Monitoring the feeding and parental care behavior of a pair of free-living owls (Tyto furcata) in the nest during the reproductive period in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract The American Barn Owl (Tyto furcata) lives in urban, periurban and wild environments and feeds mainly on small rodents, meaning it has great importance in the biological control of pests. The aim of this work was to describe the reproductive, parental and eating habits of a pair of American barn owls naturally living outside a residence in the urban area of the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. A wood box was installed on an outside wall of the home, monitored by a video camera. A spreadsheet was created to keep track of the observations recorded. The female laid four eggs, and after an incubation period of 30-32 days all the eggs hatched, but only two chicks survived after cannibalism among the chicks. Initially, the male provided the food to the chicks and the female remained in the nest caring for the brood. After approximately a month, the female also began to leave the nest and return with prey, which was offered to the chicks, with the male also continuing this behavior. The chicks left the nest in September, 2017. The data obtained show the existence of cooperation and division of tasks between male and female owls during the reproductive period.

Resumo A coruja-das-torres americana (Tyto furcata) vive em ambientes urbanos e se alimenta principalmente de pequenos roedores, sendo de grande importância no controle biológico de pragas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever os hábitos alimentares, parentais e reprodutivos de um casal de corujas-das-torres americanas, naturalmente vivendo fora de uma residência na zona urbana do município de Campos dos Goytacazes, estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Uma caixa de madeira foi instalada em uma parede externa da casa, monitorada por uma câmera de vídeo. Uma planilha foi criada para manter o controle das observações registradas. A fêmea pôs quatro ovos, e após período de incubação de 30-32 dias todos os ovos eclodiram, mas apenas dois filhotes sobreviveram após o canibalismo entre os filhotes. Inicialmente, o macho fornecia a comida aos filhotes e a fêmea permanecia no ninho cuidando da ninhada. Depois de cerca de um mês, a fêmea também começou a sair do ninho e voltar com a presa, que era oferecida aos filhotes, com o macho também continuando com esse comportamento. Os filhotes deixaram o ninho em setembro de 2017. Os dados obtidos mostram a existência de cooperação e divisão de tarefas entre corujas machos e fêmeas durante o período reprodutivo.

Monitoring the feeding and parental care behavior of a pair of free-living owls (Tyto furcata) in the nest during the reproductive period in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Monitoramento do comportamento alimentar e cuidado parental de um casal de corujas de vida livre (Tyto furcata) no ninho durante o período reprodutivo no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Abstract The American Barn Owl (Tyto furcata) lives in urban, periurban and wild environments and feeds mainly on small rodents, meaning it has great importance in the biological control of pests. The aim of this work was to describe the reproductive, parental and eating habits of a pair of American barn owls naturally living outside a residence in the urban area of the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. A wood box was installed on an outside wall of the home, monitored by a video camera. A spreadsheet was created to keep track of the observations recorded. The female laid four eggs, and after an incubation period of 30-32 days all the eggs hatched, but only two chicks survived after cannibalism among the chicks. Initially, the male provided the food to the chicks and the female remained in the nest caring for the brood. After approximately a month, the female also began to leave the nest and return with prey, which was offered to the chicks, with the male also continuing this behavior. The chicks left the nest in September, 2017. The data obtained show the existence of cooperation and division of tasks between male and female owls during the reproductive period.

