Aqueous ozone therapy improves the standard treatment of leishmaniasis lesions in animals leading to local and systemic alterations.

The current treatment of leishmaniasis presents some problems, such as cell toxicity, parenteral route, and time of treatment. Ozone emerges as an option to accelerate the standard treatment due to the immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and wound healing activity reported in the literature. This work aimed to evaluate the efficacy of aqueous ozone as an adjuvant to the standard treatment of cutaneous lesions caused by Leishmania amazonensis in an experimental model. For in vivo experiments, mice were randomly distributed in 6 groups, which were infected with L. amazonensis and treated in five different schedules using the standard treatment with Glucantime® with or without aqueous ozone. After the last day of treatment, the animals were euthanized and were analyzed: the thickness of lesions; collagen deposition, the parasitic burden of the lesions; blood leukocyte number; NO; and cytokine dosages and arginase activity from peritoneal macrophages. All treated groups showed a decrease in the lesion, but with a significative deposition of collagen in lesions with local ozone treatment. The parasite burden showed that ozone enhanced the leishmanicidal activity of the reference drug. The reduction of NO production and blood leukocyte count and increases in the arginase activity showed an immunomodulatory activity of ozone in the treated animals. Thus, ozone therapy has been shown to work as an adjuvant in the treatment of Leishmania lesions, enhancing leishmanicidal and wound healing activity of standard treatment.

Efeito do extrato da própolis e do digluconato de clorexidina sobre a formação de biofilme por Candida albicans em resina acrílica / Effect of propolis extract and chlorhexidine digluconate on the biofilm formation by Candida albicans in acrylic resin

Objetivo: avaliar in vitro a ação antimicrobiana do extrato da própolis (EP) e do digluconato de clorexidina (DCHX) na formação de biofilme por Candida albicans em resina acrílica termopolimerizada. Métodos: o efeito do EP e DCHX em biofilmes de C. albicans foi avaliado pela quantificação de Unidades Formadoras de Colônias (UFCs), pela quantificação da biomassa por cristal violeta e de polissacarídeos por safranina. Para tanto, C. albicans foram pré-aderidas em corpos de prova e somente em microplacas de poliestireno, posteriormente foi realizado o tratamento com diferentes concentrações de EP (221 µg/mL e 443 µg/mL) e DCHX (0,25% e 0,5%). Resultados: foi demonstrada uma redução significativa na formação de biofilme por C. albicans com ambas as substâncias testadas e em todas as concentrações. Conclusão: de acordo com os resultados, observou-se que ambos os tratamentos foram eficazes na redução do biofilme e que o EP, por ser um produto natural, de baixo custo e sem afeitos colaterais, representa uma alternativa inovadora para o tratamento da candidose oral em usuários de próteses removíveis.(AU)

Objective: to evaluate in vitro the antimicrobial action of propolis extract (EP) and chlorhexidine digluconate (DCHX) in the biofilm formation by Candida albicans in thermopolymerized acrylic resin. Methods: the effect of EP and DCHX on C. albicans biofilms were evaluated through the quantification of Colony Forming Units (CFU's), the quantification of biomass by violet crystal and polysaccharides by safranin. For this purpose, C. albicans were pre-adhered to specimens and only on polystyrene microplates and subsequently the treatment was performed with different concentrations of EP (221 µg/mL and 443 µg/mL) and DCHX (0.25% and 0,5%). Results: a significant reduction in the biofilm formation by C. albicans was demonstrated, with both substances tested and in all concentrations. Conclusion: according to the results, it was observed that both treatments were effective in reducing biofilm and EP, being a natural product, low cost and without side effects, represents an innovative alternative for the treatment of oral candidiasis in users removable dentures.(AU)

Natural history of experimental arthritis induced by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in wistar rats.

INTRODUCTION: Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is the most prevalent systemic mycosis in Latin America. This study aimed to evaluate the natural history of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis-induced experimental arthritis of the knee joints in Wistar rats. METHODS: Rats were randomly allocated to either an absolute control group, or 15-day, 45-day, or 90-day experimental (fungus-inoculated) groups. RESULTS: Experimental groups developed classic signs of articular PCM. Titers of anti-gp43 were observed to increase during the interval from 15 to 45 days post-inoculation. CONCLUSIONS: Articular arthritic lesions were induced and progressed during the study period in all experimental groups.

