Are Rattus rattus fleas invasive? Evaluation of flea communities in invasive and native rodents in Chile.

Co-invasion, characterized by the simultaneous introduction of hosts and parasites with the latter establishing themselves in native hosts, is a phenomenon of ecological concern. Rattus rattus, a notorious invasive species, has driven the extinction and displacement of numerous avian and mammalian species and serves as a key vector for diseases affecting both humans and wildlife. Among the parasites hosted by R. rattus are fleas, which exhibit obligate parasitic behaviour, a generalist nature and high prevalence, increasing the likelihood of flea invasion. Simultaneously, invasive species can serve as hosts for native parasites, leading to potential amplification or dilution of parasite populations in the environment. In Chile, R. rattus has been present since the 17th century because of the arrival of the Spanish colonizers through the ports and has spread throughout urban, rural and wild Chilean territories. This study aims to evaluate whether co-invasion of native fleas of invasive rats occurs on native rodents in Chile and to determine whether black rats have acquired flea native to Chile during their invasion. For this, we captured 1132 rodents from 26 localities (20° S-53° S). Rattus rattus was found coexisting with 11 native rodent species and two species of introduced rodents. Among the native rodents, Abrothrix olivacea and Oligoryzomys longicaudatus exhibited more extensive sympatry with R. rattus. We identified 14 flea species associated with R. rattus, of which only three were native to rats: Xenopsylla cheopis, Leptopsylla segnis and Nosopsyllus fasciatus. These three species presented a higher parasite load in black rats compared to native fleas. Leptopsylla segnis and N. fasciatus were also found associated with native rodent species that cohabit with R. rattus. The remaining species associated with R. rattus were fleas of native rodents, although they were less abundant compared to those associated with native rodents, except for Neotyphloceras pardinasi and Sphinctopsylla ares. Although there has been evidence of flea transmission from rats to native species, the prevalence and abundance were relatively low. Therefore, it cannot be definitively concluded that these fleas have established themselves in native rodent populations, and hence, they cannot be classified as invasive fleas. This study underscores R. rattus' adaptability to diverse environmental and geographical conditions in Chile, including its capacity to acquire fleas from native rodents. This aspect has critical implications for public health, potentially facilitating the spread of pathogens across various habitats where these rats are found.

Changes in the physiological, hematological and parasitological parameters of Dorper sheep in relation to residual feed intake and confinement environment.

The selection of animals with greater feed efficiency has unknown parasitological and physiological parameters when confined in full sun or shade. Thus, we aimed to assess the effect of residual feed intake (RFI) and the confinement environment on the hematological, parasitological and physiological parameters in male Dorper sheep (n = 60; 30 with positive RFI and 30 with negative RFI) distributed in 2 confinement environments (full sun and shade), in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme, with 15 animals for treatment. Animals kept in the shade showed an increase (P < 0.05) of erythrocytes, hemoglobin and albumin. Animals kept in full sun showed higherOocysts gamma glutamyltransferase, direct bilirubin, transaminase aspartate and respiratory rate (P<0.05). There was a higher incidence of Eimeria spp oocysts in RFI negative animals (P<0.05). Positive RFI animals increased respiratory rate (P<0.05). The RFI did not influence the blood parameters of Dorper sheep, however, it had an effect on respiratory rate and presence of Eimeria spp. oocysts. Thermal environment promoted changes in blood parameters and the physiological parameters of Dorper sheep.

Group of high-risk pregnant women as a health education strategy. / Grupo de gestantes de alto-risco como estratégia de educação em saúde.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the importance of group strategy in the process of nursing care to high-risk pregnant women. METHODS: Qualitative and descriptive study conducted at Assis Chateaubriand Teaching Maternity Hospital in February-March 2017, through focus groups with 24 hospitalized pregnant women. Data was submitted to content analysis and the relevant ideas of the discourses were extracted, forming categories. RESULTS: Three thematic categories were constructed: Interactive groups as a space of bond and coexistence, Educational strategy as an approach to good delivery and birthcare practices, Impact of group experience in strengthening the connection between the health team and the pregnant woman. The group of pregnant women is a space of coexistence and bonding that stimulates them to share knowledge and experiences, re-signifying links. The groups promote sharing of experiences, learning and reflection on the possibilities and limitations of the health-disease process, reducing anxiety and contributing to empowerment in decision making. CONCLUSION: The considerations and suggestions of the pregnant women guided the nurses in the development of the groups, which became strategic spaces of care, acquisition of knowledge and establishment of trust relationships with the nurses, with a consequent impact on the quality of care.