Resumo A coruja-das-torres americana (Tyto furcata) vive em ambientes urbanos e se alimenta principalmente de pequenos roedores, sendo de grande importância no controle biológico de pragas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever os hábitos alimentares, parentais e reprodutivos de um casal de corujas-das-torres americanas, naturalmente vivendo fora de uma residência na zona urbana do município de Campos dos Goytacazes, estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Uma caixa de madeira foi instalada em uma parede externa da casa, monitorada por uma câmera de vídeo. Uma planilha foi criada para manter o controle das observações registradas. A fêmea pôs quatro ovos, e após período de incubação de 30-32 dias todos os ovos eclodiram, mas apenas dois filhotes sobreviveram após o canibalismo entre os filhotes. Inicialmente, o macho fornecia a comida aos filhotes e a fêmea permanecia no ninho cuidando da ninhada. Depois de cerca de um mês, a fêmea também começou a sair do ninho e voltar com a presa, que era oferecida aos filhotes, com o macho também continuando com esse comportamento. Os filhotes deixaram o ninho em setembro de 2017. Os dados obtidos mostram a existência de cooperação e divisão de tarefas entre corujas machos e fêmeas durante o período reprodutivo.

Small mammals in the diet of Barn Owls (Tyto furcata) in an urban area in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, with a new record of the dwarf mouse opossum (Cryptonanus) / Pequenos mamíferos na dieta da coruja-suindara (Tyto furcata) em uma região urbana do estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, com um novo registro da catita do gênero Cryptonanus

Several studies emphasize the use of owl pellets in small mammal inventories in natural areas harboring high richness of rare species, but few Brazilian Atlantic forest localities have been surveyed by this method. The present study documents the species composition and abundance of small mammals in the diet of Tyto furcata in an urban area of the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, remarking on a new record of the dwarf mouse opossum genus Cryptonanus in the Atlantic forest. We analyzed 265 pellets regurgitated by a pair of T. furcata from November 2016 to September 2017 found in a nesting box. Analysis of the samples enabled finding a total of 596 individuals of four small mammal species. Mus musculus was predominant among the prey items (98.3%), while the native rodents Necromys lasiurus (1.3%) and Holochilus brasiliensis (0,17%) were much rarer. A single specimen of Cryptonanus sp. was identified among the diet items based on distinctive dental characters. The identification of this genus in the present study represents the second record in the state of Rio de Janeiro, and the sixth in the Atlantic Forest biome, suggesting that this marsupial occupies a wider ecological and biogeographic range. The present study underscores the relevance of owl pellets for small mammal surveys, even in urban and highly disturbed areas.

Vários estudos enfatizam o uso de pelotas de coruja em inventários de pequenos mamíferos em áreas naturais com elevada riqueza de espécies raras, mas poucas localidades da Mata Atlântica brasileira têm sido inventariadas por esse método. O presente estudo documenta a composição de espécies e abundância de pequenos mamíferos na dieta de Tyto furcata em uma área urbana do município de Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, discutindo a relevância de um novo registro de um raro marsupial do gênero Cryptonanus na Mata Atlântica. Foram analisadas 265 pelotas regurgitadas por um casal de T. furcata entre novembro de 2016 e setembro de 2017, encontradas abaixo de uma caixa de nidificação. A análise das amostras permitiu encontrar o total de 596 indivíduos de quatro espécies pequenas de mamíferos. O roedor exótico Mus musculus foi predominante entre os itens alimentares (98,3%), enquanto os roedores nativos Necromys lasiurus (1,3%) e Holochilus brasiliensis (0,17%) foram bem mais raros. Um único espécime de Cryptonanus sp. foi identificado entre os itens com base em caracteres dentários. A identificação desse gênero no presente estudo representa o segundo registro no estado do Rio de Janeiro e o sexto no bioma Mata Atlântica, sugerindo que este marsupial ocupa uma ampla faixa ecológica e biogeográfica. O presente estudo destaca a relevância dos pellets de coruja para pesquisas com pequenos mamíferos, mesmo em áreas urbanas e altamente perturbadas.

