Morphometry, topography and arterial supply of the thyroid gland in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta Zimmermann, 1780).

The purpose of this research was to investigate the measures, topography, and vascularization of the thyroid gland in Macaca mulatta, a non-human primate. The study involved the dissection of ten male adult cadavers of Macaca mulatta. The length, width, and thickness of the right lobe of the thyroid were 2.552 ± 0.341, 1.019 ± 0.137, and 0.729 ± 0.137 cm. These measures in the left thyroid lobe were 2.406 ± 0.299, 1.013. ± 0.087, and 0.769 ± 0.083 cm. The study found no significant differences in the measures of the left and right lobes of the thyroid gland in rhesus monkeys. Regarding topography, the thyroid gland was located ventrolateral to the trachea, similar to its position in other mammal species. The cranial pole of the gland was closely related to the cricoid or thyroid cartilage, while the caudal pole showed variable positioning to the tracheal rings. The isthmus, a thin band of tissue connecting the lobes, was present in all specimens. The cranial thyroid artery was found to originate from the external carotid artery in most specimens. It supplied the thyroid gland and sent branches to muscles in the neck region. The caudal thyroid artery, originating from the common carotid artery, provides additional blood supply to the gland and sends a branch to the esophagus. This research contributes to knowledge about the thyroid gland in non-human primates, specifically Macaca mulatta. The findings provide critical information for comparative studies and understanding the thyroid gland's role in health and disease.

Photosynthetic pigments and quantum yield of West Indian cherry under salt stress and NPK combinations.

West Indian cherry cultivation has proved to be an important economic activity in northeastern Brazil. However, irrigation with brackish waters limits cultivation, requiring new strategies to minimize the effect of salt stress. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) combinations on the photosynthetic pigments and quantum yield of West Indian cherry cultivated under salt stress, in the second year of production. The assay was conducted in a protected environment by adopting an experimental design in randomized blocks, with treatments distributed in a 2×10 factorial arrangement referring to two electrical conductivity levels of irrigation water - ECw (0.6 and 4.0 dS m-1) and 10 NPK fertilization combinations - FC (80-100-100; 100-100-100; 120-100-100; 140-100-100; 100-80-100; 100-120-100; 100-140-100; 100-100-80; 100-100-120, and 100-100-140% of the recommendation, in the second year of production), with three replications, each consisting of one plant. Irrigation with the electrical conductivity of 4.0 dS m-1 negatively affected the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments and the photochemical efficiency of the West Indian cherry cv. Flor Branca. The NPK combinations did not attenuate the effects of salt stress on the analyzed variables. However, the combinations referring to 120-100-100%, 140-100-100%, and 100-120-100% of NPK recommendation improved the quantum yield of photosystem II by reducing the initial fluorescence and increasing the maximum fluorescence of the West Indian cherry cv. Flor Branca.

Agronomic parameters of sugarcane under planting densities in different cultivation cycles.

Low density sugarcane plantation (LDSP) has been implemented by some sugarcane producers in Brazil, aiming to save seeds and operational costs. The study was carried out in the municipality of Areia, Paraíba, Brazil. Five planting densities were used, varying from 5 to 25 m-2 of buds arranged in randomized blocks, with four replications. Data were measured annually over three cultivation cycles (2017 to 2020), during which the field was fertilized with NPK and the harvests were carried out manually without prior burning. The lower planting density presents higher productivity only in the cane plant (101.03 t ha-1) due to the higher plant height (2.37 m) and the higher number of stalks (11 stalks m-2), suggesting that these variables are due to the greater availability of light, water and photosynthate. However, there is a drastic reduction in sugarcane yield for this lower population in the 2nd ratoon by up to 65.62%, which is correlated with number of stalks per meter. We demonstrate the agronomic viability of LDSP in the population of 10 buds m-2 in relation to conventional planting of sugarcane until the 2nd ratoon. Data are important for future studies to present additional considerations for other production factors, such as the effects of mechanized harvesting and the management of nutrients and water, assessing the sustainability of this large-scale planting system.

