Phallus eversion sexing in Phrynops geoffroanus (Testudines: Chelidae): a new non-invasive approach / Sexagem por eversão do falo em Phrynops geoffroanus (Testudines: Chelidae): uma nova abordagem não invasiva

Abstract The sexing of species is an important tool for population management. In tortoises and turtles, sexing is usually done according to secondary characteristics, such as plastron morphology or phallus eversion techniques. In this paper, we present the phallus eversion method and compare its efficiency to other existing techniques. This new method aims at shortening the management time and reducing the physical aftereffects on the animals, fostering the clinical and reproductive management of Geoffroy's side-necked turtle (Phrynops geoffroanus) and related species. A sample of fifty individuals was taken in the central region of Piauí state, Northeastern Brazil. The proposed method consisted of moving the head from its resting position. The methods achieving a success rate higher than 80% were compared to each other as for the stimulation time required for phallus eversion. The method as here proposed achieved 100% efficiency in the sex determination of specimens with a linear carapace length between 10 and 34 cm. Also, when compared to the second most efficient method, it substantially reduced the time needed for managing the specimens (91%), avoiding possible sequelae in the individuals handled.

Resumo A sexagem das espécies é uma ferramenta importante para o manejo populacional. Em tartarugas, cágados e jabutis, a sexagem geralmente é feita de acordo com características secundárias, como morfologia do plastrão ou técnicas de eversão do falo. Neste artigo, apresentamos o método de eversão do falo e comparamos sua eficiência com outras técnicas existentes. Este novo método visa encurtar o tempo de manejo e reduzir os efeitos colaterais físicos nos animais, promovendo o manejo clínico e reprodutivo do cágado-de-barbicha (Phrynops geoffroanus) e espécies relacionadas. Uma amostra de cinquenta indivíduos foi coletada na região central do estado do Piauí, Nordeste do Brasil. O método proposto consiste em remover a cabeça de sua posição de repouso. Os métodos que obtiveram índice de sucesso superior a 80% foram comparados entre si quanto ao tempo de estimulação necessário para a eversão do falo. O método aqui proposto alcançou 100% de eficiência na determinação do sexo de espécimes com comprimento de carapaça linear entre 10 e 34 cm. Além disso, quando comparado ao segundo método mais eficiente, reduziu substancialmente o tempo necessário para o manejo dos espécimes (91%), evitando possíveis sequelas nos indivíduos manuseados.

Phallus eversion sexing in Phrynops geoffroanus (Testudines: Chelidae): a new non-invasive approach

Abstract The sexing of species is an important tool for population management. In tortoises and turtles, sexing is usually done according to secondary characteristics, such as plastron morphology or phallus eversion techniques. In this paper, we present the phallus eversion method and compare its efficiency to other existing techniques. This new method aims at shortening the management time and reducing the physical aftereffects on the animals, fostering the clinical and reproductive management of Geoffroys side-necked turtle (Phrynops geoffroanus) and related species. A sample of fifty individuals was taken in the central region of Piauí state, Northeastern Brazil. The proposed method consisted of moving the head from its resting position. The methods achieving a success rate higher than 80% were compared to each other as for the stimulation time required for phallus eversion. The method as here proposed achieved 100% efficiency in the sex determination of specimens with a linear carapace length between 10 and 34 cm. Also, when compared to the second most efficient method, it substantially reduced the time needed for managing the specimens (91%), avoiding possible sequelae in the individuals handled.

Resumo A sexagem das espécies é uma ferramenta importante para o manejo populacional. Em tartarugas, cágados e jabutis, a sexagem geralmente é feita de acordo com características secundárias, como morfologia do plastrão ou técnicas de eversão do falo. Neste artigo, apresentamos o método de eversão do falo e comparamos sua eficiência com outras técnicas existentes. Este novo método visa encurtar o tempo de manejo e reduzir os efeitos colaterais físicos nos animais, promovendo o manejo clínico e reprodutivo do cágado-de-barbicha (Phrynops geoffroanus) e espécies relacionadas. Uma amostra de cinquenta indivíduos foi coletada na região central do estado do Piauí, Nordeste do Brasil. O método proposto consiste em remover a cabeça de sua posição de repouso. Os métodos que obtiveram índice de sucesso superior a 80% foram comparados entre si quanto ao tempo de estimulação necessário para a eversão do falo. O método aqui proposto alcançou 100% de eficiência na determinação do sexo de espécimes com comprimento de carapaça linear entre 10 e 34 cm. Além disso, quando comparado ao segundo método mais eficiente, reduziu substancialmente o tempo necessário para o manejo dos espécimes (91%), evitando possíveis sequelas nos indivíduos manuseados.

