An annual retrospective analysis of adverse drug reactions reported at adverse drug reaction monitoring center, Nalgonda

Background: Adverse drug reaction (ADR) monitoring is important for risk benefit analysis and for patient’s safety. ADR monitoring helps in maintaining the database which is specific to Indian population. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to analyze the pattern of ADRs, drug implicated, organ system affected, severity of ADRs, and their causality assessment. Materials and Methods: It was a retrospective analysis of all the ADRs reported to ADR monitoring center, Nalgonda, from January 2019 to December 2019. Prior ethics committee approval was obtained. ADRs were collected using suspected ADR forms provided by National Coordination Center-Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (NCC PVPI). All the ADRs were reported to NCC PVPI through VigiFlow software. Results: A total of 273 ADRs were reported of which 59% were female and 41% were male. According to the age group, 30–39 years were the most common age group affected about 26%. The most common drug class implicated for ADRs was antimicrobials. Skin was the most common system affected. Most of the ADRs belonged to probable category according to the WHO causality assessment scale. Only 9 (3%) ADRs were of serious nature. Conclusion: Pharmacovigilance is important for identification of ADRs due to drugs. Still, lot of awareness about pharmacovigilance needs to be created among health-care professionals to improve the reporting of ADRs. This, in turn, will improve the drug safety among patients

Validation of the North America expert consensus statement on reporting CT findings for COVID-19 in individuals with lung cancer

The aim of our study was to validate the use of the standardized Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) reporting system in individuals with known lung cancer who presented to the emergency department with suspected COVID-19. We included patients aged 18 years or older from the Cancer Institute of the State of São Paulo (ICESP) with a confirmed diagnosis of lung cancer, admitted to the emergency department and undergoing chest computed tomography (CT) for suspicion of COVID-19. Comparison between SARS-CoV2 RT-PCR across RSNA categories was performed in all patients and further stratified by diagnosis of lung cancer progression. Among 58 individuals included in the analysis (65±9 years, 43% men), 20 had positive RT-PCR. Less than a half (43%) had no new lung findings in the CT. Positive RT-PCR was present in 75% of those with typical findings according to RSNA and in only 9% when these findings were classified as atypical or negative (P<0.001). Diagnostic accuracy was even higher when stratified by the presence or absence of progressive disease (PD). Extent of pulmonary inflammatory changes was strongly associated with higher mortality, reaching a lethality of 83% in patients with >25% of lung involvement and 100% when there was >50% of lung involvement. The lung involvement score was also highly predictive of prognosis in this population as was reported for non-lung cancer individuals. Collectively, our results demonstrated that diagnostic and prognostic values of chest CT findings in COVID-19 are robust to the presence of lung abnormalities related to lung cancer.

An overview of penetrating traumatic brain injuries at a major civilian trauma centre in South Africa

Background: This study reviews our experience with penetrating Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in order to define and describe the injury pattern and the outcome. A secondary aim of this study was to review the use of the Motor Score (M Score) and the Simplified Motor Score(SMS) to assess and triage patients with penetrating TBI. Methods: All patients with a TBI secondary to a penetrating mechanism were identified from the Hybrid Electronic Medical Registry at Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Service (PMTS) from January 2012 to December 2014. Standard demographic data, need for neuro-surgical intervention, location of external wounds, CT findings and mortality where analysed. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) M score and SMS score were specifically evaluated to determine the relationship between the individual motor component and patient outcome. Results: Over the two-year period January 2012­December 2014, a total of 384 patients were admitted following a penetrating TBI. There were 350 males and 34 females and of this total 7 (1.82%) died. The mechanism of injury was axe (30), bottle (34), gunshot wound (GSW)(22) and stab wound (298). The average age for axe injuries was 27 and bottle injuries was 30. The average age for firearms and knives was 29 and 30 respectively. Surgery was not required for 76.67% of patients. The need for surgery varied according to mechanism of injury. Axe injuries were treated non-operatively in 47.83%, bottle injuries in 87.50%, firearms 70% and knife injuries were treated non-operatively in 86.84% of cases.The overall survival rate for a penetrating head injury in this population is 98.16%. There were a total of 368 patients with a motor score of 6 of which one died. The survival rate was 99.7% and the mortality rate 0.3%. There were only 6 patients with a motor score of 5 and only 2 with a motor score of 4. The survival rate for both these groups was 100%. There was a total of 6 patients with a motor score of 1. There was a 100% mortality rate is this group. Conclusion: Penetrating TBI has a good prognosis. The vast majority of cases do not require neuro-surgical intervention. Poor motor score is associated with a poor outcome

An analysis of adverse events and human error associated with the imaging of patients at a major trauma centre in South Africa

