Visual lung ultrasound protocol (VLUP) in acute respiratory failure: description and application in clinical cases.

Lung ultrasound (LUS) is widely used as a diagnostic and monitoring tool in critically ill patients. Lung ultrasound score (LUSS) based on the examination of twelve thoracic regions has been extensively validated for pulmonary assessment. However, it has revealed significant limitations: when applied to heterogeneous lung diseases with intermediate LUSS pattern (LUSS 1 and 2), for instance, intra-observer consistency is relatively low. In addition, LUSS is time-consuming and a more rapid overview of the extent of lung pathology and residual lung aeration is often required, especially in emergency setting. We propose a Visual Lung Ultrasound Protocol (VLUP) as a rapid monitoring tool for patients with acute respiratory failure. It consists of a probe sliding along the mid-clavicular, mid-axillary and scapular lines in transversal scan. VLUP allows a visualization of a large portion of the antero-lateral and/or posterior pleural surface. Serial assessments of two clinical cases are recorded and visually compared, enabling rapid understanding of lung damage and its evolution over time. VLUP allows a semi-quantitative and qualitative point-of-care assessment of lung injury. Through this standardized approach it is possible to accurately compare subsequent scans and to monitor the evolution of regional parenchymal damage. VLUP enables a quick estimation of the quantitative-LUSS (qLUSS) as the percentage of pleura occupied by artifacts, more suitable than LUSS in inhomogeneous diseases. VLUP is designed as a standardized, point-of-care lung aeration assessment and monitoring tool. The purpose of the paper is to illustrate this new technique and to describe its applications.

Sediment management in coastal infrastructures: Techno-economic and environmental impact assessment of alternative technologies to dredging.

The presence of anthropic activity in the coastal or riverine environment modifies the wave as well as the water and sediment current regime. In particular, the body of water around ports is an area where intense currents and sediment transport rates are usually present and can be affected by low water velocities that take place close to the entrance and inside the port basin. Consequently, sediment can be entrained and accumulated in such areas, creating problems to navigation. Ports and moorings are filled with fine sediments due to deposition resulting from solid transport. In particular, silt particles settle because of the weak vertical and lateral shearing of the velocity field. The result is that harbours frequently require ordinary maintenance dredging. The dredging process involves the removal of sediment in its natural deposited condition by using either mechanical or hydraulic equipment. Dredging is a consolidated and proven technology, but involves considerable drawbacks. In particular, dredging has a notable environmental impact on marine flora and fauna, contributes to the mobility and diffusion of contaminants and pollutants already present in the silted sediments, obstructs navigation and is characterized by relatively high and low predictable costs. This paper aims to provide an original structured overview of technologies alternative to dredging that have been tested in the past 50 years. More than 150 articles have been analysed to compare standard dredging technologies with market-ready competitors from techno-economic and environmental perspectives. In particular, the paper focuses on anti-sedimentation infrastructures and on innovative plant solutions characterized by low maintenance costs and by a very limited environmental impact. The final aim of the paper is to describe the currently available technologies that prevent port inlet and channel siltation and to classify them through a techno-economic and environmental impact assessment. The comparison shows that dredging has both the higher costs and environmental impact, while fixed sand by-passing plants are characterized by the lowest environmental impact and operation costs that are competitive with dredging.

Extracts of Hesperozygis ringens (Benth.) Epling: in vitro and in vivo antibacterial activity against fish pathogenic bacteria.

AIMS: This study investigated the in vitro antibacterial activity of Hesperozygis ringens (Benth.) Epling leaf extracts against fish pathogenic bacteria, as well as the in vivo activity of the most active extract in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) experimentally infected with Aeromonas hydrophila. Moreover, the chemical composition of the extract used in the survival assay was evaluated. METHODS AND RESULTS: Only hexane extract (HEHR) showed in vitro antibacterial activity (MIC and MBC ranging from 1600 to 3200 µg ml-1 ) against clinical isolates of A. hydrophila, Raoultella ornithinolytica and Citrobacter freundii, obtained from naturally infected silver catfish, and A. hydrophilaATCC 7966. The major compound of the volatile fraction of HEHR was determined as pulegone. HEHR promoted a 93·33% relative survival rate of silver catfish experimentally infected with A. hydrophila 7 days after a single therapeutic bath at 30 mg l-1 , while florfenicol at 4 mg l-1 , which promoted a 60% relative survival rate. CONCLUSIONS: The antibacterial activity of H. ringens (Benth.) Epling leaf extracts seems to be related to phytochemicals of apolar character, since HEHR promoted better survival rate of infected animals than florfenicol. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The HEHR has potential to be used in the control and treatment of bacterial infections in organic aquaculture.