Influence of Congenital Heart Defect Types over Cardiopulmonary Bypass, Aortic Cross-Clamping, and Intensive Care Unit Length of Stay and Their Association with Genetic Factors

Aim: Surgical correction of congenital heart defects (CHD) often requires interruption of blood flow through cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and aortic cross-clamping (ACC), for which duration(s) are considered to be prognostic factors, along with intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (ICULOS). The aim of this study was to evaluate these surgical prognostic factors in pediatric patients with different types of CHD regarding their type of lesion and associated genetic factors. Study Design: Cross-sectional cohort study with 307 pediatric patients. Place and Duration of Study: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Hospital da Criança Santo Antônio, in Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil, from 2006-2009 (3 years) Methodology: After inclusion criteria, we studied 266 pediatric patients admitted for the first time in a reference cardiac pediatric ICU from Southern Brazil following cardiac surgery. Intraoperative prognostic factors such as duration of CPB, ACC and ICULOS, in addition to dysmorphological and cytogenetic examinations were compiled and analyzed. P-values of <0.05 were considered significant. Results: CPB time was associated to four outflow tract defects (Tetralogy of Fallot [ToF], transposition of the great arteries [TGA], double outlet right ventricle, and truncus arteriosus [TA]), atrioventricular septal defect, and hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) (P < 0.001). ACC duration was associated with three outflow tract defects (ToF, TGA, and TA) and HLHS (P < 0.001). Moreover, CPB and ACC times showed an association with cyanotic and complex heart defects, as well as prolonged ICULOS (P < 0.001). There was no relationship between these prognostic factors and syndromic aspects or cytogenetic findings. Conclusions: CHD type has an impact over CPB and ACC duration and ICULOS, whereas genetic factors are not associated with those prognostic factors.

Retrospective analysis of adverse drug reactions to anticancer drugs at a tertiary care hospital in South India

Background: Many newer drugs are approved every year for the treatment of cancers. With the limitation of clinical trials data on long-term safety, there is a need for constant monitoring of drugs use in various population. Occurrence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) due to anticancer drugs is high due to their cytotoxic effects. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to analyze ADR reported due to anticancer drugs in relation to frequency of their occurrence, causality, severity, and preventability. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of ADRs due to cancer chemotherapeutic agents that were spontaneously reported between January 2017 and June 2018. Data were collected from the suspected ADR notification forms submitted to ADR Monitoring Centre of the institute. Data were analyzed for type of cancers, medications used, type of ADRs, causality assessment, severity, and preventability. Results: A total of 545 ADRs were reported from 391 cases, with majority in females (65.1%). Breast was more commonly involved cancer (16.62%) and cisplatin was the common individual drug reported to cause ADRs (16.15%). The most common ADR reported was paresthesia (13.03%) followed by diarrhea (12.29%). Causality assessment revealed that most cases were probably related (61.65%). Most of the cases were moderately severe (61.28%) and most of the reported ADRs were not preventable (72.65%). Conclusion: Toxicities due to anticancer drugs can affect different organs. Most of the reported cases in this study are not preventable and of moderately severe. Appropriate use of preventive strategies helps in reduction in the occurrence and severity of ADRs.

Barriers to patient recruitment in a poststroke neurorehabilitation multicenter trial in Brazil

There is a high demand for stroke rehabilitation in the Brazilian public health system, but most studies that have addressed rehabilitation for unilateral spatial neglect (USN) after stroke have been performed in high-income countries. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze USN patient recruitment in a multicenter noninvasive brain stimulation clinical trial performed in Brazil and to provide study design recommendations for future studies. We evaluated the reasons for exclusion of patients from a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded clinical trial of rehabilitation of USN patients after stroke. Clinical and demographic variables were compared between the included and excluded patients. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Only 173 of the 1953 potential neglect patients (8.8%) passed the initial screening. After screening evaluation, 87/173 patients (50.3%) were excluded for clinical reasons. Cognitive impairment led to the exclusion of 21/87 patients (24.1%). Low socioeconomic status led to the exclusion of 37/173 patients (21.4%). Difficulty obtaining transportation to access treatment was the most common reason for their exclusion (16/37 patients, 43.3%). The analyzed Brazilian institutions have potential for conducting studies of USN. The recruitment of stroke survivors with USN was restricted by the study design and limited financial support. A history of cognitive impairment, intracranial stenting or craniectomy, and lack of transportation were the most common barriers to participating in a multicenter noninvasive brain stimulation trial among patients with USN after stroke.

