Temporal trends and spatial clusters of high risk for maternal death due to COVID-19 pre and during COVID-19 vaccination in Brazil: a national population-based ecological study.

OBJECTIVE: This study comprehensively analyzed the temporal and spatial dynamics of COVID-19 cases and deaths within the obstetric population in Brazil, comparing the periods before and during mass COVID-19 vaccination. We explored the trends and geographical patterns of COVID-19 cases and maternal deaths over time. We also examined their correlation with the SARS-CoV-2 variant circulating and the social determinants of health. STUDY DESIGN: This is a nationwide population-based ecological study. METHODS: We obtained data on COVID-19 cases, deaths, socioeconomic status, and vulnerability information for Brazil's 5570 municipalities for both the pre-COVID-19 vaccination and COVID-19 vaccination periods. A Bayesian model was used to mitigate indicator fluctuations. The spatial correlation of maternal cases and fatalities with socioeconomic and vulnerability indicators was assessed using bivariate Moran. RESULTS: From March 2020 to June 2023, a total of 23,823 cases and 1991 maternal fatalities were recorded among pregnant and postpartum women. The temporal trends in maternal incidence and mortality rates fluctuated over the study period, largely influenced by widespread COVID-19 vaccination and the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant. There was a significant reduction in maternal mortality due to COVID-19 following the introduction of vaccination. The geographical distribution of COVID-19 cases and maternal deaths exhibited marked heterogeneity in both periods, with distinct spatial clusters predominantly observed in the North, Northeast, and Central West regions. Municipalities with the highest Human Development Index reported the highest incidence rates, while those with the highest levels of social vulnerability exhibited elevated mortality and fatality rates. CONCLUSION: Despite the circulation of highly transmissible variants of concern, maternal mortality due to COVID-19 was significantly reduced following the mass vaccination. There was a heterogeneous distribution of cases and fatalities in both periods (before and during mass vaccination). Smaller municipalities and those grappling with social vulnerability issues experienced the highest rates of maternal mortality and fatalities.

Breast cancer: the real road of the Brazilian northeast.

Objective: To characterize the clinical and sociodemographic aspects of breast cancer patients undergoing cancer treatment in the State of Maranhão, in a public reference hospital. Methods: Descriptive, correlational and analytical cross-sectional study, conducted between January 2019 and February 2020, at the Tarquínio Lopes Filho State Cancer Hospital. The study population consisted of all women, in first consultation, with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy, in agreement with the study and with no brain metastasis evidenced. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v. 19 software, considering a significance level of 5%. Results: Eighty adult women were part of the study, whose average age was 52.54. Most of the women were born in São Luís, white, housewives, sedentary, married, former smokers, and Catholic. They had technical/specialized training. In the clinical results, the histological type of infiltrative ductal carcinoma predominated, as well as stage III, mastectomy and the doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide-taxol chemotherapy regimen. Conclusion: The knowledge of each regional profile assists health professionals regarding the characterization of a target population and the design of targeted preventive and self-care strategies by managers.

Transport of blood particles: Chaotic advection even in a healthy scenario.

We study the advection of blood particles in the carotid bifurcation, a site that is prone to plaque development. Previously, it has been shown that chaotic advection can take place in blood flows with diseases. Here, we show that even in a healthy scenario, chaotic advection can take place. To understand how the particle dynamics is affected by the emergence and growth of a plaque, we study the carotid bifurcation in three cases: a healthy bifurcation, a bifurcation with a mild stenosis, and the another with a severe stenosis. The result is non-intuitive: there is less chaos for the mild stenosis case even when compared to the healthy, non-stenosed, bifurcation. This happens because the partial obstruction of the mild stenosis generates a symmetry in the flow that does not exist for the healthy condition. For the severe stenosis, there is more irregular motion and more particle trapping as expected.

The allelopathic effects of aqueous Talinum triangulare (jacq.) willd extracts on the development of Lactuca sativa L. seedlings.