The lumbosacral plexus in two Didelphis species (Didelphidae, Didelphimorphia): origin and nerve distribution.

Morphological studies provide knowledge that allow us to understand how animals interact with the natural environment or the captivity. The goal of this study was to describe the origin and antimeric distribution of lumbosacral plexus nerves in Didelphis aurita and D. albiventris. Fourteen adult cadavers of D. aurita, seven males and seven females, and 13 adult cadavers of D. albiventris, nine males and four females were used. The specimens were sexed, identified, fixed and dissected until the origins of the lumbosacral plexus nerves were exposed. Data were represented as absolute frequency and simple percentage. The lumbosacral plexuses derived a trunk for the femoral and obturator nerves from the ventral branches of L3-L4 (75%) in D. aurita, and in D. albiventris the femoral nerve of L3-L4 (73.1%) and the obturator nerve of L3-L4 (61.5%). In both species, formation of a lumbosacral trunk derived from L5-L6-S1 occurred in 78.6% of D. aurita and 61.5% of D. albiventris. The origin and distribution of lumbosacral plexus nerves of the studied species present similarities with domestic and wild eutherian mammals.

Supplementation of sulfate polysaccharides in the seminal cooling medium of common curimata (Prochilodus brevis).

BACKGROUND: The use of sulfated polysaccharides (PS) in seminal cooling is known to improve seminal quality. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of different concentrations of PS, extracted from the macroalgae Gracilaria domigensis as a supplement to the seminal cooling medium of the reophilic fish Prochilodus brevis (common curimatã). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five semen pools were diluted in ACP-104 (treatment T1), in BTS® (T2) and in BTS® with different concentrations of PS (0.5 [T3]; 1.0 [T4] and 1.5 [T5]). The samples were cooled for different times (0, 6, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h) and after each hour they were analyzed for: morphology, membrane integrity, DNA integrity and sperm kinetics. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the treatments containing different concentrations of sulfated polysaccharides. Regarding the different cooling times, it was possible to observe that after hour 96, there was a reduction in the parameters of sperm kinetics. For DNA integrity there was no significant difference in relation to the treatments nor in relation to the hours. For membrane integrity, a reduction was noted as of hour 96, but there was no influence of polysaccharides. For the sperm morphology, there was no statistical difference between the hours, however the BTS was better than the ACP-104. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the use of polysaccharides in seminal cooling has no negative effect on sperm parameters and proves that seminal cooling keeps the material viable for up to 72 hours. Doi: 10.54680/fr23410110512.

Sulfated polysaccharides from seaweed as a supplement to Prochilodus brevis sperm freezing medium.

BACKGROUND: Using sulfated polysaccharides (SP) in fish sperm freezing medium promotes cell maintenance. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of different SP concentrations, extracted from two seaweeds (Gracilaria domingensis and Ulva fasciata), as a supplement to the sperm freezing medium of Prochilodus brevis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five semen pools were diluted in a solution composed of 5% glucose, 10 % dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and different SP concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 or 3.0 mg/mL). The samples were cryopreserved and, after 7 days, rewarmed and analyzed for morphology, plasma membrane integrity, DNA integrity, mitochondrial activity and sperm kinetics [total motility, progressive motility, curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight line velocity (VSL), average path velocity (VAP), linearity (LIN), and wobble (WOB)]. RESULTS: There was no interaction between seaweed and SP concentrations. Similar effects were observed with SP extracted from the two seaweeds, regardless of concentration. When comparing the SP concentrations, regardless of the seaweed, 1.0 mg/mL SP showed better results for VCL and VSL. For VAP and WOB, 1.0 mg/mL SP showed better results, but differed from 3.0 mg/mL. LIN followed the same pattern, but differed from SP at 2.5 and 3.0 mg/mL. For progressive motility, 1.0 mg/mL G. domingensis showed superior results compared to the control. For mitochondrial activity, G. domingensis was superior to U. fasciata, regardless of concentration. The lowest concentrations (0.5 and 1.0 mg/mL) showed the best results, regardless of the seaweed. However, the control was superior to all treatments tested. CONCLUSION: G. domingensis SP at the lowest concentrations might be a potential supplement to the P. brevis freezing medium. doi.org/10.54680/fr22210110412.