Background. There is growing realisation that human error contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality in modern healthcare. A number of taxonomies and classification systems have been developed in an attempt to categorise errors and quantify their impact.Objectives. To record and identify adverse events and errors as they impacted on acute trauma patients undergoing a computed tomography (CT) scan, and then quantify the effect this had on the individual patients. It is hoped that these data will provide evidence to develop error prevention programmes designed to reduce the incidence of human error.Methods. The trauma database was interrogated for the period December 2012 - April 2017. All patients aged >18 years who underwent a CT scan for blunt trauma were included. All recorded morbidity for these patients was reviewed.Results. During the period under review, a total of 1 566 patients required a CT scan at our institution following blunt trauma. Of these, 192 (12.3%, 134 male and 58 female) experienced an error related to the process of undergoing a CT scan. Of 755 patients who underwent a CT scan with intravenous contrast, detailed results were available for 312, and of these 46 (14.7%) had an acute deterioration in renal function. According to Chang's taxonomy, physical harm occurred as follows: grade I n=6, grade II n=62, grade III n=45, grade IV n=11, grade V n=27, grade VI n=21, grade VII n=15, grade VIII n=3 and grade IX n=2. Adverse events were performing an unnecessary scan (n=24), omitting an indicated scan (n=23), performing the scan incorrectly (n=8), scanning the wrong body part (n=7), equipment failure (n=18), omitting treatment following the scan (n=6), incorrect interpretation of the scan (n=65), deterioration during the scan (n=6) and others (n=35). The setting for the error was the ward (n=19), the radiology suite (n=126), the emergency department (n=45) and the operating theatre (n=2). The staff responsible for the adverse events were medical (n=155), nursing (n=4) and radiology staff (n=15). There were 67 errors of commission and 125 errors of omission. The primary cause was a planning problem in 78 cases and an execution problem in 114.Conclusions. Errors and adverse events related to obtaining a CT scan following blunt polytrauma are not uncommon and may impact significantly on the patient. Communication is essential to eliminate errors related to performing the wrong type of scan. The commonest errors relate to misinterpretation of the scan

Is direct consultant supervision of all trauma laparotomies necessary?

Introduction: This study examines the nature of trauma laparotomies performed primarily by trainees and those performed under the direct supervision of a consultant. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was undertaken at the Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Service (PMTS), South Africa. All patients who underwent a trauma laparotomy were included. Admission physiology, organ injury and outcome were assessed. Statistical comparison using STATA was performed. Chi-squared analysis was used for categorical variables and unpaired T-test for physiology. Results: A total of 562 patients for trauma laparotomy were identified. Ninety percent (506/562) were male and the mean age was 30 years. The in hospital mortality was 7% (40/562). A consultant was present at 35% of cases (197/562). Consultant-lead operations were found to have a higher rate of mortality 16% vs 2% (32/197 vs 8/365: p < 0.001) and ICU 45% vs 25% (89/197 vs 91/365: p < 0.001) than trainee only.Significant differences in many parameters of admission physiology were identified. Consultant-lead procedures had a higher lactate (3.7 vs 2.9: p 0.0043), respiratory rate (RR) (22 vs 20: p 0.0005), heart rate (HR) (102 vs 96: p 0.0035) and a lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) (115 vs 122: p 0.0001) diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (69 vs 73: p 0.0350) pH (7.34 vs 7.36: p 0.0216) base excess (BE, mEq/L) (-4.1 vs -2.5: p 0.0036) and bicarbonate (HCO3, mEq/L) (21.3 vs 22.5: p 0.0043) than trainee only procedures. Consultants were more likely to be called in for a gunshot than a stab wound (p < 0.001).Of the solid organ injuries, consultants are more likely to be called in for cases with liver injury 23% vs 16% (45/197 vs 58/365: p 0.005) and pancreatic injury 15% vs 3% (30/197 vs 11/365: p < 0.001). Conclusion: Trainees can safely undertake a subset of trauma laparotomies. However, patients with deranged physiology and complex hepatobiliary injuries should be operated on directly by a consultant

A selective vacuum assisted mesh mediated fascial traction approach following temporary abdominal containment for trauma laparotomy is effective in achieving closure

Background: Definitive primary abdominal closure is often not possible nor desirable following trauma laparotomy. In such situations, temporary abdominal containment (TAC) is necessary. This audit reviews our experience with TAC and interrogates our use of the Vacuum Assisted Mesh Mediated Fascial Traction approach (VAMMFT) to achieve delayed closure of the Open Abdomen (OA). Methods: We conducted a retrospective study over a 4-year period of trauma patients who underwent a trauma laparotomy and who required a TAC. Results: Over the four-year period, 596 patients underwent a laparotomy for trauma. Of these trauma laparotomies, 463 (78%) underwent primary closure and 133 (22%) required a TAC. Of these 133 patients who required a TAC, 37 died, 41 underwent delayed primary fascial closure at repeat laparotomy and 55 were left with an OA. Of this cohort of 55 patients, 15 underwent a VAMMFT procedure. The VAMMFT procedure yielded a 60% closure rate, with failure to close being due to late mesh insertion and sepsis. Conclusion: Our initial results with VAMMFT are encouraging. The technique appears to be effective and safe. Ongoing audit will allow us to accrue more patients and to better refine our algorithms and strategies

