Organ xenotransplantation acceptance in veterinary students: A multicentric opinion study in Spain.

BACKGROUND: The shortage of available transplant organs has made it necessary to search for alternatives, one of which is xenotransplantation. However, the use of animal organs could face rejection from society and the personnel involved in its implementation. OBJECTIVES: (a) to analyze the attitudes of Veterinary Degree students in six Spanish Universities towards xenotransplantation; and (b) to determine the factors that affect its acceptance. METHODS: Of the 2815 students surveyed in the degree program, 2683 valid surveys were obtained. Attitudes towards organ xenotransplantation were evaluated using a validated questionnaire of organ donation. RESULTS: If xenotransplantation was confirmed as a clinical reality, 93% (n = 2493) of those surveyed would accept a xenotransplanted organ, whilst 7% would not. If the results of xenotransplantation were worse than those obtained with human donors and it entailed more risk, 12% (n = 318) would be in favor. 56% (n = 1497) of the students would accept a xenotransplantation provisionally pending the arrival of a human organ. Attitudes towards xenotransplantation were affected by the academic year in which a student was studying, with more favorable attitudes among students in the last year (88% in first year vs. 95% in fifth year; p < .001). More favorable attitudes are also observed depending on the attitude they have towards organ transplantation, with those students being more in favor of donating their organs when they die (94% vs. 88%; p < .001). CONCLUSION: Veterinary students would have a very favorable attitude toward xenotransplantation if these animal organs functioned as well as human organs. Therefore, these students could play an important role in the future promotion of this technique.

Profiling Human CD55 Transgene Performance Assist in Selecting Best Suited Specimens and Tissues for Swine Organ Xenotransplantation.

Xenotransplantation of pig organs receives substantial attention for being comparable to human's. However, compatibility constraints involving hyper-acute rejection (HAR) still block clinical applications. Transgenesis of human complement regulatory proteins has been proposed to overcome xenorejection. Pigs expressing human-CD55 have been widely tested in experimental surgery. Still, no standardized method has been developed to determine tissue expression of human decay-accelerating factor (DAF), hCD55's product, or to predict the ability to overpass HAR. Here we describe objective procedures addressing this need. Organs and tissues from five hCD55 transgenic pigs were collected and classified according to their xenotransplantation value. The ability to overcome HAR was assessed by classical complement pathway hemolysis assays. Quantitative PCR mRNA expression and Western blot protein level studies were performed. Real-time cytotoxicity assays (RTCA) on fibroblast cultures exposed to baboon and human sera informed on longer-term rejection dynamics. While greater hCD55/DAF expression correlated with better performance, the results obtained varied among specimens. Interestingly, the individual with highest mRNA and protein levels showed positive feedback for hCD55 transcript after challenge with human and baboon sera. Moreover, hCD55 expression correlated to DAF levels in the liver, lung and intestine, but not in the heart. Moreover, we found significant correlations among valuable and non-valuable tissues. In sum, the methodology proposed allows us to characterize the hCD55 transgene functioning and performance. Moreover, the correlations found could allow us to predict hCD55/DAF expression in surrogate tissues, thus eliminating the need for direct biopsies, resulting in preservation of organ integrity before xenotransplantation.

Veterinary Spanish Students' Attitude Toward Presumed Consent in Organ Donation.

Veterinarians often are involved in transplantation research projects. They are a fundamental social group who can influence public opinion about organ donation and transplantation (ODT). OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine the knowledge of Spanish veterinary students about the concept of brain death and the law of presumed consent. METHODS: A sociologic, multicenter, and observational study was carried out in the veterinary students enrolled in Spain (n = 9000) in a complete academic year. A sample of 2815 students was stratified by geographic area and academic year. The students' attitudes on the psychosocial aspects of ODT were evaluated using a psychosocial validated questionnaire (PCID-DTO Rios). It was self-administered and completed anonymously. Veterinary schools were randomly selected. The questionnaire was applied to each academic year at compulsory sessions. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Student t test, χ2 test, and logistic regression analysis were used. RESULTS: The completion rate was 91% (n = 2558). Of students, 66% (n = 1664) understood the concept of brain death, 30% had doubts, whereas 5% believed that a person with brain death can recover and lead a normal life. Concerning legislation, 63% (n = 1615) were against the law of presumed consent, and 37% were in favor. An analysis of variables determining more favorable acceptance of the law showed that year of study (P = .000), knowing a donor (P = .020), and attitude toward ODT (P = .000) did have an effect on acceptance. Most students, 71% (n = 1875), were interested in attending a talk about ODT. CONCLUSION: Only 37% of Spanish veterinary students would accept the law of presumed consent. Most students were interested in attending an informative talk about ODT.

