Una vista a la tasa de mortalidad por enfermedad de alzheimer en Chile en el periodo de 2017 a 2021 / A view of the mortality rate due to alzheimer's disease in Chile in the period from 2017 to 2021

Introducción: La enfermedad de Alzheimer (EA) es la principal causa de demencia, caracterizada por pérdida progresiva de memoria. Principal fuente de morbimortalidad en mayores de 65 años. En los últimos 20 años las muertes por EA han aumentado un 145% en el mundo. En Chile no hay estudios actuales que describan mortalidad por EA. El objetivo del presente trabajo es analizar y comparar las tasas de mortalidad (TM) por EA según sexo y grupo etario en Chile entre 2017-2021. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, ecológico, sobre defunciones por EA entre 2017-2021 en Chile según sexo y grupo etario (n=10.223). Información obtenida de la base de datos del Departamento de Estadísticas e Información de Salud. Se realizó estadística descriptiva y cálculo de TM. No se requiere comité de ética. Resultados: La máxima TM del periodo fue 11,74 por cada 100.000 habitantes en 2021. El sexo femenino logró la mayor TM en este periodo. El grupo etario con mayor cantidad de defunciones fue el de 81 o más años con 76.6% (7.829) de las defunciones totales. Discusión: Se evidenció mantención y luego ascenso de TM por EA, podría deberse al aumento en la esperanza de vida. La mayor frecuencia de defunciones según sexo y edad, podría explicarse por mayor vulnerabilidad femenina a desarrollar EA y a cambios fisiológicos del envejecimiento. En conclusión, la TM por EA en Chile ha aumentado, probablemente secundario al aumento en la esperanza de vida. Se hace un llamado a continuar el estudio de la patología.

Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, characterized by progressive memory loss. It is the main source of morbidity and mortality in individuals over 65 years of age, with age being its primary non-modifiable risk factor. In the last 20 years, deaths from AD have increased by 145% worldwide. However, there are no current studies in Chile that describe mortality from AD. The objective of this study is to analyze and compare mortality rates due to AD according to sex and age group in the Chilean population during the years 2017-2021. Material and Methods: Descriptive, ecological study on deaths from AD between 2017-2021 in Chile, categorized by sex and age group (n=10,223). The database was obtained from the Department of Health Statistics and Information. Descriptive statistics and mortality rate calculations were performed. No ethics committee approval was required. Results: The maximum mortality rate (MR) was observed in 2021 with a value of 11.74 per 100,000 inhabitants. Women had the highest MR in this period. The age group with the highest number of deaths was 81 years or older, accounting for 76.6% (7,829) of the total deaths. Discussion: A plateau and subsequent increase in MR due to AD were observed, possibly explained by the increase in life expectancy. The higher frequency of deaths in women and specific age groups may be attributed to the higher vulnerability of women to developing AD and physiological changes related to aging. In conclusion, the MR from AD has increased in Chile, likely due to the rise in life expectancy, emphasizing the importance of continued research on this pathology.

Fish products developed from ground rainbow trout and tilapia fillet mixtures: physico-chemical, microbiological and toxicological analyses / Produtos de pescado elaborados a partir de misturas de carne moída de truta-arco-íris (Oncorhynchus mykiss) e tilápia (Oreochromis sp. ): análises físico-químicas, microbiológicas e toxicológicas

Constant fishing industry innovations in response to consumer demands for novel, balanced healthy products exhibiting high nutritional value, as well as easy to prepare and ready to consume, have led to the emergence of new technologies. Among them, the development of products based on ground beef and fish mixtures are noteworthy. In this context, the purpose of this study was to develop products from different ground rainbow trout and tilapia fillet ratios, in the form of meatballs and nuggets, determining their proximate composition and physico-chemical, microbiological and toxicological characteristics. The average dry matter percentage of the developed products was 29.20±2.30%, while mineral content was 1.45±0.55%, lipid pulp content, 3.70±0.30% and crude pulp protein, 16.60±2.04%. Total psychotropic counts remained below 102 CFU/g, for standard counting on aerobic microorganism plates. Histamine and sulfur-based compounds were not detected in any of the prepared samples. The purpose of the work proposal was to develop foods and technologies that can serve as standards, allowing for simple handling products that apply ground meat mixtures from different fish species to maintain adequate nutritional indices after processing.(AU)

