Filarial disease in the Brazilian Amazon and emerging opportunities for treatment and control.

Following the successful eradication of Wuchereria bancrofti, there are now just three species of conventional microfilaremic human filarial parasites endemic to the Brazilian Amazon region: Mansonella ozzardi, Mansonella perstans and Onchocerca volvulus. The zoonotic filarial parasite Dirofilaria immitis is also found in the Amazon region as are several sylvatic filarial parasites, some of which have been recorded causing zoonoses and some of which have never been recorded outside the region. Onchocerca volvulus is only found in the Amazonia onchocerciasis focus in the Brazilian state of Roraima where it affects the people of the Yanomami tribe living around the densely forested Venezuela border region. Mansonella ozzardi is by far the most common filarial parasite in Brazil and has a broad but patchy distribution throughout the western Amazon region. Recorded in the Brazilian states of Acre, Roraima, Matto Grosso, and within almost every municipality of Amazonas state, it is believed that pollution of the urban stream and river systems prevents the development of the simuliid vectors of M. ozzardi and explains the parasite's reduced distribution within urban areas and an absence of recent reports from the state capital Manaus. Decades of WHO-led periodic ivermectin treatment of Yanomami tribe's people have resulted in the partial suppression of O. volvulus transmission in this focus and has also probably affected the transmission of M. ozzardi in the region. Mansonella perstans, O. volvulus and very probably M. ozzardi infections can all be treated and most likely cured with a 4-6-week treatment course of doxycycline. The Brazilian Ministry of Health does not, however, presently recommend any treatment for mansonellosis infections and thus parasitic infections outside the Amazonia focus are typically left untreated. While the long treatment courses required for doxycycline-based mansonellosis therapies preclude their use in control programmes, new fast-acting filarial drug treatments are likely to soon become available for the treatment of both onchocerciasis and mansonellosis in the Amazon region. Filarial disease management in the Brazilian Amazon is thus likely to become dramatically more viable at a time when the public health importance of these diseases is increasingly being recognized.

Threats from climate change for lizard species of a Neotropical mountain range.

Climate change is one of the greatest threats to biodiversity, especially for species of high altitudes. However, biodiversity conservation policies that consider mitigation strategies for long-term climate impacts are still scarce. To analyze the effects of climate change on lizards in tropical mountainous areas, we selected two species from Serra do Espinhaço (Brazil) with different thermoregulation strategies and distributions (Tropidurus montanus and Rhachisaurus brachylepis). Serra do Espinhaço mountain range is recognized as an important center of endemism and can act as a refuge for species that manage to survive climate change. We produce models of environmental suitability from bioclimatic, edaphic, and topographic variables, and create projections for the present and for the year 2070 under an optimistic (RCP 4.5) and a pessimistic (RCP 8.5) climatic scenario. The results indicate that both future climate scenarios foresee a reduction of areas of environmental suitability for the studied species, but especially for the restricted distribution one (R. brachylepis). Although our results indicate that the studied species are recorded in areas of integral protection that possess climatic stability, the future will see a reduction of areas with environmental suitability, especially under the pessimistic scenario.

Impact of sickle cell disease on work activity.

Introduction: Sickle cell disease is a group of conditions caused by anomalous hemoglobin that predisposes people to some clinical syndromes. Because of these recurrent syndromes, patients have difficulty finding and, often, keeping a job. Objectives: To evaluate the impact of sickle cell disease on the job situation of people with the condition. Methods: Thirty-two working-age people with sickle cell disease were recruited using the snowball sampling method and underwent semistructured interviews for demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical data collection. Results: Only 28.1% of the interviewees engaged in paid work, 46.9% had already worked but were not working at the time of the interview, and 25% had never worked. About 6% of participants lived in extreme poverty, and 28.4% lived on the poverty line. Monthly per capita income was less than one minimum salary in 56.2% of cases and less than 1.5 minimum salaries in 9.4%. Conclusions: Sickle cell disease has an important negative impact on employment situation, as about 70% of working-age people were inactive. This results in a high social cost represented by a very low monthly per capita income (≤ 1 minimum salary) in 93.7% of the participants.

New records and modelling the impacts of climate change on the black-tailed marmosets.

