ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Knee dislocation is a rare injury but considered serious clinically since it can be accompanied by vascular and neurological injuries that if they do not have a timely diagnosis and treatment can lead to the loss of the limb. Regarding vascular injury, the optimal diagnostic method for the identification of this type of lesion is of the utmost importance. OBJECTIVE: To present the literature review on the epidemiology, classification and diagnostic approach of knee dislocation with or without associated vascular injury. METHODS: Report of the literature found in databases and analyses based on clinical experience and synthesis of these documents. CONCLUSION: Vascular injury is not an uncommon finding in the context of knee dislocation, with a high risk of complications and even amputation if an early diagnosis is not made, the authors recommend angio-CT to confirm the suspected diagnosis and not delay treatment.
INTRODUCCIÓN: La luxación de rodilla es una lesión poco común, pero considerada grave clínicamente, ya que puede acompañarse de lesiones vasculares y neurológicas que si no tienen un diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno pueden llegar a la pérdida de la extremidad. Respecto a la lesión vascular es de suma importancia el método diagnóstico óptimo para la identificación de este tipo de lesiones. OBJETIVO: Presentar la revisión bibliográfica sobre la epidemiología, clasificación y aproximación diagnóstica de la luxación de rodilla con o sin lesión vascular asociada. MÉTODOS: Reporte de la literatura encontrada en bases de datos y análisis basados en experiencia clínica y síntesis de estos documentos. CONCLUSIÓN: La lesión vascular no es un hallazgo infrecuente en el contexto de una luxación de rodilla, tiene un riesgo elevado de complicaciones e incluso de amputación si no se realiza un diagnóstico temprano, los autores recomiendan la angio-TAC para confirmar la sospecha diagnóstica y no retrasar el tratamiento.
Subject(s)
Knee Dislocation , Vascular System Injuries , Amputation, Surgical , Humans , Knee Dislocation/diagnostic imaging , Knee Dislocation/surgery , Vascular System Injuries/diagnostic imagingABSTRACT
Resumen: Introducción: La luxación de rodilla es una lesión poco común, pero considerada grave clínicamente, ya que puede acompañarse de lesiones vasculares y neurológicas que si no tienen un diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno pueden llegar a la pérdida de la extremidad. Respecto a la lesión vascular es de suma importancia el método diagnóstico óptimo para la identificación de este tipo de lesiones. Objetivo: Presentar la revisión bibliográfica sobre la epidemiología, clasificación y aproximación diagnóstica de la luxación de rodilla con o sin lesión vascular asociada. Métodos: Reporte de la literatura encontrada en bases de datos y análisis basados en experiencia clínica y síntesis de estos documentos. Conclusión: La lesión vascular no es un hallazgo infrecuente en el contexto de una luxación de rodilla, tiene un riesgo elevado de complicaciones e incluso de amputación si no se realiza un diagnóstico temprano, los autores recomiendan la angio-TAC para confirmar la sospecha diagnóstica y no retrasar el tratamiento.
Abstract: Introduction: Knee dislocation is a rare injury but considered serious clinically since it can be accompanied by vascular and neurological injuries that if they do not have a timely diagnosis and treatment can lead to the loss of the limb. Regarding vascular injury, the optimal diagnostic method for the identification of this type of lesion is of the utmost importance. Objective: To present the literature review on the epidemiology, classification and diagnostic approach of knee dislocation with or without associated vascular injury. Methods: Report of the literature found in databases and analyses based on clinical experience and synthesis of these documents. Conclusion: Vascular injury is not an uncommon finding in the context of knee dislocation, with a high risk of complications and even amputation if an early diagnosis is not made, the authors recommend angio-CT to confirm the suspected diagnosis and not delay treatment.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To test the hypotheses that estimated mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP) decreases and pulmonary vascular maturation, assessed by the ratio of pulmonary arterial flow acceleration time to ejection time (AT/ET ratio), increases after reversal of fetal ductus arteriosus constriction by reducing maternal intake of the causal agent (prostaglandin inhibitors, such as polyphenol-rich foods or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and that these effects are independent of gestational age, which are inferences not yet demonstrated in the clinical setting. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study comparing Doppler echocardiographic ductal flow dynamics, MPAP and pulmonary arterial flow AT/ET ratio in third-trimester fetuses (≥ 28 weeks' gestation) with ductus arteriosus constriction, at the time of diagnosis and after 2 weeks of reduced maternal intake of prostaglandin inhibitors either by suspending the use of pharmacological agents with potential for prostaglandin inhibition or by restricting the consumption of polyphenol-rich foods. MPAP was estimated using the Dabestani equation (MPAP = 90 - (0.62 × AT)), and pulmonary vascular maturity was assessed using the AT/ET ratio, according to reported validation studies. Student's t-test was used for comparison of variables at diagnosis with those after reversal of ductal constriction. Change in MPAP and pulmonary AT/ET ratio between the two assessments was compared with the expected change in the same gestational period in normal fetuses based on reference curves of MPAP and pulmonary AT/ET ratio constructed in normal fetuses from healthy pregnant women at 19-37 weeks' gestation, encompassing the same gestational age range as the study group (28-37 weeks). RESULTS: Seventy pregnancies with fetal ductus arteriosus constriction were included in the study. After 2 weeks of reduced maternal intake of prostaglandin inhibitors, normalization of mean systolic (change from 1.86 ± 0.34 m/s at diagnosis to 1.38 ± 0.41 m/s; P < 0.001) and diastolic (change from 0.41 ± 0.11 m/s to 0.21 ± 0.065 m/s; P < 0.001) ductal velocities and of mean pulsatility index (change from 1.99 ± 0.20 to 2.55 ± 0.42; P < 0.001) was demonstrated. MPAP decreased between the assessments (change from 66.7 ± 6.90 mmHg at diagnosis to 54.5 ± 6.70 mmHg after 2 weeks; P < 0.001) and mean pulmonary AT/ET ratio increased (change from 0.20 ± 0.06 to 0.33 ± 0.07; P < 0.001). Change in MPAP between diagnosis and after 2 weeks of reduced maternal intake of prostaglandin inhibitors was -12.2 ± 0.30 mmHg, which was 5.3-times higher than that in 305 normal fetuses over 2 weeks during the same gestational period (-2.3 ± 0.19 mmHg) (P < 0.001), and change in pulmonary AT/ET ratio between the two assessments was 0.13 ± 0.08, which was 8.7-times higher than that in normal fetuses in the same gestational period (0.015 ± 0.08) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Resolution of fetal ductal constriction is followed by a fall in MPAP and by an increase in pulmonary vascular maturity, to a significantly greater degree than is observed in normal fetuses in the same gestational-age period. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Subject(s)
