Recycling of biomass and coal fly ash as cement replacement material and its effect on hydration and carbonation of concrete.

The construction sector has been using supplementary materials in concrete production worldwide, such as coal fly ash. Nowadays, several sub/products or wastes have been studied to be incorporated in construction materials, and one of those wastes is biomass fly ash. However, using high volumes of these materials has some drawbacks, one of them being carbonation. In order to understand phenomena such as this, it is important to study the interaction between the additions and hydration of cement. This paper focuses on the study of hydration and carbonation of cementitious pastes containing biomass fly ash and/or coal fly ash by using thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray diffraction analysis and by accelerated carbonation tests. BFA present different chemical and mineralogical composition than CFA. The results show that incorporating biomass fly ash into construction materials has a similar carbonation behaviour to coal fly ash. Biomass fly ash seems to give some extra alkalinity to the mixtures, and this may present benefits to the construction materials and for the ash management.

Mitochondrial adventures at the organelle society.

Mitochondria are constantly communicating with the rest of the cell. Defects in mitochondria underlie severe pathologies, whose mechanisms remain poorly understood. It is becoming increasingly evident that mitochondrial malfunction resonates in other organelles, perturbing their function and their biogenesis. In this manuscript, we review the current knowledge on the cross-talk between mitochondria and other organelles, particularly lysosomes, peroxisomes and the endoplasmic reticulum. Several organelle interactions are mediated by transcriptional programs, and other signaling mechanisms are likely mediating organelle dysfunction downstream of mitochondrial impairments. Many of these organelle crosstalk pathways are likely to have a role in pathological processes.

Evolution of Socioeconomic Conditions and Its Relation to Spatial-Temporal Changes of Giardiasis and Helminthiasis in Amazonian Children.

This study analyzed the evolution of socioeconomic, sanitary, and personal factors as well as spatiotemporal changes in the prevalence of helminthiasis and giardiasis in urban Amazonian children between 2003 and 2011. Child age, lack of sanitation, and lack of access to bottled water were identified as significant associated factors for helminthiasis and giardiasis. There was an overall improvement in socioeconomic and sanitary conditions in the city resulting in decreased helminth prevalences from 12.42 to 9.63% between 2003 and 2010, but the prevalence increased to 15.03% in 2011 due to migratory movement and unstable sanitary conditions. As for Giardiasis, socioeconomic and environmental changes were not enough to reduce prevalence (16% in 2003 and 23% in 2011). Spatial analysis identified a significant cluster for helminthiasis in an area of poor housing conditions. Control programs in the Amazon need to target high-risk areas focusing changes in sanitation, water usage, and health education.

Female sexual function and depression after kidney transplantation: comparison between deceased- and living-donor recipients.

Disturbances in sexual function and depression are a common feature in women with chronic renal failure. Living-donor kidney transplantation seems to warrant better results than its cadaveric counterpart in many aspects but its impact on post-transplantation sexual function remains unknown. This study aimed to compare post-transplantation sexual function and depression in women receiving kidney grafts from living and deceased donors. From a single-center prospective database of 2016 renal transplantations between June 2011 and June 2013, we enrolled 50 sexually active women after kidney transplantation. Female sexual function was evaluated with the Female Sexual Function Index Questionnaire (FSFI) and depression was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) scale. Thirty-four patients referred the questionnaires. The sexual domains of satisfaction and desire were significantly better in living-donor receptors; in all other domains evaluated by FSFI no statistically significant difference was encountered between groups, although living-donor receptors tended to report better function. Total BDI-II was well correlated with total FSFI score in our study cohort (Spearman's rho = -0.80, P < .001). Only 34.6% of women referred to have discussed sexual issues with their physicians before transplantation, whereas 73.1% stated it would have been important. In conclusion, living-donor transplantation exerted a positive effect on women's sexual function.

Removable partial denture education in Portugal following the Bologna Process.