Use of mammals in a semi-arid region of Brazil: an approach to the use value and data analysis for conservation.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to survey the knowledge and use of mammals by the residents of the rural community of Capivara in the municipality of Solânea (Paraíba State, Northeast Brazil) and to propose a new method of using the use value as a tool for data analysis in ethnozoological surveys. METHODS: The uses attributed to mammals were recorded through semi-structured interviews conducted with the breadwinners (men and women) living in the community. The species were identified through guided tours, by descriptions made by the interviewees, and using specimens donated by them, as well as by comparison with the pertinent scientific literature (morphological and ecological). Through the use value differentiated analysis, it was possible to distinguish the current use value of the species (effective use) from their potential use value (knowledge, but no effective use) to determine their real importance related to the uses cited by the studied group. RESULTS: Nineteen species were cited; however, only 17 of them were identified and then distributed in 13 families. The other species were identified at the genus level Leopardus sp. and order Rodentia. The species were classified into 6 categories of use: food, captive breeding, zootherapeutic, artisanal, magic/religious, and veterinary purposes. CONCLUSIONS: This article discusses possible conservation solutions, given the irregular exploitation of some species, warning about the biodiversity, and traditional knowledge conservation.

Genotypic profile of benzimidazole resistance associated with SNP F167Y and F200Y beta-tubulin gene in Brazilian populations of Haemonchus contortus of goats.

Benzimidazoles are the most common anthelminthic used for control of gastrointestinal nematodes of goats in the Brazilian semi-arid region. Resistance to these compounds in the nematode Haemonchus contortus has been associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in codons 167 (F167Y) and 200 (F200Y) on the ß-tubulin isotype 1 gene. To determine the resistance profile to benzimidazoles of populations of H. contortus of goats of Brazilian semi-arid region, larvae of 29 populations of these nematodes were individually genotyped by real time PCR using a Taqman assay. The percentage of larvae homozygous (RR) for SNP F200Y was relatively low (18.9%), particularly when compared to SNP F167Y (32.7%), indicating that the latter has more relevance in this region. However, the associations between these two SNP demonstrate percentages of resistance ranging from 34.7% to 100% between populations, being the highest percentages for homozygous individuals resistant for the mutation 167 and susceptible to mutation 200 (RR-F167Y/F200Y-SS: 26.7%), followed by combination of heterozygous for both mutations (F167Y-SR/F200Y-SR: 22.8%). These results indicate high levels of resistance in populations of H. contortus of goats in the Brazilian semi-arid region, and thus ineffective antiparasitic control with the use of benzimidazoles in the region.

Adaptação transcultural da Workplace Deviance Scale (WDS) para o contexto brasileiro / Cross-cultural adaptation of the Workplace Deviance Scale (WDS) for the brazilian context / Adaptación transcultural de la Workplace Deviance Scale (WDS) al contexto brasileño

Dentre o grupo de comportamentos organizacionais relacionados ao desempenho no trabalho existem aqueles denominados contraproducentes, ou seja, que causam danos ou prejuízos à organização e aos diferentes colaboradores (colegas, clientes, fornecedores, entre outros). Tendo em vista o crescente interesse social e científico pelo tema e a carência de pesquisas no contexto brasileiro, a proposta deste estudo é descrever o processo de adaptação transcultural e o estudo psicométrico de uma escala para avaliação de comportamentos contraproducentes no ambiente de trabalho denominada Workplace Deviance Scale (WDS). Para tanto, foram seguidas as recomendações preconizadas na literatura sobre adaptação de instrumentos de medida e levantadas as primeiras evidências de validade (semântica, estrutura interna e convergente). Para alcançar os objetivos propostos, foram realizados dois estudos. O primeiro contemplou a adaptação e o levantamento de validade semântica, e o segundo, a análise psicométrica da versão adaptada. Participaram do primeiro estudo três especialistas e uma amostra de trabalhadores (n = 20). Para o estudo psicométrico, foram coletados dados (n = 467) em meio eletrônico e presencial. Foi estabelecida equivalência entre as versões original e adaptada com evidências de validade semântica. Evidências de validade baseada na estrutura interna e convergente foram alcançadas. Dois, entre três índices de precisão estimados, foram satisfatórios. A versão brasileira da referida escala passou a ser intitulada WDS-BR.