Climate change represents an unprecedented threat to global biodiversity and, for many species, gaps in our knowledge of their biology remain acute. Gaps in baseline knowledge, such as confirmed identifications (Linnean shortfalls) and adequate collections (Wallacean shortfalls), need to be minimized with new studies, since this is often critical for effective conservation. Despite the increase in scientific research on primates in the southwest of the Brazilian Amazon, little is known about the species Mico nigriceps (Ferrari & Lopes, 1992) Primates, Platirryni. In the current study, we sought to reduce the extent of the Wallacean shortfall for M. nigriceps, understand whether climate change represents a threat to the distribution of the species, and identify priority areas for its conservation. Accordingly, we provide 121 new records in 14 locations, obtained directly from the field, and five from the literature. Using this, we carried out ecological niche modeling, to better understand how environmental suitability might limit the area occupied by the species. We then projected a distribution for 2070 with the SSP2-4.5 (more optimistic) and SSP5-8.5 (more pessimistic) scenarios. Our data confirmed the geographic distribution of the species as being restricted to headwaters of the Ji-Paraná/Machado river, but with a 400 km extension to the south. Under the modeled climate change scenarios, the area suitable for the species declines by 21% under the most optimistic, and by 27% in the pessimistic, scenario across the projected 50-year period. Although we have expanded the area of known occurrence for this species, we point out that climate change threatens the stability of this newly-discovered population strongly, and that this danger is intensified by deforestation, fire and hunting. We recommend that further studies be carried out to confirm the presence of the species in adjacent areas, those indicated by generated models as being potential environmentally suitable. In addition, we recommend intensifying forest restoration in currently pastured areas, and protection of the areas forming the current and future habitat of this species through such measures as protected area creation.

Assessing species reintroduction sites based on future climate suitability for food resources.

The reintroduction of a species that is extinct in the wild demands caution because reintroduction locations may be associated with threats, such as hunting, poor-quality habitat, and climate change. This is the case for Cyanopsitta spixii (Spix's Macaw), which has been extinct in the wild since 2000. The few living individuals were created in captivity and will be used in a reintroduction project within the species' original distribution area, the Caatinga domain (Brazil). Because the occurrence records for this bird are old and inaccurate, we investigated the current and future environmental suitability of the 14 plant species used by C. spixii as resource. These plants are key elements for the long-term reestablishment of the species in the wild, so the use of models helps in the assessment of the effects of climate change on the availability of these resources for the species and informs selection of the best places for reintroduction. We based our models of environmental suitability on 19 bioclimatic variables and nine physical soil and topography variables. Climate projections were created for the present and for the year 2070 with an optimistic (SSP2-4.5) and a pessimistic (SSP5-8.5) climate scenario. Both future climate scenarios lead to a reduction in area of environmental suitability that overlapped for all the plant species: 33% reduction for SSP2-4.5 and 63% reduction for SSP5-8.5. If our projections materialize, climate change could thus affect the distribution of key resources, and the maintenance of C. spixii would depend on restoration of degraded areas, especially riparian forests, and the preservation of already existing natural areas. The Caatinga domain is very threatened by habitat loss and, for the success of this reintroduction project, the parties involved must act to protect the species and the resources it uses.

Evaluación de los Sitios de Reintroducción de Especies con base en la Futura Idoneidad Climática para los Recursos Alimenticios Resumen La reintroducción de una especie que se encuentra extinta en vida libre exige precaución pues las localidades de reintroducción pueden estar asociadas con amenazas como la cacería, hábitats de mala calidad y el cambio climático. Éste es el caso para Cyanopsitta spixii (Guacamaya de Spix), que ha estado extinta en vida libre desde el 2000. Los pocos individuos vivos nacieron en cautiverio y se usarán para un proyecto de reintroducción dentro del área original de distribución de la especie: el dominio Caatinga (Brasil). Ya que los registros de la presencia de esta ave son viejos e imprecisos, investigamos la idoneidad ambiental actual y a futuro de 14 especies de plantas que C. spixii usa como recurso. Estas plantas son elementos importantes para el restablecimiento a largo plazo de las especies en vida silvestre, así que el uso de modelos asiste en la evaluación de los efectos del cambio climático sobre la disponibilidad de recursos para la especie e informa la selección de los mejores lugares para la reintroducción. Basamos nuestros modelos de la idoneidad ambiental en 19 variables bioclimáticas y 9 variables físicas del suelo y la topografía. Las proyecciones climáticas fueron creadas para el presente y para el año 2070 con un escenario climático optimista (SSP2-4.5) y uno pesimista (SSP5-8.5) Ambos escenarios climáticos futuros llevan a una reducción en el área de idoneidad ambiental sobrepuesta para todas las especies de plantas: 33% de reducción para SSP2-4.5 y 63% de reducción para SSP5-8.5. Si nuestras proyecciones se materializan, el cambio climático podría entonces afectar la distribución de los recursos importantes, por lo que la conservación de C. spixii dependería de la restauración de las áreas degradadas, especialmente los bosques riparios y la preservación de las áreas naturales existentes. El dominio Caatinga se encuentra muy amenazado por la pérdida del hábitat y, para el éxito de este proyecto de reintroducción, las partes involucradas deben actuar para proteger a la especie y los recursos que utiliza.

Randomized, phase 1/2, double-blind pioglitazone repositioning trial combined with antifungals for the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis - PIO study.

