Características físicas e microbiológicas de compostagem de resíduos animais / Physical and microbiological characteristics process of composting waste from animals

Objetivou-se com o presente trabalho caracterizar o processo de compostagem de fluxo contínuo e aeração passiva de resíduos da produção e abate da caprino-ovinocultura e de seu composto orgânico gerado. O processo de compostagem utilizou resíduos sólidos provenientes da produção e do abate de caprinos e ovinos e foi realizado em galpão de alvenaria. Os resíduos agropecuários utilizados incluíram sobras de capim-elefante triturado seco, poda de árvores, esterco e carcaça de caprinos e ovinos. Os tratamentos empregados foram três níveis de umidade aplicados nas leiras de compostagem (30, 50 e 70% com base no peso da carcaça dos animais) e épocas do ano de montagem (período seco, transição e úmido) com base na precipitação, com três repetições. As variáveis avaliadas foram atributos químicos, físicos, microbiológicos e parasitológicos do composto e sua comparação com a legislação vigente. O composto orgânico gerado atende as especificações das legislações utilizadas para comparação. Independentemente da época do ano ou da umidade aplicada, o processo de compostagem foi eficiente em reduzir passivos ambientais, como carcaças. A compostagem promoveu a eliminação dos patógenos avaliados, indicando que o composto não oferece risco de transmissão e pode ser utilizado de forma segura.(AU)

The objective of this study to characterize the process of continuous flow of composting and passive aeration of waste production and slaughter the goat and sheep industry and its generated organic compound. The composting process, performed in a brick barn, used solid residues (manure and carcass parts) from the slaughter of goats and sheep along with chopped dry elephant grass and tree trimmings. The treatments employed three moisture levels in the piles and four collections of samples from the piles at timed intervals (0, 30, 60 and 120 days), with three repetitions. The variables evaluated were the chemical and physical attributes of the compost generated. The treatments were three moisture levels applied in compost piles (30, 50 and 70% based on the housing of animals) and assembly times of the year (dry, transitional and humid) based on rainfall, with three replications. The variables were chemical, physical, microbiological and parasitological of the compound and its comparison with current legislation. The generated organic compound meets the specifications of the laws used for comparison. Regardless of the time of year or moisture applied, the composting process was effective in reducing environmental liabilities as carcasses. Composting promoted elimination of this pathogen, indicating that the compound can be used safely.(AU)

Qualidade da carne de ovinos terminados em confinamento com dietas com silagens de diferentes cultivares de sorgo / Meat quality of finishing feedlot lambs fed diets of assorted sorghum cultivars

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência de dietas contendo silagem de diferentes cultivares de sorgo sobre as características físicas e químicas na carne de ovinos sem padrão racial definido, com idade entre cinco e sete meses e peso vivo médio de 17,7±3,7kg, alimentados com dietas contendo silagem de diferentes cultivares de sorgo. O experimento foi conduzido na Estação Experimental Pendência, pertencente à Empresa Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária - Emepa, tendo um período experimental de 42 dias. Utilizou-se um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos (silagem de sorgo BRS 610, BRS 655, BRS 800, BRS 810 e Ponta Negra) e sete repetições. Ao atingirem o peso de abate de 26,24kg, os animais foram encaminhados ao abate. Procedeu-se à análise do pH, da cor, da perda de peso por cocção, da força de cisalhamento, bem como à determinação de umidade, proteínas, cinzas e lipídeos totais no músculo Longissimus dorsi. As dietas não influenciaram os parâmetros de pH (5,64), cor (L*23,13, a* 18,00, b*15,78), perdas de peso por cocção (34,43%), umidade (72,53%), proteína (24,08%), cinzas (1,09%) e lipídeos (2,99%). A força de cisalhamento diferiu entre as dietas, com a silagem do cultivar BRS 655 propiciando uma carne mais macia (2,10kgf/cm2). As silagens de sorgo utilizadas na confecção das dietas de cordeiros em confinamento não interferem nas características de qualidade da carne de ovinos sem padrão racial definido. Dietas contendo silagem de sorgo granífero BRS 655 proporcionaram uma carne mais macia.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of diets containing silage of different sorghum cultivars on the physical and chemical characteristics in the meat of lambs. Thirty five animals of undefined breed with average age between 5 and 7 months and average body weight of 17. 7±3.7kg were used. The lambs were randomly assigned to five treatments (sorghum silage BRS 610, BRS 655, BRS 800, BRS 810 e Ponta Negra) with seven replicates. When they reach 26.24kg of weight, the animals were sent to be slaughtered. Proceeded to the analysis of pH, color, cooking losses, shear force, determination of humidity, protein, ash and total amount of lipids in the Longissimus dorsi. The diets did not influence the parameters of pH (5.64), color (L*23.13, a* 18.00, b*15.78), cooking losses (34.43%), humidity (72.53%), protein (24.08%), ash (1.09%) or lipids (2.99%). The shear force differed among the diets, with the silage of cultivar BRS 655 providing a tender meat (2.10kgf/cm2). The sorghum silages used in in the diets did not interfere in the meat quality characteristics of feedlot lambs. Diets containing sorghum grain silage BRS 655 provided a tender meat.(AU)