Impact of social care on Hospital Admissions in a sample of community-dwelling older adults: results of a quasi-experimental study.

INTRODUCTION: The paper describes the impact on Hospital Admissions of a program targeting the community-dwelling older citizens with social interventions aimed at managing frailty and reducing social isolation. STUDY DESIGN: The study is quasi-experimental intervention program. METHODS: A randomized sample made up by 207 participants (cases) to the Long Live the Elderly program is compared with a cohort of 308 older adults (controls) followed up since 2014 by the University of Tor Vergata. At the enrolment all the participants have been administered a multidimensional questionnaire to assess frailty. After six months, the two groups are compared for the inpatient's admission rate. RESULTS: The percentage of patients who was admitted to the hospital during the first six month of follow up was 9.1% and 8.3% among the controls and the cases respectively. The inpatient's admission rate was higher among the controls (251.6 per 1000 observation/year) than for the cases (167.3). Despite the cases were older than the controls (mean age 83.5, SD±8.1 vs 76.7, SD±7.1; p=0.001), showed a lower percentage of frail/very frail individuals (29.5% vs 33.4%). The multivariate linear regression adjusted for gender, age and frailty showed a reduction of the hospital admission rate associated to the Long Live the Elderly program (p=0.013). CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests the impact on the reduction of acute hospital admission in the first six months of follow up, of a Community-based Program aimed at increasing the social capital of older adults. Further studies with longer follow up are needed to confirm the study results in order to support the hypothesis that the future sustainability of health systems is partially linked to the increase of the social component of community care service.

Monoterpenoids (thymol, carvacrol and S-(+)-linalool) with anesthetic activity in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen): evaluation of acetylcholinesterase and GABAergic activity.

This study evaluated the anesthetic potential of thymol and carvacrol, and their influence on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the muscle and brain of silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen). The AChE activity of S-(+)-linalool was also evaluated. We subsequently assessed the effects of thymol and S-(+)-linalool on the GABAergic system. Fish were exposed to thymol and carvacrol (25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/L) to evaluate time for anesthesia and recovery. Both compounds induced sedation at 25 mg/L and anesthesia with 50-100 mg/L. However, fish exposed to carvacrol presented strong muscle contractions and mortality. AChE activity was increased in the brain of fish at 50 mg/L carvacrol and 100 mg/L thymol, and decreased in the muscle at 100 mg/L carvacrol. S-(+)-linalool did not alter AChE activity. Anesthesia with thymol was reversed by exposure to picrotoxin (GABAA antagonist), similar to the positive control propofol, but was not reversed by flumazenil (antagonist of benzodiazepine binding site), as observed for the positive control diazepam. Picrotoxin did not reverse the effect of S-(+)-linalool. Thymol exposure at 50 mg/L is more suitable than carvacrol for anesthesia in silver catfish, because this concentration did not cause any mortality or interference with AChE activity. Thymol interacted with GABAA receptors, but not with the GABAA/benzodiazepine site. In contrast, S-(+)-linalool did not act in GABAA receptors in silver catfish.

Sewage sludge drying process integration with a waste-to-energy power plant.

Dewatered sewage sludge from Waste Water Treatment Plants (WWTPs) is encountering increasing problems associated with its disposal. Several solutions have been proposed in the last years regarding energy and materials recovery from sewage sludge. Current technological solutions have relevant limits as dewatered sewage sludge is characterized by a high water content (70-75% by weight), even if mechanically treated. A Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) with good thermal characteristics in terms of Lower Heating Value (LHV) can be obtained if dewatered sludge is further processed, for example by a thermal drying stage. Sewage sludge thermal drying is not sustainable if the power is fed by primary energy sources, but can be appealing if waste heat, recovered from other processes, is used. A suitable integration can be realized between a WWTP and a waste-to-energy (WTE) power plant through the recovery of WTE waste heat as energy source for sewage sludge drying. In this paper, the properties of sewage sludge from three different WWTPs are studied. On the basis of the results obtained, a facility for the integration of sewage sludge drying within a WTE power plant is developed. Furthermore, energy and mass balances are set up in order to evaluate the benefits brought by the described integration.

Laser ablation and 131-iodine: a 24-month pilot study of combined treatment for large toxic nodular goiter.