The aim of this study was to investigate the current guidelines used for the undergraduate course subject Removable Partial Denture in Portuguese Dental Schools following the Bologna Process. All Dental Schools were sent a questionnaire, divided into the following areas: (I) organization and syllabus; (II) teaching methods; (III) materials and techniques; Answers about organization and syllabus of course subjects showed the most variability; teaching methods were identical regarding principal textbook and live demonstrations of laboratory/clinical procedures; the same techniques and materials are used in all the schools' dental clinics. The majority of Dental Schools present similar guidelines for removable partial dentures.

Pediatric kidney transplantation: a single center experience with 134 procedures.

Renal transplantation confers substantial benefits on children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), including improved growth as well as longer and better quality of life. The aim of this study was to report our experience with 134 pediatric renal transplantations. Epidemiological and clinical data of all patients transplanted who were younger than 18 years between January 1984 and May 2012 were collected from our prospective database. One hundred twenty-four patients (44% female) underwent 134 renal transplantations. Renal insufficiency was secondary to urological obstructive uropathy (46%), nephropathy (34%), and other causes (20%). Mean age at the time of the surgery was 13 years. Mean time of ESRD was 25 months. One hundred seventeen patients (95%) received cadaveric renal allografts. Mean cold ischemia time was 1302 minutes. Mean donor age was 19.7 years. Mean length of hospital stay was 17 days. Mean follow-up was 122 months. Graft survivals at 5 and 10 years were 84.1 and 71.9%, respectively. Ninety-six percent of kidney recipients were alive; 71% with functioning allografts. Mean current glomerular filtration rate among functioning kidneys is 55 mL/min. Renal transplantation in the pediatric population is a good option for ESRD patients.

Living versus cadaveric-donor renal transplant recipients: a comparison on sexual function.

Erectile dysfunction is experienced by 50% of men with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and uremia. The origin of this dysfunction is multifactorial. The aim of this study was to compare living donor versus cadaveric donor transplant recipients regarding male sexual function. Seventy-seven sexually active male kidney transplant recipients (44 from living donors; 33 from cadaveric donors) were randomly selected from our single-center prospective database of 2016 renal transplants. Epidemiological and clinical data were collected between June 2010 and June 2011. Male sexual function was evaluated with the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (IIEF-15). We assessed the prevalence of male sexual dysfunction according to established cutoff points for each of the IIEF-15 domains. Mann-Whitney and Pearson's chi- square statistical tests were used to compare continuous and categorical variables, respectively. The median age at the time of completion of the questionnaires was 43 and 51 years (P = .003) with median times from transplantation was of 36 and 42 months for living donor and cadaveric donor recipients, respectively (P = .31). Median durations of ESRD before surgery were 17.5 and 57 months for living donor and cadaveric donor recipients, respectively (P < .001). Living donor and cadaveric donor recipients had median creatinine clearance values of 55 and 57 mL/min, respectively (P = .44). Median time after renal transplantation for first sexual intercourse was 1 and 2 months for living donor and cadaveric donor recipients, respectively (P = .35). Median body mass indices for living donor and cadaveric donor recipients were 24.8 and 24, respectively (P = .31). Regarding sexual function domains, there were significant differences only for intercourse satisfaction. In our cohort, living donor recipients tended to be younger, have shorter time of ESRD, and less incidence of hypertension or diabetes mellitus but with greater tobacco use. In conclusion, living donor transplantation exerted a favorable impact on sexual function.

Urological complications after 134 pediatric kidney transplants: a single-center study.

The incidence of surgical complications after kidney transplantation has been reported to range from 1% to 33%. The aim of this work was to report surgical urological complications among our cohort of 134 pediatric kidney transplantations. Epidemiological and clinical data of all patients younger than 18 years transplanted between January 1984 and May 2012 were collected from our prospective database. Urologic complications and management are reported herein. One hundred twenty-four patients, including 44% females underwent 134 renal transplants. Median age at the time of the surgery was 13 years. Mean time of end-stage renal disease was 25 months. We identified 10 subjects (7.5%) with urological complications: 5 ureterovesical stenoses, 2 lymphoceles, and 3 lower ureteral fistulas. All of the renal allografts were obtained from cadaveric donors. Mean age of these patients at the time of transplantation was 13 years. Mean cold ischemia time was 1613 minutes. All the patients required surgical management. All patients with ureterovesical stenoses underwent ureteral reimplantation using a Boari flap; those with lymphoceles underwent open marsupialization; 2 with ureteral fistulas underwent reimplantation of the ureter, and the other patient's case required placement of a nephrostomy tube and an antegrade ureteral catheter. All patients were treated successfully. Mean follow-up time of cases with urological complications was 9.5 years. Currently, 60% has nonfunctioning allografts; the mean current glomerular filtration rate of the functioning renal allografts is 55 mL/min. Despite requiring surgical management, all patients were treated successfully. Prompt identification and treatment of any complication are critical for graft and patient survival.

