Ikaros expression is associated with an increased risk of chronic graft-versus-host disease.

Immune reconstitution after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a complex and extremely variable process. The Ikaros transcription factor plays an important role in hematopoiesis in several cell lines, especially in the lymphoid lineage. We hypothesized that Ikaros might influence immune reconstitution, and consequently, the risk of opportunistic infections, relapse, and graft versus host disease (GVHD). Samples were collected from the graft and from the peripheral blood (PB) of the recipients 3 weeks after neutrophil recovery. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to analyze the absolute and relative Ikaros expression. Patients were divided into two groups, according to Ikaros expression in the graft and in the recipients' PB based on the ROC curves for moderate/severe cGVHD. A cutoff of 1.48 was used for Ikaros expression in the graft, and a cutoff of 0.79 was used for Ikaros expression in the recipients' PB. Sixty-six patients were included in this study. Median age of patients was 52 years (range 16-80 years), 55% of them were male, and 58% of them had acute leukemia. Median follow-up period was 18 months (range 10-43 months). There was no association between Ikaros expression and the risk of acute GVHD, relapse, or mortality. However, a significant association was observed with the risk of chronic GVHD. Higher Ikaros expression in the graft was associated with a significantly higher cumulative incidence (CI) of moderate/severe chronic GVHD according to the National Institute of Health (NIH) classification at two years (54% vs. 15% for patients with lower expression, P = 0.03). A higher Ikaros expression in the recipients' PB 3 weeks after engraftment was also associated with a significantly higher risk of moderate/severe chronic GVHD (65% vs. 11%, respectively, P = 0.005). In conclusion, Ikaros expression in the graft and in the recipients' PB after transplantation was associated with a higher risk of moderate/severe chronic GVHD. Ikaros expression should be evaluated in larger prospective trials as a potential biomarker for chronic GVHD.

Treatment of a malunion of the tibia and fibula in a giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) / Tratamento de má união de tíbia e fíbula em tamanduá-bandeira (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)

Vehicle collisions involving giant anteaters contribute significantly to the decline of this population. Although mortality rates at the time of trauma are high, many animals survive despite severe trauma and limb fractures. Treating these individuals is extremely challenging. This report describes the use of a corrective osteotomy to treat an angular deformity caused by inadequate healing of a tibial and fibular fracture in a young giant anteater. The animal was rescued on a highway by the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama). He was presented at the University Veterinary Hospital with lameness of the left pelvic limb and edema in the middle region of the tibial shaft. The radiographic examination showed an exuberant callus and significant bone deviation in the middle third of the left tibia and fibula. Corrective wedge osteotomy and fixation with a 3.5mm locking plate and 2.5mm intramedullary pin were performed. In the immediate postoperative period, there was functional recovery of the limb and complete consolidation of the osteotomy was identified 60 days after the operation. The corrective wedge osteotomy technique was effective for the treatment of inadequate tibial consolidation in a young giant anteater, providing complete recovery of all limb functions.

As colisões de veículos envolvendo tamanduás-bandeira contribuem significativamente para o declínio dessa população. Embora as taxas de mortalidade no momento do trauma sejam altas, muitos animais sobrevivem apesar de traumas graves e fraturas de membros. O tratamento desses indivíduos é extremamente desafiador. Este relato descreve o uso de osteotomia corretiva para tratamento de uma deformidade angular causada por consolidação inadequada de fratura da tíbia e da fíbula em um tamanduá-bandeira jovem. O animal foi resgatado em uma rodovia pelo Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis (Ibama). Foi apresentado no Hospital Veterinário Universitário com claudicação do membro pélvico esquerdo e edema na região média da diáfise da tíbia. O exame radiográfico mostrou calo exuberante e importante desvio ósseo em terço médio da tíbia e da fíbula esquerdas. Foi realizada osteotomia corretiva em cunha e fixação com placa bloqueada de 3,5mm e pino intramedular de 2,5mm. No pós-operatório imediato, houve recuperação funcional do membro, e a consolidação total da osteotomia foi identificada aos 60 dias de pós-operatório. A técnica de osteotomia em cunha corretiva foi eficaz para o tratamento de consolidação inadequada de tíbia em um tamanduá-bandeira jovem, proporcionando a recuperação completa de todas as funções do membro.

