Estudo das alterações ante-morte da cavidade oral de mãos-peladas (Procyon cancrivorus) de vida livre e de cativeiro / Study of the ante-mortem changes of the oral cavity of crab-eating raccoon (Procyon cancrivorus) free living and in captivity

A maioria das doenças dos animais de natureza e cativeiro encontra-se associada à proximidade humana, que resulta da fragmentação e degradação do habitat destes animais, no isolamento das espécies e no contato mais próximo entre estes e animais domésticos e o homem. Foram estudados os sincrânios de 104 mãos-peladas (Procyon cancrivorus) por meio de avaliação direta, preenchimento de ficha odontológica veterinária e documentação fotográfica, que relataram anormalidades encontradas, as quais foram classificadas e contabilizadas para fins estatísticos. Os achados deste trabalho aludem que os animais de cativeiro foram mais acometidos com as lesões relacionadas à doença periodontal, como cálculo, reabsorção óssea alveolar, deiscência, fenestração, exposição de furca, além de maloclusão, apinhamento dentário e os níveis mais graves de desgaste dentário. Os animais de vida livre apresentaram mais altos índices de fraturas, perdas dentárias ante-morte e escurecimento dentário, que caracterizam maior trauma dentário, durante o processo alimentar. Pretendeu-se, assim, estabelecer um parâmetro do estado de saúde oral da espécie estudada, sua frequência e se esta apresenta as mesmas enfermidades orais em vida livre e em cativeiro, relacionando a prevalência de afecções orais com características da ecologia da espécie.

Most diseases of animals in nature and captivity is linked to human proximity, resulting from habitat fragmentation and degradation of these animal habitats, the isolation of the species and the close contact between them and domestic animals and manhood. We studied 104 crab-eating raccoons (Procyon cancrivorus) skulls by direct assessment of sheet filling veterinary dental and photographic documentation reporting these abnormalities, which were classified and recorded for statistical purposes. The findings show that the captive animals were most affected with injuries related to periodontal disease, such as calculus, alveolar bone resorption, dehiscence, fenestration, furcation exposure, as well as malocclusion, crowding and severe levels of tooth wear. The free-living animals showed the highest rates of fractures, ante-mortem tooth loss and tooth blackout, which feature larger dental injuries during the feeding process. The intention was therefore to establish a parameter of oral health status of the species studied, their frequency and whether it has the same oral diseases in the wild life and in captivity, relating the prevalence of oral diseases with ecological characteristics of the specie.

Pediatric allergy and immunology in Brazil.

The subspecialty of pediatric allergy and immunology in Brazil is in its early years and progressing steadily. This review highlights the research developed in the past years aiming to show the characteristics of allergic and immunologic diseases in this vast country. Epidemiologic studies demonstrated the high prevalence of asthma in infants, children, and adolescents. Mortality rates and average annual variation of asthma hospitalization have reduced in all pediatric age groups. Indoor aeroallergen exposure is excessively high and contributes to the high rates of allergy sensitization. Prevalence of food allergy has increased to epidemic levels. Foods (35%), insect stings (30%), and drugs (23%) are the main etiological agents of anaphylaxis in children and adolescents. Molecular diagnosis of primary immunodeficiencies (PID) showed a high incidence of fungal infections including paracoccidioidomycosis in X-linked hyper-IgM syndrome, and the occurrence of BCG adverse reactions or other mycobacterial infections in patients with chronic granulomatous disease. Education in pediatric allergy and immunology is deficient for medical students, but residency programs are effective in training internists and pediatricians for the practice of allergy. The field of PID requires further training. Last, this review is a tribute to Prof. Dr. Charles Naspitz, one of the pioneers of our specialty in Brazil.

Guia prático para o manejo da anafilaxia-2012 / Practical guide to the management of anaphylaxix-2012

Anafilaxia representa uma das mais dramáticas condições clínicas da medicina, tanto pela imprevisibilidade de aparecimento quanto pelo potencial de gravidade na sua evolução. A ocorrência de anafilaxia determina enorme impacto na qualidade de vida das pessoas afetadas, dos seus familiares, cuidadores e amigos. As principais causas de anafilaxia são medicamentos, alimentos e veneno de insetos. Estudos epidemiológicos recentes sugerem aumento da incidência de anafilaxia. Aprofundar o conhecimento de causas e mecanismos de anafilaxia tem sido preocupação constante da especialidade de Imunoalergologia. Nos ambulatórios de Alergia e Imunologia Clínica são atendidas com regularidade pessoas que sofreram reações alergicas agudas graves e que necessitam de orientação especializada. Não é raro verificar que muitas superaram vários episódios agudos sem receber o diagnóstico correto, assim como a orientação específica para procurar atendimento especializado. Cada reação anafilática representa risco, que é variavel dependendo das caracteristicas do paciente e do agente desencadeante. A falta de informação de médicos e pacientes contribui para aumentar a chance de novas ocorrências, expondo estes a riscos muitas vezes preveníveis. O Guia Prático para o Manejo da Anafilaxia-2012 tem o objetivo de difundir o conhecimento sobre anafilaxia entre médicos e profissionais da saúde, pacientes, familiares, professores, escolas e autoridades de saúde pública. Este documento não é um protocolo de atendimento a pacientes com reações anafiláticas, nem pretende formular rotinas clínicas ou interferir na autonomia e no discernimento do médico ao avaliar e orientar pacientes que estão aos seus cuidados. O documento contém de forma muito concisa o conhecimento atual sobre o tema e a experiência pessoal de especialistas no manejo dessas situações, fornecendo informação para o aprimoramento pessoal. Aborda-se o diagnóstico e tratamento emergencial da anafilaxia, assim como, a avaliação e o tratamento após a crise. Cuidados básicos e atitudes preventivas que são fundamentais na orientação de pacientes e familiares são analisadas.