Laparoscopic cryotherapy for small renal masses: Current State.

OBJECTIVES: To provide an up-to-date review of the available literature on laparoscopic cryotherapy for small renal masses (SRMs) including technique description, indications and outcomes. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in March 2012, using MEDLINE and EMBASE via Ovid databases, to identify studies on laparoscopic cryotherapy for SRMs published during the last 10 years. Only English-language and human-based full manuscripts reporting case series studies with >20 participants, patient characteristics, efficacy and safety data were included. RESULTS: No randomised controlled trials (RCTs)were identified. In total, 27 full reports addressing laparoscopic cryoablation (LCA) for SRMs were selected. The number of patients per study ranged from 20 to 144. Mean age of treated patients across the series ranged from 62 to 73 years. Mean size of renal tumors ranged from 2.7 to 4 cm, being in most cases <3 cm. The number of cryoprobes used for cryoablation ranged from 1 to 6, and only 10 series described the use of 17-gauge (1.47 mm) third-generation needles. Overall, more than 55% of all ablated lesions were pathologically confirmed RCC. Mean follow-up ranged from 9 to 93 months. Only 7 series presented a long-term follow-up of more than 36 months. Most studies were limited by a relatively short follow-up. At least four urologic groups reported intermediate- and long-term outcomes. Persistence rates ranged from 0% to 17% and recurrence rates ranged from 0% to 14%. Overall complication rates ranged from 0% to 40%. CONCLUSIONS: Retrospective observational data and a few prospective series on LCA of SRMs show acceptable oncological 3- to 5-year outcomes with a low recurrence rate. It has proven to be a safe procedure with an overall low complication rate. It is mainly indicated for SRMs in elderly patients affected by co-morbidity and high surgical risk bearing tumours in the anterior valve of the kidney or in contact with the ureter or neighbouring organs.

Crioablacion laparoscopica de pequeñas masas renales: Estado actual / Laparoscopic cryotherapy for small renal masses: current state

OBJETIVO: Presentar una revisión actualizada de la literatura disponible sobre crioablación laparoscópica de pequeñas masas renales (SRMs), incluyendo descripción de la técnica, indicaciones y resultados. MÉTODOS: Se realizó una revisión de la literatura hasta marzo de 2012, utilizando las bases de datos MEDLINE y EMBASE vía Ovid, para identificar estudios sobre crioablación laparoscópica de SRMs publicados durante los últimos 10 años. Sólo se incluyeron manuscritos en inglés y estudios basados en humanos, que reportaron series con más de 20 participantes, características de los pacientes, eficacia y seguridad del procedimiento. RESULTADOS: No se identificaron ensayos clínicos aleatorizados (RCTs). En total, se seleccionaron 27 trabajos originales sobre crioablación laparoscópica (LCA) de SRMs. El número de pacientes por estudio osciló entre 20 y 144. La edad media de los mismos a lo largo de las series osciló entre 62 y 73 años. El tamaño medio de los tumores renales osciló entre 2,7 y 4 cm, siendo en la mayoría de los casos ≤3 cm. El número de crioagujas utilizadas para crioablación osciló entre 1 y 6, mientras que sólo en 10 series se describió la utilización de crioagujas de tercera generación de 17 gauge (1,47 mm).En total, más del 55% de las lesiones tratadas resultaron carcinoma de células renales (RCC) confirmado por el análisis anatomopatológico. El seguimiento medio de los pacientes osciló entre 9 y 93 meses. Sólo 7 series presentaron un seguimiento a largo plazo superior a 36 meses. La mayoría de los estudios resultaron limitados por un seguimiento relativamente corto. Al menos cuatro grupos de investigación reportaron resultados a intermedio y a largo plazo. Las tasas de persistencia tumoral oscilaron entre 0% y 17%, mientras que las tasas de recidiva oscilaron entre 0% y 14%. La tasa global de complicaciones osciló entre 0% y 40%(AU)

