Influence of sperm post-thaw subpopulations of angus and nelore bulls on pregnancy rates by fixed-time artificial insemination.

BACKGROUND: The heterogeneity of ejaculate indicates that fertility is still variable among bulls and that more stringent evaluation methods are needed to identify the ejaculates suitable for AI. OBJECTIVE: To identify and characterize the sperm subpopulations (SP) in thawed semen doses of Nelore and Angus bulls and to evaluate the influence of these sperm subpopulations on pregnancy rate in cows submitted to fixed-time AI (FTAI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A dose of post-thawed semen from each bull (n=18; consisting of Angus n = 9 and Nelore n = 9) was analyzed for: sperm kinetics; morphology and plasma membrane integrity; and the determination of the sperm subpopulations. Differences between the groups were estimated with the t-test considering a significance level of <5%. RESULTS: There was no influence between breeding bulls for sperm morphology, plasma membrane integrity, and pregnancy rate (P > 0.05). Regarding the kinetic parameters evaluated by the CASA system, Nelore had greater values, for cells with slow velocity (Angus: 16.4 %; Nelore: 21.7%; P = 0.028). In contrast, ANGUS bulls had more static cells (Angus: 27.2%; Nelore: 9.3%; P = 0.048). Based on CASA system data and clustering procedures, four sperm subpopulations were statistically established. In Angus bulls, a higher level of fast and nonlinear spermatozoa were found in SP3 (33.3%), followed by SP1 (32.7%%) with fast and progressive spermatozoa. Whereas, SP1 of Nelore bulls had 33.8% fast and progressive spermatozoa, followed by 32.2% of SP3 with fast and nonlinear spermatozoa. CONCLUSION: Both breeds of bulls presented similar proportions of sperm SP. Consequently, no influence on the pregnancy rates was shown in cows submitted to the IATF programs on a large scale. doi.org/10.54680/fr22310110312.

A novel de novo heterozygous ALPL nonsense mutation associated with adult hypophosphatasia.

Using genetic, clinical, biochemical, and radiographic assessment and bioinformatic approaches, we present an unusual case of adult HPP caused by a novel de novo heterozygous nonsense mutation in the alkaline phosphatase (ALPL). INTRODUCTION: Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is caused by genetic alterations of the ALPL gene, encoding the tissue-nonspecific isozyme of alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP). Here, the purpose was to perform clinical and molecular investigation in a 36-year-old Caucasian woman suspected to present adult HPP. METHODS: Medical and dental histories were obtained for the proposita and family members, including biochemical, radiographic, and dental assessments. ALPL mutational analysis was performed by the Sanger sequencing method, and the functional impact prediction of the identified mutations was assessed by bioinformatic methods. RESULTS: We identified a novel heterozygous nonsense mutation in the ALPL gene (NM_000478.6:c.768G>A; W[TGG]>*[TGA]) associated with spontaneous vertebral fracture, severe back pain, musculoskeletal pain, low bone density, and short-rooted permanent teeth loss. Functional prediction analysis revealed that the Trp256Ter mutation led to a complete loss of TNSALP crown domain and extensive loss of other functional domains (calcium-binding domain, active site vicinity, and zinc-binding site) and over 60% loss of homodimer interface residues, suggesting that the mutant TNSALP molecules are nonfunctional and form unstable homodimers. Genotyping of the ALPL in the proposita's parents, sister, and niece revealed that in this case, HPP occurred due to a de novo mutation. CONCLUSION: The present study describes a novel genotype-phenotype and structure-function relationship for HPP, contributing to a better molecular comprehension of HPP etiology and pathophysiology.

[Large Pneumothorax in a Sleep Apnea Patient with CPAP without Previously Known Lung and Thoracic Diseases - a Case Report]. / Großer Pneumothorax unter CPAP-Therapie beim Schlafapnoepatienten ohne vorbekannte Lungen- und Thoraxerkrankungen ­ ein Fallbericht.