Plants that produce allelopathic compounds against weeds have emerged as a potential solution for the development of ecologically correct bioherbicides. Talinum triangulare is noteworthy in this regard, as its phytochemical composition encompasses flavonoids, alkaloids and other metabolites that can be used to develop inhibitory weed growth solutions. Lactuca sativa (lettuce) has been widely applied as a bioindicator species for bioherbicides and several chemicals, animal waste, water and soil quality, and atmospheric contamination, among others. In this context, this study aimed to assess the potential allelopathic effect of aqueous T. triangulare extracts on the development of L. sativa seedlings. A completely randomized design employing a 2x4 factorial scheme (shoot and root extracts) x the concentration of each extract (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5%) was applied, comprising four replications. Lactuca sativa seeds were sown on germitest papers soaked with the extracts in a germination chamber at 20°C. Physiological seed evaluations comprising the germination test, where normal and abnormal seedlings are counted on the seventh day after sowing, first normal seedling counts on the fourth day after sowing, and seedling and root length measurements. At the end of the germination test, L. sativa seedlings were separated for morphoanatomical characterizations and chlorophyll a fluorescence analyses. The T. triangulare extracts significantly influenced L. sativa root growth, with shoot extract exposure leading to more abnormal plants and lower root lengths at increasing concentrations and compared to the root extract. Root extract exposure led to evident cellular changes and lower non-photochemical quenching and unregulated dissipation quantum yields at a 5% exposure dose compared to shoot extract exposure. These findings suggest that both aqueous T. triangulare root and shoot extracts from 5% exposure doses exhibit high potential as bioherbicides, acting directly on plant structure, anatomy, quality, size and physiology.

Epidemiology, mortality rate and survival in a homogeneous population of hypopituitary patients.

INTRODUCTION: Hypopituitarism is associated with higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and premature death. Furthermore, some clinical and therapeutic features of hypopituitarism have been associated with a worse prognosis. OBJECTIVE: We reviewed, retrospectively, a large series of adult patients with hypopituitarism using stringent epidemiological criteria. Prevalence, association with cardiovascular risk factors, mortality and survival have been analysed. DESIGN AND METHODS: Two hundred and nine adult hypopituitary patients (56·9% females) from a population of 405 218 inhabitants, followed for 10 years. RESULTS: Prevalence of hypopituitarism at the end of the study was 37·5 cases/100 000 inhabitants. Incidence of hypopituitarism was 2·07 cases/100 000 inhabitants and year. Thirty-two patients died during the period of the study. Standardized mortality rate (SMR) was 8·05, higher in males (8·92 vs 7·34) and in younger patients (84·93 vs 5·26). Diagnosis of acromegaly (P = 0·033), previous radiotherapy (P = 0·02), higher BMI (P = 0·04), diabetes mellitus (P = 0·03) and cancer (P < 0·0001) were associated with mortality. A lower survival was associated with older age at diagnosis, nontumoural causes, previous radiotherapy, diabetes mellitus with poor metabolic control and malignant disease. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of hypopituitarism was 37·5 cases/100 000 inhabitants, and annual incidence was 2·07 cases/100 000 inhabitants. SMR was 8 times higher in hypopituitarism than in general population and was also higher in males and younger patients. Reduced survival was significantly related to cancer, nontumoural causes of hypopituitarism, older age at diagnosis, previous radiotherapy and diabetes mellitus with poor metabolic control.

Biological activities of endophytic fungi isolated from Annona muricata Linnaeus: a systematic review.

This systematic review integrates the data available in the literature regarding the biological activities of the extracts of endophytic fungi isolated from Annona muricata and their secondary metabolites. The search was performed using four electronic databases, and studies' quality was evaluated using an adapted assessment tool. The initial database search yielded 436 results; ten studies were selected for inclusion. The leaf was the most studied part of the plant (in nine studies); Periconia sp. was the most tested fungus (n = 4); the most evaluated biological activity was anticancer (n = 6), followed by antiviral (n = 3). Antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities were also tested. Terpenoids or terpenoid hybrid compounds were the most abundant chemical metabolites. Phenolic compounds, esters, alkaloids, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, aromatic compounds, and peptides were also reported. The selected studies highlighted the biotechnological potentiality of the endophytic fungi extracts from A. muricata. Consequently, it can be considered a promising source of biological compounds with antioxidant effects and active against different microorganisms and cancer cells. Further research is needed involving different plant tissues, other microorganisms, such as SARS-CoV-2, and different cancer cells.

Genotypical characterization of thermotolerant coliforms isolated from food produced by a Solidarity Economic Venture of Bahia (Brazil).

