Stability of anterior open bite treatment with bonded spurs associated with high-pull chincup.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the stability of anterior open bite (AOB) treatment with bonded spurs associated with high-pull chincup (BS/HPCC). METHODS: The experimental group consisted of 25 Class I AOB patients (15 female, 10 male) treated with BS/HPCC for 1 year. Cephalograms were analysed at pre-treatment (T1), post-treatment (T2) and at the 3-year post-treatment (T3) stage with the patients mean ages of 8.10, 9.14 and 12.18 years, respectively. The control group consisted of 23 subjects (13 female, 10 male) with normal occlusion, with comparable ages at the 3 stages (8.45, 9.45 and 12.50 years at T1, T2 and T3, respectively). T tests were used for intergroup comparisons at T1 and to compare the changes during the 3-year post-treatment period (T2-T3). Intragroup comparison in the treated group was evaluated with dependent t tests between T1 and T2. Correlations between the overbite changes in the T2-T3 period, the pre-treatment AOB severity and the amount of correction achieved during treatment were evaluated with Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: No statistically significant relapse of the AOB was found at T3. Only 1 patient had a clinically significant AOB relapse. Neither the pre-treatment AOB severity nor the amount of correction was related to overbite changes during the 3-year post-treatment period. CONCLUSIONS: There was no statistically significant relapse of the AOB, and the clinical stability of AOB correction 3-year post-treatment was of 96%.

Isolation and genetic stability of an infectious bronchitis virus strain (IBV) / Isolamento e estabilidade genética de uma cepa do vírus da bronquite infecciosa (IBV)

O vírus da bronquite infecciosa (IBV) é um importante patógeno respiratório presente na avicultura comercial e tem provocado grandes perdas econômicas em todo o mundo. A vacinação é realizada pela indústria produtora de aves, mas continuam surgindo novos sorotipos e variações antigênicas, dificultando o controle de IBV. Nós realizamos uma caracterização molecular de uma cepa de IBV obtida diretamente de tecidos e comparamos com a mesma cepa que havia sido passada três vezes em ovo embrionado. Nós mostramos uma variação significante na sequência viral depois de ter sido isolada em ovo embrionado.(AU)

Soy milk versus simvastatin for preventing atherosclerosis and left ventricle remodeling in LDL receptor knockout mice.

Functional food intake has been highlighted as a strategy for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases by reducing risk factors. In this study, we compared the effects of oral treatment with soy milk and simvastatin on dyslipidemia, left ventricle remodeling and atherosclerotic lesion of LDL receptor knockout mice (LDLr-/-) fed a hyperlipidic diet. Forty 3-month old male LDLr-/- mice were distributed into four groups: control group (C), in which animals received standard diet; HL group, in which animals were fed a hyperlipidic diet; HL+SM or HL+S groups, in which animals were submitted to a hyperlipidic diet plus soy milk or simvastatin, respectively. After 60 days, both soy milk and simvastatin treatment prevented dyslipidemia, atherosclerotic lesion progression and left ventricle hypertrophy in LDLr-/- mice. These beneficial effects of soy milk and simvastatin were associated with reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory state in the heart and aorta caused by the hyperlipidic diet. Treatment with soy milk was more effective in preventing HDLc reduction and triacylglycerol and VLDLc increase. On the other hand, simvastatin was more effective in preventing an increase in total cholesterol, LDLc and superoxide production in aorta, as well as CD40L both in aorta and left ventricle of LDLr-/-. In conclusion, our results suggest a cardioprotective effect of soy milk in LDLr-/- mice comparable to the well-known effects of simvastatin.

The expression of NTPDase1 and -2 of Leishmania infantum chagasi in bacterial and mammalian cells: Comparative expression, refolding and nucleotidase characterization.

Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) represents an important global health problem in several warm countries around the world. The main targets in this study are the two nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases (NTPDases) from Leishmania infantum chagasi that are the main etiologic agent of VL in the New World. These enzymes, called LicNTPDase1 and -2, are homologous to members 5 and 6 of the mammalian E-NTPDase/CD39 superfamily of enzymes. These enzymes hydrolyze nucleotides and accordingly can participate in the purine salvage pathways and in the modulation of purinergic signaling through the extracellular nucleotide-dependent host immune responses. They can therefore affect adhesion and infection of host cells and the parasite virulence. To further characterize these enzymes, in this work, we expressed LicNTPDase1 and -2 in the classical bacterial system Escherichia coli and mammalian cell system COS-7 cells. Our data demonstrate that changes in refolding after expression in bacteria can increase the activity of recombinant (r) rLicNTPDase2 up to 20 times but has no significant effect on rLicNTPDase1. Meanwhile, the expression in COS-7 led to a significant increase in activity for rLicNTPDase1.

Assessment of Interexaminer Agreement in the Detection of Condyle Morphology and positioning with Two Methods: Radiographic and Tomographic.

AIM: This study aims at evaluating the interexaminer agreement between radiographic and tomographic methods to determine condyle morphological variations and positioning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample comprised 100 individuals aged 13 to 30 years, from the patient files of University of North Paraná. The assessment of condyles morphology and positioning was performed in images of digital panoramic radiography (DPR) and reconstructed panoramic images from the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, by using the Dolphin three-dimensional (3D) program. The condyle morphology was categorized as flat, convex, and angular as well as its positioning classified into anterior, posterior, and concentric. Three calibrated examiners performed this subjective evaluation. After that, another examiner performed an objective assessment of the condyles positioning using tomographic sagittal scans of the condyles, applying the same 3D program. This objective evaluation of the condyle position, considered the gold standard (GS), was achieved by using a formula based on the measurement values of the joint spaces, anterior and posterior. The kappa test was used to assess the interexaminer agreement in determining the condyles morphology and positioning, as well as between the condyle positioning results determined by the examiners and the GS. RESULTS: The results showed poor agreement among examiners and between the subjective and objective condyle positioning evaluation. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the panoramic radiography (PR), either digitalized or reconstructed from CBCT scans, is not suitable for determining variations in condyle morphology and position. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Whenever it is necessary to evaluate the mandibular condyle during the orthodontic screening, the orthodontist should consider another image modality better than the PR.

Antibody response between pigs of Piau and a commercial breed naturally infected with Porcine circovirus 2 / Resposta sorológica entre suínos da raça Piau e linhagem comercial em rebanho naturalmente infectado pelo Porcine circovirus 2

Brazilian pig population is made up of several naturalized breeds; among them the Piau breed is known for its rusticity and large fat stores. The naturalized breeds, in comparison with commercial ones, may have an increased resistance to diseases circulating in their territory. Thus, this study aimed to verify if there are differences between the serologic profile against Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) of Piau pigs and that of a commercial breed from a farm naturally infected by PCV2. The serum viral load was measured by qPCR, and levels of anti-PCV2 antibodies were measured by ELISA. The results showed that the serum viral load was similar across all animals. However, Piau piglets showed higher levels of antibodies compared to commercial piglets (P= 0.05), while sows of the commercial breed showed higher levels than the Piau breed (P< 0.01). There was not a statistical difference between pigs of different production stages in the seroprevalence of PCV2 or the blood viral load. This work demonstrates that, with regard to a natural PCV2 infection, the Piau breed has a different humoral immune response compared to the response developed by the commercial pigs. The results support the importance of conservation of native breeds.(AU)