CPAP is the most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.Serious complications from this treatment are very rare. Pneumothorax following lung barotrauma under CPAP therapy has been described in case reports only in patients with pre-existing lung and thoracic diseases.A 68-year-old sleep apnea patient without pre-existing lung or thoracic diseases and with established CPAP therapy since many years was admitted to the hospital after a severe thoracic pain event with persistent shortness of breath. Chest radiograph and computed tomography showed an extensive right-sided pneumothorax with basal bullous emphysema. After surgical treatment of the secondary spontaneous pneumothorax, on the third postoperative day CPAP with reduced pressure was re-introduced with satisfactory sleep apnea findings and without pneumothorax recurrence.As possible cause of pneumothorax in the patient, alveolar inflammatory changes due to over-distention and increased pressure in the alveoli was assumed, which can occur after years of CPAP treatment with gradual pressure increase.In summary, in sleep apnea patients treated with CPAP for years, after sudden onset of thoracic pain and shortness of breath possible spontaneous pneumothorax should be considered.

Cytological and molecular detection of Leishmania spp. in different biological tissues of dogs in areas endemic for visceral leishmaniasis / Detecção citológica e molecular de Leishmania spp. em diferentes amostras biológicas de cães em áreas endêmicas para leishmaniose visceral

Devido à ampla distribuição da leishmaniose visceral (LV) no Brasil e à importância dos cães no ciclo de transmissão dessa zoonose, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a ocorrência de Leishmania spp. e caracterizar a espécie circulante em diferentes tecidos biológicos de cães da Baixada Cuiabana, Mato Grosso, Brasil. Amostras de sangue, linfonodo e medula óssea foram coletadas de 205 cães para realização de análise parasitológica por citologia e análise molecular por meio da nested PCR (nPCR) e do sequenciamento . Dos 205 cães estudados, 34 (16,58%) animais foram positivos pela nPCR, dos quais 12 possuíam formas amastigotas de Leishmania spp. na citologia. Amostras positivas na nPCR foram sequenciadas e caracterizadas como Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum. A sensibilidade da nPCR nas amostras de medula óssea, linfonodo e sangue foi de 94,87%, 91,8% e 98%, respectivamente, enquanto a especificidade foi de 100% para todas as amostras. O presente estudo relata a ocorrência de LV canina em 16,58% dos cães analisados, caracterizando a L. infantum como agente causador. Entre as amostras avaliadas, a medula óssea foi a única a apresentar concordância substancial entre as técnicas de nPCR e citologia (k = 0,643), sendo considerada a amostra mais adequada para o diagnóstico da doença. Os resultados ampliam o conhecimento de espécies de Leishmania infectando cães no Brasil, destacando a importância da identificação etiológica em áreas com escassos dados moleculares.(AU)

Peritonite piogranulomatosa por Nocardia concava em cão - relato de caso / Piogranulomatous peritonitis by Nocardia concava in dog - Case Report

Nocardiose é causada por bactérias do gênero Nocardia do subgrupo Actinomycetos, que são Gram-positivas aeróbicas, filamentosas e podem apresentar ramificações. O diagnóstico baseia-se na presença de lesão inflamatória, com o microrganismo morfologicamente compatível, associada ao isolamento e à identificação microbiológica e molecular. Este trabalho tem por objetivo relatar um caso de nocardiose em canino, que desenvolveu inflamação piogranulomatosa peritoneal seis meses após ovariossalpingo-histerectomia. O animal apresentava hipertermia, distensão abdominal, taquipneia, polidipsia, hiporexia, mucosas hipocoradas e fezes pastosas. Os achados laboratoriais evidenciaram anemia leve e leucocitose por neutrofilia com desvio à esquerda e hipoalbuminemia. Uma massa na região mesogástrica e efusão peritoneal foram evidenciadas por meio da ultrassonografia abdominal. O líquido foi classificado como exsudato piogranulomatoso, e o animal submetido à laparotomia exploratória para lavagem abdominal e remoção da massa. Após procedimentos terapêuticos, ocorreu piora clínica e óbito. Peritonite piogranulomatosa foi a principal alteração anatomopatológica a qual foi associada à Nocardia spp. Molecularmente, a espécie isolada se aproxima da N. concava, por meio da análise filogenética. Essa espécie já foi descrita como causa de infecção em humanos na Ásia, no entanto não há registros na literatura na espécie canina, sendo este o primeiro relato.(AU)