Terapia fotodinâmica na artrite experimental induzida por Paracoccidioides brasiliensis / Photodynamic therapy in experimental arthritis induced by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a eficácia da terapia fotodinâmica com Brilliant Blue G no tratamento de um modelo experimental de artrite por Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (P. brasiliensis). MÉTODOS: Após a indução de artrite experimental com isolado de P. brasiliensis da linhagem Pb18 nos joelhos de ratos Wistar, os animais foram divididos em grupos e submetidos a terapia fotodinâmica com fotossensibilizador Brilliant Blue G intra-articular e a laserterapia apenas, sem o Brilliant Blue G. Todos os grupos receberam seus respectivos tratamentos do sétimo ao 11º dia. Para análise do edema foi mensurado o diâmetro latero-lateral do joelho de cada animal diariamente e após o período de tratamento os animais foram sacrificados para dissecação do joelho experimental e coleta de sangue para análise por ELISA, a fim de quantificar os níveis de anticorpos anti-P. brasiliensis. RESULTADOS: A aplicação da terapia fotodinâmica foi capaz de impedir a formação de edema quando comparado ao controle (p>0,005), bem como a produção de anticorpos anti-Gp-43 de P. brasiliensis (p=0,001). No exame anatomopatológico foi possível observar maior grau de sinovite e maior presença de granulomas com o fungo em seu interior no grupo que não recebeu tratamento quando comparado aos grupos que receberam a terapia fotodinâmica. CONCLUSÕES: A terapia fotodinâmica foi eficaz para atenuar a artrite experimental induzida por P. brasiliensis no modelo articular proposto.

AIMS: To evaluate the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy with Brilliant Blue G in the treatment of an experimental model of arthritis by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (P. brasiliensis). METHODS: After the induction of experimental arthritis with isolated from P. brasiliensis of lineage Pb18 in the knees of Wistar rats, the animals were divided into groups and submitted to photodynamic therapy with intra-articular Brilliant Blue G photosensitizer and laser therapy only, without Brilliant Blue G. All groups received their respective treatments from the seventh to the 11th day. For edema analysis, the knee lateral-lateral diameter of each animal was measured daily and after the treatment period the animals were sacrificed for experimental knee dissection and blood collection for analysis by ELISA, in order to quantify levels of anti-P. brasiliensis antibodies. RESULTS: The results showed that the application of photodynamic therapy was able to prevent the formation of edema when compared to the control (p>0.005), as well as the production of anti-Gp-43 antibodies from P. brasiliensis (p=0.001). In the anatomopathological examination it was possible to observe a higher degree of synovitis and a greater presence of granulomas with the fungus inside the group that did not receive treatment when compared to the groups that received the photodynamic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Photodynamic therapy was effective in attenuating the experimental arthritis induced by P. brasiliensis in the proposed joint model.

Natural history of experimental arthritis induced by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in wistar rats

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is the most prevalent systemic mycosis in Latin America. This study aimed to evaluate the natural history of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis-induced experimental arthritis of the knee joints in Wistar rats. METHODS: Rats were randomly allocated to either an absolute control group, or 15-day, 45-day, or 90-day experimental (fungus-inoculated) groups. RESULTS: Experimental groups developed classic signs of articular PCM. Titers of anti-gp43 were observed to increase during the interval from 15 to 45 days post-inoculation. CONCLUSIONS: Articular arthritic lesions were induced and progressed during the study period in all experimental groups.

Infection of silkworm larvae by the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae / Infecção de lagartas do bicho-da-seda pelo fungo entomopatogênico Metarhizium anisopliae

ABSTRACT: The isolate E9 of Metarhizium anisopliae was used in commercial hybrids of Bombyx mori larvae to evaluate its biological effect. Symptomatological analyses showed typical signs of fungal infection. Histopathology revealed the presence of large numbers of hemocytes in the hemocoel, and on the sixth dpi the bodies of the insects appeared to be colonised by the fungus. The isolate E9 is pathogenic to larvae B. mori and; therefore, death of the insects was caused by the colonization of fungus in the epidermal and mesodermal tissues.

