Humoral immune transcriptome signature in myelomeningocele patients.

INTRODUCTION: Myelomeningocele (MMC) results from incomplete closure of the neural tube, and has a complex multifactorial etiology, including an inflammatory microenvironment. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the contribution of humoral immune response for development of inflammatory milieu. METHODS: Using public repository Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), we retrieve dataset transcriptome from the amniotic fluid of ten fetuses with myelomeningocele and ten healthy control fetuses to found differential gene expression associated with disturbances and inflammatory signatures in MMC. The identified DEGs were submitted to enrichment, network, and matrix correlation analyses. RESULTS: Our initial analysis revealed 90 DEGs in MMC, mainly associated with signaling pathways of inflammation, including the immune modules, humoral immune response and IFN-type I signatures. Protein-protein analysis (PPI) revealed an association with three protein networks; positive regulation of B cell proliferation constituted the largest network. Matrix correlation analyses showed that MMC alters the co-expression of genes related to inflammatory processes that promote microenvironment inflammation. CONCLUSION: These results revealed an altered humoral immune response in MMC patients, contributing to an inflammatory profile and providing opportunities for identifying potential biomarkers in myelomeningocele disease.

Policy strategies for capacity building and scale up of the workforce for comprehensive cancer care: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Patients with cancer in low- and middle-income countries experience worse outcomes as a result of the limited capacity of health systems to deliver comprehensive cancer care. The health workforce is a key component of health systems; however, deep gaps exist in the availability and accessibility of cancer care providers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We carried out a systematic review of the literature evaluating the strategies for capacity building of the cancer workforce. We studied how the policy strategies addressed the availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality (AAAQ) of the workforce. We used a strategic planning framework (SWOT: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) to identify actionable areas of capacity building. We contextualized our findings based on the WHO 2030 Global Strategy on Human Resources for Health, evaluating how they can ultimately be framed in a labour market approach and inform strategies to improve the capacity of the workforce (PROSPERO: CRD42020109377). RESULTS: The systematic review of the literature yielded 9617 records, and we selected 45 eligible papers for data extraction. The workforce interventions identified were delivered mostly in the African and American Regions, and in two-thirds of cases, in high-income countries. Many strategies have been shown to increase the number of competent oncology providers. Optimization of the existing workforce through role delegation and digital health interventions was reported as a short- to mid-term solution to optimize cancer care, through quality-oriented, efficiency-improving, and acceptability-enforcing workforce strategies. The increased workload alone was potentially detrimental. The literature on retaining the workforce and reducing brain drain or attrition in underserved areas was commonly limited. CONCLUSIONS: Workforce capacity building is not only a quantitative problem but can also be addressed through quality-oriented, organizational, and managerial solutions of human resources. The delivery of comprehensive, acceptable, and impact-oriented cancer care requires an available, accessible, and competent workforce for comprehensive cancer care. Efficiency-improving strategies may be instrumental for capacity building in resource-constrained settings.

Radiographic morphology of canines tested for sexual dimorphism via convolutional-neural-network-based artificial intelligence.

The permanent left mandibular canines have been used for sexual dimorphism when human identification is necessary. Controversy remains whether the morphology of these teeth is actually useful to distinguish males and females. This study aimed to assess the sexual dimorphism of canines by means of a pioneering artificial intelligence approach to this end. A sample of 13,046 teeth radiographically registered from 5838 males and 7208 females between the ages of 6 and 22.99 years was collected. The images were annotated using Darwin V7 software. DenseNet121 was used and tested based on binary answers regarding the sex (male or female) of the individuals for 17 age categories of one year each (i.e. 6-6.99, 7.7.99… 22.22.99). Accuracy rates, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and confusion matrices were used to quantify and express the artificial intelligence's classification performance. The accuracy rates across age categories were between 57-76% (mean: 68%±5%). The area under the curve (AUC) of the ROC analysis was between 0.58 and 0.77. The best performances were observed around the age of 12 years, while the worst were around the age of 7 years. The morphological analysis of canines for sex estimation should be restricted and allowed in practice only when other sources of dimorphic anatomic features are not available.

Randomized clinical trial evaluating the effects of administering acidogenic boluses at dry-off on udder health, milk yield, and herd removal.