Seasonality, biology and threats to Sicalis luteola (Sparrman, 1789) (Aves, Thraupidae) in northeastern Brazil / Sazonalidade, biologia e ameaças ao canário-tipio Sicalis luteola (Sparrman, 1789) (Aves, Thraupidae) no Nordeste do Brasil

Abstract Sicalis luteola occurs from Mexico to South America. In the Northeastern Brazilian region its biology, population dynamics and threats are poorly known. The subspecies S. luteola luteiventris apparently migrates northward during austral winter. The specific aims of this work were: 1) to verify the seasonality of the species; 2) to analyze information on molting and breeding, and 3) to check the main threats to this bird in northeastern Brazil. The highest number of records were in March, April, and May (51.12%) and the lowest in November and December (3%).We found a greater population peak in April in the states of Rio Grande do Norte and Ceará, and in April and May in Pernambuco. In Paraíba there was not an apparent seasonal variation in frequency. We captured 66 individuals, all adults, being 38 males and 28 females. 30% of the captured birds showed contour feathers molt, mainly on the head. A total of 23 individuals had brood patch, all being females. Six nests were found and four contained two to three eggs. We found that the main threat is the illegal trade. Our findings may support conservation plans for this bird in the region.

Resumo Sicalis luteola ocorre do México a América do Sul. No Nordeste do Brasil sua biologia, dinâmica populacional e ameaças são pouco conhecidas. A subespécie S. luteola luteiventris aparentemente migra em direção ao norte durante o inverno austral. Os objetivos específicos deste trabalho foram: 1) verificar a sazonalidade da espécie, 2) obter informações referentes a muda e reprodução, e 3) verificar quais as principais ameaças. Os meses com os maiores números de registros foram março, abril e maio (51,12%), enquanto os meses de novembro e dezembro foram os menos representativos (3%). Foi encontrado um grande pico populacional no mês de abril nos estados do Rio Grande do Norte e Ceará, e em abril e maio em Pernambuco. Na Paraíba não houve uma variação sazonal marcante. Foram capturados 66 indivíduos, todos adultos, sendo 38 machos e 28 fêmeas. 30% das aves capturadas apresentaram muda nas penas de contorno, principalmente na cabeça. Um total de 23 indivíduos apresentou placa de incubação, sendo todas fêmeas. Seis ninhos foram encontrados, quatro deles continham dois ou três ovos. A principal ameaça a espécie no Nordeste é o comércio ilegal de aves silvestres. Este trabalho fornece importantes ferramentas para subsidiar planos de conservação para essa ave na região.

Distribution and conservation of three important bird groups of the Atlantic Forest in north-east Brazil / Distribuição e conservação de três importantes grupos de aves na Floresta Atlântica do Nordeste do Brazil

Abstract The Pernambuco Endemism Center in north-east Brazil has the most fragmented forest cover and the largest number of threatened birds of the whole Atlantic Forest. We analyzed the distribution of three groups of bird species: forest-dependent, endemic and/or threatened using the interpolation method of Inverse Distance Weighting. We also checked the concentration of these birds in protected and unprotected areas, suggesting new sites that need to be protected. The richness concentration of forest-dependent, endemic and/or threatened birds in 123 sites were analysed. There was a greater concentration of the three groups in north Alagoas, south and north Pernambuco, and north and west Paraíba. The distribution of the three groups was almost regular in different vegetation types, although a lower concentration was found in the pioneer formation. There was a greater concentration of birds from all three groups between Pernambuco and Alagoas, and this must be due to the presence of more forest fragments with better structure and vegetation heterogeneity. The protected and unprotected areas hosted important records of endemic and/or threatened birds. We suggested some important places for implementation of new protected areas due to the larger concentrations of the target birds and because they are located within the boundaries of the Important Bird Areas.

