Effects of ecologically relevant concentrations of cadmium in a freshwater fish.

Sub-chronic effects of ecologically relevant concentrations of cadmium (Cd) were evaluated in the catfish Rhamdia quelen. The fish were exposed to Cd (0, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100µgL(-1)) for 15 days. Bioconcentration was observed in the liver of fish exposed to 10 and 100µgL(-1) of cadmium. The liver glutathione S-transferase activity decreased at 0.1 and 1µgL(-1) and increased at 100µgL(-1) and lipoperoxidation increased in all tested concentrations. Fish exposed to 0.1, 1 and 100µgL(-1) Cd presented increase in hepatic lesion index. In the kidney, the catalase activity and LPO reduced in all exposed groups. The gluthatione peroxidase, etoxiresorufin-O-deethylase activities and metallothionein increased at the highest concentration of Cd, but the level of reduced glutathione decreased. The genotoxicity was observed at 0.1 and 100µgL(-1). Neurotoxicity was not observed. The results showed that low concentrations (range of µgL(-1)) of Cd caused hepato-, nephro- and hematological alterations in this freshwater fish species.

Oviposition performance of tephritid polyphagous Anastrepha fraterculus and Ceratitis capitata during three periods of exposure to fruit.

Our study evaluated the oviposition behaviour of Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830) and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) in five fruit species. Apples, guavas, mangoes, peaches and tangerines were exposed to infestation for 6, 12 and 24 hours. Anastrepha fraterculus and C. capitata showed different oviposition behaviour in apples and tangerines and similar oviposition behaviour in guavas, mangoes and peaches. There was a positive correlation between infestation time and pupae/kg, as well as between pupae/fruit and the survival rate of the immature (pupal viability). In this study, we present discussions about the oviposition behaviour of flies and the host infestation index. This index can reflect the reproductive capacity that each fruit species offers for each fly species. Here, we see an adult recovery rate greater than 89% in the highest infestation index observed in guava (185 A. fraterculus per unit fruit) and peach (220 C. capitata per unit fruit). Understanding the reproductive capacity of each host can help with risk analysis and the management of fruit flies.

Epidemiological Profile of Patients Undergoing Urgent Corneal Transplant in a Referral Center in Northeastern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to characterize the epidemiological profile and average time on the waiting list of patients undergoing an urgent corneal transplantation (CT) in a referral center in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, northeastern Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included cases of urgent corneal transplants performed in a referral center from January 2010 to December 2014. Data were collected between January and March 2015. RESULTS: Seventy-four cases of emergency CT were analyzed. Of these, 69.4% were male, over the age range from 8 to 92 years. There were 38 transplants occurring in the right eye, 55.4% with tectonic purpose, 25.7% with optical purpose, and 18.9% therapy purpose. The main indications for patient inclusion in an emergency were the perforation (52.7%) and corneal ulcer unresponsive to medical treatment (33.8%). Interstitial keratitis was the most common diagnosis (74.3%), responsible for all prioritized cases in line for corneal ulcer unresponsive to treatment. The average length of the waiting line to perform the urgent CT was 9.03 days. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, there was a predominance of male patients and patients >50 years old, which corroborates the results of other studies with similar results. Perforation was the main indication to include the patient on the urgency list (52.7%). There is a need for further research to improve public health policies on the process of corneal transplantation as well as raising awareness of the importance of organ donation.

Ação do estanozolol sobre a histologia renal e hepática em ratos treinados com natação / [Stanozolol action on renal and hepatic histology in swimming trained rats]

No presente estudo, foram analisados os efeitos do estanozolol, associado ou não à atividade física, sobre o hemograma, o peso ponderal, a ingestão líquida e sólida, a urinálise, a expressão do VEGF-A renal e o glicogênio hepático, além da histopatologia hepática e renal em ratos Wistar. Foram utilizados 32 ratos Wistar, machos, jovens, separados em quatro grupos: GC (grupo controle); GCE (grupo controle-exercício); GT (grupo tratamento-esteroide); GTE (grupo tratamento-esteroide-exercício). Os animais dos grupos GT e GTE (n=16) foram submetidos a injeções subcutâneas, cinco dias/semana, durante 30 dias, na concentração de 5mg/kg de estanozolol diluído em 1mL de óleo de gergelim, utilizado como veículo. A natação foi definida como exercício físico. Houve aumento no peso dos animais submetidos ao estanozolol e ao exercício a partir da terceira semana de uso e aumento da excreção urinária a partir da quinta semana; os demais parâmetros da urinálise foram semelhantes entre os grupos. O uso de estanozolol associado ou não à atividade física promoveu redução da expressão do VEGF-A nos rins e do glicogênio hepático, além de alterações histopatológicas nesses órgãos. Quanto à hematologia, houve uma diminuição dos leucócitos no GTE em relação aos grupos GT e GCE. Quanto aos linfócitos, houve um aumento no GT e uma diminuição no GTE, e, em relação ao número de plaquetas, houve diminuição no GTE quando comparado ao GT e ao GCE Assim, conclui-se que estanozolol na dose de 5,0mg/kg causa alterações renais e hepáticas em ratos Wistar, podendo levar à falência dos rins e do fígado.(AU)