Assessment of weight gain and control of parasitism by Rhipicephalus microplus in dairy cattle in the field using organosynthetic parasiticide, phytotherapics and homeopathy / Avaliação do ganho de peso e controle do parasitismo por Rhipicephalus microplus em bovinos leiteiros a campo usando parasiticida organosintético, fitoterápicos e homeopatia

The goal of this research was to compare the effect of the following products on dairy cattle, parasitized by Rhipicephalus microplus: organosynthetics - Clorfenvinfós and Ivermectina (OG); phytotherapics - Eucalyptus oil (EG) and Neem cake (NG); Homeopathy (HG); The control group (CG) received no treatment. Infestation was by R. microplus (MIC) and weight gain (GP) were evaluated. The study included 60 animals (5 groups) from ­ Dutch / Zebu, aged between 25-44 months and initial weight between 211-477kg. EG and NG showed MIC 84.9% and 14.0% greater than CG, respectively (P <0.05; P = 0). HG and OG had MIC less than CG 24.4% and 16.9%, respectively (P<0.05; P <0.05). EG, NG and OG obtained GP lower than CG in 7.9%, 8.9% and 8.06% (P <0.05) respectively. The HG GP was 4.9% higher (P <0.05) than CG. This was the first research to prove parasitism control by R. microplus in a field test, using homeopathy. The methodology for choosing Homeopathy for the control of enzooties, developed and tested for the first time in this study, proved to be adequate and efficient, opening the possibility for establishing a new methodology for strategic control of parasitism by R. microplus.(AU)

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi comparar o efeito dos seguintes produtos sobre bovinos leiteiros, parasitados por Rhipicephalus microplus: organossintéticos - clorfenvinfós e ivermectina (OG); fitoterápicos - óleo de eucalipto (EG) e torta de Neem (NG) e homeopatia (HG). O grupo controle (CG) não recebeu tratamento. Foram avaliados infestação por R. microplus (MIC) e ganho de peso/grupo (GP) em 60 animais (5 grupos), a partir de ­ holandês/zebu, com idade entre 25 e 44 meses e peso inicial entre 211 e 477kg. EG e NG apresentaram MIC 84,9% e 14,0% maior que CG, respectivamente (P<0,05; P=0). HG e OG apresentaram MIC menor que CG 24,4% e 16,9%, respectivamente (P<0,05; P<0,05). EG, NG e OG obtiveram GP menor que CG em 7,9%, 8,9% e 8,06% (P<0,05), respectivamente. O GP do HG foi 4,9% maior (P<0,05) que o CG. Esta foi a primeira pesquisa a comprovar controle do parasitismo por R. microplus em teste a campo, usando homeopatia. A metodologia para escolha de medicamentos homeopáticos para controle de enzootias, desenvolvida e testada pela primeira vez neste estudo, mostrou-se adequada e eficiente, abrindo a possibilidade para estabelecimento de nova metodologia para controle estratégico do parasitismo por R. microplus.(AU)

Characterization of organic compounds and drugs in sewage sludge aiming for agricultural recycling.

The application of sewage sludge in soils can bring benefits to agricultural productivity, however, the risks arising from this application must be measured and carefully evaluated. Persistent organics compounds and drugs can be present in the sewage sludge and if applied to the soil, they can cause severe risks to the soil biota and contamination of groundwater. This work determined 174 persistent organic compounds and drugs in sludge samples from a wastewater treatment plant using chromatographic methods. The drugs ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin and diclofenac were quantified, and values varied according to sampling period. For persistent organic compounds, cresols were the most abundant compounds in sewage sludge. With the analyses made of both the elutriate and the filtrate, it was possible to verify the potential for soil retention or leaching that each compound can present with the application of sewage sludge in the agriculture.

