MATERNAL NEAR MISS: AN INDIAN TERTIARY CARE CENTRE AUDIT

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in medical sciences and increased awareness of measures for safe child birth, unacceptably high maternal morbidity and mortality continues in developing countries like India. Ours being a tertiary care centre, draws a lot number of high risk pregnancies and referrals. By auditing the near miss cases2 i.e., a critically ill pregnant or recently delivered woman who was on the verge of death but survived a problem during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days of the pregnancy's termination, we aim to identify the causes, factors leading to near miss2 and the management given to near miss2 and maternal deaths. The AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: present study aims to determine the magnitude, as well as to identify the pattern of Maternal Near Miss2 (MNM), at Siddhartha Medical College, Vijayawada, during the study period of two years. To anal OBJECTIVES: yse 1)Adverse events leading to a maternal near-miss2, 2) Disorders underlying these cases, 3)Sociodemographic factors and 4)Contributing factors A hospital based retros METHODOLOGY: pective observational study to assess the frequency and nature of maternal near miss2 events among the obstetric cases managed at Siddhartha Medical College, Vijayawada over a period of two years. The followi RESULTS: ng are the major causes identified leading to maternal near miss2 during our study Severe Eclampsia 17%, Post-partum Haemorrhage 17%, Pulmonary Edema due to severe pre eclampsia3 9%, Antepartum Eclampsia 9%, HELLP 9%, Ruptured ectopic pregnancy 7%, Cardiac failure 7%, Postpartum Eclampsia 7%, Imminent Eclampsia 4%, Abruption 4%, Rupture uterus 2%. In our study Maternal near miss2 ratio incidence: 0.0254, Severe maternal outcomes ratio : 3, Maternal near miss2 to mortality ratio: 0.433 CONCLUSION: We observed in majority of the cases level 1 and level 2 delays in reporting to our institution

FLEXIBLE VERSUS RIGID ESOPHAGOSCOPY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ESOPHAGEAL FOREIGN BODY IMPACTION

Background: Foreign body(FB) impaction accounts for 4% of emergency endoscopies in clinical practice. Flexible endoscopy(FE) is a recommended therapeutic option because it can be performed under local anesthesia, it is cost effective and is well tolerated. Rigid endoscopy (RG) under general anesthesia is another option and is advantageous in some circumstances. The aim of the study is to compare ef?cacy and safety of ?exible and rigid esophagoscopy in esophageal foreign body removal. It is a prospective study done in E.N.T department in KIMS Methods: MEDICAL COLLEGE, Amalapuram, which includes 50 patients with impacted foreign body esophagus. Parameters like type of foreign body, location of impacted foreign body are included. The study analyzies the type of procedure the patient have undergone, the intra operative and post operative complications. This prospective cohort study includes 50 patients Results: who have undergone surgical procedure for removal of impacted foreign body. Flexible esophagoscopy is performed in 30 patients and rigid esophagoscopy is performed in 20 patients . The most frequent complications are mucosal erosion, mucosal edema, and ulceration. Flexible esophagoscopy and rigid esophagoscopy are equally safe and effective for Conclusion: removal of impacted esophageal foreign body

Mycoviruses infecting Colletotrichum spp: A comprehensive review / Micoviroses em Colletotrichum spp: uma revisão abrangente

Abstract Colletotrichum is one of the most economically important fungal genera, which affects a wide range of hosts, specifically tropical and subtropical crops. Thus far, there have been several records of mycovirus infection in Colletotrichum spp., primarily by viruses of the Partitiviridae family. There have also been records of infections by mycoviruses of the Chrysoviridae family. Mycoviruses are (+)ssRNA and dsRNA genome viruses, which may or may not be enveloped. To date, no mycovirus with a DNA genome has been isolated from Colletotrichum spp. Typically, mycoviruses cause latent infections, although hypo- and hypervirulence have also been reported in Colletotrichum spp. In addition to its effects on pathogenic behavior, mycovirus infection can lead to important physiological changes, such as altered morphological characteristics, reduced vegetative growth, and suppressed conidia production. Therefore, research on mycoviruses infecting phytopathogenic fungi can help develop alternative methods to chemical control, which can cause irreversible damage to humans and the environment. From an agricultural perspective, mycoviruses can contribute to sustainable agriculture as biological control agents via changes in fungal physiology, ultimately resulting in the total loss of or reduction in the virulence of these pathogens.

