Genetic polymorphisms and protein levels in vocal fold leukoplakia: a systematic review

Vocal fold leukoplakia (VFL) has a risk of malignant transformation. Therefore, patients can have symptoms such as dysphonia, vocal strain, difficulty breathing, and dysphagia. Additionally, there is a genetic predisposition that can be associated with genetic polymorphisms. We aimed to evaluate the influence of genetic polymorphisms and protein levels in the etiology of VFL. Our study followed the PRISMA checklist and was registered on PROSPERO database. The questions were: "Are genetic polymorphisms involved in the etiology of VFL? Are protein levels altered in patients with VFL?". Eligibility criteria were case control studies that compared the presence of polymorphisms or/and protein levels of subjects diagnosed with VFL and healthy controls. Of the 905 articles retrieved, five articles with a total of 1038 participants were included in this study. The C allele of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP)-819 T/C IL-10, A allele of the SNP -592 A/C IL-10, CT genotype of the SNP rs11886868 C/T BCL11A, GG genotype of the SNP rs4671393 A/G BCL11A, LL genotype, and L allele of (GT)n repeat polymorphisms of the HO-1 were risk factors for VFL development. Nevertheless, there was a lack of association between VFL and the -1082 A/G IL-10, rs14024 CK-1, and -309 T/G Mdm2 SNPs. The concentrations of the MDM2, BCL11A, and HO-1 proteins were modified, while IL-10 levels were normally expressed in these subjects. In conclusion, most markers evaluated in this review could be potential indicators to develop effective therapies, avoiding a malignant transformation of the lesion.

Nutritional, behavioral and performance parameters of F1 Holstein x Zebu cows at different lactation stages / [Parâmetros nutricionais, comportamento ingestivo e desempenho de vacas F1 Holandês x Zebu em diferentes estádios da lactação]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the different lactation stages of F1 Holstein x Zebu cows on intake and digestibility of nutrients, nitrogen use efficiency, feeding behavior and performance. Thirty-six F1 Holstein × Zebu cows with initial body weight (BW) of 482±43kg were used. The early, mid and late lactation stages were characterized after 50±13, 111.5±11.75 and 183.0±17.5 days in milk, respectively. A completely randomized design with three lactation stages and 12 cows in each treatment group was used. Dry matter intake (P=0.01) was higher in late lactation. Milk yield (P<0.01) was 24.17% higher in early lactation than in other stages. Body weight was lowest in mid-lactation cows (465.63kg; P<0.01). The feed efficiency was 23.36% higher in early lactation than in other stages (0.82kg of milk/kg of DM). F1 Holstein x Zebu cows have increased dry matter intake in late lactation. Milk yield and feed efficiency in early lactation were benefited by changes in feeding behavior, such as increased rumination time.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os diferentes estágios de lactação de vacas F1 Holandês x Zebu quanto ao consumo e à digestibilidade de nutrientes, à eficiência no uso de nitrogênio, ao comportamento ingestivo e ao desempenho. Trinta e seis vacas F1 Holandês × Zebu, com peso corporal inicial (PC) de 482±43kg, foram utilizadas. Os estágios inicial, médio e final da lactação foram caracterizados após 50±13, 111,5±11,75 e 183,0±17,5 dias de lactação, respectivamente. O arranjo experimental adotado foi o delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com três fases de lactação e 12 vacas em cada grupo de tratamento. O consumo de matéria seca (P=0,01) foi maior no período final da lactação. Na fase inicial da lactação, a produção de leite (P<0,01) foi maior em 24,17% em comparação às demais fases. Na fase intermediária da lactação, as vacas apresentaram menor peso corporal (465,63kg; P<0,01) em relação às demais fases. A eficiência alimentar foi maior em 23,36% na fase inicial da lactação (0,82kg de leite/kg de MS). Vacas F1 Holandês x Zebu aumentam o consumo de matéria seca no período final da lactação. A produção de leite e a eficiência alimentar no início da lactação foram favorecidas por mudanças no comportamento ingestivo, como o aumento do tempo de ruminação.(AU)