Ductus Arteriosus/pathology , Fetus/blood supply , Hypertension, Pulmonary/embryology , Prenatal Care/methods , Adult , Arterial Pressure , Blood Flow Velocity , Constriction, Pathologic/chemically induced , Constriction, Pathologic/embryology , Ductus Arteriosus/drug effects , Ductus Arteriosus/embryology , Echocardiography, Doppler , Female , Fetal Development/drug effects , Fetus/embryology , Gestational Age , Humans , Hypertension, Pulmonary/etiology , Polyphenols/adverse effects , Pregnancy , Prospective Studies , Prostaglandin Antagonists/adverse effects , Pulmonary Artery/embryology , Pulmonary Artery/growth & development , Pulmonary Artery/physiopathology , Pulsatile Flow , Stroke Volume , Ultrasonography, PrenatalABSTRACT
The biological behaviour of the tumours vary according to the species in which they occur, its location within the cavity, clinical stage and histopathological nature. Lingual neoplasms are generally uncommon in companion animals. Rhabdomyosarcomas are malignant, solid, aggressive formations with high metastatic potential. The clinical signs are variable and a definitive diagnosis can only be reached through histopathological analysis of biopsy and necropsy specimen. In some cases, immunohistochemical study may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. This paper aims to highlight important points about this uncommon condition in dogs, using a case report of lingual rhabdomyosarcoma, which showed no evidence of metastasis after diagnosis, nor of local recurrence after surgical excision with a wide safety margin. It was concluded that early diagnosis, the correct interpretation of the complementary tests and the appropriate therapeutic approach contributed to improving the quality of life and survival of the patient in question.(AU)
O comportamento biológico dos tumores varia de acordo com a espécie animal, a localização na cavidade, a fase clínica e a natureza histopatológica. As neoplasias orais são geralmente incomuns em animais de companhia. Os rabdomiossarcomas são formações malignas, sólidas e agressivas, com alto potencial metastático. Os sinais clínicos são variáveis e o diagnóstico definitivo só pode ser alcançado por meio da análise histopatológica do material colhido. Em alguns casos, o estudo imuno-histoquímico pode ser necessário para confirmar o diagnóstico. Este trabalho tem como objetivo destacar pontos importantes sobre essa condição incomum em cães, utilizando um relato de caso de rabdomiossarcoma lingual, no qual não se evidenciaram metástases após o diagnóstico, nem recorrência local após a excisão cirúrgica com ampla margem de segurança. Concluiu-se que o diagnóstico precoce, a correta interpretação dos exames complementares e a abordagem terapêutica adequada contribuíram para melhorar a qualidade de vida e a sobrevida do paciente em questão.(AU)
Subject(s)
Animals , Dogs , Rhabdomyosarcoma/pathology , Rhabdomyosarcoma/therapy , Rhabdomyosarcoma/veterinary , Tongue Neoplasms/veterinaryABSTRACT
The larynx is part of the upper respiratory tract and is responsible for phonation. It allows air to pass between the pharynx and the trachea, but prevents food from entering the airways. Laryngeal neoplasms, including rhabdomyosarcomas, are uncommon in dogs. However, these tumors can trigger numerous progressive clinical signs related to respiratory difficulty and altered phonation. The diagnosis of laryngeal cancer should be made based on the history and symptoms of the patient, combined with complementary tests. The treatment of choice is surgical excision, combined or not with chemotherapy. In view of the low incidence of laryngeal cancer, the objective of the present work was to describe a case of laryngeal rhabdomyosarcoma detected during necropsy of an adult dog and diagnosed by histopathology, in addition to raising awareness about the importance of the diagnosis and early therapy for the quality of life and survival of affected patients. The results showed that the location of the tumor impaired its early diagnosis. Although malignant, the animal did not develop metastases as has been described in the literature.(AU)
A laringe é um dos órgãos que compõem o trato respiratório superior, sendo também responsável pela fonação. Permite a passagem do ar entre a faringe e traqueia, mas impede que alimentos adentrem as vias aéreas. As neoplasias laringeanas, incluindo os rabdomiossarcomas, são incomuns em cães, porém, quando presentes, desencadeiam inúmeros sinais clínicos progressivos relacionados à dificuldade respiratória e à alteração na fonação. O diagnóstico das neoplasias na laringe deve ser baseado no histórico e na sintomatologia do paciente, associado a exames complementares. O tratamento de eleição é a exérese cirúrgica, concomitante ou não com a quimioterapia. Desse modo, diante da baixa incidência desse tipo neoplásico, inclusive na laringe, o objetivo do atual trabalho é descrever o caso de rabdomiossarcoma em laringe, detectado durante o exame de necropsia de um cão adulto e diagnosticado por histopatologia, bem como conscientizar sobre a importância do diagnóstico e da terapêutica precoce na qualidade de vida e sobrevida dos afetados. De acordo com a descrição do caso, pode-se admitir que a localização da neoplasia prejudicou o diagnóstico precoce e que, apesar de esta ser maligna, não houve metástases conforme descrição na literatura.(AU)
Subject(s)
Animals , Dogs , Larynx/abnormalities , Rhabdomyosarcoma/classification , Medical Oncology/classification , Respiratory SystemABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of polyamide 12 intramedullary rods in osteotomized humerus in cockerels (White Plymouth Rock) and analyze, by radiography and histopathology, bone consolidation and the formation of bone callus. Ten cockerels were subjected to transverse osteotomy of the right humeral diaphysis followed by the insertion of polyamide 12 locked rods, with two nails in each bone fragment. Radiographies obtained at the immediate pre and post-operative period, and every 7 days for 3 months revealed no perioperatory complications. Radiography revealed a radiopaque bone callus between the 4th and 5th week post-surgery. Histopathology detected an amphophylic material (polyamide 12 rod) in the intramedullary region and the proliferation of highly vascularized connective tissue between the rod and the cortical bone. This connective tissue was highly cellular with differentiation into osteoblasts. The collagen fibers varied from loose to dense and a differentiated bone matrix, containing osteocytes in gaps and the development of bone marrow, was also observed; indicating the formation of a bone callus without signs of implant rejection. The polyamide 12 intramedullary rod was effective in the stabilization of the fractures used in this experimental model, with no rejection reaction for at least 90 days.(AU)