Appendicectomy in private practice in Kwazulu-Natal Province, South Africa

Background. The treatment of appendicitis is regarded as a bellwether procedure that can be used to describe the delivery of essential surgical care. Little has been published on clinical outcomes in the private sector in South Africa (SA), and this study attempts to address this deficiency.Objectives. To extend our understanding of the outcomes of acute appendicitis in the public and private sectors in SA.Methods. Data on patients covered by a leading medical aid who underwent appendicectomy in 26 private hospitals in Durban and Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal Province, during the period 2010 - 2015 were obtained and compared with existing data from a recent study of patients with appendicitis treated in the Pietermaritzburg academic complex.Results. Between January 2010 and December 2015, 397 patients covered by the medical aid underwent appendicectomy in private hospitals. Their mean age was 29.7 years (range 3.7 - 87.6), the mean length of stay 4.6 days (range 1 - 41) and the mean operation time 70.6 minutes (range 24.0 - 335.0). Of the procedures 66.5% were laparoscopic. A total of 33 patients (8.3%) required intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and 38 (9.6%) were readmitted. While there was no information on the reasons for readmission, this is a proxy marker for possible complications. The mean total event cost per patient was ZAR38 934. A total of 134 open operations were performed (33.8%). In the state sector, a total of 1 004 patients were documented. The mean patient age was 20.2 years (difference not statistically significant), mean length of stay was significantly longer at 7.3 days (p=0.02, one-tailed t-test), and 10% of patients required ICU admission. In the state hospitals only 3% of the operations were laparoscopic. None of the private sector patients but 40% of the state patients required further surgery. Conclusions. Medical aid data provide useful information on disease profiles and outcomes in private practice. The outcome of acute appendicitis in the private sector appears to be significantly better than in the state sector. Further work is required to fully elucidate the reasons for this, although late presentation in the state patients almost certainly contributes to their poor outcome. In terms of cost, SA private practice appears to be highly efficient and is relatively inexpensive in comparison with international equivalents

The spectrum and outcome of surgical sepsis in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Background. Sepsis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the incidence appears to be increasing. In the resource-limited environment in low- and middle-income countries, the management of surgical sepsis (SS) continues to represent a significant portion of the workload for most general surgeons.Objective. To describe the spectrum of SS seen at a busy emergency department, and categorise the outcomes.Methods. The Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Service (PMTS) and Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Surgical Service (PMSS) in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa (SA), maintain a prospective electronic registry. All patients with features of sepsis among emergency general surgical patients >15 years of age admitted to the PMSS over the period January 2012 - January 2015 were identified. From this cohort, all patients with sepsis that required surgical source control or who had a documented surgical source of sepsis (i.e. had SS) were selected for analysis.Results. Of a total of 6 020 adult surgical patients on the database, a cohort of 1 240 acute surgical patients with features of sepsis were identified, and 675 with SS were then analysed further. Of the 675 patients, 49.2% were male, and the mean age was 46 years (standard deviation (SD) 19); 47.0% presented to the PMSS directly from within the metropolitan area, while the remaining 53.0% were referred from hospitals outside the area. Physiological parameters (mean values) on presentation were as follows: systolic blood pressure 123 mmHg (standard deviation (SD) 23), respiratory rate 22 breaths/min (SD 5.2), heart rate 107 bpm (SD 19), temperature 37°C (SD 2) and white cell count 20 × 109/L (SD 8). Of the patients, 21.6% were known to be HIV-positive, 13.5% (91/675) were negative and 64.9% were of unknown status; 57.6% had intra-abdominal sepsis, 26.1% diabetes-related limb sepsis and the remaining 16.3% soft-tissue infections; 17.5% required intensive care unit admission, with a mean length of stay of 4 days (SD 4), and 30.7% developed complications. In this last group (n=207), a total of 313 morbidities were identified. The overall mortality rate was 12.7% (86/675). The mortality rate for intra-abdominal sepsis was 13.1%, for diabetic foot sepsis 14.2% and for necrotising fasciitis 27.3%.Conclusions. The spectrum of SS in SA is different to that seen in the developed world. Intra-abdominal sepsis is the most common SS and is overwhelmingly caused by acute appendicitis. Diabetic foot infection is a major cause of SS, reflecting the increasing burden of non-communicable chronic diseases in SA