Many Solidarity Economic Venture (SEV) are family farmers who seek to add value to production through artisanal processing, which can lead to food contamination. Thus, this study aimed to genotypically characterize thermotolerant coliforms (TtC) strains from food produced by local agribusinesses of SEV during January to April 2019. Samples from thirteen production units (PU) from the SEV were submitted to a microbiological analysis of thermotolerant coliforms (AFNOR 3M1/2 - 09/89), using a fast count method in Petrifilm™ dishes. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique was used to verify the following virulence genes (VGs) associated with Escherichia coli: stx, typical from enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC); bfpA typical from entheropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and elt and slt, typical from entherotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC). The results showed that two samples of queijadinha (typical Brazilian candy made with eggs and coconut) and one sample of cassava cake presented characteristic colonies TtC. This way, three strains were isolated in order to perform the PCR technique. However, the genes used in the reaction were not detected in the isolated strains. Therefore, it is suggested that the isolated strains are from E. coli pathotypes with different virulence genes than the ones analyzed belong other types of TtC, such as Enterobacter and Klebsiella. Although the virulence of genes has not been confirmed, the presence of TtC on food indicates hygiene flaws during production and, therefore, measurements to control and prevent contamination should be taken.

Co-relationship between Escherichia coli in broiler cellulitis and liver lesions.

Pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli may invade the subcutaneous tissue of poultry and cause cellulitis, whilst the pathogen may also cause lesions in internal organs such as the liver. Current paper co-relates Escherichia coli and virulence genes characteristic of Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) in broilers´ cellulitis and liver lesions. One hundred carcasses were retrieved from the production chain in an avian abattoir in the state of Bahia, Brazil, between August 2013 and January 2014, due to detection of cellulitis lesions. Cellulitis and liver samples were retrieved aseptically to quantify E. coli by Petrifilm™ count fast method (3M Company) (AOAC 998.8). Virulent genes iss and iutA were removed from E. coli isolates by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Escherichia coli was isolated from 82.0% of broilers removed from the production chain and the bacterium was concomitantly detected in cellulitis and liver lesions in 40.0% of broilers. E. coli counts ranged between 1.00 and 4.73 log CFU/g in liver lesions and between 2.00 and 9.00 log UFC/g in cellulitis lesions. Virulent genes iutA and iss were detected in 97.56% and 89.02% of E. coli isolates, respectively. Genotype analysis demonstrated the concomitant amplification of genes iutA and iss in 60.0% (n=40) of samples of cellulitis and liver lesions in which the simultaneous isolation of E. coli occurred. There was a positive and significant co-relationship (r=0.22; p<0.05) between the variables occurrence of E. coli isolated from liver samples and the occurrence of E. coli isolated from cellulitis lesions. There were also positive and significant co-relationships between populations of E. coli from liver isolates and cellulitis lesions (r=0.46; p<0.05) when E. coli isolated in the liver and in cellulitis lesions was detected. Since results showed a relationship between E. coli in cellulitis and liver lesions and possible systemic infection, the occurrence of cellulitis lesions as a criterion for total discarding of carcass may be suggested.

Biokinetics and dosimetric studies about 99mTc(V)-DMSA distribution.

Research for radiodiagnostic agents should considerate biological critical parameters which will give own contribution on the absorbed dose. The dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) labeled with (99m)Tc(V) is a radiopharmaceutical which has well established role in medullar thyroid carcinoma and has been proposed in evaluation of bone metastasis. This work studied the biokinetics and dosimetry of (99m)Tc(V)-DMSA by animal model. The (99m)Tc(V)-DMSA was prepared from a (III)DMSA kit alkalized. Mice (n=5) received (99m)Tc(V)DMSA i.v., they were sacrificed (30 min, 1h, 5h and 12h), the organs excised and the activities measured by a gamma counter. The results were evaluated based on %activity/g and the absorbed dose was estimated (MIRDOSE 3.0 program) by extrapolation of data from animal to human scale. The results showed the majority of organs reached the top uptake at 30 min, the greatest kidney uptake was (4.81 +/- 1.38)% activity/g, while the bone presented its highest uptake at 1h (5.49+/- 0.47)% activity/g, after 1h all the organs had activity exponential decrease. The biokinetic profile of (99m)Tc(V)-DMSA was well established, allowing quantifying of residence time, and the radiation dose estimates were made for this agent. About the absorbed dose, the preliminary results showed higher value to bone, being the soft tissue dose relatively low.

Virulence genes in Escherichia coli isolates from commercialized saltwater mussels Mytella guyanensis (Lamarck, 1819).