COVID-19 in medium-sized municipalities in the 14 health macro-regions of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

The present study focused on the scenario of confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the state of Minas Gerais (MG), Brazil, from March 2020 to March 2021. We evaluated the evolution of COVID-19 prevalence and death in one municipality from each of the 14 health macro-regions of MG state. Socio-demographic characteristics and variables related to the municipalities were analyzed. The raw dataset used in this study was freely sourced from the website Brasil.io. From the raw dataset, two time series were extracted: the cumulative confirmed cases of COVID-19 and cumulative death counts, and they were compared to the state data using a nowcasting approach. In order to make time series comparisons possible, all data was normalized per 100,000 inhabitants. When analyzing in light of colored wave code interventions initiated in August 2020 in MG, for the majority of the municipalities, there was an absence of clear influence on prevalence and deaths. The national holidays in the first semester of 2020 had a small impact on the COVID-19 prevalence of the municipalities, but the holidays in the second semester of 2020 and beginning of 2021 caused important impacts on COVID-19 prevalence. The low number of ICU beds in some municipalities contributed to the higher number of deaths. The analysis showed here is expected to contribute to the improvement of decision making of the MG government, as it opened a huge possibility to have the total macro-regions and state data analyzed.

Metabolomics and transcriptomics to decipher molecular mechanisms underlying ectomycorrhizal root colonization of an oak tree.

Mycorrhizas are known to have a positive impact on plant growth and ability to resist major biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the metabolic alterations underlying mycorrhizal symbiosis are still understudied. By using metabolomics and transcriptomics approaches, cork oak roots colonized by the ectomycorrhizal fungus Pisolithus tinctorius were compared with non-colonized roots. Results show that compounds putatively corresponding to carbohydrates, organic acids, tannins, long-chain fatty acids and monoacylglycerols, were depleted in ectomycorrhizal cork oak colonized roots. Conversely, non-proteogenic amino acids, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and several putative defense-related compounds, including oxylipin-family compounds, terpenoids and B6 vitamers were induced in mycorrhizal roots. Transcriptomic analysis suggests the involvement of GABA in ectomycorrhizal symbiosis through increased synthesis and inhibition of degradation in mycorrhizal roots. Results from this global metabolomics analysis suggest decreases in root metabolites which are common components of exudates, and in compounds related to root external protective layers which could facilitate plant-fungal contact and enhance symbiosis. Root metabolic pathways involved in defense against stress were induced in ectomycorrhizal roots that could be involved in a plant mechanism to avoid uncontrolled growth of the fungal symbiont in the root apoplast. Several of the identified symbiosis-specific metabolites, such as GABA, may help to understand how ectomycorrhizal fungi such as P. tinctorius benefit their host plants.

The effect of glycosaminoglycans, extracted from the skin of tilapia, in the sperm freezing medium of Colossoma macropomum.

BACKGROUND: Sulfated polysaccharides from the skin of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), added to the tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) semen diluting medium, can be potential antioxidants and promote the maintenance of sperm quality. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of different concentrations of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) from the skin of Nile tilapia as a supplement in two cryogenic media for tambaqui semen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tambaqui males received a single dose of pituitary carp extract. The semen was collected for pool analysis and, later, cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen. The pools were diluted and frozen in a solution containing fish-specific powdered coconut water (ACP-104) and 10% DMSO or 5% Glucose and 10% DMSO and supplemented with different concentrations of GAGs. The controls had no GAGs addition. After 45 days, the samples were thawed by immersion in a water bath and evaluated for membrane and DNA integrity, morphology and sperm kinetics. RESULTS: The parameters of linearity (LIN), straightness (STR) and DNA integrity of sperm frozen in 5% Glucose showed better results than ACP-104. For membrane integrity, concentrations of 0 and 1.0 mg/mL were better than 5 mg/mL. Semen motility in 5% Glucose showed superior results at concentrations lower than 5 mg/mL of GAGs. For VCL and VAP, in ACP-104, 3.0 mg/mL exceeded the other treatments. In 5% Glucose, for VCL, 4.0 mg/mL showed the lowest results compared to concentrations of <3.5 mg/mL and, for VAP, it also differed from 4.5 mg/mL CONCLUSION: Therefore, the skin of Nile tilapia has GAGs, in low concentrations, capable of improving the post-thawed sperm quality of tambaqui, especially in 5% Glucose medium.