Nocardiosis is caused by an aerobic, gram-positive, ramificated and filamentous bacteria of the Nocardia genus, subgroup Actinomycetos. The diagnosis is based on the presence of the inflammatory lesions with the morphologically compatible microorganism associated with microbiological and molecular isolation and identification. The objective of this work is to report a case of nocardiosis in a canine that developed peritoneal pyogranulomatous inflammation six months after ovariosalpingohisterectomy. The animal had hyperthermia, abdominal distention, tachypnea, polydipsia, hyporexia, hypocorous mucosae and pasty feces. The laboratory findings revealed mild anemia and leukocytosis due to neutrophilia with left deviation and hypoalbuminemia. A mass in the mesogastric region and peritoneal effusion were evidenced by abdominal ultrasonography. The fluid was classified as pyogranulomatous exudate and the animal underwent exploratory laparotomy for abdominal lavage and mass removal. Despite the therapeutic procedures and clinical alterations the dog died. Piogranulomatous peritonitis was the main anatomopathological alteration which was associated with Nocardia spp. Molecularly, the isolated species approaches the N. concava species through phylogenetic analysis. This specie was described as a cause of infection in humans in Asia; however, there are no records in literature on the canine species, being this the first report.(AU)

Dermatite fúngica associada à Rhodotorula glutinis em cão - Canis familiaris ): relato de caso / Fungal dermatitis associated to Rhodotorula glutinis in dog (Canis familiaris): case report

O fungo Rhodotorula sp. era considerado como não patogênico, mas, com o aumento de casos de humanos imunossuprimidos nas últimas duas décadas, as espécies R. mucilaginosa, R. glutinis e R. minuta se tornaram agentes potencialmente patogênicos. Poucos relatos clínicos veterinários associados à Rhodotorula spp. foram descritos, e o objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever um caso de dermatite fúngica causada por R. glutinis em cão imunossuprimido devido à leishmaniose visceral e osteossarcoma, na cidade de Cuiabá-Mato Grosso. Um cão, macho, 11 anos, sem raça definida, foi trazido ao Hospital Veterinário apresentando lesões de pele com diagnóstico de dermatofitose e foi prescrito tratamento tópico à base de óleo de melaleuca, sem melhora após um mês de tratamento. O animal retornou ao Hospital Veterinário com hemorragia na região lesionada da cauda, e foi realizada biópsia para exames microbiológico e histopatológico. Nas análises microbiológica e histopatológica, foi isolada uma levedura e detectada a presença de estrutura semelhante a leveduras na coloração de prata, respectivamente. A levedura isolada foi identificada como R. glutinis por meio do sequenciamento do DNA. Um novo tratamento foi instituído, sem melhora do quadro clínico. O animal foi diagnosticado também com leishmaniose e osteossarcoma, provavelmente ocasionando a immunossupressão, e seu quadro evoluiu a óbito.(AU)

The fungi Rhodotorula sp was considered nonpathogenic, but with the increase of immunosuppressed humans in the last two decades, the species R. mucilaginosa, R. glutinis and R. minuta became potentially pathogenic agents. There have been few veterinary clinical reports associated with Rhodotorula spp. and this work aims to describe the first case of fungal dermatitis caused by R. glutinis in immunosuppressed dog due to visceral leishmaniasis and osteosarcoma in the city of Cuiabá-Mato Grosso. An 11-year-old male mongrel dog was examined to the Veterinary Hospital with skin lesions and the diagnosis was dermatophytosis and the treatment was implemented with topical tea tree oil for one month, but the treatment failed. The animal returned to the Veterinary Hospital with bleeding in the injured area of the tail and biopsy was performed for microbiological and histopathology evaluation. In the microbiological and histopathological analysis, yeast was isolated and yeast-like structures in silver staining were observed, respectively. The isolated yeast was identified as R. glutinis by DNA sequencing. A new treatment was implemented without clinical improvement. The animal was diagnosed with leishmaniasis and osteosarcoma, which probably caused immunosuppression, and its clinical conditions evolved to death.(AU)

Ocular manifestations of leishmaniasis in a cat: first case report from Brazil / Manifestações oculares da leishmaniose em um gato: primeiro relato de caso do Brasil