BACKGROUND: Cryptococcosis affects more than 220,000 patients/year, with high mortality even when the standard treatment [amphotericin B (AMB), 5-flucytosin (5-FC) and fluconazole] is used. AMB presents high toxicity and 5-FC is not currently available in Brazil. In a pre-clinical study, pioglitazone (PIO - an antidiabetic drug) decreased AMB toxicity and lead to an increased mice survival, reduced morbidity and fungal burden in brain and lungs. The aim of this trial is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PIO combined with standard antifungal treatment for human cryptococcosis. METHODS: A phase 1/2, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial will be performed with patients from Belo Horizonte, Brazil. They will be divided into three groups (placebo, PIO 15 mg/day or PIO 45 mg/day) and will receive an additional pill during the induction phase of cryptococcosis' treatment. Our hypothesis is that treated patients will have increased survival, so the primary outcome will be the mortality rate. Patients will be monitored for survival, side effects, fungal burden and inflammatory mediators in blood and cerebrospinal fluid. The follow up will occur for up 60 days. CONCLUSIONS: We expect that PIO will be an adequate adjuvant to the standard cryptococcosis' treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ICTRP/WHO (and International Clinical Trial Registry Plataform (ICTRP/WHO) (http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=RBR-9fv3f4), RBR-9fv3f4 (http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-9fv3f4). UTN Number: U1111-1226-1535. Ethical approvement number: CAAE 17377019.0.0000.5149.

Seed germination and antioxidant enzyme activity in seedlings of diploid and tetraploid bahiagrass under water restriction / Germinação de sementes e atividade de enzimas antioxidantes em plântulas de grama forquilha diplóide e tetraploide sob restrição hídrica

ABSTRACT: The objective of the following research was to investigate the physiological responses of two bahiagrass genotypes (Paspalum notatum Flügge) submitted to water restriction, induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG6000), during seed germination. Seeds of cv. Pensacola (diploid) and Bagual ecotype (tetraploid) were placed on paper moistened with osmotic solutions at potentials of 0.0; -0.1; -0.2 and -0.3 MPa. Composed of two subsamples of 100 seeds and four experimental units per treatment, the germination test was conducted in a germination chamber under alternating temperatures of 30 °C (8 hours) and 20 °C (16 hours), with presence of light during the higher temperature. Final germination percentage and germination speed index of the seeds, as well as early growth, activity and expression of antioxidant enzymes of seedlings were evaluated. The water restriction induced by PEG6000 reduced the percentage of germination in Pensacola (from 74% to 59%) and Bagual (34% to 10%). For the latter, the evaluation of seedlings showed higher dry mass in relation to cv. Pensacola (1.7 times higher in root and 1.6 times in shoot). In response to moderate water restriction, the genotypes showed increases in root growth (1.7 times higher in -0.1 compared to 0.0 MPa), both in expression and enzymatic activity (superoxide dismutase and catalase).

RESUMO: O presente estudo objetivou avaliar as respostas fisiológicas de dois genótipos de grama forquilha (Paspalum notatum Flügge) sob restrição hídrica induzida por polietileno glicol (PEG6000) durante a germinação de sementes. Sementes da cv. Pensacola (diplóide) e do ecótipo Bagual (tetraplóide) foram colocadas em papel umedecido com soluções osmóticas nos potenciais de 0,0; -0,1; -0,2 e -0,3 MPa. Composto de duas subamostras de 100 sementes e quatro unidades experimentais por tratamento, o teste de germinação foi conduzido em câmara de germinação sob temperatura alternada de 30-20 ºC, com presença de luz durante a maior temperatura. Foram avaliados a porcentagem final e o índice de velocidade de germinação das sementes, assim como o crescimento inicial, a atividade e a expressão de enzimas antioxidantes das plântulas. A restrição hídrica induzida por PEG6000 reduziu o percentual de germinação em Pensacola (de 74 para 59%) e Bagual (34 para 10%). Este último, na avaliação de plântulas, apresentou massa seca superior em relação à cv. Pensacola (1.7 vezes superior em raiz e 1.6 vezes superior em parte aérea). Em resposta à restrição hídrica moderada, os genótipos apresentaram aumentos tanto do crescimento radicular (1.7 vezes superior em -0.1 em comparação com 0.0 MPa), quanto da expressão e da atividade enzimática (superóxido dismutase e catalase).

Potassic zeolites from Brazilian coal ash for use as a fertilizer in agriculture.