Birdshot retinochoroiditis in Brazil: a multicenter review of 40 patients.

BACKGROUND: Birdshot retinochoroiditis (BRC) is a rare and chronic bilateral uveitis mostly found in Caucasians. As few data are available about the clinical course of BRC in Hispanic patients, we aimed to report the clinical findings and the evolution of BRC in Brazilian patients. METHODS: This retrospective cohort multicenter nationwide study was performed by analyzing the records of patients with BRC diagnoses from Brazilian ophthalmological centers from April 1995 to May 2020. RESULTS: Forty patients (80 eyes) with a diagnosis of BRC were evaluated. The mean age was 53 years, and there was no sex predominance. All tested patients (34/40) were positive for HLA-A29. The diagnosis of BRC was made following the Levinson et al. criteria, and all ancillary tests were performed to exclude differential diagnoses. Clinical signs and symptoms, such as complications and treatment, were described. CONCLUSIONS: BRC evolution in Brazilian patients seems to have some peculiarities that diverge from the published literature available about Caucasians, as AS inflammation is higher in this population.

Antileukemic Properties of Sesquiterpene Lactones: A Systematic Review.

This review summarizes the reported molecular mechanisms underlying the antileukemic property of Sesquiterpene Lactones (SLs). This systematic review was registered in the PROSPERO database and conducted following the PRISMA Statements. The MeSH terms, Sesquiterpenes, Lactones and Leukemia were used in four databases (Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus and Bireme). There were 281 studies selected, but after exclusions, due to replication (n = 172) or not following PECOS criteria (n = 24), 148 studies remained. Of the 148 articles, only 22 were submitted to quality assessment and were scored in high level if more than two techniques, to elucidate antileukemic properties, were described, and then data were extracted. The studies mostly used human leukemia cell lines including primary and established cells, with or without chemotherapy resistance. The SLs used were obtained principally from plants. The antileukemic properties of SLs were extracted from 22 high level studies. They included cell death induction, mainly by apoptosis, as well as cell differentiation, cell cycle disruption, leukemia cancer stem cell growth inhibition and NF-κB pathway inhibition; the latter is a promising therapeutic target for lymphoid malignancies. We concluded that, in spite of the necessity of better toxicological profile characterization of SLs, the antileukemic properties of these compounds support the proposal that the SLs are promising candidates for the treatment of leukemia.

Serological diagnosis and risk factors for Coxiella burnetii in goats and sheep in a semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil.

Coxiella burnetii is a zoonotic agent transmitted mainly by small ruminants. In Brazil the disease has been classified as a notifiable disease since 2013, when human cases were reported. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with the presence of anti- Coxiella burnetii antibodies in goats and sheep in a semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil. Sera of 412 goats and 403 sheep from municipality of Petrolina, Pernambuco, were examined by the Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT) against antigens of C. burnetii. Information about management variables (independent variables) that could be associated with the presence of the microorganism (dependent variables) were obtained from the supervisor of each farm. It was determined that 2.2% (9/412) of the goats and 2.1% (9/403) of the sheep had antibodies reactive to C. burnetii. The presence of anti-C. burnetii antibodies was associated with the dry area of the Sequeiro (a region in the northern part of the municipality of Petrolina) (P = 0.025), male sheep (P = 0.020), and intensive goat breeding (P = 0.005). This study therefore showed the presence of anti-C. burnetii antibodies in goat and sheep, confirming for the first time that this agent is likely circulating among goat herds in the Caatinga Biome, semi-arid of Brazil.