Acidogenic boluses can mitigate potential negative effects of high milk yield at dry-off on udder health. This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effect of administering acidogenic boluses at dry-off on dry period intramammary infection (IMI) dynamics and on milk production parameters, somatic cell count linear score (LSCC), clinical mastitis (CM), and herd removal in the next lactation. A total of 901 cows from 3 dairy farms were randomly allocated to a control (CON, n = 458; no administration of acidogenic boluses at dry-off) or treatment group (TRT, n = 443; administration of 2 acidogenic boluses at dry-off). Quarter milk samples were collected at dry-off and after calving and submitted for bacteriological milk culture. The effects of treatment on the presence of quarter-level postpartum IMI, cure of existing IMI, and acquisition of new IMI, and on the prevalence of cow-level high LSCC (LSCC ≥4) in the first 30 days in milk (DIM) were analyzed using mixed effects logistic regression. Mixed linear regression was used to analyze cow-level milk production parameters (i.e., milk yield, fat corrected milk, fat and protein yield, and LSCC) in the first 90 DIM and until 300 DIM. For CM and herd removal, Cox proportional hazard regression models were used. In addition to treatment group, lactation group at dry-off, presence of high LSCC in the last test-day, average milk yield in the week before dry-off, presence of CM in the lactation of enrollment, and biologically relevant interactions were offered in all models. There was no evidence of a difference in IMI dynamics or in milk, fat corrected milk, protein or fat yields in the subsequent lactation between groups. The TRT group had a lower LSCC in the first 2 mo postpartum compared with the CON group (2.58 ± 0.3 vs. 2.92 ± 0.3 and 2.42 ± 0.3 vs. 2.81 ± 0.3, for first and second month postpartum). The prevalence of high LSCC in the first 30 DIM was 9.1% lower in the TRT compared with the CON group (16.3% vs. 25.5%; risk difference: -9.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -15.8, -2.5). Cows in the TRT group exhibited reduced hazards of CM in the subsequent lactation compared with cows in the CON group (hazard ratio: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.63, 0.89) as well as a reduced hazard of herd removal (hazard ratio: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.77, 0.88). The administration of acidogenic boluses as a component of dry-off management is a promising approach to maintain good udder health and reduce the hazard of CM and herd removal during the subsequent lactation.

Does rassi score caracterize patients with chagas disease with complex ventricular arrhythmias?

INTRODUCTION: Rassi score (NYHA functional class III/IV HF [5 points], cardiomegaly [5 points], contractions abnormalities [3 points], non-sustained ventricular tachycardia [3 points], low amplitude QRS [2 points] and male sex [2 points]) is used in the clinic for risk stratification due to cardiovascular death in patients with Chagas disease (P-CD). Whether this score has any role in identifying patients at risk of complex ventricular arrhythmias has not been determined. OBJECTIVE: Assess whether there is an association between Rassi score and the presence of potentially malignant complex ventricular arrhythmias in P-CD. METHODS: 79 P-CD (34 men, age 61±11 years-old), consecutively referred for 24h-Holter were divided into 2 groups: low risk Rassi score (57 P, 0-6 points) and medium-high risk (22 P, 7-20 points). The amount and complexity of ventricular arrhythmia (> 30/ h, ventricular tachycardia [VT]), LVEF, heart rate turbulence (HRT) indexes (turbulence onset [TO] and turbulence slope [TS]) and HRT category (0 [without disautonomy], 1 and/or 2 [presence of disautonomy]) were evaluated. RESULTS: Compared to P-CD with low risk score, those with medium-high risk had more ventricular arrhythmias, lower LVEF, worse HRT indexes and more HRT categories 1 and/or 2 (see table below). CONCLUSIONS: 1) P-CD and Rassi score of medium to high risk have a greater amount of ventricular arrhythmias; 2) These findings can be explained by the presence of greater degree of disautonomy, assessed by HRT, and by the lower LVEF; 3) Prospective studies are necessary to confirm these findings in clinical practice.

Síncope cardioinibitória 2b com pausa de 48 segundos em paciente com síndrome de down e defeito do septo av corrigido: descrição do caso e do plano terapêutico / Cardioinhibitory syncope 2b with a 48-second pause in a patient with down syndrome and corrected AV septal defect: case description and therapeutic plan

INTRODUÇÃO: Os quadros de Síncope habitualmente se iniciam na adolescência. Aproximadamente 20% da população experimenta o primeiro episódio de desmaio entre 10 e 20 anos. Apesar de extremamente angustiantes estes nem sempre são investigados. Apenas 25 a 50% dos pacientes são avaliados nos serviços de saúde. Entretanto alguns casos merecem tratamento pelo risco de eventos e necessitam de acompanhamento especializado, inclusive para monitorização da indicação de dispositivos de marcapasso (MP) em caso de refratariedade ao tratamento clínico. Isto ocorre em alguns caos de síncope de padrão neuromediado do tipo cardioinibitória com pausa (Síncope cardioinibitória 2b ao Teste de Inclinação) OBJETIVO: Descrever o caso de uma paciente púbere pós com Síndrome de Down e síncopes de repetição de início recente com teste de inclinação (TI) positivo (resposta 2b). DESCRIÇÃO DO CASO: Paciente 13 anos feminina, Síndrome de Down portadora de defeito do septo AV total em fase pós operatória de correção total com bom resultado cirúrgico. Iniciou concomitante a menarca quadro de sincope recorrente com pródromos (dor abdominal e palidez). Apresenta Holter sem alterações arrítmicas e ecocardiograma com FEVD no limite inferior da normalidade. Analise do ECG com sinais de bloqueio divisional ântero superior direito. Foi submetido a avaliação por TI. Realizou protocolo de inclinação passivo a 70 graus não sensibilizado. Após 5 minutos de repouso foi inclinada e se manteve estável por 7 minutos e no oitavo minuto de inclinação apresentou dor abdominal, seguida de sincope com resposta cardioinibitória 2b e pausa de 48 segundos (fig 1) apesar do retorno a posição de Trendelenburgo (-30 graus). Houve retorno dos batimentos cardíacos com recuperação imediata do nível de consciência. Iniciado tratamento clínico com orientação de aumento da ingesta hídrica, suspender fatores desencadeantes (ortostase prolongada, ambientes quentes por exemplo) e mantido a monitorização rigorosa com intuito de avaliar a refratariedade e a necessidade de indicação de MP. CONCLUSÃO: 1) Os quadros de síncope neuromediada são particularmente frequentes durante a adolescência, principalmente após o estirão do crescimento 2) As respostas cardioinibitórias podem se instalar subitamente e serem de grande repercussão. Apesar deste fato o tratamento clínico deve ser sempre priorizado; 3) O paciente deve ser monitorizado quanto as recorrências e refratariedade ao tratamento clínico para indicação precisa de MP em pacientes com síncope cardioinibitória 2b com grandes pausas refratária à medidas gerais.