The goal of this study was to determine the effect of stanozolol (ST) on kidney and liver of Wistar rats. Thirty-two male animals were divided into the following four groups: control group (CG); Control group-exercise (GCE); Group-steroid treatment (GT); Group treatment-steroid-exercise (GTE). Swimming was defined as exercise. The animals GT and GTE was submitted to subcutaneous injections, five days/week for 30 days, at a concentration of 5mg/kg ST diluted in 1mL/kg of sesame oil. The results showed an increase in weight gain in all animals submitted to ST and exercise from the 3rd week of use and increase in urinary excretion from the 5th week and the other urinalysis parameters were similar. The ST associated or not with physical activity reduced VEGF-A expression in the kidneys and hepatic glycogen, as well as histopathological changes in these organs. Regarding hematology, there was a decrease in leukocytes in the GTE. As for lymphocytes there was an increase in GT and a decrease in GTE, and in relation to the number of platelets, there was a decrease in GTE. In conclusion, the administration of stanozolol at 5.0mg/kg caused a structural change of kidney and liver in treated animals.(AU)

Efficacy of Bacillus sphaericus in control of the filariasis vector Culex quinquefasciatus in an urban area of Olinda, Brazil.

The efficacy of Bacillus sphaericus 2362 against Culex quinquefasciatus was tested in 1991-94 in a major Brazilian endemic zone for bancroftian filariasis. Continuous selection pressure against the mosquito population was sustained for 18 months through treatment of 2500 potential breeding sites occurring within a 5.7-km2 urban area in the Metropolitan Region of Recife. The impact of this control intervention was evaluated by comparing entomological indices with those from an untreated area. Application of the larvicide kept the Cx. quinquefasciatus population density significantly lower when compared to the untreated area, despite some operational difficulties. Adult densities remained lower for at least 5 months after spraying ceased. Pre-trial microfilaria rates from the untreated and operational area were 13.1% and 7.2%, respectively. A 60% reduction in human exposure to infective bites was recorded as a consequence of this vector population control.

Does toxoplasmosis cause DNA damage? An evaluation in isogenic mice under normal diet or dietary restriction.

Toxoplasmosis is an anthropozoonotic widespread disease, caused by the coccidian protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Since there are no data regarding the genotoxicity of the parasite in vivo, this study was designed to evaluate the genotoxic potential of the toxoplasmosis on isogenic mice with normal diet or under dietary restriction and submitted to a treatment with sulfonamide (375 microg/kg per day). DNA damage was assessed in peripheral blood, liver and brain cells using the comet assay (tail moment). The results for leucocytes showed increases in the mean tail moment in mice under dietary restriction; in infected mice under normal diet; in infected, sulfonamide-treated mice under normal diet; in infected mice under dietary restriction and in infected sulfonamide-treated mice under dietary restriction. In liver and brain cells, no statistically significant difference was observed for the tail moment. These results indicated that dietary restriction and T. gondii were able to induce DNA damage in peripheral blood cells, as detected by the comet assay.

Clinical effectiveness of a hydrophobic coating used in conjunction with a one-step self-etch adhesive: an 18-month evaluation.

The purpose of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the clinical performance of a one-step self-etch adhesive in noncarious cervical lesions with inclusion of a hydrophobic bonding layer not included in the original bonding system as a test of potentially improved bonding. Patients with noncarious cervical lesions received two or four restorations after being randomly assigned to two adhesive technique protocols (n=32): EB, application of Adper Easy Bond (3M ESPE) following manufacturer's instructions; and EB+B, application of Adper Easy Bond, immediately followed by the application of a hydrophobic resin coat (Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Bonding Agent, 3M ESPE). All restorations were restored with a microhybrid composite (Filtek Z250, 3M ESPE). Clinical effectiveness was recorded in terms of retention, marginal discoloration, marginal integrity, postoperative sensitivity, recurrent caries, periodontal health, and pulpal vitality, according to the modified USPHS criteria, for 18 months. Data were analyzed using chi-square, Fisher exact, and McNemar tests at α=0.05. Two restorations of each group were debonded after six months, leading to an overall clinical success rate of 93.8% for both groups. At the 18-month evaluation period, no new restoration was debonded. However, one restoration of the EB group displayed recurrent caries at the dentin margin, decreasing the overall success rate to 90.6% in comparison to 93.8% of EB+B. The success rate between EB and EB+B was not statistically significant (p=0.5). The application of a hydrophobic resin coat over EB did not increase bonding effectiveness in noncarious cervical lesions after 18 months.