Comparison of antimicrobial resistance in thermophilic Campylobacter strains isolated from conventional production and backyard poultry flocks.

1. The aim of this study was to compare the resistance pattern of thermophilic Campylobacter spp. isolated from conventional production (n = 34) and backyard poultry flocks (n = 36) from Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. The disc diffusion method and statistical tests were used for investigation and analysis of the resistance pattern of Campylobacter spp. isolated from different rearing systems.2. Antimicrobial resistance percentages to amoxycillin with clavulanic acid (AMC), ampicillin (AMP), ceftiofur (CTF), ciprofloxacin (CIP), enrofloxacin (ENO), erythromycin (ERI), gentamicin (GEN) and tetracycline (TET) were 32.4%, 44.1%, 67.6%, 97.1%, 82.4%, 26.5%, 5.9% and 38.2% in conventional production flocks respectively, while the backyard flock's resistance levels were 0.0%, 13.9%, 69.4%, 100.0%, 91.7%, 5.6%, 0.0% and 16.7%, respectively.3. Campylobacter spp. from conventional poultry production was more resistant to AMC, AMO, ERI and TET (P > 0.05) when compared to strains from backyard poultry. A higher frequency of resistance to fluoroquinolones (FLQ), CIP and ENO, was observed in strains from both systems, demonstrating the spread of resistant strains among poultry production environments.

COVID-19 in medium-sized municipalities in the 14 health macro-regions of Minas Gerais, Brazil

The present study focused on the scenario of confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the state of Minas Gerais (MG), Brazil, from March 2020 to March 2021. We evaluated the evolution of COVID-19 prevalence and death in one municipality from each of the 14 health macro-regions of MG state. Socio-demographic characteristics and variables related to the municipalities were analyzed. The raw dataset used in this study was freely sourced from the website Brasil.io. From the raw dataset, two time series were extracted: the cumulative confirmed cases of COVID-19 and cumulative death counts, and they were compared to the state data using a nowcasting approach. In order to make time series comparisons possible, all data was normalized per 100,000 inhabitants. When analyzing in light of colored wave code interventions initiated in August 2020 in MG, for the majority of the municipalities, there was an absence of clear influence on prevalence and deaths. The national holidays in the first semester of 2020 had a small impact on the COVID-19 prevalence of the municipalities, but the holidays in the second semester of 2020 and beginning of 2021 caused important impacts on COVID-19 prevalence. The low number of ICU beds in some municipalities contributed to the higher number of deaths. The analysis showed here is expected to contribute to the improvement of decision making of the MG government, as it opened a huge possibility to have the total macro-regions and state data analyzed.

Polypharmacy among adult and older adult users of primary care services delivered through the Unified Health System in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of polypharmacy (≥5 drugs) among adults and to analyze related factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 1,159 interviewees distributed across 104 cities and 253 primary healthcare services delivered through the Brazilian Unified Health System. Polypharmacy-related factors were identified using logistic regression model. RESULTS: 949 (81.8%) interviewees were using at least one medication and were included in this analysis. The prevalence of polypharmacy among them was 13.7% (95%CI:11.7-16.0%) in the general population and 33.3%(95%CI:26.1-41.4%) in older adults(≥65 years). Polypharmacy was positively associated with age (45 to 64 years, OR=2.02; 95%CI:1.03-3.94; ≥65 years, OR=4.17; 95%CI:1.92-9.17) and the following chronic diseases: stroke (OR=4.20; 95%CI:1.53-11.55); diabetes mellitus (OR=4.03; 95%CI:2.43-6.68); heart disease (OR=3.18; 95%CI:1.92-5.29); depression (OR=2.85; 95%CI:1.80-4.53); hypertension (OR=2.13; 95%CI:1.17-3.86); and dyslipidemia (OR=1.73; 95%CI:1.07-2.80). CONCLUSION: This study revealed that polypharmacy is a real concern in primary health care and affects older and middle-aged adults alike. Groups of patients that are more likely to experience polypharmacy were identified. Our findings emphasize the relevance of an appropriate approach to polypharmacy driven by aging and multimorbidity.