Association between HV interval and electrocardiographic findings in individuals with syncope and left bundle branch block

INTRODUCTION The occurrence of syncope is associated with increased mortality in patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB). Among syncope risk scores, it is consensual that electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities and the presence of underlying cardiac disease are prominent factors. However, there is no further investigation directed towards this population and there is few that could add to clinical judgement in such cases, until electrophysiological study (EPS) is performed. The method's modest sensitivity limits its practical usage in spite of current literature recommendation. Therefore, identifying those patients more prone to serious events is of clinical significance. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of patients with syncope and LBBB undergoing EP study in a tertiary hospital, which aimed to assess the relation between ECG parameters and prolonged HV interval on EPS. RESULTS Ninety-four consecutive patients were eligible for the final analysis. Mean age was 63.1 ± 11.9 years (68.1% male). As for main comorbidities, the prevalence of smoking was 39.3%, hypertension 84%, diabetes mellitus 29.7%, coronary artery disease 28.7% and reduced left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) (≤ 40%) 48.9%. In the univariable analysis, LVEF ≤ 40% appeared to be somewhat important but this was not confirmed upon logistic regression. QRS duration ≥ 165 ms (OR 7.79; p = 0.0005) and PR interval ≥ 220 ms (OR 7.10; p = 0.003) were independent predictors for HV interval ≥ 70 ms. For each 10 ms increase in QRS and PR duration, the odds of HV interval ≥ 70 ms enhanced by 39.8% and 27.1%, respectively. For the subgroup presented with such outcome, mean QRS was 170.88 ± 26.81 ms, significantly larger than the patients with HV interval < 70 ms. When combined, QRS ≥ 165 ms and PR interval ≥ 220 ms had an accuracy of 80% to predict an HV interval ≥ 70 ms in the EPS. Other analyzed data were not systematically associated with the evaluated outcome. CONCLUSION In patients with syncope and LBBB, prolonged QRS and PR interval were independent predictors of increased HV interval on EP study. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Biofilms en instalaciones alimentarias militares. Comparación de técnicas rápidas de vigilancia y verificación / Biofilms in military food facilities. Comparison of rapid surveillance and verification techniques

Introducción:Los patógenos formadores de biofilms incrementan el riesgo de contaminación biológica de los alimentos en las industrias alimentarias, por lo que es necesario cuantificar y cualificar los peligros presentes en los mismos.Objetivo:Se pretende demostrar la presencia de biofilms bacterianos en las superficies de trabajo de instalaciones alimentarias militares (IAM) mediante distintas técnicas rápidas de control higiénico.Material y métodos:Se analizaron un total de 550 muestras entre las 10 IAM: Cada IAM contó con 5 puntos de muestreo (n = 50) y en cada uno de ellos se obtuvieron 11 muestras sobre una superficie de 100 cm2, para poner de manifiesto la presencia de biofilms y establecer la correlación entre las siguientes técnicas analíticas: determinación de adenosín trifosfato (ATP) mediante luminómetro 3M Clean-Trace™ NG3, valoración de residuos proteicos con hisopos Clean-Trace™ Surface Protein Plus, recuentos de microorganismos aerobios mesófilos (AC) mediante sistema TEMPO® y Petrifilm™, y visualización de biofilms mediante reacción enzimática con Biofinder®.Resultados:Se encontró correlación estadísticamente significativa (p < 0,05) entre las determinaciones de ATP y la presencia de biofilms y de residuos proteicos. También se halló linealidad con significación estadística (R2 0,422, p < 0,05) entre el ATP y el recuento de AC por TEMPO®. Se observó correlación y concordancia entre los recuentos de AC mediante el sistema TEMPO® y a través de Petrifilm™ (coeficiente de correlación intraclase 0,463, IC 95%: 0,179-0,673, p < 0,05). En ningún punto de muestreo (PM) se detectaron bacterias patógenas.Conclusión:Se detectaron biofilms en una tercera parte de los PM inspeccionados. Su monitorización combinando técnicas rápidas debe tenerse en consideración en los procedimientos de vigilancia del sistema de Análisis de Peligros y Puntos de Control Crítico (APPCC). (AU)

