Size and albedo of Kuiper belt object 55636 from a stellar occultation.

The Kuiper belt is a collection of small bodies (Kuiper belt objects, KBOs) that lie beyond the orbit of Neptune and which are believed to have formed contemporaneously with the planets. Their small size and great distance make them difficult to study. KBO 55636 (2002 TX(300)) is a member of the water-ice-rich Haumea KBO collisional family. The Haumea family are among the most highly reflective objects in the Solar System. Dynamical calculations indicate that the collision that created KBO 55636 occurred at least 1 Gyr ago. Here we report observations of a multi-chord stellar occultation by KBO 55636, which occurred on 9 October 2009 ut. We find that it has a mean radius of 143 +/- 5 km (assuming a circular solution). Allowing for possible elliptical shapes, we find a geometric albedo of in the V photometric band, which establishes that KBO 55636 is smaller than previously thought and that, like its parent body, it is highly reflective. The dynamical age implies either that KBO 55636 has an active resurfacing mechanism, or that fresh water-ice in the outer Solar System can persist for gigayear timescales.

Genetic diversity and population structure of Synthesium pontoporiae (Digenea, Brachycladiidae) linked to its definitive host stocks, the endangered Franciscana dolphin, Pontoporia blainvillei (Pontoporiidae) off the coast of Brazil and Argentina.

Pontoporia blainvillei (Gervais and d'Orbigny, 1844) is an endangered small cetacean endemic to South America with four Franciscana Management Areas (FMA) recognized as different population stocks. The role of the intestinal parasite Synthesium pontoporiae (Digenea: Brachycladiidae) as a possible biological marker to differentiate P. blainvillei stocks was evaluated using nuclear and mitochondrial DNA markers. Internal transcribed sequence 1 and 2 (ITS1 and ITS2) regions of S. pontoporiae did not show intraspecific variability. The mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 3 (ND3) and cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences suggested lack of population structure in S. pontoporiae and population expansion. The apparent panmixia of S. pontoporiae may be due to the high mobility of one or more of its intermediary hosts. Alternatively, it may be due to the small sample size. This result is incongruent with the previously proposed FMA.

Charon's radius and atmospheric constraints from observations of a stellar occultation.

The physical characteristics of Pluto and its moon, Charon, provide insight into the evolution of the outer Solar System. Although previous measurements have constrained the masses of these bodies, their radii and densities have remained uncertain. The observation of a stellar occultation by Charon in 1980 established a lower limit on its radius of 600 km (ref. 3) (later refined to 601.5 km; ref. 4) and suggested a possible atmosphere. Subsequent, mutual event modelling yielded a range of 600-650 km (ref. 5), corresponding to a density of 1.56 +/- 0.22 g cm(-3) (refs 2, 5). Here we report multiple-station observations of a stellar occultation by Charon. From these data, we find a mean radius of 606 +/- 8 km, a bulk density of 1.72 +/- 0.15 g cm(-3), and rock-mass fraction 0.63 +/- 0.05. We do not detect a significant atmosphere and place 3sigma upper limits on atmospheric number densities for candidate gases. These results seem to be consistent with collisional formation for the Pluto-Charon system in which the precursor objects may have been differentiated, and they leave open the possibility of atmospheric retention by the largest objects in the outer Solar System.

Bovine rotavirus in turkeys with enteritis.

Rotaviruses are the main agents responsible for diarrhea in different animal species and for infantile gastroenteritis. These viruses have been isolated from various avian species and have often been associated with poult enteritis and mortality syndrome. Nevertheless, the knowledge of rotavirus infection in turkeys is scarce. Six group A rotavirus strains obtained from pooled enteric contents of diarrheic turkeys were isolated in MA-104 cell culture and typed as G(6)P(1), a typical bovine rotavirus genotype. Additionally, the electropherotypes showed a migration pattern identical to the Nebraska calf diarrhea virus, and the complete NSP4 gene phylogeny showed that all six strains segregated in the genotype E2. Taken together, these results point toward a cattle-to-turkey rotavirus transmission. As a conclusion, bovine-origin rotavirus can be found in turkeys, and this transmission route must now be considered for the improvement of the health status in turkey farms.

The recent expansion of Pluto's atmosphere.

Stellar occultations--the passing of a relatively nearby body in front of a background star--can be used to probe the atmosphere of the closer body with a spatial resolution of a few kilometres (ref. 1). Such observations can yield the scale height, temperature profile, and other information about the structure of the occulting atmosphere. Occultation data acquired for Pluto's atmosphere in 1988 revealed a nearly isothermal atmosphere above a radius of approximately 1,215 km. Below this level, the data could be interpreted as indicating either an extinction layer or the onset of a large thermal gradient, calling into question the fundamental structure of this atmosphere. Another question is to what extent Pluto's atmosphere might be collapsing as it recedes from the Sun (passing perihelion in 1989 in its 248-year orbital period), owing to the extreme sensitivity of the equilibrium surface pressure to the surface temperature. Here we report observations at a variety of visible and infrared wavelengths of an occultation of a star by Pluto in August 2002. These data reveal evidence for extinction in Pluto's atmosphere and show that it has indeed changed, having expanded rather than collapsed, since 1988.