O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a implantação de hastes intramedulares de poliamida 12, em úmeros osteotomizados de galos (Plymouth Rock Branca), bem como avaliar a consolidação óssea, por meio da verificação da formação de calo ósseo, analisando exames radiográficos e histopatológicos. Os galos foram submetidos à osteotomia transversa da diáfise do úmero direito, sendo implantadas posteriormente as hastes de poliamida 12 bloqueada com dois parafusos em cada fragmento ósseo. Após o procedimento cirúrgico, foram realizadas radiografias nos momentos pré e pós-operatório imediato e, posteriormente, a cada sete dias, durante três meses, até a realização da eutanásia. Não houve complicações perioperatórias. Ao exame radiográfico, os animais apresentaram formação de calo ósseo radiopaco entre a quarta e quinta semanas de pós-operatório. Ao exame histopatológico, foi possível notar, em todos os animais, presença de material anfofílico (haste de poliamida 12) ocupando a região intramedular óssea, e entre a haste e as corticais ósseas, proliferação de tecido conjuntivo altamente vascularizado. Tal tecido apresentou-se altamente celular com diferenciação em osteoblastos. Notaram-se também fibras colágenas, variando de aspecto frouxo a denso, e observou-se formação de matriz óssea diferenciada com osteócitos em lacunas e formações de medula óssea, denotando formação de calo ósseo sem sinais de rejeição do implante. A haste intramedular de poliamida 12 foi eficaz para estabilização das fraturas utilizando-se esse modelo experimental, sem reação de rejeição pelo período de 90 dias.(AU)
Subject(s)
Animals , Chickens/surgery , Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary/veterinary , Fractures, Bone/surgery , Humerus/injuries , NylonsABSTRACT
The pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) has been proposed as target for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in patients with postural instability and gait disorders due to its involvement in muscle tonus adjustments and control of locomotion. However, it is a deep-seated brainstem nucleus without clear imaging or electrophysiological markers. Some studies suggested that diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) may help guiding electrode placement in the PPN by showing the surrounding fiber bundles, but none have provided a direct histological correlation. We investigated DTI fractional anisotropy (FA) maps from in vivo and in situ post-mortem magnetic resonance images (MRI) compared to histological evaluations for improving PPN targeting in humans. A post-mortem brain was scanned in a clinical 3T MR system in situ. Thereafter, the brain was processed with a special method ideally suited for cytoarchitectonic analyses. Also, nine volunteers had in vivo brain scanning using the same MRI protocol. Images from volunteers were compared to those obtained in the post-mortem study. FA values of the volunteers were obtained from PPN, inferior colliculus, cerebellar crossing fibers and medial lemniscus using histological data and atlas information. FA values in the PPN were significantly lower than in the surrounding white matter region and higher than in areas with predominantly gray matter. In Nissl-stained histologic sections, the PPN extended for more than 10 mm in the rostro-caudal axis being closely attached to the lateral parabrachial nucleus. Our DTI analyses and the spatial correlation with histological findings proposed a location for PPN that matched the position assigned to this nucleus in the literature. Coregistration of neuroimaging and cytoarchitectonic features can add value to help establishing functional architectonics of the PPN and facilitate neurosurgical targeting of this extended nucleus.
Subject(s)
Diffusion Tensor Imaging/methods , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Pedunculopontine Tegmental Nucleus/diagnostic imaging , Pedunculopontine Tegmental Nucleus/pathology , Adult , Aged , Anatomic Landmarks , Anisotropy , Autopsy , Female , Humans , Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted , Imaging, Three-Dimensional , Male , Middle Aged , Predictive Value of Tests , Reproducibility of Results , Young AdultABSTRACT
This report describes an anal atresia, anatomical urethra alteration (slightly caudal to the udder), thickened joints, and changes in the pelvis in a newborn Holstein cow. Visualization of the final portion of the rectum was not possible by perineal access and laparotomy through the right flank was performed in order for abdominal exploration and colostomy attempt. During the surgical procedure visceral rupture and malformations incompatible with life were observed, so surgeons opted for euthanasia and necropsy. Alterations were confirmed in the genitourinary and gastrointestinal tract. The non-formation of the anus caused dilation of the distal portion of the rectum with fecal content retention, which was drained to the body of the uterus, with the presence of meconium. This amount of anatomical and clinical changes were diagnosed as congenital multiple arthrogryposis.(AU)
Este relato de caso descreve atresia anal, alteração anatômica da uretra (inserida caudalmente ao úbere), articulações espessadas e alterações na pelve em um neonato bovino da raça Holandesa. A visualização da porção final do reto não foi possível pelo acesso perineal, e laparotomia através do flanco direito foi feita para exploração abdominal e realização da colostomia. Durante o procedimento cirúrgico, foram observadas ruptura visceral e malformações incompatíveis com a vida, então os cirurgiões optaram pela eutanásia e necropsia. Alterações foram confirmadas nos tratos geniturinário e gastrointestinal. A não formação do ânus causou dilatação da porção distal do reto com retenção fecal, desviando ao corpo do útero, o qual possibilitou a entrada de mecônio nesse compartimento, além de outras alterações devido à ingestão e alteração no trânsito gastrointestinal. Essa quantidade de alterações anatômicas e clínicas foi diagnosticada como artrogripose congênita múltipla.(AU)
Subject(s)
Animals , Cattle , Animals, Newborn/surgery , Anus, Imperforate/veterinary , Arthrogryposis/veterinary , Urogenital Abnormalities/veterinaryABSTRACT
With the purpose of identifying factors involved in early stages of embryo development in the domestic cat, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS) was used for the first time to describe the spatial localization of proteins in the oviducts of queens. Oviducts were obtained from two 2 and 4 years old cross-bred queens, divided into three segments, snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen and then stored at -80°C until use. Next, they were sectioned in a cryostat, fixed on ITO (indium tin oxide) conductive glass slides for MALDI-IMS and serial sections were collected on microscope slides for histology. As confirmed by histology, MALDI-IMS was able to show contrasting protein distributions in the oviductal infundibulum, ampulla and isthmus. Mass spectra were characterized by abundant ions of m/z 1,259, 4,939, 4,960 and 10,626, which have been tentatively attributed to keratin, thymosin ß10, thymosin ß4 and S100, respectively. Keratin and thymosins are involved in the biological response to tissue damage. S100 proteins are calcium-modulated proteins implicated in a variety of cellular activities, including cell differentiation and regulation of cell motility. These results suggest that protein composition differs between segments of the cat oviduct, which corresponds to morphological changes within these sections. Further functional studies could elucidate the effects of these proteins on feline reproductive physiology.