Analysis of the Hive Yield of Three Species of Bees for Honey Production in Eastern Honduras

Objectives: The analysis of the performance of honey production hives of three species of honeybees was carried out. Study Design: Three harvests per year of honey per hive of each species the first was on March-April, the second was on June-July, and the third was on November -December, with a sampling of ten hives per species, data were evaluated by ANOVA analysis, and Duncan mean separation test developed by SAS/STAT program. Place and Duration of the Study: This research was developed in the department of Para韘o, municipality of Danl�, Honduras, Central America, in Cerro El 羐uila, latitude 13�'59" N, and longitude 86�'59" W, the sampling was carried out in 2020. Methodology: The qualitative variables were evaluated for each species by In Situ observation that characterized the honeycombs of the three species, and the data were subjected to an analysis of variance and Duncan's mean separation, where the dependent variable is the average yield of Kg of honey/hive. Results: According to the ANOVA, there are significant differences in: the harvest of the three species of bees (p<0.0001), for the three annual harvests (p=0.0024), and by hives (p<0.0001) and in the analysis of separation of means the three averages of honey yield observed are not homogeneous (P>0.05), the Apis mellifera produces 63.1 kg/hive-year, the Tetragonisca angustula obtained an average of 0.679 kg / hive-year, and Melipona beecheii obtained 13.19 kg/hive-year. Conclusion: In the three species is observed that they have differences in the structures of the construction of their hives, their entrance, the construction of their cells, production and storage of honey and pollen, birth of queens, and method of defense; and when evaluating the average annual yield by species, by harvest, and by hives, is found that the three variables evaluated of bees are different averages of honey production.

Pre-Treatment Loss to Follow Up of Tuberculosis Patients; Prevalence and Reasons for It in Central Karnataka, India

Background: Pre-treatment loss to follow up (PTLFU) is defined as diagnosed TB patients not initiated on treatment within 14 days of TB diagnosis. Bringing these PTLFU cases into care can reduce the dis-ease transmission and mortality. The present study was undertaken with main objectives to study the prevalence of PTLFU in TB patients and to know the reasons for PTLFU. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 38 PTLFU TB patients of Davangere dis-trict, Karnataka from January to March 2019. Study participants were personally interviewed using pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The prevalence of PTLFU in TB patients is 3.6%. The reasons for PTLFU were, out of the 38 study subjects, 17 (47%) of them were initiated on treatment in private sector but reported as PTLFU. 7 (18%) died in hospital before treatment initiation. 7 (18%) did not start the treatment because of fear of side effects following anti tuberculosis treatment, whereas 2 (6%) of them did not take treatment by see-ing the side effects in others and 5 (13%) had alcoholic withdrawal effects. Conclusions: Improvement in recording of contact details, biometric registration of all presumptive TB cases and pre-treatment counselling of all diagnosed TB patients may reduce PTLFU.

Assessment of Metallic Contamination in Soils and Sediments in the B閠ar�-Oya Gold Artisanal Mine District, East-Cameroon

Mining is an activity that involves the use of chemicals and results in unsustainable and dangerous conditions for the miners, their families, the community and the surrounding ecosystem. This study was done to assess metallic contamination of soils and sediments in the B閠ar�-Oya gold artisanal mine district, East-Cameroon. A total of thirty (30) samples of exploited soils, control soils and sediments were taken from the mining sites of Lom, Mbal and Mali. The concentrations of heavy metals and metalloids (Fe, Sr, Cu, As, Pb and Zn) were determined by Inductive Plasma Ionisation Source Atomic Emission Spectrometry. The results show that in the sediments metals such as: As (1.82), Cu (24.22), Pb (18.04) and Zn (65.69) have average concentrations slightly higher than the UCC and Average Shale reference values. In the exploited soil As (1.93), Cu (16.86) and Zn (96.22) have average concentrations slightly higher than the UCC and Average Shale reference values.While in the cotrol soils only As (1.62) and Zn (59.72) shows an average concentration slightly above the UCC reference values. The average concentrations of the different heavy metals and metalloids were then used to calculate the intensity of contamination in soils and sediments. The results of this calculation indicate that the Enrichment Factor (EF) of As, Sr, Zn and Pb indicate an extremely high enrichment in these elements. The geo-accumulation Index (Igeo) (22.85-25), the Contamination (CF) (1.47), the low values of the ecological risk indices suggest a low potential ecological risk and Pollution load index (PLI) (0.67) indicates extreme contamination with these elements in the soils and sediments. However, only As indicates a slight contamination (class 1) in soils and sediments. Gold panning activities and untreated mine tailings discharges would be considered as the main sources of sediment and soil pollution in B閠ar�-Oya.