Molecular epidemiology of avian infectious bronchitis in Brazil from 2007 to 2008 in breeders, broilers, and layers.

Multiple lineages of Brazilian strains from 2007 to 2008 of avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) were detected in flocks of breeders, broilers, and layers. Organs samples from 20 IBV-positive flocks with variable clinical signs were submitted to the partial amplification of S gene (nucleotides 726-1071) of IBV. Fifteen of the 20 sequenced strains segregated in a unique Brazilian cluster subdivided in three subclusters (Brazil 01, 02, and 03). Whereas three strains could be classified as Massachusetts (Mass) genotype, the remaining two strains, originating from flocks with reproductive and respiratory disorders, grouped within the 4/91-793B genotype, a genotype that has not been detected before in Brazil. The potential relevance of the findings to the poultry industry is discussed because the low level of identity of the sequenced part of the S gene from 17 of 20 detected field strains and the vaccines of the Massachusetts serotype used suggest that the level of cross-protection by the Massachusetts vaccines might be low.

Molecular and antigenic characterization of bovine Coronavirus circulating in Argentinean cattle during 1994-2010.

Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) is an important viral pathogen associated with neonatal calf diarrhea. Our aim was to investigate the incidence of BCoV in diarrhea outbreaks in beef and dairy herds from Argentina during 1994-2010. A total of 5.365 fecal samples from diarrheic calves were screened for BCoV diagnosis by ELISA. The virus was detected in 1.71% (92/5365) of the samples corresponding to 5.95% (63/1058) of the diarrhea cases in 239 beef and 324 dairy farms. The detection rate of BCoV was significantly higher in dairy than in beef herds: 12.13% (29/239) vs. 4.32% (14/324) respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of the hypervariable S1 region of seven representative samples (from different husbandry systems, farm locations and years of sampling) indicated that BCoV strains circulating in Argentinean beef and dairy herds formed a cluster distinct from other geographical regions. Interestingly, Argentinean strains are distantly related (at both the nucleotide and amino acid levels) with the Mebus historic reference BCoV strain included in the vaccines currently available in Argentina. However, Mebus-induced antibodies were capable of neutralizing the BCoV Arg95, a field strain adapted to grow in vitro, and vice versa, indicating that both strains belong to the same CoV serotype reported in cattle. This work represents the first large survey describing BCoV circulation in Argentinean cattle.

Clinical evaluation of stenosis of the carotid bifurcation with magnetic resonance angiographic techniques.

We evaluated the images of 60 carotid artery bifurcations in 31 patients suspected to have carotid artery disease who underwent invasive carotid angiography and combined two-dimensional, phase-sensitive and a gradient-echo magnetic resonance angiography. The phase scans consisted of seven serial projections that were obtained at 20 degrees intervals (11.0 minutes) around the carotid bifurcation; the gradient-echo (GRASS) scans were composed of 11 axial images (2.4 minutes) acquired through the bifurcation. The two magnetic resonance angiographic techniques yielded complementary pieces of information and were used together to compare magnetic resonance angiography with invasive angiography. Comparison of magnetic resonance and invasive angiograms of the 60 carotid arteries shows that the sensitivity (86%) and specificity (92%) of the magnetic resonance angiographic techniques we used to diagnose clinically significant carotid stenosis approach but do not reach those of invasive angiography.

Hepatitis C virus genotypes in a northeastern area of Brazil.

We used a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to obtain the genotypes of circulating hepatitis C virus (HCV) in patients from a Gastro-Hepatology Unit in the city of Salvador (Bahia State) in northeastern Brazil. Viral RNA was detected in 83 (65.4%) of 127 anti-HCV seropositive serum samples. Positivity was significantly associated with alterations in levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase (P < 0.05). Genotyping of HCV was performed by RT-PCR using genotype-specific primers from the core region: 24.1% were infected with subtype 1a, 38.6% with 1b, 3.6% with 2, 21.7% with 3a, and 12.0% with a mixed genotype. There was no difference in genotype distribution when compared with results from other Brazilian locations. Surprisingly, the high frequency of genotype 3 in Brazilian samples continues to be different from that reported around the world and warrants further investigation.

3DFT MR angiography of carotid and basilar arteries.