Among the group of organizational behaviors related to job performance are those called counter-productive, i.e., that cause damage or harm to the organization and colleagues (co-workers, clients, suppliers, etc.). Considering the growing social and scientific interest in the subject and the lack of research in the Brazilian context, the aim of this study is to describe the process of cross-cultural adaptation and the psychometric study of a scale for assessment of counter productive behaviors in the workplace, called the Workplace Deviance Scale (WDS).To do so, the recommendations outlined in the literature on adaptation of measurement instruments were followed, and primary evidence of validity (semantic, internal and convergent structure) was investigated. To achieve the proposed objectives, two studies were conducted. The first one included the adaptation and semantic validity survey, and the second study, the psychometric analysis of the adapted version. The first study had three specialists and a sample of workers (n = 20). For the psychometric study, data were collected (n = 467) electronically and in-person. Equivalence was established between the original and adapted versions with evidence of semantic validity. Evidence of validity based on internal and convergent structure was found. Among three estimated precision indexes, two were satisfactory. The Brazilian version of the scale became entitled WDS-BR.

Entre los comportamientos organizacionales relacionados con el desempeño en el trabajo existen aquellos denominados contraproducentes, es decir, que causan daños o perjuicios a la organización y a los diferentes colaboradores (colegas, clientes, proveedores, etc.). Considerando el creciente interés social y científico por el tema y la carencia de investigaciones en el contexto brasileño, la propuesta de este estudio es describir el proceso de adaptación transcultural y el estudio psicométrico de una escala para la evaluación de comportamientos contraproducentes en el ambiente de trabajo denominada Workplace Deviance Scale (WDS). Para ello, se siguieron las recomendaciones preconizadas en la literatura sobre la adaptación de instrumentos de medida y se plantearon las primeras evidencias de validez (semántica, estructura interna y convergente). Para alcanzar los objetivos propuestos se realizaron dos estudios. El primero contempló la adaptación y la pesquisa de validez semántica, y el segundo estudió el análisis psicométrico de la versión adaptada. Participaron del primer estudio tres especialistas y una muestra de trabajadores (n=20). Para el estudio psicométrico se recopilaron datos (n=467) en soporte electrónico y manual. Se estableció una equivalencia entre las versiones original y adaptada con evidencias de validez semántica. Se alcanzaron evidencias de validez basadas en la estructura interna y convergente. Dos de los tres índices de precisión estimados fueron satisfactorios. La versión brasileña de la referida escala pasó a llamarse WDS-BR.

Resistência anti-helmíntica em rebanhos caprinos nos biomas Caatinga e Mata Atlântica / Anthelmintic resistance in goat herds in the Caatinga and Mata Atlântica biomes

A utilização de anti-helmínticos por longos períodos como principal medida de controle das parasitoses gastrintestinais de ruminantes levou a ineficácia aos levamisol, benzimidazóis e avermectinas. Este estudo descreve a atividade anti-helmíntica in vivo em populações naturais de nematoides trichostrongilídeos de caprinos. Foram selecionados 18 rebanhos provenientes dos biomas Caatinga (n=12) e Mata Atlântica (n=6), do Estado da Bahia, Brasil, criados em pastagens comunais em região semiárida. Grupos de oito a 10 animais foram tratados com albendazol (ABZ), ivermectina (IVM), levamisol (LEV), moxidectina (MOX) e closantel (CLOS). Os resultados do Teste de Redução da Contagem de Ovos nas Fezes indicaram resistência simultânea dos gêneros Haemonchus sp. e Trichostrongylus spp. para o ABZ, IVM, LEV, MOX e CLOS. As percentagens de eficácia variaram de 0-92%, 0-75%, 0-91%, 69-97% e 0-85% para o ABZ, IVM, LEV, MXD e CLOS, respectivamente, no bioma Caatinga e 0-59% para o ABZ e 9-59% para o IVM no bioma Mata Atlântica. Verificou-se nos rebanhos eficácia inferior a 95% para estes anti-helmínticos, com exceção de um único rebanho no qual a eficácia para MOX foi de 97%, o que sugere a presença de NGIs resistentes aos principais classes de anti-helmínticos em rebanhos caprinos destes biomas...

The use of anthelmintic drugs for long periods as the main measure control of gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) has led to the inefficacy of levamisole, benzimidazoles and macrocyclic lactones. This study describes the in vivo anthelmintic activity against natural trichostrongyle nematodes populations in goats. We selected 18 herds from the Caatinga (n=12) and Mata Atlântica (n=6) biomes, Bahia State, Brazil, raised in communal pastures in semiarid region. Groups of 8 to 10 goats were treated with albendazole (ABZ), ivermectin (IVM), levamisole (LEV), moxidectin (MOX), and closantel (CLOS). The results of the Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test indicated simultaneous resistance of Haemonchus sp. and Trichostrongylus spp. genera against albendazole (ABZ), ivermectin (IVM), levamisole (LEV), moxidectin (MOX), and closantel (CLOS). The efficacy percentages ranged from 0 to 92%, 0 to 75%, 0 to 91%, 69 to 97%, and 0 to 85% for ABZ, IVM, LEV, MXD and CLOS respectively in the Caatinga bioma, and 0 to 59% for ABZ and 9 to 59% for IVM in the Mata Atlântica biome. Most herds showed efficacy lower than 95% for anthelmintics, with the exception of one herd in which the efficacy for MOX was 97%. The results indicated the presence of GINs resistant to main anthelmintics classes in goat herds in these biomes...