Typhoid Outbreak during the Pandemic of COVID-19 : A Report

Background : In the 19th Week of 2020, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) noted an unusual increase in the number of fever cases in Routine Syndromic Surveillance. Objectives : The unusual increase of fever cases were investigated to identify the agent, the source of infection and to propose recommendations for control measures. Methods : Active surveillance of fever cases done, blood samples, stool samples and water samples were collected from the affected area. The secondary data of indoor and outdoor patient were collected from the nearest health facilities. Result : It was a single peak outbreak of typhoid, started from 1st May, 2020, had peaked during the 19th Week of May, 2020 and ended on 31st May, 2020. The epicentre of the outbreak was the residential colony of Industrial labour. The outbreak of Typhoid occurred due to conditions generated due to the pandemic of COVID -19. Two sources of active infection were found. First, contaminated supply of drinking water and second a food-handler, who was the carrier of Typhoid. Interpretation and Conclusion : It is a lesson to learn that the local communicable diseases should be monitor during the pandemic. Otherwise, that can cause the situation of co-epidemic

Phytochemical Screening and in vitro Antibacterial Activity of the Aqueous Extract of Phyllanthus niruri L. from Kasa� Oriental in DR Congo

Objectives: The aim of this work is to carry out a phytochemical study and to evaluate in vitro antibacterial potential of the aqueous extract of Phyllanthus niruri, a plant traditionally used in Kasai Oriental (DR Congo) against various bacteriosis and non-bacterial diseases. Study Design: P. niruri, was selected from a list resulting from an ethnobotanical survey carried out in Kasai Oriental because of the number of citations and recipes involving it, the level of preference of the species as well as the diversity of diseases treated and the plebiscite of its effectiveness by local traditional healers. To contribute to the enhancement of this plant traditionally used against various bacteriosis and to confirm its potential antibacterial power, it was subjected to phytochemical screening and its aqueous extract was tested in vitro on bacterial strains. Place and Duration of the Study: The period of this research went from December 2017 to February 2018. The analyzes were carried out at the physico-chemical and microbiological analysis laboratories of the Congolese Control Office of Mbujimayi (DR Congo) and at the Biology and Chemistry laboratories of the ISP Mbujimayi. Methodology: The chemical groups of the bioactive substances were sought using the classic methods of characterization in solution by precipitation, coloring and foam reactions. The diameters of the zones of inhibition, MICs and CMBs of the aqueous extract of this plant were determined in vitro against 20 bacterial strains subjected to the test. Results: P. niruri contains various bioactive chemical groups. Its aqueous extract showed antibacterial activity in vitro against several of 20 tested bacterial strains. According to the MICs and CMBs, the inhibitory action spectrum covers 12 bacterial strains out of the 20 tested. Conclusion: The results found confirm that P. niruri has antibacterial principles and a therapeutic potential by the presence of several bioactive substances and the inhibitory power of its aqueous extract on some bacterial strains tested.

Lovastatin Concentration in Pleurotus ostreatus as Affected by Acid and Blanching Treatments Combined to Drying and Canning Processes

Aims: Lovastatin is a cholesterol-lowering drug produced by several filamentous fungi as a secondary metabolite. Its concentration in mushroom can be affected by many post-harvest processes. In this study, fruiting bodies of Pleurotus ostreatus grown on corn cobs were used to evaluate the effect of conservation techniques on their lovastatin concentration. Methodology: acid and blanching treatments combined to different processes of fruiting bodies conservation like sun drying, oven drying and canning by autoclave cooking were tested to evaluate their effect on lovastatin concentration. Results: Sun drying, oven drying at 60°C/70°C and canning using autoclave cooking at 100°C did not significantly affect lovastatin concentration. On the contrary, oven drying at 80°C caused the reduction of this compound up to 45.4% with respect to fresh product irrespective of the precedent use of citric acid or blanching treatments. Also, during canning, the use of autoclave heat treatments at temperatures 110 and 121°C for 15 minute caused a significant reduction of lovastatin concentration of about 52.2% and 48.9% respectively compared to the control. In this regards, it can be concluded that processes that use dry thermal treatments higher than 80°C and autoclave heat treatments higher than 100°C will contribute to the reduction of lovastatin, the cholesterol-lowering compound in Pleurotus ostreatus.