Subject(s)
Cats/physiology , Embryonic Development/physiology , Fallopian Tubes/diagnostic imaging , Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization , Animals , Fallopian Tubes/physiology , Female , Keratins/analysis , S100 Proteins/analysis , Thymosin/analysisABSTRACT
Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Antarctica: Cadophora antarctica from soil. Australia: Alfaria dandenongensis on Cyperaceae, Amphosoma persooniae on Persoonia sp., Anungitea nullicana on Eucalyptus sp., Bagadiella eucalypti on Eucalyptus globulus, Castanediella eucalyptigena on Eucalyptus sp., Cercospora dianellicola on Dianella sp., Cladoriella kinglakensis on Eucalyptus regnans, Cladoriella xanthorrhoeae (incl. Cladoriellaceae fam. nov. and Cladoriellales ord. nov.) on Xanthorrhoea sp., Cochlearomyces eucalypti (incl. Cochlearomyces gen. nov. and Cochlearomycetaceae fam. nov.) on Eucalyptus obliqua, Codinaea lambertiae on Lambertia formosa, Diaporthe obtusifoliae on Acacia obtusifolia, Didymella acaciae on Acacia melanoxylon, Dothidea eucalypti on Eucalyptus dalrympleana, Fitzroyomyces cyperi (incl. Fitzroyomyces gen. nov.) on Cyperaceae, Murramarangomyces corymbiae (incl. Murramarangomyces gen. nov., Murramarangomycetaceae fam. nov. and Murramarangomycetales ord. nov.) on Corymbia maculata, Neoanungitea eucalypti (incl. Neoanungitea gen. nov.) on Eucalyptus obliqua, Neoconiothyrium persooniae (incl. Neoconiothyrium gen. nov.) on Persoonia laurina subsp. laurina, Neocrinula lambertiae (incl. Neocrinulaceae fam. nov.) on Lambertia sp., Ochroconis podocarpi on Podocarpus grayae, Paraphysalospora eucalypti (incl. Paraphysalospora gen. nov.) on Eucalyptus sieberi, Pararamichloridium livistonae (incl. Pararamichloridium gen. nov., Pararamichloridiaceae fam. nov. and Pararamichloridiales ord. nov.) on Livistona sp., Pestalotiopsis dianellae on Dianella sp., Phaeosphaeria gahniae on Gahnia aspera, Phlogicylindrium tereticornis on Eucalyptus tereticornis, Pleopassalora acaciae on Acacia obliquinervia, Pseudodactylaria xanthorrhoeae (incl. Pseudodactylaria gen. nov., Pseudodactylariaceae fam. nov. and Pseudodactylariales ord. nov.) on Xanthorrhoea sp., Pseudosporidesmium lambertiae (incl. Pseudosporidesmiaceae fam. nov.) on Lambertia formosa, Saccharata acaciae on Acacia sp., Saccharata epacridis on Epacris sp., Saccharata hakeigena on Hakea sericea, Seiridium persooniae on Persoonia sp., Semifissispora tooloomensis on Eucalyptus dunnii, Stagonospora lomandrae on Lomandra longifolia, Stagonospora victoriana on Poaceae, Subramaniomyces podocarpi on Podocarpus elatus, Sympoventuria melaleucae on Melaleuca sp., Sympoventuria regnans on Eucalyptus regnans, Trichomerium eucalypti on Eucalyptus tereticornis, Vermiculariopsiella eucalypticola on Eucalyptus dalrympleana, Verrucoconiothyrium acaciae on Acacia falciformis, Xenopassalora petrophiles (incl. Xenopassalora gen. nov.) on Petrophile sp., Zasmidium dasypogonis on Dasypogon sp., Zasmidium gahniicola on Gahnia sieberiana.Brazil: Achaetomium lippiae on Lippia gracilis, Cyathus isometricus on decaying wood, Geastrum caririense on soil, Lycoperdon demoulinii (incl. Lycoperdon subg. Arenicola) on soil, Megatomentella cristata (incl. Megatomentella gen. nov.) on unidentified plant, Mutinus verrucosus on soil, Paraopeba schefflerae (incl. Paraopeba gen. nov.) on Schefflera morototoni, Phyllosticta catimbauensis on Mandevilla catimbauensis, Pseudocercospora angularis on Prunus persica, Pseudophialophora sorghi on Sorghum bicolor, Spumula piptadeniae on Piptadenia paniculata.Bulgaria: Yarrowia parophonii from gut of Parophonus hirsutulus. Croatia: Pyrenopeziza velebitica on Lonicera borbasiana.Cyprus: Peziza halophila on coastal dunes. Czech Republic: Aspergillus contaminans from human fingernail. Ecuador: Cuphophyllus yacurensis on forest soil, Ganoderma podocarpense on fallen tree trunk. England: Pilidium anglicum (incl. Chaetomellales ord. nov.) on Eucalyptus sp. France: Planamyces parisiensis (incl. Planamyces gen. nov.) on wood inside a house. French Guiana: Lactifluus ceraceus on soil. Germany: Talaromyces musae on Musa sp. India: Hyalocladosporiella cannae on Canna indica, Nothophoma raii from soil. Italy: Setophaeosphaeria citri on Citrus reticulata, Yuccamyces citri on Citrus limon.Japan: Glutinomyces brunneus (incl. Glutinomyces gen. nov.) from roots of Quercus sp. Netherlands (all from soil): Collariella hilkhuijsenii, Fusarium petersiae, Gamsia kooimaniorum, Paracremonium binnewijzendii, Phaeoisaria annesophieae, Plectosphaerella niemeijerarum, Striaticonidium deklijnearum, Talaromyces annesophieae, Umbelopsis wiegerinckiae, Vandijckella johannae (incl. Vandijckella gen. nov. and Vandijckellaceae fam. nov.), Verhulstia trisororum (incl. Verhulstia gen. nov.). New Zealand: Lasiosphaeria similisorbina on decorticated wood. Papua New Guinea: Pseudosubramaniomyces gen. nov. (based on Pseudosubramaniomyces fusisaprophyticus comb. nov.). Slovakia: Hemileucoglossum pusillum on soil. South Africa: Tygervalleyomyces podocarpi (incl. Tygervalleyomyces gen. nov.) on Podocarpus falcatus.Spain: Coniella heterospora from herbivorous dung, Hymenochaete macrochloae on Macrochloa tenacissima, Ramaria cistophila on shrubland of Cistus ladanifer.Thailand: Polycephalomyces phaothaiensis on Coleoptera larvae, buried in soil. Uruguay: Penicillium uruguayense from soil. Vietnam: Entoloma nigrovelutinum on forest soil, Volvariella morozovae on wood of unknown tree. Morphological and culture characteristics along with DNA barcodes are provided.