RESUMO: O isolado E9 de Metarhizium anisopliae foi usado em larvas híbridas de Bombyx mori para avaliar seu efeito biológico. A sintomatologia revelou sinais típicos de infecção por fungos. Na histopatologia foi verificado um aumento no número de hemócitos, sendo que, no 6 dpi, todo o corpo do inseto se apresentou colonizado pelo fungo. O isolado E9 é patogênico para lagartas de B. mori, causando sua morte pela colonização dos tecidos de origem epidérmica e mesodérmica.

Cloning and expression of the xynA1 gene encoding a xylanase of the GH10 group in Caulobacter crescentus.

Caulobacter crescentus (NA1000 strain) are aquatic bacteria that can live in environments of low nutritional quality and present numerous genes that encode enzymes involved in plant cell wall deconstruction, including five genes for ß-xylosidases (xynB1-xynB5) and three genes for xylanases (xynA1-xynA3). The overall activity of xylanases in the presence of different agro-industrial residues was evaluated, and it was found that the residues from the processing of corn were the most efficient in inducing bacterial xylanases. The xynA1 gene (CCNA_02894) encoding a predicted xylanase of group 10 of glyco-hydrolases (GH10) that was efficiently overexpressed in Escherichia coli LMG194 using 0.02 % arabinose, after cloning into the vector pJet1.2blunt and subcloning into the expression vector pBAD/gIII, provided a fusion protein that contained carboxy-terminal His-tags, named XynA1. The characterization of pure XynA1 showed an enzymatic activity of 18.26 U mL(-1) and a specific activity of 2.22 U mg-(1) in the presence of xylan from beechwood as a substrate. XynA1 activity was inhibited by EDTA and metal ions such as Cu(2+) and Mg(2+). By contrast, ß-mercaptoethanol, dithiothreitol (DTT), and Ca(2+) induced recombinant enzyme activity. Kinetic data for XynA1 revealed K M and V max values of 3.77 mg mL-(1) and 10.20 µM min-(1), respectively. Finally, the enzyme presented an optimum pH of 6 and an optimum temperature of 50 °C. In addition, 80 % of the activity of XynA1 was maintained at 50 °C for 4 h of incubation, suggesting a thermal stability for the biotechnological processes. This work is the first study concerning the cloning, overexpression, and enzymatic characterization of C. crescentus xylanase.

EXPERIMENTAL PARACOCCIDIOIDOMYCOSIS IN PREGNANT RATS.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), caused by the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb), is the most prevalent systemic mycosis in Latin America. There are few reports in the literature about the disease damages during pregnancy and the consequences to the fetuses and breeding. This study evaluated the implications of PCM during pregnancy on offspring and mothers in Wistar rats. Groups of rats were submitted to systemic Pb infection, by intraperitoneal infusion, and mated 30 days after the infection date. Immediately after birth, rats and neonates were sacrificed to obtain organs for standard histological examination, morphometric analysis, fungi recovery by plating (CFU) and dosing of anti-Pb antibodies by ELISA. There were no stillbirths or miscarriages, however, the fetuses from infected pregnant rats had lower body and organ weight but the fertility rate was 100%. The largest number of CFU was recovered from the organ of pregnant rats, the pathological examination revealed more severe infection in the same group, further on the largest number of granulomas and fungal field. It can be concluded that the PCM was more severe in the group of pregnant rats, with implications to the weight of offspring.

Dose response effect of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in an experimental model of arthritis.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is caused by the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb) and corresponds to prevalent systemic mycosis in Latin America. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the dose response effect of the fungal yeast phase for the standardization of an experimental model of septic arthritis. The experiments were performed with groups of 14 rats that received doses of 103, 104 or 105 P. brasiliensis (Pb18) cells. The fungi were injected in 50 µL of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) directly into the knee joints of the animals. The following parameters were analyzed in this work: the formation of swelling in knees infused with yeast cells and the radiological and anatomopathological alterations, besides antibody titer by ELISA. After 15 days of infection, signs of inflammation were evident. At 45 days, some features of damage and necrosis were observed in the articular cartilage. The systemic dissemination of the fungus was observed in 11% of the inoculated animals, and it was concluded that the experimental model is able to mimic articular PCM in humans and that the dose of 105 yeast cells can be used as standard in this model.

