Relations between soil attributes and the abundance of Bacillus thurigiensis in the Cerrado of Maranhão state, Brazil.

The influence of abiotic factors on the abundance of microorganism populations in soil has been sparsely studied, especially regarding Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) bacteria. Therefore, this research was aimed at analyzing the relationship between the chemical and textural characteristics of the soil of the Cerrado (savanna) of Maranhão State on the abundance of Bacillus thuringiensis. Soil samples were collected in different municipalities in eastern Maranhão: São Mateus do Maranhão, Alto Alegre, Coroatá, Timbiras and Codó. The soil samples were obtained in the 0-0.1 m layer for soil fertility and texture analysis. Then, in the same area for the isolation of Bt, 1 g of soil was collected. The colonies obtained in the isolation that featured morphological characteristics of Bacillus spp. were visualized under phase contrast microscopy. Principal component analysis, clustering and correlations were peformed. Results: The sand content correlated positively with the Bacillus thuringiensis index (iBt). The cluster analysis allowed for verifying that the soils not showed iBt in function of high concentrations of aluminum (Al) and potential acidity (H+Al). Considering as these attributes (Al and H+Al) alter the availability of P in the soil, the abundance of Bacillus thuringiensis may have been impaired by the deficiency of this element in the environment. Conclusion: Bt has correlations with soil texture, and high concentrations of aluminum and potential acidity in the soil influencing the permanence of Bacillus thuringiensis in Maranhão eastern Cerrado.

Monensin associated or not with virginiamycin or functional oil for feedlot beef cattle.

The objective of this study was to evaluate diets containing monensin (MON) associated or not with virginiamycin (VM) or functional oil based on cashew nut shell and castor beans (FOcc) for beef cattle in feedlots on nutritional (intake and digestibility) and productive parameters. A total of 1410 non-castrated Nellore cattle were selected, with an average age of 18 months and with an initial mean body weight (BW) of 305 ± 41.52 kg. The diet showed a roughage to concentrate ratio of 23:77, with the supply of corn silage as a source of roughage. The following additive inclusions in the diet were evaluated: (1) MON: 27 mg MON/kg dry matter (DM); (2) MON + VM: 22 mg MON/kg DM + 19 mg VM/kg DM; and (3) MON + FOcc: 22 mg MON/kg DM + 500 mg FOcc/kg DM. Statistical analyses were obtained through a linear model using initial BW and days of feedlot as covariables and comparisons between treatments using mutually orthogonal linear contrasts with a 5% significance level. The association or not of MON with VM or FOcc does not affect any of the nutritional and productive parameters evaluated. Animals that receive diets with MON + VM have higher average daily gain and feed efficiency (FE) than those that receive MON + FOcc without showing differences in nutritional parameters. The supply of MON associated with VM or FOcc does not increase intake and productive performance and, consequently, efficiency of feedlot beef cattle. However, in the case of use associated with MON, the VM provides greater performance than FOcc without changing food intake.

Características físicas e microbiológicas de compostagem de resíduos animais / Physical and microbiological characteristics process of composting waste from animals

Objetivou-se com o presente trabalho caracterizar o processo de compostagem de fluxo contínuo e aeração passiva de resíduos da produção e abate da caprino-ovinocultura e de seu composto orgânico gerado. O processo de compostagem utilizou resíduos sólidos provenientes da produção e do abate de caprinos e ovinos e foi realizado em galpão de alvenaria. Os resíduos agropecuários utilizados incluíram sobras de capim-elefante triturado seco, poda de árvores, esterco e carcaça de caprinos e ovinos. Os tratamentos empregados foram três níveis de umidade aplicados nas leiras de compostagem (30, 50 e 70% com base no peso da carcaça dos animais) e épocas do ano de montagem (período seco, transição e úmido) com base na precipitação, com três repetições. As variáveis avaliadas foram atributos químicos, físicos, microbiológicos e parasitológicos do composto e sua comparação com a legislação vigente. O composto orgânico gerado atende as especificações das legislações utilizadas para comparação. Independentemente da época do ano ou da umidade aplicada, o processo de compostagem foi eficiente em reduzir passivos ambientais, como carcaças. A compostagem promoveu a eliminação dos patógenos avaliados, indicando que o composto não oferece risco de transmissão e pode ser utilizado de forma segura.(AU)