Les urgences urologiques au CHU de Libreville aspects diagnostiques et délai de prise en charge / Urological emergencies at the University Hospital Center of Libreville: diagnostic aspects and management delay

Objectif : l'objectif de cette étude était de rapporter les aspects diagnostiques ainsi que les délais de prise en charge des urgences urologiques.Patients et Méthodes : nous avions réalisé une étude prospective à visée descriptive, du 1er juin 2018 au 31 mai 2019 au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Libreville. Elle concernait tous les patients reçus pour une urgence urologique.Les variables comprenaient les données socio démographiques, diagnostiques et thérapeutiques.Résultats : durant cette période, nous avions enregistré 586 patients. L'âge moyen était de 40,6 ans avec des extrêmes de 3 mois et 96 ans. Le sex ratio était de 4,6. Les urgences étaient obstructives (40,6%) et infectieuses (33,3%). Sur le plan thérapeutique, le geste effectué était le sondage vésical dans 33,5% des cas. Cent quarante (140) interventions chirurgicales (23,9%) avaient été réalisées. Le délai moyen de prise en charge était de 47,4 heures. Les principales causes du retard de prise en charge étaient la consultation tardive, la lenteur des formalités administratives et l'attente du kit chirurgical.Conclusion : les urgences urologiques demeurent des pathologies fréquentes. Elles sont dominées par les rétentions aiguës d'urine et les infections urogénitales dans notre contexte. Le cathétérisme urétral est le geste le plus réalisé au service des urgences chirurgicales. La stratégie de prise en charge requiert une évaluation clinique rigoureuse, un traitement précoce et efficace pour minimiser les séquelles.

Introduction: Urological emergencies are many and varied. The objective of this study was to report the diagnostic aspect as well as the time taken to manage urological emergencies. Patients and Methods: We carried out a prospective study with a descriptive aim, from June 1st, 2018 to May 31st, 2019 at the University Hospital Center of Libreville. It concerned all patients received for an urological emergency.The variables included socio-demographic, diagnostic and therapeutic data.Results: During this period, we registered 586 patients. The average age was 40.6 years with extremes of 3 months and 96 years. The sex ratio was 4.6. Emergencies were obstructive (40.6%) and infectious (33.3%). Therapeutically, the procedure performed was bladder catheterization in 33.5% of cases. One hundred and forty (140) surgeries (23.9%) were performed. The average recovery time was 47.4 hours. The main causes of the delay in treatment were late consultation, slowness of the administrative formalities and wait for the surgical kit.Conclusion: Urological emergencies remain frequent pathologies. They are dominated by acute urine retention and urogenital infections in our context. Urethral catheterization is the most common procedure in the surgical emergency department. The management strategy requires rigorous clinical evaluation, early and effective treatment to minimize sequelae

Intake, digestibility, ingestive behavior and performance of goats fed spineless cactus genotypes resistant to carmine cochineal / Consumo, digestibilidade, comportamento ingestivo e desempenho de caprinos alimentados com genótipos de palma forrageira resistentes à cochonilha-do-carmim

The objective was to evaluate the intake and digestibility of nutrients, ingestive behavior, and performance of goats fed with spineless cactus genotypes resistant to carmine cochineal (Miúda or Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (OEM). Thirty castrated male goats, without defined breed, aged 12 to 14 months, with an average body weight of 19.0±2.8kg, were distributed in a completely randomized design among three treatments (Control - Tifton hay, Miúda, and OEM) and ten replicates; the initial weight was considered as the covariate. The intake of organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was highest in the control treatment, while the intake of NFC was higher in the OEM diet. Treatments containing forage cactus showed the highest digestibility of DM, OM, and NFC. The animals fed the control diet spent more time on rumination and total chewing, but the time spent feeding or feeding efficiency, and performance did not differ. The use of spineless cactus genotypes resistant to carmine cochineal (Miúda and Orelha de Elefante Mexicana) in a diet for goats, in the amount of 450g/kg of DM does not interfere with the performance of the animals and improves the digestibility of OM and NFC.(AU)

Objetivou-se com o presente estudo avaliar o consumo e a digestibilidade de nutrientes, o comportamento ingestivo e o desempenho de caprinos alimentados com genótipos de palma forrageira resistentes à cochonilha-carmim (miúda ou orelha-de-elefante-mexicana (OEM). Trinta cabritos machos, castrados, sem raça definida, com idades entre 12 e 14 meses e peso corporal médio de 19,0±2,8kg, foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em três tratamentos (controle - feno de tifton; miúda e OEM) e 10 repetições; o peso inicial foi considerado a covariável. O consumo de matéria orgânica (MO) e de fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) foi maior no tratamento controle; enquanto a ingestão de CNF foi maior na dieta OEM. Tratamentos contendo palma forrageira apresentaram as maiores digestibilidades de MS, MO e CNF. Os animais alimentados com a dieta controle gastaram mais tempo em ruminação e em mastigação total, mas o tempo gasto com alimentação ou a eficiência alimentar e o desempenho não diferiram. A utilização de genótipos de palma forrageira resistentes à cochonilha-carmim (miúda e orelha-de-elefante-mexicana) na dieta de caprinos, na quantidade de 450g/kg de MS, não interfere no desempenho dos animais e melhora a digestibilidade de MO e CNF.(AU)

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.