A constante inovação da indústria pesqueira, em resposta às demandas dos consumidores por novos produtos saudáveis, com alto valor nutritivo, balanceados, de fácil preparo e prontos para consumo, levou ao surgimento de novas tecnologias, entre elas o desenvolvimento de produtos à base de mistura de carne moída de pescado. Nesse contexto, a proposta deste trabalho é desenvolver produtos a partir de carne moída de pescado de truta-arco-íris e tilápia, confeccionando almôndegas e nuggets em diferentes proporções, com determinação da composição centesimal e de suas características físico-químicas, microbiológicas e toxicológicas. A matéria seca percentual média foi de 29,20±2,30%. Teores de matéria mineral nos produtos estão em 1,45±0,55%. Os teores de lipídeos aferidos na polpa foram de 3,70±0,30%, e os níveis de proteína bruta apresentados na polpa de 16,60±2,04%. A contagem de psicrotróficos totais manteve-se abaixo de 102 CFU/g, para contagem padrão em placas de micro-organismos aeróbicos. Nas amostras, não foram detectados níveis de histamina e de compostos à base de enxofre. A proposta de trabalho objetivou, por fim, desenvolver alimentos e tecnologias que possam servir como padrões, permitindo que produtos de manipulação simples e que utilizem misturas de carne moída de diferentes espécies de pescado mantenham índices nutricionais adequados após o processamento.(AU)

Expression of myo-inositol cotransporters in the sciatic nerve and dorsal root ganglia in experimental diabetes.

The transport of myo-inositol is the main mechanism for the maintenance of its high intracellular levels. We aimed to measure the mRNA and protein levels of myo-inositol cotransporters in the sciatic nerve (SN) and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) during experimental diabetes. Streptozotocin-induced (STZ; 4, 8, and 12 weeks; 65 mg/kg; ip) diabetic rats (DB) and age-matched euglycemic (E) rats were used for the analysis of mRNA and protein levels of sodium myo-inositol cotransporters 1, 2 (SMIT1, SMIT2) or H+/myo-inositol cotransporter (HMIT). There was a significant reduction in the mRNA levels for SMIT1 in the SN and DRG (by 36.9 and 31.0%) in the 4-week DB (DB4) group compared to the E group. SMIT2 was not expressed in SN. The mRNA level for SMIT2 was up-regulated only in the DRG in the DB4 group. On the other hand, the protein level of SMIT1 decreased by 42.5, 41.3, and 44.8% in the SN after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of diabetes, respectively. In addition, there was a decrease of 64.3 and 58.0% of HMIT in membrane and cytosolic fractions, respectively, in the SN of the DB4 group. In the DRG, there was an increase of 230 and 86.3% for SMIT1 and HMIT, respectively, in the DB12 group. The levels of the main inositol transporters, SMIT1 and HMIT, were greatly reduced in the SN but not in the DRG. SMIT-1 was selectively reduced in the sciatic nerve during experimental STZ-induced diabetes.

Expression of myo-inositol cotransporters in the sciatic nerve and dorsal root ganglia in experimental diabetes

The transport of myo-inositol is the main mechanism for the maintenance of its high intracellular levels. We aimed to measure the mRNA and protein levels of myo-inositol cotransporters in the sciatic nerve (SN) and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) during experimental diabetes. Streptozotocin-induced (STZ; 4, 8, and 12 weeks; 65 mg/kg; ip) diabetic rats (DB) and age-matched euglycemic (E) rats were used for the analysis of mRNA and protein levels of sodium myo-inositol cotransporters 1, 2 (SMIT1, SMIT2) or H+/myo-inositol cotransporter (HMIT). There was a significant reduction in the mRNA levels for SMIT1 in the SN and DRG (by 36.9 and 31.0%) in the 4-week DB (DB4) group compared to the E group. SMIT2 was not expressed in SN. The mRNA level for SMIT2 was up-regulated only in the DRG in the DB4 group. On the other hand, the protein level of SMIT1 decreased by 42.5, 41.3, and 44.8% in the SN after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of diabetes, respectively. In addition, there was a decrease of 64.3 and 58.0% of HMIT in membrane and cytosolic fractions, respectively, in the SN of the DB4 group. In the DRG, there was an increase of 230 and 86.3% for SMIT1 and HMIT, respectively, in the DB12 group. The levels of the main inositol transporters, SMIT1 and HMIT, were greatly reduced in the SN but not in the DRG. SMIT-1 was selectively reduced in the sciatic nerve during experimental STZ-induced diabetes.