CONCLUSIONES: Los datos de estudios observacionales y retrospectivos así como los de algunas series prospectivas, demostraron aceptables resultados oncológicos a 3 y 5 años y una baja tasa de recidiva. La LCA demostró ser un procedimiento seguro con una baja tasa global de complicaciones. Está indicada principalmente en el tratamiento de SRMs en pacientes añosos con alta comorbilidad y elevado riesgo quirúrgico, albergando tumores en la valva anterior del riñón o en contacto con el uréter u órganos vecinos(AU)

OBJECTIVES: To provide an up-to-date review of the available literature on laparoscopic cryotherapy for small renal masses (SRMs) including technique description, indications and outcomes. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in March 2012, using MEDLINE and EMBASE via Ovid databases, to identify studies on laparoscopic cryotherapy for SRMs published during the last 10 years. Only English-language and human-based full manuscripts reporting case series studies with >20 participants, patient characteristics, efficacy and safety data were included. RESULTS: No randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were identified. In total, 27 full reports addressing laparoscopic cryoablation (LCA) for SRMs were selected. The number of patients per study ranged from 20 to 144. Mean age of treated patients across the series ranged from 62 to 73 years. Mean size of renal tumors ranged from 2.7 to 4 cm, being in most cases <3 cm. The number of cryoprobes used for cryoablation ranged from 1 to 6, and only 10 series described the use of 17-gauge (1.47 mm) third-generation needles. Overall, more than 55% of all ablated lesions were pathologically confirmed RCC.Mean follow-up ranged from 9 to 93 months. Only 7 series presented a long-term follow-up of more than 36 months. Most studies were limited by a relatively short follow-up. At least four urologic groups reported intermediate- and long-term outcomes. Persistence rates ranged from 0% to 17% and recurrence rates ranged from 0% to 14%. Overall complication rates ranged from 0% to 40%(AU)

CONCLUSIONS: Retrospective observational data and a few prospective series on LCA of SRMs show acceptable oncological 3- to 5-year outcomes with a low recurrence rate. It has proven to be a safe procedure with an overall low complication rate. It is mainly indicated for SRMs in elderly patients affected by co-morbidity and high surgical risk bearing tumours in the anterior valve of the kidney or in contact with the ureter or neighbouring organs(AU)

The incidence of cancer and potential role of sirolimus immunosuppression conversion on mortality among a single-center renal transplantation cohort of 1,816 patients.

INTRODUCTION: The chronic use of immunosuppressive drugs in renal transplant recipients increases the risk of developing de novo malignancies. Herein we analyze the incidence of de novo tumors and the potential role of sirolimus to improve cancer-specific survival among a cohort at a single center. METHODS: This retrospective analysis of our 1,816 patients allografted between January 1983 and December 2009 sought subjects who developed de novo tumors. Epidemiological and clinical data were examined using Mann-Whitney and Pearson's chi-square or Fisher exact tests for statistical comparisons of continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to determine cancer-specific survival according to type of neoplasia and immunosuppressive regimen, namely, conversion to sirolimus. RESULTS: One hundred patients (5.5%) were diagnosed with a de novo malignancy. The 110 different cancers were diagnosed at a median interval of 73 months after kidney transplantation. The overall cancer-specific survivals at 1 and 5 years after cancer diagnosis were 87.0% and 76.9%, respectively. The 15 patients converted to sirolimus showed no difference in survival. CONCLUSION: The observed frequencies of cancer in our center are consistent with the literature. Among our cohort, sirolimus did not significantly impact survival among subjects who had de novo malignancies.

Sevelamer decreases systemic inflammation in parallel to a reduction in endotoxemia.

