A new cyclodipeptide from Tetragonisca angustula honey active against Neospora caninum and in silico study.

A new cyclic natural compound formed by succinic acid and two alanine amino acid units was isolated from the Tetragonisca angustula honey extract. The chemical structure of 1 was established based on spectroscopic data analysis, including one- (1H and 13C NMR) and two-dimensional NMR techniques (1H-1H-COSY, HSQC and HMBC). A primary culture model previously infected with Neospora caninum was used to evaluate 1 for two time intervals (24 and 72 h), showing a reduction (40-56%) of the number of tachyzoites in the first 24 h and until 72 h, a dose-dependent reduction in parasite proliferation (25-50%). Glial cells treated with 1 did not demonstrate toxicity at concentrations up to 25 ug/mL. Treated and infected cultures showed an increase in NO when compared to control cells in 24 h and 72 h. In silico studies suggest that the new compound may affect DNA synthesis and impair -protein production.

Cost effectiveness of intracameral cefuroxime prophylaxis and its efficacy in preventing endophthalmitis after cataract surgery in a referral hospital / Custo-efetividade da profilaxia com cefuroxima intracameral e sua eficácia na prevenção da endoftalmite após cirurgia de catarata em um hospital de referência

ABSTRACT Purpose: To present the results of a retrospective study regarding the clinical and economic impact of intracameral cefuroxime administration to prevent endophthalmitis during cataract surgery in a referral hospital. Methods: This study included 16,902 eyes from patients who had undergone cataract surgery between 2013 and 2017. From May 2014 onwards, all patients received routine intracameral injections of 1 mg cefuroxime (10 mg/1 mL) after phacoemulsification. The prophylactic efficacy was evaluated using the relative risk ratio, whereas the economic impact was evaluated using number needed to treat to avoid endophthalmitis. Results: Before introducing cefuroxime, 3,407 cataract surgeries were performed using the phacoemulsification technique, and 7 post-operatory cases of endophthalmitis occurred (0.2% incidence). After introducing the cefuroxime protocol, 13,495 surgeries were performed, and 4 endophthalmitis cases were registered (0.03% incidence). Cefuroxime was identified as a protective factor against the development of endophthalmitis [risk ratio = 14%, p=0.002, 95% confidence interval (CI) 95%, 4%-49%], with an economic impact of number needed to treat = 568. The potential savings with cefuroxime was approximately US $2,334.36 for every 568 patients treated. Conclusion: The incidence of endophthalmitis decreased by 86% (risk ratio = 14%, p=0.002, 95% CI, 4%-49%) after introducing intracameral cefuroxime prophylaxis at the study hospital. The results presented herein provide strong evidence for the use of cefuroxime in endophthalmitis prophylaxis after phacoemulsification surgeries, outperforming the alter­native by providing both economic and clinical benefits.

RESUMO Objetivo: Apresentar os resultados de um estudo retrospectivo sobre o impacto clínico e econômico da administração de cefuroxima intracameral para prevenir endoftalmite nas cirurgias de catarata em um hospital de referência. Métodos: Este estudo incluiu 16.902 olhos de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de catarata entre 2013 e 2017. A partir de maio de 2014, todos os pacientes receberam rotineiramente uma injeção intracameral de 1mg de cefuroxima (10mg/1mL) ao final da cirurgia de facoemulsificação. A eficácia da profilaxia foi avaliada usando o risco relativo e o impacto econômico foi avaliado com o número necessário para tratar para se evitar um caso de endoftalmite. Resultados: Antes da introdução do protocolo da cefuroxima, foram realizadas 3.407 cirurgias de catarata por facoemulsificação e ocorreram 7 casos de endoftalmite pós-operatória (incidência de 0,2%). Após a introdução do protocolo da cefuroxima, foram realizadas 13.495 cirurgias e registrados 4 casos de endoftalmite (incidência de 0,03%). A cefuroxima foi um fator de proteção no desenvolvimento de endoftalmite (risco relativo = 14%, p=0,002, Intervalo de Confiança de 95% [IC 95%], 4% - 49%) e o impacto econômico do número necessário para tratar = 568. A economia potencial com a cefuroxima foi de aproximadamente US$ 2.334,36 para cada 568 pacientes tratados. Conclusão: A incidência de endoftalmite diminuiu 86% (risco relativo = 14%, p=0,002, IC 95% 4% - 49%) desde a introdução da profilaxia com cefuroxima intracameral no hospital do estudo. Os resultados apresentados mostram forte evidência para o uso da cefuroxima na profilaxia da endoftalmite após cirurgias de facoemulsificação, por proporcionar economia de custos e benefício clínico.