Effect of Denosumab on Bone Mineral Density and Markers of Bone Turnover among Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of denosumab (Dmab) on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers after 1 year of treatment. Additionally, the effect of Dmab in bisphosphonate-naïve patients (BP-naïve) compared to patients previously treated with bisphosphonates (BP-prior) was analyzed. This retrospective study included 425 postmenopausal women treated with Dmab for 1 year in clinical practice conditions in specialized centers from Argentina. Participants were also divided according to previous bisphosphonate treatment into BP-naïve and BP-prior. A control group of patients treated with BP not switched to Dmab matched by sex, age, and body mass index was used. Data are expressed as mean ± SEM. After 1 year of treatment with Dmab the bone formation markers total alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin were significantly decreased (23.36% and 43.97%, resp.), as was the bone resorption marker s-CTX (69.61%). Significant increases in BMD were observed at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip without differences between BP-naïve and BP-prior. A better BMD response was found in BP-prior group compared with BP treated patients not switched to Dmab. Conclusion. Dmab treatment increased BMD and decreased bone turnover markers in the whole group, with similar response in BP-naïve and BP-prior patients. A better BMD response in BP-prior patients versus BP treated patients not switched to Dmab was observed.

Comparison of biofilm and attachment mechanisms of a phytopathological and clinical isolate of Klebsiella pneumoniae Subsp. pneumoniae.

Some bacterial species can colonize humans and plants. It is almost impossible to prevent the contact of clinically pathogenic bacteria with food crops, and if they can persist there, they can reenter the human food chain and cause disease. On the leaf surface, microorganisms are exposed to a number of stress factors. It is unclear how they survive in such different environments. By increasing adhesion to diverse substrates, minimizing environmental differences, and providing protection against defence mechanisms, biofilms could provide part of the answer. Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae is clinically important and also associated with fruit diseases, such as "pineapple fruit collapse." We aimed to characterize biofilm formation and adhesion mechanisms of this species isolated from pineapple in comparison with a clinical isolate. No differences were found between the two isolates quantitatively or qualitatively. Both tested positive for capsule formation and were hydrophobic, but neither produced adherence fibres, which might account for their relatively weak adhesion compared to the positive control Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 35984. Both produced biofilms on glass and polystyrene, more consistently at 40°C than 35°C, confirmed by atomic force and high-vacuum scanning electron microscopy. Biofilm formation was maintained in an acidic environment, which may be relevant phytopathologically.

Sistematización de las experiencias del curso en línea Nuevas tecnologías y Terapia Ocupacional: nuevas competencias para la terapia ocupacional / Systematization of the experiences of the course on line New Technologies and Occupational Therapy: new competences for occupational therapy

Este articulo sistematiza diferentes aspectos del desarrollo, implementación y resultados del curso “Las Nuevas Tecnologías y Terapia Ocupacional”, el primer curso on-line en Chile, creado por REHABCHILE, orientado a estudiantes y Terapeutas ocupacionales. Este curso tuvo como propósito que los participantes pudiesen aprender acerca de lo que actualmente se conoce como Tecnologías de Información y Comunicación, y explorar sus posibles usos a través de actividades grupales, relacionadas con el quehacer de la Terapia Ocupacional. La metodología de enseñanza utilizada en este curso fue el “Aprendizaje Colaborativo” y el modo de trabajo fue on-line. El curso tuvo una duración de 5 meses, constó con tres módulos de trabajo y 21 participantes, los cuales se dividieron en cinco grupos. Los resultados de éste curso muestran un grado de satisfacción positivo de los participantes con la modalidad de trabajo utilizado y con las herramientas tecnológicas exploradas. Además, los resultados de este curso demuestran que existe un número creciente de profesionales y estudiantes que están interesados en conocer los usos y beneficios de las nuevas tecnologías en el contexto de la Terapia Ocupacional. En conclusión, la sociedad está siendo testigo de una nueva era de la información y la comunicación, la cual está influyendo decisivamente en las actividades de la vida diaria de miles de personas. Es por esto que la Terapia Ocupacional debe acercarse a las nuevas tecnologías para evaluar las oportunidades que estas ofrecen para facilitar el debate, la construcción del conocimiento y el desarrollo profesional, lo mas pronto posible.