The isolation of Escherichia coli from food is a major concern. Pathogenic strains of these bacteria cause diseases which range from diarrhea to hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Therefore the virulence genes in E. coli isolates from the mussel ( Mytella guyanensis) commercialized in Cachoeira, Bahia, Brazil were investigated. Samples were purchased from four vendors: two from supermarkets and two from fair outlets. They were conditioned into isothermal boxes with reusable ice and transported to the laboratory for analysis. E. coli strains were isolated in eosin methylene blue agar, preserved in brain-heart infusion medium with 15% glycerol and stored at -20 °C, after microbiological analysis. Virulence genes in the isolated strains were identified by specific primers, with Polymerase Chain Reaction. Twenty-four isolates were obtained, with a prevalence of elt gene, typical from enterotoxigenic infection, in 75% of the isolates. The stx and bfpA genes, prevalent in enterohemorragic and enteropathogenic E. coli, respectively, were not detected. The occurrence of elt virulence-related gene in the E. coli isolates of Mytella guyanensis reveals urgent improvement in food processing, including good handling practices, adequate storage and cooking before consumption, to ensure consumer's health.

Genotypical characterization of thermotolerant coliforms isolated from food produced by a Solidarity Economic Venture of Bahia (Brazil) / Caracterização genotípica de coliformes termotolerantes isolados de alimentos produzidos por um Empreendimento Econômico Solidário

Abstract Many Solidarity Economic Venture (SEV) are family farmers who seek to add value to production through artisanal processing, which can lead to food contamination. Thus, this study aimed to genotypically characterize thermotolerant coliforms (TtC) strains from food produced by local agribusinesses of SEV during January to April 2019. Samples from thirteen production units (PU) from the SEV were submitted to a microbiological analysis of thermotolerant coliforms (AFNOR 3M1/2 - 09/89), using a fast count method in Petrifilm™ dishes. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique was used to verify the following virulence genes (VGs) associated with Escherichia coli: stx, typical from enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC); bfpA typical from entheropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and elt and slt, typical from entherotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC). The results showed that two samples of queijadinha (typical Brazilian candy made with eggs and coconut) and one sample of cassava cake presented characteristic colonies TtC. This way, three strains were isolated in order to perform the PCR technique. However, the genes used in the reaction were not detected in the isolated strains. Therefore, it is suggested that the isolated strains are from E. coli pathotypes with different virulence genes than the ones analyzed belong other types of TtC, such as Enterobacter and Klebsiella. Although the virulence of genes has not been confirmed, the presence of TtC on food indicates hygiene flaws during production and, therefore, measurements to control and prevent contamination should be taken.

Resumo Muitos Empreendimentos Econômicos Solidários (EES) são formados por agricultores familiares que buscam agregar valor à produção por meio do beneficiamento artesanal, que pode ocasionar a contaminação dos alimentos. Desta forma, este estudo objetivou caracterizar genotipicamente coliformes termotolerantes (CT) isolados em alimentos produzidos por agroindústrias de um EES no período de janeiro a abril de 2019. Então, foi realizada análise microbiológica de coliformes termotolerantes (AFNOR 3M1/2 - 09/89), utilizando um método contagem de contagem rápida em placas Petrifilm™, em amostras de alimentos de treze Unidades de Produção (UP) do EES. Foram coletadas assepticamente cinco amostras de cada UP, totalizando 65 amostras. Utilizou-se a técnica de Reação em Cadeia de Polimerase (PCR) para verificação dos seguintes genes de virulência de Escherichia coli: stx, característico de E. coli enterohemorrágica (EHEC), bfpA, característico de E. coli enteropatogênica (EPEC) e elt e stI, característicos de E. coli enterotoxigênica (ETEC). Os resultados demonstraram que duas amostras de queijadinha e uma amostra do bolo de aipim apresentaram colônias características de coliformes termotolerantes. Desta forma, foram isoladas três cepas para a realização da PCR, no entanto os genes utilizados nas reações não foram identificados nas cepas isoladas. Portanto, sugere-se que as cepas isoladas sejam de patótipos de E. coli com genes de virulência diferentes dos analisados ou de outro membro dos CT, como Enterobacter e Klebsiella. Apesar de não serem confirmados os genes de virulência analisados, a detecção dos CT nos alimentos indica falhas na higiene durante a produção, portanto medidas para controlar e prevenir a contaminação dos produtos devem ser tomadas.