Resumo Colletotrichum é um dos gêneros fúngicos mais importantes economicamente, afetando uma ampla gama de hospedeiros, especialmente em cultivos tropicais e subtropicais. Atualmente já existem diversos registros de infecção por micovírus em Colletotrichum spp., sendo a maioria dos já identificados classificados na família Partitiviridae. Ocorrem registros também de micovírus pertencentes à família Chrysoviridae. Compreendem vírus de genoma de (+)ssRNA e dsRNA que podem ser ou não envelopados. Ainda não foram identificados micovírus com genoma de DNA isolados de Colletotrichum. A infecção por micovírus pode ocorrer de forma latente, mas já foi observado em Colletotrichum spp. o fenômeno de hipo e hipervirulência. Além de influenciar no comportamento patogênico, a infecção pode causar mudanças fisiológicas importantes como alterações das características morfológicas, redução do crescimento vegetativo e redução na produção de conídios. O estudo com micovírus em fungos fitopatogênicos traz uma alternativa ao controle químico que é um método capaz de causar danos irreversíveis ao homem e o meio ambiente. Sob a perspectiva agrícola, os micovírus podem contribuir para agricultura sustentável como agentes de controle biológico. Isso porque obsevam-se mudanças importantes na fisiologia fúngica resultando na perda total ou redução da virulência desses patógenos.

Biotransformed soybean cream as a new nutraceutical for skin care: collagen stimulation in vitro and ex vivo

Treatments that attenuate the effects of hypoestrogenism in menopausal women have been gaining visibility. This study investigated the skin response to a phytoestrogen-enriched cosmetic formulation created by incorporating a biotransformed soybean extract (BE) into a cream-like matrix. Collagen-I expression was analyzed both in vitro (fibroblast cells) and ex vivo (skin explants). The results revealed an increased amount of collagen-I both in fibroblasts and human skin when treated with BE and BE-incorporated cream. Also, this collagen-I overexpression was inhibited by PHTPP, indicating a dependence on estrogen hormone receptor beta (ERβ) signaling. Moreover, BE was not harmful to skin microbiota, showing a promising nutricosmetic potential. Thus, this work presented a fully functional cream-like formulation that was shown to be safe and effectively increase collagen-I levels both in vitro and ex vivo.

Brain glucose hypometabolism and hippocampal inflammation in Goto-Kakizaki rats

Brain glucose hypometabolism and neuroinflammation are early pathogenic manifestations in neurological disorders. Neuroinflammation may also disrupt leptin signaling, an adipokine that centrally regulates appetite and energy balance by acting on the hypothalamus and exerting neuroprotection in the hippocampus. The Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat is a non-obese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) animal model used to investigate diabetes-associated molecular mechanisms without obesity jeopardizing effects. Wistar and GK rats received the maintenance adult rodent diet. Also, an additional control group of Wistar rats received a high-fat and high-sugar diet (HFHS) provided by free consumption of condensed milk. All diets and water were provided ad libitum for eight weeks. Brain glucose uptake was evaluated by 2-deoxy-2-[fluorine-18] fluoro-D-glucose under basal (saline administration) or stimulated (CL316,243, a selective β3-AR agonist) conditions. The animals were fasted for 10-12 h, anesthetized, and euthanized. The brain was quickly dissected, and the hippocampal area was sectioned and stored at -80°C in different tubes for protein and RNA analyses on the same animal. GK rats exhibited attenuated brain glucose uptake compared to Wistar animals and the HFHS group under basal conditions. Also, the hippocampus of GK rats displayed upregulated leptin receptor, IL-1β, and IL-6 gene expression and IL-1β and the subunit of the transcription factor NF-κB (p-p65) protein expression. No significant alterations were detected in the hippocampus of HFHS rats. Our data indicated that a genetic predisposition to T2DM has significant brain deteriorating features, including brain glucose hypometabolism, neuroinflammation, and leptin signaling disruption in the hippocampal area.

HIV in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa threatens farm employment and food security