Cost effectiveness of intracameral cefuroxime prophylaxis and its efficacy in preventing endophthalmitis after cataract surgery in a referral hospital.

PURPOSE: To present the results of a retrospective study regarding the clinical and economic impact of intracameral cefuroxime administration to prevent endophthalmitis during cataract surgery in a referral hospital. METHODS: This study included 16,902 eyes from patients who had undergone cataract surgery between 2013 and 2017. From May 2014 onwards, all patients received routine intracameral injections of 1 mg cefuroxime (10 mg/1 mL) after phacoemulsification. The prophylactic efficacy was evaluated using the relative risk ratio, whereas the economic impact was evaluated using number needed to treat to avoid endophthalmitis. RESULTS: Before introducing cefuroxime, 3,407 cataract surgeries were performed using the phacoemulsification technique, and 7 post-operatory cases of endophthalmitis occurred (0.2% incidence). After introducing the cefuroxime protocol, 13,495 surgeries were performed, and 4 endophthalmitis cases were registered (0.03% incidence). Cefuroxime was identified as a protective factor against the development of endophthalmitis [risk ratio = 14%, p=0.002, 95% confidence interval (CI) 95%, 4%-49%], with an economic impact of number needed to treat = 568. The potential savings with cefuroxime was approximately US $2,334.36 for every 568 patients treated. CONCLUSION: The incidence of endophthalmitis decreased by 86% (risk ratio = 14%, p=0.002, 95% CI, 4%-49%) after introducing intracameral cefuroxime prophylaxis at the study hospital. The results presented herein provide strong evidence for the use of cefuroxime in endophthalmitis prophylaxis after phacoemulsification surgeries, outperforming the alter-native by providing both economic and clinical benefits.

Activation of the Kynurenine Pathway and Production of Inflammatory Cytokines by Astrocytes and Microglia Infected With Neospora caninum.

In the central nervous system, astrocytes and microglia contribute to homeostasis, regulating the immune response to infectious agents. Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular protozoan that infects different animal species and it is encysted in their nervous tissue while triggering an immune response modulated by glia. This study aimed to evaluate the infection of primary cultures of rat glial cells by N. caninum through the catabolites of tryptophan, the expression of inflammatory mediators and the integrity of neural tissue. Infection with this coccidium resulted in morphological and functional changes, particularly astrogliosis and microgliosis, and increased the expression of the inflammatory mediators TNF, IL1ß, IL-10, and arginase, as well as mRNA for CCL5 and CCL2, molecules involved in the CNS chemotaxis. The infection with N. caninum in glial cells also triggered the activation of the tryptophan pathway, characterized by increased kynurenine 2,3 monooxygenase (KMO) mRNA expression, and by the production of the excitotoxin quinolinic acid (QUIN). Moreover, glia-neuron co-cultures, when exposed to the secretome derived from N. caninum infected glial cells, presented greater neurons distribution and formation of neurite extensions, associated to morphological changes in astrocytes compatible with neuro-preservation. Considering that the tryptophan catabolism is associated to immune response, these findings suggest that glial activation in N. caninum infection should be responsible for modulating the inflammatory status in an attempt to restore the nervous system homeostasis, since excessive inflammatory response can cause irreversible damage to tissue preservation.

Flaxseed added to the diet of Alpine goats affects the nutrients intake and blood parameters.

The flaxseed is a nutraceutical food used as a source of α-linolenic acid, which can bring benefits to the health of mammals. This study was carried out to examine the effect of flaxseed inclusion in the diets on the intake of nutrients, body weight, and blood parameters of Alpine goats. Twenty-one adult females with an initial average weight of 41.06 ± 1.84 kg were used in a completely randomized design, with four experimental treatments (0, 5, 10, and 15% of flaxseed in the total diet) and five replications per treatment. The intake of the dry matter presented a decreasing linear effect (P < 0.001), with a reduction of 53.5% between the control diet (0% of flaxseed) and 15% of flaxseed, but no effect was observed on weight gain (P > 0.05). Inclusion of flaxseed from 0 to 15% linearly decreased the intakes of organic matter, crude protein, non-fibrous carbohydrates, and neutral detergent fiber, but increased the ether extract intake (P < 0.001). Regarding plasma concentration traits, increasing the flaxseed levels from 0 to 15% had linear positive effect on LDL, VLDL, and triglycerides (P < 0.05), but no effect on cholesterol, HDL, glucose, creatinine, and urea (P > 0.05). The inclusion of flaxseed in the diet for 80 days changes the nutrients intake and blood parameters but shows no impact on body weight. However, further studies are required to determine the impact of flaxseed on the goat's health in the long term since there has been an increase in the concentration of triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL.