Small mammals in the diet of Barn Owls (Tyto furcata) in an urban area in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, with a new record of the dwarf mouse opossum (Cryptonanus)

Abstract Several studies emphasize the use of owl pellets in small mammal inventories in natural areas harboring high richness of rare species, but few Brazilian Atlantic forest localities have been surveyed by this method. The present study documents the species composition and abundance of small mammals in the diet of Tyto furcata in an urban area of the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, remarking on a new record of the dwarf mouse opossum genus Cryptonanus in the Atlantic forest. We analyzed 265 pellets regurgitated by a pair of T. furcata from November 2016 to September 2017 found in a nesting box. Analysis of the samples enabled finding a total of 596 individuals of four small mammal species. Mus musculus was predominant among the prey items (98.3%), while the native rodents Necromys lasiurus (1.3%) and Holochilus brasiliensis (0,17%) were much rarer. A single specimen of Cryptonanus sp. was identified among the diet items based on distinctive dental characters. The identification of this genus in the present study represents the second record in the state of Rio de Janeiro, and the sixth in the Atlantic Forest biome, suggesting that this marsupial occupies a wider ecological and biogeographic range. The present study underscores the relevance of owl pellets for small mammal surveys, even in urban and highly disturbed areas.

Resumo Vários estudos enfatizam o uso de pelotas de coruja em inventários de pequenos mamíferos em áreas naturais com elevada riqueza de espécies raras, mas poucas localidades da Mata Atlântica brasileira têm sido inventariadas por esse método. O presente estudo documenta a composição de espécies e abundância de pequenos mamíferos na dieta de Tyto furcata em uma área urbana do município de Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, discutindo a relevância de um novo registro de um raro marsupial do gênero Cryptonanus na Mata Atlântica. Foram analisadas 265 pelotas regurgitadas por um casal de T. furcata entre novembro de 2016 e setembro de 2017, encontradas abaixo de uma caixa de nidificação. A análise das amostras permitiu encontrar o total de 596 indivíduos de quatro espécies pequenas de mamíferos. O roedor exótico Mus musculus foi predominante entre os itens alimentares (98,3%), enquanto os roedores nativos Necromys lasiurus (1,3%) e Holochilus brasiliensis (0,17%) foram bem mais raros. Um único espécime de Cryptonanus sp. foi identificado entre os itens com base em caracteres dentários. A identificação desse gênero no presente estudo representa o segundo registro no estado do Rio de Janeiro e o sexto no bioma Mata Atlântica, sugerindo que este marsupial ocupa uma ampla faixa ecológica e biogeográfica. O presente estudo destaca a relevância dos pellets de coruja para pesquisas com pequenos mamíferos, mesmo em áreas urbanas e altamente perturbadas.

Small mammals in the diet of Barn Owls (Tyto furcata) in an urban area in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, with a new record of the dwarf mouse opossum (Cryptonanus) / Pequenos mamíferos na dieta da coruja-suindara (Tyto furcata) em uma região urbana do estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, com um novo registro da catita do gênero Cryptonanus

Several studies emphasize the use of owl pellets in small mammal inventories in natural areas harboring high richness of rare species, but few Brazilian Atlantic forest localities have been surveyed by this method. The present study documents the species composition and abundance of small mammals in the diet of Tyto furcata in an urban area of the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, remarking on a new record of the dwarf mouse opossum genus Cryptonanus in the Atlantic forest. We analyzed 265 pellets regurgitated by a pair of T. furcata from November 2016 to September 2017 found in a nesting box. Analysis of the samples enabled finding a total of 596 individuals of four small mammal species. Mus musculus was predominant among the prey items (98.3%), while the native rodents Necromys lasiurus (1.3%) and Holochilus brasiliensis (0,17%) were much rarer. A single specimen of Cryptonanus sp. was identified among the diet items based on distinctive dental characters. The identification of this genus in the present study represents the second record in the state of Rio de Janeiro, and the sixth in the Atlantic Forest biome, suggesting that this marsupial occupies a wider ecological and biogeographic range. The present study underscores the relevance of owl pellets for small mammal surveys, even in urban and highly disturbed areas.