O rebanho de suínos brasileiro é constituído por diversas raças naturalizadas, entre elas a raça Piau, que é conhecida por sua rusticidade e pela grande deposição de toucinho. As raças naturalizadas, em comparação com as linhagens comerciais, podem ter uma maior resistência a doenças que circulam em seu território. Dessa forma, o presente estudo teve como objetivo verificar se existem diferenças no perfil sorológico contra o Porcine circovirus 2 (PVC2) entre suínos da raça Piau e de uma linhagem comercial de uma granja naturalmente infectada pelo PCV2. Foram realizadas mensurações da carga viral sérica por qPCR e dos níveis de anticorpos anti-PCV2 por meio da técnica de ELISA. Os resultados mostraram que a carga viral sérica se manteve homogênea em todos os animais e que os leitões da raça Piau apresentaram níveis de anticorpos superiores em comparação com os leitões da linhagem comercial (P=0,05), enquanto as porcas de linhagem comercial apresentaram níveis superiores aos da raça Piau (P<0,01). Este trabalho fornece indícios de que a raça Piau apresenta uma resposta imune humoral distinta diante de uma infecção natural pelo PCV2, quando comparada com a resposta desenvolvida pela linhagem comercial. Os resultados obtidos reforçam a importância da conservação das raças nativas.(AU)

CSF Tau proteins reduce misdiagnosis of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease suspected cases with inconclusive 14-3-3 result.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) 14-3-3 protein supports sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob (sCJD) diagnosis, but often leads to weak-positive results and lacks standardization. In this study, we explored the added diagnostic value of Total Tau (t-Tau) and phosphorylated Tau (p-Tau) in sCJD diagnosis, particularly in the cases with inconclusive 14-3-3 result. 95 definite sCJD and 287 patients without prion disease (non-CJD) were included in this study. CSF samples were collected in routine clinical diagnosis and analysed for 14-3-3 detection by Western blot (WB). CSF t-Tau and p-Tau were quantified by commercial ELISA kits and PRNP and APOE genotyping assessed by PCR-RFLP. In a regression analysis of the whole cohort, 14-3-3 protein revealed an overall accuracy of 82 % (sensitivity = 96.7 %; specificity = 75.6 %) for sCJD. Regarding 14-3-3 clear positive results, we observed no added value either of t-Tau alone or p-Tau/t-Tau ratio in the model. On the other hand, considering 14-3-3 weak-positive cases, t-Tau protein increased the overall accuracy of 14-3-3 alone from 91 to 94 % and specificity from 74 to 93 % (p < 0.05), with no sensitivity improvement. However, inclusion of p-Tau/t-Tau ratio did not significantly improve the first model (p = 0.0595). Globally, t-Tau protein allowed a further discrimination of 65 % within 14-3-3 inconclusive results. Furthermore, PRNP MV genotype showed a trend to decrease 14-3-3 sensitivity (p = 0.051), but such effect was not seen on t-Tau protein. In light of these results, we suggest that t-Tau protein assay is of significant importance as a second marker in identifying 14-3-3 false-positive results among sCJD probable cases.

Pseudohypoparathyroidism type I-b with neurological involvement is associated with a homozygous PTH1R mutation.

Pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1b (PHP1b) is characterized by hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, increased levels of circulating parathyroid hormone (PTH), and no skeletal or developmental abnormalities. The goal of this study was to perform a full characterization of a familial case of PHP1b with neurological involvement and to identify the genetic cause of disease. The initial laboratory profile of the proband showed severe hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia and normal levels of PTH, which was considered to be compatible with primary hypoparathyroidism. With disease progression the patient developed cognitive disturbance, PTH levels were found to be slightly elevated and a picture of PTH resistance syndrome seemed more probable. The diagnosis of PHP1b was established after the study of family members and blunted urinary cAMP results were obtained in a PTH stimulation test. Integration of whole genome genotyping and exome sequencing data supported this diagnosis by revealing a novel homozygous missense mutation in PTH1R (p.Arg186His) completely segregating with the disease. Here, we demonstrate segregation of a novel mutation in PTH1R with a phenotype of PHP1b presenting with neurological symptoms, but no bone defects. This case represents the extreme end of the spectrum of cognitive impairment in PTH dysfunction and defines a possible novel form of PHP1b resulting from the impaired interaction between PTH and PTH1R.

Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease diagnostic accuracy is improved by a new CSF ELISA 14-3-3γ assay.

Protein 14-3-3 is a reliable marker of rapid neuronal damage, specifically increased in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) patients. Its detection is usually performed by Western Blot (WB), prone to methodological issues. Our aim was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of a recently developed quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assay for 14-3-3γ, in comparison with WB and other neurodegeneration markers. CSF samples from 145 patients with suspicion of prion disease, later classified as definite sCJD (n=72) or Non-prion diseases (Non-CJD; n=73) comprised our population. 14-3-3 protein was determined by WB and ELISA. Total Tau (t-Tau) and phosphorylated Tau (p-Tau) were also evaluated. Apolipoprotein E gene (ApoE) and prionic protein gene (PRNP) genotyping was assessed. ELISA 14-3-3γ levels were significantly increased in sCJD compared to Non-CJD patients (p<0.001), showing very good accuracy (AUC=0.982; sensitivity=97%; specificity=94%), and matching WB results in 81% of all cases. It strongly correlated with t-Tau and p-Tau (p<0.0001), showing slightly higher specificity (14-3-3 WB - 63%; Tau - 90%; p-Tau/t-Tau ratio - 88%). From WB inconclusive results (n=44), ELISA 14-3-3γ correctly classified 41 patients. Additionally, logistic regression analysis selected ELISA 14-3-3γ as the best single predictive marker for sCJD (overall accuracy=93%). ApoE and PRNP genotypes did not influence ELISA 14-3-3γ levels. Despite specificity for 14-3-3γ isoform, ELISA results not only match WB evaluation but also help discrimination of inconclusive results. Our results therefore reinforce this assay as a single screening test, allowing higher sample throughput and unequivocal results.

Effect of bixin on DNA damage and cell death induced by doxorubicin in HL60 cell line.

Bixin is a natural red pigment extracted from annatto. Although it is widely used as a coloring agent in food, there are few studies about the effect of this carotenoid on DNA. This study aimed to investigate the effects of bixin on cytotoxicity and genotoxicity induced by doxorubicin in HL60 cells. At concentrations above 0.3 µg/mL, bixin demonstrated cytotoxic effects in HL60 cells. Furthermore, this carotenoid was neither mutagenic nor genotoxic to HL60 cells and reduced the DNA damage induced by doxorubicin. Bixin and doxorubicin showed no apoptotic effect in HL60 cells, but the simultaneous combined treatments showed an increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells. In conclusion, our results showed that bixin modulates the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin via induction of apoptosis. The results of this study provide more knowledge about the toxic effects of anticancer treatments and how the natural compounds can be useful on these therapeutic approaches.

Gene therapy approach to FAP: in vivo influence of T119M in TTR deposition in a transgenic V30M mouse model.

Familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by extracellular deposition of amyloid fibrils composed by mutated transthyretin (TTR) mainly in the peripheral nervous system. At present, liver transplantation is still the standard treatment to halt the progression of clinical symptoms in FAP, but new therapeutic strategies are emerging, including the use of TTR stabilizers. Here we propose to establish a new gene therapy approach using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors to deliver the trans-suppressor TTR T119M variant to the liver of transgenic TTR V30M mice at different ages. This TTR variant is known for its ability to stabilize the tetrameric protein. Analysis of the gastrointestinal tract of AAV-treated animals revealed a significant reduction in deposition of TTR non-fibrillar aggregates in as much as 34% in stomach and 30% in colon, as well as decreased levels of biomarkers associated with TTR deposition, namely the endoplasmic reticulum stress marker BiP and the extracellular matrix protein MMP-9. Moreover, we showed with different studies that our approach leads to an increase in tetrameric and more stable forms of TTR, in favor of destabilized monomers. Altogether our data suggest the possibility to use this gene therapy approach in a prophylactic manner to prevent FAP pathology.