Seroprevalence and risk factors for Toxocara infection in children from an urban large setting in Northeast Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to standardize an "in house" immunoassay to detect anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies in human serum to estimate the seroprevalence of Toxocara infection, and to identify its potential risk factors in children living in poor areas of Salvador, a large northeastern Brazilian city. METHODS: Parents of 1309 children answered a questionnaire containing possible risk factor for acquisition of this infection. Blood was collected and the presence of anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies was detected by indirect ELISA using T. canis larval excretory-secretory antigens in sera previously absorbed with Ascaris lumbricoides antigens. RESULTS: Seroprevalence of Toxocara infection was 48.4%. Children's age, low maternal schooling, contact with dogs and cats, and household located in paved streets were shown to be risk factors for Toxocara infection. CONCLUSIONS: The seroprevalence of Toxocara infection is high among children living in a poor urban setting of Brazil. The association of low maternal education with higher Toxocara infection supports studies showing that low socioeconomic status is a risk factor for the acquisition of this infection as a reflection of hygiene habits of the family. And both infected-dogs and cats may be involved in this parasite transmission in this children population.

Estudo comparativo de hemifaces entre 2 peelings de fenol (fórmulas de BakerGordon e de Hetter), para a correção de rítides faciais / A splitface comparative study between two phenolbased peelings (BakerGordon and Hetter formulas) in the treatment of facial rhytids

Introdução: O envelhecimento é um conjunto de alterações fisiológicas inevitáveis e irreversíveis. No intuito de retardar e até de reverter esse processo, várias técnicas têm sido utilizadas. Objetivo: Comparar eficácia e efeitos colaterais locais de duas fórmulas que utilizam o fenol: Baker-Gordon e Hetter. Métodos: Sete pacientes foram incluídas neste estudo comparativo onde, na hemiface direita utilizou-se a fórmula de Baker Gordon e na esquerda, a de Hetter. As avaliações da intensidade da dor durante a aplicação e dos sinais clínicos do desconforto nos dias subsequentes foram feitas através de escala subjetiva de três níveis para cada lado da face. A avaliação dos resultados clínicos após 6 meses, foi feita pelas pacientes e pelo médico aplicador. Resultados: A intensidade da dor durante a aplicação foi equivalente em ambas as fórmulas. Com a fórmula de Hetter, a integridade da pele foi mais rapidamente restabelecida e os efeitos indesejados foram de menor intensidade. Quanto aos resultados clínicos finais, 2 pacientes preferiram a fórmula de Baker-Gordon, 1 a de Hetter enquanto para 4 o resultado foi indiferente. O médico avaliador julgou que 5 pacientes tiveram resultados semelhantes em ambas as hemi-faces, enquanto 2 apresentaram melhor avaliação com cada uma das fórmulas respectivamente. Conclusão: As formulações se equivalem no tratamento de rítides faciais.

Introduction: Aging is considered to be a set of inevitable and irreversible physiological changes. Several techniques have been used with the aim of slowing down and even reversing this process. Objective: To compare the efficacy and local side effects of two phenol-based formulas: the Baker-Gordon formula and the Hetter formula. Methods: Seven pacients were included in a split-face comparative study. The Baker-Gondon and the Hetter formulas were applied on the right and left facial sides respectively. The pain felt during the procedure and intensity of clinical changes in the period following the peeling were measured through a 3 degrees subjetive scale, for each side of the face. The clinic results after 6 months were evaluated by patients and the doctor Who performed the procedures. Results: The pain intensity during the procedure was equivalent for both formulas. With the Hetter's formula the skin's integrity was restored more quickly and the undesirable effects were of lower intensity. Regarding the final clinical results two patients preferred the Baker-Gordon formula, one gave preference to the Hetter's formula and for 4 patients the results were unconcerned. In the medical evaluation, 5 patients had similar results on both facial sides , while 2 presented better clinical results with each formula, respectively. Conclusion: The Gordon-Baker and the Hetter formulas are equivalent for the treatment of facial rhytids.

Toxocara seropositivity, atopy and wheezing in children living in poor neighbourhoods in urban Latin American.