Volume and effectiveness assessment of articain 4% versus mepivacaine 2% used in third molar surgery: randomized, double-blind, split-mouth controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The different indications for extraction of the lower third molars, require resources to manage pain and discomfort, such as, for example, adequate anesthetic techniques, and the type of anesthetic used can influence the management of pain in tooth extractions. Few studies in the literature compare the anesthetics 4% articaine hydrochloride and 2% mepivacaine hydrochloride showing evidence that both allow for successful pain management. This study sought to compare the volume, efficacy and safety of these two anesthetic drugs, both associated with epinephrine at a ratio of 1:100,000, used in the extraction of lower third molars. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A controlled, clinical, split-mouth compared these both local anesthetics in a sample of 20 patients requiring bilateral extraction of teeth. Pain was the main parameter to be assessed by means of the visual analogue scale (VAS) applied during and immediately after the surgery. Hemodynamic parameters, adverse events, presence of paresthesia and satisfaction of patients and surgeon were also analysed. RESULTS: Pain management was more effective with mepivacaine up to two hours after surgery (p=0.014), whereas the surgeon was more satisfied with the use of articaine during divulsion and suture (p<0.05). However no statistically significant differences were found between both anesthetics regarding pain perception. CONCLUSIONS: It was observed that both anesthetics are efficient and safe in the management of pain for extraction of third molars, in which less amount of mepivacaine is needed. The satisfaction of patients and surgeon was the same for both anesthetics, with articaine being highlighted during divulsion and suture.

Anatomical characterisation of the kidneys of Didelphis aurita (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae).

BACKGROUND: Didelphis aurita is a marsupial with wide distribution in the South American continent and highly adapted to urban centres. The objective of this study was to describe the measurements and skeletopy of the kidneys and renal vascularisation of this species. MATERIALS AND METHODS: With this aim, 29 cadavers (14 males and 15 females) of D. aurita collected on highways were analysed. The rostrum-sacral length of specimens, kidney measurements (length, width and thickness) and the length of the renal vessels were measured and the renal skeletopy registered. RESULTS: In the right kidney, average length, width, thickness and ellipsoid volume were 28.6 ± 5.0 mm, 15.6 ± 2.9 mm, 12.8 ± 3.0 mm and 3.3 ± 2.4 cm3, respectively; in the left kidney, 31.0 ± 3.8 mm, 14.5 ± 3.6 mm, 12.6 ± 2.6 mm and 3.2 ± 2.2 cm3, respectively. There was no significant difference in the comparison of averages of renal dimensions between sexes and between antimeres. The right renal artery (13.2 ± 2.6 mm) was significantly longer (p < 0.01) than the left renal artery (10.7 ± 2.3 mm). In contrast, the left renal vein (13.9 ± 3.5 mm) was longer (p < 0.01) than the right renal vein (7.0 ± 2.3 mm). The skeletopy of the right kidney predominated between T13-L1 in 58.6% of the cases and the skeletopy of the left kidney between L1-L3 in 41.4%. The average length of the kidneys corresponded to 6% to 8% of the rostrum-sacral length of the specimens. CONCLUSIONS: The data of the present study characterised the measurements and topography of kidneys and renal vessels in D. aurita and can support the interpretation of clinical, experimental and pathological findings in this species.