Hydroxycinnamic acid-spermidine amides from Tetragonisca angustula honey as anti-Neospora caninum: In vitro and in silico studies.

Tetragonisca angustula honey was fractioned in a SiO2 column to furnish three fractions (A-C) in which four hydroxycinnamic acid-Spermidine amides (HCAAs), known as N', N″, N‴-tris-p-coumaroyl spermidine, N', N″-dicaffeoyl, N‴-coumaroyl spermidine, N', N″, N‴-tris-caffeoyl spermidine and N', N″-dicaffeoyl and N‴-feruloyl spermidine were identified in the fractions B and C by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. A primary culture model previously infected with Neospora caninum (72 h) was used to evaluate the honey fractions (A-C) for two-time intervals: 24 and 72 h. Parasitic reduction ranged from 38% on fraction C (12.5 µg/ml), after 24 h, to 54% and 41% with fractions B and C (25 µg/ml) after 72 h of treatment, respectively. Additionally, HCAAs did not show any cell toxicity for 24 and 72 h. For infected cultures (72 h), the active fractions B (12.5 µg/ml) and C (25 µg/ml) decreased their NO content. In silico studies suggest that HCAAs may affect the parasite's redox pathway and improve the oxidative effect of NO released from infected cells. Here, we presented for the first time, that HCAAs from T. angustula honey have the potential to inhibit the growth of N. caninum protozoa.

Excess weight, central adiposity and pro-inflammatory diet consumption in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.

PURPOSE: To characterize the nutritional status and the consumed Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) by individuals with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD). METHODS: Anthropometric, clinical data (Expanded Disability Status Scale, EDSS) anthropometric data (Body Mass Index - BMI; Waist Circumference - WC; Waist-to-hip ratio - WHR; and percentage of fat mass -%FM) and data on food consumption (24-hour recall) were collected to determine the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), according to Shivappa et al. For the statistical analysis, descriptive measures and statistical tests were used, with the significance level set at p <0.05. RESULTS: There was a higher prevalence of females (86.8%). The abdominal fat accumulation in individuals was demonstrated in 57.9%, 73.0%, 70.3% and 30.0%, according to BMI, WC, WHR and%FM, respectively. There was no correlation between the EDSS score and the nutritional status, but there was a positive correlation between the administered corticosteroid dose and BMI (r = 0.55; p = 0.002), WC (r = 0.55; p = 0.003) and WHR (r = 0.41; p = 0.033). The mean DII was 4.99 (± 1.09), indicating the consumption of a pro-inflammatory diet. There was a difference in the DII according to gender (p <001). In the case-control segment, there was a significant difference in the DII between the groups (ß = 2.51; 95% CI: 1.73; 3.27) and a higher risk of developing the disease when the DII was ≥4.41 (OR = 30.25; 95% CI: 6.70; 136.47). CONCLUSIONS: Diets with high inflammatory potential are associated with increased risk of NMOSD.

Validation of Architecture Effectiveness for the Continuous Monitoring of File Integrity Stored in the Cloud Using Blockchain and Smart Contracts.

The management practicality and economy offered by the various technological solutions based on cloud computing have attracted many organizations, which have chosen to migrate services to the cloud, despite the numerous challenges arising from this migration. Cloud storage services are emerging as a relevant solution to meet the legal requirements of maintaining custody of electronic documents for long periods. However, the possibility of losses and the consequent financial damage require the permanent monitoring of this information. In a previous work named "Monitoring File Integrity Using Blockchain and Smart Contracts", the authors proposed an architecture based on blockchain, smart contract, and computational trust technologies that allows the periodic monitoring of the integrity of files stored in the cloud. However, the experiments carried out in the initial studies that validated the architecture included only small- and medium-sized files. As such, this paper presents a validation of the architecture to determine its effectiveness and efficiency when storing large files for long periods. The article provides an improved and detailed description of the proposed processes, followed by a security analysis of the architecture. The results of both the validation experiments and the implemented defense mechanism analysis confirm the security and the efficiency of the architecture in identifying corrupted files, regardless of file size and storage time.