The objective of this study to characterize the process of continuous flow of composting and passive aeration of waste production and slaughter the goat and sheep industry and its generated organic compound. The composting process, performed in a brick barn, used solid residues (manure and carcass parts) from the slaughter of goats and sheep along with chopped dry elephant grass and tree trimmings. The treatments employed three moisture levels in the piles and four collections of samples from the piles at timed intervals (0, 30, 60 and 120 days), with three repetitions. The variables evaluated were the chemical and physical attributes of the compost generated. The treatments were three moisture levels applied in compost piles (30, 50 and 70% based on the housing of animals) and assembly times of the year (dry, transitional and humid) based on rainfall, with three replications. The variables were chemical, physical, microbiological and parasitological of the compound and its comparison with current legislation. The generated organic compound meets the specifications of the laws used for comparison. Regardless of the time of year or moisture applied, the composting process was effective in reducing environmental liabilities as carcasses. Composting promoted elimination of this pathogen, indicating that the compound can be used safely.(AU)

Isolation of high quality and polysaccharide-free DNA from leaves of Dimorphandra mollis (Leguminosae), a tree from the Brazilian Cerrado.

Dimorphandra mollis (Leguminosae), known as faveiro and fava d'anta, is a tree that is widely distributed throughout the Brazilian Cerrado (a savanna-like biome). This species is economically valuable and has been extensively exploited because its fruits contain the flavonoid rutin, which is used to produce medications for human circulatory diseases. Knowledge about its genetic diversity is needed to guide decisions about the conservation and rational use of this species in order to maintain its diversity. DNA extraction is an essential step for obtaining good results in a molecular analysis. However, DNA isolation from plants is usually compromised by excessive contamination by secondary metabolites. DNA extraction of D. mollis, mainly from mature leaves, results in a highly viscous mass that is difficult to handle and use in techniques that require pure DNA. We tested four protocols for plant DNA extraction that can be used to minimize problems such as contamination by polysaccharides, which is more pronounced in material from mature leaves. The protocol that produced the best DNA quality initially utilizes a sorbitol buffer to remove mucilaginous polysaccharides. The macerated leaf material is washed with this buffer until there is no visible mucilage in the sample. This protocol is adequate for DNA extraction both from young and mature leaves, and could be useful not only for D. mollis but also for other species that have high levels of polysaccharide contamination during the extraction process.

Morphology and biochemical markers of people living with HIV/AIDS undergoing a resistance exercise program: clinical series.

This descriptive case study aimed at assessing body's composition and impact on biochemical markers of people living with HIV/AIDS (S1=male-1, S2=female-1) undergoing a four-month intervention program of resistance exercises. Was analyzed the lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides serum), immunological parameters (CD4 and viral load/VL) and morphological parameters (body mass index BMI, waist/Hip/WHR, perimeters and skinfold). Blood samples and antropometric measures were obtained in the pre-exercise (pre-test) and immediately after (16 weeks) of exercise (post-test). An increase in HDL (38 pre, 42 post), LDL (89.6 pre, 95 post) was noted for S1 and a decrease in HDL (33 pre, 25 post) and LDL (121.6 pre, 121 post) for S2; a decrease in Triglyceride for S1 (292 pre, 214 post) and increase for S2 (102 pre, 166 post). Total cholesterol increased for both subjects (186 pre, 261 post S1 and 175 pre, 179 post S2). there was a decrease in CD4 for S1 (598 pre, 577 post) and an increase for S2 (748 pre, 1.071 post). With respect to viral load, we found that both subjects (S1 and S2) presented values below the minimum limit (pre and post test), with no significant changes. Body composition improved (LMpre S1=43.13% and S2=23.35% and LMpost S1=46.51 and S2=26.15%; BFpre S1=41.13 and S2=18.14% and BFpost S1=38.32 and S2=14.77%), as did BMI (25.27 pre, 27.44 post S1) and (24.24 pre, 24.74 post S2). The resistance exercise program as base in this intervention model promoted a healthy state for HIV and AIDS patients and did not pose any health risks to them.