The spectrum and outcome of paediatric traumatic brain injury in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa has not changed over the last two decades

Objectives. This retrospective review of a prospectively entered and maintained hybrid electronic trauma registry was intended to develop a comprehensive overview of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children and adolescents and to compare it with previous audits from our local environment and from other developing world centres. All TBI patients admitted to hospital were included in this study. We reviewed the age, gender, outcomes, radiological findings and treatment of the patients.Methods. All patients aged ≤18 years old who were admitted by the Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Service (PMTS) with TBI between December 2012 and December 2016 were included in this audit. Results. During the 4-year period under review, a total of 563 children and adolescents were treated for TBI by the PMTS. The median age was 6.4 years and 29% (n=165) were females. The mechanism of TBI was blunt trauma in 96% (n=544) of cases, with 4% (n=19) suffering penetrating trauma. The penetrating mechanisms included impalement by a cow horn and miscellaneous injuries due to saws, axes, barbed wire, spades, stones and knives. The blunt mechanisms included falls (n=102), assaults (n=108), collapse of a building (n=28), bicycle-related injury (n=14), falling off a moving vehicle (n=280), motor vehicle accident (MVA; n=59), pedestrian vehicle accident (PVA; n=183) and animal-related injuries (n=8). There were 454 (80%) mild, 67 (12%) moderate and 42 (7%) severe cases of TBI. A total of 48 patients were admitted to the intensive care unit and 23 were admitted to the high care unit. Nine patients died. All the deaths were in the MVA and PVA group. The spectrum of TBI as diagnosed on computed tomography scans was nonspecific cerebral contusion (n=92), depressed skull fracture (n=70), sub-arachnoid haemorrhage (n=60), extradural haemorrhage (n=41), intracerebral haemorrhage (n=19), free air (n=19), subdural haemorrhage (n=13), intraventricular haemorrhage (n=9). A total of 62 (11%) patients required surgery.Conclusion. There is a significant burden of paediatric TBI in Pietermaritzburg. The majority of TBI was related to blunt trauma and assaults were very common. Although the short-term outcomes are good, the long-term consequences are poorly understood. Injury prevention programmes are needed to help reduce this burden of disease and a nationwide trauma registry is long overdue

Prevalence and comorbidities of childhood overweight and obesity among school aged children in an urban settlement in Benin City, Nigeria

Background: The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity is rising worldwide and its impact spanning through adolescence to adulthood.Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity and the occurrence of high blood pressure and elevated blood glucose among school aged children in an urban settlement in Benin City, Nigeria.Design: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was utilized.Subjects and setting: A total of 195 school aged children residing in households in the selected ward were recruited for the study carried out between 2014 and 2015.Outcome measures: Anthropometric measurements were recorded and used to determine the body mass indices (BMI) of the children. Also blood pressure measurements and random blood sugars of the respondents were determined to ascertain the blood pressure and glycaemic status of the children.Results: The proportion of overweight respondents was 7.7% and 3.1% for obesity giving a combined proportion of 10.8% while that for underweight was 11.8% amongst the study respondents. The females, 18 (16.6%) had a significantly higher proportion of overweight and obesity than the males, 3 (3.5%) [p = 0.003]. The prevalence of hypertension was 6 (3.1%) and elevated blood glucose was 4 (2.1%). Conclusion: The prevalence of overweight was 7.7% while that for obesity was 3.1%. Also, the prevalence of hypertension and elevated blood glucose was 3.1% and 2.1% respectively amongst the school aged children and females had a significantly higher proportion of overweight and obesity than males in the study. There is a need for public enlightenment towards promoting healthier lifestyle choices and screening of disease conditions early in childhood

Ovarian Mixed Germ Cell Tumor in Childhood: A Rare Case Report.

Germ cell tumor is a rare malignancy accounting for 3% of all pediatric tumor. The mixed germ cell tumor is still rare. They affect mainly young girls and women, Due to this, the conservation of reproductive potential is a great concern. We report a rare case of a 7-year-old girl who presented with peripheral pseudoprecocious puberty having mixed malignant ovarian germ cell tumor of both yolk sac tumor with dysgerminoma.