BACKGROUND: Toxocara canis and T. cati are parasites of dogs and cats, respectively, that infect humans and cause human toxocariasis. Infection may cause asthma-like symptoms but is often asymptomatic and is associated with a marked eosinophilia. Previous epidemiological studies indicate that T. canis infection may be associated with the development of atopy and asthma. OBJECTIVES: To investigate possible associations between Toxocara spp. seropositivity and atopy and childhood wheezing in a population of children living in non-affluent areas of a large Latin American city. METHODS: The study was conducted in the city of Salvador, Brazil. Data on wheezing symptoms were collected by questionnaire, and atopy was measured by the presence of aeroallergen-specific IgE (sIgE). Skin prick test (SPT), total IgE and peripheral eosinophilia were measured. Toxocara seropositivity was determined by the presence of anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies, and intestinal helminth infections were determined by stool microscopy. FINDINGS: Children aged 4 to 11 years were studied, of whom 47% were seropositive for anti-Toxocara IgG; eosinophilia >4% occurred in 74.2% and >10% in 25.4%; 59.6% had elevated levels of total IgE; 36.8% had sIgE≥0.70 kU/L and 30.4% had SPT for at least one aeroallergen; 22.4% had current wheezing symptoms. Anti-Toxocara IgG was positively associated with elevated eosinophils counts, total IgE and the presence of specific IgE to aeroallergens but was inversely associated with skin prick test reactivity. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of Toxocara seropositivity was high in the studied population of children living in conditions of poverty in urban Brazil. Toxocara infection, although associated with total IgE, sIgE and eosinophilia, may prevent the development of skin hypersensitivity to aeroallergens, possibly through increased polyclonal IgE and the induction of a modified Th2 immune reaction.

A zoological catalogue of hunted reptiles in the semiarid region of Brazil.

The variety of interactions between human cultures and herpetofauna is the subject matter of Ethnoherpetology, a subdivision of Ethnozoology. In the semi-arid region of Brazil, many reptiles interact with human communities because of their utility or because of the risks they represent. These interactions have obvious implications for the conservation of reptiles from this region. In this context, ethnoherpetology studies are crucial because they serve as subsidies for guiding strategies for the handling and conservation of reptiles. This paper presents ethnozoological and taxonomic informations of hunted reptiles in the semiarid region of Brazil and analyse the implications on conservation that are related to the interactions between people and reptiles in this region. Taxonomic keys to identifying recorded reptiles are provided. Records of humans interacting with 38 reptile species that belong to 31 genuses and 16 families have been found. The groups with the largest numbers of recorded species were snakes (18 species), and this group was followed in number by lizards (13), chelonians (4), and crocodilians (3). The reptiles that were recorded may be used for the following purposes: medicinal purposes (24 species), food (13 species), ornamental or decorative purposes (11 species), in magical/religious practices (10 species), and as pets (10 species). Some species (n = 16) may have multiple uses. Furthermore, more than half of the species (n = 19) are commonly killed because they are considered potentially dangerous. Strategies for conserving the reptiles of the Brazilian semi-arid region must reconcile and integrate human and conservation needs.

Medicinal animals used in ethnoveterinary practices of the 'Cariri Paraibano', NE Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Zootherapy is important in various socio-cultural environments, and innumerous examples of the use of animal derived remedies can currently be found in many urban, semi-urban and more remote localities in all parts of the world, particularly in developing countries. However, although a number of ethnobiological inventories concerning the use of medicinal animals in human health care have been compiled in Brazil in recent years, zootherapeutic practices in ethnoveterinary medicine (EVM) are poorly described and neglected in favor of human ethnomedicine. In this sense, the purpose of this study was to describe the local zootherapeutic practices in ethnoveterinary medicine of semi-arid of NE Brazil (Caatinga biome) and to contribute to future research about the validation of the effects and side effects of these animal products METHODS: The information obtained through semi-structured interviews was complemented by free interviews and informal conversations. A total of 67 people were interviewed (53 men and 14 women) about the use and commercialization of medicinal animals. To determine the relative importance of each local known species, their use-values (UV) were calculated. Diversity of species utilized was compared, between localities, using rarefaction curves and diversity estimate (Chao2) RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: A total of 44 animal species (37 vertebrates and 7 invertebrates), distributed among 6 taxonomic categories were found to be used to treat 30 different ailments in livestock and pets. The results of our surveys revealed a rich traditional knowledge of local residents about the use of animals in traditional veterinary medicine. Although it is gradually being discontinued, the perceived efficacy, economic and geographic accessibility were main reasons for popularity of zootherapy in studied areas.

[Prevalence and risk factors of human infection by Toxocara canis in Salvador, State of Bahia, Brazil]. / Prevalência e fatores de risco da infecção humana por Toxocara canis em Salvador, Estado da Bahia.