Anaphylaxis is one of the most dramatic clinical conditions of Medicine, by the unpredictability of emergence and by the potential of severity in its evolution. Anaphylaxis determines an enormous impact on the quality of life of people affected, their families, caregivers and friends. The most frequent cause of anaphylaxis are drugs, foods, and stinging insect venoms. Recent epidemiological surveys have suggested increased incidence of anaphylaxis. Development of the knowledge of the causes and mechanisms of anaphylaxis has been a constant concern of the specialist of Immunoallergology. In Allergy and Clinical Immunology clinics are frequent to consult people who have suffered severe acute allergic reactions that require expert guidance. Many patients had suffered previous episodes without receiving the correct diagnosis as well as specific guidance to seek specialized care. Each allergic crisis represents a health risk, which is variable depending on the characteristics of the patient and the triggering agent. The lack of information from doctors and patients contributes to increase the chance of new episodes, exposing patients to preventable risk. The Practical Management of Anaphylaxis-2012 aims to spread knowledge of anaphylaxis among physicians, healthcare professionals, patients, families, teachers, schools, and public health authorities. This document is not a protocol of care to patients with anaphylactic reactions, nor is it intended to formulate practical clinical routines and, its objective should not interfere with the autonomy and the discernment of the physician to evaluate and treat patients who are to their care. The document contains very concisely the current knowledge about the subject and the personal experience of specialists in the management of these situations, providing information for personal improvement. Deals with the diagnosis and emergency treatment of anaphylaxis, as well as the assessment and treatment after the crisis. Basic and preventive care who are fundamental attitudes for patients and families are analyzed.

Epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nasal colonization among patients and healthcare workers in a Portuguese hospital: a pre-intervention study toward the control of MRSA.

This two-year study investigated the epidemiology of nasal colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among patients and healthcare workers (HCWs) in two wards with a high frequency of MRSA isolation, at Hospital Geral de Santo António (HGSA), Portugal. Three point-prevalence surveys per year were carried out. A case-control approach was used to identify potential risk factors associated with MRSA carriage among patients. Incidence rates and risk factors of MRSA carriage among HCWs who were negative at the baseline observation were estimated. Prevalence of MRSA carriage among 276 patients screened was 5.1%. Admission to HGSA or attendance to the Diabetic Foot Outpatient Unit (DFOU) of HGSA within the past 12 months, and previous MRSA isolation were significant risk factors for MRSA carriage. Among HCWs (n = 126), the prevalence of MRSA carriage was 4.8% and the incidence rate was 61/1000 person-years. Nurses and nurse aids were the HCW categories with the highest risk of becoming colonized with MRSA over time (p = 0.01). One HCW chronically colonized was detected. Molecular typing revealed a clonal identity for isolates recovered from patients and HCWs of the same wards, with 88.6% of isolates belonging to the EMRSA-15 (ST22-MRSA-IV) clone.

[Legal action as mechanisms of protection the right to health in Manizales, Colombia]. / Acción de Tutela, Acceso y Protección del Derecho a la Salud en Manizales, Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: Characterising legal action taken for protecting health rights in Manizales during 2003 and 2004. METHODS: This was a descriptive kind of study, based on a sample of 375 legal actions filed in the city of Manizales' legal offices during 2003 and 2004. The study was carried out in two steps; the files kept in the legal offices were reviewed and semi-structured interviews were held with personnel from the General Social Health Security System (GSHSS), monitoring and control centres, the legal offices and the academic sector. Their concept regarding legal action and its subsequent impact on the health services was also consulted. RESULTS: 54.2% of the 375 legal actions were brought by women. Information regarding age was only registered in 53.8% of the files consulted; 81% of these corresponded to the population group aged older than 25 and 3% were presented by the population group less than 5 years of age. 74.7% of the people were in the regime making contributions and 14% in the subsidized regime. Most reasons for making a claim were made on at least two grounds, including complaints about integral treatment including drug prescriptions, exams, surgery, specialist appointments, carrying out procedures, etc. CONCLUSIONS: Taking legal action has become the most effective tool for gaining access to health services in Manizales.