Analysis of 5 Years of Morbidity and Mortality Conferences in a Metropolitan South African Trauma Service

BACKGROUND:Since 2008 the Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Service (PMTS) has run a structured; self-reporting; metropolitan morbidity and mortality conference (MMC). In 2012 a hybrid electronic medical registry (HEMR) was introduced to capture routine data and to generate reports on morbidity and mortality. This paper reviews our experience in setting up a metropolitan MMC and compares the quality of the reported morbidity data from the pre- and post-HEMR era. METHODS:We compared data from the MMC before and after the introduction of the HEMR to audit the impact of these meetings on the reporting and analysis of surgical morbidity and mortality in our service RESULTS:During the 4-year period from 2008 to 2011; a total of 208 MMCs were held. A total of 10 682 patients were admitted by the PMTS during that period; of whom 87% were males; and the mean age was 26 years. Penetrating trauma accounted for 40.9% (4 344/10 628) of the total workload. A total of 432 (4.1%) morbidities were identified. Of these; 36.6% (158) were related to human error; 32% (138/432) were related to surgical pathologies and the remaining 31.9% (136/432) were related to systemic diseases. There was an exponential increase in the reporting of morbidity each year. The total in-hospital mortality was 3% (358/10 682). Following the introduction of the HEMR; from 2012 to 2014; 6 217 patients were admitted. A total of 1 314 (21.1%) adverse events and 315 (5.1%) deaths were recorded by the HEMR. The adverse events were divided into 875 'pathology-related' morbidities and 439 'error-related' morbidities.CONCLUSIONS:The development of the MMC led to increased reporting of morbidity and mortality. The introduction of the HEMR resulted in a dramatic improvement in the capturing of morbidity and mortality data; suggesting that a paper-based self-reporting system tends to underestimate morbidity. Over one-third of all morbidities were related to human error. Common morbidities have been identified

Contributions to the knowledge of amphibians and reptiles from Volta Grande do Xingu, northern Brazil / Contribuições para o conhecimento de anfíbios e répteis da Volta Grande do Xingu, norte do Brasil

The region of Volta Grande do Xingu River, in the state of Pará, presents several kinds of land use ranging from extensive cattle farming to agroforestry, and deforestation. Currently, the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant affects the region. We present a checklist of amphibians and reptiles of the region and discuss information regarding the spatial distribution of the assemblies based on results of Environmental Programmes conducted in the area. We listed 109 amphibian (Anura, Caudata, and Gymnophiona) and 150 reptile (Squamata, Testudines, and Crocodylia) species. The regional species richness is still considered underestimated, considering the taxonomic uncertainty, complexity and cryptic diversity of various species, as observed in other regions of the Amazon biome. Efforts for scientific collection and studies related to integrative taxonomy are needed to elucidate uncertainties and increase levels of knowledge of the local diversity.

A região da Volta Grande no Rio Xingu, localizada no estado do Pará, apresenta várias frentes de exploração que vão desde a criação animal até área de cultivo, resultando no desmatamento de fragmentos florestais. Atualmente a região está sendo impactada pela implantação da Usina Hidrelétrica de Belo Monte. A partir de dados obtidos através dos Programas de Monitoramento Ambiental realizados na área de influência da UHE Belo Monte, apresentamos uma listagem das espécies de anfíbios e répteis, com comentários sobre a distribuição espacial das assembleias. Foram catalogados 109 espécies de anfíbios (Anura, Caudata e Gymnophiona) e 150 de répteis (Squamata, Testudines e Crocodylia). Considerando as incertezas taxonômicas, a complexidade e a diversidade críptica de várias espécies, a riqueza regional ainda continua subestimada, assim como observado em outras regiões da Amazônia. Esforços direcionados ao aproveitamento científico e estudos que contemplem a taxonomia integrativa são necessários para elucidar as incertezas e aumentar o nível de conhecimento sobre a diversidade da região.

Abundance of Harpy and Crested Eagles from a reservoir-impact area in the Low- and Mid-Xingu River / Abundância de Gavião-real e Gavião-real falso numa área sob impacto de reservatório no Baixo e Médio rio Xingu

In the Brazilian Amazon, two monospecific genera, the Harpy Eagle and Crested Eagle have low densities and are classified by IUCN as Near Threatened due to habitat loss, deforestation, habitat degradation and hunting. In this study, we evaluate occurrence of these large raptors using the environmental surveys database from Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant. Integrating the dataset from two methods, we plotted a distribution map along the Xingu River, including records over a 276-km stretch of river. Terrestrial surveys (RAPELD method) were more efficient for detecting large raptors than standardized aquatic surveys, although the latter were complementary in areas without modules. About 53% of the records were obtained during activities of wildlife rescue/flushing, vegetation suppression or in transit. Between 2012 and 2014, four Harpy Eagles were removed from the wild; two shooting victims, one injured by collision with power lines and one hit by a vehicle. Also, seven nests were mapped. The mean distance between Harpy Eagle records was 15 km along the river channel, with a mean of 20 km between nests near the channel, which allowed us to estimate 20 possible pairs using the alluvial forest, riverine forest and forest fragments. Territories of another ten pairs will probably be affected by inundation of the Volta Grande channel, which is far from the main river. The average distance between Crested Eagle records was 16 km along the river channel. The only nest found was 1.3 km away from a Harpy Eagle nest. The remnant forests are under threat of being replaced by cattle pastures, so we recommend that permanently protected riparian vegetation borders (APP) be guaranteed, and that forest fragments within 5 km of the river be conserved to maintain eagle populations.