Introduction:Biofilm-forming pathogens increase the risk of biological food contamination in food industries, thus it is necessary to quantify and qualify the dangers present in them.Objective:To demonstrate the presence of bacterial biofilms on the work surfaces of military food facilities using different rapid hygienic control techniques.Materials and methods:An amount of 550 samples were analyzed among 10 military food facilities: Each one had 5 sampling points (n = 50) and in each of them 11 samples were obtainded on a surface of 100 cm2 to assess the presence of biofilms and to establish the correlation between different analytical techniques: determination of adenosin triphosphate (ATP) using 3M Clean-Trace ™ NG3 luminometer, protein residue titration with Clean-Trace ™ Surface Protein Plus swabs, mesophilic aerobic microorganism (AC) counts using TEMPO® and Petrifilm ™ system, and visualization of biofilms using enzymatic reaction with Biofinder®.Results:A statistically significant correlation (p <0.05) was found between ATP determinations and the presence of biofilms and protein residues. Linearity with statistical significance (R2 0.422, p <0.05) was also found between ATP and AC count by TEMPO®. Correlation and concordance between AC counts were observed using the TEMPO® system and through Petrifilm ™ (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.463, 95% CI: 0.179-0.673, p <0.05). At no sampling point (SP) were pathogenic bacteria detected.Conclusion:Combining quick techniques should be considered in surveillance procedures of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP). (AU)

Purpureocillium lilacinum an emergent pathogen: antifungal susceptibility of environmental and clinical strains.

Purpureocillium lilacinum is a filamentous and hyaline fungus cosmopolitan, saprophytic, largely used in the biological control of plant-parasitic nematodes and insects, also considered an emerging and opportunistic human pathogen. The standard treatment for hyalohyphomycosis caused by P. lilacinum is not yet defined, since this fungus is resistant to different antifungals, in vitro and in vivo. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare in vitro antifungal activity against environmental and clinical P. lilacinum isolates and our results demonstrated that these isolates can be resistant to newer generation triazoles, such as voriconazole, and to caspofungin, a drug of the echinocandin class. In summary, we highlight the importance of knowing the different susceptibility profiles of P. lilacinum isolates, and besides that, the emergence of uncommon human and animal opportunistic fungi, such P. lilacinum, especially during COVID-19, highlight the need for antifungal susceptibility testing of isolates since empirical therapy with different treatment schedules failed in great number of patients.

La telerehabilitación durante la pandemia COVID-19: experiencia de las familias de niños con condiciones crónicas complejas / Telerehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic: experience of families of children with complex chronic conditions

La telerehabilitación ha sido una solución rápida y efectiva para la atención de pacientes durante la pandemia COVID-19. Nuestro objetivo ha sido describir la experiencia de las familias de niños con condiciones crónicas complejas (CCC) asistidos con la modalidad de telerehabilitación durante la pandemia. Materiales y métodos: Se ha realizado un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal de tipo encuesta online. Se encuestaron familias de niños (1 mes a 5 años de edad) con al menos una CCC que recibieron seguimiento interdisciplinario a distancia durante la pandemia de 2 o más áreas de rehabilitación (kinesiología, fonoaudiología y terapia ocupacional) pertenecientes al Servicio de Kinesiología del Hospital de Pediatría Juan P Garrahan, durante marzo a octubre de 2020. Resultados: El 88,3% de los participantes (n=43) se expresó satisfecho con la modalidad de telerehabilitación. Entre los facilitadores seleccionados por los participantes se mencionan la reducción de tiempos, mayor frecuencia de consultas, disminución de gastos por traslados y mayor comodidad, mientras que entre las barreras se destacaron: el no vínculo con profesionales, alargue en tiempos de tratamiento, problemas de conectividad. El análisis estadístico no indicó diferencias significativas entre quienes se reportaron como más satisfechos según su estrato social (alto o bajo), la disponibilidad de wifi propio, o respecto a la edad del niño. Se reportaron diferencias significativas en cuanto a la distancia al hospital (p=0.034). Conclusión: Esta forma de intervención ofreció nuevas posibilidades de atención que podrían considerarse a futuro en el seguimiento de nuestros pacientes. (AU)

Telerehabilitation has been a fast and effective solution in patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our aim was to describe the experience of families of children with complex chronic conditions (CCC) treated through telerehabilitation during the pandemic. Materials and methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, online survey study was conducted. Families of children (1 month to 5 years of age) with at least one CCC who received interdisciplinary remote follow-up during the pandemic from two or more rehabilitation areas (physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy) belonging to the Department of Physical Therapy of Hospital de Pediatría Juan P Garrahan, from March to October 2020, were surveyed. Results: 88.3% of the participants (n=43) expressed satisfaction with the telerehabilitation modality. Among the facilitators selected by the participants, the following were mentioned: time saving, greater frequency of consultations, reduction of travel expenses and greater comfort, while among the barriers, the following stood out: no connection with the professionals, longer treatment times, connectivity problems. Statistical analysis did not show significant differences between those who reported being more satisfied according to socioeconomic level (high or low), availability of their own wifi connection, or age of the child. A significant difference was found for distance to the hospital (p=0.034). Conclusion: This type of intervention provided new possibilities of care that could be considered in the future follow-up of our patients (AU)

Difference Between the Profiles Presented by Yeasts that Colonize the Vaginal Mucosa or Cause Primary or Recurrent Candidiasis.