Co-relationship between Escherichia coli in broiler cellulitis and liver lesions / Correlação entre a presença de Escherichia coli em lesões de celulite e fígados de frango

Abstract Pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli may invade the subcutaneous tissue of poultry and cause cellulitis, whilst the pathogen may also cause lesions in internal organs such as the liver. Current paper co-relates Escherichia coli and virulence genes characteristic of Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) in broilers´ cellulitis and liver lesions. One hundred carcasses were retrieved from the production chain in an avian abattoir in the state of Bahia, Brazil, between August 2013 and January 2014, due to detection of cellulitis lesions. Cellulitis and liver samples were retrieved aseptically to quantify E. coli by Petrifilm™ count fast method (3M Company) (AOAC 998.8). Virulent genes iss and iutA were removed from E. coli isolates by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Escherichia coli was isolated from 82.0% of broilers removed from the production chain and the bacterium was concomitantly detected in cellulitis and liver lesions in 40.0% of broilers. E. coli counts ranged between 1.00 and 4.73 log CFU/g in liver lesions and between 2.00 and 9.00 log UFC/g in cellulitis lesions. Virulent genes iutA and iss were detected in 97.56% and 89.02% of E. coli isolates, respectively. Genotype analysis demonstrated the concomitant amplification of genes iutA and iss in 60.0% (n=40) of samples of cellulitis and liver lesions in which the simultaneous isolation of E. coli occurred. There was a positive and significant co-relationship (r=0.22; p<0.05) between the variables occurrence of E. coli isolated from liver samples and the occurrence of E. coli isolated from cellulitis lesions. There were also positive and significant co-relationships between populations of E. coli from liver isolates and cellulitis lesions (r=0.46; p<0.05) when E. coli isolated in the liver and in cellulitis lesions was detected. Since results showed a relationship between E. coli in cellulitis and liver lesions and possible systemic infection, the occurrence of cellulitis lesions as a criterion for total discarding of carcass may be suggested.

Resumo Cepas patogênicas de Escherichia coli podem invadir o tecido subcutâneo das aves e provocar celulite aviária e este patógeno pode provocar lesões nos órgãos internos, como o fígado. Desta forma, objetivou-se correlacionar a presença de Escherichia coli e os genes de virulência característicos de Escherichia coli Patogênica para Aves (APEC) nas lesões de celulite e nos fígados dos frangos. Entre agosto de 2013 a janeiro de 2014, foram retiradas 100 carcaças da linha de produção por apresentarem lesões de celulite em um matadouro avícola da Bahia (Brasil). Foram coletadas amostras de celulite e fígados de frango assepticamente para quantificação de E. coli pelo método rápido de contagem Petrifilm™ (3M Company) (AOAC 998.8). Em seguida foi realizada a pesquisa dos genes de virulência iss e iutA nos isolados de E. coli utilizando a Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR). Escherichia coli foi isolada em 82,00% das aves retiradas da linha de produção e a bactéria foi detectada concomitantemente nas lesões de celulite e fígado em 40,00% das aves. As contagens de E. coli variaram de 1,00 a 4,73 log UFC/g nos fígados e de 2,00 a 9,00 log UFC/g nas lesões de celulite. Os genes de virulência iutA e iss foram encontrados em 97,56% e 89,02% dos isolados de E. coli, respectivamente. A análise genotípica revelou a amplificação concomitante dos genes iutA e iss em 60,00% (n=40) das amostras de lesões de celulite e fígado nas quais houve o isolamento simultâneo de E. coli. Foi observada correlação positiva e significativa (r=0,22; p<0,05) entre as variáveis ocorrência de E. coli isolada das amostras dos fígados e ocorrência E. coli isolada das lesões de celulite e, nos casos em que foi detectada a ocorrência de E. coli isolada em fígado e lesões de celulite, correlações positivas e significativas também foram evidenciadas entre as populações de E. coli dos isolados dos fígados e das lesões de celulite, (r=0,46; p<0,05). Assim ficou evidenciada a relação entre E. coli presente nas lesões de celulite e no fígado e uma possível infecção sistêmica, desta forma, sugere-se que a presença de lesões de celulite seja utilizada como critério para o descarte total da carcaça.

Long-term correlation of the electrocorticogram as a bioindicator of brain exposure to ionizing radiation.