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Piper permucronatum is a perennial shrub, a medicinal plant native to the Amazon Rainforest. Traditionally, the tea of its leaves is used to combat menstrual and intestinal cramps, stomach pain, digestive problems, diarrhea, hemorrhage, and nausea. Its leaf’s essential oil is effective against Aedes aegypti larvae; its flavones and flavanones have a fungicidal effect against Clamidosporium cladosporioides and C. sphaerospermum; its hexanic extract is effective against Leishmania amazonensis. The objective of this study was to provide a protocol for callus induction from P. permucronatum leaves and an identification of the callus growth pattern, focusing on the deceleration phase, when the callus cells must be subcultured into liquid medium in order to produce a cell suspension cultures. Leaf explants were inoculated in a solid MS medium supplemented with factorial combinations of 2,4-D, BA, NAA and GA3. Callus formation was evaluated weekly until the 49th day. Subsequently, new explants were inoculated at the hormonal combination that resulted in the highest callus cell proliferation and, every seven days during a period of 70 days, samples were dried and weighed to determine the callus growth pattern. NAA and GA3 were not effective for callus induction. Combinations of 2,4-D and BA resulted in callus induction and proliferation. The highest percentage of callus induction was observed with the combination of 4.52 µM 2,4-D and 4.44 µM BA. The calluses thereby produced were friable and whitish. The callus growth pattern followed a sigmoid shape. The deceleration phase started on the 56th day of culture.
RESUMO Indução e padrão de crescimento de calos de folhas de Piper permucronatum. Piper permucronatum é um arbusto perene, uma planta medicinal native da Floresta Amazônica. Tradicionalmente, o chá de suas folhas é usado em casos de cólicas menstruais e intestinais, dores de estômago, problemas digestivos, diarreia, hemorragia e náusea. O óleo essencial das folhas é efetivo contra a larva de Aedes aegypti; suas flavonas e flavanonas têm efeito fungicida contra Clamidosporium cladosporioides e C. sphaerospermum; seu extrato hexânico é efetivo contra Leishmania amazonensis. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar um protocolo para indução de calos em folhas de P. permucronatum e identificar o padrão de crescimento dos calos, com foco na fase de desaceleração, quando as células de calo devem ser subcultivadas em meio líquido para produzir culturas de células em suspensão. Explantes foliares foram inoculados em meio MS sólido suplementado com combinações fatoriais de 2,4-D, BAP, ANA e GA3. A formação de calos foi avaliada semanalmente até o 49º dia. Posteriormente, novos explantes foram inoculados na combinação hormonal que resultou na maior proliferação de células de calo e, a cada sete dias durante 70 dias, amostras foram secas e pesadas para determinar o padrão de crescimento dos calos. ANA e GA3 não foram efetivas para a indução de calos. Combinações de 2,4-D e BAP resultaram em indução e proliferação de calos. A maior porcentagem de indução de calos foi observada com a combinação de 4,52 µM de 2,4-D e 4,44 µM de BAP. Os calos produzidos eram friáveis e esbranquiçados. O crescimento dos calos seguiu um padrão sigmoide. A fase de desaceleração iniciou no 56º dia de cultivo.
Subject(s)
Plant Growth Regulators/analysis , Piperaceae/classification , Plants, Medicinal/classification , DecelerationABSTRACT
Bioinsecticides are being increasingly used to protect vegetable crops against herbivores, but data on the side effects of such strategy on the third trophic level are still required. We investigated the influence of the Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki HD-1 strain and of the commercial bioinsecticide Agree® on the biological aspects of the predator Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) when feeding on Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)-infected larvae. On average, infected larvae were consumed more often than the non-infected larvae throughout the predator nymphal development, and no effect on nymph survival was observed. Population growth parameters (R 0, r m, and λ) resulting from the fertility life tables did not differ among treatments. The results led to the conclusion that P. nigrispinus can be used in combination with the product Agree® or the strain HD-1 for the control of P. xylostella. The combined use of these control agents helps to maintain the balance of the ecosystem and contributes for the production of food for healthy human consumption.
Subject(s)
Bacillus thuringiensis , Biological Control Agents , Heteroptera/physiology , Pest Control, Biological , Animals , Lepidoptera , Nymph , Predatory BehaviorABSTRACT
Disintegrins are cysteine-rich toxins containing the RGD motif exposed in a loop that binds integrins such as αIIbß3, α5ß1 and αvß3. The flexibility of the RGD loop, controlled by the profile of the cysteine pairs and the residues flanking the RGD sequence, are key structural features for the functional activity of these molecules. Recently, our group reported a transcript in the venom gland of Bothrops neuwiedi corresponding to a new P-II SVMP precursor, BnMPIIx, in which the RGD-binding loop includes many substituted residues and unique cysteine residues at the C-terminal. In this paper, we obtained the recombinant disintegrin domain of BnMPIIx, Neuwiedin, which inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation, endothelial cell adhesion to fibrinogen and tube formation in Matrigel with no particular selectivity to αIIbß3 or endothelial cell integrins. This value was also comparable to the inhibition observed with other recombinant disintegrins with conserved cysteine positions and residues in RGD loop. In this regard, Neuwiedin is an important component to understand the functional relevance of the diversity generated by accelerated evolution of venom toxins as well as to find out eventual new disintegrin-dependent targets that may be approached with disintegrins.