Neurological Infection, Kynurenine Pathway, and Parasitic Infection by Neospora caninum.

Neuroinflammation is one of the most frequently studied topics of neurosciences as it is a common feature in almost all neurological disorders. Although the primary function of neuroinflammation is to protect the nervous system from an insult, the complex and sequential response of activated glial cells can lead to neurological damage. Depending on the type of insults and the time post-insult, the inflammatory response can be neuroprotective, neurotoxic, or, depending on the glial cell types, both. There are multiple pathways activated and many bioactive intermediates are released during neuroinflammation. One of the most common one is the kynurenine pathway, catabolizing tryptophan, which is involved in immune regulation, neuroprotection, and neurotoxicity. Different models have been used to study the kynurenine pathway metabolites to understand their involvements in the development and maintenance of the inflammatory processes triggered by infections. Among them, the parasitic infection Neospora caninum could be used as a relevant model to study the role of the kynurenine pathway in the neuroinflammatory response and the subset of cells involved.

Keratouveitis caused by Euphorbia milii sap: case report and overview / Ceratouveíte causada pela seiva de Euphorbia millii: relato de caso e visão geral

ABSTRACT Objective: To report a case of anterior uveitis caused by Euphorbia milii sap and review all reported cases of keratouveitis related to this species. Methods: A 64-year-old male patient presented with a 10-day history of reduced visual acuity, pain, and photophobia in the left eye after an accidental contact with Euphorbia milii sap. Best-corrected visual acuity was initially 20/200. Upon examination, ciliary injection, mild corneal edema; fine keratic precipitates, and significant anterior chamber reaction. There was no vitritis, and fundoscopy was unremarkable. The patient initiated on topical steroid and tropicamide. Results: Best-corrected visual acuity in left eye improved to 20/20 after using eyedrops for 3 weeks, associated with complete resolution of anterior uveitis. Over the following 6 months, best-corrected visual acuity remained stable, and no evidence of recurrent inflammation was observed. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the third reported case of keratouveitis caused by Euphorbia milii sap. As observed in other cases of keratouveitis caused by sap of this species, the clinical course is benign and characterized by moderate reaction of the anterior chamber, and corneal involvement of variable intensity.

RESUMO O objetivo foi relatar um caso de uveíte anterior induzida pela seiva da Euphorbia milii e revisar todos os casos relatados de ceratouveíte causados por essa espécie. Paciente do sexo masculino, 64 anos, apresentou história de 10 dias de evolução com redução da acuidade visual, dor e fotofobia no olho esquerdo, após contato acidental com a seiva da planta Euphorbia milii. A acuidade visual com melhor correção era inicialmente 20/200. O exame revelou injeção ciliar, edema de córnea leve, precipitados ceráticos finos e reação de câmara anterior significativa. Não havia vitreíte, e a fundoscopia não exibia alterações. Foram iniciados colírios de esteroides e tropicamida. A acuidade visual no olho esquerdo melhorou para 20/20 em 3 semanas com a utilização dos colírios, além de se ter alcançado a resolução completa da uveíte anterior. Nos 6 meses seguintes, a acuidade visual permaneceu estável, e não foi observada evidência de recorrência da inflamação. Até então, este é o terceiro caso relatado de ceratouveíte pela seiva da Euphorbia milii. Como visto nos demais casos de ceratouveíte induzidos pela seiva dessa espécie, o curso clínico é benigno e caracterizado por reação moderada da câmara anterior, com envolvimento corneano de intensidade variável.

Security Architecture and Protocol for Trust Verifications Regarding the Integrity of Files Stored in Cloud Services.

Cloud computing is considered an interesting paradigm due to its scalability, availability and virtually unlimited storage capacity. However, it is challenging to organize a cloud storage service (CSS) that is safe from the client point-of-view and to implement this CSS in public clouds since it is not advisable to blindly consider this configuration as fully trustworthy. Ideally, owners of large amounts of data should trust their data to be in the cloud for a long period of time, without the burden of keeping copies of the original data, nor of accessing the whole content for verifications regarding data preservation. Due to these requirements, integrity, availability, privacy and trust are still challenging issues for the adoption of cloud storage services, especially when losing or leaking information can bring significant damage, be it legal or business-related. With such concerns in mind, this paper proposes an architecture for periodically monitoring both the information stored in the cloud and the service provider behavior. The architecture operates with a proposed protocol based on trust and encryption concepts to ensure cloud data integrity without compromising confidentiality and without overloading storage services. Extensive tests and simulations of the proposed architecture and protocol validate their functional behavior and performance.