Análise bioeconômica do farelo de arroz na recria de bezerras de corte em azevém / Bioeconomics analyses of rice brain use for reaning of beef heifers on Italian ryegrass pasture

Objetivou-se avaliar a economicidade, o desempenho produtivo e o desenvolvimento das estruturas corporais relacionadas ao trato reprodutivo de bezerras de corte mantidas exclusivamente em pastagem de azevém (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) ou em pastagem de azevém recebendo 0,5 e 1,0% do peso corporal (PC) de farelo de arroz integral (FAI) como suplemento. O método de pastejo foi o rotativo, e o intervalo entre pastejos foi estabelecido considerando-se a soma térmica necessária para a emissão de 1,5 folha de azevém (187,5ºC). O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente ao acaso, com medidas repetidas no tempo. O ganho médio diário das bezerras não diferiu entre os sistemas alimentares. A taxa de lotação e o ganho de peso por área foram maiores quando as bezerras receberam 1,0% do PC de farelo de arroz integral. A maior margem bruta foi observada quando as bezerras receberam 0,5% de FAI. O custo variável obtido para os diferentes sistemas alimentares apresentou comportamento crescente em função dos níveis de FAI, superando o uso exclusivo do azevém em 49,4% e 81,8%. O peso corporal final, o escore de condição corporal e o escore do trato reprodutivo não diferiram entre os sistemas alimentares. Considerando-se um animal adulto com peso corporal médio de 450kg, as bezerras ao início do experimento apresentaram 34% do peso corporal adulto e peso corporal final médio de 56% do peso adulto. A utilização de níveis de farelo de arroz integral (FAI) na recria de bezerras de corte sob pastejo rotativo em azevém não modifica o ganho médio diário e o escore do trato reprodutivo. O fornecimento de 1% de FAI mostrou efeito substitutivo, proporcionando um incremento de 31,2% na taxa de lotação e de 38,3% no ganho por área. O sistema alimentar AZ0,5 permitiu uma maior margem bruta; já o retorno financeiro direto foi positivo em todos os sistemas alimentares, com melhor retorno calculado para o uso exclusivo do azevém.(AU)

The experiment was carried out with the objective of evaluating the gross margin, the productive and reproductive performance of beef heifers kept exclusively on ryegrass pasture (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) or ryegrass receiving 0.5 and 1.0% of body weight (BW) of whole rice bran as supplement. The grazing method was the rotational and the interval between grazings was set by the thermal sum required for the appearing of 1.5 ryegrass leaf (187.5ºC). The experimental design was completely randomized with repeated measures. Heifers average daily gain did not differ between the feeding systems. The stocking rate and weight gain per area were higher when heifers received 1.0% BW of whole rice bran. The higher gross margin was observed when heifers received 0.5% BW. The variable cost obtained for the different feeding systems showed increasing behavior depending on the WRB levels, surpassing the exclusive use of ryegrass in 49.4% and 81.8%. The final body weight, body condition score and reproductive tract score did not differ between the feeding systems. Considering an adult animal with an average body weight of 450kg, the heifers at the beginning of the experiment showed 34% of mature body weight and final average body weight of 56% of adult weight. The use of rice bran levels (FAZ) in the rearing of beef heifers under rotational grazing on ryegrass does not change the average daily gain and the reproductive tract score. The supply of 1% FAI showed substitutive effect, providing an increase in capacity of 31,2% and 38.3% rate of the gain per area. The food system AZ0,5 allowed a higher gross margin, as the economic return was positive in all food systems, with better return calculated for the exclusive use of ryegrass.(AU)

Padrões de deslocamento de bezerras de corte recebendo suplemento em pastagem de azevém / Displacement patterns of beef heifers receiving supplement in Italian ryegrass pasture