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus' (HIV's) threat to food security is highest in areas with high poverty levels. The OR Tambo district in the Eastern Cape province has the highest poverty rate in South Africa (80.4%); HIV prevalence is 11.4%. Objective: The purpose of the study was to describe the threat that HIV poses to farm employment and food security in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Methods: A multi-method approach was used. The quantitative component was a cross-sectional design and the qualitative component was a narrative design. The study population comprised approximately 7 000 smallholder farmers from the five local municipalities in the OR Tambo district. Participants for both the qualitative and quantitative aspects of the study were selected using convenience sampling. Quantitative data were collected using questionnaires and qualitative data were collected from face-to-face interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test. Qualitative data were analysed using Tesch's eight-step procedure for thematic content analysis. Results: Five hundred and ninety-three farmers completed the questionnaire. Most agreed that HIV affects food security (n = 486, 72.0%), that HIV negatively affects food security (n = 454, 76.6%), that people living with HIV are excluded from farming activities (n = 426, 71.8%), and that HIV affects farming skills (n = 495, 83.5%). A significantly larger proportion of farmworkers older than 60 years than those who were younger perceived the threat to food security. Twenty participants described the effect of HIV on farm workers in interviews, and highlighted that HIV impacts farm skills and labour due to ill health and lost income from farming, which threatens food security. Conclusion: HIV threatens food security among smallholder farmers in the OR Tambo district due to farmworkers' diminished capacity to work and consequent reduced income, which affects their ability to secure food.

Occupational lung diseases in South African miners at autopsy: 2020 surveillance report

The Pathology Division at the National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH) provides autopsy services for deceased workers who worked in controlled mines or works under the provisions of the South African Occupational Diseases in Mines and Works Act, 1973 (Act No. 78 of 1973). This report describes the ages, commodities, employment durations, and occupational cardio-respiratory diseases in miners whose organs were submitted for autopsies in 2019 and 2020. Data were exported from the PATHAUT database into STATA for analysis. Differences in the proportions of disease (expressed per 1 000) were calculated using the Pearson's chi-square test; significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. There were 759 and 557 records of deceased miners and ex-miners in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Pulmonary tuberculosis decreased from 192/1 000 in 2019 to 153/1 000 autopsies in 2020, and silicosis decreased from 246/1 000 to 223/1 000. However, neither decrease was significant. There was a significant increase in the rate of asbestosis from 50/1 000 in 2019 to 79/1 000 in 2020. Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), emphysema, and silicosis were the most frequent diseases, with high rates. There was a non-significant decrease in occupational respiratory disease rates in 2020 from 2019, but these remain higher than the rates seen in the early 1990s. The NIOH continues to conduct autopsy surveillance on miners to support compensation for families, and the development of policy and intervention programmes in the mining industry

Abdominal ultrasound in amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis) (Natterer, 1883) / Ultrassonografia abdominal em peixe boi amazônico (Trichechus inunguis (Natterer, 1883)

Morphophysiological species researches are fundamental, and diagnostic imaging is an excellent technique, already used in wild animals, with great application, not invasive and provide real-time information of each body. Amazonian manatees are on the list of endangered animals classified in the vulnerable category and knowledge of the normal pattern of ultrasound anatomy of organs and tissues is important for the maintenance and well-being of captive specimens contributing to reintroduction actions. The objective of the study was to standardize the examination technique and describe the ultrasound findings of the liver, gallbladder, stomach, urinary bladder and the subcutaneous tissue of the abdominal region in Trichechus inunguis, in order to contribute with the anatomical and sonographic knowledge and assist in the diagnosis and prognosis diseases. The study used 18 animals to describe the normal sonographic anatomy in the abdominal cavity of the Amazonian manatee. During abdominal scan, it was possible to visualize the features of the liver, gallbladder, stomach, urinary bladder obtained satisfactory results in this study. Therefore, other structures were not primarily identified by the reduced time, lots of fat and gases in intestines of animals.

Pesquisas morfofisiológicas em espécies selvagens são fundamentais, e o diagnóstico por imagem é uma excelente técnica, já usada e com grande aplicação, não invasiva e que fornece informações em tempo real de cada órgão. Peixes-boi-amazônico encontram-se na lista de animais ameaçados de extinção classificados na categoria vulnerável e o conhecimento do padrão normal da anatomia ultrassonográfica de órgãos e tecidos é importante para a manutenção e bem-estar de espécimes em cativeiro contribuindo para ações de reintrodução. O objetivo deste estudo foi padronizar a técnica de exame e descrever os achados ultrassonográficos do fígado, vesícula biliar, estômago, vesícula urinária e o tecido subcutâneo da região abdominal em Trichechus inunguis, de modo a contribuir com o conhecimento anátomo-sonográfico e auxiliar no diagnóstico e prognóstico de doenças. O estudo utilizou 18 animais para descrever a anatomia ultrassonográfica normal na cavidade abdominal de peixe-boi amazônico. Durante a varredura abdominal foi possível visualizar as características dos órgãos obtendo resultados satisfatórios neste estudo, concluindo ser uma técnica eficiente para avaliação de determinados órgãos abdominais em peixe-boi amazônico. Entretanto, outras estruturas não foram identificadas principalmente pelo tempo reduzido, muita gordura e gases nos intestinos dos animais.