Coleoptera (Insecta) as forest fragmentation indicators in the Rio Negro sub-region of the Pantanal, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the integrity of two forest fragments in Rio Negro Pantanal sub-region, using coleopterans as environmental indicators. The study was carried out at Santa Emilia Farm in the Rio Negro sub-region, municipality of Aquidauana, Mato Grosso do Sul (19º 30' 18'' S and 55° 36' 45'' W). Two sites were selected, locally denominated as "cordilheiras" (narrow and elongated strands of elevated soil), one with low degree of anthropic disturbance (CL) and the other, currently undergoing restoration process (TD). The sampling sites were determined using a GPS device. Ten pit-fall traps containing water and detergent were used for the specimens sampling, which were screened and identified. Abundance, richness, diversity and similarity were determined. Abundance was higher for CL (n = 277) than for TD (n = 251). The same was observed for the diversity indices, CL showed H' = 2.83 bit.individual⁻¹ and TD = 2.48 bit.individual⁻¹, confirming the interferences made for abundance. Specimens of ten families were captured in CL area and seven families in TD area, indicating higher richness in CL, when compared to TD. The linear correlation coefficient (p > 0.05) indicates that both areas are significantly different, showing similarity value of 66.7%. The data show that the structure and disturbance degree in the environment integrity influence the composition of beetles fauna, causing the increase of abundance, richness and diversity in anthropogenic environments undergoing the early stage of regeneration.

Stereotactic subthalamic nucleus lesioning for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

This study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of unilateral STN lesioning in 23 patients with PD. L-Dopa intake and dyskinesia, Hoehn & Yahr, Schwab & England, and UPDRS motor scores were recorded pre- and postoperatively. Stereotactic MRI and CT and macrostimulation were used to establish target coordinates. A single RF lesion was performed. All patients underwent postoperative MRI. Contralateral tremor arrest and decrease of rigidity and bradykinesia should be regarded as hallmarks to STN stimulation. All recorded parameters were significantly improved after a mean follow-up of 13.5 months. Patients with STN lateral territory lesioning (alpha <0.05), younger than 61 years and with a duration of the disease between 6 and 9 years (alpha >0.05) did better than the others. The recurrence rate was 10%. Two patients developed dyskinesias which were completely resolved by a Vim/VOp lesion. Other significant complications were rare. The authors conclude that unilateral STN lesioning is a safe and very effective procedure to treat PD.

SPECT-based tailoring of psychosurgical procedures: is it possible?

In contrast to the other areas of functional neurosurgery, psychosurgery has remained basically empiric and unchanged since the seventies, except for the recent suggestion to use chronic stimulation instead of ablative surgery. In this study, the authors investigated the value of SPECT abnormalities to guide psychosurgery and correlated the surgical results with the postoperative SPECT. This new approach, SPECT-based tailored psychosurgery, was applied in 4 of 11 patients referred for surgery, who fulfilled the inclusion criteria adopted. Excellent results were obtained in all of them after a follow-up of 30-52 months. Postoperative SPECT normalized in every case. We conclude, based on this small series, that it is possible to individualize and lateralize (tailor) psychosurgical procedures for every patient and that, to achieve this goal, SPECT is a rather impressive means and that postoperative SPECT closely correlated with the surgical results.

Characterization of a divergent vanD-type resistance element from the first glycopeptide-resistant strain of Enterococcus faecium isolated in Brazil.

Enterococcus faecium 10/96A from Brazil was resistant to vancomycin (MIC, 256 microg/ml) but gave no amplification products with primers specific for known van genotypes. A 2,368-bp fragment of a van cluster contained one open reading frame encoding a peptide with 83% amino acid identity to VanH(D), and a second encoding a D-alanine-D-lactate ligase with 83 to 85% identity to VanD. The divergent glycopeptide resistance phenotype was designated VanD4.

Pielonefrite Xantogranulomatosa / Xanthogranolomatous pyelonephritis

Os autores relatam um caso de Pielonefrite Xantogranulomatosa em uma criança do sexo masculino, de quatro anos de idade, tratada cirurgicamente no Serviço de Cirurgia Pediátrica da Santa casa de Misericórdia de Maceió. Fazem consideraçöes sobre a patologia, as dificuldades diagnósticas pré-operatórias e o diagnóstico diferencial, enfatizando a raridade de sua ocorrência em crianças

[Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis]. / Pielonefrite Xantogranulomatosa.