Brazilian coal has an ash content ranging from 30 to 50% by weight. Consequently, its use in coal-fired thermoelectric for power production generates a lot of waste. The construction sector is the largest consumer of coal ash, but it cannot absorb the entire amount generated. Thus, other applications for coal ash should be studied in aim to optimize the use of this industrial waste. This research had as focus to synthesize potassic zeolite from of the coal ash into on potassium fertilizer for the grown wheat plant. In this work, it was used a subbituminous coal from Mina do Leão (RS, Brazil) presenting 48.7% ash content on a dry basis. Concerning the synthesis of potassic zeolite, it was adopted the conventional method of hydrothermal treatment with potassium hydroxide. A schedule of experiments was conducted in order to define the optimum condition of zeolite synthesis that was then used an alkaline solution of 5M KOH with a reaction time of 24h at 150°C. According to this procedure, it was obtained a zeolite with a single crystalline phase, identified through X-ray diffraction as Merlinoite. Subsequently, it was performed a set of tests using potassic zeolite asa fertilizer for plants in a greenhouse. The synthesized potassic zeolite showed a good potential for its use as fertilizer in agriculture.

Análise comparativa das indicações e achados colonoscópicos em pacientes menores e maiores de 50 anos / Comparative analysis of indications and founds colonoscopy in patients younger and older than 50 years

As neoplasias colorretais (pólipos e câncer) são na maioria das vezes diagnosticadas e em algumas ocasiões ressecadas endoscopicamente, fato que mostra claramente a importância da detecção precoce através de programas de rastreio adequados que são capazes de mudar o prognostico da doença. O objetivo do presente estudo se baseia em analisar as indicações e os achados de exames colonoscópicos realizados pelo Serviço de Coloproctologia do Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Estudo transversal que avaliou 1271 prontuários de pacientes submetidos à colonoscopia entre os anos de 2003 à 2014 no HU-UFSC. Dados foram obtidos através da aplicação de instrumento de coleta de dados elaborado pelo autor. Foram excluídos pacientes com impossibilidade de acesso aos laudos anatomopatológicos. Os resultados foram avaliados descritivamente e após, foram utilizados testes de associação. O sexo masculino representou 69,3% dos participantes, 63,49% com a idade superior a 50 anos, a alteração do hábito intestinal representou 15,8% das indicações, e os pólipos 33,1% dos achados colonoscópios. 17,2% dos pólipos apresentavam tamanho entre 0-0,5cm, e 8,4% estavam no sigmoide. A hemorragia digestiva baixa (HDB) apresentou maior prevalência em pacientes menores de 50 anos com 20,58%, e a alteração do hábito intestinal nos pacientes maiores de 50 anos com 16,9%. O pólipo adenomatoso tubular representou 9,5% das neoplasias. A prevalência de neoplasias foi maior nos pacientes sintomáticos com idade superior a 50 anos.

Colorrectal neoplasm (polyps and cancer), can evidently be detected and resected before its malignancy and spread, a fact expressly shows the importance of early detection through screening programs that are able to change the disease's prognosis. Analyze the indications and findings of colonoscopy performed by Unit of Coloproctology, University Hospital, Federal University of Santa Catarina. Cross-sectional study that evaluated medical records of 1271 patients who underwent colonoscopy between 2003 to 2014 at HU-UFSC. Data were obtained by applying a data collection instrument developed by the authors. Patients whit inaccessibility of pathological reports were excluded. Data were analyzed descriptively and after tests of association were used. Males represented 69,3%, 63,49% age over 50 years, change in intestinal habit represented 15,8% and polyps was 33,1% found colonoscopies. 17,2% of polyps had size between 0-0,5cm and 8,4% were localized on sigmoid. Lower gastrointestinal bleeding had higher prevalence in patients under 50 years with 20,58% and change in intestinal habit in patients older than 50 years with 16,9%. The tubular adenomatous polyp represented 9.5% of neoplasms. The prevalence of neoplasm was higher in symptomatic patients older than 50 years.

Avaliação do Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos. Brasil, 2006 a 2010 / Evaluación del Sistema de Información de Nacidos Vivos. Brasil, 2006 a 2010 / Evaluation of the National Information System on Live Births in Brazil, 2006-2010

OBJETIVO: avaliar atributos e utilidade do Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos (Sinasc), Brasil, 2006-2010. METÓDOS: avaliação baseada nas diretrizes do Guia de Avaliação dos Sistemas de Vigilância de Saúde Pública do Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/USA. RESULTADOS: das 23 variáveis avaliadas, 21 apresentaram completude superior a 90,0%; o percentual de completude de variáveis preenchidas em partos hospitalares foi 97,9%; não houve diferença entre as proporções de nascimentos segundo macrorregiões e sexo, na comparação com os dados do Censo Demográfico 2010. Foram recebidos em tempo oportuno 82,6% do volume de dados, em 2010; a razão entre nascidos vivos informados e estimados foi de 89,4% em 2006 e de 97,4% em 2010; dados do Sinasc eram utilizados em 22 indicadores de monitoramento. CONCLUSÃO: os atributos avaliados e a utilidade do Sinasc ratificam a qualidade e a importância das informações geradas pelo sistema para subsidiar políticas públicas de saúde materno-infantil.