DOSE RESPONSE EFFECT OF Paracoccidioides brasiliensis IN AN EXPERIMENTAL MODEL OF ARTHRITIS / Efeito da dose resposta de Paracoccidioides brasiliensis no modelo experimental de artrite

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is caused by the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb) and corresponds to prevalent systemic mycosis in Latin America. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the dose response effect of the fungal yeast phase for the standardization of an experimental model of septic arthritis. The experiments were performed with groups of 14 rats that received doses of 103, 104 or 105 P. brasiliensis (Pb18) cells. The fungi were injected in 50 µL of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) directly into the knee joints of the animals. The following parameters were analyzed in this work: the formation of swelling in knees infused with yeast cells and the radiological and anatomopathological alterations, besides antibody titer by ELISA. After 15 days of infection, signs of inflammation were evident. At 45 days, some features of damage and necrosis were observed in the articular cartilage. The systemic dissemination of the fungus was observed in 11% of the inoculated animals, and it was concluded that the experimental model is able to mimic articular PCM in humans and that the dose of 105 yeast cells can be used as standard in this model.

A paracoccidioidomicose (PCM) é causada pelo fungo dimórfico Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb) e corresponde à micose sistêmica de maior prevalência na América Latina. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a dose resposta de leveduras do fungo para padronização do modelo experimental de artrite séptica. Os experimentos foram realizados com grupos de 14 ratos que receberam doses de 103, 104 ou 105 células de P. brasiliensis (Pb18). Os fungos foram injetados em 50 µL de solução salina em tampão fosfatado (PBS) diretamente na articulação do joelho dos animais. Os seguintes parâmetros foram analisados neste trabalho: a formação de edema nos joelhos infundidos com as células das leveduras e alterações radiológicas, anatopalógicas além de titulação de anticorpos por Elisa. Após 15 dias de infecção, os sinais de inflamação foram evidentes. Aos 45 dias, algumas características de dano e necrose foram observadas na cartilagem articular. A disseminação sistêmica do fungo foi observada em 11% dos animais inoculados, concluiu-se que o modelo experimental é capaz de mimetizar a PCM articular em humanos e que a dose de 105 leveduras representa a dose padrão para o desenvolvimento do modelo.

Depletion of the xynB2 gene upregulates ß-xylosidase expression in C. crescentus.

Caulobacter crescentus is able to express several enzymes involved in the utilization of lignocellulosic biomasses. Five genes, xynB1-5, that encode ß-xylosidases are present in the genome of this bacterium. In this study, the xynB2 gene, which encodes ß-xylosidase II (CCNA_02442), was cloned under the control of the PxylX promoter to generate the O-xynB2 strain, which overexpresses the enzyme in the presence of xylose. In addition, a null mutant strain, Δ-xynB2, was created by two homologous recombination events where the chromosomal xynB2 gene was replaced by a copy that was disrupted by the spectinomycin-resistant cassette. We demonstrated that C. crescentus cells lacking ß-xylosidase II upregulates the xynB genes inducing ß-xylosidase activity. Transcriptional analysis revealed that xynB1 (RT-PCR analysis) and xynB2 (lacZ transcription fusion) gene expression was induced in the Δ-xynB2 cells, and high ß-xylosidase activity was observed in the presence of different agro-industrial residues in the null mutant strain, a characteristic that can be explored and applied in biotechnological processes. In contrast, overexpression of the xynB2 gene caused downregulation of the expression and activity of the ß-xylosidase. For example, the ß-xylosidase activity that was obtained in the presence of sugarcane bagasse was 7-fold and 16-fold higher than the activity measured in the C. crescentus parental and O-xynB2 cells, respectively. Our results suggest that ß-xylosidase II may have a role in controlling the expression of the xynB1 and xynB2 genes in C. crescentus.

An optimized one-tube, semi-nested PCR assay for Paracoccidioides brasiliensis detection.

INTRODUCTION: Herein, we report a one-tube, semi-nested-polymerase chain reaction (OTsn-PCR) assay for the detection of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. METHODS: We developed the OTsn-PCR assay for the detection of P. brasiliensis in clinical specimens and compared it with other PCR methods. RESULTS: The OTsn-PCR assay was positive for all clinical samples, and the detection limit was better or equivalent to the other nested or semi-nested PCR methods for P. brasiliensis detection. CONCLUSIONS: The OTsn-PCR assay described in this paper has a detection limit similar to other reactions for the molecular detection of P. brasiliensis, but this approach is faster and less prone to contamination than other conventional nested or semi-nested PCR assays.