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o tempo de permanência, o número de bocados nas estações e o deslocamento entre estações alimentares por bezerras de corte em pastagem de azevém (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) e recebendo farelo de arroz integral como suplemento em três níveis (0,0; 0,5 e 1,0% PC). O método de pastejo foi rotacionado, com número variável de animais. O período de descanso foi estabelecido pela soma térmica (ST) de 187,5ºC, equivalente à ST necessária para a emissão de 1,5 folhas de azevém. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, com medidas repetidas no tempo, três níveis de suplemento e seis ciclos de pastejo. O tempo de permanência em cada estação alimentar (9,4s) foi semelhante para bezerras exclusivamente a pasto e as que receberam 1,0% PC de suplemento. As bezerras que receberam 0,5% PC de suplemento permanecem 1,1s a mais na estação alimentar quando comparadas com as bezerras nos demais níveis. O deslocamento entre estações alimentares (1,7 passos) e o número de bocados em cada estação alimentar (sete bocados) foram semelhantes independentemente do nível de farelo de arroz fornecido. As bezerras, ao receberem 0,5% PC de farelo de arroz, são mais dependentes da presença de lâminas foliares no estrato pastejável do dossel.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the length of stay and number of bites in the feeding stations and displacement between feeding stations for beef heifers on ryegrass pasture (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and receiving rice bran as a supplement in three levels (0.0; 0.5 and 1.0% BW). The grazing method was rotational with variable number of animals. The interval between grazing was set by the thermal sum (TS) of 187.5ºC equivalent to TS necessary for externalization of 1.5 leaf lamina of ryegrass. The experimental design was completely randomized with repeated measures on time, three levels of supplement and six grazing periods. The stay time at each feeding station (9.4 sec.) was similar for heifers exclusively on pasture and receiving 1.0% supplement BW. Heifers that received 0.5% supplement BW remained 1.1 sec. longer at the feeding station than heifers on other supplement levels. Displacement between feeding stations (1.7 steps) and the number of bites in each feeding station (7 bites) were similar regardless of the supplied rice bran level. Heifers receiving 0.5% rice bran BW are more dependent on the presence of leaf blades in grazeable stratum of canopy.(AU)

Efeito do enxerto ósseo corticoesponjoso na osteogênese em falha cortical ulnar de galinhas domésticas (Gallus domesticus) / Effect of cortico-cancellous bone grafting in osteogenisis of cortical ulnar failure of domestic chickens (Gallus domesticus)

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito do enxerto ósseo corticoesponjoso na osteogênese em falha cortical ulnar de galinhas domésticas. Foram utilizadas 18 galinhas, com aproximadamente 70 semanas de idade e peso corpóreo médio de 2,5kg. Criou-se uma falha óssea na porção diafisária média da ulna em ambas as asas, sendo a direita utilizada como grupo-controle (grupo I) e a esquerda como grupo-tratado (grupo II). As aves foram subdivididas aleatoriamente em quatro subgrupos de acordo com o período de observação (14, 35, 60 e 90 dias). No grupo II, dois fragmentos ósseos da carena do esterno foram retirados, seccionados e implantados na falha óssea. Ao término do período de observação de cada subgrupo, as aves foram abatidas com tiopental sódico para realização dos exames histopatológico e radiográfico post-mortem, com classificação dos resultados em escala semiquantitativa (escore). O grupo II demonstrou osteogênese mais evidente aos 35 e 90 dias de pós-cirúrgico (P<0,05). Ao comparar os grupos I e II, sem levar-se em consideração o tempo de observação, foi possível observar que houve diferença estatística significativa (P<0,05). Conclui-se que o enxerto ósseo corticoesponjoso demonstra potencial osteogênico satisfatório na espécie estudada, entretanto retarda o tempo de remodelação óssea quando aplicado sobre falhas estáveis pequenas.

The aim of this survey was to evaluate the effect of cortico-cancellous bone grafting in osteogenesis in cortical ulnar failure in domestic chickens. Eighteen chickens weighing 2.5kg with approximately 70 weeks of age were used. A bone defect in the middle portion of the ulna shaft was created in both wings; the right wing in the control group (Group I) and the left in the treated group (Group II). The birds were randomly divided into four subgroups according to the observation period (14, 35, 60 and 90 days). In group II, two bone fragments of the keel of the sternum were removed, sectioned and implanted in the bone defects. At the end of the observation period for each subgroup, the birds were euthanaized with sodium thiopental to perform the histopathological and radiographic postmortem, with ranking of results in a semi-quantitative scale (score). Group II showed a more evident osteogenisis at 35 and 90 days after surgery (P<0.05). In comparing both groups, without time observation, there was statistical difference (P<0.05). In conclusion, the cortico-cancellous bone graft demonstrated satisfactory osteogenic potential in the specie studied, however, it delays the bone remodeling time when applied in stable small failures.

Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus outbreak in a pediatric intensive care unit: report of successful interventions for control and prevention

The objective of this study is to retrospectively report the results of interventions for controlling a vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) outbreak in a tertiary-care pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of a University Hospital. After identification of the outbreak, interventions were made at the following levels: patient care, microbiological surveillance, and medical and nursing staff training. Data were collected from computer-based databases and from the electronic prescription system. Vancomycin use progressively increased after March 2008, peaking in August 2009. Five cases of VRE infection were identified, with 3 deaths. After the interventions, we noted a significant reduction in vancomycin prescription and use (75 percent reduction), and the last case of VRE infection was identified 4 months later. The survivors remained colonized until hospital discharge. After interventions there was a transient increase in PICU length-of-stay and mortality. Since then, the use of vancomycin has remained relatively constant and strict, no other cases of VRE infection or colonization have been identified and length-of-stay and mortality returned to baseline. In conclusion, we showed that a bundle intervention aiming at a strict control of vancomycin use and full compliance with the Hospital Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee guidelines, along with contact precautions and hand-hygiene promotion, can be effective in reducing vancomycin use and the emergence and spread of vancomycin-resistant bacteria in a tertiary-care PICU.

Detection of caliciviruses associated with acute infantile gastroenteritis in Salvador, an urban center in Northeast Brazil

Acute gastroenteritis caused by viruses is one of the leading causes of infantile morbidity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of human caliciviruses of the genera norovirus and sapovirus in children up to 3 years of age with acute gastroenteritis from low-income communities in the city of Salvador, Brazil. This study is an extension of previous work carried out to establish the profile of the most prevalent enteric pathogens present in these communities. In this report, 139 fecal samples, collected from July 2001 to January 2002 were analyzed by RT-PCR and 13 (9 percent) were positive for human caliciviruses. By sequencing, seven isolates were characterized as norovirus genogroup GII and one as sapovirus genotype GII/1. Sequencing of the previously detected group-A rotaviruses and human astroviruses was also performed and revealed the circulation of rotavirus group A genotypes G1P[8] and G9P[8], and human astrovirus genotypes 6, 7, and 8. No mixed infection was observed. Community-based studies provide geographically representative information on disease burden. However, there are only a few reports in developing countries concerning the genotypes of the most important gastroenteric viruses detected in such communities. The present findings demonstrate the wide diversity of genotypes of the most important viruses responsible for acute gastroenteritis circulating in low-income communities.

Consumo de medicamentos por estudantes adolescentes de escola de ensino fundamental do município de Vitória / Consumption of drugs by adolescent students in elementary schools in the city of Vitória

O uso indiscriminado de medicamentos acarreta riscos diretos e indiretos à população, tornando-se um importante problema de saúde pública. O conhecimento do padrão de uso de medicamentos contribui para ações educativas com a finalidade de reduzir riscos e danos à saúde da população. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o perfil de consumo de medicamentos em estudantes adolescentes e correlacioná-lo com o perfil sócio-educacional entre os familiares. Estudo de natureza transversal com amostra representativa de 102 alunos da população de escolares de ensino médio no Bairro Maruípe em Vitória-ES. O questionário aplicado contemplou as variáveis: idade, gênero, série, consumo de medicamentos nos sete dias anteriores à entrevista, quem orientou o consumo e a automedicação, aos quais foram avaliados por meio de perguntas dicotômicas, em caso afirmativo, especificando o(s) fármaco(s) utilizado(s) e sua finalidade. O uso de medicamentos ocorreu em 42,3% da amostra, sendo que em 53,3% dos casos houve automedicação. Os grupos farmacológicos mais consumidos foram analgésicos/antiinflamatórios, sendo o paracetamol a substância com maior freqüência de consumo. A incidência de automedicação no grupo representado pelo gênero feminino (66,7%) foi superior ao grupo do gênero masculino (33,3%). A relação entre a idade e automedicação mostrou uma maior prevalência entre os jovens de 15 a 17 anos de idade, representando 70,8% dos adolescentes que fazem automedicação. O consumo de medicamentos sem orientação médica pelos familiares mostrou ser um fator de influência na automedicação dos adolescentes.