Trabecular bone score in women with differentiated thyroid cancer on long-term TSH-suppressive therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Thyrotropin stimulating hormone (TSH) suppression in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) aims to decrease the growth and proliferation of thyroid cancer cells. However, the effect of TSH-suppressive therapy on bone microarchitecture remains undefined. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including 43 women with DTC undergoing TSH-suppressive therapy (sTSH) compared to 20 women also on levothyroxine (LT4) therapy but with TSH in the low-normal range (nTSH) since the thyroid surgery. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and trabecular bone score (TBS) was evaluated using the TBS iNsigth software. Fracture risk assessed by FRAX, with and without TBS, was calculated. The relationship between suppressive therapy-related parameters and bone parameters was investigated. RESULTS: The TBS mean values were not significantly different in the sTSH and nTSH groups (1.273 ± 0.12 vs 1.307 ± 0.14, p = 0.7197). In both groups, postmenopausal women had degraded microarchitecture (TBS 1.216 ± 0.11 vs 1.213 ± 0.09, p = 0.9333), while premenopausal women had normal microarchitecture (1.328 ± 0.11 vs 1.401 ± 0.12, p = 0.195). The percentage of all postmenopausal women with degraded TBS was 54.7%, while the percentage of osteoporosis diagnoses was 16.1%. The TBS-adjusted FRAX-probability of fracture was similar in sTSH and nTSH groups. Body mass index (BMI) and menopausal status were the only variables associated with TBS and BMD. CONCLUSION: Trabecular microarchitecture assessed by TBS was similar between women on long-term suppressive therapy in DTC and those on LT4 replacement therapy aiming at a TSH level within the low-normal reference range. Low TBS values were observed in postmenopausal women of both groups, suggesting that not only suppressed TSH levels but also a low-normal TSH is associated with deteriorated bone microarchitecture in postmenopausal women following total thyroidectomy.

Clinical Features and Disease Management in Adult Patients With Atopic Dermatitis Receiving Care at Reference Hospitals in Brazil: the ADAPT Study.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a prevalence of 0.02% to 8.1% in adults. Adult patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis are affected by frequent relapses and a significant disease burden. Objective: To determine the clinical, immunological, and therapeutic profile of Brazilian adults with atopic dermatitis. METHODS: A multicenter, observational, retrospective, descriptive registry-based study was conducted at reference hospitals between December 2016 and October 2017. The data collected were demographics, personal and family history of atopic diseases, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, disease severity and management. RESULTS: Of the 187 patients included in the analysis, 56.1% were female and 71.7% were White, with a mean age of 24.7 years. Mean follow-up was 9 years. Asthma or other allergic diseases were reported by 80.2% of patients. The main comorbidity was hypertension (10.2%), and common disease manifestations included pruritus and erythema. Lesions generally affected flexural and nonflexural areas, with typical morphology. Around 83% of patients had moderate-to-severe disease, and 8.6% reported at least 1 hospitalization. Most patients received topical and/or systemic pharmacological therapies, including omalizumab (5.9%); 4.3% received phototherapy. Moreover, 66.8% of patients received adjuvant therapy, and 79.1% changed or discontinued treatment for atopic dermatitis due to remission (46.5%), poor effectiveness (33.7%), or lack of adherence (12.9%). Most patients presented characteristics of type 2 inflammation, with immunoglobulin E levels above 100 IU/mL (94.4%) and peripheral blood eosinophils above 5% (55.9%). CONCLUSION: Brazilian adult patients with severe atopic dermatitis need treatment to efficiently control the disease and improve quality of life.

Enxerto pediculado de omento maior como adjuvante no tratamento de osteomielite de tíbia em cão - relato de caso / [Greater omentum pedicle flap as adjunctive treatment of tibial osteomyelitis in a dog - case report]

A osteomielite é um desafio terapêutico em ortopedia, capaz de retardar ou mesmo impedir a consolidação óssea. O omento, há anos, tem sido empregado como alternativa em diferentes procedimentos cirúrgicos, por sua capacidade, entre outras, de angiogênese, sendo aplicado na ortopedia veterinária quando há o risco de não união óssea. Neste caso, um cão Fila Brasileiro foi submetido à realização de enxerto com retalho pediculado de omento maior, após osteomielite resistente presente em osteossíntese de fratura múltipla de tíbia aberta grau II. Durante 16 dias, manteve-se a comunicação do retalho, mas, diante do risco de peritonite, o pedículo foi seccionado. Numa sequência de intervenções cirúrgicas, após 89 dias, houve cicatrização óssea e remissão da osteomielite, mesmo na presença de bactérias multirresistentes. Neste relato, o omento foi efetivo como terapia adjuvante no tratamento da osteomielite e garantiu o retorno da função do membro.(AU)