Calibration Transfer Between a Bench Scanning and a Submersible Diode Array Spectrophotometer for In Situ Wastewater Quality Monitoring in Sewer Systems.

Online monitoring programs based on spectroscopy have a high application potential for the detection of hazardous wastewater discharges in sewer systems. Wastewater hydraulics poses a challenge for in situ spectroscopy, especially when the system includes storm water connections leading to rapid changes in water depth, velocity, and in the water quality matrix. Thus, there is a need to optimize and fix the location of in situ instruments, limiting their availability for calibration. In this context, the development of calibration models on bench spectrophotometers to estimate wastewater quality parameters from spectra acquired with in situ instruments could be very useful. However, spectra contain information not only from the samples, but also from the spectrophotometer generally invalidating this approach. The use of calibration transfer methods is a promising solution to this problem. In this study, calibration models were developed using interval partial least squares (iPLS), for the estimation of total suspended solids (TSS) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) in sewage from Ultraviolet-visible spectra acquired in a bench scanning spectrophotometer. The feasibility of calibration transfer to a submersible, diode array equipment, to be subsequently operated in situ, was assessed using three procedures: slope and bias correction (SBC); single wavelength standardization (SWS) on mean spectra; and local centering (LC). The results showed that SBC was the most adequate for the available data, adding insignificant error to the base model estimates. Single wavelength standardization was a close second best, potentially more robust, and independent of the base iPLS model. Local centering was shown to be inadequate for the samples and instruments used.

Avaliação física funcional na mortalidade em doentes renais crônicos / Physical functional evaluation on mortality in chronic renal patients / Evaluación física funcional acerca de la mortalidad en pacientes renales crónicos

Objetivo: verificar a associação avaliação físico funcional e a mortalidade de pacientes com Doença Renal Crônica. Método: estudo transversal realizado em 25 indivíduos com DRC em hemodiálise (HD), sendo 17 participantes vivos do G1 (56,29±7,76 anos) e oito que foram a óbito, participantes do G2 (58,63±17,13 anos). A coleta de dados foi realizada pelos testes físicos e após um ano foi verificado a mortalidade e os dados analisados no software PASW Statistics Data Editor. O projeto foi aprovado no Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa, parecer n 187.1/2011. Resultados: observou-se a incidência de 32% de óbitos. Não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre vivos e óbitos no intervalo de um ano após a avaliação físico funcional no VO2pico (p:0,156), no TC6min (p:0,298), na PImax (p:0,062) e na PEmax (p:0,232). Conclusão: não foi encontrada associação entre a avaliação físico funcional e a mortalidade de pacientes com DRC.(AU)

Objective: verifying the evaluation of functional physico association and mortality of patients with Chronic Kidney Disease. Method: a cross-sectional study conducted with 25 patients with CKD on hemodialysis (HD), 17 living participants G1 (56,29±7,76 years old) and eight who died, participants G2 (58,63 ± 17,13 years old). Data collection was performed by physical tests and after a year it was observed mortality and data analyzed in PASW Statistics Data Editor Software. The project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee, Opinion n 187.1/2011. Results: there was the incidence of 32% of deaths. No statistically significant differences were found between the living and deaths within a year after the physical functional evaluation in VO2pico (p: 0,156), in the TC6min (p: 0,298), the PImax (p: 0,062) and PEmax (p: 0,232). Conclusion: no association was found between physical functional assessment and mortality of patients with CKD.(AU)

Objetivo: verificar la asociación evaluación físico funcional y la mortalidad de los pacientes con Enfermedad Renal Crónica. Método: un estudio transversal en el que 25 pacientes con ERC en hemodiálisis (HD), siendo 17 participantes vivos del G1 (56,29 ± 7,76 años) y ocho que murieron, los participantes del G2 (58,63±17,13 años). La recolección de datos se realizó mediante pruebas físicas y después de un año se observó la mortalidad y los datos analizados con el software PASW Statistics Data Editor. El proyecto fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética en la Investigación de Opinión n 187.1/2011. Resultados: se observó la incidencia de 32% de las muertes. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre vivos y la muerte dentro de un año después de la evaluación física funcional en VO2pico (p: 0,156), en la TC6min (p: 0,298), el PImax (p: 0,062) y PEmax (p: 0,232). Conclusión: no se encontró asociación entre la evaluación física funcional y la mortalidad de los pacientes con ERC.(AU)

Flavonoids modulate the proliferation of Neospora caninum in glial cell primary cultures.