Mycoviruses infecting Colletotrichum spp: a comprehensive review / Micoviroses em Colletotrichum spp: uma revisão abrangente

Colletotrichum is one of the most economically important fungal genera, which affects a wide range of hosts, specifically tropical and subtropical crops. Thus far, there have been several records of mycovirus infection in Colletotrichum spp., primarily by viruses of the Partitiviridae family. There have also been records of infections by mycoviruses of the Chrysoviridae family. Mycoviruses are (+)ssRNA and dsRNA genome viruses, which may or may not be enveloped. To date, no mycovirus with a DNA genome has been isolated from Colletotrichum spp. Typically, mycoviruses cause latent infections, although hypo- and hypervirulence have also been reported in Colletotrichum spp. In addition to its effects on pathogenic behavior, mycovirus infection can lead to important physiological changes, such as altered morphological characteristics, reduced vegetative growth, and suppressed conidia production. Therefore, research on mycoviruses infecting phytopathogenic fungi can help develop alternative methods to chemical control, which can cause irreversible damage to humans and the environment. From an agricultural perspective, mycoviruses can contribute to sustainable agriculture as biological control agents via changes in fungal physiology, ultimately resulting in the total loss of or reduction in the virulence of these pathogens.

Colletotrichum é um dos gêneros fúngicos mais importantes economicamente, afetando uma ampla gama de hospedeiros, especialmente em cultivos tropicais e subtropicais. Atualmente já existem diversos registros de infecção por micovírus em Colletotrichum spp., sendo a maioria dos já identificados classificados na família Partitiviridae. Ocorrem registros também de micovírus pertencentes à família Chrysoviridae. Compreendem vírus de genoma de (+)ssRNA e dsRNA que podem ser ou não envelopados. Ainda não foram identificados micovírus com genoma de DNA isolados de Colletotrichum. A infecção por micovírus pode ocorrer de forma latente, mas já foi observado em Colletotrichum spp. o fenômeno de hipo e hipervirulência. Além de influenciar no comportamento patogênico, a infecção pode causar mudanças fisiológicas importantes como alterações das características morfológicas, redução do crescimento vegetativo e redução na produção de conídios. O estudo com micovírus em fungos fitopatogênicos traz uma alternativa ao controle químico que é um método capaz de causar danos irreversíveis ao homem e o meio ambiente. Sob a perspectiva agrícola, os micovírus podem contribuir para agricultura sustentável como agentes de controle biológico. Isso porque obsevam-se mudanças importantes na fisiologia fúngica resultando na perda total ou redução da virulência desses patógenos.

Abdominal ultrasound in amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis) (Natterer, 1883)

Abstract Morphophysiological species researches are fundamental, and diagnostic imaging is an excellent technique, already used in wild animals, with great application, not invasive and provide real-time information of each body. Amazonian manatees are on the list of endangered animals classified in the vulnerable category and knowledge of the normal pattern of ultrasound anatomy of organs and tissues is important for the maintenance and well-being of captive specimens contributing to reintroduction actions. The objective of the study was to standardize the examination technique and describe the ultrasound findings of the liver, gallbladder, stomach, urinary bladder and the subcutaneous tissue of the abdominal region in Trichechus inunguis, in order to contribute with the anatomical and sonographic knowledge and assist in the diagnosis and prognosis diseases. The study used 18 animals to describe the normal sonographic anatomy in the abdominal cavity of the Amazonian manatee. During abdominal scan, it was possible to visualize the features of the liver, gallbladder, stomach, urinary bladder obtained satisfactory results in this study. Therefore, other structures were not primarily identified by the reduced time, lots of fat and gases in intestines of animals.

Resumo Pesquisas morfofisiológicas em espécies selvagens são fundamentais, e o diagnóstico por imagem é uma excelente técnica, já usada e com grande aplicação, não invasiva e que fornece informações em tempo real de cada órgão. Peixes-boi-amazônico encontram-se na lista de animais ameaçados de extinção classificados na categoria vulnerável e o conhecimento do padrão normal da anatomia ultrassonográfica de órgãos e tecidos é importante para a manutenção e bem-estar de espécimes em cativeiro contribuindo para ações de reintrodução. O objetivo deste estudo foi padronizar a técnica de exame e descrever os achados ultrassonográficos do fígado, vesícula biliar, estômago, vesícula urinária e o tecido subcutâneo da região abdominal em Trichechus inunguis, de modo a contribuir com o conhecimento anátomo-sonográfico e auxiliar no diagnóstico e prognóstico de doenças. O estudo utilizou 18 animais para descrever a anatomia ultrassonográfica normal na cavidade abdominal de peixe-boi amazônico. Durante a varredura abdominal foi possível visualizar as características dos órgãos obtendo resultados satisfatórios neste estudo, concluindo ser uma técnica eficiente para avaliação de determinados órgãos abdominais em peixe-boi amazônico. Entretanto, outras estruturas não foram identificadas principalmente pelo tempo reduzido, muita gordura e gases nos intestinos dos animais