Aspectos sociales, sobrecarga y calidad de vida de las madres de niños con microcefalia / Social aspects, work overload, and quality of life among mothers of children with microcephaly / Aspectos sociais, sobrecarga e qualidade de vida de mães de crianças com microcefalia

RESUMEN Introducción: Cuidar completamente de niños con microcefalia es un gran desafío para sus cuidadores. La situación de vulnerabilidad social junto con la complejidad de la atención puede llevar a sobrecarga con pérdida de la calidad de vida. Objetivo: Analizar la relación entre aspectos socioeconómicos, dominio social de la calidad de vida y la sobrecarga de madres cuidadoras de niños con microcefalia. Metodología: Estudio transversal con 105 participantes, mediante aplicación de cuestionarios sociodemográficos, WHOQOL-BREF, sobrecarga del cuidador. Se utilizaron pruebas ANOVA, t de Student, coeficiente de correlación de Pearson (r). Resultados: Población de madres mestizas (65.7%), desempleadas (88.6%), dependientes de la prestación social (76.2%), bajo nivel educativo (50.5%) e insuficiencia financiera (90.5%). El promedio del dominio social se consideró bajo (51.11). Hubo asociación entre beneficio social y puntaje de calidad de vida total (p=0.046). Las madres sufren sobrecarga severa (39%) e intensa (30.4%). Se encontró asociación entre niveles de sobrecarga y variables etnia (p= 0.027), ocupación (p= 0.043) y medios de transporte (p <0.0001). La sobrecarga tiene impacto negativo en la calidad de vida (r= -.463, p <0.0001), percepción de la calidad de vida (r= -.476, p= <0.0001), calidad de vida total (r= -.576, p= <0.0010). Conclusiones: Las madres cuidadoras manifiestan sobrecarga con pérdida de calidad de vida. Los aspectos sociales influyen directamente y pueden potenciar la sobrecarga del cuidado. El personal de enfermería tiene un papel fundamental para crear e implementar líneas de atención con énfasis en promover la salud y alivio de la sobrecarga en el cuidador.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Taking care of children with microcephaly is a great challenge for their care providers because of the associated social vulnerability, work overload, and loss of quality of life. Objective: To analyze the associations related to the social aspects, the quality of life, and the work overload among care providing mothers of children with microcephaly. Methodology: This is a transversal study with 105 participants. Social and demographic questionnaires and WHOQOL-BREF were used. ANOVA tests, Student's t-test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient were calculated. Results: 65.7% were of mixed ethnicity; 88.6% were unemployed; 76.2% were dependent on Social Welfare; 50.5% had a low level of education; and 90.5% were financially insufficient. The social domain average was considered low (51.11). An association was found between social benefits and quality of life (p=0.046). 39% of these mothers suffer from severe work overload while 30.4% suffer from intense work overload. An association was found between the levels of work overload and ethnicity (p= 0.027), occupation (p= 0.043), and transportation means (p <0.0001). Work overload had a negative impact on the quality of life (r= -.463, p <0.0001), the perception of quality of life (r= -.476, p= <0.0001), and total quality of life (r= -.576, p= <0.0010). Conclusions: These care providing mothers suffer work overload with an associated loss of quality of life. Social aspects have a direct influence and can increase work overload. Nursing professionals have a fundamental role in the creation and implementation of attention initiatives aimed at promoting health and relief to this kind of care providing mothers.

RESUMO Introdução: Cuidar completamente das crianças com microcefalia é um grande desafio para os seus cuidadores. A situação de vulnerabilidade social aliada à complexidade do cuidado pode levar à sobrecarga com perda de qualidade de vida. Objetivo: Analisar a relação entre aspectos socioeconómicos, domínio social da qualidade de vida e sobrecarga de mães cuidadoras de crianças com microcefalia. Metodologia: Estudo transversal com 105 participantes, por meio da aplicação de questionários sociodemográficos, WHOQOL-BREF, sobrecarga do cuidador. Foram utilizados os testes ANOVA, t de Student, e coeficiente de correlação de Pearson (r). Resultados: População de mães pardas (65.7%), desempregadas (88.6%), dependentes de benefícios sociais (76.2%), baixa escolaridade (50.5%) e insuficiência financeira (90.5%). A média do domínio social foi considerada baixa (51.11). Houve associação entre benefício social e pontuação total de qualidade de vida (p=0.046). As mães sofrem sobrecarga severa (39%) e intensa (30.4%). Foi encontrada associação entre os níveis de sobrecarga e as variáveis de etnia (p= 0.027), ocupação (p= 0.043) e meio de transporte (p <0.0001). A sobrecarga tem um impacto negativo na qualidade de vida (r= -.463, p <0.0001), percepção de qualidade de vida (r= -.476, p= <0.0001), qualidade de vida total (r= -.576, p= <0.0010). Conclusões: As mães cuidadoras sofrem sobrecarga com perda de qualidade de vida. Os aspectos sociais influenciam diretamente e podem potenciar a sobrecarga do cuidado. A enfermagem tem um papel fundamental na criação e implementação de linhas de cuidados com ênfase na promoção da saúde e no alívio da sobrecarga do cuidador.