Resposta reprodutiva de vacas de corte associada a marcadores moleculares relacionados à fertilidade / Reproductive performance of beef cattle cows associated with molecular markers related to the fertility

O objetivo deste estudo foi buscar associação entre a taxa de prenhez após inseminação e natalidade com marcadores moleculares ligados aos genes do receptor para IGF-1, LHβ, Leptina e receptores do FSH e LH. Utilizaram-se 249 vacas adultas Aberdeen Angus, das quais 199 foram submetidas a protocolos distintos para a IATF, seguida pelo repasse com touros, e 50 vacas formaram o grupo controle representado pelo acasalamento com touros. Foram avaliados o escore de condição corporal (ECC) e o escore de condição ovariana (ECO) ao início da estação reprodutiva. O ECC influenciou a taxa de natalidade, respectivamente de 55,6%, 75,8% e 82,4% (P<0,05) para os animais com ECC menor que 2,5, entre 2,5 a 2,9, e maior ou igual a 3,0, por ocasião da estação reprodutiva. Os marcadores relacionados ao gene do receptor para o IGF-1 (AFZ-1 e HEL5) mostraram associação com a taxa de natalidade. Vacas homozigóticas para o marcador AFZ-1 apresentaram 84,4% de natalidade em comparação às heterozigóticas, com 71,5% (P<0,05). A presença do alelo*161 para o marcador HEL5 foi negativa sobre a natalidade, respectivamente de 33,3% e 76,5% para vacas com e sem esse alelo (P<0,05). Esses resultados demonstram uma importante associação entre os marcadores envolvidos com o receptor para o IGF-1 e desempenho reprodutivo de vacas Angus.

The association between the reproductive performance, expressed by pregnancy rate at fixed timed artificial insemination and birth rate in the subsequent season in beef cows, and molecular markers linked to genes for IGF-1 receptor, LHβ, leptin, and FSH and LH receptors were evaluated. Data from 249 Aberdeen Angus adult cows were used in this study. One hundred and ninety-nine cows were subjected to four different protocols for FTAI, followed by clean-up bulls and 50 cows formed the control group, matted only with bulls for 90 days during the mating season. Body condition score (BCS) and ovarian condition score (OCE) were evaluated at the beginning of the breeding season. The birth rate in the following year was 75.5%, with no treatments influence. The BCS has influenced the birth rate, respectively 55.6%, 75.8% and 82.4% (P<0.05) for animals with BCS less than 2.5; 2.5 to 2.9; and greater than or equal to 3.0, at the beginning of the breeding season. The markers related to IGF-1 receptor gene (AFZ-1 and HEL5) were associated with the birth rate in beef cows. Cows homozygous for AFZ-1 marker showed 84.4% of birth rate, while heterozygous cows showed 71.5% (P <0.05). The presence of allele *161 to the HEL5 marker was negative on birth rate. Cows with this allele had only 33.3% of birth rate, while cows without this allele had 76.5% of birth rate (P <0.05). These results demonstrate a significant association between the markers involved with the IGF-1 receptor and reproductive performance of Aberdeen Angus beef cows.

Effects of lutein and chlorophyll b on GSH depletion and DNA damage induced by cisplatin in vivo.

Recent studies have proposed the use of low concentrations of phytochemicals and combinations of phytochemicals in chemoprevention to reduce cytotoxicity and simulate normal ingestion through diet. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether the DNA damage, chromosome instability, and oxidative stress induced by cisplatin (cDDP) are modulated by a combination of the natural pigments lutein (LT) and chlorophyll b (CLb). The protective effects observed for synergism between phytochemicals have not been completely investigated. The comet assay and micronucleus test were performed and the catalase activities and glutathione (GSH) concentrations were measured in the peripheral blood, bone marrow, liver, and kidney cells of mice. The comet assay and micronucleus test results revealed that the pigments LT and CLb were not genotoxic or mutagenic and that the pigments presented antigenotoxic and antimutagenic effects in the different cell types evaluated. This protective effect is likely related to antioxidant properties in peripheral blood cells through the prevention of cDDP-induced GSH depletion. Altogether our results show that the combination of LT and CLb, which are both usually present in the same foods, such as leafy green vegetables, can be used safely.