Subject(s)
Bothrops , Crotalid Venoms/chemistry , Cysteine/chemistry , Disintegrins/chemistry , Salivary Glands/metabolism , Amino Acid Sequence , Animals , Cell Adhesion/drug effects , Cloning, Molecular , Endothelial Cells/drug effects , Escherichia coli/genetics , Molecular Sequence Data , Platelet Aggregation/drug effects , Recombinant Proteins/chemistry , Sequence Alignment , Sequence Analysis, DNAABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: A long-term imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators leads to airway remodelling, which is strongly correlated to most of the symptoms, severity and progression of chronic lung inflammation. The Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)]/Mas receptor axis of the renin-angiotensin system is associated with attenuation of acute and chronic inflammatory processes. In this study, we investigated the effects of Ang-(1-7) treatment in a model of chronic allergic lung inflammation. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Mice were sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA; 4 injections over 42 days, 14 days apart) and were challenged three times per week (days 21-46). These mice received Ang-(1-7) (1 µg·h(-1) , s.c.) by osmotic mini-pumps, for the last 28 days. Histology and morphometric analysis were performed in left lung and right ventricle. Airway responsiveness to methacholine, analysis of Ang-(1-7) levels (RIA), collagen I and III (qRT-PCR), ERK1/2 and JNK (Western blotting), IgE (elisa), cytokines and chemokines (elisa multiplex), and immunohistochemistry for Mas receptors were performed. KEY RESULTS: Infusion of Ang-(1-7) in OVA-sensitized and challenged mice decreased inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition in the airways and lung parenchyma, and prevented bronchial hyperresponsiveness. These effects were accompanied by decreased IgE and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines. Mas receptors were detected in the epithelium and bronchial smooth muscle, suggesting a site in the lung for the beneficial actions of Ang-(1-7). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Ang-(1-7) exerted beneficial attenuation of three major features of chronic asthma: lung inflammation, airway remodelling and hyperresponsiveness. Our results support an important protective role of Ang-(1-7) in lung inflammation.
Subject(s)
Airway Remodeling/drug effects , Angiotensin I/pharmacology , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Bronchial Hyperreactivity/prevention & control , Bronchoconstriction/drug effects , Lung/drug effects , Peptide Fragments/pharmacology , Pneumonia/prevention & control , Respiratory Hypersensitivity/prevention & control , Animals , Bronchial Hyperreactivity/chemically induced , Bronchial Hyperreactivity/metabolism , Bronchial Hyperreactivity/physiopathology , Collagen/metabolism , Cytokines/metabolism , Disease Models, Animal , Hypertrophy, Right Ventricular/chemically induced , Hypertrophy, Right Ventricular/physiopathology , Hypertrophy, Right Ventricular/prevention & control , Immunoglobulin E/blood , Inflammation Mediators/metabolism , Lung/metabolism , Lung/physiopathology , Male , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1/metabolism , Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3/metabolism , Ovalbumin , Phosphorylation , Pneumonia/chemically induced , Pneumonia/metabolism , Pneumonia/physiopathology , Proto-Oncogene Mas , Proto-Oncogene Proteins/agonists , Proto-Oncogene Proteins/metabolism , Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/agonists , Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism , Respiratory Hypersensitivity/chemically induced , Respiratory Hypersensitivity/metabolism , Respiratory Hypersensitivity/physiopathology , Signal Transduction/drug effectsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that obese normotensive children and adolescents present impaired cardiac autonomic control compared to non-obese normotensive ones. METHODS: For this cross-sectional study, 66 children and adolescents were divided into the following groups: Obese (n=31, 12±3 years old) and Non-Obese (n=35, 13±3 years old). Obesity was defined as body mass index greater than the 95th percentile for age and gender. Blood pressure was measured by oscillometric method after 15 minutes of rest in supine position. The heart rate was continuously registered during ten minutes in the supine position with spontaneous breathing. The cardiac autonomic control was assessed by heart rate variability, which was calculated from the five-minute minor variance of the signal. The derivations were the index that indicates the proportion of the number of times in which normal adjacent R-R intervals present differences >50 miliseconds (pNN50), for the time domain, and, for the spectral analysis, low (LF) and high frequency (HF) bands, besides the low and high frequencies ratio (LF/HF). The results were expressed as mean±standard deviation and compared by Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney's U-test. RESULTS: Systolic blood pressure (116±14 versus 114±13mmHg, p=0.693) and diastolic blood pressure (59±8 versus 60±11mmHg, p=0.458) were similar between the Obese and Non-Obese groups. The pNN50 index (29±21 versus 43±23, p=0.015) and HF band (54±20 versus 64±14 normalized units - n.u., p=0.023) were lower in the Obese Group. The LF band (46±20 versus 36±14 n.u., p=0.023) and LF/HF ratio (1.3±1.6 versus 0.7±0.4, p=0.044) were higher in Obese Group. CONCLUSIONS: Obese normotensive children and adolescents present impairment of cardiac autonomic control.
Subject(s)
Autonomic Nervous System/physiopathology , Heart/physiopathology , Pediatric Obesity/physiopathology , Adolescent , Blood Pressure , Child , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Reference ValuesABSTRACT
BaP1 is a P-I class snake venom metalloproteinase (SVMP) relevant in the local tissue damage associated with envenomings by Bothrops asper, a medically important snake species in Central America and parts of South and North America. The main treatment for these accidents is the passive immunotherapy using antibodies raised in horses. In order to obtain more specific and batch-to-batch consistent antivenons, recombinant antibodies are considered a good option compared to animal immunization. We constructed a recombinant single chain variable fragment (scFv) from a monoclonal antibody against BaP1 (MABaP1) formerly secreted by a hybridoma clone. This recombinant antibody was cloned into pMST3 vector in fusion with SUMO protein and contains VH and VL domains linked by a flexible (G4S)3 polypeptide (scFvBaP1). The aim of this work was to produce scFvBaP1 and to evaluate its potential concerning the neutralization of biologically important activities of BaP1. The cytoplasmic expression of this construct was successfully achieved in C43 (DE3) bacteria. Our results showed that scFvBaP1-SUMO fusion protein presented an electrophoretic band of around 43 kDa from which SUMO alone corresponded to 13.6 kDa, and only the scFv was able to recognize BaP1 as well as the whole venom by ELISA. In contrast, neither an irrelevant scFv anti-LDL nor its MoAb partner recognized it. BaP1-induced fibrinolysis was significantly neutralized by scFvBaP1, but not by SUMO, in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, scFvBaP1, as well as MaBaP1, completely neutralized in vivo hemorrhage, muscle necrosis, and inflammation induced by the toxin. Docking analyses revealed possible modes of interaction of the recombinant antibody with BaP1. Our data showed that scFv recognized BaP1 and whole B. asper venom, and neutralized biological effects of this SVMP. This scFv antibody can be used for understanding the molecular mechanisms of neutralization of SVMPs, and for exploring the potential of recombinant antibody fragments for improving the neutralization of local tissue damage in snakebite envenoming.