INTRODUCTION: Uremic toxins play a pivotal role in the development of systemic complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which are largely mediated by the activation of the immune system. Triggers of inflammation in CKD are largely unknown and strategies aiming to reduce circulating ligands that could start the inflammatory response are potentially important. In the present study, we investigated the impact of sevelamer hydrochloride treatment in reducing endotoxemia and inflammation in a group of hemodialysis (HD) patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: HD patients, who were converted from calcium carbonate treatment to sevelamer according to KDOQI guidelines, were included and prospectively followed for 6 months. Systemic inflammation was evaluated by serum ultra-high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) using an automated immunoturbidimetric assay. Endotoxin was measured using Limulus amebocyte lysate chromogenic endpoint assay. All the analyses were performed immediately before conversion and after 6 months of treatment. RESULTS: After the exclusion of patients discontinuing the treatment, 20 patients (mean dialysis time 12 +/- 4 months on HD, age 52 +/- 2 years, 38% males, 11% diabetics) were included in the analysis. No significant changes were observed in Ca, P and PTH levels, while a reduction in cholesterol levels was seen. Plasma concentration of hsCRP and endotoxin significantly decreased after 6 months of conversion to sevelamer compared with baseline. CONCLUSION: We conclude that sevelamer treatment leads to a decrease in hsCRP levels, which was accompanied by a parallel decrease in endotoxemia, suggesting that endotoxemia may contribute to the systemic inflammation in HD patients, which was partially reduced by the use of sevelamer.

In vitro and in vivo functional characterization of gutless recombinant SV40-derived CFTR vectors.

In cystic fibrosis (CF), respiratory failure caused by progressive airway obstruction and tissue damage is primarily a result of the aberrant inflammatory responses to lung infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Despite considerable improvement in patient survival, conventional therapies are mainly supportive. Recent progress toward gene therapy for CF has been encouraging; however, several factors such as immune response and transduced cell turnover remain as potential limitations to CF gene therapy. As alternative gene therapy vectors for CF, we examined the feasibility of using recombinant SV40-derived vectors (rSV40s), which may circumvent some of these obstacles. To accommodate the large cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) cDNA, we removed not only SV40 Tag genes, but also all capsid genes. We, therefore, tested whether 'gutless' rSV40s could be packaged and were able to express a functional human CFTR cDNA. The results from our in vitro analysis determined that rSV40-CFTR was able to successfully result in the expression of CFTR protein, which localized to the plasma membrane and restored channel function to CFTR-deficient cells. Similarly, in vivo experiments delivering rSV40-CFTR to the lungs of Cftr-/- mice resulted in a reduction of the pathology associated with intra-tracheal P. aeruginosa challenge. rSV40-CFTR-treated mice had less weight loss when compared with control-treated mice as well as demonstrably reduced lung inflammation as evidence by histology and reduced inflammatory cytokines in the broncho-alveolar lavage. The reduction in inflammatory cytokine levels led to an evident decrease in neutrophil influx to the airways. These results indicate that further study of the application of rSV40-CFTR to CF gene therapy is warranted.

Denture-related stomatitis: identification of aetiological and predisposing factors - a large cohort.

The aim of this study was to identify and characterize aetiological and predisposing factors in denture-related stomatitis (DRS), by means of a case-control, transversal study, in a large cohort of 140 persons wearing removable maxillary polymethylamethacrylate prostheses. Data were obtained by (1) a questionnaire that included the identification of the subject, demographic and social data, medical history and behaviour; (2) intra-oral examination; (3) evaluation of the prosthesis; (4) microbiological examination; (5) yeast identification and analyses using Epi-info and the chi-square test. Results showed significant associations between DRS and yeasts, gender, age and alcohol consumption. We also found a significant relationship between the presence of yeasts and hyposalivation and decreased salivary pH. We found a highly significant difference between groups with and without DRS concerning the presence or absence of yeasts, regardless of the sample origin. Most cases of DRS showed the presence of Candida albicans. The results confirm a highly significant difference between groups with and without DRS concerning the presence or absence of yeasts.