CONTEXT: It is normally recognized that the preferred treatment in large toxic thyroid nodules should be thyroidectomy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of combined laser ablation treatment (LAT) and radioiodine 131 (131I) treatment of large thyroid toxic nodules with respect to rapidity of control of local symptoms, of hyperthyroidism, and of reduction of administered 131I activity in patients at refusal or with contraindications to surgery. DESIGN AND SETTING: We conducted a pilot study at a single center specializing in thyroid care. PATIENTS: Fifteen patients were treated with LAT, followed by 131I (group A), and a series of matched consecutive patients were treated by 131I only (group B). INTERVENTION(S): Laser energy was delivered with an output power of 3 W (1800 J per fiber per treatment) through two 75-mm, 21-gauge spinal needles. Radioiodine activity was calculated to deliver 200 Gy to the hyperfunctioning nodule. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Thyroid function, thyroid peroxidase antibody, thyroglobulin antibody, ultrasound, and local symptoms were measured at baseline and up to 24 months. RESULTS: Nodule volume reduction at 24 months was: 71.3 ± 13.4 vs 47.4 ± 5.5%, group A (LAT+131I) vs group B (131I), respectively; P < .001). In group A (LAT+131I), a reduction in radioiodine-administered activity was obtained (-21.1 ± 8.1%). Local symptom score demonstrated a more rapid reduction in group A (LAT+131I). In three cases, no 131I treatment was needed after LAT. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study, combined LAT/131I treatment induced faster and greater improvement of local and systemic symptoms compared to 131I only. This approach seems a possible alternative to thyroidectomy in patients at refusal of surgery.

Air breathing in Magadi tilapia Alcolapia grahami, under normoxic and hyperoxic conditions, and the association with sunlight and reactive oxygen species.

Observations of the Magadi tilapia Alcolapia grahami in hot, highly alkaline Lake Magadi revealed that they air breathe not only during hypoxia, as described previously, but also during normoxia and hyperoxia. Air breathing under these latter conditions occurred within distinct groupings of fish (pods) and involved only a small proportion of the population. Air breathing properties (duration and frequency) were quantified from video footage. Air breathing within the population followed a diel pattern with the maximum extent of pod formation occurring in early afternoon. High levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the water may be an irritant that encourages the air-breathing behaviour. The diel pattern of air breathing in the field and in experiments followed the diel pattern of ROS concentrations in the water which are amongst the highest reported in the literature (maximum daytime values of 2.53 ­ 8.10 µM H2O2). Interlamellar cell masses (ILCM) occurred between the gill lamellae of fish from the lagoon with highest ROS and highest oxygen levels, while fish from a normoxic lagoon with one third the ROS had little or no ILCM. This is the first record of air breathing in a facultative air-breathing fish in hyperoxic conditions and the first record of an ILCM in a cichlid species.

A new score to predict post operative complications after endovascular treatment of thoraco abdominal aortic aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: The endovascular treatment of thoraco abdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA) is a minimally invasive solution. However, patient selection remains a major problem. We have analysed our experience to identify the risk factors for post-operative morbidity and mortality and to construct a scoring system to identify those patients likely to benefit from this treatment. METHODS: We have analysed a consecutive cohort of patients treated electively for TAAA using endovascular techniques between 2006 and October 2012. All data were collected prospectively. The risk factors associated with spinal cord ischemia (SCI), the need for post-operative dialysis and 30 day mortality were determined using multivariate statistical techniques and a logistic regression model including all variables that were significant on univariate analysis (p < 0.05). A predictive score was calculated using a Received Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, defining best specificity and sensibility. RESULTS: We analysed the data from 123 patients (median age 70 years). The 30 day mortality rate was 8% (10 patients). The SCI rate was 6% (7 patients). One patient (1%) required long-term dialysis after the aortic procedure. The cumulative early mortality, SCI and permanent dialysis rate was 14% (17 patients). In multivariate analysis, adverse outcome was associated with advanced age (OR = 1.110 ; p = 0.022), and Crawford type I or II or III (OR = 9.292 ; p = 0.002) as compared with Crawford type IV. Pre-operative beta blocker (BB) treatment was a protective factor (OR = 0.099 ; p = 0.005). A predictive score was then constructed : Score = -10.060 + 0.104x(A) +2.229x(B) -2.315x(C) (A = patient age ; B = 1 if TAAA Crawford type 1, 2 or 3, 0 if TAAA type 4 ; C = 1 if on-going BB treatment (30 days pre-surgery minimum), 0 if none). Its sensitivity and specificity were 88% and 89% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We propose a simple predictive scoring system. This tool is useful in predicting the most feared complications after endovascular TAAA repair and has potential use in the identification and counselling of vulnerable patients being considered for surgery. More data are needed to refine the prediction of individual operative risks.