Candida yeasts are the most frequent in the vaginal content. This yeast may be a normal microbiota but also causes candidiasis. In symptomatic cases, primary candidiasis (VVC) or recurrence (RVVC) can be considered. This study aims to compare the frequency and in vitro sensitivity profile of Candida species isolated in the vaginal content with the different stages of the presence of yeasts. A total of 258 non-pregnant patients with/without VVC were prospectively screened at a teaching Health Centre of the Faculty of Medicine, in the University of Sao Paulo. The vaginal isolates were identified by traditional and molecular methods. Yeasts were isolated in 160 women. 34% were asymptomatic, 34% with vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), and 32% recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). C. albicans was the most frequent species with 50.1% (82/160), followed by C. parapsilosis 13.7%(22/160), C. glabrata 12.5% (20/160), and C. tropicalis (6.2%). Analysis by the group showed that, in the asymptomatic group, eight yeast species were isolated, C. albicans 44.5% (24/54), C. glabrata 20% (11/54), C. parapsilosis and Rhodotorula rubra being the most frequent. In the VVC group, 11 yeast species were identified. Most isolates were C. albicans 68.5% (37/54), C. tropicalis 7.5% (4/54), and C. parapsilosis 5.5% (3/54). In the RVVC group, ten species were identified, the most frequent being C. albicans 38.5% (20/52), C. parapsilosis 17% (9/52), C. glabrata 4% (8/52), and C. tropicalis 6% (3/52). Less frequent species, such as C. haemulonii and Trichosporon spp, were isolated in the VVC and RVVC groups, C. kefyr was isolated in the three groups studied, and Rhodotorula spp was isolated in the control and RVVC groups. Candida metapsilosis was present in two isolates from the RVVC group. Most isolates were considered sensitive to the tested antifungals. Less sensitivity was seen for caspofungin. In this study, we were able to verify that the most common species of yeasts found in vaginal secretion were isolated in the three groups studied; however, there was the diversity of species in VVC and RVVC. Cryptic species C. haemulonii and were isolated in symptomatic patients. High levels of MICs, some of the antifungals tested, in the control group, draw attention in the group of asymptomatic women. We would like to emphasize that this research aims to assist clinicians and gynecologists, as well as assist in the epidemiological studies of candidiasis, in our country, how to draw attention to the profile of sensitivity/resistance to antifungals.

Cardiac synchronism assessment by myocardial perfusion imaging in patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy

BACKGROUND: the treatment of heart failure has undergone major therapeutic advances in recent decades, among them, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), a strategy capable of reducing symptoms, hospitalization and mortality. It is known that up to 30% of patients undergoing CRT do not have a satisfactory response, based on current selection criteria. Purpose: Myocardial perfusion scintigraphy by Gated-SPECT technique (Gated-SPECT) can provide important information such as mechanical timing, region of last mechanical activation and fibrosis which are very useful in the best selection of who would really benefit from this device. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the presence of improvement in the mechanical synchronism of the left ventricle (LV) in patients with CRT, using the Synctool software used in the Gated-SPECT, as well as to correlate the data obtained with clinical improvement, defined by reduction of at least 1 New York Heart Association class and reduction of at least 5 points in the Minessota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ), and also correlate to other epidemiological, clinical, electrocardiographic and perfusional variables. METHODS: 31 patients (p) with CRT underwent Gated-SPECT at 2 different times: CRT on and off. A quality of life questionnaire was also applied and clinical data before and after implantation of the device were collected. RESULTS: improved synchronism with reduced histogram bandwidth (BWH) (215.6 ± 74.7 ° vs. 149.9 ± 67.9 °; p <0.001) and phase standard deviation (SD) (65, 3 ± 21.7 ° vs. 53.1 ± 22.7 °; p <0.001), after CRT is turned on. Patients who presented synchrony improvement had a higher frequency of clinical improvement (p = 0.026) and obtained lower values of LV end diastolic volume (204.4 ± 100.4 ml vs. 304.3 ± 77.2 ml; p = 0.028) and LV end-systolic volume (120.2 ± 88.8 ml vs. 197.5 ± 51.6 ml; p = 0.026). When clinical improvement was examined, 23 (74.1%) p were considered as responders and 8 (25.9%) as non-responders. Responders showed a significant increase in the LV ejection fraction (38.4 ± 14.1 vs. 47.9 ± 15.3; p <0.001). Non-responders had a higher mean of myocardial involvement by fibrosis (12.9 ± 5.5% vs. 5.7 ± 8.4%; p = 0.033) and higher frequency of fibrosis in the lateral and inferolateral walls (50% vs. 8.7%; p = 0.026), presented an even lower percentage of localization of the region of last mechanical activation (LMA) in the lateral and inferolateral walls (12.5% vs 56.5%; p = 0.045), thus assuming a discordant position between fibrosis and the CRT pacing electrode in the LV. CONCLUSION: Synctoll software are very useful to predict the evaluation of patients with CRT wich was able to improve the mechanical timing of the LV. Improvement in mechanical synchrony is associated with clinical improvement and marked reverse remodeling. Presence of fibrosis and region of last mechanical activation in the lateral and inferolateral walls are predictive factors of response to CRT.