Factores de riesgo cardiovascular en una cohorte de mujeres de edad media / Cardiovascular risk factors in a cohort of middle-age women

Background: It is generally accepted that menopause significantly modifies cardiovascular risk. The effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on this risk remain controversial. Aim: To study the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (RF) in middle-aged women and their changes with aging, menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Material and methods: cardiovascular risk factors were assessed in 576 women aged 40 to 59 years in 1991-92. Five years later, 467 of these women were reassessed. Results: Sedentarism (87.2 percent), dyslipidemias (71.5 percent), high blood pressure (13.5 percent), obesity (13.1 percent), smoking (12.4 percent) and diabetes (2.8 percent) were the most prevalent RF. Five years later, the prevalence of hypertension increased to 20.9 percent, the prevalence of obesity increased to 27.3 percent, smoking increased to 20.8 percent and diabetes to 5.9 percent. The prevalence of dyslipidemia did not change, although triglycerides levels rose from 125.9Ý56.4 to 136.8Ý63.5 mg/dl (p <0.001). Sedentarism dropped to 58.8 percent. Menopause did not deteriorate any of these RF. The use of HRT increased during the 5 years follow-up from 3.8 percent to 35 percent. Women on HRT experienced 3 percent decrease in LDL-cholesterol and 9 percent increase in HDL-cholesterol levels. Conclusions: Middle aged women included in this cohort have a high prevalence of RF. There is a deterioration with age, but not with menopause. HRT improves the lipid profile

Utilidad de los anticonceptivos con gestagenos solos en pacientes con antecedentes personales de cancer de mama. Influencia de los gestagenos en el desarrollo del cáncer de mama / Utility of the contraceptives with single gestagens in patients with personal antecedents of breast cancer. Influence of the gestagens in the development of the breast cancer

Los gestágenos clásicamente han sido relacionado con el cáncer mamario. Por esto, cuando se requiere indicar un anticonceptivos hormonal en una paciente tratada por cáncer de mama, surge la opción del uso de anticonceptivos con gestágenos solos (POP). Algunos estudios sugieren un rol protector de los gestágenos en el cáncer de mama: 1) La progesterona inhibe la proliferación mamaria inducida por el estradiol. 2) Induce apoptosis celular, inhibiendo la síntesis de las proteínas antiapoptóticas, 3) Inhibe enzimas que aumentan la concentración de estrógenos en la mama. Contrariamente, otras investigaciones muestran una acción favorecedora del cáncer de mama: 1) La actividad mitótica en las mamas es máxima durante la fase lútea, período en que predomina la progesterona. 2) En cultivos celulares los gestágenos estimulan la proliferación de algunas líneas celulares de cáncer de mama. 3) El uso de anticonceptivos orales con progestágenos y la medroxiprogesterona de depósito aumentan en mujeres jóvenes el riesgo de cáncer mamario. 4) En el reemplazo hormonal postmenopáusico varios estudios sugieren que la medroxiprogesterona incrementa el riesgo oncogénico. Conclusión: No existen datos que permitan afirmar con certeza que el uso de POP no tiene riesgos en pacientes con cáncer de mama.

Comparative efficacy, persistent effect, and treatment intervals of anthelmintic pastes in naturally infected horses.

Eighty horses were involved in a comparative, controlled, and randomised field study conducted in Australia and Brazil. This study was undertaken to address the duration of efficacy (by faecal egg count reduction) of four anthelmintic pastes and to measure the time required between treatments on horses naturally infected by gastrointestinal nematodes. The treatment interval was based on the egg reappearance period (ERP), defined as "the period after treatment when horses have reached a positive egg count equal or superior to 200 eggs per gram (epg) of faeces". Horses were ranked according to pre-treatment faecal egg counts and randomly allocated on Day 0 to one of the four treatment groups (n=16). Group A received a combination of ivermectin at 200 microg/kg and praziquantel at 1.5mg/kg, Group B received an ivermectin paste at 200 microg/kg, Group C received a reference product containing ivermectin at 200 microg/kg, Group D received a moxidectin paste at 400 microg/kg, and Group E received a placebo. Horses were individually faecal sampled at weekly interval from Days 0 to 70 after treatment and coprocultures were made on pooled samples at the pre-treatment time on D-7 in Brazil and D-6 in Australia. The nematode population was mainly composed of small strongyles (Cyathostominae, Gyalocephalus spp., Triodontophorus spp.). All products were efficient (>90% efficacy) until Day 42 with no statistical difference between groups. From Day 49 onwards, Group C reached the threshold, while Group B exceeded this threshold on Day 56. Groups A and D remained below 200 epg for the entire study period (70 days). The interval between two anthelmintic treatments can vary according to the threshold. The ERP was defined as the period after treatment while the output of eggs is negligible or considered as acceptable. The mean number of days calculated to recurrence of 200 epg and more was, respectively, 60 days for product A, 56 days for products B and C, and 64 days for product D. If treatments are combined with other methods of limiting exposure to infective larvae on pasture, the number of treatments required will be reduced even further.