A four years-old boy with Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis was surgically treated at the Pediatric Surgery Unit of the Santa Casa de Misericórdia of Maceió. Comments are made upon pathology, pre-operative diagnostic difficulties, differential diagnosis, and the rare occurrence in children.

[Treatment of neurocysticercosis with praziquantel]. / Tratamento da neurocisticercose com praziquantel.

Twenty seven patients with neurocysticercosis were treated with praziquantel in progressive doses reaching 50 mg/kg/day associated with dexamethasone for 21 days. The patients were followed during and after treatment and those followed up for one year repeated their immunological tests (indirect immunofluorescence and ELISA) at this time. Headache was the most frequent symptom during the treatment, occurring on 37% of patients. During the treatment 18.5% of patients had intracranial hypertension and one died. One year after treatment 72.2% of patients who finished treatment improved. The immunological tests became negative in 45.4% of patients sera and 42.8% of cerebrospinal fluids. There was no correlation between the clinical evolution and immunological tests. In this study it is not possible to affirm that both negative immunological tests and good clinical evolution were consequent to the efficacy of praziquantel treatment. Due to the great frequency and seriousness of this treatment complications, the patients with neurocysticercosis must be individually evaluated to know the risks and the benefits of the treatment with praziquantel.

Tratamento da neurocisticercose com praziquantel / Treatment of neurocysticercosis with praziquantel

Vinte e sete pacientes com neurocisticercose foram tratados com praziquantel, utilizado em doses progressivamente crescentes até alcançar 50 mg/kg/dia, por período de 21 dias, associado a dexametasoma. Os doentes foram avaliados clínica e laboratorialmente durante o tratamento e, aqueles que completaram um ano de evoluçäo, repetiram os testes imunofluorescência e ELISA neste período. Cefaléia foi o sintoma encontrado mais freqüentemente durante o tratamento, ocorrendo em 37% dos pacientes; 18,5% dos doentes apresentaram hipertensäo intracraniana, um deles evoluindo para o óbito; 25,9% dos enfermos tiveram que suspender o praziquantel antes de completar o tratamento, devido ao surgimento de complicaçöes importantes. Nos exames laboratoriais realizados no sétimo dia de tratamento, 33,3% dos pacientes apresentaram anormalidades, sendo leucocitose a mais freqüente. No período de um ano, 72,2% dos enfermos tiveram melhora do quadro clínico, enquanto os testes imunológicos tornaram-se näo-reagentes no soro em 45,4% dos doentes e no LCR em 42,8%. Entretanto, nem sempre houve coincidência da melhora clínica com a apresentaçäo dos testes imunológicos näo-reagentes. No presente trabalho, näo é possível afirmar que os testes imunológicos näo-reagentes, assim como a melhora clínica dos pacientes, sejam conseqüentes à eficácia do tratamento com o praziquantel. Devido à grande freqüência e gravidade das complicaçöes deste tratamento, os pacientes devem ser avaliados individualmente quanto aos ...

Lesoes encefalicas por arma de fogo. / Gunshot encephalic lesions

Os autores apresentam experiencias obtidas com 51 pacientes vitimas de lesoes encefalicas por arma de fogo, admitidos sob cuidados do neurocirurgiao em um hospital geral. As lesoes foram determinadas, na quase totalidade, por projeteis de armas de baixa aceleracao e comumente tiveram fragmentos retidos no cranio. A lesao inicial determinada pelo projetil foi mais importante como causa de mortalidade do que o hematoma, seguindo-se complicacoes relacionadas com a presenca de fistula liquorica (27,4%). A presenca de projeteis em zonas de dificil acesso sugere conduta mais conservadora, uma vez que ela foi acompanhada de pequena incidencia de complicacoes tardias

Endocardite infecciosa por Listeria monocytogenes e aneurisma micótico da artéria femoral profunda. Relato de um caso / Infective endocarditis due to Listeria monocytogenes and mycotic aneurysm of the deep femoral artery. Report of a case

E apresentado o caso de uma mulher portadora de endocardite bacteriana por Listeria monocytogenes, diagnosticada a partir do surgimento de um aneurisma micotico em arteria femoral profunda. Os autores enfatizam a importancia do diagnostico clinico precoce desta condicao, para a conducao adequada da investigacao complementar e para o sucesso terapeutico