This article systematizes different aspects of development, implementation and outcomes of the course “New Technologies and Occupational Therapy”, the first on-line course in Chile, created by REHABCHILE and directed towards Occupational Therapy students and professionals. This course had as purpose that participants could learn about what is currently known as Information and Communication Technologies, and explore its possible uses through group activities related to the practice of Occupational Therapy. The methodology of teaching used in this course was the “Collaborative Learning” and the type of work was on-line. The course lasted 5 months, consisted of three modules of work and had 21 participants who were divided into five groups. The results of this course reveal a positive level of participant satisfaction with the working method used and the technological tools explored. Furthermore, the results of this course demonstrate that there is a growing number of professionals and students who are interested in the uses and benefits of new technologies in the context of Occupational Therapy. In conclusion, society is witnessing a new era of information and communication, which is decisively influencing the activities of the daily lives of thousands of people. This is why Occupational Therapy should approach these new technologies to evaluate the opportunities that they offer to facilitate discussion, knowledge building and professional development, as soon as possible.

Chronic treatment with D-chiro-inositol prevents autonomic and somatic neuropathy in STZ-induced diabetic mice.

AIM: D-chiro-inositol (DCI) has been shown to prevent and reverse endothelial dysfunction in diabetic rats and rabbits. The present study evaluates the preventive effect of DCI on experimental diabetic neuropathy (DN). METHODS: Streptozotocin-induced (STZ) diabetic mice were treated by oral gavage for 60 days with DCI (20 mg/kg/12 h) or saline (NaCl 0.9%; 0.1 ml/10 g/12 h; Diab) and compared with euglycaemic groups treated with saline (0.1 ml/10 g/12 h; Eugly). We compared the response of the isolated sciatic nerve, corpora cavernosa or vas deferens to electrical stimulation. RESULTS: The electrically evoked compound action potential of the sciatic nerve was greatly blunted by diabetes. The peak-to-peak amplitude (PPA) was decreased from 3.24 ± 0.7 to 0.9 ± 0.2 mV (p < 0.05), the conduction velocity (CV) of the first component was reduced from 46.78 ± 4.5 to 26.69 ± 3.8 ms (p < 0.05) and chronaxy was increased from 60.43 ± 1.9 to 69.67 ± 1.4 ms (p < 0.05). These parameters were improved in nerves from DCI-treated mice (p < 0.05). PPA in the DCI group was 5.79 ± 0.8 mV (vs. 0.9 ± 0.2 mV-Diab; p < 0.05) and CV was 45.91 ± 3.6 ms (vs. 26.69 ± 3.8 ms-Diab; p < 0.05). Maximal relaxation of the corpus cavernosum evoked by electrical stimulation (2-64 Hz) in the Diab group was 36.4 ± 3.8% compared to 65.4 ± 2.8% in Eugly and 59.3 ± 5.5% in the DCI group (p < 0.05). Maximal contraction obtained in the vas deferens was 38.0 ± 9.2% in Eugly and 11.5 ± 2.6% in Diab (decrease of 69.7%; p < 0.05), compared to 25.2 ± 2.3% in the DCI group (p < 0.05 vs. diabetic). Electron microscopy of the sciatic nerves showed prevention of neuronal damage. CONCLUSIONS: DCI has a neuroprotective action in both autonomic and somatic nerves in STZ-induced DN.

Human umbilical cord stromal stem cell express CD10 and exert contractile properties.