Neospora caninum (Apicomplexa; Sarcocystidae) is a protozoan that causes abortion in cattle, horses, sheep, and dogs as well as neurological and dermatological diseases in dogs. In the central nervous system of dogs infected with N. caninum, cysts were detected that exhibited gliosis and meningitis. Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds that exhibit antibacterial, antiparasitic, antifungal, and antiviral properties. In this study, we investigated the effects of flavonoids in a well-established in vitro model of N. caninum infection in glial cell cultures. Glial cells were treated individually with 10 different flavonoids, and a subset of cultures was also infected with the NC-1 strain of N. caninum. All of the flavonoids tested induced an increase in the metabolism of glial cells and many of them increased nitrite levels in cultures infected with NC-1 compared to controls and uninfected cultures. Among the flavonoids tested, 3',4'-dihydroxyflavone, 3',4',5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone (luteolin), and 3,3',4',5,6-pentahydroxyflavone (quercetin), also inhibited parasitophorous vacuole formation. Taken together, our findings show that flavonoids modulate glial cell responses, increase NO secretion, and interfere with N. caninum infection and proliferation.

Role of IFN-γ and LPS on neuron/glial co-cultures infected by Neospora caninum.

Neospora caninum causes cattle abortion and neurological symptoms in dogs. Although infection is usually asymptomatic, classical neurological symptoms of neosporosis may be associated with encephalitis. This parasite can grow in brain endothelial cells without markedly damages, but it can modulate the cellular environment to promote its survival in the brain. In previous studies, we described that IFN-γ decreased the parasite proliferation and down regulated nitric oxide (NO) production in astrocyte/microglia cultures. However, it remains unclear how glial cells respond to N. caninum in the presence of neurons. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of 300 IU/mL IFN-γ or 1.0 mg/mL of LPS on infected rat neuron/glial co-cultures. After 72 h of infection, LPS did not affect the mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity. However, IFN-γ decreased this parameter by 15.5 and 12.0% in uninfected and infected cells, respectively. The number of tachyzoites decreased 54.1 and 44.3% in cells stimulated with IFN-γ and LPS, respectively. Infection or LPS treatment did not change NO production. On the other hand, IFN-γ induced increased nitrite release in 55.7%, but the infection reverted this induction. IL-10 levels increased only in infected cultures (treated or not), meanwhile PGE2 release was improved in IFN-γ/infected or LPS/infected cells. Although IFN-γ significantly reduced the neurite length in uninfected cultures (42.64%; p < 0.001), this inflammatory cytokine reverted the impairment of neurite outgrowth induced by the infection (81.39%). The results suggest a neuroprotective potential response of glia to N. caninum infection under IFN-γ stimulus. This observation contributes to understand the immune mediated mechanisms of neosporosis in central nervous system (CNS).

Neospora caninum: infection induces high lysosomal activity.

Neospora caninum is a protozoan that causes abortion in cattle and neuromuscular lesions in dogs, making it an important target of veterinary medicine. Lysosomes are cellular organelles responsible for important biological functions as cellular defense mechanisms. The aim of this work was to evaluate the lysosomal stability of rat gliocytes infected in vitro with N. caninum. Rat glial cultures were infected at a ratio of 1:1 (cell/parasite). The enzymatic activity of acid phosphatase (orthophosphoric-monoester phosphohydrolase, EC 3.1.3.2) was assayed in the medium of control and infected cell cultures. The activity observed at 24h of incubation was 0.4±0.08mU/mg/min for control cells and 1.3±0.5mU/mg/min for infected cells. After 72h, control and infected cells exhibited activities of 1.3±0.5 and 4.1±0.9mU/mg/min, respectively. These results suggested that lysosomal compartment plays an important role in the mechanisms of cellular infection by N. caninum.

The small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO)-conjugating system of Toxoplasma gondii.