Efeito da dexametasona e melatonina exógenas sobre parâmetros sanguíneos, progesterona, carboidratos totais e histomorfometria de órgãos em ratas prenhes / The effect of dexamethasone and exogenous melatonin on blood parameters, progesterone, total carbo hydrates and histomorphometry of organs in pregnant rats

A dexametasona é utilizada em casos de gestação com risco de prematuridade; porém, doses suprafisiológicas podem afetar a embriogênese. A melatonina tem demonstrado prevenir efeitos deletérios dos glicocorticoides. Assim, avaliamos a influência da melatonina sobre efeitos da dexametasona em ratas prenhes através dos seguintes parâmetros: 1. Hemograma e perfil glicídico; 2. Níveis de progesterona; e 3. Histomorfometria e histoquímica. Foram utilizadas 20 ratas divididas nos grupos: I - ratas prenhes que receberam placebo (Controle); II - ratas prenhes tratadas com dexametasona (0,8mg/kg); III - ratas prenhes tratadas com melatonina (0,5mg/kg); IV - ratas prenhes tratadas com dexametasona e melatonina. Todos os tratamentos foram iniciados 10 dias após confirmação do acasalamento até o final da prenhez. O sangue foi coletado no 7º, 14º e 21º dia de prenhez. As dosagens de carboidratos e progesterona foram realizadas pelo método antrona e ELISA, respectivamente. O fígado, rins e adrenais foram analisados histoquímica e morfometricamente. No 7º dia de prenhez, não houve alteração significativa nos parâmetros analisados. Porém, no 14º dia de prenhez, houve aumento significativo do volume de hematócrito, redução do número total de hemácias e leucócitos, neutrofilia, linfopenia, eosinopenia e redução do diâmetro das hemácias nas matrizes tratadas com dexametasona. Esses efeitos permaneceram no 21º dia de prenhez, exceto para o hematócrito, o qual reduziu. Verificou-se ainda redução significativa dos níveis de glicose (21º dia de prenhez) e progesterona (14º e 21º dia de prenhez). Não houve alteração nos parâmetros morfométricos e histoquímico no fígado, rins e adrenais. A dexametasona na dosagem de 0,8mg/kg, administrada a partir do terço médio da prenhez, produz alterações hematológicas, bioquímicas e hormonais em ratas, sendo prevenidas pela melatonina; porém não afeta o fígado, rins e adrenais quanto aos parâmetros morfométricos e histoquímicos.

Dexamethasone is used in cases of pregnancy with prematurity risk. However, it may affect the embryogenesis when used in supraphysiological doses. Melatonin has been shown to prevent the deleterious effects of glucocorticoids. Therefore, the influence of melatonin on the effects of dexamethasone on pregnant rats was evaluated through the following parameters: 1. Hemogram and glucose profile; 2. Progesterone levels; 3. Histomorphometry and histochemistry analyses. Twenty female rats were divided into the following groups: I - rats that received placebo (Control); II - rats treated with dexamethasone (0.8mg/kg); III - rats treated with melatonin (0.5mg/kg); IV - rats treated with dexamethasone and melatonin. All treatments started 10 days after confirmation of mating and lasted until the end of the pregnancy. Blood samples were collected on the 7th, 14th, and 21st day. Carbohydrate and progesterone levels were determined with the antrona and ELISA method, respectively. The liver, kidneys, and adrenal glands were analyzed morphometrically and histochemically. On the 7th day of pregnancy there were no significant changes in the parameters analyzed. However, at 14 days of pregnancy there was a significant increase of hematocrit, reducing the total number of erythrocytes and leukocytes, neutrophilia, lymphopenia, eosinopenia and reduced diameter of red blood cells in rats treated with dexamethasone. These effects remained on the 21st of day of pregnancy, except for the hematocrit, which was reduced. There was also a significant reduction in glucose levels (21st day) and progesterone (14th and 21st days). There was no change in the histochemical and morphometric parameters in the liver, kidneys and adrenals. Dexamethasone at a dosage of 0.8mg/kg administered from the middle third of pregnancy produces hematological, biochemical and hormonal changes in rats, being prevented by melatonin, but does not affect the liver...

The use of bacterial larvicides in mosquito and black fly control programmes in Brazil.