OBJETIVO: evaluar los atributos y utilidad del Sistema de Información de Nacidos Vivos (SINASC), Brasil,2006-2010. MÉTODOS: esta evaluación se basó en las directrices de la Guía para Evaluación de Sistemas de Vigilancia de Salud Pública del Center for Disease Control and Prevention/USA. RESULTADOS: de las 23 variables evaluadas, 21 mostraron completitud superior al 90%; el porcentaje de completitud de las variables llenadas en los partos hospitalarios fue de 97,9%; no hubo diferencias en las proporciones de nacimientos de mujeres y hombres, cuando comparados con el censo de 2010; se recibió a tiempo 82,6% del volumen de datos en 2010; la proporción de nacidos vivos informados y estimados fue 89,4% en 2006 y 97,4% en 2010; se utilizó para la construcción de 22 indicadores de monitoreo de salud datos del Sinasc. CONCLUSIÓN: los atributos evaluados y la utilidad del Sinasc destacaron la calidad e importancia de la información generada por el sistema para subsidiar políticas públicas de salud materno-infantil.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze attributes and usefulness of the Live Birth Information System (Sinasc), Brazil, 2006-2010. METHODS: this evaluation was based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines for Evaluating Public Health Surveillance Systems. RESULTS: 21 of the 23 variables analyzed showed completeness above 90.0%. 97.9% of hospital birth variables had complete data; no differences in the proportion of births were found with regard to macroregion and sex when compared to the 2010 census; 82.6% of data was received on time in 2010; the ratio between reported and estimated live births was 89.4% in 2006 and 97.4% in 2010; this system was used to build 22 health monitoring indicators. CONCLUSION: the aspects evaluated and usefulness of Sinasc confirm the quality and importance of the information it provides in serving as input for public policies on maternal and child health.

Changes in blood lactate concentrations during taekwondo combat simulation.

The aim of this study was to analyze blood lactate response before, during and after simulated taekwondo fight in young male athletes. The experiment was composed of simulated official taekwondo fight. During the experiment a total of 7 blood samples (25 µL) were collected that following: at rest, after 1st, 2nd, and 3rd rounds, and 3, 5, and 10 min after the end of combat. The results showed that blood lactate concentrations [Lac]B increased significantly after 1st, 2nd, and 3rd rounds of the combat compared to the rested values. The [Lac]B after 3rd round was higher when compared to 3, 5, and 10 min of recovery. After 10 min of passive recovery, the [Lac]B was significantly lesser than 3 and 5 min of recovery, and 2nd round. These data showed that taekwondo requires high activation of anaerobic lactic metabolism, and improves the ability to rapidly remove the lactate from blood.

Análise do perfil epidemiológico da hanseníase em Maricá, Rio de Janeiro:uma contribuição da enfermagem / Analysis of the epidemiological profile of leprosy at Maricá, Rio de Janeiro: a contribution from nursing / Análisis del perfil epidemiológico de la lepra en Maricá, Rio de Janeiro: una contribuición de la enfermeria

O objetivo da pesquisa foi analisar o perfil epidemiológico da hanseníase no município de Maricá, Rio de Janeiro. Estudo epidemiológico retrospectivo, com abordagem quantitativa. Utilizou dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação, de pacientes com hanseníase, no período entre 2000-2013. Incluiu as variáveis: número de casos notificados; idade; sexo; formas clínicas; classificação operacional; o grau de incapacidade dos acometidos e saída do sistema. Totalizaram 191 casos de hanseníase, sendo a maioria constituída de homens 54%, maiores de 15 anos - 96%, multibacilares - 63% e alta por cura como principal tipo de saída do sistema - 87,5%. A taxa de detecção anual permaneceu média entre os maiores de 15 anos. Todos os examinados apresentaram algum grau de incapacidade física, durante o diagnóstico. Conclui-se que o conhecimento epidemiológico da doença na cidade implicará mais suporte para o controle de saúde pública local.

The study aimed at analyzing epidemiological profile of leprosy in the city of Maricá, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 2000 to 2013. This is a retrospective epidemiological study with quantitative approach. Data collected of all leprosy cases from Notifiable Diseases Information System Database through the notification of patients with leprosy. The variables included were: new cases diagnosed within the 2000-2013 span; age; clinic forms; operational classification; degree of physicaldisability and system output. 191 patients were reported: 54% males, 96% are older than 15 years old, 34% were in the virchowian leprosy, tuberculoid (30%), dimorphic (19%) and indeterminate (13%), 63% multibacillary forms, 87.5% had had discharges after cure as main type of system output. Annual detection rate remained medium for those over 15. All those examined showed physical disability to a certain extent at diagnosis time. We concluded that the epidemiological knowledge of leprosy in the city must require stronger support for disease control.