Osteomyelitis is a therapeutic challenge in orthopedics, capable of delaying or even preventing bone healing. The omentum has been used in different surgical procedures as an alternative for its capacity, among others, of angiogenesis, being applied in veterinary orthopedics, when there is a risk of non-union of bone. In this case, a Brazilian row dog was submitted to grafting with pedicle flap of greater omentum, after resistant osteomyelitis present in open fracture osteosynthesis of open tibia grade II. For 16 days the communication of the flap was maintained, but at the risk of peritonitis, the pedicle was sectioned. In a sequence of surgical interventions, after 89 days, there was bone healing and remission of osteomyelitis, even in the presence of multi-resistant bacteria. In this report, the omentum was effective as adjuvant therapy in the treatment of osteomyelitis and guaranteed the return of limb function.(AU)

Quantum walks with sequential aperiodic jumps.

We analyze a set of discrete-time quantum walks for which the displacements on a chain follow binary aperiodic jumps according to three paradigmatic sequences: Fibonacci, Thue-Morse, and Rudin-Shapiro. We use a generalized Hadamard coin, C[over ̂]_{H}, as well as a generalized Fourier coin, C[over ̂]_{K}. We verify the QW experiences a slowdown of the wave packet spreading, σ^{2}(t)∼t^{α}, by the aperiodic jumps whose exponent, α, depends on the type of aperiodicity. Additional aperiodicity-induced effects also emerge, namely, (1) while the superdiffusive regime (1<α<2) is predominant, α displays an unusual sensibility with the type of coin operator where the more pronounced differences emerge for the Rudin-Shapiro and random protocols and (2) even though the angle θ of the coin operator is homogeneous in space and time, there is a nonmonotonic dependence of α with θ. Fingerprints of the aperiodicity in the hoppings are also found when distributional measures such as the Shannon and von Neumann entropies, the Inverse Participation Ratio, the Jensen-Shannon dissimilarity, and the kurtosis are computed, which allow assessing informational and delocalization features arising from these protocols and understanding the impact of linear and nonlinear correlations of the jump sequence in a quantum walk as well. Finally, we argue the spin-lattice entanglement is enhanced by aperiodic jumps.

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

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

Placa bloqueada em fratura tibiotársica de coruja suindara (Tyto furcata): relato de caso / Locking plate in tibiotarsal fracture in a suindara owl: case report

Foi atendida, no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade de Cuiabá, uma coruja suindara (Tyto furcata), resgatada pela Polícia Militar Ambiental, sem histórico, adulta e 400 gramas de peso corporal. A ave apresentava impotência funcional do membro pélvico direito, além de desvio, crepitação e dor na região proximal tibiotársica direita, sem lesão cutânea. Estudo radiográfico revelou fratura diafisária oblíqua curta em tibiotarso direito. A estabilização da fratura foi realizada com placa bloqueada do sistema de 1,5mm, na função de apoio, seis orifícios, com três parafusos monocorticais distais, dois parafusos monocorticais proximais e um parafuso bicortical proximal. Ao 30º dia do pós-operatório, os achados radiográficos de consolidação óssea e o retorno da função do membro permitiram a alta médica. Concluiu-se que o uso de placa bloqueada em função apoio para estabilização de fraturas tibiotársicas simples de coruja suindara oferece resultados satisfatórios.(AU)