Levantamento parasitológico realizado em munícipes do interior do estado de São Paulo (Brasil) entre os anos de 1957 a 1986

Parasitism caused by protozoa and helminths is a serious public health problem, affecting millions of individuals worldwide, especially in underdeveloped and developing countries. From this perspective, a parasitological survey was conducted in 37 cities in the interior of the state of São Paulo. This study focused mainly on old places such as schools and rural and urban health units in the interior of the State of São Paulo between 1957 and 1986. The objective of this study was to conduct a comprehensive survey on the data found to diagnose the occurrence of parasitic diseases in the city. Population at that time, according to their rural and urban origin, age and gender. Thus, the proposal is to make the generated data available to all interested parties in an organized and systematized manner and to discuss the reality faced by the population regarding the current public policies in Brazil relating the sanitary conditions with the occurrence of endoparasites. According to the survey conducted in the municipalities studied, 274,487 occurrences of individuals positive for endoparasites were obtained from 391,633 samples collected. The highest frequency was found in children aged 1 to 10 years with 146,090 cases, accounting for 37,302% of the infected population. The percentage of parasitized individuals decreases with increasing age.

Os quadros de parasitismos causados por protozoários e helmintos constituem sérios problemas de saúde pública, por afetarem milhões de indivíduos em todo o mundo, sobretudo, nos países subdesenvolvidos e em desenvolvimento. Sob esta perspectiva foi realizado um levantamento parasitológico em 37 cidades do interior do Estado de São Paulo. Este estudo contemplou principalmente antigos locais como as escolas e unidades de saúde rurais e urbanas do interior do Estado de São Paulo entre os anos de 1957 e 1986. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar um levantamento abrangente nos dados encontrados para diagnosticar a ocorrência de parasitoses na população da época, segundo sua origem rural e urbana, a faixa etária e o gênero. Dessa forma, a proposta é tornar os dados gerados disponíveis a todos os interessados de forma organizada e sistematizada e discutir a realidade enfrentada pela população frente às políticas públicas vigentes no Brasil relacionando as condições sanitárias com a ocorrência de endoparasitoses. Segundo o levantamento realizado nos municípios estudados, obteve-se 274.487 ocorrências de indivíduos positivos para endoparasitas a partir de 391.633 amostras coletadas. A maior frequência foi encontrada em crianças de 1 a 10 anos com 146.090 casos, sendo estes responsáveis por 37.302% da população infectada. A porcentagem de indivíduos parasitados diminui de acordo com o aumento da idade.

Laser surface texturing of Ti-6Al-4V by nanosecond laser: Surface characterization, Ti-oxide layer analysis and its electrical insulation performance.

The development of smart biomedical implants with intrinsic communication system between sensors and actuators, or between implant and patient, remains a challenge for scientific community. Titanium and its alloys, especially Ti6Al4V, are the most used materials in the implant's fabrication. The present work is concerned with implant internal communication printing process and presents a detailed study on titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) surface texturing and their characterization (morphological and chemical) produced by a Nd: YAG laser, aiming to create localized electrical insulation zones, necessary to accommodate electrical communication systems. The characterization of the textured surface was carried out by scanning electron microscopy and the heat affected zone was analyzed by X-ray diffraction. The results showed the formation of α-Ti, Ti6O and Ti2O phases on the textured surface. Through simulations in TINA software, the outer oxide layer formed during laser texturing had efficiency above 90% as insulator when an electrical current was applied.

Multiresidue analysis and evaluation of the matrix effect on 20 pesticides in Brazilian maize (Zea mays L.) flour.

Maize consists of a cereal widely used in the preparation of different food products. Brazil is one of the world's largest maize producers. Several types of pesticides have been applied in maize crop, which can lead to the contamination of the derived products. The present work aims at the validation of multiresidue method to analyze the matrix effect and level of pesticides in maize flour. Twenty residues were investigated in samples commercialized in the state of Ceará, Brazil. The method was satisfactorily validated, according to parameters recommended by European Union. About 55% of the pesticides had an intense negative matrix effect. Multiresidue analyzes showed the presence of traces of fenitrotion in 20% of maize flour samples. Detected levels were below maximum residue limits recommended for maize. The results indicate that maize products need continuous monitoring to ensure food security.