Acupuntura en la recuperación de la anestesia general en pacientes intervenidas quirúrgicamente de nódulo de mama / Acupuncture in the recovery from general anesthesia in patients who underwent a breast nodule surgery

RESUMEN Introducción: en el período de recuperación de la anestesia general se deben metabolizar los medicamentos empleados y restablecer las alteraciones fisiológicas. La acupuntura es un método de tratamiento que ha sido estudiado en el período perioperatorio con diferentes fines; sin embargo, es menos conocido su efecto en la recuperación de la anestesia general. Objetivo: describir el efecto de la estimulación con Acupuntura en la recuperación de la anestesia general balanceada en pacientes intervenidas quirúrgicamente por nódulo de mama. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional prospectivo, en 60 pacientes intervenidas quirúrgicamente de nódulo de mama con anestesia general endotraqueal balanceada, de enero de 2014 a enero de 2016, en el Hospital Provincial Docente José Ramón López Tabrane, de Matanzas. Se conformaron dos grupos: grupo I, al que al finalizar la cirugía se le colocaron agujas de acupuntura en los puntos R1, Du26 y P9; y grupo II, al que no se le realizó acupuntura. El efecto de la acupuntura en la recuperación anestésica se midió a través de la Escala de Aldrete. Resultados: la edad de mayor incidencia fue de 40 a 49 años. El estado físico de las pacientes, según la Sociedad Americana de Anestesiología, es I. Prevaleció un tiempo anestésico de 61 a 90 minutos. Más del 75 % de las féminas tuvieron un tiempo de recuperación anestésica entre 31 y 60 minutos. Se presentaron dos complicaciones leves atribuibles a la acupuntura. Conclusiones: la aplicación de la acupuntura acortó el tiempo de recuperación anestésica en las pacientes estudiadas (AU).

ABSTRACT Introduction: in the recovery period from general anesthesia the used drugs should be metabolized and the physiological alterations restored. Acupuncture is a treatment method that has been studied in the perioperative period with different aims; nevertheless its effect on the recovery from general anesthesia is less well known. Objective: to describe the acupuncture stimulation effect on the recovery from general balanced anesthesia in patients who underwent a breast nodule surgery. Materials and methods: a prospective, observational study was performed in 60 patients who underwent a surgery of breast nodule with balanced endotracheal general anesthesia, from January 2014 to January 2016, at the Provincial Teaching Hospital "Jose Ramon Lopez Tabrane" of Matanzas. Two groups were formed: group I included patients to whom acupuncture needles were placed in R1, Du 26 and P9 acupoints after surgery, and Group II patients to whom acupuncture was not performed. The acupuncture effect on anesthetic recovery was assessed using the Aldrete Scale. Two groups were formed: group I, whose members at the end of the surgery were placed acupuncture needles to in the points R1, Du26 and P9; and group II, whose members did not receive acupuncture. The effect of acupuncture on anesthetic recovery was measured through the Aldrete Scale. Results: the highest incidence age was 40 to 49 years. The physical condition of the patients, according to the American Society of Anesthesiology, was I. An anesthetic time of 61 to 90 minutes prevailed. More than 75% of the women had an anesthetic recovery time between 31 and 60 minutes. There were two minor complications attributable to acupuncture. Conclusions: acupuncture application shortened the anesthetic recovery time in the studied patients (AU).

Usos de la Estadística en artículos originales de revistas médicas cubanas / Uses of Statistics in original papers of Cuban medical journals

RESUMEN Se presentan resultados preliminares del proyecto de investigación "Usos de la estadística en artículos originales de la Revista Médica Electrónica de Matanzas", que corresponde al programa No. 2 (Organización, eficiencia y calidad de los servicios), código 152042.La información cuantitativa del proyecto se obtuvo por conducto de la aplicación de un diseño muestral sistemático con arranque aleatorio que proporcionó datos sobre nueve variables estadísticas medidas en 170 artículos originales de revistas médicas cubanas. Se calcularon las distribuciones porcentuales de cada variable. Predominó la aplicación de los estudios descriptivos y sus correspondientes medidas estadísticas. Se evidenció la poca aplicación de las estimaciones por intervalos, denotando una insuficiencia que debe ser eliminada. Los resultados proporcionan una aproximación al estado actual de la aplicación de la estadística en la redacción de artículos científicos originales (AU).