An 8-year-old domestic short hair female cat initially presented with bilateral uveitis with pseudotumoral appearance. The patient tested negative for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and Toxoplasma gondii. Histopathology of a granulomatous lesion on the upper left conjunctiva revealed amastigotes compatible with Leishmania spp. Aqueous humor was aspired and the diagnosis was confirmed after isolation of promastigotes cultivated in biphasic NNN medium and by positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Leishmania infantum. Treatment with allopurinol (10mg/kg/ BID/PO) was commenced and a natural insect repellent was prescribed. Six months of treatment with allopurinol associated with the initial topical medications helped to improve ocular signs. Leishmaniasis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cats presenting uveitis with pseudotumoral appearance. To our knowledge, this is the first report of feline leishmaniasis with ocular manifestation in Brazil, in which diagnosis was confirmed by aqueous humor analysis.(AU)

Uma gata, sem raça definida, de oito anos de idade, foi atendida inicialmente com uveíte bilateral, com aparência pseudotumoral em íris. Foi realizado teste para o vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV), da leucemia felina (FeLV) e de Toxoplasma gondii, obtendo-se resultados negativos. O exame histopatológico da conjuntiva superior do olho esquerdo revelou amastigotas compatíveis com Leishmania spp. Foi realizada paracentese, e promastigotas foram isoladas no humor aquoso, cultivadas em meio NNN bifásica. Reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) confirmou diagnóstico positivo para Leishmania infantum. Tratamento com alopurinol (10mg/kg/BID/PO) foi iniciado, e um repelente natural de insetos foi prescrito. Seis meses de tratamento com alopurinol associado aos medicamentos tópicos iniciais ajudaram a melhorar os sinais oculares. Leishmaniose deve ser considerada como um diagnóstico diferencial nos gatos que apresentam uveíte com aparência pseudotumoral de íris. Até o presente momento, este é o primeiro relato de leishmaniose felina com manifestação exclusivamente ocular da doença no Brasil cujo diagnóstico foi confirmado por meio de análise de humor aquoso.(AU)

Diversidade de ixodida em roedores e marsupiais capturados no Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / Diversity of ixodida in small rodents and marsupials in the Pedra Branca state park, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Durante 24 meses foram capturados, inspecionados e liberados no mesmo espaço do Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca, Rio de Janeiro, 96 marsupiais e 64 roedores. Neles foram recolhidos manualmente 105 carrapatos, de 10 espécies em duas famílias. A espécie de carrapato dominante entre os roedores foi Amblyomma longirostre e entre os marsupiais foi Ixodes loricatus. Houve correlação direta significativa entre a temperatura e a intensidade de parasitismo por carrapatos...

During 24 months 96 marsupials and 64 rodents were captured, inspected and set free in the same space of the Pedra Branca State Park, Rio de Janeiro. From them, 105 ticks from 10 species in two families were manually collected. The dominant tick species on the rodents was Amblyomma longirostre and on the marsupials was Ixodes loricatus. There was a significant correlation of the temperature in relation to intensity of parasitism for ticks, demonstrating that the higher the temperature, greater is the number of ticks...

Natural breeding sites of phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) on Marambaia Island, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil.

Immature phlebotomine sand flies develop in soils with essential and ideal characteristics for their life cycle, such as organic matter, humidity, temperature and low levels of light. Information regarding the potential breeding places of these dipterans is fundamental to understand the epidemiology and ecology of leishmaniasis, in addition to its importance to control them. In the present study, we aimed to find natural breeding sites of sand flies on Marambaia Island with the aid of emergence traps and direct search of immature forms using the flotation technique with saturated sugar solution in organic substrates of the region. Both methods were effective, with a total of 42 specimens of six different species - including some species that participate in the transmission cycle of American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis - collected by the emergence traps, and five immature forms obtained by floatation technique. However, further studies are still necessary, mainly with respect to the ecology and biology of immature sandfly stages, so that control measures focused on breeding sites can produce positive sustainable results in natural environments.

Biomarkers of exposure to metal dust in exhaled breath condensate: methodology optimization.