An adult suindara owl (Tyto furcata), with no specific history and 400 grams of body weight was treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Cuiabá. The patient presented functional impotence in the right pelvic limb, deviation, crepitation and pain in the proximal region in right tibiotarsal, without cutaneous lesions. Radiographs revealed a short oblique diaphyseal fracture at the right tibiotarsus. Fracture stabilization was performed with a 1.5mm locking plate, buttress, six holes; three distal monocortical screws, two proximal monocortical screws and a proximal bicortical screw. On the 30th postoperative day, radiographic revealed bone healing, and the return of limb function allowed medical discharge. It was concluded that the use of locking plates in buttress function to stabilize simple tibiotarsus fractures in suindara owl offers satisfactory results.(AU)

Placa bloqueada em fratura tibiotársica de coruja suindara (Tyto furcata): relato de caso / Locking plate in tibiotarsal fracture in a suindara owl: case report

Foi atendida, no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade de Cuiabá, uma coruja suindara (Tyto furcata), resgatada pela Polícia Militar Ambiental, sem histórico, adulta e 400 gramas de peso corporal. A ave apresentava impotência funcional do membro pélvico direito, além de desvio, crepitação e dor na região proximal tibiotársica direita, sem lesão cutânea. Estudo radiográfico revelou fratura diafisária oblíqua curta em tibiotarso direito. A estabilização da fratura foi realizada com placa bloqueada do sistema de 1,5mm, na função de apoio, seis orifícios, com três parafusos monocorticais distais, dois parafusos monocorticais proximais e um parafuso bicortical proximal. Ao 30º dia do pós-operatório, os achados radiográficos de consolidação óssea e o retorno da função do membro permitiram a alta médica. Concluiu-se que o uso de placa bloqueada em função apoio para estabilização de fraturas tibiotársicas simples de coruja suindara oferece resultados satisfatórios.(AU)

An adult suindara owl (Tyto furcata), with no specific history and 400 grams of body weight was treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Cuiabá. The patient presented functional impotence in the right pelvic limb, deviation, crepitation and pain in the proximal region in right tibiotarsal, without cutaneous lesions. Radiographs revealed a short oblique diaphyseal fracture at the right tibiotarsus. Fracture stabilization was performed with a 1.5mm locking plate, buttress, six holes; three distal monocortical screws, two proximal monocortical screws and a proximal bicortical screw. On the 30th postoperative day, radiographic revealed bone healing, and the return of limb function allowed medical discharge. It was concluded that the use of locking plates in buttress function to stabilize simple tibiotarsus fractures in suindara owl offers satisfactory results.(AU)

Laser-assisted MAL-PDT associated with acoustic pressure wave ultrasound with short incubation time for field cancerization treatment: A left-right comparison.

BACKGROUND: Laser-assisted MAL-PDT has been reported to increase the effectiveness of conventional PDT. Nonetheless, clinical effects of this association when reducing MAL incubation time is poorly discussed. Furthermore, the association of acoustic pressure wave ultrasound with laser-assisted MAL-PDT with short incubation time for field cancerization had not been reported before. OBJECTIVES: To compare clinical effects of ablative fractional laser-assisted MAL-PDT associated with acoustic pressure wave ultrasound (IMPACT US) with 1-hour incubation time and conventional MAL-PDT for skin field cancerization on the forearms, as well as the impact on safety and tolerability. METHODS: Fifteen patients with 638 AK (grade I-III) with field cancerized-skin on the forearms were enrolled in this left-right trial. Two protocols were randomly chosen. One side was treated with conventional MAL-PDT, whereas the other with laser-assisted MAL-PDT associated with acoustic pressure wave ultrasound with 1-hour incubation time. Actinic keratoses were quantitively measured, and the other signs of sun-damaged skin, like pigmentation and texture, in field cancerized skin were qualitatively evaluated before and after six months. Side effects were assessed subjectively during the procedure and one week after. RESULTS: All patients completed the study. At six months after treatment, both protocols reduced the number of AK (72%; CO2 + PDT, and 65%; MAL-PDT). The difference between these two protocols was not statistically significant (p = 0.77). The improvement of pigmentation and texture of field cancerized skin was more significant on the side treated with laser-assisted MAL-PDT associated with acoustic pressure wave ultrasound. Both protocols were well tolerated and without significant difference in adverse events. CONCLUSION: Laser-assisted MAL-PDT using CO2 laser and acoustic pressure wave ultrasound with short incubation time of 1 h was as effective as conventional MAL-PDT for field-cancerized skin with actinic keratosis in forearms with better cosmetic outcome.