Cochlea cell-specific marker expression upon in vitro Hes1 knockdown

NOTCH pathway proteins, including the transcriptional factor HES1, play crucial roles in the development of the inner ear by means of the lateral inhibition mechanism, in which supporting cells have their phenotype preserved while they are prevented from becoming hair cells. Genetic manipulation of this pathway has been demonstrated to increase hair cell number. The present study aimed to investigate gene expression effects in hair cells and supporting cells after Hes1-shRNA lentivirus transduction in organotypic cultures of the organ of Corti from postnatal-day-3 mice. Forty-eight hours after in vitro knockdown, Hes1 gene expression was reduced at both mRNA and protein levels. Myo7a (hair cell marker) and Sox2 (progenitor cell marker) mRNA levels also significantly increased. The modulation of gene expression in the organ of Corti upon Hes1 knockdown is consistent with cell phenotypes related to lateral inhibition mechanism interference in the inner ear. The lentivirus-based expression of Hes1-shRNA is a valuable strategy for genetic interference in the organ of Corti and for future evaluation of its efficacy in protocols aiming at the regeneration of hair cells in vivo.

Biomarcadores enzimáticos e histológicos em brânquias de Ucides cordatus (Linnaeus, 1763) (Crustacea, Brachyura, Ucididae) indicativos de impactos ambientais em uma região portuária do nordeste do Brasil / [Enzymatic and histological biomarkers in Ucides cordatus (Linnaeus, 1763) (Crustacea, Brachyura, Ucididae) gills indicative of environmental impacts in a port region of northeastern Brazil]

Objetivou-se neste estudo analisar biomarcadores histológicos e bioquímicos em brânquias de U. cordatus indicativos de impactos na Baía de São Marcos. Caranguejos foram coletados em quatro áreas na Baía de São Marcos: A1= Ilha dos Caranguejos (com baixo impacto); A2= Coqueiro, A3= Porto Grande, A4= Cajueiro (áreas potencialmente impactadas). Mediram-se os dados biométricos de cada exemplar de caranguejo. Amostras de brânquias foram submetidas à técnica histológica padrão e homogeneizadas em tampão fosfato, e o sobrenadante foi utilizado para análise das enzimas glutationa-S-transferase (GST) e catalase (CAT). A biometria indicou que os caranguejos de A1 são significativamente (P<0,05) maiores e mais pesados do que os caranguejos das áreas A2, A3 e A4. As alterações branquiais (rompimento das células pilastras, deformação do canal marginal, deslocamento da cutícula e necrose) foram significativamente (P˂0,05) mais frequentes em caranguejos de A2, A3 e A4 do que nos caranguejos de A1. As atividades enzimáticas da GST e CAT nos caranguejos apresentaram diferença significativa (P<0,05) entre as áreas de coletas, com padrão similar ao observado para as alterações branquiais. Os biomarcadores analisados mostraram que os caranguejos estão sob diferentes níveis de impactos (A4>A3>A2>A1) ao longo da Baía de São Marcos.(AU)

The objective of this study was to analyze histological and biochemical biomarkers in U. cordatus gills indicative of impacts in São Marcos Bay. Crabs were collected from four areas in São Marcos Bay: A1=Ilha dos Caranguejos (with low impact); A2=Coqueiro, A3=Porto Grande, A4=Cajueiro (potentially impacted areas). The biometric data of each specimen was measured. Gill samples were submitted to standard histological technique and homogenized in phosphate buffer, and the supernatant was used for analysis of glutathione S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT) enzyme activity. Biometric data indicated that crabs found in A1 are significantly (P<0.05) larger and heavier than crabs found in A2, A3 and A4 areas. Gill alterations (rupture of pilaster cells, Dilation of the marginal channel, Cuticle Rupture and necrosis) were significantly (P˂0.05) more frequent in the crabs in A2, A3 and A4 than crabs in A1. The enzymatic activities of GST and CAT showed significant difference (P<0.05) between the sampling areas, similar to that observed for gill alterations. The biomarkers analyzed showed that the crabs are under different impact levels (A4> A3> A2> A1) along the São Marcos Bay.(AU)