Immunotargeting of glucose oxidase: intracellular production of H(2)O(2) and endothelial oxidative stress.

Extracellular and intracellular reactive oxygen species attack different targets and may, therefore, result in different forms of oxidative stress. To specifically study an oxidative stress induced by a regulated intracellular flux of a defined reactive oxygen species in endothelium, we used immunotargeting of the H(2)O(2)-generating enzyme glucose oxidase (GOX) conjugated with an antibody to platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM)-1, an endothelial surface antigen. Anti-PECAM-(125)I-GOX conjugates specifically bind to both endothelial and PECAM-transfected cells. Approximately 70% of cell-bound anti-PECAM-(125)I-GOX was internalized. The cell-bound conjugate was enzymatically active and generated H(2)O(2) from glucose. Use of the fluorescent dye dihydrorhodamine 123 revealed that 70% of H(2)O(2) was generated intracellularly, whereas 30% of H(2)O(2) was detected in the cell medium. Catalase added to the cells eliminated H(2)O(2) in the medium but had little effect on the intracellular generation of H(2)O(2) by anti-PECAM-GOX. Both H(2)O(2) added exogenously to the cell medium (extracellular H(2)O(2)) and that generated by anti-PECAM-GOX caused oxidative stress manifested by time- and dose-dependent irreversible plasma membrane damage. Inactivation of cellular catalase by aminotriazole treatment augmented damage caused by either extracellular H(2)O(2) or anti-PECAM-GOX. Catalase added to the medium protected either normal or aminotriazole-treated cells against extracellular H(2)O(2), yet failed to protect cells against injury induced by anti-PECAM-GOX. Therefore, treatment of PECAM-positive cells with anti-PECAM-GOX leads to conjugate internalization, predominantly intracellular H(2)O(2) generation and intracellular oxidative stress. These results indicate that anti-PECAM-GOX 1) provides cell-specific intracellular delivery of an active enzyme and 2) causes intracellular oxidative stress in PECAM-positive cells.

Paracoccidioidomycosis manifesting as oral lesions: clinical, cytological and serological investigation.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (South American blastomycosis) is a systemic mycosis which can be associated with oral lesions. This study on a group of 14 patients showed oral lesions mainly on the gingival or alveolar mucosa, with pulmonary involvement detectable on chest radiography in most. Microscopic detection of the fungus on a direct smear showed positive results in all 14 patients. Serological investigations including immunodiffusion, counterimmunoelectrophoresis and immunoblot were also positive in 100% of cases. The results suggest that direct smear together with serology may obviate the need for lesional biopsy for the diagnosis of oral paracoccidioidomycosis.

Prevalência e variaçöes mensais das larvas de Oestrus ovis (Linneus, 1761) em ovinos no município de Bagé, RS, Brasil / Prevalence and monthly variations of Oestrus ovis larvae (Linneus, 1761) in sheep, in Bagé, RS, Brazil

Estudos realizados entre janeiro/86 e dezembro/87, em Bagé (RS, Brasil) mostraram que a mosca Oestrus ovis pode parasitar os ovinos durante o ano todo, com uma prevalência de infestaçäo que varia de 50 a 100%. As infestaçöes mais intensas ocorrem nos meses de abril e julho. Os piques populacionais de O. ovis nos animais positivos ocorreram para as larvas de 1§ estágio (L1) e larvas de 2§ estágio (L2) nos meses de abril e julho e para as larvas de 3§ estágio (L3), em fevereiro, julho e outubro