Subject(s)
Antivenins/pharmacology , Bothrops/metabolism , Hemorrhage/chemically induced , Metalloproteases/antagonists & inhibitors , Metalloproteases/toxicity , Snake Venoms/antagonists & inhibitors , Tumor Suppressor Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors , Ubiquitin Thiolesterase/antagonists & inhibitors , Amino Acid Sequence , Animals , Antibody Specificity , Antivenins/chemistry , Escherichia coli/metabolism , Female , Immunoglobulin Fragments/pharmacology , Inflammation/chemically induced , Inflammation/prevention & control , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Molecular Sequence Data , Neutralization Tests , Recombinant Proteins/chemistry , Recombinant Proteins/pharmacology , Tumor Suppressor Proteins/chemistry , Tumor Suppressor Proteins/immunology , Ubiquitin Thiolesterase/chemistry , Ubiquitin Thiolesterase/immunologyABSTRACT
To test the hypothesis that obese normotensive children and adolescents present impaired cardiac autonomic control compared to non-obese normotensive ones. METHODS: For this cross-sectional study, 66 children and adolescents were divided into the following groups: Obese (n=31, 12±3 years old) and Non-Obese (n=35, 13±3 years old). Obesity was defined as body mass index greater than the 95th percentile for age and gender. Blood pressure was measured by oscillometric method after 15 minutes of rest in supine position. The heart rate was continuously registered during ten minutes in the supine position with spontaneous breathing. The cardiac autonomic control was assessed by heart rate variability, which was calculated from the five-minute minor variance of the signal. The derivations were the index that indicates the proportion of the number of times in which normal adjacent R-R intervals present differences >50 miliseconds (pNN50), for the time domain, and, for the spectral analysis, low (LF) and high frequency (HF) bands, besides the low and high frequencies ratio (LF/HF). The results were expressed as mean±standard deviation and compared by Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney's U-test. RESULTS: Systolic blood pressure (116±14 versus 114±13mmHg, p=0.693) and diastolic blood pressure (59±8 versus 60±11mmHg, p=0.458) were similar between the Obese and Non-Obese groups. The pNN50 index (29±21 versus 43±23, p=0.015) and HF band (54±20 versus 64±14 normalized units - n.u., p=0.023) were lower in the Obese Group. The LF band (46±20 versus 36±14 n.u., p=0.023) and LF/HF ratio (1.3±1.6 versus 0.7±0.4, p=0.044) were higher in Obese Group. CONCLUSIONS: Obese normotensive children and adolescents present impairment of cardiac autonomic control...
Probar la hipótesis de que niños y adolescentes obesos normotensos presentan disfunción autonómica cardiaca cuando comparados a individuos no obesos también normotensos. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal con 66 niños y adolescentes, divididos en los grupos Obeso (n=31, 12±3 años) y No obesos (n=35, 13±3 años). Se definió la obesidad por el índice de masa corporal superior al percentil 95, considerándose edad y sexo. Se verificó la presión arterial clínica por oscilometría después de 15 minutos de reposo en posición supina. Se registró la frecuencia cardiaca durante 10 minutos en la posición supina, con respiración espontánea. Se evaluó el control autonómico cardiaco por la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardiaca, calculada a partir de los cinco minutos de menor variancia de la señal. Fueron derivados el índice que indica la proporción del número de veces en que los intervalos R-R normales sucesivos presentan diferencia de duración superior a 50 milisegundos (pNN50) para el dominio del tiempo y, para el análisis espectral, las bandas de baja (LF) y alta (HF) frecuencias, además de la razón entre las bandas espectrales de baja y alta frecuencia (LF/HF). Los resultados se presentaron como promedio±desviación estándar, siendo comparados por la prueba t de Student o por la prueba U de Mann-Whitney. RESULTADOS: Los niveles de presión arterial sistólica (116±14 versus 114±13mmHg, p=0,693) y diastólica (59±8 versus 60±11mmHg, p=0,458) fueron semejantes entre los grupos Obeso y No obeso, respectivamente. El índice pNN50 (29±21 versus 43±23; p=0,015) y la banda HF (54±20 versus 64±14 unidades normalizadas - u.n.; p=0,023) fueron menores en el Grupo Obeso...
Testar a hipótese de que crianças e adolescentes obesos normotensos apresentam disfunção autonômica cardíaca quando comparados a indivíduos não obesos também normotensos. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com 66 crianças e adolescentes, divididos nos grupos Obeso (n=31, 12±3 anos) e Não Obeso (n=35, 13±3 anos). Definiu-se a obesidade pelo índice de massa corpórea maior que o percentil 95, considerando-se idade e sexo. Aferiu-se a pressão arterial clínica por oscilometria após 15 minutos de repouso em posição supina. Registrou-se a frequência cardíaca durante dez minutos na posição supina, com respiração espontânea. Avaliou-se o controle autonômico cardíaco pela variabilidade da frequência cardíaca, calculada a partir dos cinco minutos de menor variância do sinal. Foram derivados o índice que indica a proporção do número de vezes em que os intervalos R-R normais sucessivos apresentam diferença de duração superior a 50 milisegundos (pNN50) para o domínio do tempo e, para a análise espectral, as bandas de baixa (LF) e alta (HF) frequências, além da razão entre as bandas espectrais de baixa e alta frequência (LF/HF). Os resultados apresentam-se como média±desvio padrão, sendo comparados pelo teste t de Student ou pelo teste U de Mann-Whitney. RESULTADOS: Os níveis de pressão arterial sistólica (116±14 versus 114±13mmHg, p=0,693) e diastólica (59±8 versus 60±11mmHg, p=0,458) foram semelhantes entre os grupos Obeso...