SUMMARY The authors present preliminary results of the research project "Uses of Statistics in original papers of Cuban medical journals", corresponding to the program Nr. 2 (Organization, efficacy and quality of the services), codex 152042. The quantitative information of the project was obtained applying a systematic sampling design with randomized onset that provided data on nine statistic variables measured in 170 original papers of Cuban medical journals. Percentage distributions of each variable were calculated. The application of descriptive studies and their correspondent statistical measures predominated. It was evidenced the scarce application of interval estimations, denoting an insufficiency that has to be eliminated. The outcomes provide an approximation to the current status of the statistics application in writing original scientific papers (AU).

Grupo de gestantes de alto-risco como estratégia de educação em saúde / Grupo de gestantes de alto riesgo como estrategia de educación en salud / Group of high-risk pregnant women as a health education strategy

Resumo OBJETIVO Compreender a importância do grupo no processo de cuidado de enfermagem as gestantes de risco. MÉTODOS Estudo qualitativo, descritivo realizado na Maternidade Escola Assis Chateaubriand, de fevereiro a março/2017, através de grupos focais com 24 gestantes internadas. Dados submetidos à análise de conteúdo e as ideias relevantes dos discursos foram extraídas, formando categorias. RESULTADOS Construíram três categorias: Grupos interativos como espaço de vínculo e convivência, Estratégia educativa como abordagem das boas práticas do parto/nascimento, Repercussão da experiência do grupo no fortalecimento do vínculo entre equipe de saúde e gestante. Os grupos promovem partilha de experiência, aprendizado e reflexão sobre as possibilidades e limitações do processo saúde-doença, reduzindo a ansiedade e contribuindo para o empoderamento na tomada de decisões. CONCLUSÃO As considerações das gestantes nortearam a equipe no desenvolvimento do grupo e efetivá-lo como espaço estratégico de cuidados, ampliação do conhecimento e relação de confiança, impactando na qualidade da assistência.

Resumen OBJETIVO Comprender la importancia del grupo en el proceso de cuidado de enfermería las gestantes de riesgo. MÉTODO Estudio cualitativo y descriptivo realizado en la Maternidad Escuela Asis Chateaubriand, de febrero a marzo/2017, a través de grupos focales con 24 gestantes internadas. Los datos sometidos al análisis de contenido y las ideas relevantes de los discursos fueron extraídas, formando categorías. RESULTADOS Se construyeron tres categorías temáticas: Grupos interactivos como espacio de vínculo y convivencia, Estrategia educativa como abordaje de las buenas prácticas del parto/nacimiento, Repercusión de la experiencia del grupo en el fortalecimiento del vínculo entre equipo de salud y gestante. El grupo de gestantes es un espacio de convivencia y vínculo que las estimulan a compartir conocimientos y experiencias, resignificando vínculos. Se comprendió que los grupos promueven compartir experiencia, aprendizaje y reflexión sobre las posibilidades y limitaciones del proceso salud-enfermedad, reduciendo la ansiedad y contribuyendo al empoderamiento en la toma de decisiones. CONCLUSIÓN Las consideraciones y sugerencias de las gestantes contribuyeron a orientar a la enfermera en el desarrollo del grupo y realizarlo como espacio estratégico de cuidados y ampliación del conocimiento y relación de confianza con el enfermero, impactando en la calidad de la asistencia.

Abstract OBJECTIVE To understand the importance of group strategy in the process of nursing care to high-risk pregnant women. METHODS Qualitative and descriptive study conducted at Assis Chateaubriand Teaching Maternity Hospital in February-March 2017, through focus groups with 24 hospitalized pregnant women. Data was submitted to content analysis and the relevant ideas of the discourses were extracted, forming categories. RESULTS Three thematic categories were constructed: Interactive groups as a space of bond and coexistence, Educational strategy as an approach to good delivery and birthcare practices, Impact of group experience in strengthening the connection between the health team and the pregnant woman. The group of pregnant women is a space of coexistence and bonding that stimulates them to share knowledge and experiences, re-signifying links. The groups promote sharing of experiences, learning and reflection on the possibilities and limitations of the health-disease process, reducing anxiety and contributing to empowerment in decision making. CONCLUSION The considerations and suggestions of the pregnant women guided the nurses in the development of the groups, which became strategic spaces of care, acquisition of knowledge and establishment of trust relationships with the nurses, with a consequent impact on the quality of care.