Na Amazônia brasileira dois gêneros mono-específicos, Harpia e Morphnus, caracterizam-se por baixa densidade e estão classificados pelo IUCN como Quase Ameaçados, porém ocorrem sobre grande parte do território nacional, suas principais ameaças são a fragmentação florestal, a degradação de hábitat e a caça. Neste estudo avaliamos a abundância destas duas grandes aves de rapina utilizando a base de dados dos programas ambientais da UHE Belo Monte, integrando-se dois métodos para construir um mapa de distribuição ao longo de 245 km do rio Xingu. Os levantamentos terrestres pelo método RAPELD mostraram-se mais eficientes para os registros de grandes águias quando comparado aos esforços padronizados aquáticos, entretanto estes foram complementares na ausência de módulos. Cinquenta e tres por cento foram registros ocasionais durante a supressão da vegetação, afugentamento ou deslocamento. Entre 2012-2014 quatro harpias foram removidas da natureza, dois indivíduos alvo de disparos, uma por colisão com rede elétrica, e outra por atropelamento. Sete ninhos mapeados, a distância média entre os registros de harpia na calha e margens do rio foi de 15 km, 20 km distância média entre ninhos, o que permitiu estimar um total de 20 casais utilizando as florestas aluviais em uma distancia de 270 km, incluindo matas ciliares e os fragmentos fora da margem do rio. Estimamos que territórios de outros 10 casais usando a Volta Grande longe do rio principal também serão afetados pela inundação. A distância média entre os registros de Morphnus foi 16 km ao longo do rio, o único ninho mapeado estava distante 1.3 km do ninho de Harpia. Estes fragmentos florestais estão sendo substituídos por pastagens, ressaltando-se a importância da manutenção das áreas de preservação permanentes (APP) e a proteção destes fragmentos em diversos formatos de áreas de proteção, para diminuir a degradação dos mesmos e garantir a manutenção das populações destes grandes predadores na região do rio Xingu.

Resource availability and diet in Harpy Eagle breeding territories on the Xingu River, Brazilian Amazon / Disponibilidade e consumo de presas por harpia no entorno de territórios de nidificação no rio Xingu, Amazônia Oriental Brasileira

In the Tapajos-Xingu interfluve, one of the largest birds of prey, the Harpy Eagle, is under intense anthropogenic pressure due to historical and recent reductions in forest cover. We studied prey availability and use by Harpy Eagle on six breeding territories on the low- and mid-Xingu River, between 2013 and 2015. We evaluated food resource availability using the environmental-surveys database from two methods: terrestrial surveys (RAPELD method) and fauna rescue/flushing before vegetation suppression for the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Complex construction. Harpy Eagle diet was identified by prey remains sampled around six nest trees. Eighteen species of mammals, birds and reptiles comprised the prey items. Most prey species were sloths, primates and porcupines, which have arboreal habits and are found in forested areas, but two species, hoatzin and iguana, are usually associated with riverine habitats. The proportion of prey from each species predated on the nest best studied was different from estimated availability (χ2 = 54.23; df = 16; p < 0.001), however there was a positive correlation (rs = 0.7; p < 0.01) between prey species consumed and abundance available, where the predation was more on species more abundant. Continuous monitoring of the Harpy Eagle diet at these nests could evidence changes in the assemblage of prey species available for Harpy Eagles, due to changes in the seasonal flood pulse of the Xingu River to be caused by the operation of the hydroelectric dam, and changes in habitat features by forest reduction around breeding territories. We believe that it is important to consider the protection of remnants of forested areas in the landscape matrix surrounding the breeding territories to maintain the food resource availability and allow all pairs to successfully reproduce.