In vitro inhibition of canine distemper virus by flavonoids and phenolic acids: implications of structural differences for antiviral design.

Infection caused by canine distemper virus (CDV) is a highly contagious disease with high incidence and lethality in the canine population. Antiviral activity of flavonoids quercetin, morin, rutin and hesperidin, and phenolic cinnamic, trans-cinnamic and ferulic acids were evaluated in vitro against the CDV using the time of addition assay to determine which step of the viral replicative cycle was affected. All flavonoids displayed great viral inhibition when they were added at the times 0 (adsorption) and 1h (penetration) of the viral replicative cycle. Both quercetin and hesperidin presented antiviral activity at the time 2h (intracellular). In the other hand, cinnamic acid showed antiviral activity at the times 0 and 2h while trans-cinnamic acid showed antiviral effect at the times -1h (pre-treatment) and 0 h. Ferulic acid inhibited CDV replicative cycle at the times 0 and 1h. Our study revealed promising candidates to be considered in the treatment of CDV. Structural differences among compounds and correlation to their antiviral activity were also explored. Our analysis suggest that these compounds could be useful in order to design new antiviral drugs against CDV as well as other viruses of great meaning in veterinary medicine.

Potencial antiviral da quercetina sobre o parvovírus canino / Antiviral potencial of quercetin in canine parvovirus

Avaliou-se o efeito do flavonoide quercetina na replicação do parvovírus canino in vitro por meio do ensaio de determinação da atividade virucida (ensaio 1), ensaio de determinação da atividade sobre a célula (ensaio 2) e ensaio de tempo de adição das drogas em diferentes etapas do ciclo replicativo viral (ensaio 3). A quercetina apresentou significante atividade antiviral, com valores máximos de redução do título viral de 96,3% no ensaio 1, 90% no ensaio 2 e 90% no ensaio 3. Os efeitos mais expressivos ocorreram nas etapas de adsorção e penetração viral. Os resultados deste trabalho sugerem a importância da quercetina para a medicina veterinária.

The in vitro effect of the flavonoid quercetin against canine parvovirus was evaluated. The antiviral activity of quercetin was evaluated by determining the virucidal activity (assay 1), determining the activity on the cell (assay 2) and using the time of addition assay to test the inhibition of the viral replication cycle (assay 3). Quercetin showed a significant antiviral activity, with maximum viral titer reduction of 96.3% in assay 1, 90% in assay 2 and 90% in assay 3. The most expressive effects occurred in the stages of viral adsorption and penetration. The results show the importance of quercetin for veterinary medicine.

Transthyretin deposition in familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy.

The subject of the review is on hereditary transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis which is a genetically transmitted disease that results from a mutation in the gene encoding the plasma TTR protein. TTR is a transport protein for thyroid hormones and vitamin A and is predominantly synthesised in the liver. Although originally regarded as a rare disease, it is now becoming clear that many kindreds exist worldwide. Current knowledge and hypotheses on the biology of TTR, mechanisms of TTR amyloid fibril formation, phenotypic consequences TTR amyloid deposition and pre-clinical models of the disease will be discussed.