Mycoviruses infecting Colletotrichum spp.: A comprehensive review

Abstract Colletotrichum is one of the most economically important fungal genera, which affects a wide range of hosts, specifically tropical and subtropical crops. Thus far, there have been several records of mycovirus infection in Colletotrichum spp., primarily by viruses of the Partitiviridae family. There have also been records of infections by mycoviruses of the Chrysoviridae family. Mycoviruses are (+)ssRNA and dsRNA genome viruses, which may or may not be enveloped. To date, no mycovirus with a DNA genome has been isolated from Colletotrichum spp. Typically, mycoviruses cause latent infections, although hypo- and hypervirulence have also been reported in Colletotrichum spp. In addition to its effects on pathogenic behavior, mycovirus infection can lead to important physiological changes, such as altered morphological characteristics, reduced vegetative growth, and suppressed conidia production. Therefore, research on mycoviruses infecting phytopathogenic fungi can help develop alternative methods to chemical control, which can cause irreversible damage to humans and the environment. From an agricultural perspective, mycoviruses can contribute to sustainable agriculture as biological control agents via changes in fungal physiology, ultimately resulting in the total loss of or reduction in the virulence of these pathogens.

Resumo Colletotrichum é um dos gêneros fúngicos mais importantes economicamente, afetando uma ampla gama de hospedeiros, especialmente em cultivos tropicais e subtropicais. Atualmente já existem diversos registros de infecção por micovírus em Colletotrichum spp., sendo a maioria dos já identificados classificados na família Partitiviridae. Ocorrem registros também de micovírus pertencentes à família Chrysoviridae. Compreendem vírus de genoma de (+)ssRNA e dsRNA que podem ser ou não envelopados. Ainda não foram identificados micovírus com genoma de DNA isolados de Colletotrichum. A infecção por micovírus pode ocorrer de forma latente, mas já foi observado em Colletotrichum spp. o fenômeno de hipo e hipervirulência. Além de influenciar no comportamento patogênico, a infecção pode causar mudanças fisiológicas importantes como alterações das características morfológicas, redução do crescimento vegetativo e redução na produção de conídios. O estudo com micovírus em fungos fitopatogênicos traz uma alternativa ao controle químico que é um método capaz de causar danos irreversíveis ao homem e o meio ambiente. Sob a perspectiva agrícola, os micovírus podem contribuir para agricultura sustentável como agentes de controle biológico. Isso porque obsevam-se mudanças importantes na fisiologia fúngica resultando na perda total ou redução da virulência desses patógenos.

Bioactive Compounds from Mangosteen Fruit Peels (Garcinia mangostana L.) and Assessment of their Antioxidant Potential

The aim of this study was to quantify the bioactive compounds in mangosteen fruit peels and assess their antioxidant activity. Peels from washed mature fruits of Garcinia mangostana (L.) were dried, crushed, and sieved, and the bioactive compounds were extracted using distilled water and ethanol 70%, and quantified. The antioxidant potential of the different extracts was assessed through their DPPH scavenging activity, iron reducing power, and total antioxidant capacity. Results showed that ethanol at 70% extracted more bioactive compounds compared to water. Total polyphenols content of 57.19 mg GAE/g DM, flavonoids of 35.06 mg QE/g DM, alkaloids of 4.49 mg QuiE/g DM, and vitamin C of 1.42 mg/100g DM were obtained from hydroethanolic (ethanol 70%) extract. As expected, the highest percentage of scavenging DPPH radical (85.98%) was recorded with hydroethanolic extract compared to the aqueous one (44.66%). Similar behaviors were noticed with the hydroethanolic extract regarding the iron-reducing capacity and the total antioxidant capacity. Thus, justifying the positive correlations obtained between bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities although significant (p<0.05) between alkaloids and DPPH scavenging activity. Mangosteen peels is a good source of bioactive compounds that might be potentially used for food preservation and the management/prevention of cardio-metabolic diseases.