Bacillus spp. based larvicides are increasingly replacing, with numerous advantages, chemical insecticides in programmes for controlling black fly and mosquito populations. Brazil was among the pioneers in adopting Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (B.t.i) to control black flies. However, the major current mosquito control programme in Brazil, the Programme for Eradication of Aedes aegypti launched in 1997, only recently decided to replace temephos by B.t.i based larvicides, in the State of Rio de Janeiro. In the last decade, works developed by research groups in Brazilian institutions have generated a significant contribution to this subject through the isolation of B. sphaericus new strains, the development of new products and the implementation of field trials of Bacillus efficacy against mosquito species under different environmental conditions.

Integrated control measures against Culex quinquefasciatus, the vector of filariasis in Recife.

Integrated control measures against Culex quinquefasciastus have been implemented in a pilot urban area in Recife, Brazil. About 3,000 breeding sites found within the operational area were responsible for very high mosquito densities recorded during the pretrial period. Physical control measures have been applied to cess pits before starting a series of 37 treatments of the other sites with Bacillus sphaericus strain 2362, over 27 months. In spite of the difficulties due to environmental conditions, very significant reductions in preimaginal population of C. quinquefasciatus were achieved and, as a consequence, low adult mosquito densities were maintained for a relatively long period of time. Entomological and environmental data gathered in this pilot project can contribute to design an integrated mosquito control program in Recife city.

Correlação entre a atividade sérica da ceruloplasmina e os teores sérico e hepático de cobre em novilhas Nelore / Ceruloplasmin serum activity correlation with copper serum and liver concentrations in Nelore heifers

Avaliou-se a atividade oxidativa sérica da ceruloplasmina como indicadora dos teores sérico e hepático de cobre e compararam-se dois métodos de determinação da ceruloplasmina, pelo parafenileno e pela ortodianisidina. Foram colhidas 56 amostras de soro e de fígado (biópsias hepáticas) de novilhas Nelore para determinação da atividade sérica da ceruloplasmina e da concentração de cobre. As correlações entre a concentração sérica de cobre e a atividade sérica da ceruloplasmina determinadas pelos métodos do parafemileno e da ortodianisidina foram 0,75 e 0,62, respectivamente. As correlações entre a concentração hepática de cobre e a atividade sérica da ceruloplasmina pelos métodos citados foram 0,15 e 0,12. Não foi observada correlação entre os valores séricos e hepáticos de cobre. A correlação entre determinação da atividade sérica de ceruloplasmina, que utilizou o parafenileno como substrato, e o cobre sérico foi maior do que a correlação entre esse mineral e o método que usou a ortodianisidina.

Percepção da dor isquêmica e a pressão em mulheres jovens durante o ciclo menstrual: associação entre estados de humor e níveis de cortisol / Perception of ischemic and pressing pain in young women during menstrual cycle. Association with humor and cortisol levels

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the modulation of pain perception, estimate by both threshold and tolerance to ischemic and pressure stimuli, by cortisol and humor states across the menstrual cycle. METHODS: Threshold and tolerance pain to ischemic and pressure stimuli were determined in eighteen healthy young women. The menstrual cycle phases were determined using oral temperature, documentation of the first and last day of menstruation and plasma levels of progesterone and estradiol. Statistical analysis using linear regression model (R2) indicate which hormonal variables (estradiol, progesterone and cortisol) and/or variables obtained from the questionnaire Profile of Mood States (POMS) (fatigue, tension, anger, vigor, confusion and depression) explain, isolated or together, each one of the pain parameters during the five phases of the menstrual cycle. RESULTS: In the follicular, periovulatory, early-to-middle luteal and menstrual phases hormones and subjective variables from POMS explained the responses for pain threshold and tolerance to ischemic and pressure stimulus. Estradiol (during follicular, peri-ovulatory and menstrual phases) and cortisol (during follicular, early-to-mid luteal and mestrual phases) explain only the pain perception to pressure. The differential participation of the hormones in the two types of pain suggests that estradiol, and probably cortisol, modulate the pathways related to pressure but not those related to ischemic pain. On the other hand only the mood states variables explained pain perception during late luteal phase. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of hormonal and subjective variables (POMS) together, associated to detailed characterization of the menstrual cycle suggest that participation of estradiol and cortisol modulate pain perception to pressure stimulus but not to ischemic one. Indeed, suggest that in healthy women with regular menstrual cycles, only subjective variables explained pain perception during late luteal phase of menstrual cycle.

A respeito de um caso de osteomielite cronica da mandibula tratado com perolas de gentamicin-PMMA. / Apropos of a case of chronic osteomyelitis of the jaw treated with gentamicin PMMA-beads

Os autores apresentam o relato de um caso de osteomielite cronica da mandibula, tratado com perolas de gentamicina-PMMA.O bom resultado terapeutico e a tolerabilidade plenamente satisfatoria, aliados a inexistencia de citacao semelhante na literatura medica disponivel, motivam essa comunicacao que julgam podera vir a ser util aos especialistas que, no futuro estejam diante de um caso similar