Platelet activity is negatively modulated by tumor necrosis factor alpha through reductions of cytosolic calcium levels and integrin alphaIIbbeta3 phosphorylation.

INTRODUCTION: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) exerts a critical role in inflammatory events through two distinct receptors, TNFR1 and TNFR2. Platelets have been recognized as important inflammatory cells, but little is known about the effects of TNF-α on the platelet activity. OBJECTIVES: In the present study we have studied the role of TNF-α on ADP-induced platelet aggregation and its downstream signaling (c-Src and fibrinogen receptor phosphorylation, cytosolic Ca2+ mobilization, cAMP and cGMP levels and cell viability). METHODS AND RESULTS: Washed rat platelets were incubated with TNF-α (1-3000 pg/ml) for different time-periods (5-60 min) before the addition of ADP (5 µM) to induce platelet aggregation. TNF-α concentration- and time-dependently inhibits ADP-induced aggregation, which was significantly prevented by incubation with the non-selective TNF-α receptor antagonist R7050. TNF-α (300 pg/ml, 30 min) decreases thrombin-induced elevation of cytosolic Ca++ levels by 2.2- fold compared to untreated platelets. TNF-α decreases the cAMP levels, while significantly increases the intracellular cyclic cGMP levels. However, the pre-incubation of platelets with the guanylyl cyclase inhibitor ODQ, despite decreasing the cGMP levels, does not modify the inhibitory effect of TNF-α on ADP-induced platelet aggregation. Additionally, western blotting analysis showed that TNF-α significantly reduced (Tyr 416)-c-Src and (Tyr773)-ß3 subunit of αIIbß3 integrin phosphorylation. TNF-α does not affect the platelet viability in any condition tested. CONCLUSION: Therefore, our results show that TNF-α negatively modulates ADP-induced aggregation via TNFR1/TNFR2 receptors by reducing cytosolic Ca++ levels and by inhibiting c-Src and fibrinogen receptor activation, which take place through cAMP- and cGMP-independent mechanisms.

Immune complex detection in saliva samples: an innovative proposal for the diagnosis of human strongyloidiasis.

Human strongyloidiasis is caused by helminth Strongyloides stercoralis. It has a worldwide distribution, often neglected and cause of severe morbidity. The parasitological diagnosis is hindered by the low and irregular amount of larvae in feces. The goal of the present study was to detect IgG and IgG immune complex using conventional serum samples and saliva as alternative samples. We collected samples from 60 individuals, namely: group I composed of 30 healthy individuals; and group II composed of 30 individuals eliminating S. stercoralis larvae in feces. We calculated the area under the curve, general index of diagnostic accuracy, Kappa index and determined the correlations between different diagnostic tests. The detection of IgG levels was performed by an immunoenzymatic assay with alkaline extract of S. venezuelensis larvae as antigen. Positivity of anti-S. stercoralis IgG in serum samples from group I was 3·3%, and from group II 93·3%. The detection of immune complex indicated that group I exhibited 3·3% and group II 56·7%. In the saliva samples, IgG detection was 26·7% for group I and 43·3% for group II. Immune complex was detected in 20% of group I, and 30% of group II. IgG immune complex in conventional serum samples and saliva as alternative samples can be considered biomarkers for the diagnosis of active strongyloidiasis.

Cross-talking between lymphocytes and platelets and its regulation by nitric oxide and peroxynitrite in physiological condition and endotoxemia.