Medicamentos homeopáticos en el tratamiento del climaterio y la menopausia: una revisión / Homeopathic medicinal products in the treatment of climateric and menopause: a review

RESUMEN Durante el climaterio y la menopausia debido a cambios hormonales pueden presentarse en las mujeres síntomas que afectan la calidad de vida y las relaciones interpersonales. La homeopatía puede ser utilizada como terapia alternativa o complementaria en el manejo de sus síntomas proporcionando múltiples beneficios, escasos efectos secundarios, ahorro de recursos y apertura de una nueva línea para investigar. La bibliografía sobre este tema es insuficiente y se encuentra dispersa lo que dificulta la consulta por parte de los profesionales que la necesitan. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica con el objetivo de identificar y describir los principales medicamentos homeopáticos que pueden ser utilizados para tratar los síntomas durante el climaterio y la menopausia. Los artículos se identificaron básicamente a través de la búsqueda automatizada en las bases de datos Scielo, PubMed y EBSCO, entre los meses de enero de 2017 a mayo de 2018. Se revisaron aquellos libros y artículos que por su trascendencia fueron considerados como referentes en el tema. Se escogieron 26 referencias bibliográficas que se ajustaban a los objetivos de esta investigación. Fueron identificados y descritos 22 medicamentos homeopáticos susceptibles de ser utilizados en el tratamiento de los síntomas de climaterio y menopausia por lo que puede ser una fuente útil de consulta (AU).

ABSTRACT During the climacteric and menopause, due to hormonal changes, women may present symptoms affecting life quality and interpersonal relations. Homeopathy could be used as an alternative or complementary therapy in the management of those symptoms, providing several benefits, scarce secondary effects, saving resources and opening a new research field. There is not enough bibliography on this topic and it is dispersed, making it difficult for the professional to consult it when it is necessary. A bibliographic review was carried out with the objective of identifying and describing the main homeopathic medicinal products that could be used to treat the symptoms during the climacteric and menopause. The articles were identified mainly through an automated search in Scielo, PubMed and EBSCO databases, in the period from January 2017 and May 2018. Those books and articles considered as referents in the topic because of their transcendence were reviewed. 26 bibliographic references were chosen because they complied with the objective of this research. 20 homeopathic medicinal products capable of being used in the treatment of the climacteric and menopause symptoms were identified and described, being therefore a useful consultation source (AU).

Serological diagnosis and risk factors for Coxiella burnetii in goats and sheep in a semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil / Diagnóstico sorológico e fatores de risco para Coxiella burnetii em caprinos e ovinos da região semiárida do nordeste do Brasil

Abstract Coxiella burnetii is a zoonotic agent transmitted mainly by small ruminants. In Brazil the disease has been classified as a notifiable disease since 2013, when human cases were reported. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with the presence of anti- Coxiella burnetii antibodies in goats and sheep in a semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil. Sera of 412 goats and 403 sheep from municipality of Petrolina, Pernambuco, were examined by the Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT) against antigens of C. burnetii. Information about management variables (independent variables) that could be associated with the presence of the microorganism (dependent variables) were obtained from the supervisor of each farm. It was determined that 2.2% (9/412) of the goats and 2.1% (9/403) of the sheep had antibodies reactive to C. burnetii. The presence of anti-C. burnetii antibodies was associated with the dry area of the Sequeiro (a region in the northern part of the municipality of Petrolina) (P = 0.025), male sheep (P = 0.020), and intensive goat breeding (P = 0.005). This study therefore showed the presence of anti-C. burnetii antibodies in goat and sheep, confirming for the first time that this agent is likely circulating among goat herds in the Caatinga Biome, semi-arid of Brazil.