BACKGROUND: It has been demonstrated that human umbilical cord stromal stem cells (UCSSCs) are bio-equivalent to bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. However, little is known about their tissue origin or in vivo functions, and data on their expansion properties are limited due to early senescence in the culture methods described to date. METHODS: UC sections and cultured UCSSCs were analyzed with a panel of 12 antibodies. UCSSCs were grown in low-FCS containing medium at 5% or 21% oxygen and were assayed for their clonogenic properties, karyotype stability, expression of specific cellular markers, and multi-lineage potential. UCSSC contractile properties were evaluated by using collagen gel contraction assays under cytokine stimulus. RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry studies showed that the UCSSCs were derived from the Wharton's jelly and not from the vascular smooth muscle sheath of the blood vessels. UCSSC growth properties were increased in a 5% oxygen atmosphere in comparison to normoxic culture conditions. In both culture conditions, UCSSCs were CD14-, CD34-, and CD45-negative while expressing high levels of CD73, CD90 and CD105 and maintaining their differentiation potentialities. UCSSCs expressed alpha smooth muscle actin and behaved as functional myofibroblasts when cellular contraction was challenged with appropriate stimuli. CONCLUSIONS: UCSCs are mesenchymal stem cells that reside in the perivascular area of Wharton's jelly and are phenotypically and functionally related to myofibroblasts.

Componentes ocupacionales a evaluar en el proceso de tratamiento y rehabilitación del consumo problemático de drogas / Assessment of occupational components in the treatment and rehabilitation process of problematic drug abuse

La recolección de datos se llevó a cabo a través de la revisión de la literatura existente sobre el tema y una entrevista semiestructurada a siete Terapeutas Ocupacionales, con experiencia en el área de estudio. La entrevista se centró en los siguientes temas: Componentes Ocupacionales evaluados por terapeutasocupacionales durante el proceso de Tratamiento y Rehabilitación, modelos y evaluaciones utilizadas por terapeutas ocupacionales y Componentes Ocupacionales que muestran mayor déficit. Los resultados de esta investigación revelaron que la mayoría de los terapeutas ocupacionales evalúan los componentes ocupacionales de rutina/hábitos, roles, volición, tiempo libre e historia laboral en la etapa de ingreso a Centros de Tratamiento y Rehabilitación. Los resultados también revelaron una carencia de modelos y evaluaciones adecuadas y específicas desde la Terapia Ocupacional en el tema de estudio. Este estudio concluye en que existe una carencia de homogeneidad en el lenguaje, instrumentos de evaluación y los modelos utilizados entre Terapeutas Ocupacionales en los distintos Centros de Tratamiento y Rehabilitación.

This research topic is framed within the field of occupational therapy and problematic drug abuse. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore what occupational components occupational therapists assess in the process of treatment and rehabilitation of problematic drug abuse. The study also explores the models and assessments used during this process. The participants were selected out of the list of Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers, that provides Occupational Therapy intervention in an Intensive Outpatient Program. This list was obtained from thedatabase of the National Council for Narcotics Control (CONACE). Data was collected through literature review on the topic and semi-structured interviews with seven Occupational Therapists with experience in the field of Drug Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation. Theinterviews focused on the following topics: occupational components that are assessed for occupational therapists during the process of Treatment and Rehabilitation, models or theoretical frameworks and assessments used during this process and occupational components most affected. The results revealed that the majority of occupational therapists evaluate the occupational components of routine / habits, roles, volition, leisure and work history at the stage of admission to Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers. In addition, the results reveal a lack of appropriate and specific models andassessments from the occupational therapy perspective within the field of drug abuse. This study concludes that there is a lack of homogeneity in language, assessment tools and models used between the Occupational Therapists working in the Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers.

Argumentos de mujeres atendidas en su parto y nacimiento de sus bebés por parteras / Arguments posed by women assisted by midwives at during childbirth

Se describen los argumentos de 5 mujeres que utilizaron los servicios de partera en los últimos 5 años. Se utilizó una entrevista no estructurada de pregunta abierta. Se realizó análisis de contenido de categorías, se calcularon frecuencias y porcentajes. Los argumentos para optar por la atención de parteras entre otros son creencias de bienestar, preferencias de acompañamiento y experiencias con el sector salud, no ser afiliada al sector de salud, la influencia de amigos, la distancia del centro hospitalario, creencia de disminución del riesgo de enfermedad o muerte del recién nacido y las actividades y los procedimientos realizados por la partera a la madre. Los resultados sugieren involucrar, además del componente de género, un enfoque familiar y social en los servicios gineco obstétricos, e incluirlos en los currículos de Medicina y Enfermería para formar profesionales que respondan a las necesidades de esta población.