Morphological evaluation of spermatogenesis in Lake Magadi tilapia (Alcolapia grahami): a fish living on the edge.

Spermatogenesis in Lake Magadi tilapia (Alcolapia grahami), a cichlid fish endemic to the highly alkaline and saline Lake Magadi in Kenya, was evaluated using light and transmission electron microscopy. Spermatogenesis, typified by its three major phases (spermatocytogenesis, meiosis and spermiogenesis), was demonstrated by the presence of maturational spermatogenic cells namely spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa. Primary spermatogonia, the largest of all the germ cells, underwent a series of mitotic divisions producing primary spermatocytes, which then entered two consecutive meiotic divisions to produce secondary spermatocytes and spermatids. Spermatids, in turn, passed through three structurally distinct developmental stages typical of type-I spermiogenesis to yield typical primitive anacrosomal spermatozoa of the externally fertilizing type (aquasperm). The spermatozoon of this fish exhibited a spheroidal head with the nucleus containing highly electron-dense chromatin globules, a midpiece containing ten ovoid mitochondria arranged in two rows and a flagellum formed by the typical 9 + 2 microtubule axoneme. In addition, the midpiece, with no cytoplasmic sheath, appeared to end blindly distally in a lobe-like pattern around the flagellum; a feature that was unique and considered adaptive for the spermatozoon of this species to the harsh external environment. These observations show that the testis of A. grahami often undergoes active spermatogenesis despite the harsh environmental conditions to which it is exposed on a daily basis within the lake. Further, the spermiogenic features and spermatozoal ultrastructure appear to be characteristic of Cichlidae and, therefore, may be of phylogenetic significance.

The effects of copper on Na(+)/K (+)-ATPase and aquaporin expression in two euryhaline invertebrates.

We used immunocytochemical and fluorometric techniques to show that gill cells of two marine invertebrates, the crab Neohelice granulata (osmoregulator) and the clam Mesodesma mactroides (osmoconformer), increase the expression of membrane transporters [Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase and aquaporin (AQP1)] after whole-animals exposure (96 h) to sublethal concentrations of copper in water of salinity 30 ppt, when both clams and crabs are isosmotic with respect to the environmental medium. A plausible interpretation of our findings is that this increased expression in membrane transporters may serve as an attempt to ameliorate the deleterious effects of copper on the mechanisms involved in ion and volume regulation in gill cells.

Ischemic gastritis: a rare but lethal consequence of celiac territory ischemic syndrome.

AIM: Ischemic gastritis is poorly known by physicians and is often fatal if not correctly diagnosed. Here, we report on the clinical, endoscopic and imaging features and treatment outcomes for five ischemic gastritis patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective, single-centre study of patients treated for ischemic gastritis between January 2009 and April 2012. All patients underwent transluminal angioplasty or open revascularization surgery. RESULTS: Five patients (4 men, 1 female) were included in the present study. The condition was diagnosed in two cases of peritonitis with gastric or duodenal perforation, two cases of acute epigastric pain and one case of gastric bleeding, profuse vomiting and hypovolemic shock. Three of the five patients had endoscopically proven gastric ulcerations or necrosis. A computed tomography scan contributed to the diagnosis in all cases. The symptoms resolved in all cases after gastric revascularization via an aortohepatic bypass (N.=1), a renohepatic bypass (N.=1), a retrograde iliosuperior mesenteric bypass (N.=2) with associated celiac artery angioplasty (N.=1) and celiac and superior mesenteric artery angioplasty (N.=1). During follow-up, three patients died of starvation due to short bowel syndrome (N.=1) or metastatic lung cancer (N.=2). CONCLUSION: Ischemic gastritis is a component of celiac territory ischemia syndrome and is closely associated with chronic or acute mesenteric ischemia. Computed tomography always informs the diagnosis. The rapid healing observed here after revascularization confirmed the ischemic nature of the condition and the inappropriateness of gastric resection in this context.

Survey of raw milk cheeses for microbiological quality and prevalence of foodborne pathogens.