El objetivo del estudio fue analisar el perfil epidemiológico de la lepra en Maricá, Rio de Janeiro – Brasil. Estudio epidemiológico retrospectivo, con enfoque cantitativo. Fueron usados dados del Sistema de Información para Enfermedades de Declaración Obligatoria, a través de la notificación de los pacientes con lepra, de 2000 a 2013. Las variables incluídas fueron: número de casos notificados; edad; sexo; formas clínicas; clasificación operacional y el grado de discapacidad de los afectados y salida del sistema. Totalizaron 191 casos, con prevalencia de 54% de hombres, 96% mayores de 15 años, 63% de multibacilares y 87,5% de curación como el principal tipo de salida. La tasa de detección anual se mantuvo media paralos > de 15 años. Todos los pacientes presentaron alguno grado de discapacidad en el momento del diagnóstico. Se concluye que el conocimiento epidemiológico de la enfermadad en la ciudad significará más apoyo para el control de la salud.

Effects of perioperative hypothermia and reactive oxygen species in the healing of colonic anastomosis in rats.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the hypothesis that induced perioperative hypothermia (32 ± 1ºC) affects the redox balance in the tissue of colonic anastomosis in rats by modifying biochemical enzymatic and non-enzymatic markers related to oxidative stress. METHODS: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into eight experimental groups of six animals each and underwent laparotomy, sigmoid section and immediate anastomosis. Four groups were operated under normothermia (36 ± 1ºC), and the other four under hypothermia (32 ± 1ºC). The animals were reoperated on days 3, 7 and 14 postoperatively, and two groups underwent SHAM at 3 days. From the scar tissue samples, the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) was evaluated, and the levels of non-enzymatic markers of oxidative stress, such as reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation, were measured by the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay. The means were compared between groups corresponding to each day of sampling and euthanasia. RESULTS: The hypothermic groups showed a significant reduction on the activity of SOD on day 7 postoperatively, on the activity of CAT on days 7 and 14 postoperatively and on the levels of GSH on day 7 postoperatively. The level of lipid peroxidation was increased in the hypothermia group on day 7 postoperatively and decreased on day 14 compared with the normothermic groups. CONCLUSION: Perioperative hypothermia reduced the activity of the antioxidant enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase, glutathione levels and increased lipid peroxidation in the scar tissue of colonic anastomoses in rats.

Effects of perioperative hypothermia and reactive oxygen species in the healing of colonic anastomosis in rats

PURPOSE: We evaluated the hypothesis that induced perioperative hypothermia (32 ± 1ºC) affects the redox balance in the tissue of colonic anastomosis in rats by modifying biochemical enzymatic and non-enzymatic markers related to oxidative stress. METHODS: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into eight experimental groups of six animals each and underwent laparotomy, sigmoid section and immediate anastomosis. Four groups were operated under normothermia (36 ± 1ºC), and the other four under hypothermia (32 ± 1ºC). The animals were reoperated on days 3, 7 and 14 postoperatively, and two groups underwent SHAM at 3 days. From the scar tissue samples, the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) was evaluated, and the levels of non-enzymatic markers of oxidative stress, such as reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation, were measured by the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay. The means were compared between groups corresponding to each day of sampling and euthanasia. RESULTS: The hypothermic groups showed a significant reduction on the activity of SOD on day 7 postoperatively, on the activity of CAT on days 7 and 14 postoperatively and on the levels of GSH on day 7 postoperatively. The level of lipid peroxidation was increased in the hypothermia group on day 7 postoperatively and decreased on day 14 compared with the normothermic groups. CONCLUSION: Perioperative hypothermia reduced the activity of the antioxidant enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase, glutathione levels and increased lipid peroxidation in the scar tissue of colonic anastomoses in rats. .

Inquérito domiciliar de prevalência de tracoma em crianças do Distrito Federal, Brasil, julho/2010 / Survey of prevalence trachoma of children in Distrito Federal, Brazil, july/2010

Realizamos um estudo de corte transversal na Vila Estrutural (DF), utilizando amostragem por conglomerados. Os objetivos do estudo foram estimar a prevalência de tracoma em crianças de um a nove anos, descrever o perfil sociodemográfico dos casos e identificar possíveis fatores de risco associados à doença. A medida de associação foi razão de prevalência estimada pela odds ratio e o intervalo de confiança 95% (IC95%). Foram amostradas 766 crianças de 1 a 9 anos e encontrada prevalência de tracoma ativo de 12,5%. A alta prevalência observada reforça que a doença permanece como um problema de saúde pública, sendo necessária a adoção de medidas de controle, com vistas à eliminação da doença, enquanto causa de cegueira. Recomendamos capacitar profissionais da área para detecção e monitoramento de situação epidemiológica e adotar atividades de educação em saúde com enfoque em medidas de controle e prevenção.