SUMOylation, the reversible covalent attachment of small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) peptides has emerged as an important regulator of target protein function. Here we show, by characterization of the Toxoplasma gondii SUMO pathway, that the SUMO conjugation system operates in apicomplexan parasites. A gene encoding the SUMO tag was discovered as were genes encoding the various enzymes required for SUMO processing, ligation and release. Various SUMO conjugates were immuno-detected and by means of a global proteomic-based approach, we identified several T. gondii SUMOylated proteins that reveal many diverse cellular processes in which the modification plays a role. More specifically, SUMO conjugates were seen at the tachyzoite surface in response to signaling generated by host cell contact at the time of invasion. Also, under tissue culture conditions that stimulate bradyzoite differentiation (alkaline pH), we observed the conjugates at the parasitophorous vacuole membrane. The labeling was also at the surface of the mature cysts isolated from parasite-infected mouse brain. Overall, the SUMO conjugation system appears to be a complex and functionally heterogeneous pathway for protein modification in T. gondii with initial data indicating that it is likely to play a putative role in host cell invasion and cyst genesis.

Le fort I em pacientes portadores de fissura lábio-palatinas: estudo das complicações e avanço maxiliar

Introdução: Os pacientes portadores de fissura lábio-palatina podem desenvolver hipomaxilismo devido a cicatrizes presentes no lábio e palato durante o processo de reabilitação até a fase da adolescência. A correção das discrepâncias maxilo-mandibulares, cirurgia ortognática de maxila (osteotomias Le Fort I), são realizadas após o crescimento facila em 30-40% dos pacientes com diagnóstico de fissura lábio-palatina unilateral completa e bilateral. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar e comparar o índice de avanço de maxila em cirurgias Le Fort I sem pacientes portadores de fissura lábio-palatina com os pacientes com diagnóstico de hipomaxilismo submetidos a Le Fort I sem cicatrizes no lábio e palato. Método: Foram revisados quarenta e cinco (45) prontuários consecutivos de pacientes submetidos a osteotomia à Le Fort I tradicional nos anos de 2006 e 2007. Foram excluídos 15 pacientes com cirurgia ortognática exclusivas na mandíbula, seqüela de trauma e osteotomia sagital tipo Le Fort I sem a osteotomia do pilar pterigomaxiliar posterior. Foram avaliados a média de idade dos pacientes, sexo, número de complicações e índice de avanço da maxila foi obtido pela análise cefalométrica das telerradiografias realizadas no pré-operatório e pós-operatório de 3 meses nos pacientes fissurados (n=21) e pacientes não-fissurados (n=9). Foram realizados 60 traçados cefalométricos seguindo o padrão a sete graus(7º) abaixo da primeira. No plano horizontal, foram traçadas duas retas perpendiculares unindo os pontos A (maxila) e B (mandibula) com o plano horizontal. Estes pontos caracterizam a posição horizontal e vertical da maxila e mandíbula, respectivamente. Resultados: Os pacientes fissurados (n=21) tiveram um tempo médio de cirurgia de quatro horas e vinte minutos, um avanço médio horizontal de 4,1 mm, médias de ângulos SNA pré= 81,9, SNA pós= 87,7º, SNB pré= 86,1º, SNPog pré = 87,5º e SNPog pós= 86,6º. Quatro pacientes (44%) tiveram complicações, como abscesso e...

[Macular thickness analysis by optic coherence tomography in refractory diabetic macular edema treated with intravitreous triamcinolone]. / Análise da espessura macular pela tomografia de coerência óptica no edema macular refratário de origem diabética após aplicação de triancinolona intravítrea.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of intravitreal injections of triamcinolone on macular thickness (Stratus-OCT), intra-ocular pressure and visual acuity, in the treatment of diabetic macular edema non-responsive to previous laser photocoagulation, over a 6-month period. METHODS: The study included 21 subjects (22 eyes) who underwent complete ophthalmologic examination, measurements of visual acuity and intraocular pressure, and OCT, previously treated with at least 2 laser applications. The study participants were treated with 4 mg/0.1 ml intravitreal triamcinolone. Follow-up visits were scheduled for the 1st day after treatment, and after 1, 3 and 6 months. Visual and anatomical results, as well as possible complications associated with the intravitreal injection procedure were studied. RESULTS: The study showed a significant reduction in mean macular thickness, assessed by OCT at 1, 3 and 6 months post-treatment (p=0.001), combined with an improvement of the mean visual acuity (p<0.001). Central macular thickness mean+/-SD value on the first visit was 399 (+/-121 microm); it was reduced by 39.9% (239+/-53 microm) at the first month (p<0.001), 35.5% (255+/-93 microm) at the third month (p<0.001), and 18.1% (326+/-135 microm) at the sixth month (p=0.001). The improvement in mean visual acuity was of 18 and 16 letters on the ETDRS table, on the 3rd and 6th month, respectively. Reported complications were an increase in intraocular pressure in seven eyes (33.3% of the cases). CONCLUSIONS: A reduction in mean retinal thickness was observed throughout the entire follow-up period, with significant increase in macular thickness between the 3rd and 6th month. The mean visual acuity showed statistically significant improvement at the end of the follow-up period, but no change was noticed between the 3rd and 6th month.