AIMS: Cross-talk between platelets and lymphocytes may play a role in different pathological conditions like sepsis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of lymphocytes on platelet aggregation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated and non-stimulated cells. MAIN METHODS: Lymphocytes and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) were obtained from rat arterial blood. Platelets (1.2×108platelets/ml) were incubated with lymphocytes (0.8×106cells/ml) in the presence or not of LPS (100µg/ml), after which ADP (5µM)-induced platelet aggregation was carried out. KEY FINDINGS: Lymphocytes inhibited by 51% the platelet aggregation, which was significantly prevented by the non-selective NO inhibitor l-NAME (300µM) or the selective iNOS inhibitor 1400W (100µM), as well as by the soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) inhibitor ODQ (10µM). The platelet inhibition by lymphocytes was accompanied by 2-fold increase of intraplatelet cGMP levels. Next, lymphocytes and platelets were co-incubated with LPS for 6h. In LPS-treated cells, lymphocytes produced a larger inhibition of platelet aggregation (62%), despite the same elevation of cGMP levels (2.2-fold increase). This inhibitory effect was prevented by l-NAME and 1400W, but rather unaffected by ODQ. The peroxynitrite (ONOO-) scavenger -(-)epigallocatechin gallate (ECG, 100µM) abolished the inhibition by lymphocytes on platelet aggregation in LPS-treated cells, but not in non-treated cells. SIGNIFICANCE: Our results show that lymphocytes act to inhibit platelet aggregation via iNOS-derived NO release and cGMP generation. In presence of LPS, ONOO- production accounts for the platelet inhibition.

Molecular investigation of Neorickettsia risticii in trematodes and snails in a region with serological evidence of this agent in horses, state of Rio de Janeiro / Pesquisa molecular de Neorickettsia risticii em trematódeos e moluscos em região com evidência sorológica do agente em equinos, estado do Rio de Janeiro

In Brazil, some studies have indicated that Neorickettsia risticii circulates in horses, but it is unclear which are the possible intermediate vectors of this bacterium in the country. The aim of this study was to use molecular techniques in order to analyze the presence of N. risticii in snails and larval stages of trematodes in farms in a region with a history of seroreactive horses towards this bacterium, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Convenience sampling was used in the studied region. The collected snails were exposed to incandescent light (60W) for 2-4 hours in order to investigate trematodes in larval forms. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from snail tissue and trematode. Real-time PCR (qPCR) technique was used to investigate the presence of a 16S rRNA gene fragment of N. risticii. Snail specimens (n=410) were collected from 11 horse-breeding farms, and the following species were identified: Melanoides tuberculata, Pomacea sp., Biomphalaria tenagophila, Physa acuta, Drepanotrema anatinum and Biomphalaria straminea. Only 3.17% (n=13/410) of the collected snails were infected by trematodes. The cercariae obtained from these snails were classified as Megalourous cercariae, Pleurolophocercus cercariae and Furcocercous cercariae. There was no amplification of the target DNA of N. risticii in the snail and trematode samples tested by qPCR. Based on these data, the transmission of N. risticii by trematodes using these snail species in this region does not appear to occur or occurs at very low rates. Thus, further studies are needed in order to clarify which species of invertebrate hosts are infected by this bacterium and potentially participate in the transmission chain of equine neorickettsiosis in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.(AU)

No Brasil, estudos apontam a circulação de Neorickettsia risticii em equinos, contudo não estão claros quais os possíveis vetores intermediários dessa bactéria no país. O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a presença de N. risticii, utilizando-se técnicas moleculares, em caramujos e estágios larvais de trematódeos em propriedades rurais de uma região com histórico de equinos sororreativos para essa bactéria, no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Uma amostragem por conveniência foi utilizada na região de estudo. Os caramujos coletados foram expostos à luz incandescente (60W) durante duas-quatro horas para a investigação de trematódeos nas formas larvais. A extração de ácido desoxirribonucleico (DNA) foi realizada em tecidos de caramujos e trematódeos. A técnica de PCR em tempo real (qPCR) foi utilizada para investigar a presença de um fragmento do gene 16S rRNA de N. risticii. Foram coletados 410 espécimes de caramujos de 11 propriedades com criações de equinos, sendo identificadas as seguintes espécies: Melanoides tuberculata, Pomacea sp., Biomphalaria tenagophila, Physa acuta, Drepanotrema anatinum e Biomphalaria straminea. Apenas 3,17% (n=13/410) dos caramujos identificados estavam infectados por trematódeos. As cercárias obtidas desses caramujos foram classificadas em Megalourous cercariae, Pleurolophocercus cercariae e Furcocercous cercariae. Não foi observada a amplificação do DNA-alvo de N. risticii, por meio da qPCR, em nenhuma das amostras de caramujos e trematódeos testadas. Com base nesses dados, a transmissão de N. risticii por trematódeos que utilizam as espécies de caramujos nessa região parece não ocorrer ou ocorre a taxas muito reduzidas. Portanto, novos estudos são necessários para elucidar quais espécies de hospedeiros invertebrados se infectam por essa bactéria e potencialmente participam da cadeia de transmissão da neorickettsiose equina no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.(AU)