Vários estudos enfatizam o uso de pelotas de coruja em inventários de pequenos mamíferos em áreas naturais com elevada riqueza de espécies raras, mas poucas localidades da Mata Atlântica brasileira têm sido inventariadas por esse método. O presente estudo documenta a composição de espécies e abundância de pequenos mamíferos na dieta de Tyto furcata em uma área urbana do município de Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, discutindo a relevância de um novo registro de um raro marsupial do gênero Cryptonanus na Mata Atlântica. Foram analisadas 265 pelotas regurgitadas por um casal de T. furcata entre novembro de 2016 e setembro de 2017, encontradas abaixo de uma caixa de nidificação. A análise das amostras permitiu encontrar o total de 596 indivíduos de quatro espécies pequenas de mamíferos. O roedor exótico Mus musculus foi predominante entre os itens alimentares (98,3%), enquanto os roedores nativos Necromys lasiurus (1,3%) e Holochilus brasiliensis (0,17%) foram bem mais raros. Um único espécime de Cryptonanus sp. foi identificado entre os itens com base em caracteres dentários. A identificação desse gênero no presente estudo representa o segundo registro no estado do Rio de Janeiro e o sexto no bioma Mata Atlântica, sugerindo que este marsupial ocupa uma ampla faixa ecológica e biogeográfica. O presente estudo destaca a relevância dos pellets de coruja para pesquisas com pequenos mamíferos, mesmo em áreas urbanas e altamente perturbadas.

Observational study on the breeding performance of emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) in Brazil / [Estudo observacional sobre o desempenho reprodutivo de emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) no Brasil]

The objective of this study was to describe emus' breeding performance in Brazil at different ages, grouped in couples or colonies. The duration of the breeding season and the production of eggs per female housed were recorded, and the productivity and breeding variables were associated with the variation of the photoperiod. The total production of the flock was 180 eggs, and the breeding season lasted 167 days (April-September), a period with an average of 11 h and 11min of daylight. The breeding season lasted 113, 133 and 82 days, the numbers of eggs produced per female were 7.29, 25.67 and 17.3, and productivity values were 31.6, 38.6, and 45.4% in the groups of birds with ages of two, four and seven years, respectively. The breeding season in 2016 occurred between April and August in Brazil. Older birds tended to start breeding later. The production rate observations indicated that earlier peak production was associated with lower egg production potential. Finally, there was a tendency for better breeding performance of birds housed in couples than in groups with more birds.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o desempenho reprodutivo de emus de diferentes idades, agrupados em casais ou em colônias, no Brasil. A duração da estação reprodutiva e a produção de ovos por fêmea alojada foram registradas, a produtividade e as variáveis reprodutivas foram associadas às variações no fotoperíodo. A produção total do lote de aves foi de 180 ovos, e a estação reprodutiva durou 167 dias (abril-setembro), período que apresentou fotoperíodo médio de 11 horas e 11 minutos. Nos grupos de aves de dois, quatro e sete anos de idade, a estação reprodutiva durou 113,, 133 e 82 dias, o número de ovos por fêmea foi de 7,29, 25,67 e 17,3 e a produtividade foi de 31,6, 38,6 e 45,4%, respectivamente. A estação reprodutiva em 2016 ocorreu entre abril e agosto no Brasil. Aves mais velhas tenderam a iniciar o período reprodutivo mais tarde. As observações na taxa de produção podem indicar que quanto mais precoce o pico produtivo, menor o potencial de produção de ovos em emus. Houve a tendência ao melhor desempenho reprodutivo das aves alojadas em casais em comparação com as alojadas em colônias.(AU)

Development of solid lipid nanoparticles as carriers for improving oral bioavailability of glibenclamide.

A solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) formulation was developed with the aim of improving the oral bioavailability and the therapeutic effectiveness of glibenclamide (GLI), a poorly water-soluble drug used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The SLN was prepared using different lipid components (Precirol® and Compritol®) and preparation procedures. Precirol-based SLN, obtained with the emulsion of solvent evaporation technique gave the best results and was selected for drug loading. Addition of lecithin to the SLN core or PEG coating was effective in increasing the nanoparticles stability in simulated gastric solution. Both such formulations were stable after one month storage at 5±3°C, exhibited the absence of in vitro cytotoxicity, and presented a similar in vitro prolonged-release, reaching 100% release after 24h. The lecithin-containing GLI-loaded SLN formulation, selected for in vivo studies in virtue of its higher EE% than the PEG-coated formulation (70.3% vs 19.6%), showed a significantly stronger hypoglycemic effect with respect to the drug alone, in terms of both shorter onset time and longer duration of the effect. These positive results indicated that the proposed SLN approach was successful in improving GLI oral bioavailability, confirming its potential as an effective delivery system for a suitable therapy of diabetes.

ESTES guidelines: acute mesenteric ischaemia.

PURPOSE: Acute mesenteric ischaemia (AMI) accounts for about 1:1000 acute hospital admissions. Untreated, AMI will cause mesenteric infarction, intestinal necrosis, an overwhelming inflammatory response and death. Early intervention can halt and reverse this process leading to a full recovery, but the diagnosis of AMI is difficult and failure to recognize AMI before intestinal necrosis has developed is responsible for the high mortality of the disease. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are the goals of modern therapy, but there are no randomized controlled trials to guide treatment and the published literature contains a high ratio of reviews to original data. Much of that data comes from case reports and often small, retrospective series with no clearly defined treatment criteria. METHODS: A study group of the European Society for Trauma and Emergency Surgery (ESTES) was formed in 2013 with the aim of developing guidelines for the management of AMI. A comprehensive literature search was performed using the Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) thesaurus keywords "mesenteric ischaemia", "bowel ischaemia" and "bowel infarction". The bibliographies of relevant articles were screened for additional publications. After an initial systematic review of the literature by the whole group, a steering group formulated questions using a modified Delphi process. The evidence was then reviewed to answer these questions, and recommendations formulated and agreed by the whole group. RESULTS: The resultant recommendations are presented in this paper. CONCLUSIONS: The aim of these guidelines is to provide recommendations for practice that will lead to improved outcomes for patients.

Thuya occidentalis CH12 como tratamento alternativo da papilomatose canina / Thuya occidentalis CH12 as an alternative treatment to dog papilomatosis

RESUMO A papilomatose é uma doença de natureza crônica e pode causar tumores epiteliais e na mucosa. Não possui predileção por sexo, raça ou idade, mas comumente aparece em animais jovens. As lesões papilares ocorrem principalmente na mucosa bucal, nos lábios, língua e da faringe, além destes, também são encontradas na forma ocular e cutânea. Este estudo teve como objetivo relatar a eficácia da Thuya occidentalis CH12, uma medicação homeopática de uso comum, no tratamento de cães com papilomatose. Os resultados positivos puderam ser vistos, em alguns casos, já na primeira semana do tratamento, em outros, após vinte dias, e o desaparecimento total das lesões, na maioria dos casos, ocorreu com quinze dias. Alicerçada no princípio da similitude, a homeopatia apóia-se na observação experimental de que toda substância capaz de provocar determinados sintomas em uma pessoa sadia, é capaz de curar estes mesmos sintomas em uma pessoa enferma. A Thuya occidentalis provou ser eficiente contra lesões de papilomavírus canina, e apresentou resultados rápidos e com um valor econômico acessível.

ABSTRACT The papillomatosis is a disease of chronic nature and can cause epithelial and mucosa tumors. . It may affect any gender, race or age but is most common in young animals. The papillary lesions occur mainly on the oral mucosa, in the lips, tongue and pharynx, besides appearing also in the eeyes and skin. This study aimed to report the effectiveness of the Thuya occidentalis CH12 , a homeopathic medication commonly used in the treatment of dogs with papillomatosis . The positive results could be noticed, in some cases, even in the first week of treatment , or after twenty days, with the total remission of the lesions occurring in most of the cases within fifteen days . Founded based on the similarity principle, the homeopathy relies on the experimental observation that any substance capable of causing certain symptoms in a healthy person can cure these same symptoms in a sick person. The Thuya occidentalis proved to be effective against canine papillomavirus lesions, and with fast results at an affordable economic value.