Expression and characterization of a GH39 ß-xylosidase II from Caulobacter crescentus.

In the present work, the gene xynB2, encoding a ß-xylosidase II of the Glycoside Hydrolase 39 (GH39) family, of Caulobacter crescentus was cloned and successfully overexpressed in Escherichia coli DH10B. The recombinant protein (CcXynB2) was purified using nickel-Sepharose affinity chromatography, with a recovery yield of 75.5 %. CcXynB2 appeared as a single band of 60 kDa on a sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel and was recognized by a specific polyclonal antiserum. The predicted CcXynB2 protein showed a high homology with GH39 ß-xylosidases of the genus Xanthomonas. CcXynB2 exhibited an optimal activity at 55 °C and a pH of 6. CcXynB2 displayed stability at pH values of 4.5-7.5 for 24 h and thermotolerance up to 50 °C. The K (M) and V (Max) values were 9.3 ± 0.45 mM and 402 ± 19 µmol min(-1) for ρ-nitrophenyl-ß-D-xylopyranoside, respectively. The purified recombinant enzyme efficiently produced reducing sugars from birchwood xylan and sugarcane bagasse fibers pre-treated with a purified xylanase. As few bacterial GH39 family ß-xylosidases have been characterized, this work provides a good contribution to this group of enzymes.

Satisfação da imagem corporal e visão de idosas ativas sob a influência do exercício físico na sua autoimagem / Body image satisfaction and the view of active old women about the influence of physical exercise in their self-image

Objetivou-se analisar a satisfação com a imagem corporal de 24 idosas ativas, e compreender a visão destas sobre a relação do exercício físico com sua imagem corporal. Todas responderam à escala proposta por Stunkard, Sorenson e Schlusinger (1983) e a uma entrevista semiestruturada. Estavam insatisfeitas com sua imagem corporal, 87,50%. A partir da leitura e análise dos discursos, formaram-se 2 categorias principais e 4 subcategorias. Assim, a maioria das idosas está insatisfeita com sua imagem corporal; porém, são reconhecidos os benefícios proporcionados pelo exercício físico.(AU)

The aim of this paper was to analyze the body image satisfaction with 24 active elderly women, and to understand the view of these people about the connection between physical exercise and their body image. All of them answered to the scale proposed by Stunkard, Sorenson and Schlusinger, 1983 and to a semi-structured interview. 87.50% of the women were unsatisfied about the body image. From the reading and analysis of the speeches, it was formed two major categories and four subcategories. Thus, most of the elderly women are unsatisfied about their body image, but the proportionate benefits by the exercises are recognized.(AU)

Satisfação da imagem corporal e visão de idosas ativas sob a influência do exercício físico na sua autoimagem / Body image satisfaction and the view of active old women about the influence of physical exercise in their self-image

Objetivou-se analisar a satisfação com a imagem corporal de 24 idosas ativas, e compreender a visão destas sobre a relação do exercício físico com sua imagem corporal. Todas responderam à escala proposta por Stunkard, Sorenson e Schlusinger (1983) e a uma entrevista semiestruturada. Estavam insatisfeitas com sua imagem corporal, 87,50%. A partir da leitura e análise dos discursos, formaram-se 2 categorias principais e 4 subcategorias. Assim, a maioria das idosas está insatisfeita com sua imagem corporal; porém, são reconhecidos os benefícios proporcionados pelo exercício físico...

The aim of this paper was to analyze the body image satisfaction with 24 active elderly women, and to understand the view of these people about the connection between physical exercise and their body image. All of them answered to the scale proposed by Stunkard, Sorenson and Schlusinger, 1983 and to a semi-structured interview. 87.50% of the women were unsatisfied about the body image. From the reading and analysis of the speeches, it was formed two major categories and four subcategories. Thus, most of the elderly women are unsatisfied about their body image, but the proportionate benefits by the exercises are recognized...