Viral myopericarditis masquerading as acute coronary syndrome: Diagnostic role of cardiac MRI

Myopericarditis is commonly misdiagnosed as an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) due to the similarities in clinical presentation. Hence, accurate diagnosis is important to ensure appropriate care and improve outcomes. Here, we present the case of a 58-year-old male initially diagnosed with ACS, which was eventually identified to be a case of myopericarditis and managed accordingly. The patient presented with fever for 1 week during the coronavirus disease pandemic and developed signs of ACS subsequently. Clinical history, biomarker profile, and echocardiogram suggested ACS. However, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and coronary angiography findings revealed myopericarditis and it was managed accordingly. Clinicians should be aware of myopericarditis masquerading as ACS in the post-viral period.

The Phytosociology of Weeds in Agroforestry Systems in Different Types of Amazonian Forest Cover

Agroforestry systems are examples of soil exploration that is closer to the natural form of the forest, with intercropping of several species within an area, thus being sustainable alternatives. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the weed community in agroforestry systems in two ecosystems: solid ground and floodplain in the state of Pará. Such collections were made in eight areas, with about one hectare each, cultivated in agroforestry systems, four of which are on dry land and four on floodplains, in the rural area of Cametá-PA. Four plots of one square meter per area were randomly sampled, where the species were identified, counted, and taken to weigh to evaluate the weed community. Among the evaluated environments, the species that stood out the most in the solid ground environment was Kyllinga brevifolia, leading most of the evaluated indices. In the lowland ecosystem, the Brachiaria species purpuracens were the most relevant.

Perceived burden and treatment expectations of family members of adult individuals with Intellectual Disability

Background: In India, most individuals with an intellectual disability live with their families. The present study examines the perceived burden of family members, treatment expectations, and awareness of disability benefits for adult individuals with Intellectual Disability (ID). Methodology: A sample of 50 individuals registered in an Adult Psychiatry Unit was referred for intelligence assessment. The assessment was done using standardized psychological tests. Data was gathered using a semi-structured interview schedule during counselling the participants’ family members. Data obtained was examined using descriptive statistics. Results: Average age of participants was 27.5 years, and the majority 64%, were male patients. Comorbid conditions such as seizure disorder, psychosis and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) were present in 46 % of the sample. Caregivers were primarily parents, and a higher level of family burden was due to behavioural problems. Half (50 %) of the sample was unaware of disability benefits. Conclusion: Findings indicate the need to address caregiver burden and plan psychosocial rehabilitation and improve awareness about disability benefits and its implications more consistently across India.

Analysis of the Frequency of the Toll-like 2 Gene Polymorphism in Leprosy

Polymorphisms in genes that are responsible for encoding cytokines and receptors involved in the immune response, such as Toll-like Receptor (TLR) 2 in leprosy, are of great interest for immunogenetic studies. This work aimed to analyze the possible association of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), synonymous, rs3804100 of the TLR2 gene with leprosy. The study was conducted in Bacteriology and Mycology section of Evandro Chagas Institute, Brazil between August 2020 and July 2021.The scope of the study consisted of 122 subjects from cities of Goian閟ia, Rondon, Curion髉olis, Altamira, Parauapebas and Reden玢o of the State of Par�, Brazil. Genotyping was performed by conventional PCR and sequencing in the ABI 3130 Genetic Analyzer (Applied Biosystems�) using primer nucleotides designed by the Primer3Plus program from the genomic region 揌omo sapiens toll like receptor 2 (TLR2) transcript variant X6, mRNA�, deposited in GenBank with reference XM_011532216.2. The analyzes were performed based on Fisher's exact test. It was managed in accordance with Helsinki Declaration and the Brazilian National Health Council and with approval of the ethics committee at Evandro Chagas Institute, under opinion number: 3.950.570. No associations between gender and leprosy were possible (P> 0.05). However, associations were observed between age groups, which were significant between those over 46 years old (P=0.004) and the 2nd dose of BCG as a more protective agent between the groups analyzed (P=0.004). For the subjects with the typed genotypes, 68 contacts had T/T genotype and only 4 T/C genotypes, while in multibacillary (MB) group only 1 T/C genotype was found and none in paucibacillary (PB) (P> 0.05). We conclude that there is no association between the TLR2 SNP rs3804100 and leprosy in the Par� population, which still indicates the need for new immunogenetic studies with other genes involved in the immune response and a greater number of polymorphisms.