Lipid nanoparticles containing oryzalin for the treatment of leishmaniasis.

Oryzalin is a dinitroaniline drug that has attracted recent interest for the treatment of leishmaniasis. Its use as an antiparasitic therapeutic agent is limited by the low water solubility associated with an in vivo rapid clearance, leading to the administration of larger and possibly toxic doses in in vivo studies, and the use of solvents that may lead to undesirable side effects. In the present work oryzalin-containing lipid nanoparticles were produced by a emulsion-solvent evaporation technique using a composition suitable for parenteral administration, i.e., tripalmitin (solid lipid) and a complex mixture of three emulsifying agents (soya lecithin, Tween® 20 and sodium deoxycholate). Physicochemical characterization included the determination of mean particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency and DSC studies. Final formulations revealed values of <140 nm (PI<0.2) and zeta potential of ≈-35 mV, as well as encapsulation efficiency >75%. The effects of various processing parameters, such as lipid and surfactant and composition and concentration, as well as the stability during the harsh procedures of autoclaving (121°C/15 min) and freeze-drying were also evaluated. Formulations revealed to be stable throughout freeze-drying and moist-heath sterilization without significant variations on physicochemical properties and no significant oryzalin losses. The use of a complex surfactant mixture proved crucial for preserving formulation stability. Particularly, lecithin appears as a key component in the stabilization of tripalmitin-based oryzalin-containing lipid nanoparticles. Finally, cell viability studies demonstrated that the incorporation of oryzalin in nanoparticles decreases cytotoxicity, thus suggesting this strategy may improve tolerability and therapeutic index of dinitroanilines.

Development and characterization of a new plasmid delivery system based on chitosan-sodium deoxycholate nanoparticles.

Chitosan is one of the most promising polymers for drug delivery through the mucosal routes because of its polycationic, biocompatible, and biodegradable nature, and particularly due to its mucoadhesive and permeation-enhancing properties. Bile salts are known to interact with lipid membranes, increasing their permeability. The addition of bile salts to chitosan matrices may improve the delivery characteristics of the system, making it suitable for mucosal administration of bioactive substances. In the present study we have developed chitosan nanoparticles using sodium deoxycholate as a counter ion and evaluated their potential as gene delivery carriers. Chitosan-sodium deoxycholate nanoparticles (CS/DS) obtained via a mild ionic gelation procedure using different weight ratios were used to encapsulate plasmid DNA (pDNA) expressing a "humanized" secreted Gaussia Luciferase as reporter gene (pGLuc, 5.7 kDa). Mean particle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential were evaluated in order to select the best formulation for further in vitro studies. The nanoparticles presented an average size of 153-403 nm and a positive zeta potential ranging from +33.0 to +56.9 mV, for nanoparticles produced with CS/DS ratios from 1:4 to 1:0.6 (w:w), respectively. The pDNA was efficiently encapsulated and AFM studies showed that pDNA-loaded nanoparticles presented a more irregular surface due to the interaction between cationic chitosan and negatively charged pDNA which results in a more compact structure when compared to empty nanoparticles. Transfection efficiency of CS/DS-pDNA nanoparticles into moderately (AGS) and well differentiated (N87) gastric adenocarcinoma cell lines was determined by measuring the expression of luciferase, while cell viability was assessed using the MTT reduction. The CS/DS nanoparticles containing encapsulated pDNA were able to transfect both AGS and N87 cell lines, being more effective with AGS cells, the less differentiated cell line. The highest enzymatic activity was achieved with 20% pDNA encapsulated and after 24 h of transfection time. Low cytotoxicity was observed for the CS/DS nanoparticles either with or without pDNA, suggesting this could be a new potential vehicle for mucosal delivery of pDNA.