Understanding the effects of radiation and its possible influence on the nervous system are of great clinical interest. However, there have been few electrophysiological studies on brain activity after exposure to ionizing radiation (IR). A new methodological approach regarding the assessment of the possible effects of IR on brain activity is the use of linear and nonlinear mathematical methods in the analysis of complex time series, such as brain oscillations measured using the electrocorticogram (ECoG). The objective of this study was to use linear and nonlinear mathematical methods as biomarkers of gamma radiation regarding cortical electrical activity. Adult Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups: 1 control and 2 irradiated groups, evaluated at 24 h (IR24) and 90 days (IR90) after exposure to 18 Gy of gamma radiation from a cobalt-60 radiotherapy source. The ECoG was analyzed using power spectrum methods for the calculation of the power of delta, theta, alpha and beta rhythms and by means of the α-exponent of the detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA). Using both mathematical methods it was possible to identify changes in the ECoG, and to identify significant changes in the pattern of the recording at 24 h after irradiation. Some of these changes were persistent at 90 days after exposure to IR. In particular, the theta wave using the two methods showed higher sensitivity than other waves, suggesting that it is a possible biomarker of exposure to IR.

Valores energéticos e composição bromatológica do resíduo seco de fecularia associado a carboidrases para frangos de corte em fase de crescimento / [Energy value and bromatological composition of dry residue of cassava associated with carbohydrases for grower broilers]

Foram determinados os valores energéticos e a composição bromatológica do resíduo seco de fecularia (RSF) para frangos de corte, na fase de crescimento, utilizando ou não enzimas carboidrases. Os tratamentos foram distribuídos em esquema fatorial 2x4 + ração referência, sendo uma RR sem adição de RSF e quatro tratamentos experimentais com 10%, 20%, 30% e 40% de inclusão do RSF e a suplementação ou não com carboidrases. A composição química encontrada para o RSF, na MN, foi de 89,86% de matéria seca, 0,98% de proteína bruta, 3519kcal kg-1 de energia bruta, 0,19% de extrato etéreo, 27% de fibra em detergente neutro, 19,5% de fibra em detergente ácido, 0,33% de cálcio, 0,43% de fósforo, 0,46% de potássio e 0,12% de magnésio. O uso de carboidrases proporcionou um aumento de 173 e 213kcal kg-1 nos valores de EMA e EMAn, respectivamente, resultando em 1828kcal kg-1 EMA e 1840kcal kg-1 EMAn. Concluiu-se que os maiores níveis de EMA e EMAn foram encontrados para o nível de inclusão médio do RSF de 35% e que a suplementação enzimática pode promover aumento desses parâmetros em até 12% em dietas para frangos de corte na fase de crescimento.(AU)

The energetic values and the bromatological composition of the dry residue of cassava (DRC) were determined for growing broilers with or without carbohydrase enzymes. The treatments were distributed in a 2x4 + reference diet factorial scheme, with one RD without addition of DRC and four experimental treatments with 10, 20, 30 and 40% inclusion levels of RSF and supplementation or not with carbohydrases. The chemical composition found for DRC in natural matter was 89.86% dry matter, 0.98% crude protein, 3519kcal kg-1 gross energy, 0.19% ether extract, 27% neutral detergent fiber, 19.5% of acid detergent fiber, 0.33% of calcium, 0.43% of phosphorus, 0.46% of potassium and 0.12% of magnesium. The use of carbohydrase resulted in an increase of 173 and 213kcal kg-1 in EMA and EMAn values, respectively, resulting in 1828kcal kg-1 EMA and 1840kcal kg-1 EMAn. It was concluded that the highest levels of AME and AMEn were found for the mean inclusion level of the DRC of 35% and that enzymatic supplementation may promote the increase of these parameters by up to 12% in broiler diets in the growth phase.(AU)

Actions of Crotalus durissus terrificus venom and crotoxin on the isolated rat kidney.