Growth curve of Nile tilapia from different families of the AquaAmérica variety / Curva de crescimento de tilápia-do-Nilo de diferentes famílias da variedade AquaAmérica

Selection can affect growth, changing performance and asymptotic values. However, there is little information about the growth of families in fish breeding programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance and growth of families of Nile tilapia AquaAmérica. Twenty AquaAmérica families cultivated in a net cage (13.5 m3) for 181 days were evaluated. The nonlinear Gompertz regression model was fitted to the data by the weighted least squares method, taking the inverse of the variance of weight in different families and at different ages as the weighting variable. The model was adjusted to describe the growth in weight and morphometric characteristics. Two families showed highest (P<0.05) weights at both 133 days (family AA10: 743.2 g; family AA16: 741.2 g) and 181 days (family AA10: 1,422.1 g; family AA16: 1,393.4 g) of the experiment. In both experimental periods, the males showed a heavier weight, with the greatest contrast between the sexes occurring at 181 days. The analysis of the three most contrasting families (AA1, AA9 and AA14) showed that the asymptotic value for weight was higher (P<0.05) in family AA9 (3,926.3 g) than in family AA14 (3,251.6 g), but specific growth rate and age at the inflection point did not differ significantly between families. In conclusion, two of the 20 families were superior; males exhibited a greater growth, mainly in the period of 181 days; and the growth curve differed between the families, especially for asymptotic weight.

A seleção pode impactar a forma de crescimento, mudando o desempenho e os valores assintóticos. No entanto, existem poucas informações sobre o crescimento das famílias em programas de criação de peixes. O objetivo deste estudo foi examinar o desempenho e as curvas de crescimento de famílias de tilápia-do-Nilo AquaAmérica. Foram avaliadas 20 famílias AquaAmérica cultivadas em tanques-rede (13,5 m3) por 181 dias. O modelo de regressão não linear de Gompertz foi ajustado aos dados pelo método dos mínimos quadrados ponderados, tomando o inverso da variância do peso nas diferentes famílias e nas diferentes idades como variável de ponderação. O modelo foi ajustado para descrever o crescimento em peso e características morfométricas. Duas famílias apresentaram pesos maiores (P <0,05) em 133 dias (família AA10: 743,2 g; família AA16: 741,2 g) e 181 dias (família AA10: 1422,1 g; família AA16: 1393,4 g) de experimento em relação a outras famílias. Em ambos os períodos experimentais, os machos apresentaram maior peso, com maior contraste entre os sexos ocorrendo aos 181 dias. A análise das três famílias mais contrastantes (AA1, AA9 e AA14) mostrou que o valor assintótico para o peso foi maior (P <0,05) na família AA9 (3926,3 g) do que na família AA14 (3251,6 g), mas a taxa de crescimento específica e a idade no ponto de inflexão não diferiu significativamente entre as famílias. Em conclusão, duas das 20 famílias eram muito superiores; machos exibiram um maior crescimento, principalmente no período de 181 dias; e a curva de crescimento diferiu entre as famílias, principalmente quanto ao peso assintótico.

Tertiary hospital sewage as reservoir of bacteria expressing MDR phenotype in Brazil / Esgoto de hospital terciário como reservatório de bactérias expressando o fenótipo MDR no Brasil

High doses of antibiotics used in hospitals can affect the microbial composition of sewers, selecting resistant bacteria. In this sense, we evaluated the antibiotic resistance profile and the multiresistant phenotype of bacteria isolated in sewage from a tertiary hospital in the interior São Paulo state, Brazil. For bacteria isolation, 10 µL of sewage samples were sown in selective culture media and the isolates were identified using VITEK-2 automatized system. The antibiotic sensitivity test was performed by disk diffusion. High percentages of resistance were found for amoxicillin, ampicillin, ceftazidime, clindamycin, vancomycin and the multidrug-resistant phenotype (MDR) was attributed to 60.7% of the isolates. Our results show bacteria classified as critical/high priority by WHO List of Priority Pathogens (Enterococcus and Staphylococcus aureus resistant to vancomycin and Enterobacteriaceae resistant to carbapenems) in hospital sewage. Therefore, the implementation of disinfection technologies for hospital sewage would reduce the bacterial load in the sewage that will reach urban wastewater treatment plants, minimizing superficial water contamination and bacterial resistance spread in the environment.