The indiscriminate use of medicines poses direct and indirect risks to the population, making it a major public health problem. Knowledge of the pattern of drug use in a given population would contribute to educational action aimed at reducing such risks and the resulting damage to the health of that population. The objective of this study was to investigate the profile of consumption of medicines by adolescents in a Brazilian city and to correlate it with the socio-educational profile of the students and the consumption of drugs among their relatives. A horizontal study was carried out on a representative sample population of 102 students of the Maruípe district in the city of Vitória (ES, Brazil). The questionnaire included the variables: age, sex, consumption of drugs in the seven days preceding the interview, who (if anyone) guided the consumption and self-medication; data were collected by means of dichotomous questions - if drug(s) were consumed, the interviewee was asked to name them and their purpose. Drugs were consumed in the week before the interview in 42.3% of the sample, 53.3% of these cases by self-medication. The drug groups most consumed by the adolescents were analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs, paracetamol being the most frequent. The incidence of self-medication among the females (66.7%) was higher than among the males (33.3%). Analysis of the relationship between age and self-medication showed a high prevalence among young people aged 15 to 17 years, representing 70.8% of the adolescents who practiced self-medication. The consumption of drugs without medical advice by families was a factor influencing adolescent self-medication.

Plantas medicinais comercializadas por raizeiros no Centro de Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul / Medicinal plants from herb sellers operating in downtown Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Foi realizado um levantamento das plantas medicinais mais solicitadas a raizeiros do centro da cidade de Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, ou por eles indicadas. Esse levantamento foi efetuado em duas épocas distintas: 1992 e 2002. A compilação dos dados revelou que 27 espécies foram citadas em 1992 e 32 em 2002. As seis espécies mais freqüentemente consumidas (Maytenus cf. macrodonta, "cancorosa"; Baccharis trimera, "carqueja"; Achyrocline alata, "jateí-kaá"; Stryphnodendron adstringens, "barbatimão"; Cochlospermum regium, "algodãozinho", e Echinodorus macrophyllus, "chapéu-de-couro") foram adquiridas para identificação e avaliação preliminar da sua qualidade. Nas duas épocas, a qualidade das plantas medicinais apresentava itens que reprovavam seu consumo. Em ambos os levantamentos, observou-se uma constância das espécies mais utilizadas e uma coerência satisfatória com os dados disponíveis sobre os hábitos da automedicação da população do município. Os motivos e sintomas mais freqüentes para a aquisição de plantas medicinais foram os relacionados ao uso analgésico, sistemas genitourinário, respiratório e osteomuscular, dispepsia/má digestão e tecido conjuntivo.

A survey of the medicinal plants requested from and/or indicated by herb sellers operating in the central area of Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, was performed at two different times - 1992 and 2002. The first survey revealed 27 species being used; the second one, 32 species. The species most often consumed (Maytenus cf. macrodonta, ‘cancorosa’; Baccharis trimera, ‘carqueja’; Achyrocline alata, ‘jateí-kaá’; Stryphnodendron adstringens, ‘barbatimão’; Cochlospermum regium, ‘algodãozinho’, and Echinodorus macrophyllus, ‘chapéu-de-couro’) were acquired for identification and evaluation of their quality. On both occasions, the quality of the samples was negatively affected by features that made them inappropriate for human consumption. The results of both surveys agreed as to the species most used. Also, a satisfactory degree of coherence was found regarding the data available on the self-medication behavior of the population of Campo Grande. These medicinal plants were more often sought for analgesic use and for symptoms related to the genitourinary, respiratory and skeletomuscular systems, connective tissue and dyspepsia/maldigestion.