Resumo O Centro de Endemismo Pernambuco, situado no Nordeste do Brasil, é o setor mais fragmentado e com o maior número de aves ameaçadas de extinção de toda a Mata Atlântica. Foram analisadas as distribuições das aves florestais, endêmicas e/ou ameaçadas de extinção através do método da interpolação ‘Inverse Distance Weighting’. Também foi verificada a concentração dessas aves em áreas protegidas e não protegidas, sugerindo novas áreas que necessitam ser protegidas. Foi verificada a concentração da riqueza das espécies de aves florestais, endêmicas e ameaçadas em 123 locais. Houve uma maior concentração dos três grupos no norte de Alagoas, sul e norte de Pernambuco, e norte e oeste da Paraíba. A distribuição dos três grupos foi regular nos distintos tipos vegetacionais, apesar de uma menor concentração nas áreas de formação pioneira. Houve maior concentração das aves dos três grupos entre Pernambuco e Alagoas, devido, provavelmente a presença de uma maior quantidade de fragmentos florestais com melhor estrutura e heterogeneidade vegetal. Tanto as áreas protegidas como as não protegidas possuem importantes registros de aves endêmicas e ameaçadas. Sugerimos alguns locais importantes para a implementação de novas áreas protegidas, tendo como base as áreas com maiores concentrações dos três grupos de aves e dentro dos limites das Important Bird Areas.

Study of landmarks in dried skulls in a Brazil population

Craniofacial bone variations, considered to be radiological landmarks, have been studied since the beginningof the century using dried skulls and cadavers. These pitfalls are important bone landmarks used in theplanning and execution of anesthetic and surgical procedures. The present study analyzed craniofacial bonevariations in dried skulls in terms of gender and laterality. Supraorbital foramen (SOF), mastoid foramen(MF), parietal foramen (PF), accessory oval foramen (aOF), anterior ethmoidal foramen (AEF), intermediateethmoidal foramen (iEF), posterior ethmoidal foramen (PEF), precondylar tubercle (PCT), metopism andsutural bones were assessed in male (n=20) and female (n=11) dried skulls by direct observation and using aMitutoyo caliper. No statistically significant differences were observed between genders as to SOF distancesto the medial nasal prominence and to superior orbital ridge, in both sides of skulls. The same was observedfor distances between FP and sagittal line and between FP and lambdoid suture. No multiple foramina weredetected. aOF was observed in 80.96% of skulls. Right aEF, iEF and PEF prevailed in female skulls. PCT wereseen in 35.5% of female skulls and in 64.5% of male skulls. MF occurrence was higher in right male skulls,and multiple foramina were present in 60% of male skulls (both sides), and in 36.4% of female skulls (bothsides). Only one skull presented sutural bone. No metopism was observed. The identification and recordingof craniofacial variations is important in the preparation of anesthetic blocks in surgical procedures and in theevaluation of regional neurovascular anatomy, to avoid misinterpretations in planning. This study confirms theexistence of significant morphological variations in terms of gender and side in a given population.

Morphometric analysis related to the transcondylar approach in dry skulls and computed tomography / Análisis morfométrico del acesso transcondilar en cráneos secos y en tomografia computarizada

The transcondylar approach (TA) has been used in surgeries to access lesions in areas close to the foramen magnum (FM) and is performed directly through the occipital condyle (OC) or through the atlanto-occipital joint and adjacent portions of the same. The objective of this study is to examine anatomical variations related to the TA by morphometric parameters of the FM, OC and of the hypoglossal canal (HC) in dry skulls and in computed tomography (CT). In 111 skulls, characteristics of the HC, and measures related to the FM, the HC and to the OC were examined. In CT, the measurements obtained bilaterally in 10 patients who underwent examination of the skull base in 1 mm-thick axial helical cuts were the distances from the outer half of the clivus to the opening of the HC; from the lower portion of the OC to the middle of HC; from the inner half of the clivus to the intracranial opening of the HC and to the midpoint of the HC; from the HC extracranial opening to the lower portion of the OC and to the outer half of the clivus. The results of CT measurements are consistent to previous studies of morphometric variations related to the TA, with no significant difference between the measurements obtained in the right and in the left sides, or related to gender. The data obtained by three-dimensional CT images are important in assessing the morphometric variations of pre-surgical patientsof TA.