In occupational assessments where workers are exposed to metal dust, the liquid condensate of exhaled breath (EBC) may provide unique indication of pulmonary exposure. The main goal of this study was to demonstrate the quality of EBC to biological monitoring of human exposure. A pilot study was performed in a group of metal dust-exposed workers and a group of nonexposed individuals working in offices. Only metal dust-exposed workers were followed along the working week to determine the best time of collection. Metal analyses were performed with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Analytical methodology was tested using an EBC sample pool for several occupationally exposed metals: potassium, chromium, manganese, copper, zinc, strontium, cadmium, antimony, and lead. Metal contents in EBC of exposed workers were higher than controls at the beginning of the shift and remained augmented throughout the working week. The results obtained support the establishment of EBC as an indicator of pulmonary exposure to metals.

Occurrence of Trypanosoma caninum in areas overlapping with leishmaniasis in Brazil: what is the real impact of canine leishmaniasis control?

Trypanosoma caninum is a parasite of the Trypanosoma genus recently described in the natural infection of dogs in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Suspecting the existence of a natural cycle and the circulation of this new species, the objective of this study was the taxonomic identification of samples of Trypanosoma spp. isolated from dogs in different Brazilian regions. Parasites were solely obtained from skin fragments culture and characterized by nested-PCR targeting the partial sequence of 18S rRNA gene and PCR products were sequenced. Thirty-three samples, obtained in São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Goiás, Mato Grosso and Rio de Janeiro states were analyzed. PCR and sequencing showed that the isolates were genetically identical or closely similar and confirmed T. caninum identity. This report broadens the geographical distribution of T. caninum in Brazil and discusses the impact of the presence of this parasite in areas of canine leishmaniasis occurrence.

Elevated serum C-reactive protein as a predictive factor for anastomotic leakage in colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: C-reactive protein (CRP) has been used as an indicator of postoperative complications in abdominal surgery. Its short half-life makes it a reliable marker of the systemic inflammatory response secondary to a surgical procedure or to the appearance of complications, rapidly returning to normal values with the recovery of the patient. AIM: To demonstrate the value of sequential serum determinations of postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell counts (WBC) in the identification of increased risk of anastomotic leakage after colorectal surgery. METHODS: We reviewed the daily postoperative serum CRP and white blood cell counts in 173 patients who underwent surgery for colorectal disease with anastomosis, between January 2008 and October 2009. Patients with anastomotic leakage (Group A, n = 24) were compared to patients without leakage (Group B, n = 149). Patients with ongoing infections before surgery or with acquired postoperative infections other than leakage were excluded. Mean pre- and postoperative values of CRP and WBC were compared. RESULTS: The diagnosis of anastomotic leakage was made between the 4th and 11th postoperative day (POD; mean 7th POD). The daily average values of serum CRP were significantly higher in group A starting at the 2nd POD and remained significantly elevated until the diagnosis of leakage (p = 0.003). The cut-off value of 140 mg/L on the 3rd POD maximized the sensitivity (78%) and specificity (86%) of serum CRP in assessing the risk of leakage. Comparison of postoperative serum WBC values did not show any significant differences between the two groups until the 6th POD. CONCLUSION: According to these results, an early and persistent elevation of CRP after colorectal surgery with anastomosis, is a marker of anastomotic leakage. A cut-off value > 140 mg/L on POD3 maximizes sensitivity and specificity.

Small rodents fleas from the bubonic plague focus located in the Serra dos Orgãos Mountain Range, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Eleven species of fleas were collected from 601 small rodents, from November 1995 to October 1997, in areas of natural focus of bubonic plague, including the municipalities of Nova Friburgo, Sumidouro and Teresópolis, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Among 924 fleas collected, Polygenis (Polygenis) rimatus (Rhopalopsyllidae) was the predominant species regarding the frequency, representing 41.3% (N:382), followed by P. (Neopolygenis) pradoi, representing 20% (N:185) and Craneopsylla minerva minerva (Stephanocircidae), representing 18.9% (N:175). The host Akodon cursor harbored 47.9% of these fleas. Other six host species were infested by 52.1% of the remaining fleas. Fleas were found on hosts and in places within the focus not previously reported by the literature.