RO interflúvio Tapajós-Xingu, um dos centros de endemismo da Amazônia, onde habita uma das mais poderosas aves de rapina, a harpia, é também alvo de intensa pressão antrópica com reduções históricas da cobertura florestal. Analisamos a disponibilidade de vertebrados e o consumo de presas por harpia em seis territórios de reprodução no Rio Xingu, entre 2013 e 2015. A disponibilidade de recursos alimentares foi baseada nos dados de amostragens por dois métodos: levantamentos terrestres pelo método RAPELD e resgate/afugentamento da fauna antes da supressão da vegetação para construção de infra-estrutura para o Complexo Hidrelétrico Belo Monte. As espécies de presas consumidas pela harpia foram identificadas a partir de vestígios coletados em seis ninhos. Dezoito espécies de mamíferos, aves e répteis compuseram a dieta no baixo e médio Rio Xingu, com maior proporção de preguiças, macacos e porcos-espinhos, incluindo duas espécies (Opisthocomus hoazin e Iguana iguana) associadas aos hábitats criados por rios. A proporção de indivíduos das espécies predadas no ninho com maior número de coletas foi diferente da disponibilidade (χ2 = 54,23; gl = 16; p < 0,001), no entanto, existe correlação positiva (rs = 0,7; p < 0,01) entre o consumo de presas e a abundância disponível, com a predação maior sobre espécies mais abundantes. A riqueza de presas indica que as florestas remanescentes na região foram fonte eficiente de recursos alimentares para a reprodução e manutenção da harpia. O monitoramento da dieta da harpia nos ninhos pode apresentar alterações relacionadas às mudanças no pulso sazonal de inundação do Xingu, provocadas pelo futuro funcionamento da usina hidrelétrica e à redução da floresta no entorno dos ninhos localizados no Reservatório Xingu e Intermediário. É importante considerar a proteção dos remanescentes florestais no entorno dos territórios de nidificação para garantir a disponibilidade de presas e a reprodução efetiva dos casais de harpia na região.

Microbial Quality and Antibiotic Residues in Raw Beef from Selected Abattoirs in Accra, Ghana.

Aims: To determine the microbial quality and the presence of antibiotic residues in raw beef from four major abattoirs in Accra, Ghana. Study Design: Cross sectional. Place and Duration of Study: Samples were obtained from the four major abattoirs namely; Madina, Tema (GIHOC), Accra, Amasaman and the University of Ghana (UG) Farms, transferred immediately to the Bacteriology Laboratory, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, for processing. The study was carried out between June 2013 and April, 2014. Methodology: Raw beef samples were aseptically collected from 200 cattle slaughtered for consumption. Total plate count, presence of foodborne pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, E. coli 0157:H7, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella and Shigella species were determined after culture and incubation on standard microbiological media. Both liver and kidney samples were also collected from each of the 200 carcasses and tested for antibiotic residues using Premi® test kit (R-Biopharm AG, Germany). Results: The total plate counts in all the samples from the abattoirs ranged between 8.3x103 – 5.5x105 cfu/g. A total of 43 pathogens were isolated. Of this number, 30 (69.76%) were E. coli, 8 (18.69%) S. aureus, 2 (4.65%) Salmonella Typhimurium, 2 (4.65%) L. monocytogenes and 1 (2.3%) Yersinia enterocolitica. Fifty-nine strains from other species were also isolated: Bacillus spp. (21), Enterobacter spp. (18), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1), Aeromonas spp. (3), coliforms (12) and Klebsiella spp. (4). None of the E. coli isolated were positive for O157: H7. Overall, 18% of both the liver and kidney samples were positive for the presence of antibiotic residues but the kidneys recorded the highest (12%) percentage of positive whilst the liver recorded (6%). Conclusion: Beef at the abattoirs were contaminated with foodborne pathogens and antibiotic residues, however, the total aerobic counts were within the acceptable range considered safe for human consumption. Detection of pathogens and antibiotic residues in beef is of public health concern.

Anxiolytic effects of repeated treatment with an essential oil from Lippia alba and (R)-(-)-carvone in the elevated T-maze

Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Brown (Verbenaceae) is widely used in different regions of Central and South America as a tranquilizer. The plant’s anxiolytic properties, however, merit investigation. The present study evaluated the effects of repeated daily (14 days) intraperitoneal (ip) treatment with an essential oil (EO) from a chemotype of L. alba (LA, chemotype II, 12.5 and 25 mg/kg; N = 6-8) and (R)-(-)-carvone (25 mg/kg; N = 8-12), the main constituent of this chemotype, on male Wistar rats (weighing 250 g at the beginning of the experiments) submitted to the elevated T-maze (ETM). The ETM allows the measurement of two defensive responses: inhibitory avoidance and one-way escape. In terms of psychopathology, these responses have been related to generalized anxiety and panic disorder, respectively. Treatment with the EO impaired ETM avoidance latencies, without altering escape, in a way similar to the reference drug diazepam (P < 0.05) (avoidance 2: control = 84.6 ± 35.2; EO 12.5 mg/kg = 11.8 ± 3.8; EO 25 mg/kg = 14.6 ± 2.7; diazepam = 7 ± 2.1). (R)-(-)-carvone also significantly altered this same response (P < 0.05; avoidance 1: control = 91.9 ± 31.5; carvone = 11.6 ± 1.8; diazepam = 8.1 ± 3.3). These results were not due to motor changes since no significant effects were detected in an open field. These observations suggest that LA exerts anxiolytic-like effects on a specific subset of defensive behaviors that have been implicated in generalized anxiety disorder, and suggest that carvone is one of the constituents of LA responsible for its action as a tranquilizer.