Anthelmintic activity of Azadirachta indica A. Juss against sheep gastrointestinal nematodes.

Gastrointestinal nematode control has been performed through use of anthelmintics. However, the development of resistant populations has required research into new alternatives. There are popular reports about anti-parasitic activity of Azadirachta indica in animals and plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of A. indica after feeding sheep with the dried leaves. In this experiment, 40 sheep were allotted into four treatment groups. Group I received a treatment of A. indica dry leaves mixed in a concentrate at a rate of 0.1 g/kg dose for 3 months. Group II was treated with double the dose of Group I. Group III was treated with closantel (Diantel) at the manufacturer-recommended dose once at the beginning of the study and Group IV was not treated. To compare treatment effects, the following parameters were evaluated: egg count per gram of feces (EPG), worm burden, weight gain and haematocrit. EPG and worm burden results were statistically evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Haematocrit and live weight gain were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the means evaluated by Tukey's test with 95% probability. None of the evaluated parameters of the treatment groups were statistically different when compared to the control group, demonstrating that, with the protocol used, A. indica has no anthelmintic effect.

Mercury content in shark species from the South-Eastern Brazilian coast

We present here the first results of Hg concentrations in three small shark species (Rhizoprionodon lalandei, R. porosus and Mustelus higmani) from the SE Brazilian coast. Mercury concentrations in R. lalandei ranged from 21.5 to 280.0 ng.g-1 dry weight (d.w.) (average 74.6 ng.g-1 d.w.; 17.9 ng.g-1 wet weight). In R. porosus, concentrations ranged from 7.6 to 90.5 ng.g-1 d.w. (average 42.2 ng.g-1 d.w., 9.4 ng.g-1 wet weight), whereas in M. higmani, concentrations ranged from 13.0 to 162.8 ng.g-1 d.w. (average 54.9 ng.g-1 d.w., 13.4 ng.g-1 wet weight). These concentration ranges are very low compared with values reported for other large shark species of the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. There was a significant positive correlation between Hg concentrations and individual size, suggesting that biomagnification is occurring in these animals

Elevación del ST, bloqueo de rama derecha y muerte súbita: síndrome de brugada / ST segment elevation Right bundle brabch block and sudden death: brugadaïs syndrome

El síndrome de Brugada es una de las principales causas de muerte súbita en adultos jóvenes sin enfermedad cardiaca estructural. Se trata de una enfermedad eléctrica cardiaca caracterizada por una mutación del gen SCN5A en el cromosoma 3, con transmisión autosómica dominante, que da lugar a una disfunción del canal de sodio. Esta se acompaña de un incremento en la Ito que implica pérdida del domo de la fase 2 del potencial de acción epicárdico. Esta alteración se asocia con una repolarización del tipo "Todo o nada" que origina una reentrada en fase dos. Dicha reentrada es la responsable de iniciar y perpetuar a las arritmias ventriculares (taquicardia o fibrilación ventricular) en estos pacientes. El patrón electrocardiográfico de bloqueo de rama derecha, elevación del ST de V1 a V3 y la presencia de muerte súbita o síncope son las características clínicas de este síndrome. En algunos enfermos es necesario realizar una prueba farmacológica con ajmalina o procainamida para evidenciar los cambios eléctricos.El único tratamiento disponible en la actualidad es el desfibrilador automático implantable (DAI). Con este aparato se reduce la mortalidad desde un 40 por ciento anual a un 0 por ciento a diez años. El tratamiento farmacológico no es útil.

Mercury content in shark species from the South-Eastern Brazilian coast.

We present here the first results of Hg concentrations in three small shark species (Rhizoprionodon lalandei, R. porosus and Mustelus higmani) from the SE Brazilian coast. Mercury concentrations in R. lalandei ranged from 21.5 to 280.0 ng.g-1 dry weight (d.w.) (average 74.6 ng.g-1 d.w.; 17.9 ng.g-1 wet weight). In R. porosus, concentrations ranged from 7.6 to 90.5 ng.g-1 d.w. (average 42.2 ng.g-1 d.w., 9.4 ng.g-1 wet weight), whereas in M. higmani, concentrations ranged from 13.0 to 162.8 ng.g-1 d.w. (average 54.9 ng.g-1 d.w., 13.4 ng.g-1 wet weight). These concentration ranges are very low compared with values reported for other large shark species of the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. There was a significant positive correlation between Hg concentrations and individual size, suggesting that biomagnification is occurring in these animals.