Cheese may be manufactured in the United States using raw milk, provided the cheese is aged for at least 60 days at temperatures not less than 35°F (1.7°C). There is now increased concern among regulators regarding the safety of raw milk cheese due to the potential ability of foodborne pathogens to survive the manufacturing and aging processes. In this study, 41 raw milk cheeses were obtained from retail specialty shops, farmers' markets, and on-line sources. The cheeses were then analyzed for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Staphylococcus aureus, and Campylobacter. Aerobic plate counts (APC), coliform and yeast/mold counts were also performed. The results revealed that none of the enteric pathogens were detected in any of the samples tested. Five samples contained coliforms; two of those contained E. coli at less than 10(2) cfu/g. Three other cheese samples contained S. aureus. The APC and yeast-mold counts were within expected ranges. Based on the results obtained from these 41 raw milk cheeses, the 60-day aging rule for unpasteurized milk cheeses appears adequate for producing microbiologically safe products.

Sub-Rayleigh optical vortex coronagraphy.

We introduce a new optical vortex coronagraph (OVC) method to determine the angular distance between two sources when the separation is sub-Rayleigh. We have found a direct relationship between the position of the minima and the source angular separation. A priori knowledge about the location of the two sources is not required. The superresolution capabilities of an OVC, equipped with an ℓ = 2 N-step spiral phase plate in its optical path, were investigated numerically. The results of these investigations show that a fraction of the light, increasing with N, from the secondary source can be detected with a sub-Rayleigh resolution of at least 0.1 λ/D.

Material and energy recovery in integrated waste management system--an Italian case study on the quality of MSW data.

This paper analyses the way numerical data on Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) quantities are recorded, processed and then reported for six of the most meaningful Italian Districts and shows the difficulties found during the comparison of these Districts, starting from the lack of homogeneity and the fragmentation of the data indispensable to make this critical analysis. These aspects are often ignored, but data certainty are the basis for serious MSW planning. In particular, the paper focuses on overall Source Separation Level (SSL) definition and on the influence that Special Waste (SW) assimilated to MSW has on it. An investigation was then necessary to identify new parameters in place of overall SSL. Moreover, these parameters are not only important for a waste management system performance measure, but are fundamental in order to design and check management plan and to identify possible actions to improve it.

Integrated biological responses of zebrafish (Danio rerio) to analyze water quality in regions under anthropogenic influence.

This study analyzed water quality in regions around Patos lagoon (Southern Brazil) that are under anthropogenic pressure. Water samples were collected from five different sites, including one used as a source for human consumption (COR) and others known to be influenced by human activities (IP). Danio rerio (Teleostei, Cyprinidae) organisms were exposed for 24h to these water samples, plus a control group. It was observed that: (1) reactive oxygen species levels were lower in COR and IP than in the control group; (2) glutamate-cysteine ligase (catalytic subunit) expression was higher in COR than in other sites; (3) exposure to all water samples affected long-term memory (LTM) when compared to control group. Thus, some water samples possess the ability to modulate the antioxidant system and to induce a decline in cognitive functions, as measured by LTM. The obtained results indicate that a combination of variables of different organization level (molecular, biochemical and behavioral) can be employed to analyze water quality in impacted regions.

Mitochondrial control region haplotypes of the South American sea lion Otaria flavescens (Shaw, 1800).

The South American sea lion, Otaria flavescens, is widely distributed along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of South America. However, along the Brazilian coast, there are only two nonbreeding sites for the species (Refúgio de Vida Silvestre da Ilha dos Lobos and Refúgio de Vida Silvestre do Molhe Leste da Barra do Rio Grande), both in Southern Brazil. In this region, the species is continuously under the effect of anthropic activities, mainly those related to environmental contamination with organic and inorganic chemicals and fishery interactions. This paper reports, for the first time, the genetic diversity of O. flavescens found along the Southern Brazilian coast. A 287-bp fragment of the mitochondrial DNA control region (D-loop) was analyzed. Seven novel haplotypes were found in 56 individuals (OFA1-OFA7), with OFA1 being the most frequent (47.54%). Nucleotide diversity was moderate (π = 0.62%) and haplotype diversity was relatively low (67%). Furthermore, the median joining network analysis indicated that Brazilian haplotypes formed a reciprocal monophyletic clade when compared to the haplotypes from the Peruvian population on the Pacific coast. These two populations do not share haplotypes and may have become isolated some time back. Further genetic studies covering the entire species distribution are necessary to better understand the biological implications of the results reported here for the management and conservation of South American sea lions.