Three-dimensional Fourier transform (3DFT) time-of-flight and two-dimensional Fourier transform (2DFT) projection phase-contrast MR angiography was performed in eight healthy volunteers and in 14 patients with known carotid artery or basilar artery occlusion, stenosis, or dissection. Comparative angiography was available in 13 cases (although in some cases the studies were separated by a number of months) and duplex sonography in one case. After localization of the carotid artery bifurcations by using 2DFT projection phase-contrast angiography, multiple 1.25-mm contiguous images were obtained with the 3DFT technique. In all cases, the lesions were identified on MR angiography. Because flow is detected in a manner that is independent of flow-induced phase shifts in the 3DFT time-of-flight technique, signal loss arising from complex flow and turbulence is minimized, yet the flow image remains sensitive to all velocity components of flow. Applications of this technique are ideal for relatively straight vessels where flow is laminar, but it can also be used to evaluate the carotid artery bifurcations where flow becomes complex.

Three-dimensional phase-contrast MR angiography in the head and neck: preliminary report.

Morbidity and possible mortality associated with contrast angiography lead to its cautious use. A noninvasive method for screening and further delineating known abnormalities would be welcomed. This article reviews the initial results and application of MR imaging to vascular imaging in the head and neck. By using the three-dimensional phase-sensitive method of Dumoulin, Souza, and collaborators, we acquired MR angiograms in 37 min and portrayed blood flow in all the major arteries and veins. Feeding arteries and draining veins of arteriovenous malformations were well delineated; aneurysms as small as 3-4 mm were shown, and obstructed cerebral vessels and the patency of a highly stenotic internal carotid artery were demonstrated. MR angiography of the head or neck offers great promise as a noninvasive means of studying vascular abnormalities.

In vivo non-invasive studies on the human lens.

Progress in biophysical technology now permits us to monitor aging and precataractous changes in the human ocular lens in vivo as well as in vitro. We are employing two noninvasive techniques to measure changes in lens fluorescence and in one lens water compartment (T2) utilizing Scheimpflug lens fluorescence densitography and magnetic resonance imaging. These studies demonstrate age-related changes in the normal lens as reflected by enhanced fluorescence and longer T2 values. Precataractous changes can also be detected with this approach.

Magnetic resonance angiography of abdominal vessels: early experience using the three-dimensional phase-contrast technique.

Based on three-dimensional acquisition of three sequences sensitive to one flow-direction, abdominal magnetic resonance phase-contrast angiography (MRA) was performed in 13 volunteers and 20 patients. The subjects received no antiperistaltic medication and were allowed to breath normally during the three acquisition periods of 11 minutes. The frequency of demonstration of the normal aorta, superior mesenteric and right and left renal arteries was 100%/100%/91%/100%, and of the inferior vena cava, splenic, superior mesenteric and portal veins was 92%/67%/92%/100%, respectively, whereas other abdominal vessels were seen less constantly. In renal artery stenosis or occlusion, MRA detected eight out of nine pathological arteries, missed only a minimal stenosis and was never false positive. In all 10 cases of portal hypertension, MRA demonstrated the venous collaterals detected by conventional angiography and in six cases showed more collaterals, particularly paravertebral vessels. A Budd-Chiari syndrome was investigated as well. If the accuracy of MRA can be proved in larger studies, it may become an important diagnostic tool in evaluating abdominal vascular pathology, such as renal artery stenosis or portal hypertension.

Case report: radiological appearances in peliosis hepatis.

Peliosis hepatis is an unusual disorder characterized by blood filled hepatic spaces. We describe the appearances of this entity on ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The importance of peliosis hepatis is that it may be an indicator of a treatable underlying condition.

Principais causas de condenação de fígado bovino em estabelecimento sob Serviço de Inspeção Federal na Zona da Mata mineira / Main causes of bovine liver condemnation in an abattoir under the Federal Inspection Services in the Zona da Mata of the state of Minas Gerais

Neste trabalho, foi avaliada a prevalência das principais causas de condenação de fígado bovino em abatedouro frigorífico sob Serviço de Inspeção Federal, situado na Zona da Mata mineira. Para obtenção dos dados, foram consultadas fichas relativas ao movimento mensal de abate de bovinos e de causas de condenação, no período compreendido entre 2007 e 2013, no referido estabelecimento. Durante esse período, foram abatidos 150.752 bovinos, e a prevalência de condenação hepática entre os anos variou de 9,38% a 14,09%. As principais patologias envolvidas foram abscesso, telangiectasia e fasciolose, responsáveis por 32,03%, 29,20% e 21,95% das condenações, respectivamente. Além disso, foi observada tendência de redução na frequência de condenação por abscesso (3,26%) e telangiectasia (0,68%) ao ano e, em contraposição, aumento por fasciolose de 3,40% ao ano. Conclui-se que as patologias responsáveis pelas condenações de fígado bovino foram abscesso, telangiectasia e fasciolose e que a inspeção post mortem tem grande importância no monitoramento da saúde e da produção animal e na qualidade da carne a ser comercializada.(AU)