Paraquat poisoning: an experimental model of dose-dependent acute lung injury due to surfactant dysfunction

Since the most characeristic feature of paraquat poisoning is lung damage, a prospective controlled study was performed on excised rat lungs in order to estimate the intensity of lesion after different doses. Twenty-five male, 2-3-month-old non-SPF Wistar rats, divided into 5 groups, received paraquat dichloride in a single intraperitoneal injection (0,1, 5,, 25, or 50 mg/kg body weight) 24 h before the experiment. Static pressure-volume (PV) curves were performed in air-and saline-filled lungs; an estimator of surface tension and tissue works was computed by integrating the area of both curves and reported as work/ml of volume displacement. Paraquat induced a dose-dependent increase of inspiratory surface tension work that reached a significant two-fold order of magnitude for 25 and 50 mg/kg body weight (P<0.05, ANOVA), sparing lung tissue. This kind of lesion was probably due to functional abnormalities of the surfactant system, as was shown by the increase in the hysteresis of the paraquat group at the highest doses. Hence, paraquat poisoning provides a suitable model of acute lung injury with alveolar instability that can be easily used in experimental protocols of mechanical ventilation.

Caso de Moniliformis Moniliformis (Acanthocephala) em criança na Cidade de Säo Paulo / Moniliformis moniliformis (Acanthocephala) from a child in Säo Paulo, Brazil

Em abril de 1994 foi encaminhado ao Laboratório de Enteroparasitoses do Instituto Adolfo Lutz, para identificaçäo, um verme eliminado por criança do sexo feminino, de 12 meses de idade, que vinha apresentando quadro de diarréia, vômito e perda de peso. O exemplar foi examinado em miscroscópio estereoscópio e após estudos biométricos morfológicos, foi classificado como fêmea do gênero Moniliformis moniliformis, Acanthocephala, parasita comum do rato e que pode, acidentalmente, parasitar o homem. O objetivo do presente trabalho é relatar o segundo caso de parasitismo humano no Brasil e chamar a atençäo para a ocorrência eventual do parasita em nosso meio.

Use of an ELISA assay to evaluate venom, antivenom, IgG and IgM human antibody levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid from patients bitten by Crotalus durissus terrificus in Brazil

A sandwich-type ELISA technique for specific and sensitive detection of Crotalus durissus terrificus venom antigens, horse-antivenom, human IgG and IgM antibodies was set up. Sixteen patients, 13 males and 3 females aged between 13 to 63 years (mean 33 ñ 15) bitten by Crotalus durissus terrificus snakes were studied. Of the 15 patiens, 6 had previously received anti-Crotalus venom and no seric venom was detected. For the other 9 patients studied, the venom levels ranged from 2 to 108mg/ml according to the severity of each case. Seric antivenom was detected up to 44 days after the bite. IgM human antibody levels against Crotalus venom were higher between 3 and 18 days after specific treatment. IgG human antibody levels against Crotalus venom were detected between 30 and 90 days after envenoming. Venom and antivenom levels in cerebrospinal fluid were not observed 24 h after the bite. This suggests that neither the venom nor the antivenom is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier. In addition, when either venom or the antivenom is presented to the immune system cells an immune response is prepared.

Açäo da fibra solúvel - pectina - sobre os níveis glicêmicos em ratos / Action of the soluble fiber - pectin - upon the glucose levels in rats

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo verificar a açäo da fibra solúvel - pectina - sobre os níveis de glicose sangüínea em ratos normais e diabéticos. Raçöes à base de caseína, adicionada de pectina cítrica comercial, em concentraçöes de 1%, 2% e 4%, foram administradas a ratos machos e adultos da linhagem "Wistar", diabéticos. A diabetes foi induzida nos animais com aloxana, por via intravenosa. Foi realizada a análise de composiçäo centesimal das raçöes, discriminando os componentes da fraçäo "fibra da dieta". Os níveis de glicose, triglicerídeos, colesterol, colesterol HDL e lípides totais sangüíneos foram determinados. Foi observada uma açäo hipoglicemiante nos animais alimentados com raçöes adicionadas de pectina, nos três níveis testados