the multiple and moderate level of infestation (101 to 1,000 lice/chicken) being the most frequent. M. gallinae was the most frequent and abundant species (100% of the chickens parasitized and an average of 334.1 lice/chicken). The degree of infestation of chickens varied among the farms, averaging 41.2 to 680 lice/chicken.

Este estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de conhecer os piolhos (ordem Phthiraptera: Subordens Amblycera e Ischnocera) infestantes de galinhas de criações coloniais no Sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Cinquenta fêmeas adultas foram examinadas, de 10 propriedades rurais localizadas em 5 diferentes municípios. As aves foram eutanasiadas e posteriormente lavadas com água e detergente para coleta dos ectoparasitos através de filtragem por passagem em tamis com malha de 150 µm, separando-se em sedimento e sobrenadante, os quais foram preservados em etanol 70% até os processos de triagem e identificação. Cerca de 19.437 piolhos foram examinados e apresentaram a seguinte composição específica: os resultados indicam que a fauna de Phthiraptera em galinhas caipiras na região é composta por: Menopon gallinae (85,9%), Goniodes dissimilis (6,1%), Lipeurus caponis (3,0%), Goniocotes gallinae (2,5%), Menacanthus pallidus (2,1%) e Menacanthus stramineus (0,1%). Constatou-se que todas as aves examinadas estavam parasitadas por uma ou mais espécies de Phthiraptera, com predomínio de infestações múltiplas e moderadas (101 a 1.000 piolhos/ave). M. gallinae é a espécie mais prevalente e abundante (100% das aves parasitadas e média de 334,1 espécimes/ave). O grau de infestação das aves variou entre as propriedades, com médias de 41,2 a 680 piolhos/ave.

Preliminary assessment of the dose to the interventional radiologist in fluoro-CT-guided procedures.

A preliminary assessment of the occupational dose to the intervention radiologist received in fluoroscopy computerised tomography (CT) used to guide the collection of lung and bone biopsies is presented. The main aim of this work was to evaluate the capability of the reading system as well as of the available whole-body (WB) and extremity dosemeters used in routine monthly monitoring periods to measure per procedure dose values. The intervention radiologist was allocated 10 WB detectors (LiF: Mg, Ti, TLD-100) placed at chest and abdomen levels above and below the lead apron, and at both right and left arms, knees and feet. A special glove was developed with casings for the insertion of 11 extremity detectors (LiF:Mg, Cu, P, TLD-100H) for the identification of the most highly exposed fingers. The H(p)(10) dose values received above the lead apron (ranged 0.20-0.02 mSv) depend mainly on the duration of the examination and on the placement of physician relative to the beam, while values below the apron are relatively low. The left arm seems to receive a higher dose value. H(p)(0.07) values to the hand (ranged 36.30-0.06 mSv) show that the index, middle and ring fingers are the most highly exposed. In this study, the wrist dose was negligible compared with the finger dose. These results are preliminary and further studies are needed to better characterise the dose assessment in CT fluoroscopy.

Lactobacillus delbrueckii UFV-H2b20 induces type 1 cytokine production by mouse cells in vitro and in vivo

Lactobacillus delbrueckii UFV-H2b20 has been shown to increase clearance of bacteria injected into the blood of germ-free mice. Moreover, it induces the production of type 1 cytokines by human peripheral mononuclear cells. The objective of the present study was to investigate the production of inflammatory cytokines [interleukin-12 (IL-12 p40), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)] triggered in vitro by live, heat-killed or lysozyme-treated L. delbrueckii UFV-H2b20 and in vivo by a live preparation. Germ-free, L. delbrueckii-monoassociated and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-resistant C3H/HeJ mice were used as experimental models. UFV-H2b20 induced the production of IL-12 p40 and TNF-α by peritoneal cells and IFN-γ by spleen cells from germ-free or monoassociated Swiss/NIH mice and LPS-hyporesponsive mice (around 40 ng/mL for IL-12 p40, 200 pg/mL for TNF-α and 10 ng/mL for IFN-γ). Heat treatment of L. delbrueckii did not affect the production of these cytokines. Lysozyme treatment decreased IL-12 p40 production by peritoneal cells from C3H/HeJ mice, but did not affect TNF-α production by these cells or IFN-γ production by spleen cells from the same mouse strain. TNF-α production by peritoneal cells from Swiss/NIH L. delbrueckii-monoassociated mice was inhibited by lysozyme treatment. When testing IL-12 p40 and IFN-γ levels in sera from germ-free or monoassociated Swiss/NIH mice systemically challenged with Escherichia coli we observed that IL-12 p40 was produced at marginally higher levels by monoassociated mice than by germ-free mice (40 vs 60 ng/mL), but IFN-γ was produced earlier and at higher levels by monoassociated mice (monoassociated 4 and 14 ng/mL 4 and 8 h after infection, germfree 0 and 7.5 ng/mL at the same times). These results show that L. delbrueckii UFV-H2b20 stimulates the production of type 1 cytokines in vitro and in vivo, therefore suggesting...

The immunomodulator glatiramer acetate influences spinal motoneuron plasticity during the course of multiple sclerosis in an animal model.

The immunomodulador glatiramer acetate (GA) has been shown to significantly reduce the severity of symptoms during the course of multiple sclerosis and in its animal model--experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Since GA may influence the response of non-neuronal cells in the spinal cord, it is possible that, to some extent, this drug affects the synaptic changes induced during the exacerbation of EAE. In the present study, we investigated whether GA has a positive influence on the loss of inputs to the motoneurons during the course of EAE in rats. Lewis rats were subjected to EAE associated with GA or placebo treatment. The animals were sacrificed after 15 days of treatment and the spinal cords processed for immunohistochemical analysis and transmission electron microscopy. A correlation between the synaptic changes and glial activation was obtained by performing labeling of synaptophysin and glial fibrillary acidic protein using immunohistochemical analysis. Ultrastructural analysis of the terminals apposed to alpha motoneurons was also performed by electron transmission microscopy. Interestingly, although the GA treatment preserved synaptophysin labeling, it did not significantly reduce the glial reaction, indicating that inflammatory activity was still present. Also, ultrastructural analysis showed that GA treatment significantly prevented retraction of both F and S type terminals compared to placebo. The present results indicate that the immunomodulator GA has an influence on the stability of nerve terminals in the spinal cord, which in turn may contribute to its neuroprotective effects during the course of multiple sclerosis.