Toxicity and phytochemistry of eight species used in the traditional medicine of sul-mato-grossense, Brazil / Toxicidade e fitoquímica de oito espécies usadas na medicina tradicional sul-mato-grossense, Brasil

Abstract The Brazilian Cerrado has several botanical species for medicinal purposes used by traditional communities and many of these plants are not included in the list of Medicinal Plants Research Program of Central Medicines. The purpose of this study was the phytochemical screening and toxicology bioassay front of Brine shrimp L. of ethanolic extracts of eight species of plants used in folk medicine of Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The ethanolic extracts were submitted to phytochemical screening, determination of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Toxicological assays were carried front of Brine shrimp according to standard methodology. The analysis TLC and HPLC-DAD confirmed the predominance of phenolic compounds and derivatives, specifically for the quercetin. The most toxic was the C. affinis DC. with death at all concentrations, the A. humile A. St. Hil. showed no mortality and the other species showed intermediate toxicity. The extracts of the investigated species are rich in phenolic compounds and derivatives, specifically quercetin, and feature toxicity between moderate to high, a fact that requires attention, since much of the traditional communities rely on herbal drugs in its raw form with preventive and curative purpose, meeting the basic health care.

Resumo O Cerrado brasileiro possui diversas espécies botânicas com fins medicinais utilizadas por comunidades tradicionais e muitas dessas plantas não estão incluídas na lista do Programa de Pesquisa de Plantas Medicinais da Central de Medicamentos. O objetivo deste estudo foi a triagem fitoquímica e o bioensaio toxicológico frente ao Brine shrimp L. de extratos etanólicos de oito espécies de plantas utilizadas na medicina popular de Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul. Os extratos etanólicos foram submetidos à triagem fitoquímica, determinação de compostos fenólicos e flavonoides. Os ensaios toxicológicos foram realizados frente ao Brine shrimp de acordo com a metodologia padrão. A análise de cromatografia de camada delgada e HPLC-DAD confirmou a predominância de compostos fenólicos e derivados, especificamente para a quercetina. O mais tóxico foi o C. affinis DC. com a morte em todas as concentrações, o A. humile A. St. Hil. não apresentou mortalidade e as demais espécies apresentaram toxicidade intermediária. Os extratos das espécies investigadas são ricos em compostos fenólicos e derivados, especificamente a quercetina e apresentam toxicidade entre moderada a alta, fato que requer atenção, pois grande parte das comunidades tradicionais conta com fitoterápicos em sua forma bruta com preventivo e finalidade curativa, atendendo aos cuidados básicos de saúde.

The occurrence of diseases and their relationship with passive immune transfer in Holstein dairy calves submitted to individual management in southern Brazil / Ocorrência de doenças e sua relação com a transferência de imunidade passiva em bezerras Holandês criadas em sistema individual no sul do Brasil

Calves are extremely dependent on colostrum intake for the acquisition of passive immunity. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of diarrhea and respiratory diseases and the impact of Failure of Passive Immune Transfer (FPIT) on the health and zootechnical performance of Holstein dairy calves in individual management. This study has been carried out in five commercial farms in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, from March 2017 to January 2018. In this study, 131 calves were followed from birth to 60 days of age. Total Plasmatic Protein (TPP) has been performed to determine passive immune transfer quality in 53 calves (53/131). A daily clinical follow-up has been accomplished aiming at diagnosing diseases and their incidences, and zootechnical measures such as withers height, width of the croup and weight have been evaluated. FPIT rate was 32.07%, diarrhea occurrence and respiratory diseases were 77.9% and 49.6%, respectively. FPIT increased the chances of calves presenting diarrhea and developing respiratory diseases, but no differences on zootechnical performance were found. The frequency of FPIT is still high and is a factor that corroborated the increased risk for diarrhea and respiratory disease but did not influence the performance of calves in the preweaning phase.(AU)