Many studies have reported the occurrence of lethal acute renal failure after snakebites. The aim of the present investigation was to determine alterations in renal function produced by Crotalus durissus terrificus venom and crotoxin as well as the histological alterations induced by these venoms. Isolated kidneys from Wistar rats weighing 240 to 280 g were perfused with Krebs-Henseleit solution containing 6 g% of previously dialyzed bovine serum albumin. The effects of Crotalus durissus terrificus venom and crotoxin were studied on glomerular filtration rate (GFR), urinary flow (UF), perfusion pressure (PP) and percentage sodium tubular transport (%TNa+). The infusion of Crotalus durissus terrificus venom (10 microg/ml) and crotoxin (10 microg/ml) increased GFR (control80 = 0.78 +/- 0.07, venom80 = 1.1 +/- 0.07, crotoxin80 = 2.0 +/- 0.05 ml g(-1) min(-1), P<0.05) and UF (control80 = 0.20 +/- 0.02, venom80 = 0.32 +/- 0.03, crotoxin80 = 0.70 +/- 0.05 ml g(-1) min(-1), P<0.05), and decreased %TNa+ (control100 = 75.0 +/- 2.3, venom100 = 62.9 +/- 1.0, crotoxin80 = 69.0 +/- 1.0 ml g(-1) min(-1), P<0.05). The infusion of crude venom tended to reduce PP, although the effect was not significant, whereas with crotoxin PP remained stable during the 100 min of perfusion. The kidneys perfused with crude venom and crotoxin showed abundant protein material in the urinary space and tubules. We conclude that Crotalus durissus terrificus venom and crotoxin, its major component, cause acute nephrotoxicity in the isolated rat kidney. The current experiments demonstrate a direct effect of venom and crotoxin on the perfused isolated kidney.

[Evaluation of the sensitization power of Montenegro skin test]. / Avaliação do poder sensibilizante da reação de Montenegro.

The Montenegro skin test, used to diagnose cutaneous leishmaniasis, is now being considered to detect immunogenicity after vaccination. In this study, we evaluated the ability of this test to induce immune response and IFN-g production in subjects not previously exposed to Leishmania. The Montenegro skin test was performed using antigens of L. amazonensis produced by our laboratory (group I) or by FIOCRU-RJ (group II). At day 30, 33% of the subjects from group I and 42% from group II were positive, compared to 67% from group I and 50% from group II at day 90. IFN-y was detected in 56 % of subjects from group I and 17% from group II at day 30 (169+/-309 and 11+/-36pg/ml) and in 67% from group I and 58% from group II by day 360 (69+/-107 and 18+/-20pg/ml). These data demonstrate that the Montenegro skin test induces not only a delayed hypersensitivity reaction, but also IFN-y production.

Electromyographic diagnosis of leprosy.

Eighty untreated patients suspected to have leprosy were submitted to neurophysiological examination and later compared with the clinical diagnosis. Among the patients who had leprosy confirmed, 98% had EMG abnormalities. Motor and sensory amplitude reduction was the earliest and the most frequent abnormality. Low conduction velocity of the ulnar nerve across the elbow was present in over 55% of the patients. A "mosaic" peripheral polyneuropathy was the most characteristic finding, and seems to be helpful to the diagnosis of leprosy. All of the clinical forms showed EMG abnormalities, and even some asymptomatic contacts, however the abnormalities increase from the undetermined and tuberculous to the borderline and Virchow's forms.

[IQ in hydrocephalus and myelomeningocele. Implications of surgical treatment]. / QI em pacientes com hidrocefalia e mielomeningocele. Implicações do tratamento cirúrgico.

Myelomeningocele occurs in 0.4 for 1000 neonates and is associated with hydrocephalus in 85-90%, and reports on cognition are sparsely found in literature. Forty five children with treated hydrocephalus and myelomeningocele were studied in regard of IQ, and statistically correlated to functional motor level, age of the first shunt, number of revisions of shunt, infection of the shunt and circumference of the head. The medium age was of 7.5 years (3-15 years), 16 males and 29 females. Three (6.6%) had a IQ score > 110, 11 (24.4%) had a score between 100-110, 8 between 85-100 (17.7%), 16 (35.5%) between 85-100 (17.7%) and 7 (15.5%) between 50-70. IQ directly correlated with motor level, having better cognitive results the children with minor functional motor disabilities. Cognition was best in children operated until the seven day of life (t 0.0099), with progressive worse results in children operated after the first month of life, no significance was observed in children operated in the period 7 to 31 days (t 0.1013). Worse results were observed in the group of patients with infection of shunts (t 0.0146). Results were progressively worse with reoperations. The best results in relation of the circumference of the head were seen with children in the medium range (t 0.0115); intermediate results were seen in patients between the medium range and-1SD (t 0.00130) and medium range and +1SD. The worse results were seen in patients at the extremes of > 1SD (t 0.0269) and < ISD (t 0.0042). According to cognitive results the surgical treatment of hydrocephalus have to be done until the first month of life, avoiding reoperations and infections that have unfavorable impact in IQ.