Experimental model of arthritis induced by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in rats.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), a disease caused by the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb), is highly prevalent in Brazil, where it is the principal cause of death by systemic mycoses. The disease primarily affects men aged 30-50 year old and usually starts as a pulmonary focus and then may spread to other organs and systems, including the joints. The present study aimed to develop an experimental model of paracoccidioidomycotic arthritis. Two-month-old male Wistar rats (n = 48) were used, divided in 6 groups: test groups EG/15 and EG/45 (received one dose of 100 µl of saline containing 10(5) Pb viable yeasts in the knee); heat killed Pb-group HK/15 and HK/45 (received a suspension of 10(5) Pb nonviable yeasts in the knee) and control groups CG/15 and CG/45 (received only sterile saline in the knee). The rats were killed 15 and 45 days postinoculation. In contrast with the control rats, the histopathology of the joints of rats of the test groups (EG/15 and EG/45) revealed a picture of well-established PCM arthritis characterized by extensive sclerosing granulomatous inflammation with numerous multiple budding fungal cells. The X-ray examination revealed joint alterations in these groups. Only metabolic active fungi evoked inflammation. The experimental model was able to induce fungal arthritis in the knees of the rats infected with metabolic active P. brasiliensis. The disease tended to be regressive and restrained by the immune system. No evidence of fungal dissemination to the lungs was observed.

Análise da eficácia do laser de baixa potência no tratamento da dor tendínea em ratos imunossuprimidos / Analysis of low-level laser therapy efficacy on tendon pain treatment in immunosuppressed rats

O comprometimento do sistema imune, que pode ser apresentado por indivíduos com doenças crônicas, leva à baixa resposta imunológica. Um dos tratamentos utilizados para lesões agudas em tendões é o laser de baixa potência, contudo há uma lacuna em relação ao seu uso em imunodepressão. O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar se o laser de baixa potência é eficaz para o tratamento da dor em ratos imunodeprimidos submetidos a trauma tendíneo. Foram utilizados 23 ratos, machos, da linhagem Wistar, divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos: grupo controle, placebo e laser. Os animais foram imunodeprimidos (por administração de Ciclosporina A) e submetidos à lesão no tendão calcâneo direito, com impacto de cerca de 0,40 J. Para o tratamento, utilizou-se laser de baixa potência, 670 nm, 30 mW e dose de 2 J/cm2, durante 3 dias. A avaliação da dor foi realizada pelo teste de incapacidade funcional e por filamento de Von Frey digital. Os resultados apresentaram valores significativos para o grupo laser, com diminuição de dor funcional e da dor à pressão na superfície plantar e no local lesionado (tendão calcâneo direito). Portanto, concluiu-se que o laser de baixa potência é eficaz para reduzir a dor em ratos imunodeprimidos submetidos a trauma tendíneo.

The commitment of immune system, which may be presented by individuals with chronic diseases, leading to a low immune response. One of the treatments used for acute injuries in tendons is the low-power laser, however there is a gap in relation to its use in immunosuppression. The objective of this study was to analyze if low-level laser therapy is effective for the treatment of pain in immunosuppressed rats subjected to trauma tendon. We used 23 male rats of Wistar strain, divided randomly in three groups: control group, placebo and laser. The animals were immunosuppressed (by administration of Cyclosporin A) and underwent right Achilles tendon injury, with impact of about 0.40 J. For treatment, we used low-level laser, 670 nm, 30 mW and 2 J/cm2, during 3 days. Pain assessment was performed by the functional incapacitation test and von Frey filament digital. The results showed a reduction of functional pain and pressure pain on the plantar surface and the injured site (right Achilles tendon) for the laser group. Therefore, we concluded that the low-power laser is effective for reducing pain in immunosuppressed rats subjected to trauma tendon.

Occurrence of 102 cases of paracoccidioidomycosis in 18 months in the Itaipu Lake region, Western Paraná.

INTRODUCTION: The study investigated the incidence of disease and death events among patients with paracoccidioidomycosis who were residents in the Itaipu Lake region from 2008 to 2009. METHODS: A review of patient records was conducted at the Department of Tuberculosis of the Epidemiology Center of the City of Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná. RESULTS: The results identified 102 new cases of paracoccidioidomycosis in the period described, 72 men and 30 women, and 15 deaths were recorded during the study. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that the Itaipu Lake region is an endemic region.