Conhecimentos, práticas e percepção de risco do uso de medicamentos no Distrito Federal / Knowledge, practices and risk perception in relation to the use of medicaments in the Federal District, Brazil

Este é um estudo transversal realizado em 2008/2009 no Distrito Federal com 997 participantes, que responderam a um questionário estruturado com 27 perguntas. Os entrevistados foram categorizados em cinco grupos: funcionários de drogaria (FD), funcionários de hospital (FH), pacientes de drogaria (PD), pacientes de hospital (PH) e outros. Os entrevistados do grupo FD foram os que mais afirmaram perceber sempre a presença do profissional farmacêutico na drogaria (35%, p<0.001). Somente 28,1% dos respondentes afirmaram saber o que é interação medicamentosa, com frequência maior para FD (p<0,0001) e PH (p=0,0138); destes, 37,3% descreveram corretamente o termo. Mais de 80% dos participantes leem sempre ou às vezes a bula, mas os do grupo PH são os que menos compreendem seu conteúdo. A frequência do uso de medicamentos sem receita médica foi maior entre os FD (p=0,0033) e menor entre os PH (p<0.0001). Os medicamentos considerados de maior risco pelos participantes foram inibidores de apetite, antibióticos e remédios para dormir e mais de 1/3 dos entrevistados consideraram que todos os medicamentos" fazem mal a saúde". A maioria guarda os medicamentos em gavetas e armários e somente 13% os mantêm fora do alcance de crianças. O estudo sugere que o ambiente, a atividade profissional e a situação socioeconômica afetam as percepções e atitudes com relação ao uso de medicamentos.

This is a transversal study conducted in 2008/2009 in the Brazilian Federal District with 997 participants who answered a structured questionnaire with 27 questions. The participants were classified as drugstore workers (DW), hospital workers (HW), drugstore patients (DP), hospital patients (HP) and others. Individuals in the DW group were those who most perceived the presence of the pharmacist in the drugstore (35%, p<0.001). Only 28.1% of the participants confirmed to know the definition of medicament interaction, with the highest frequency among the FD (p<0.0001) e PH (p=0.0138); from those, 37.3% described the term correctly. Over 80% of the interviewers always or sometimes read medication information sheets, but individuals in the HP group are the ones who least understand their content. The frequency of medicament use without prescription was higher among the DW (p=0.0033) and lower among the HP (p<0.0001). Appetite suppressants, sleeping pills and antibiotics were considered the most risky medicaments and over 1/3 of surveyed individuals considered all medication "harmful to health". Most individuals keep medication in drawers and closets, and only 13% keep them in places unreachable by children. The study suggests that the ambient, the professional activity, and socioeconomic status affect the attitudes and perception regarding the use of medication.

Porcine circovirus-2 viral load versus lesions in pigs: perspectives for post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome.

Porcine circovirus-2 (PCV-2) is the main agent related to post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) and it is also associated with other syndromes affecting pigs. Not all pigs infected with PCV-2 will develop PMWS and the incidence of PMWS is higher when coinfecting viral and bacterial pathogens are present. In this study, PCV-2 viral loads were evaluated in the tissues of animals with and without PMWS in order to investigate the relationship between viral load and microscopical lesions. Lymph nodes had the highest average viral load, but there was no significant difference between lesion severity and the viral load in these structures. There was no significant difference between the average viral load in inguinal lymph nodes of animals with and without PMWS. However, samples from pigs with PMWS had more severe lesions compared with samples from non-PMWS animals. These findings suggest that other infectious and non-infectious cofactors may be important in the pathogenesis of PMWS.

In vitro assessment of the antiviral potential of trans-cinnamic acid, quercetin and morin against equid herpesvirus 1.

The antiviral activity of quercetin, morin and trans-cinnamic acid was evaluated in vitro against equid herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) by determining the virucidal activity and using the time of addition assay to test inhibition of the viral replication cycle. The cytotoxicity of each substance was assessed using MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide]. Quercetin showed virucidal action and inhibition of the viral replication cycle at 0 and 1h. Morin showed potential virucidal and viral replication cycle inhibition at 0 h. Trans-cinnamic acid did not show virucidal activity but inhibited the viral replication cycle at -1 and 0 h. This study demonstrates the potential of these compounds as future antiviral candidates in relation to viruses of importance in veterinary medicine.