Bezerras são extremamente dependentes da ingestão de colostro para adquirir imunidade passiva. Este estudo teve o objetivo de determinar os índices de ocorrência de diarreia e de doença respiratória, assim como o impacto da falha na transferência de imunidade passiva (FTIP) no desenvolvimento de doenças e no desempenho zootécnico de bezerras Holandês criadas em sistema individual. O estudo foi desenvolvido em cinco propriedades comerciais no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, entre março de 2017 e janeiro de 2018. Assim, 131 bezerras foram acompanhadas, do nascimento aos 60 dias de idade. Em 53 animais, foi realizada avaliação de proteínas plasmáticas totais para determinar a qualidade na transferência de imunidade passiva. Acompanhamento clínico diário foi realizado, a fim de diagnosticar doenças e suas incidências, assim como avaliações zootécnicas, como altura de cernelha, largura de garupa, perímetro torácico e peso. O percentual de FTIP foi 32,07%, a ocorrência de diarreias e de doenças respiratórias foi, respectivamente, 77,9% e 49,6%. A FTIP aumentou as chances de as bezerras apresentarem diarreia e doenças respiratórias, mas não alterou o desempenho zootécnico. Conclui-se que a frequência na FTIP ainda é elevada, fator que corroborou o aumento do risco para as diarreias e doença respiratória. Apesar disso, a FTIP não influenciou no desenvolvimento das bezerras na fase de aleitamento.(AU)

Antifungal sensitivity and species of yeasts in oral mucosa of street mixed-breed dogs.

The aim of this research is to verify the yeast species isolated from oral mucosa in street mixed-breed dogs and to determine the antifungal profiles. After capturing and sedating the animals, oral mucosa samples were collected from fifty dogs and the materials were inoculated on Sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol. Forty-three yeast strains were isolated and identified trough the API-20C AUX method. Thirty-seven (86.1%) of the yeasts belonged to genus Candida, five (11.6%) to genus Trichosporon and only one strain (2.3%) to genus Malassezia. The sensitivity profiles to anifungals (amphotericin B, itraconanole, ketoconazole, fluconazole and variconazole) were determined through Etest® method. This study found resistance of some yeasts to amphotericin B and a good susceptibility to voriconazole and ketoconazole. Some of these antifungals are used in veterinary medical practice. This research is the first investigation on street mixed-breed dogs regarding yeast identifications and antifungals profiles.

Primary standardization and determination of gamma ray emission intensities of Ho-166.

The procedure followed by the Nuclear Metrology Laboratory (LMN) at the IPEN-CNEN/SP, in São Paulo, for the primary standardization of 166Ho is described. The activity of 166Ho was determined by the efficiency extrapolation technique applied to a 4πß(PC)-γ coincidence system using a gas flow proportional counter in 4π geometry coupled to a 76 × 76 mm NaI(Tl) crystal. The results for the γ-rays intensities at 80.57 and 1379.45 keV were 0.0651(11) and 0.00904(11), respectively.

Relação entre parâmetros de repolarização ventricular e a indutibilidade de arritmias ventriculares durante estudo eletrofisiológico em portadores de doença coronária / Relationship between ventricular repolarization parameters and the inducibility of ventricular arrhythmias during an electrophysiological study in patients with coronary disease

INTRODUÇÃO: A morte súbita cardíaca (MSC) corresponde a 5% dos óbitos na população. Até 80% dos casos ocorrem em portadores de doença isquêmica. Na atualidade, o parâmetro utilizado com este fim é a fração de ejeção ventricular esquerda (FEVE). Nas últimas décadas, parâmetros de repolarização ventricular se mostraram ferramentas úteis na estratificação deste risco em diversas patologias. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, que incluiu 177 portadores de doença coronária e foram submetidos a estudo eletrofisiológico (EEF) em um hospital terciário entre 2013-2017, e teve por OBJETIVO: avaliar a associação entre parâmetros eletrocardiográficos de repolarização ventricular e indução de arritmias ventriculares malignas (AVM) nos grupos com FEVE maior e menor do que 35%. RESULTADOS: A amostra apresentou idade média de 65 anos, predomínio do gênero masculino (83,6%) e FEVE média de 37,5%. Em relação a eventos prévios, 76,8% dos pacientes apresentaram síndrome coronária e 16,9%, MSC abortada. AVM foram induzidas em 75 indivíduos (42,4%). Análise multivariada demonstrou que o intervalo QT associou-se ao desfecho, com aumento de 7% na chance de indução de arritmia a cada incremento de 10ms. Em contrapartida, os intervalos QT corrigido e T pico-fim, suas dispersões e a relação QT/T pico-fim não apresentaram tal relação. Curva ROC evidenciou que QT > 452ms possui acurácia de 0,611 (p=0,011) para predizer indução de AVM, com OR=2,7 (p=0,04). No que diz respeito aos indivíduos com FEVE < 35%, análise univariada demonstrou que nenhum dos parâmetros de repolarização ventricular relacionou-se com a indutibilidade arrítmica. Quando avaliadas conjuntamente as variáveis FEVE e intervalo QT, utilizando o ponto de corte de 452 ms, verificou-se que o prolongamento do parâmetro eletrocardiográfico associado à disfunção ventricular importante aumentou o risco do desfecho (p=0,0003) e, em análise multivariada, apresentou OR=5,44 (p=0,0004). No tangente aos pacientes com FEVE = 35%, a dispersão do QT foi significativamente maior naqueles com indução de arritmia; tal associação não foi verificada nas demais variáveis. A curva ROC demonstrou que valores > 20ms obtiveram acurácia de 0,638 na predição do desfecho. CONCLUSÃO: O intervalo QT relaciona-se à indução de AVM durante EEF em pacientes portadores de doença coronária, e valores acima 452 ms demonstraram moderada capacidade preditiva para este desfecho, especialmente quando associado a FEVE < 35%. A dispersão do QT foi um fator de risco com acurácia intermediária para predição naqueles com FEVE = 35%.