The rs5743836 polymorphism in TLR9 confers a population-based increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) has been associated with immunological defects, chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Given the link between immune dysfunction and NHL, genetic variants in toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been regarded as potential predictive factors of susceptibility to NHL. Adequate anti-tumoral responses are known to depend on TLR9 function, such that the use of its synthetic ligand is being targeted as a therapeutic strategy. We investigated the association between the functional rs5743836 polymorphism in the TLR9 promoter and risk for B-cell NHL and its major subtypes in three independent case-control association studies from Portugal (1160 controls, 797 patients), Italy (468 controls, 494 patients) and the US (972 controls, 868 patients). We found that the rs5743836 polymorphism was significantly overtransmitted in both Portuguese (odds ratio (OR), 1.85; P=7.3E-9) and Italian (OR, 1.84; P=6.0E-5) and not in the US cohort of NHL patients. Moreover, the increased transcriptional activity of TLR9 in mononuclear cells from patients harboring rs5743836 further supports a functional effect of this polymorphism on NHL susceptibility in a population-dependent manner.

Risk factors associated with the occurrence of Cryptosporidium parvum infection in calves / Fatores de risco associados à ocorrência de infecção por Cryptosporidium parvum em bezerros

Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts were detected in feces of dairy calves raised in Rio de Janeiro State and the risk factors involved in the infection were determined. A hundred calves aging up to 12-month-old from 13 dairy farms were sampled. Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the presence of oocysts. The zoonotic C. parvum species was detected in 45 percent animals. Statistical risk factors analyses revealed an association between infection and animals raised in technical systems such as the use of milking equipment, milking cooler, and water trough(P<0.05).

Detectaram-se oocistos de Cryptosporidium parvum em fezes de bezerros leiteiros no estado do Rio de Janeiro e analisaram-se os fatores de risco envolvidos na infecção dos animais. Cem bezerros com idades de 0 a 12 meses, provenientes de 13 propriedades rurais, foram amostrados, e suas fezes examinadas pela reação em cadeia da polimerase para a detecção dos oocistos. A espécie zoonótica C. parvum foi detectada em 45 por cento dos animais. As análises estatísticas dos fatores de risco revelaram haver associação entre infecção e animais criados em propriedades tecnificadas, que usam ordenha mecanizada, resfriamento de leite e fazendas que continham reservatórios de água à disposição dos animais (P<0,05).

Incorporation of tocopherol acetate-containing particles in acrylic bone cement.

Acrylic bone cement (BC) is used in orthopaedic surgery to anchor cemented prostheses to bone. Association of antioxidant molecules to BC may suppress reactive species injury which contributes to implant failure. Tocopherol acetate (ATA)-loaded polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) particles (ATA(PMMA)) were prepared by single emulsion solvent evaporation technique and were incorporated into BC. An encapsulation efficiency of 84% (w/w) was obtained and drug release studies showed distinct ATA release profiles and mechanisms before and after particle incorporation into BC. Experimental data, analysed using first-order, Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas models revealed that ATA was released from particles by a Fickian diffusion mechanism while a non-Fickian transport was observed upon particle incorporation in BC. There were no changes in the mechanical properties of BC specimens containing ATA(PMMA) particles, in contrast to what was observed when ATA was loaded directly into BC. Overall, ATA(PMMA) particles are potential carriers for the incorporation of an antioxidant drug into BC.

Cdc42p controls yeast-cell shape and virulence of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is characterized by a multiple budding phenotype and a polymorphic cell growth, leading to the formation of cells with extreme variations in shape and size. Since Cdc42 is a pivotal molecule in establishing and maintaining polarized growth for diverse cell types, as well as during pathogenesis of certain fungi, we evaluated its role during cell growth and virulence of the yeast-form of P. brasiliensis. We used antisense technology to knock-down PbCDC42's expression in P. brasiliensis yeast cells, promoting a decrease in cell size and more homogenous cell growth, altering the typical polymorphism of wild-type cells. Reduced expression levels also lead to increased phagocytosis and decreased virulence in a mouse model of infection. We provide genetic evidences underlying Pbcdc42p as an important protein during host-pathogen interaction and the relevance of the polymorphic nature and cell size in the pathogenesis of P. brasiliensis.