Molecular investigation of Neorickettsia risticii in trematodes and snails in a region with serological evidence of this agent in horses, state of Rio de Janeiro / Pesquisa molecular de Neorickettsia risticii em trematódeos e moluscos em região com evidência sorológica do agente em equinos, estado do Rio de Janeiro

In Brazil, some studies have indicated that Neorickettsia risticii circulates in horses, but it is unclear which are the possible intermediate vectors of this bacterium in the country. The aim of this study was to use molecular techniques in order to analyze the presence of N. risticii in snails and larval stages of trematodes in farms in a region with a history of seroreactive horses towards this bacterium, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Convenience sampling was used in the studied region. The collected snails were exposed to incandescent light (60W) for 2-4 hours in order to investigate trematodes in larval forms. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from snail tissue and trematode. Real-time PCR (qPCR) technique was used to investigate the presence of a 16S rRNA gene fragment of N. risticii. Snail specimens (n=410) were collected from 11 horse-breeding farms, and the following species were identified: Melanoides tuberculata, Pomacea sp., Biomphalaria tenagophila, Physa acuta, Drepanotrema anatinum and Biomphalaria straminea. Only 3.17% (n=13/410) of the collected snails were infected by trematodes. The cercariae obtained from these snails were classified as Megalourous cercariae, Pleurolophocercus cercariae and Furcocercous cercariae. There was no amplification of the target DNA of N. risticii in the snail and trematode samples tested by qPCR. Based on these data, the transmission of N. risticii by trematodes using these snail species in this region does not appear to occur or occurs at very low rates. Thus, further studies are needed in order to clarify which species of invertebrate hosts are infected by this bacterium and potentially participate in the transmission chain of equine neorickettsiosis in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.(AU)

No Brasil, estudos apontam a circulação de Neorickettsia risticii em equinos, contudo não estão claros quais os possíveis vetores intermediários dessa bactéria no país. O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a presença de N. risticii, utilizando-se técnicas moleculares, em caramujos e estágios larvais de trematódeos em propriedades rurais de uma região com histórico de equinos sororreativos para essa bactéria, no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Uma amostragem por conveniência foi utilizada na região de estudo. Os caramujos coletados foram expostos à luz incandescente (60W) durante duas-quatro horas para a investigação de trematódeos nas formas larvais. A extração de ácido desoxirribonucleico (DNA) foi realizada em tecidos de caramujos e trematódeos. A técnica de PCR em tempo real (qPCR) foi utilizada para investigar a presença de um fragmento do gene 16S rRNA de N. risticii. Foram coletados 410 espécimes de caramujos de 11 propriedades com criações de equinos, sendo identificadas as seguintes espécies: Melanoides tuberculata, Pomacea sp., Biomphalaria tenagophila, Physa acuta, Drepanotrema anatinum e Biomphalaria straminea. Apenas 3,17% (n=13/410) dos caramujos identificados estavam infectados por trematódeos. As cercárias obtidas desses caramujos foram classificadas em Megalourous cercariae, Pleurolophocercus cercariae e Furcocercous cercariae. Não foi observada a amplificação do DNA-alvo de N. risticii, por meio da qPCR, em nenhuma das amostras de caramujos e trematódeos testadas. Com base nesses dados, a transmissão de N. risticii por trematódeos que utilizam as espécies de caramujos nessa região parece não ocorrer ou ocorre a taxas muito reduzidas. Portanto, novos estudos são necessários para elucidar quais espécies de hospedeiros invertebrados se infectam por essa bactéria e potencialmente participam da cadeia de transmissão da neorickettsiose equina no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.(AU)