Mitochondrial control region haplotypes of the South American sea lion Otaria flavescens (Shaw, 1800)

The South American sea lion, Otaria flavescens, is widely distributed along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of South America. However, along the Brazilian coast, there are only two nonbreeding sites for the species (Refúgio de Vida Silvestre da Ilha dos Lobos and Refúgio de Vida Silvestre do Molhe Leste da Barra do Rio Grande), both in Southern Brazil. In this region, the species is continuously under the effect of anthropic activities, mainly those related to environmental contamination with organic and inorganic chemicals and fishery interactions. This paper reports, for the first time, the genetic diversity of O. flavescens found along the Southern Brazilian coast. A 287-bp fragment of the mitochondrial DNA control region (D-loop) was analyzed. Seven novel haplotypes were found in 56 individuals (OFA1-OFA7), with OFA1 being the most frequent (47.54 percent). Nucleotide diversity was moderate (π = 0.62 percent) and haplotype diversity was relatively low (67 percent). Furthermore, the median joining network analysis indicated that Brazilian haplotypes formed a reciprocal monophyletic clade when compared to the haplotypes from the Peruvian population on the Pacific coast. These two populations do not share haplotypes and may have become isolated some time back. Further genetic studies covering the entire species distribution are necessary to better understand the biological implications of the results reported here for the management and conservation of South American sea lions.

Aluminum as an endocrine disruptor in female Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

The effects of aluminum on plasma ion, lipid, protein and steroid hormone concentration were evaluated in Oreochromis niloticus broodstock females. Lipid and protein concentrations from the gonads and liver were also measured. Experiments were performed at neutral and acidic water pH. Four groups of fish were tested for 96h: 1) control conditions at neutral water pH; 2) control conditions at acidic water pH (CTR-Ac); 3) aluminum at neutral water pH (Al-N); and 4) aluminum at acidic water pH (Al-Ac). Aluminum and acidic water pH exposure caused no ionoregulatory disturbances. Total lipid concentration increased in the mature gonads and decreased in the liver, suggesting an acceleration of lipid mobilization to the ovaries in animals exposed to aluminum. However, a decreased protein concentration in ovaries was also observed. Exposure of control fish to acidic water pH caused an increased concentration of plasma 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone. However, females exposed to aluminum at acidic water pH showed a decreased of plasma 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone and cortisol. No differences in plasma 17beta-estradiol were observed. The physiological mechanisms underlying the disturbances observed are discussed focusing on reproduction. We suggest that aluminum can be considered an endocrine disrupting compound in mature O. niloticus females.

Activation of the alternative complement pathway in canine normal serum by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis / Ativação da via alternativa do complemento em soro de cão normal por Paracoccidioides brasiliensis

The dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is the etiological agent of paracoccidioidomycosis, a human granulomatous disease. Recently the first case of natural disease in dogs was reported. The complement system is an important effector component of humoral immunity against infectious agents. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the activation of the dog alternative complement pathway by P. brasiliensis. Initially, the ability of erythrocytes of guinea pig, rabbit, sheep, chicken and swine to activate the dog alternative pathway was evaluated. The guinea pig erythrocytes showed the greatest capacity to activate dog alternative pathway. The alternative (AH50) hemolytic activity was evaluated in 27 serum samples from healthy dogs and the mean values were 87.2 AH50/ml. No significant differences were observed in relation to sex and age. The alternative pathway activation by P. brasiliensis was higher in serum samples from adult dogs when compared to puppies and aged dogs (p < 0.05). This is the first report of dog alternative complement pathway activation by P. brasiliensis and suggests that it may play a protective role in canine paracoccidioidomycosis.

O fungo dimórfico Paracoccidioides brasiliensis é o agente etiológico da paracoccidioidomicose, uma doença granulomatosa humana. Recentemente, foi relatado o primeiro caso da doença natural em cães. O sistema complemento é um importante componente efetor da imunidade humoral contra agentes infecciosos. Portanto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a ativação da via alternativa do complemento canina pelo P. brasiliensis. Inicialmente, foi avaliada a capacidade de eritrócitos de cobaia, coelho, carneiro, galinha e suíno ativarem a via alternativa do complemento canino. Os eritrócitos de cobaia apresentaram maior capacidade de ativar a via alternative do complemento canino. A atividade hemolítica da via alternativa (AH50) foi avaliada em 27 amostras de soro de cães saldáveis e os valores médios observados foram de 87,2 AH50/ml. Não foi observada diferença significativa ao sexo e idade. A ativação da via alternativa pelo P. brasiliensis foi maior nas amostras de soro de cães adultos quando comparada aos cães filhotes e idosos (p < 0.05). Este é o primeiro relato da ativação da via alternative do complemento canino pelo fungo P. brasiliensis e sugere que pode ter um papel protetor na paracoccidioidomicose canina.