Análise da espessura macular pela tomografia de coerência óptica no edema macular refratário de origem diabética após aplicação de triancinolona intravítrea / Macular thickness analysis by optic coherence tomography in refractory diabetic macular edema treated with intravitreous triamcinolone

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito da aplicação intravítrea de triancinolona na espessura macular medida pela tomografia de coerência óptica (Stratus-OCT), pressão intra-ocular e acuidade visual no tratamento do edema macular diabético não responsivo ao tratamento prévio com fotocogulação a laser, no período de 6 meses. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 21 indivíduos (22 olhos) submetidos a exame oftalmológico completo, medida da acuidade visual, pressão intra-ocular e análise pela tomografia de coerência óptica, tratados previamente com no mínimo 2 sessões de laser. Os indivíduos participantes do estudo foram tratados com aplicação intravítrea de acetato triancinolona na dose de 4 mg / 0,1 ml. As visitas de acompanhamento foram agendadas no 1º dia pós-aplicação, 1º, 3º e 6º meses. Foram estudados o resultado visual e anatômico assim como as possíveis complicações relacionadas com o procedimento da aplicação intravítrea. RESULTADOS: O estudo demonstrou redução significativa da espessura macular média analisada pelo OCT nos 1º, 3º e 6º meses pós-aplicação (p=0,001), acompanhado de melhora da acuidade visual média (p<0,001). A espessura macular central média ± DP na primeira visita foi de 399 ± 121 µm e diminuiu em 39,9 por cento (239 ± 53 µm) no primeiro mês (p<0,001), 35,5 por cento (255 ± 93 µm) no terceiro mês (p<0,001) e 18,1 por cento (326 ± 135 µm) no sexto mês (p=0,001). A melhora da acuidade visual média foi de 18 e 16 letras na tabela ETDRS nos 3º e 6º meses respectivamente. As complicações relatadas foram o aumento da pressão intra-ocular em 7 olhos (33,3 por cento casos). CONCLUSÕES: Foi observada redução da média das espessuras da retina ao longo de todo o tempo de acompanhamento, com aumento significante da espessura macular entre o 3º e 6º mês. Foi observado melhora estatisticamente significante da média da acuidade visual ao final do acompanhamento, porém não houve melhora entre o 3º e 6º mês.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of intravitreal injections of triamcinolone on macular thickness (Stratus-OCT), intra-ocular pressure and visual acuity, in the treatment of diabetic macular edema non-responsive to previous laser photocoagulation, over a 6-month period. METHODS:The study included 21 subjects (22 eyes) who underwent complete ophthalmologic examination, measurements of visual acuity and intraocular pressure, and OCT, previously treated with at least 2 laser applications. The study participants were treated with 4 mg / 0.1 ml intravitreal triamcinolone. Follow-up visits were scheduled for the 1st day after treatment, and after 1, 3 and 6 months. Visual and anatomical results, as well as possible complications associated with the intravitreal injection procedure were studied. RESULTS: The study showed a significant reduction in mean macular thickness, assessed by OCT at 1, 3 and 6 months post-treatment (p=0.001), combined with an improvement of the mean visual acuity (p<0.001). Central macular thickness mean ± SD value on the first visit was 399 (±121 µm); it was reduced by 39.9 percent (239 ± 53 µm) at the first month (p<0.001), 35.5 percent (255 ± 93 µm) at the third month (p<0.001), and 18.1 percent (326 ± 135 µm) at the sixth month (p=0.001). The improvement in mean visual acuity was of 18 and 16 letters on the ETDRS table, on the 3rd and 6th month, respectively. Reported complications were an increase in intraocular pressure in seven eyes (33.3 percent of the cases). CONCLUSIONS: A reduction in mean retinal thickness was observed throughout the entire follow-up period, with significant increase in macular thickness between the 3rd and 6th month. The mean visual acuity showed statistically significant improvement at the end of the follow-up period, but no change was noticed between the 3rd and 6th month.