We conducted a cross-sectional study in Vila Estrutural (DF) using cluster sampling. This study aimed to estimate prevalence of trachoma in children aged one to nine years, to describe the socio-demographic profile of cases, and to identify possible risk factors associated with the disease. The association measure was prevalence ratio estimated by odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI95%). We sampled 766 children aged 1 to 9 years and found a prevalence of active trachoma of 12.5%. The high prevalence reinforces that the disease remains a public health problem, being necessary to adopt control measures, in order to eliminate the disease as a cause of blindness. We recommend enabling professionals to detect and to monitor the epidemiological situation and adopt health education activities focusing on prevention and control measures.

Efeito de diferentes intervalos de recuperação sobre a resistência de força em indivíduos de ambos os sexos / Effect of different rest intervals on strength resistance in both sexes

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o desempenho motor de homens e mulheres em diferentes intervalos de recuperação em séries múltiplas a 70% de 1-RM. Quatorze indivíduos, sete homens (21,5 ± 0,6 anos; 76,2 ± 2,5 kg; 176,4 ± 6,4 cm) e sete mulheres (19,6 ± 0,7 anos; 66,3 ± 2,1 kg; 163,1 ± 6,7 cm), executaram três séries a 70% de 1-RM no exercício supino em banco horizontal e extensão de perna, com intervalos de 60 e 90 s entre as séries. Anova fatorial identificou interação significante série vs. intervalo (F = 17,56; P < 0,001) e o efeito principal do exercício (F = 7,04; P < 0,021), sem diferenças entre os sexos (F = 0,17; P = 0,691). Os resultados sugerem que a queda de desempenho motor induzida por séries múltiplas a 70% de 1-RM é semelhante em homens e mulheres, independente dos intervalos de recuperação adotados entre as séries.

The objective of this study was to analyze the motor performance of men and women at different rest intervals in multiple sets at 70% 1-RM. Fourteen individuals, seven males (21.5 ± 0.6 years, 76.2 ± 2.5 kg, 176.4 ± 6.4 cm) and seven females (19.6 ± 0.7 years, 66.3 ± 2.1 kg, 163.1 ± 6.7 cm) performed three sets at 70% 1-RM in the bench press and leg extension, with intervals of 60 and 90s between the sets. The factorial ANOVA evidenced significant interaction of set vs. rest interval (F = 17.56, P < 0.001) and the main effect of exercise (F = 7.04, P < 0.021), without differences between the sexes (F = 0.17, P = 0.691). The results suggested that the reduction in motor performance induced by multiple sets at 70% 1-RM is similar in men and women, regardless of the rest intervals between the sets.

Effects of perioperative hypothermia on healing of anastomosis of the colon in rats.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the hypothesis that induced perioperative hypothermia in rats causes adverse effects on the healing of colonic anastomosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight Wistar rats were divided into eight groups of six animals that underwent laparotomy, sigmoid section, and anastomosis. Four groups were operated under normothermic conditions (36 ± 1 °C) and four under hypothermic conditions (32 ± 1 °C). The reoperations were performed on days 3, 7, and 14 post-surgery, and two groups where SHAM reoperated on day 3. We evaluated anastomotic bursting pressure and tissue hydroxyproline content; performed a histological analysis of inflammatory parameters and healing (inflammatory cell infiltrate, edema, fibrin, collagen deposition and apoptotic cells) with categorization scores = 0, 1, 2, 3; and examined the relative quantification gene expression (cDNA) of inflammatory cytokines [interleukin 1 (IL-1), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin 10 (IL-10)] and growth factors [vascular endothelial growth factor and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)] by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Both of the hypothermic groups showed lower anastomotic burst pressure on days 7 and 14 post-surgery, reduced hydroxyproline content on day 14, reduction of inflammatory infiltrates and edema at day 3, and less collagen deposition on day 14. In animals that were hypothermic, the cytokine gene expression showed reduced IL-1 on day 3, reduced IL-6 on days 7 and 14, and reduced IL-10 on days 7 and 14 and a reduction in the growth factor IGF-1 on day 7. CONCLUSION: Perioperative hypothermia had detrimental effects on the healing of colonic anastomosis in rats.

Influence of surface features on the adhesion of Staphylococcus epidermidis to Ag-TiCN thin films.