INTRODUCTION: Larva migrans visceral is caused by Toxocara sp and has never been studied in Bahia. This work investigated the prevalence and risk factors for infection by Toxocara canis in individuals from Salvador, State of Bahia. METHODS: Three hundred and thirty-eight individuals were investigated for the presence of serum IgG anti-T. canis. RESULTS: IgG anti-T. canis was higher in individuals from lower social classes who had more contact with dogs and cats, indicating that these variables are factors risk for this infection. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of T. canis infection was high. The risk factors for this infection identified are in agreement with in the literature.

Prevalência e fatores de risco da infecção humana por Toxocara canis em Salvador, Estado da Bahia / Prevalence and risk factors of human infection by Toxocara canis in Salvador, State of Bahia, Brazil

INTRODUÇÃO: Larva migrans visceral é causada por Toxocara sp e nunca foi estudada na Bahia. Neste trabalho, investigou-se a prevalência e fatores de risco de infecção por Toxocara canis, em indivíduos de Salvador. MÉTODOS: Trezentos e trinta e oito indivíduos foram investigados para presença de anticorpos IgG séricos anti-T. canis. RESULTADOS: IgG anti-T. canis foi mais alta em indivíduos de classe social baixa com maior contato com cães e gatos, indicando que estas variáveis são fatores de risco para esta infecção. CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de infecção por T. canis foi alta. Os fatores de risco desta infecção encontrados estão de acordo com a literatura.

INTRODUCTION: Larva migrans visceral is caused by Toxocara sp and has never been studied in Bahia. This work investigated the prevalence and risk factors for infection by Toxocara canis in individuals from Salvador, State of Bahia. METHODS: Three hundred and thirty-eight individuals were investigated for the presence of serum IgG anti-T. canis. RESULTS: IgG anti-T. canis was higher in individuals from lower social classes who had more contact with dogs and cats, indicating that these variables are factors risk for this infection. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of T. canis infection was high. The risk factors for this infection identified are in agreement with in the literature.

Seroprevalence and risk factors for canine toxocariasis by detection of specific IgG as a marker of infection in dogs from Salvador, Brazil.

Toxocara canis is a highly prevalent worldwide canine nematode responsible for enzootic and zoonotic infections. It is considered to be one of the main agents of human visceral and ocular larva migrans. False negative diagnosis may occur because adult infected dogs with "dormant" larvae may have negative fecal test results since they usually do not shed parasite eggs in their stools. During pregnancy, the larvae become active and infect the offspring through the placenta. A serological test can distinguish infected animals, thus increasing the accuracy of the diagnosis for epidemiological studies and prophylactic purposes. In the present work a serological investigation was carried out to study the risk factors for the acquisition of this infection in 301 dogs inhabiting the city of Salvador, northeast Brazil. A validated questionnaire was applied to the donors and caretakers to assess animal management practices. All dogs were submitted to clinical evaluation and blood collection. Serum samples were analyzed for IgG antibodies against excretory-secretory products of T. canis larvae, used as antigens, by indirect ELISA. The overall seroprevalence of anti-T. canis IgG antibodies was 82.7%. Risk factors for T. canis infection included sex, area of origin within the city, homemade leftover food intake, failure to receive regular vaccination against infectious diseases and lack of preventive anti-helminthic treatment. Most of these risk factors suggest a lack of veterinary care and poverty. The high frequency of seropositivity found for toxocariasis in dogs suggests that results based on parasitological fecal examination could underestimate the actual prevalence of the infection.

Efeito do chá verde (Camelia sinensis) em ratos com obesidade induzida por dieta hipercalórica / Antiobesity effects of green tea (Camelia sinensis) in high caloric diet-induced obese rats