Streptococcus equi antigens adsorbed onto surface modified poly-epsilon-caprolactone microspheres induce humoral and cellular specific immune responses.

Streptococcus equi subsp. equi is the causative agent of Strangles, which is one of the most costly and widespread infectious diseases, affecting the respiratory tract of Equidae. In this work, polyvinyl alcohol, alginate and chitosan were used in formulations of surface modified poly-epsilon-caprolactone microspheres which were evaluated after adsorption of S.equi enzymatic extract for physicochemical characteristics and in vivo immune responses in mice. After subcutaneous immunisation, the formulations induced higher lymphokines levels, in accordance with cellular and humoral immune responses, as compared to the free antigen, successfully activating the paths leading to Th1 and Th2 cells. The obtained results highlight the role of these microspheres as an adjuvant and their use to protect animals against strangles.

Lymphatic uptake of lipid nanoparticles following endotracheal administration.

A previous publication reported the uptake into the lymphatics of pulmonary administered lipid nanoparticles (LN), after aerosolization and inhalation. In the present study LN clearance from the lungs and lymphatic uptake were further evaluated after endotracheal administration. Nanoparticles prepared with gliceryl behenate were radiolabelled by association to the lipophilic tracer D,L-hexamethylpropylene amine oxime (HMPAO) coupled with 99mTc. Labelling efficiency was 97% and stability in body fluids was demonstrated in vitro. Wistar rats were treated by endotracheal administration and lymphatic uptake was determined upon organ sampling. Endotracheally delivered LN are rapidly eliminated from rat lungs and accumulation in para-aortic, axillary and inguinal lymph nodes starts almost immediately after administration. Translocation of LN across the lung mucosa and their uptake into the lymphatics demonstrate their usefulness as potential drug carriers for lung cancer therapy, as well as for immunization purposes.

Prognostic factors of rheumatic mitral stenosis during pregnancy and puerperium.

OBJECTIVE: To identify characteristics associated with complications during pregnancy and puerperium in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis. METHODS: Forty-one pregnant women (forty-five pregnancies) with mitral stenosis, followed-up from 1991 to 1999 were retrospectively evaluated. PREDICTOR VARIABLES: the mitral valve area (MVA), measured by echocardiogram, and functional class (FC) before pregnancy (NYHA criteria). Maternal events: progression of heart failure, need for cardiac surgery or balloon mitral valvulotomy, death, and thromboembolism. Fetal/neonatal events: abortion, fetal or neonatal death, prematurity or low birth weight (<2,500 g), and extended stay in the nursery or hospitalization in newborn ICU. RESULTS: The mean +/- SD of age of the patients was 28.8+/-4.6 years. The eventful and uneventful patients were similar in age and percentage of first pregnancies. As compared with the level 1 MVA, the relative risk (RR) of maternal events was 5.5 (95% confidence interval (CI) =0.8-39.7) for level 2 MVA and 11.4 (95% CI=1.7-74.5) for level 3 MVA. The prepregnancy FC (FC > or = II and III versus I) was also associated with risk for maternal events (RR=2.7; 95% CI=1.4-5.3).MVA and FC were not importantly associated with these events, although a smaller frequency of fetal/neonatal events was observed in patients who had undergone balloon valvulotomy. CONCLUSION: In pregnant women with mitral stenosis, the MVA and the FC are strongly associated with maternal complications but are not associated with fetal/neonatal events. Balloon mitral valvulotomy could have contributed to reducing the risks of fetal/neonatal events in the more symptomatic patients who had to undergo this procedure during pregnancy.