Staphylococcus epidermidis has emerged as one of the major nosocomial pathogens associated with infections of implanted medical devices. The initial adhesion of these organisms to the surface of biomaterials is assumed to be an important stage in their colonization. The main objective of this work is to assess the influence of surface features on the adhesion of S. epidermidis to Ag-TiCN coatings deposited by dc reactive magnetron sputtering. The structural results obtained by x-ray diffraction show that the coatings crystallize in a B1-NaCl crystal structure typical of TiC0.3N0.7. The increase of Ag content promoted the formation of Ag crystalline phases. According to the results obtained with atomic force microscopy, a decrease on the surface roughness of the films from 39 to 7 nm is observed as the Ag content increases from 0 to 15 at.%. Surface energy results show that the increase of Ag promotes an increase in hydrophobicity. Bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on coatings were assessed by the enumeration of the number of viable cells. The results showed that the surface with lower roughness and higher hydrophobicity leads to greater bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, highlighting that surface morphology and hydrophobicity rule the colonization of materials.

Cinética do consumo de oxigênio e tempo limite na vvo2max: comparação entre homens e mulheres / Oxygen uptake kinetics and threshold time at the vVO2max: tomparison between men and women

Foi investigada a influência do gênero no tempo limite (Tlim) e na cinética do VO2 durante corrida na velocidade associada ao VO2max (vVO2max) em nove homens e nove mulheres, todos adultos, jovens e sedentários, com idades entre 20 e 30 anos. Homens e mulheres realizaram dois testes em esteira rolante, sendo um teste incremental para determinar VO2max (42,66 ± 4,50 vs. 32,92 ± 6,03mL.kg-1.min-1) e vVO2max (13.2 ± 1.5 vs. 10,3 ± 2,0km.h-1), respectivamente. Um segundo teste com carga constante na vVO2max até a exaustão. O Tlim e a cinética do VO2 foram determinados. Não houve diferença significante entre homens e mulheres para constante de tempo (τ) (35,76 ± 21,03 vs. 36,5 ± 6,21s, respectivamente; P = 0,29); Tlim (308 ± 84,3 vs. 282,11 ± 57,19s, respectivamente; P = 0,68), tempo para atingir o VO2max (TAVO2max) (164,48 ± 96,73 vs. 167,88 ± 28,59s, respectivamente; P = 0,29), tempo para atingir o VO2max em percentual do Tlim ( por centoTlim) (50,24 ± 16,93 vs. 62,63 ± 16,60 por cento, respectivamente; P = 0,19), tempo mantido no VO2max (TMVO2max) (144,08 ± 42,55 vs. 114,23 ± 76,96s, respectivamente; P = 0,13). Estes resultados sugerem que a cinética do VO2 e o Tlim são similares entre homens e mulheres sedentários na vVO2max.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of gender on Tthre and VO2 response during running exercise performed at vVO2max. Therefore, eighteen untrained individuals (9 male and 9 female) with normal weight and aged between 20 - 30 years (VO2max = 42.66 ± 4.50 vs 32.92 ± 6.03 mL.kg-1.min-1 and vVO2max = 13.2 ± 1.5 vs 10.3 ± 2.0 km.h-1, for male and female, respectively) were assessed. Subjects performed two exercise tests on treadmill. First one was an incremental test to determine VO2max, velocity at VO2max (vVO2max) and second test was performed at steady velocity - vVO2max - until exhaustion. The threshold time (Tthre) and VO2 kinetics response was determined. No significant differences were observed between men and women for time constant (τ) (35.76 ± 21.03 vs 36.5 ± 6.21s, respectively; P = 0.29); Tthre (308 ± 84.3 vs 282.11 ± 57.19s, respectively; P = 0.68), time to achieve VO2max (TAVO2max) (164.48 ± 96.73 vs 167.88 ± 28.59s, respectively; P = 0.29), time to achieve VO2max in Tthre percentage ( percentTthre) (50.24 ± 16.93 vs 62.63 ± 16.60 percent, respectively; P = 0.19); time maintained at VO2max (TMVO2max) (144.08 ± 42.55 vs 114.23 ± 76.96s, respectively; P = 0.13). These results suggest that the VO2 kinetics response and Tthre is similar between untrained men and women at the vVO2max.

Colite cística profunda: relato de caso / Colitis cystica profunda: case reporte

A colite cística profunda consiste na presença de cistos submucosos, contendo muco, principalmente no reto e no cólon esquerdo. De etiologia controversa, com pouco mais de 200 casos relatados na literatura mundial. Tem importância pela capacidade de mimetizar neoplasia maligna colorretal. Descreveremos um caso de colite cística profunda localizada no reto e submetida a tratamento cirúrgico, seu acompanhamento pós-operatório e revisão da literatura.

Colitis cystica profunda comprises submucous mucus-filled cysts, located mainly in rectum and left colon. Its etiology is controversial, with about 200 cases reported in the literature. This disease is important clinically in that mimics colorectal malignancies. We report a case of colitis cystica profunda localized in rectum treated surgically, its follow-up and review of the literature.