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Child , Adolescent , Autonomic Nervous System Diseases/complications , Heart Rate , Obesity/complications , Arterial PressureABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between adiponectinaemia and food intake among obese women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS: In total, 60 obese women were examined by abdominal ultrasound for liver steatosis and subcutaneous and visceral adiposity. A standard interview (including questions about alcohol intake, medical history and physical activity), a physical examination (including height, weight, body mass index, waist and hip circumferences, waist-to-hip ratio, and body composition) and biochemical and clinical parameters (including serum glucose and insulin, homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance, lipid profile, aminotransferases, C-reactive protein, adiponectin, leptin, resistin, tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 levels and blood pressure) were performed. Food intake was evaluated by a qualitative food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: Twenty-four NAFLD patients and thirty-six controls were analysed. The Mann-Whitney test showed lower adiponectin levels in the liver disease group compared to controls (P < 0.05). The Pearson correlation coefficient indicated that adiponectinaemia was negatively correlated with lipid profile and serum tumour necrosis factor-α (P = 0.05) and was positively associated with adiposity measures and serum leptin (P < 0.05). By simple linear regression, all of these variables predicted serum adiponectin levels. Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests indicated that, in both groups, food intake showed no differences, although sucrose and fatty foods were associated with lower adiponectin levels in the liver disease group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.05, respectively), as well as in the control group (P = 0.05 and P < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Hypoadiponectinaemia in NAFLD was associated with dietary sucrose and fatty food intake, emphasising the important role of diet in the occurrence of this disease.
Subject(s)
Adiponectin/blood , Dietary Fats/administration & dosage , Dietary Sucrose/administration & dosage , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/blood , Obesity/blood , Adult , Blood Glucose/metabolism , Blood Pressure , Body Composition , Body Height , Body Mass Index , Body Weight , C-Reactive Protein/metabolism , Female , Humans , Insulin/blood , Insulin Resistance , Interleukin-6/blood , Leptin/blood , Linear Models , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/complications , Obesity/complications , Resistin/blood , Transaminases/blood , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/blood , Waist Circumference , Waist-Hip Ratio , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: AVE 0991 (AVE) is a non-peptide compound, mimic of the angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) actions in many tissues and pathophysiological states. Here, we have investigated the effect of AVE on pulmonary remodelling in a murine model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced chronic allergic lung inflammation. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: We used BALB/c mice (6-8 weeks old) and induced chronic allergic lung inflammation by OVA sensitization (20 µg·mouse(-1) , i.p., four times, 14 days apart) and OVA challenge (1%, nebulised during 30 min, three times per·week, for 4 weeks). Control and AVE groups were given saline i.p and challenged with saline. AVE treatment (1 mg·kg(-1) ·per day, s.c.) or saline (100 µL·kg(-1) ·per day, s.c.) was given during the challenge period. Mice were anaesthetized 72 h after the last challenge and blood and lungs collected. In some animals, primary bronchi were isolated to test contractile responses. Cytokines were evaluated in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and lung homogenates. KEY RESULTS: Treatment with AVE of OVA sensitised and challenged mice attenuated the altered contractile response to carbachol in bronchial rings and reversed the increased airway wall and pulmonary vasculature thickness and right ventricular hypertrophy. Furthermore, AVE reduced IL-5 and increased IL-10 levels in the BAL, accompanied by decreased Ang II levels in lungs. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: AVE treatment prevented pulmonary remodelling, inflammation and right ventricular hypertrophy in OVA mice, suggesting that Ang-(1-7) receptor agonists are a new possibility for the treatment of pulmonary remodelling induced by chronic asthma.
Subject(s)
Airway Remodeling/drug effects , Angiotensin I/pharmacology , Anti-Asthmatic Agents/pharmacology , Asthma/drug therapy , Imidazoles/pharmacology , Lung/drug effects , Peptide Fragments/pharmacology , Pulmonary Artery/drug effects , Pulmonary Veins/drug effects , Angiotensin II/metabolism , Animals , Asthma/chemically induced , Asthma/immunology , Asthma/metabolism , Asthma/physiopathology , Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid/immunology , Bronchoconstriction/drug effects , Chronic Disease , Cytokines/metabolism , Disease Models, Animal , Hypertrophy, Right Ventricular/metabolism , Hypertrophy, Right Ventricular/prevention & control , Lung/blood supply , Lung/immunology , Lung/metabolism , Lung/physiopathology , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Molecular Mimicry , Ovalbumin , Proto-Oncogene Mas , Proto-Oncogene Proteins/drug effects , Proto-Oncogene Proteins/metabolism , Pulmonary Artery/immunology , Pulmonary Artery/metabolism , Pulmonary Artery/physiopathology , Pulmonary Veins/immunology , Pulmonary Veins/metabolism , Pulmonary Veins/physiopathology , Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/drug effects , Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism , Time FactorsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Human herpesvirus (HHV) 6 infections and reactivation are emerging factors in neurology. This study aimed to verify the presence of encephalitis associated with HHV-6 positivity by antigenemia or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in liver transplant recipients. METHODS: We analyzed the medical records and laboratory results of 20 recipients with antigenemia or a positive PCR for HHV-6. The range of the transplantation dates was September 2006 to March 2010; the period of the medical records was from the date of transplantation to 1 year thereafter. Encephalitis was diagnosed by these symptoms: fever, mening, signs, seizures, dysphasia, visual and hearing impairment, or sensory and motion alterations. "Possible encephalitis" was considered when the patients had at least 2 of the symptoms. PCR or antigenemia for HHV-6 was not performed with central nervous fluid. The correlation between HHV-6 infection and encephalitis was evaluated with the use of descriptive statistical tests. RESULTS: Symptoms associated with encephalitis occurred in 7/20, patients (35%): 5/20 with fever and 4/20 with mental confusion. Involuntary movements were present in 1 case. The symptoms appeared with in the first 10 days in 6/20 patients and lasted for 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that symptoms associated with encephalitis occurred in a considerable number of patients with positive PCR and/or antigenemia for HHV-6 after liver transplantation. This correlation needs retrospectie and prospective studies to determine the specific association.