Resumo Coxiella burnetii é um agente zoonótico transmitido principalmente por pequenos ruminantes. No Brasil, a doença foi classificada como de notificação compulsória desde 2013, quando casos humanos foram relatados. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar os fatores de risco associados à presença de anticorpos anti-Coxiella burnetii em caprinos e ovinos em uma região semiárida do Nordeste do Brasil. Este estudo envolveu um inquérito sorológico de 412 caprinos e 403 ovinos em fazendas do município de Petrolina, no estado de Pernambuco. Os soros foram examinados pela Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI) contra antígenos de C. burnetii . Informações sobre variáveis ​​de manejo (variáveis ​​independentes) que poderiam estar associadas à presença do microrganismo (variáveis ​​dependentes) foram obtidas do proprietário de cada fazenda. Foi determinado que 2,2% (9/412) dos caprinos e 2,1% (9/403) dos ovinos tinham anticorpos reativos a C. burnetii. A presença de anticorpos anti-C. burnetii foram associados com a área seca do Sequeiro (região no norte do município de Petrolina) (P = 0,025), ovinos machos (P = 0,020) e criação intensiva de caprinos (P = 0,005). Este estudo, portanto, observou a presença de anticorpos anti-C. burnetii em pequenos ruminantes, confirmando pela primeira vez que este agente pode estar circulando em rebanhos caprinos no bioma Caatinga, semiárido do Brasil.

Triterpene esters and biological activities from edible fruits of Manilkara subsericea (Mart.) Dubard, Sapotaceae.

Manilkara subsericea (Mart.) Dubard (Sapotaceae) is popularly known in Brazil as "guracica." Studies with Manilkara spp indicated the presence of triterpenes, saponins, and flavonoids. Several activities have been attributed to Manilkara spp such as antimicrobial, antiparasitic and antitumoral, which indicates the great biological potential of this genus. In all, 87.19% of the hexanic extract from fruits relative composition were evaluated, in which 72.81% were beta- and alpha-amyrin esters, suggesting that they may be chemical markers for M. subsericea. Hexadecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid ethyl ester, (E)-9-octadecenoic acid ethyl ester, and octadecanoic acid ethyl ester were also identified. Ethanolic crude extracts from leaves, stems, and hexanic extract from fruits exhibited antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923. These extracts had high IC50 values against Vero cells, demonstrating weak cytotoxicity. This is the first time, to our knowledge, that beta- and alpha-amyrin caproates and caprylates are described for Manilkara subsericea.

Intraocular lens power calculation by measuring axial length with partial optical coherence and ultrasonic biometry.

PURPOSE: To compare the achieved refractive outcomes of patients undergoing cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation performed by conventional immersion ultrasound (US) or partial coherence interferometry (PCI). METHODS: Prospective, comparative case series. Patients undergoing cataract surgery were randomly divided in two groups with regard to the IOL power calculation method. Group 1 had calculations performed by PCI (IOL Master; Carl Zeiss Meditec), while US was used in Group 2 (Ultrascan; Alcon), using the Holladay 1 formula. Differences between target and achieved refractions were then compared. RESULTS: The study comprised 120 eyes from 79 patients. Biometry with PCI was used in 50 eyes of 33 patients, and US was used in 70 eyes of 46 patients. Mean age of patients in the PCI Group was 69.8 ± 13.1 years (range 11 - 85) and 70.0 ± 9.3 (45 - 86) in the US Group (P=0.7165). Mean axial length measured by PCI was 23.22 ± 1.00 mm (range 21.01 - 25.45) and that by US was 23.22 ± 1.06 mm (20.05 - 25.78) (P=0.9110). Mean absolute error in the PCI group was 0.15 ± 0.33 D (range -0.65 - 0.9) and that in the US group was 0.26 ± 0.48 D (-1.05 - 1.76). All eyes in the PCI group and 94.3% of those in the US group were within 1.00 D of the planned refraction. CONCLUSION: Although both PCI and US yielded good prediction in IOL power calculation, the PCI group tended to show better accuracy and improved refractive outcome.