El acceso transcondilar (AT)ha sido utilizado comoun procedimiento quirúrgico para lesiones cercanas al foramen magnum(FM)y se realizadirectamente a través delcóndilooccipital (CO)o por medio delas porciones atlanto-occipitalconjuntay adyacentesde lamisma.El objetivo del presenteestudio fue examinarlas variaciones anatómicas relacionadas con el AT mediantelos parámetros morfométricos del FM, CO y el canal delhipogloso (CH) en cráneossecos y tomografía computadorizada (CT). En 111 cráneos fueron examinadas las característicasdel CH y tomadas medidas relacionadas con el FM, CO y CH. En la CT, las mediciones se obtuvieron de forma bilateral en10 pacientes que se sometieron a exámen de la base del cráneo en corte axial helicoidal de 1mm de espesor. Las medidas tomadas fueron las distancias: de la mitad exterior del clivus a la apertura del CH; de la parte inferior de las emisiones de CO a la mitad del CH; de la mitad interna del clivus a la apertura intracraneal del CH y hasta el punto medio del CH; de la apertura extracraneal del CH a la parte inferior de las emisiones de CO y hasta la mitad exterior del clivus. Los resultados de las mediciones de CT son consistentes con estudios prévios de los cambios morfométricos en relación con AT, sin diferencia significativa entre las mediciones obtenidas en el lado derecho e izquierdo y ni en relación con el sexo. Los datos obtenidos a través de imágenes en tres dimensiones de CT son importantes para evaluarlas variaciones morfométricas de pre-quirúrgicos en el AT.

Morphometric Analysis of the Greater Palatine Foramen in Dry Southern Brazilian Adult Skulls / Análisis Morfométrico del Foramen Palatino Mayor en Cráneos de Individuos Adultos del Sur de Brasil

The greater palatine foramen (GPF) conducts the greater palatine nerve, responsible for the innervation of the posterior hard palate. The morphometric knowledge of the GPF is essential in the anesthetic interventions required in maxillofacial surgical procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the location and shape of the GPF in dry skulls of adults from Southern Brazil. Male (n = 65) and female (n = 29) skulls were studied, and the distance measurements from the middle of the GPF to the mid-sagittal plane (MSP) and to the posterior border of the hard palate (PBHP) were analyzed using a digital caliper and a ruler. The mean GPF-MSP distance in the right and in left sides of male skulls were 15.6 mm and 15.4 mm, respectively, and in female skulls, 15.63 mm in the right side and 15.47 mm in the left. The mean GPF-PBHP distance on the right side was 3.5 mm in male skulls, and 3.1 mm in female skulls, and on the left side, 3.6 mm and 3.2 mm in male and female skulls, respectively. Student's t-test showed no significant difference in the GPF-MSP and GPF-PBHP mean distances when compared to gender and to the left and right sides. The predominant GPF shape was ovoid, followed by lancet or slit, and round. This study provides comparisons of ethnic data, which may help clinically in oral and maxillofacial anesthesia.

El foramen palatino mayor (FPM) da paso al nervio palatino mayor, responsable por la inervación de la región posterior del paladar. El conocimiento morfométrico del FPM es importante en las intervenciones anestésicas requeridas durante los procedimientos quirúrgicos maxilofaciales. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la ubicación y la forma del FPM en cráneos de individuos adultos del Sur de Brasil. Se estudiaron 65 cráneos de hombres y 29 de mujeres, midiéndose la distancia desde el centro del FPM al plano mediano (PM) y al margen posterior del paladar duro (MPPD), utilizándose un cáliper digital y una regla milimétrica. La distancia promedio de FPM-PM en los lados derecho e izquierdo de los cráneos de hombres fue de 15,6 mm y 15,4 mm, respectivamente, y en los cráneos de mujeres, fue de 15,63 mm en el lado derecho y 15,47 mm en el izquierdo. La distancia media de FPM-MPPD en el lado derecho fue de 3,5 mm en cráneos de hombres y 3,1 mm en cráneos de mujeres y en el lado izquierdo de 3,6 mm y 3,2 mm en cráneos de hombres y mujeres, respectivamente. La prueba t de Student no mostró diferencias significativas en los promedios de las dos distancias (FPM-PM y FPM-MPPD), comparando sexos y lados. La forma ovoide del FPM fue predominante, seguida de las formas de hendidura y redonda. Este estudio proporciona comparaciones de datos étnicos, que pueden ayudar a la clínica en anestesia oral y maxilofacial.