Prevalência de anticorpos contra Leptospira spp. em bovinos, caninos, equinos, ovinos e suínos do município de Jaguapitã, estado do Paraná, Brasil / Prevalence of antibodies against Leptospira spp. in cattle, dogs, horses, sheep and swine of Jaguapitã, state of Paraná, Brazil

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a prevalência de anticorpos contra Leptospira spp. em bovinos, caninos, equinos, ovinos e suínos, oriundos de 40 propriedades localizadas na área rural do Município de Jaguapitã, Estado do Paraná. Foram colhidas amostras de sangue de 370 bovinos, 161 equinos, 70 ovinos, 230 suínos e 97 caninos. O número de animais testados em cada propriedade, assim como o número de propriedades, foi determinado utilizando-se o programa Epi-info versão 6. As amostras de soros obtidas foram submetidas à prova de soroaglutinação microscópica (SAM) com 22 sorovares de Leptospira spp. Das 40 propriedades rurais pesquisadas, 38 (95,00%) tiveram pelo menos um animal sororeagente na SAM e dos 928 animais estudados, 316 (34,08%) apresentaram títulos ? 100. A prevalência observada na espécie bovina foi de 42,43%, com 87,18% das propriedades apresentando pelo menos um animal sororeagente. As prevalências de animais e propriedades reagentes para as demais espécies foram, respectivamente, 48,44% e 87,18% para equinos; 38,57% e 100% para ovinos; 18,70% e 28,00% para suínos; 11,34% e 31,25% para cães. O sorovar mais provável encontrado em bovinos foi Hardjo, em equinos Castellonis e Sentot, em ovinos, suínos e cães Icterohaemorrhagiae. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho demonstram que as cinco espécies animais estudadas na área rural do Município de Jaguapitã tiveram contato com vários sorovares de Leptospira spp. Além disso, os resultados sorológicos sugerem uma possível transmissão do micro-organismo entre espécies animais, provavelmente em decorrência da exposição às mesmas fontes de infecção entre os animais estudados.

The objective of this work was to determine the prevalence of antibodies against Leptospira spp. in cattle, dogs, horses, sheep and swine from 40 properties located in the rural area of Jaguapitã, state of Paraná, Brazil. Blood samples were taken from 370 cattle, 97 dogs, 161 horses, 70 sheep and 230 swine. The number of animals tested on each property, as well as the number of properties was determined using the program Epi-info version 6. Samples of serum were submitted to microscopic agglutination test (MAT) with 22 Leptospira spp. serovars. From the 40 rural properties investigated, 38 (95.00%) had at least one positive animal according to SAM, and from 928 studied animals, 316 (34.08%) presented titers ? 100. The prevalence observed in the bovine species was 42.43%, with 87.18% of the properties presenting at least one positive animal. The prevalence of animals and properties reactive for the other species were, respectively: 48.44% and 87.18% for horses; 38.57% and 100% for sheep; 18.70% and 28.00% for swine; 11.34% and 31.25% for dogs. The most frequent serovar in bovines was Hardjo, in horses Castellonis and Sentot, in sheep, swine and dogs Icterohaemorrhagiae. The results obtained in this study demonstrated that the 5 studied animal species in the rural area of Jaguapitã had contact with several Leptospira spp. serovars. Moreover, serological results suggest a possible transmission of Leptospira spp. between animal species, probably because of exposure to the same sources of infection among the animals studied.

Molecular mechanisms underlying thermal adaptation of xeric animals.

For many years,we and our collaborators have investigated the adaptive role of heat shock proteins in different animals,including the representatives of homothermic and poikilothermic species that inhabit regions with contrasting thermal conditions. Adaptive evolution of the response to hyperthermia has led to different results depending upon the species. The thermal threshold of induction of heat shock proteins in desert thermophylic species is, as a rule, higher than in the species from less extreme climates.In addition,thermoresistant poikilothermic species often exhibit a certain level of heat shock proteins in cells even at a physiologically normal temperature. Furthermore,there is often a positive correlation between the characteristic temperature of the ecological niche of a given species and the amount of Hsp70-like proteins in the cells at normal temperature. Although in most cases adaptation to hyperthermia occurs without changes in the number of heat shock genes, these genes can be amplified in some xeric species. It was shown that mobile genetic elements may play an important role in the evolution and fine-tuning of the heat shock response system,and can be used for direct introduction of mutations in the promoter regions of these genes.