Occurrence of 102 cases of paracoccidioidomycosis in 18 months in the Itaipu Lake region, Western Paraná / Ocorrência de 102 casos de paracoccidioidomicose em 18 meses na região do Lago de Itaipu, Oeste do Paraná

INTRODUCTION: The study investigated the incidence of disease and death events among patients with paracoccidioidomycosis who were residents in the Itaipu Lake region from 2008 to 2009. METHODS: A review of patient records was conducted at the Department of Tuberculosis of the Epidemiology Center of the City of Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná. RESULTS: The results identified 102 new cases of paracoccidioidomycosis in the period described, 72 men and 30 women, and 15 deaths were recorded during the study. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that the Itaipu Lake region is an endemic region.

INTRODUÇÃO: O estudo investigou a incidência da doença e eventos de morte entre os portadores de paracoccidiodomicose residentes na região do Lago de Itaipu, no período de 2008 a 2009. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado levantamento em registros de pacientes do Setor de Tuberculose do Centro de Epidemiologia da Cidade de Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, entre o período de janeiro de 2008 e julho de 2009. RESULTADOS: Os resultados apontam 102 novos casos de paracoccidiodomicose, 72 homens e 30 mulheres, foram registrados 15 óbitos durante o estudo. CONCLUSÕES: Conclui-se que a região do Lago de Itaipu é uma região endêmica.

Avaliação do controle postural em adultos jovens através da posturografia dinâmica Foam-laser e plataforma de força / Evaluation of the postural control in young adults by use of foam-laser dynamic posturography and power plataform

Uma das tarefas mais importantes do sistema do controle postural humano é a manutenção do equilíbrio do corpo sobre a base de apoio fornecida pelos pés. Como um sensor de gravidade, o sistema vestibular é uma das ferramentas mais importantes do sistema nervoso no controle da postura. Quando há um desequilíbrio neste sistema o indivíduo passa a apresentar um conjunto de sintomas no qual a vertigem geralmente é preponderante. Objetivou-se no presente estudo avaliar e correlacionar o controle postural de adultos jovens através da posturografia dinâmica Foam-Laser (FLP) e plataforma de força. Para a realização do estudo participaram 31 voluntários (19 homens e 11 mulheres) sendo submetidos à avaliação do controle postural através da posturografia dinâmica Foam-Laser e plataforma de força simultaneamente. Para análise dos dados registrados na plataforma de força, utilizou-se o programa MATLAB® 7.4. Os resultados da FLP foram obtidos através da fórmula matemática para cálculos de ângulos de oscilações apresentados. Os resultados revelaram que houve forte correlação entre os valores obtidos nos testes de organização sensorial (SOT) e a área de deslocamento do centro de pressão (CP) registrada pela plataforma de força em todos os SOT. Nos SOT III, V e VI, respectivamente, observou-se forte correlação entre os resultados dos exames da FLP e plataforma de força, com r = -0,78, r = -0,70 e r = -0,80. Conclui-se que a FLP é um método eficaz para avaliação do equilíbrio, e seus resultados demonstraram forte correlação com a área de deslocamento do centro de pressão.

One of the most important tasks of the human postural control system is to keep the body balanced on the base of support provided by the feet. As a gravity sensor, the vestibular system is one of the most important tools of the nervous system in the control of the posture. When there is a malfunction in this system the individual starts to present a group of symptoms in which the vertigo generally is preponderant. The present study had as objective to correlate the results of the postural control evaluation in young peolple obtained through the Dynamic Posturography Foam-laser (FLP) and platform force. For the accomplishment of the study were invited 31 volunteers (19 men and 11 women) that were submitted to the evaluation of the postural control through the Dynamic Posturography Foam-laser and power platform simultaneously. The results reveled that there was strong correlation among the values obteined in the tests of sensorial organization (TOS) and area displacement pressure center (PC) at power platform in all TOS. In TOS III, V e VI respectively, correlation was observed strong enters the results of the examinations in FPL and power platform, with r = - 0,79, r = 0,70 and r = - 0,80. This study concludes that the FLP is a very useful method for evaluation of the balance, and this results show strong correlation with pressure center displacement area.