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of the main causes for condemnation of bovine liver in an abattoir/cold store under the Federal Inspection Services, located in the Zona da Mata of the state of Minas Gerais, between 2007 and 2013. Study data was collated from forms containing information about the number of cattle slaughtered per month and the causes for liver condemnation at the studied abattoir. During the period under study, 150,752 cattle were slaughtered, and the frequency of liver condemnation varied between 9.38% and 14.09% from year to year. The main pathologies that led to liver condemnation were abscesses, telangiectasis, and fasciolosis, which were responsible for 32.03%, 29.20%, and 21.95% of the condemnations, respectively. The frequency of condemnation because of abscesses and telangiectasis showed a trend of decline, 3.26% and 0.68% per year, respectively. The frequency of condemnation because of fasciolosis, however, showed a trend of increase by 3.40% per year. This study shows the usefulness of post mortem inspection of animal health and production monitoring.(AU)

Avaliação da aplicação da técnica de administração de colírios por pacientes idosos de um centro de especialidades médicas / Evaluation of the application of the eyedrops administration technique by elderly patients of a health care center

The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of the eye drop administration technique by elderly. This is a transversal study conducted in the of ophthalmology in the Medical Specialties Center of Aracaju. The study included 90 patients using eye drops, aged between 60 and 75 years old. First, the patient eye drop instillation technique was observed; after, an interview was performed with questions about the same aspects related to the administration of eye drops. The semi-structured questionnaire also included sociodemographic data and information on guidance received regarding the technique of administration. It was found that the majority of the elderly showed deviations from the proper technique of application of eyedrops in the observation and interview, respectively: they did not compressed the lacrimal region (97.8%, 96.7%), they did not keep their eyes closed for about two minutes (94.4%, 82.2%), they did not instilled the drops into the conjunctival sac (75.4%, 77.8%) and they allowed the eyedropper tip touch the eye (44.4%, 31.1%). We observed a statistically significant correlation between educational level and contact of the eyedropper tip with the eye (p = 0.010) during the observation. Among those who consulted with the doctor, only 28.2% had received information and those of whom were attended at the pharmacy, only 2.3% received counseling. Thus, it is important that health professionals instruct their patients, especially the elderly, about the correct eye drop instillation technique regardless how long it has been used and also according to the educational level of each patient...

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a aplicação da técnica de administração de colírios por idosos, Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado no setor de oftalmologia do Centro de Especialidades Médicas de Aracaju, Participaram do estudo 90 usuários de colírios, com faixa etária entre 60 e 75 anos, Primeiramente, fez-se a observação da técnica de administração do colírio realizada pelo paciente, em seguida, fez-se uma entrevista com perguntas sobre os mesmos aspectos referentes à administração do colírio, O questionário semiestruturado utilizado incluiu também dados sócio-demográficos e informação sobre orientação recebida quanto à técnica de administração, Constatou-se que a maior parte dos idosos apresentou desvios da técnica adequada de aplicação do colírio na observação e entrevista, respectivamente: não comprimiram a região lacrimal (97,8%, 96,7%), não mantiveram os olhos fechados por cerca de dois minutos (94,4%, 82,2%), não instilaram o colírio no saco conjuntival (75,4%, 77,8%) e fizeram contato da extremidade do frasco com o olho (44,4%, 31,1%), Foi observada associação estatisticamente significativa entre a escolaridade e o contato da extremidade do frasco com o olho (p = 0,010) durante a observação, Dentre aqueles que consultaram o médico, somente 28,2% relataram terem recebido orientação e dentre os que foram atendidos na farmácia, apenas 2,3% foram orientados, Diante do exposto, é importante que os profissionais da saúde orientem os pacientes, em especial os idosos, a respeito do modo correto de administração de colírio independentemente do tempo de uso do mesmo e de forma apropriada ao nível de instrução de cada paciente...

Phylogeny of canine coronavirus (CCoV) from Brazilian dogs based on membrane protein partial sequences / Filogenia de Coronavírus canino (CCoV) de cães brasileiros com base em sequências parciais da proteína de membrana

Este artigo descreve a anteriormente desconhecida diversidade molecular de amostras brasileiras de Coronavírus canino (CCoV). Vinte e duas amostras foram submetidas à análise da sequência parcial do gene codificador da proteína de membrana, sendo 12 classificadas como CCoV Tipo II e 10 como CCoV Tipo I e uma possível sublinhagem tipicamente brasileira foi encontrada para o CCoV Tipo II.