Longitudinal study of acute respiratory diseases in Rio de Janeiro: occurrence of respiratory viruses during four consecutive years

Investigamos, durante um periodo de 4 anos (1982 a 1985), a ocorrencia de virus em secrecoes de nasofaringe coletadas de criancas com menos de 5 anos de idade apresentando quadro clinico de infeccao respiratoria aguda (IRA), residentes na cidade do Rio de Janeiro. Foram encontrados todos os virus conhecidos como associados a IRA, com excessao do virus influenza C e parainfluenza 1, 2 e 4. Virus foram isolados mais frequentemente de criancas internadas em salas de emergencia e enfermarias que daquelas atendidas em ambulatorio. Este fato esta claramente relacionado com a alta incidencia do virus sincicial respiratorio (RSV) nos casos mais severos de IRA. Especimes positivos para RSV aparecem principalmente durante o outono, nos 4 anos consecutivos, indicando uma ocorrencia sazonal. As salas de emergencias sao a melhor fonte de dados para vigilancia do RSV, onde um aumento no numero de casos positivos corresponde a um aumento no numero total de casos de IRA internados. Os adenovirus ocupam o segundo lugar entre os virus frequentemente isolados, sendo predominante os sorotipos 1, 2 e 7. Embora em menor numero os virus influenza e parainfluenza tipo 3 tambem sao encontrados. Virus influenza A foram isolados igualmente em criancas internadas em enfermarias, salas de emergencia e nos pacientes atendidos em...

Longitudinal study of acute respiratory diseases in Rio de Janeiro: occurrence of respiratory viruses during four consecutive years.

The occurrence of different viruses in nasopharyngeal secretions from children less than 5 years old with acute respiratory infections (ARI) was investigated over a period of 4 years (1982-1985) in Rio de Janeiro. Of the viruses known to be associated with ARI, all but influenza C and parainfluenza types 1, 2 and 4 were found. Viruses were found more frequently in children attending emergency or pediatric wards than in outpatients. This was clearly related to the high incidence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the more severe cases of ARI. RSV positive specimens appeared mainly during the fall, over four consecutive years, showing a clear seasonal occurrence of this virus. Emergency wards provide the best source of data for RSV surveillance, showing sharp increase in the number of positive cases coinciding with increased incidence of ARI cases. Adenovirus were the second most frequent viruses isolated and among these serotypes 1, 2 and 7 were predominant. Influenza virus and parainfluenza virus type 3 were next in frequency. Influenza A virus were isolated with equal frequency in outpatient departments, emergency and pediatric wards. Influenza B was more frequent among outpatients. Parainfluenza type 3 caused outbreaks in the shanty-town population annually during the late winter or spring and were isolated mainly from outpatients. Herpesvirus, enterovirus and rhinovirus were found less frequently. Other viruses than RSV and parainfluenza type 3 did not show a clear seasonal incidence.

Comparison of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), immuno-electron microscopy (IEM) and enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for the rapid diagnosis of rotavirus infection in children.

Detection of rotavirus RNA by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) proved to be a highly sensitive and rapid diagnostic test. A comparison of this assay with immuno-electron microscopy (IEM) and enzyme immunoassay (EIA) in 245 faeces from children with gastroenteritis revealed complete agreement between the three assays in 238 (97.14%) samples. Among 75 samples positive in at least one of the three assays, negative results were observed in 5 (6.48%) by PAGE, in 6 (6.76%) by EIA and in none by IEM. Silver staining greatly increased the sensitivity of the PAGE assay. We conclude that although IEM remains the most sensitive and rapid rotavirus diagnostic assay, the PAGE technique has many advantages in its favour, including the non-requirement of expensive equipment, the use of only chemically defined reagents and the capacity to distinguish virus subgroup and variants and to detect non-crossreactive rotaviruses which are missed in serological assays.