Gastroprotective effect of aparisthman, a diterpene isolated from Aparisthmium cordatum, on experimental gastric ulcer models in rats and mice.

Aparisthmium cordatum (Juss.) Bail. (Euphorbiaceae), known in the State of Pará, Brazil as "ariquena queimosa", is a medium-sized tree which is native to the North Brazilian coastal region. Previous phytochemical studies of the bark of A. cordatum yielded a furan diterpenoid with a clerodane skeleton, called aparisthman. Recently, we reported the antiulcerogenic activity of trans-dehydrocrotonin (DHC), a furan diterpene isolated from Croton cajucara bark, in different ulcerogenic models in mice and rats. The aim of the present study was to assess the possible antiulcerogenic activity of aparisthman. When previously administered (p.o.) at the dose of 100 mg/kg(-1), aparisthman reduced significantly (p < 0.01) gastric injury induced by the indomethacin/bethanechol (71%), ethanol (71%), pylorus ligature, (59%) and hypothermic restraint-stress models (50%), in mice and rats. In the HCl/ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model in mice, at oral doses of 100 and 250 mg/kg(-1), aparisthman from A. cordatum reduced significantly (p < 0.001) the formation of gastric lesions by 59% and 66%, respectively, as compared with control. In the pylorus-ligature model, aparisthman (p.o.) decreased the volume of gastric juice as compared with control (p < 0.001). When aparisthman (100 mg/kg(-1)) was administered intraduodenally to mice, significant modifications were found, such as a decrease in gastric acidity as compared with control. In the animals pre-treated with aparisthman, free mucus production increased by 19% in the gastric mucosa (p < 0.05). The results suggest that aparisthman from A. cordatum presents a significant anti-ulcer effect when assessed in these induced ulcer models. Although the mechanism underlying this antiulcerogenic effect remains unknown, it seems to be related to an increase of the defensive mechanisms of the stomach such as prostaglandin synthesis and mucus production. The good yield of aparisthman obtained from A. cordatum, as well as its antiulcerogenic activity, suggest that this compound should be submitted to pharmacological research as a potential new antiulcerogenic drug.

Effect of aggressive prolonged diethylcarbamazine therapy on circulating antigen levels in bancroftian filariasis.

BACKGROUND: Single dose diethylcarbamazine (DEC) as used in control programmes is effectively microfilaricidal for periods of up to a year or more but has incomplete ability to kill Wuchereria bancrofti adult parasites. These regimens can be effective in breaking transmission by suppression of circulating microfilariae available to mosquito vectors. Whether prolonged or aggressive therapy with DEC has a significant effect on adult worms, which may live up to 12 years or more, and is important in the context of the treatment of individual patients, is still incompletely understood. METHODS: In order to investigate the adulticidal effect of aggressive therapy, DEC was given at 6 mg/kg/day for 12-day courses at 0, 6, 12, and 18 months and Og4C3 antigenaemia followed over two years in 38 CAg + Brazilians in a W. bancrofti endemic area. RESULTS: At two year follow-up, the median level of antigenaemia was 21% of the pre-treatment value. 92% of individuals had antigen levels < 50% of pretreatment values, but only 26% had completely cleared antigenaemia. The clearance rate at 24 months was only 12% (3/26) in the asymptomatic CAg + patients but 58% (7/12) in those with clinical manifestations of filariasis. The latter individuals cleared significantly more antigen (median of 0% pretreatment antigenaemia vs. 26%; P=0.02) than asymptomatic but infected individuals. CONCLUSION: Aggressive repeated therapy with DEC alone is ineffective in consistently eradicating adult W. bancrofti, especially in infected but asymptomatic individuals. Prolonged courses of combination therapy with other antifilarial drugs should be investigated for treatment of individual patients with the means to pursue aggressive personal medical care.

Evaluation of the gastroprotective activity of cordatin, a diterpene isolated from Aparisthmium cordatum (Euphorbiaceae).