Dynamics of clonal and plasmid backgrounds of Enterobacteriaceae producing acquired AmpC in Portuguese clinical settings over time.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this work was to provide detailed molecular data on clinically acquired AmpC (qAmpC)-producing Enterobacteriaceae from two different periods (2002-2008 and 2010-2013) in order to clarify the contribution of clonal and plasmid genetic platforms for the current epidemiological scenario concerning extended-spectrum beta-lactams resistance. METHODS: We analysed 1246 Enterobacteriaceae non-susceptible to third-generation cephalosporins from two hospitals and one community laboratory between 2010 and 2013. Bacterial identification, antibiotic susceptibility, identification of qAmpC and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes, clonal (pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), Multilocus sequence typing (MLST)) and plasmid (S1-/I-CeuI-PFGE, replicon typing, hybridization) analysis were performed by standard methods. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed in two ST11-Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates harbouring DHA-1. RESULTS: The occurrence of qAmpC was lower (2.6%) than that observed in a previous survey (7.4%), and varied slightly over time. Isolates produced DHA-1 (53%), CMY-2 (44%) or DHA-6 (3%), but significant epidemiological changes were observed in the two surveys. While DHA-1 persisted in different institutions by selection of a worldwide epidemic IncR plasmid in an ST11 harbouring KL105, CMY-2 rates increased over time linked to IncI1 plasmids (instead of IncK or IncA/C2) in multiple Escherichia coli clones. CONCLUSIONS: The higher frequency of DHA-1 qAmpC in these species contrasts with the scenario in most European countries. Furthermore, the different genetic backgrounds associated with either extended-spectrum ß-lactamases (ESBLs) or acquired AmpC ß-lactamases (qAmpC) in our country might have contributed to their differential expansion.

Gender identity in patients with 5-alpha reductase deficiency raised as females.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: 5-Alpha reductase type 2 deficiency (5-ARD) is a rare disorder of sex development. The lack of 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, results in external genitalia that may appear female, or predominantly male, albeit undervirilized, or, more often, ambiguous. METHODS: This study describes a series of patients with 5-ARD raised as female, focusing on aspects related to gender identity. Following a retrospective chart review, patients with 5-ARD were invited to return to the clinic to enable their gender identity to be assessed using an 11-item structured in-house questionnaire. The Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction was applied to patients who had initiated their sexual life. RESULTS: Six patients aged >15 years with 5-ARD and raised as female were included. Most patients were diagnosed late: two before and four after puberty. The mean length of the phallus was 2.8 cm (0.5-5.0). Reasons for seeing a doctor included genital appearance (n = 3), amenorrhea/absence of breast development (n = 2), and changes in gender role attitudes (n = 1). According to the gender identity assessment, 4 patients identified as female, 1 as male, and 1 as both genders. Only the patient identified as male requested gender re-assignment. Of the two patients who had initiated their sexual life, sexual satisfaction was found to be good in one and poor in the other due to vaginal discomfort during intercourse. CONCLUSION: In the present series, the majority of undervirilized patients with a diagnosis of 5-ARD raised as female were in complete conformation with being female and described themselves as heterosexual. The more virilized patients were those least in conformity with their female-assigned gender.

Mutual Neutralization of O

We have measured total absolute cross sections for the mutual neutralization (MN) of O^{-} with O^{+} and N^{+}. A fine resolution (of about 50 meV) in the kinetic energy spectra of the product neutral atoms allows unique identification of the atomic states participating in the mutual neutralization process. Cross sections and branching ratios have also been calculated down to 1 meV center-of-mass collision energy for these two systems, with a multichannel Landau-Zener model and an asymptotic method for the ionic-covalent coupling matrix elements. The importance of two-electron processes in one-electron transfer is demonstrated by the dominant contribution of a core-excited configuration of the nitrogen atom in N^{+}+O^{-} collisions. This effect is partially accounted for by introducing configuration mixing in the evaluation of coupling matrix elements.