Relação entre parâmetros de repolarização ventricular e a indutibilidade de arritmias ventriculares durante estudo eletrofisiológico em portadores de doença coronária com e sem evento agudo prévio / Relationship between ventricular repolarization parameters and the inducibility of ventricular arrhythmias during electrophysiological study in patients with coronary disease with and without previous acute event

INTRODUÇÃO A morte súbita cardíaca (MSC) corresponde a 5% dos óbitos na população geral e sua predição representa um desafio na prática clínica. Até 80% dos casos de MSC ocorrem em portadores de doença isquêmica. Na atualidade, o parâmetro utiliza do com este propósito é a fração de ejeção ventricular esquerda (FEVE), a qual possui sensibilidade limitada, já que a maioria dos casos de MSC ocorre em pacientes sem disfunção significativa. Nas últimas décadas, parâmetros de repolarização ventricular se mostraram ferramentas úteis na estratificação do risco de morte em diversas patologias, entretanto as evidências sobre suas capacidades preditivas são controversas na literatura. Objetivo e métodos Estudo transversal, que incluiu 177 portadores de doença arterial coronária e foram submetidos a estudo eletrofisiológico (EEF) em um hospital terciário entre 2013 e 2017, e teve por objetivo avaliar a associação entre parâmetros eletrocardiográficos de repolarização ventricular e indução de arritmias ventriculares malignas (AVM) durante estimulação elétrica programada nos grupos com e sem evento coronário prévio. Resultados A amostra em estudo apresentou idade média de 65 anos, predomínio de indivíduos do gênero masculino (83,6%) e FEVE média de 37,5%. Em relação a eventos clínicos prévios, 76,8% dos pacientes já apresentaram síndrome coronária e 16,9%, MSC abortada. AVM foram induzidas em 75 indivíduos (42,4%) durante o procedimento. Análise multivariada demonstrou que o intervalo QT medido associou-se a este desfecho (p=0,013). Em contrapartida, os intervalos QT corrigido e T pico-fim, suas dispersões e a relação QT/T pico-fim não apresentaram tal relação. Ajuste da curva ROC evidenciou que um QT > 432 ms possui acurácia de 0,628 (p=0,009) para predizer indução de AVM durante EEF em portadores de síndrome coronária prévia. No que tange aos pacientes que não apresentaram evento anteriormente, nenhum dos parâmetros avaliados demonstrou associação com o desfecho. Conclusão O intervalo QT medido relaciona-se à indução de AVM durante EEF em pacientes portadores de doença arterial coronária com evento agudo prévio, e valores acima 432 ms demonstraram moderada capacidade preditiva para este desfecho.

Papel preditivo do escore de selvester em pacientes submetidos a troca transcateter de valva aórtica / Predictive role of selvester score in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement

INTRODUÇÃO: O escore de Selvester é um escore eletrocardiográfico que estima e localiza a carga de fibrose miocárdica. Existem poucos dados sobre o impacto clínico da predição de fibrose em pacientes submetidos a troca transcateter de valva aórtica (TAVR). Este estudo avaliou o poder preditivo do escore de Selvester na sobrevida em pacientes com estenose aórtica (EA) submetidos a TAVR. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos pacientes com estenose aórtica importante que realizaram eletrocardiograma pré-procedimento. Follow-up clínico foi obtido retrospectivamente. O desfecho primário foi morte por todas as causas e os secundários foram morte cardiovascular e MACE. RESULTADOS: 228 pacientes foram incluídos (idade média 81,5 ± 7,4 anos; 58,3% mulheres). Pacientes que morreram apresentaram escore de Selvester mais elevado (4,6 ± 3,2 vs. 1,4 ± 1,3; p < 0,001). Em um follow-up médio de 36,2 ± 21,2 meses, o escore de Selvester foi associado independentemente com mortalidade por todas as causas (HR, 1,65; 95% CI, 1,48-1,84; p < 0,001), mortalidade cardiovascular (HR, 1,59; 95% CI, 1,38-1,74; p < 0,001) e MACE (HR, 1,55; 95% CI, 1,30-1,68; p < 0,001). Após 5 anos, o risco de mortalidade foi diretamente correlacionado ao escore e o envolvimento da parede inferior do ventrículo esquerdo apresentou menor risco de mortalidade (HR, 0,42; 95% CI, 0,18-0,98; p = 0,046). Para o valor do escore de Selvester de 3, a área sobre a curva ROC foi de 0,92, 0,94 e 0,86 (p < 0,001) para 1, 2 e 3 anos, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: Valores elevados do escore de Selvester aumentam o risco de desfechos negativos em pacientes com EA submetidos a TAVR. O envolvimento das paredes anterior e lateral apresentam pior prognóstico.