Aparisthmium cordatum (Juss.) BAIL. (Euphorbiaceae) is a medium sized tree native to the North Brazilian coastal region, which is known in the State of Pará as "ariquena queimosa." To our knowledge it has no popular use. Phytochemical studies of the benzene extract of the bark of A. cordatum yielded a furan diterpene with a clerodane skeleton, called cordatin. Recently, we reported the antiulcerogenic activity of trans-dehydrocrotonin (DHC), another furan diterpene isolated from Croton cajucara bark, in different ulcerogenic models in mice and rats. The aim of the present study was to assess the possible antiulcerogenic activity of cordatin, another compound of the clerodane diterpene group present in A. cordatum bark. When previously administered (p.o.) at the dose of 100 mg/kg, cordatin significantly reduced (p<0.01) gastric injury induced by the indomethacin/bethanechol (78%), ethanol (76%), and hypothermic restraint-stress models (66%) and by pylorus ligature (50%) in mice and rats. In the HCl/ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model in mice, at oral doses of 100 and 250 mg/kg, cordatin from A. cordatum significantly reduced (p<0.001) the formation of gastric lesions by 70% and 77%, respectively, when compared to the control. In the pylorus-ligature model, cordatin (p.o.) only decreased the volume of gastric juice compared to the control (p<0.001). When cordatin (100 mg/kg) was administered intraduodenally to mice, significant modifications were found, such as a decrease in gastric acidity compared to the control (p<0.05). In the animals pre-treated with cordatin, free mucus production was not altered when compared with the control group. The results suggest that cordatin from A. cordatum presents a significant anti-ulcer effect when assessed in these induced ulcer models. Although the mechanism underlying this antiulcerogenic effect remains unknown, it seems to be related to an anti-secretory property but the involvement of mucosal defensive mechanisms are not to be ignored. The good yield of cordatin obtained from A. cordatum, as well as its antiulcerogenic activity, suggest that this compound should be submitted to pharmacological research as a potential new antiulcerogenic drug.

[Children's health and their rights threatened by violence]. / A saúde e o direito da criança ameaçados pela violência.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the follow-up of police reports concerning domestic violence against children aged 0-5, from 1990 to 1995, held in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Based on a descriptive study, initially, on a database, the accusations in general were characterized. Soon after, 18 police stations were visited to analyze the follow-up of the police reports. Out of 105 occurrences, only 25 were regarded as investigatory cases and just 01 was going to be analyzed in court. In sum, violence against child reflects cultural subjects.

Epidemiology and immunopathology of bancroftian filariasis.

Human lymphatic filariasis affects 120 million people worldwide. Although the disease is considered to be potentially erradicable by the World Health Organization, comprehensive studies on epidemiological aspects as well as mechanisms of pathology development are still premature. The following review summarizes currently available data on these topics and ends by discussing the latest control strategies.

Differences in the frequency of cytokine-producing cells in antigenemic and nonantigenemic individuals with bancroftian filariasis.

Individuals with clinical manifestations of lymphatic filariasis may be currently infected or not. Twenty-five individuals from a Wuchereria bancrofti-endemic area of Brazil were classified as being asymptomatic microfilaremic individuals, antigenemic individuals with clinical filariasis, or nonantigenemic individuals with clinical filariasis. Intracellular cytokine staining of mitogen-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) showed that the frequency of either gamma interferon (IFN-gamma)- or interleukin-4 (IL-4)-producing cells was higher in the nonantigenemic individuals with clinical filariasis than in the asymptomatic microfilaremic individuals (geometric means, 22.1 versus 10.7% [P = 0.02] and 2.9 versus 1.4% [P = 0.01], respectively). When the asymptomatic microfilaremic individuals and antigenemic individuals with clinical filariasis were grouped together to constitute all actively infected individuals, the frequency of IFN-gamma-producing cells was also lower than in the nonantigenemic individuals with clinical filariasis (P = 0.04). Likewise, the frequency of IL-4-producing cells in the actively infected individuals was also lower than in the nonantigenemic individuals with clinical filariasis (P = 0.02). No differences in the frequency of IFN-gamma-, IL-4-, or IL-5-producing cells in purified CD4 T lymphocytes were found among the groups. These findings suggest that the presence of antigenemia, which is an indicator of current active infection, is closely associated with the frequency of IFN-gamma- and IL-4-producing cells in lymphatic filariasis. The differences found in the frequency of cytokine-producing cells among the three groups appear to be due to a subset of cells other than CD4 T cells.