Altas doses de antibióticos utilizados em hospitais podem afetar a composição microbiana dos esgotos, selecionando bactérias resistentes. Nesse sentido, avaliamos o perfil de resistência a antibióticos e o fenótipo multirresistente de bactérias isoladas em esgoto de um hospital terciário no interior do estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Para o isolamento de bactérias, foram semeados 10 µL das amostras de esgoto em meios de cultura seletivos e os isolados foram identificados usando o sistema automatizado VITEK-2. O teste de sensibilidade aos antibióticos foi realizado por disco-difusão em ágar. Elevadas porcentagens de resistência foram encontradas para amoxicilina, ampicilina, ceftazidima, clindamicina, vancomicina e o fenótipo multirresistente (MDR) foi atribuído a 60,7% dos isolados. Nossos resultados mostram bactérias classificadas como prioridade crítica/alta pela Lista de Patógenos Prioritários da OMS (Enterococcus e Staphylococcus aureus resistentes à vancomicina e Enterobacteriaceae resistentes aos carbapenêmicos) no esgoto hospitalar. Sendo assim, implementação de tecnologias de desinfecção do esgoto hospitalar reduziriam a carga bacteriana no esgoto que chegará às estações de tratamento de esgoto urbanas, minimizando a contaminação dos ecossistemas hídricos receptores e a disseminação da resistência bacteriana no ambiente.

Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women attending Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria using the complete Amsel's diagnostic criteria

Background: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) in pregnant women remains a cause for clinical concern among clinicians and health care professionals. BV has been linked to prenatal, antenatal and postnatal challenges in pregnant women. Information on prevalence of BV across trimesters of pregnancy is expected to give better clinical insight into the pathophysiology of this polymicrobial disorder. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of BV in pregnant women attending the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Nigeria. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study of 120 pregnant women (40 in each trimester of pregnancy) who had symptoms suggestive of BV, selected by systematic random sampling from among the women attending the Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O & G) clinic of NAUTH, Nnewi. Each subject participant was examined by the attending clinician, and high vaginal swab (HVS) sample was collected for diagnostic analysis of BV using with complete Amsel's clinical criteria, which consists of three of the four criteria; (i) adherent and homogenous vaginal discharge, (ii) vaginal pH > 4.5, (iii) detection of clue cells on saline wet mount, and (iv) amine odor after the addition of potassium hydroxide (positive Whiff test). Results: The mean age of the 120 selected participants was 27.25±6.09 years. The age groups 25-29 (36.7%) and 20-24 years (33.3%) constituted the largest proportion, while age groups <20 (5.0%) and 40-45 years (5.0%) constituted the least. Of the 120 participants, 26 (21.7%) were positive for BV by the Amsel's criteria. Pregnant women in age group <20 years had the highest prevalence of BV (100%, 6/6), followed by those in the age groups 20-24 (27.5%), 40-45 (16.7%), 25-29 (15.9%), 30-34 (9.1%) and 35-39 years (0%) (X 2=28.063, p=0.0001). Prevalence of BV was significantly higher in single (unmarried) pregnant women (45.5%, X 2=4.038, p=0.045), women with primary school education level (66.7%, X 2=14.530, p=0.001), unemployed women (36.1%, X 2=13.278, p=0.0013), and nulliparous women [36.4%, X 2 (for trend) = 4.805, p=0.0274), while there was no significant difference in the prevalence of BV with relation to trimester of pregnancy (X 2=2.750, p=0.253). Conclusion: This study reveals a relatively high prevalence of BV and significant association with factors such as age group, education and occupational status among pregnant women attending NAUTH Nnewi. Regular screening of women for BV prenatally may enable appropriate interventions to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes

Reviewing physical exercise in non-obese diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats

There is a high incidence of non-obese type 2 diabetes mellitus (non-obese-T2DM) cases, particularly in Asian countries, for which the pathogenesis remains mainly unclear. Interestingly, Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats spontaneously develop insulin resistance (IR) and non-obese-T2DM, making them a lean diabetes model. Physical exercise is a non-pharmacological therapeutic approach to reduce adipose tissue mass, improving peripheral IR, glycemic control, and quality of life in obese animals or humans with T2DM. In this narrative review, we selected and analyzed the published literature on the effects of physical exercise on the metabolic features associated with non-obese-T2DM. Only randomized controlled trials with regular physical exercise training, freely executed physical activity, or skeletal muscle stimulation protocols in GK rats published after 2008 were included. The results indicated that exercise reduces plasma insulin levels, increases skeletal muscle glycogen content, improves exercise tolerance, protects renal and myocardial function, and enhances blood oxygen flow in GK rats.