INTRODUÇÃO: A obesidade é fator de risco para várias doenças. Estudos têm demonstrado que os polifenóis do chá verde auxiliam na perda de peso e interferem nos mecanismos de diversas doenças. A insulina, agindo por meio de seu receptor (IR), desencadeia uma série de respostas. A via IR/Shc é ligada ao crescimento celular e à mitogênese. OBJETIVOS: Estudar o efeito do chá verde no peso corporal e no teste de tolerância à glicose (GTT). No fígado, estudar a fosforilação do IR, a presença e a expressão de IR e Shc e suas alterações morfológicas. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Ratos Wistar, jovens e tratados com dieta hipercalórica ou dieta própria para ratos, foram submetidos a tratamento com chá verde. Para retirada do fígado, após anestesia, foi infundida insulina ou solução salina. Para avaliar o grau de fosforilação do IR, o fragmento foi homogeneizado e submetido a técnicas de imunoprecipitação e imunoblotting. Para análise morfológica, foi utilizada a técnica de coloração por hematoxilina e eosina e para localizar a presença de IR e Shc, técnica de imuno-histoquímica. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÃO: Observamos diminuição do peso corporal e da esteatose no fígado e melhora no GTT. Houve aumento da fosforilação do IR no fígado dos animais obesos tratados com relação aos obesos não submetidos a tratamento. Verificaram-se lesões que poderiam ser associadas ao tratamento, como necrose focal. A análise imuno-histoquímica demonstrou presença de IR e Shc em todos os grupos estudados e sugeriu alterações na expressão de IR e Shc nos grupos obesos e obesos tratados.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a risk factor for several diseases. Studies have shown that polyphenols in green tea aid in weight loss and influence the mechanisms of several diseases. Insulin, acting through its receptor (IR), triggers a series of responses. IR/Shc pathway is linked to cell growth and mitogenesis. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of green tea on body weight and on glucose tolerance test (GTT). To study IR phosphorylation, IR/Shc presence and expression and their morphological changes in the liver. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Young Wistar rats were fed with high-calorie diet or proper rat food diet and subsequently were treated with green tea. After anesthesia, insulin or saline solution was infused to remove the liver. A liver fragment was homogenized and underwent immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting in order to assess IR phosphorylation levels. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was applied for morphological analysis and immunohistochemistry was carried out to locate the presence of IR and Shc. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: It was observed a reduction in body weight and in liver steatosis as well as an improvement in GTT. There was also an increase in IR phosphorylation in treated animals in comparison with non-treated ones. Lesions such as focal necrosis were observed and may be associated with the treatment. The immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated the presence of IR and Shc in all groups and suggested changes in IR and Shc expression in both treated and non-treated groups.

Animals to heal animals: ethnoveterinary practices in semiarid region, northeastern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Animal-based remedies constitute an integral part of Traditional Medicine and this is true in Brazil as well both in rural and urban areas of the country. Due to its long history, zootherapy has in fact become an integral part of folk medicine in the country. The use of these natural resources for medical purposes, however, is not restricted to human diseases treatment, being also widely used for the treatment of animal illnesses. Ethnoveterinary is a science that involves the popular practical knowledge used to treat and prevent animal diseases. This study documents ethnoveterinary practices in one local semi-arid region in Northeast Brazil and discusses the findings in the surveyed area. METHODS: Information was obtained through the use of semi-structured questionnaires. A total of 20 respondents (09 men and 11 women) provided information on animal species and body parts used as medicine, information concerning the illnesses to which the remedies were prescribed were also obtained. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Eleven animal species were used in the treatment of 11 diseases in the surveyed area. The species inventoried comprise 3 taxonomic categories: mammals (05), reptiles (04) and birds (02). The obtained results proves that the use of animals or their derived products as therapeutic resources to the treatment of animal diseases represent a common practice and is culturally important in the studied area. It is evident that the popular knowledge about the ethnoveterinary practices is, frequently, passed through generations. We also noticed that, besides the cultural aspects, the socio-economic context permeates the use of zootherapics, since these practices constitute an alternative to the medicines acquired in veterinarian pharmacies, which have a high cost.

Análise das práticas de alimentação de prematuros em maternidade pública no Rio de Janeiro / Analysis of preterm infant feeding practices in a public maternity hospital of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

OBJETIVO: Analisar as práticas precoces de alimentação e o tipo de dieta de prematuros na alta hospitalar. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo, a partir de uma coorte retrospectiva de dois anos, com 203 prematuros com peso menor que 1 500g, na maternidade do Hospital Geral de Bonsucesso, Rio de Janeiro. Foram avaliadas as seguintes práticas: dias para início de dieta enteral, dias para atingir a dieta enteral plena, dias para início e tempo de uso de nutrição parenteral e o tipo de dieta na alta hospitalar. RESULTADOS: O tempo médio para início de dieta enteral foi de 6,5 dias (IC95 por cento 6,0-7,2), enquanto para atingir a dieta enteral plena levou-se, em média, 18,9 dias (IC95 por cento 17,6-20,3). A média de dias para início de nutrição parenteral foi de 2,8 dias (IC95 por cento 2,6-3,0) e o tempo de uso de nutrição parenteral foi de 10,8 dias (IC95 por cento 9,7-11,9). As práticas se associaram, sendo encontrada a maior correlação entre dias para atingir dieta plena e dias de uso de nutrição parenteral (Pearson=0,69). Quanto menor o peso de nascimento, maior o tempo para início de dieta enteral, para atingir a dieta enteral plena e de uso de nutrição parenteral. Para o início de nutrição parenteral, não foi observada esta tendência. Na alta, o tipo de dieta mais freqüente foi o aleitamento complementado (61,6 por cento), seguido da alimentação artificial (26,1 por cento) e do aleitamento materno exclusivo (12,3 por cento). CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo revelou que há demora em iniciar a alimentação de prematuros. A proporção total de aleitamento na alta foi de 74 por cento. Esforços merecem ser envidados para alimentar precocemente e promover o aleitamento materno nestes pacientes.

OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed the early feeding practices and the type of diet at discharge of preterm infants. METHODS: This descriptive, retrospective two-year cohort study included 203 preterm infants (weight< 1 500g) from the Bonsucesso General Hospital, Rio de Janeiro. The following practices were analyzed: days to start enteral feeding, days to achieve full enteral feeding, days to start and duration of parenteral nutrition and also, type of diet at discharge. RESULTS: The mean time to start enteral feeding was 6.5 days (CI 95 percent 6.0-7.2); to achieve full enteral feeding, 18.9 days (CI 95 percent 17.6-20.3); to start parenteral nutrition, 2.8 days (CI 95 percent 2.6-3.0). Parenteral nutrition lasted 10.8 days (CI 95 percent 9.7-11.9). The feeding practices were associated and the highest correlation occurred between days to achieve full enteral feeding and duration of parenteral nutrition (Pearson=0.69). The length of time to start enteral feeding, achieve full enteral feeding and use of parenteral nutrition increases with decreasing birth weight. This trend was not observed for time to start parenteral nutrition. At discharge, the most common feeding practices were mixed feeding (61.6 percent) followed by formula feeding (26.1 percent) and exclusive breastfeeding (12.3 percent). CONCLUSION: This study showed that there is a delay in starting to feed preterm infants. Total breastfeeding proportion at discharge was 74.0 percent. Efforts are necessary to start feeding these patients sooner and promote breastfeeding.

Spontaneous cytokine production in children according to biological characteristics and environmental exposures.

BACKGROUND: Environmental factors are likely to have profound effects on the development of host immune responses, with serious implications for infectious diseases and inflammatory disorders such as asthma. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate the effects of environmental exposures on the cytokine profile of children. METHODS: The study involved measurement of T helper (Th) 1 (interferon-gamma), 2 [interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-13], and the regulatory cytokine IL-10 in unstimulated peripheral blood leukocytes from 1,376 children 4-11 years of age living in a poor urban area of the tropics. We also assessed the impact of environmental exposures in addition to biological characteristics recorded at the time of blood collection and earlier in childhood (0-3 years before blood collection). RESULTS: The proportion of children producing IL-10 was greater among those without access to drinking water [p < 0.05, chi-square test, odds ratio (OR) = 1.67]. The proportion of children producing IL-5 and IL-10 (OR = 10.76) was significantly greater in households that had never had a sewage system (p < 0.05, trend test). CONCLUSIONS: These data provide evidence for the profound effects of environmental exposures in early life as well as immune homeostasis in later childhood. Decreased hygiene (lack of access to clean drinking water and sanitation) in the first 3 years of life is associated with higher spontaneous IL-10 production up to 8 years later in life.

Hunting strategies used in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil.

Hunting for wild animals is stimulated by the many different human uses of faunal resources, and these animals constitute important subsistence items in local communities in the Caatinga region. In order to gain access to these resources, hunters have developed a series of techniques and strategies that are described in the present work. The principal hunting techniques encountered were: waiting, especially directed towards hunting diurnal birds; calling ("arremedo"), a technique in which the hunters imitate the animal's call to attract it to close range; hunting with dogs, a technique mostly used for capturing mammals; tracking, a technique used by only a few hunters who can recognize and follow animal tracks; and "facheado", in which the hunters go out at night with lanterns to catch birds in their nests. Additionally, many animal species are captured using mechanical traps. The types of traps used by the interviewees were: dead-fall traps ("quixó"), iron-jaw snap traps ("arataca"), wooden cages with bait ("arapuca"), iron-cage traps ("gaiola'), "visgo", multi-compartment bird cages ("alçapão"), buried ground traps with pivoted tops ("fojo"), and nooses and cages for carnivorous. The choice of which technique to use depends on the habits of the species being hunted, indicating that the hunters possess a wide knowledge of the biology of these animals. From a conservation perspective, active hunting techniques (waiting, imitation, hunting with dogs, and "facheado") have the greatest impact on the local fauna. The use of firearm and dogs brought greater efficiency to hunting activities. Additional studies concerning these hunting activities will be useful to contribute to proposals for management plans regulating hunting in the region - with the objective of attaining sustainable use of faunal resources of great importance to the local human communities.