Biomarcadores histológicos em Sciades herzbergii (Pisces, Ariidae) para avaliação de impactos em ambientes estuarinos da Baía de São Marcos, Maranhão / [Biomarkers histological in Sciades herzbergii (Pisces, Ariidae) for impact assessment in estuarine environments of São Marcos Bay, Maranhão]

Neste estudo, objetivou-se avaliar o impacto ambiental em áreas estuarinas da Baía de São Marcos, Maranhão, utilizando-se alterações histológicas nas brânquias e no fígado de Sciades herzbergii como biomarcadores de contaminação aquática. Foram realizadas coletas no período chuvoso (março de 2018) e de estiagem (julho de 2018), em que foram capturados 40 exemplares de S. herzbergii em duas regiões distintas da Baía de São Marcos: A1) Ilha dos Caranguejos (área referência); A2) Terminal de Pesca Industrial de Porto Grande (área potencialmente contaminada). As estações foram georreferenciadas por GPS e, em cada local de captura dos peixes, registraram-se as seguintes variáveis abióticas: temperatura, salinidade, pH e oxigênio dissolvido. Em campo, os organismos foram pesados e medidos, as brânquias e os fígados foram retirados e fixados. Posteriormente, foram mantidos em álcool a 70% até o procedimento histológico padrão. Resultados indicam que as duas áreas são semelhantes em termos de características físico-químicas da água e do sedimento. Todavia, a análise semiquantitativa das alterações histológicas observadas revelou que as brânquias foram o órgão mais afetado nos peixes de A2, indicando que os peixes desse local apresentam danos teciduais maiores resultantes de estresse acentuado por impactos antrópicos.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the environmental impact in estuarine areas of São Marcos Bay, Maranhão, using histological changes in the gills and liver of Sciades herzbergii as biomarkers of aquatic contamination. Samples were collected during the rainy (March 2018) and dry (July 2018) seasons, in which 40 specimens of S. herzbergii were captured in two distinct regions of São Marcos Bay: A1) Crab Island (reference area); A2) Porto Grande Industrial Fishing Terminal (potentially contaminated area). The stations were georeferenced by GPS and at each fish capture site the following abiotic variables were recorded: temperature, salinity, pH and dissolved oxygen. In the field, the organisms were weighed and measured and the gills and livers removed and fixed. Afterwards, they were kept in 70% alcohol until the standard histological procedure. Results indicate that the two areas are similar in terms of physicochemical characteristics of water and sediment. However, the semi-quantitative analysis of the observed histological alterations revealed that the gills were the most affected organ in A2 fish, indicating that the fish in this site have greater tissue damage resulting from stress accentuated by anthropic impacts.(AU)

Shelf life evaluation of Laghu Sutashekhara Rasa – A preliminary assessment

Background: Laghu Sutashekhara Rasa (LSR) is a herbo mineral formulation containing Shuddha Gairika(Fe2O3) and Shunthi (Zingiber officinale Roxb.) with the levigation of Nagawalli Swarasa (fresh juice ofPiper betel Linn.) prepared as per the reference of Rasatarangini Parishistha. This is an importantformulation in Ayurveda therapeutics, but its shelf life is not evaluated till date. The Govt. of India Gazettespecifies the shelf life of various Ayurvedic medicines. However, there is a need to revalidate the shelf lifeof individual formulations by following parameters prevalent in respective scenario.Objectives: To evaluate shelf life of Laghu Sutashekhara Rasa.Materials and methods: Laghu Sutashekhara Rasa was prepared in the Pharmacy, Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar following classical guidelines. The samples were subjected to accelerated stabilitystudy maintaining temperature and humidity 40 ± 2 _x005F_x005F_x0001_C and 75 ± 5% respectively. Relevant analyticalparameters were analyzed at an interval of 0, 1, 3 and 6 months to check the degradation levels in theformulation.Result: Product was free from microbial contamination and heavy metals were within the prescribedlimits. There were insignificant changes in physico-chemical profiles at different intervals of analysis.On extrapolation of the observations, the shelf life of Rasayoga was found to be 2 years and 8 months.Conclusion: The shelf life of Laghu Sutashekhara Rasa was found to be less than the given standards inofficial gazettes of Govt. of India. This decreased shelf life may be because of the predominantly(approximately 70%) herbal component present in the formulation.