Antiproliferative activity of Eremanthus crotonoides extracts and centratherin demonstrated in brain tumor cell lines

The genus Eremanthus is recognized by the predominance of sesquiterpene lactones from the furanoheliangolide type, a class of substances extensively tested against cancer cell lines. Thus, the species E. crotonoides (DC.) Sch. Bip., Asteraceae, obtained on "restinga" vegetation was evaluated against U251 and U87-MG glioma cell lines using the MTT colorimetric assay. Dichloromethane fraction was cytotoxic to both glioblastoma multiforme cell lines. We then conducted UPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS analysis of the dichloromethane fraction, which allowed the identification of the sesquiterpene lactones centratherin and goyazensolide. The isolation of centratherin was performed using chromatographic techniques and the identification of this substance was confirmed according to NMR data. Cytotoxic activity of centratherin alone was also evaluated against both U251 and U87-MG cells, which showed IC50 values comparable with those obtained for the commercial anticancer drug doxorubicin. All the tested samples showed cytotoxic activity against glioblastoma multiforme cells which suggests that E. crotonoides extracts may be important sources of antiproliferative substances and that the centratherin may serve as prototype for developing new antiglioblastoma drugs.

Intraocular lens power calculation by measuring axial length with partial optical coherence and ultrasonic biometry / Cálculo da dioptria da lente intraocular medindo o comprimento axial através de interferometria de coerência parcial ou biometria ultrassônica

PURPOSE: To compare the achieved refractive outcomes of patients undergoing cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation performed by conventional immersion ultrasound (US) or partial coherence interferometry (PCI). METHODS: Prospective, comparative case series. Patients undergoing cataract surgery were randomly divided in two groups with regard to the IOL power calculation method. Group 1 had calculations performed by PCI (IOL Master; Carl Zeiss Meditec), while US was used in Group 2 (Ultrascan; Alcon), using the Holladay 1 formula. Differences between target and achieved refractions were then compared. RESULTS: The study comprised 120 eyes from 79 patients. Biometry with PCI was used in 50 eyes of 33 patients, and US was used in 70 eyes of 46 patients. Mean age of patients in the PCI Group was 69.8 ± 13.1 years (range 11 - 85) and 70.0 ± 9.3 (45 - 86) in the US Group (P=0.7165). Mean axial length measured by PCI was 23.22 ± 1.00 mm (range 21.01 - 25.45) and that by US was 23.22 ± 1.06 mm (20.05 - 25.78) (P=0.9110). Mean absolute error in the PCI group was 0.15 ± 0.33 D (range -0.65 - 0.9) and that in the US group was 0.26 ± 0.48 D (-1.05 - 1.76). All eyes in the PCI group and 94.3 percent of those in the US group were within 1.00 D of the planned refraction. CONCLUSION: Although both PCI and US yielded good prediction in IOL power calculation, the PCI group tended to show better accuracy and improved refractive outcome.

OBJETIVO: Comparar os resultados refracionais obtidos em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de catarata com cálculo da lente intraocular realizado por meio de biometria ultrassônica de imersão (US) ou por interferometria de coerência parcial (ICP). MÉTODOS: Série de casos comparativa, prospectiva. Os pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de catarata foram aleatoriamente divididos em dois grupos em relação ao método de cálculo do poder da lente intraocular (LIO) a ser implantada. O grupo 1 teve seu cálculo efetuado por ICP (IOL Master; Carl Zeiss Meditec), enquanto o grupo 2 usou-se US (Ultrascan; Alcon). A fórmula Holladay 1 foi utilizada nos dois grupos. As diferenças entre os resultados refracionais planejados e obtidos foram então comparadas. RESULTADOS: O estudo contou com 120 olhos de 79 pacientes. Biometria por meio de ICP foi utilizada em 50 olhos de 33 pacientes e com US em 70 olhos de 46 pacientes. A idade média dos pacientes no grupo 1 foi de 69,8 ± 13,1 anos e de 70,0 ± 9,3 anos no grupo 2 (P=0,7165). O comprimento axial médio aferido pela ICP foi de 23,22 ± 1,00 mm (variando de 21,01 a 25,45 mm) e no grupo US foi de 23,22 ± 1,06 mm (variando de 20,05 a 25,78 mm) (P=0,9110). O erro absoluto médio (diferença entre o planejado e o obtido) no grupo 1 foi de 0,15 ± 0,33 D (variando de -0,65 a 0,9 D) e no grupo 2 de 0,26 ± 0,48 D (variando de -1,05 a 1,76 D). Todos os olhos do grupo 1 e 94,3 por cento dos olhos do grupo 2 obtiveram resultados refracionais de até 1,00 D de diferença do resultado refracional inicialmente planejado. CONCLUSÃO: Os dois métodos estudados mostraram boa previsibilidade refracional quando utilizados para o cálculo do poder da LIO. No entanto, o grupo que utilizou ICP mostrou uma tendência a melhor acurácia, com menos dispersão de resultados.