Acción de Tutela, Acceso y Protección del Derecho a la Salud en Manizales, Colombia / Legal action as mechanisms of protection the right to health in Manizales, Colombia

Objetivo: Caracterización de las tutelas motivadas por acceso a servicios de salud durante el período 2003-2004 en Manizales. Materiales y Métodos Estudio: descriptivo, por medio del análisis de 375 expedientes en el período 2003-2004. Estudio desarrollado en dos fases: 1) Aplicación de un formato de revisión de expedientes en despachos judiciales. 2) Entrevista semi-estructurada a diferentes actores del Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Salud (SGSSS), Organismos de Vigilancia y Control, Rama Judicial y sector académico. Se consultó sobre su concepto de de la acción de tutela y su impacto en el acceso a servicios de salud. Resultados: De los 375 expedientes de tutela el 54,2 por ciento fueron presentadas por mujeres. Sólo en 53,8 por ciento de las tutelas se obtuvo información sobre la edad. El 81 por ciento de las tutelas correspondió al grupo poblacional mayor de 25 años, un 3 por ciento de las acciones de tutelas fueron presentadas por menores de 5 años. El 74,7 por ciento de los accionantes de régimen contributivo, un 14,4 por ciento régimen subsidiado. Las motivaciones se sustentaron en más de dos razones: tratamiento integral que comprende medicamentos, exámenes, cirugías, citas con especialista, realización de procedimientos, entre otras. Conclusión: La acción de tutela se ha convertido en el medio más efectivo de acceso a servicios de salud en Manizales.

Objective: Characterising legal action taken for protecting health rights in Manizales during 2003 and 2004. Methods: This was a descriptive kind of study, based on a sample of 375 legal actions filed in the city of Manizales' legal offices during 2003 and 2004. The study was carried out in two steps; the files kept in the legal offices were reviewed and semi-structured interviews were held with personnel from the General Social Health Security System (GSHSS), monitoring and control centres, the legal offices and the academic sector. Their concept regarding legal action and its subsequent impact on the health services was also consulted. Results: 54.2 percent of the 375 legal actions were brought by women. Information regarding age was only registered in 53.8 percent of the files consulted; 81 percent of these corresponded to the population group aged older than 25 and 3 percent were presented by the population group less than 5 years of age. 74.7 percent of the people were in the regime making contributions and 14 percent in the subsidized regime. Most reasons for making a claim were made on at least two grounds, including complaints about integral treatment including drug prescriptions, exams, surgery, specialist appointments, carrying out procedures, etc. Conclusions: Taking legal action has become the most effective tool for gaining access to health services in Manizales.

Prevalence of Toxocara infection in schoolchildren from the Butantã region, São Paulo, Brazil.

Visceral larva migrans syndrome by Toxocara affects mainly children between 2 and 5 years of age, it is generally asymptomatic, and the seroprevalence varies from 3 to 86% in different countries. A total of 399 schoolchildren from 14 public schools of the Butantã region, São Paulo city, Brazil, were evaluated by Toxocara serology (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Epidemiological data to the Toxocara infection obtained from a protocol were submitted to multiple logistic regression analysis for a risk profile definition. Blood was collected on filter paper by finger puncture, with all samples tested in duplicate. Considering titers > or = 1/160 as positive, the seroprevalence obtained was 38.8%. Among infected children, the mean age was 9.4 years, with a similar distribution between genders. A significant association was observed with the presence of onychophagia, residence with a dirty backyard, living in a slum, previous wheezing episodes, school attended, and family income (p < 0.05). All data, except "living in a slum", were considered to be determinant of a risk profile for the acquisition of Toxocara infection. A monthly income > or = 5 minimum salaries represented a protective factor, although of low relevance. Toxocara eggs were found in at least one of the soil samples obtained from five schools, with high prevalence of Toxocara infections, indicating the frequent soil contamination by this agent.

Prevalence of Toxocara infection in schoolchildren from the Butantä region, Säo Paulo, Brazil

Visceral larva migrans syndrome by Toxocara affects mainly children between 2 and 5 years of age, it is generally asymptomatic, and the seroprevalence varies from 3 to 86 percent in different countries. A total of 399 schoolchildren from 14 public schools of the Butantä region, Säo Paulo city, Brazil, were evaluated by Toxocara serology (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Epidemiological data to the Toxocara infection obtained from a protocol were submitted to multiple logistic regression analysis for a risk profile definition. Blood was collected on filter paper by finger puncture, with all samples tested in duplicate. Considering titers > 1/160 as positive, the seroprevalence obtained was 38.8 percent. Among infected children, the mean age was 9.4 years, with a similar distribution between genders. A significant association was observed with the presence of onychophagia, residence with a dirty backyard, living in a slum, previous wheezing episodes, school attended, and family income (p < 0.05). All data, except "living in a slum", were considered to be determinant of a risk profile for the acquisition of Toxocara infection. A monthly income > 5 minimum salaries represented a protective factor, although of low relevance. Toxocara eggs were found in at least one of the soil samples obtained from five schools, with high prevalence of Toxocara infections, indicating the frequent soil contamination by this agent