Protein and antigen profiles of Leptospira interrogans serovar Hardjo / Perfil proteico e antigênico da Leptospira interrogans sorovariedade Hardjo

The protein profile of the outer membrane of Leptospira interrogans serovar Hardjo subtype hardjoprajitno associated with the bovine natural immune response was investigated. The outer membrane proteins were extracted utilizing Triton X114 and precipitated with acetone. The protein sample was then resolved by SDS-PAGE and reacted in western blot against sera from a hyperimmune rabbit and from naturally infected bovines. In silver stained gels, 14 protein bands were observed, among which four proteins, with 22, 29, 47 and 63kDa, appeared as major constituents. Western blot tests with hyperimmune rabbit antiserum detected bands corresponding to proteins with 35; 27; 24; 21; 17 and 14kDa, while 32kDa and 45kDa proteins were the most immunoreactive with sera from naturally infected bovines.

Estudou-se o perfil proteico da membrana externa da Leptospira interrogans sorovariedade Hardjo, amostra hardjoprajitno, associado à resposta imune natural de bovinos infectados. Foram utilizados Triton X114 para a extração das proteínas de membrana externa e acetona para precipitá-las. As proteínas extraídas foram analisadas por SDS-PAGE e western blot contra soro de coelhos hiperimunes e de bovinos naturalmente infectados. Em géis corados com nitrato de prata, 14 bandas proteicas foram identificadas, e quatro dessas bandas, com 22, 29, 47 e 63kDa, foram as mais proeminentes. Os western blots com soro hiperimune de coelho detectaram bandas correspondentes a proteínas com pesos moleculares de 35, 27, 24, 21, 17 e 14kDa, e bandas de 32 e 45kDa destacaram-se nos testes com soros de bovinos naturalmente infectados.

Macular pigment and lutein supplementation in choroideremia.

Choroideremia is an incurable X-linked retinal degeneration caused by mutations in the gene encoding Rab escort protein-1. A group of clinically defined and genotyped patients were studied to determine: (1) the degree of rod and cone dysfunction and structural abnormality in the central retina and the level of macular pigment; and (2) the response of macular pigment and foveal vision to a 6 month trial of supplementation with oral lutein (at 20 mg per day). Rod and cone-mediated function was measured with dark-adapted static perimetry; in vivo retinal structure was determined with optical coherence tomography; and macular pigment optical density was measured with heterochromatic flicker photometry. In this cohort of patients (ages 15-65 years), both rod- and cone-mediated central function declined with age as did central retinal thickness. Macular pigment levels did not differ between patients and male control subjects. Supplementation of oral lutein in a subset of patients led to an increase in serum lutein and macular pigment levels; absolute foveal sensitivity did not change. It is concluded that macular pigment density can be augmented by oral intake of lutein in patients with choroideremia. There was no short-term change in the central vision of the patients on the supplement, but long-term influences of lutein supplementation on disease natural history warrant further study.

OCT (tomografia de coerência óptica) na avaliação da membrana epirretiniana macular / OCT (optical coherence tomography) in epiretinal macular membrane

Objetivo: Descrever a importância do OCT na avaliação da membrana epirretiniana macular. Local: Downtown Oftalmo Center. Métodos: Estudo, com casos clínicos, onde se relata e discute a importância do OCT no diagnóstico e na caracterização da membrana epirretiniana. Resultados e Conclusão: Os autores concluem que o OCT demostrou ser de grande valia na identificação da membrana epirretiniana, e assim útil na indicação cirúrgica, no manejo intra-operatório e no prognóstico visual.