Nutrient Foramina in the Upper and Lower Limb Long Bones: Morphometric Study in Bones of Southern Brazilian Adults / Forámenes Nutricios en los Huesos Largos de los Miembros Superiores e Inferiores: Estudio Morfométrico en Huesos de Adultos del Sur de Brasil

The major blood supply to long bones occurs through the nutrient arteries, which enter through the nutrient foramina. This supply is essential during the growing period, during the early phases of ossification, and in procedures such as bone grafts, tumor resections, traumas, congenital pseudoarthrosis, and in transplant techniques in orthopedics. The present study analyzed the location and the number of nutrient foramina in the diaphysis of 885 long bones of the upper and lower limbs of adults: 174 humeri, 157 radii, 146 ulnae, 152 femora, 142 tibiae and 114 fibulae. The location of the nutrient foramina is predominant on the anterior aspect of the upper limb long bones, and on the posterior aspect of the lower limb long bones. The majority of the bones studied had a single nutrient foramen, which may represent a single source of blood supply. The mean foraminal index for the upper limb bones was 55.2 percent for the humerus, 35.7 percent for the radius, and 37.9 percent for the ulna, and for the lower limb bones, 43.7 percent for the femur, 32.7 percent for the tibia and 46.1 percent for the fibula. This study recorded data related to the population of Southern Brazil, providing ethnic data to be used for comparison and that may help in surgical procedures and in the interpretation of radiological images.

El importante aporte de sangre para los huesos largos se produce a través de las arterias nutricias, que penetran por los forámenes nutricios. Este suministro es esencial durante el período de crecimiento, las primeras fases de osificación y en los procedimientos como injertos óseos, resecciones tumorales, traumas, pseudoartrosis congénita y en las técnicas de trasplante en ortopedia. El estudio determina la ubicación y el número de forámenes nutricios en las diáfisis de 885 huesos largos de los miembros superiores e inferiores pertenecientes a individuos adultos. Fueron estudiados 174 húmeros, 157 radios, 146 ulnas, 152 fémures, 142 tibias y 114 fíbulas. La ubicación de los forámenes nutricios era predominante en la parte anterior de la diáfisis de los huesos largos del miembro superior y en la parte posterior de los huesos largos del miembro inferior. La mayoría de los huesos estudiados tenía un solo foramen nutricio, representando una sola fuente de suministro de sangre. El índice medio foraminal en los huesos del miembro superior fue de 55,2 por ciento para el húmero, 35,7 por ciento para el radio, y 37,9 por ciento para el ulna; en los huesos del miembro inferior fue 43,7 por ciento para el fémur, 32,7 por ciento para la tibia y 46,1 por ciento para la fíbula. Este estudio registró datos relativos a la población del Sur de Brasil, proporcionando antecedentes étnicos que además puedan servir de ayuda en los procedimientos quirúrgicos y en la interpretación de imágenes radiológicas.

Location of the mental foramen in dry mandibles of adultindividuals in Southern Brazil

The mental foramen (MF) guides the mental nerve which is responsible for the sensible innervation of themandibular area. It is important to know the anatomical variations of the MF for locational blockage of theincisor nerve in periapical surgeries involving molars and premolars, and in other buccomaxillofacial surgicalprocedures as well. This study aims to analyze variations in the MF site in dry mandibles of adult subjects inSouthern Brazil. Eighty mandibles were analyzed, and the measurements of the distance from the sagittalmidline to the center of the MF (MLF); the distance from the lower rim of the mandible to the center ofthe MF (LRF); the location of the MF relative to its alignment with the mandible teeth, and the incidenceof double mental foramens (DMF) were checked. The analyzed parameters were related to each mandible’slaterality. Statistical analysis was carried out through Student’s t test. Results indicate that the prevalentposition of the MF in the right and left sides was posterior to the first premolar. There was no significantdifference between the right and left sides regarding MLF, and LRF showed a significant difference betweensides, greater on the right side. There was a prevalence of the DMF on the right side of the mandibles. Theseresults are important for the preparation and conduction of surgical procedures in order to prevent injury tothe involved neurovascular structures.

Morphometric aspects of the jugular foramen in dry skullsof adult individuals in Southern Brazil

The jugular foramen (JF) lies between the occipital bone and the petrosal portion of the temporal bone, andit allows for the passage of important nervous and vascular elements, such as the glossopharyngeal vagusand accessory nerves, and the internal jugular vein. Glomic tumors, schwannomas, metastatic lesions andinfiltrating inflammatory processes are associated with this foramen, which can account for injuries of relatedstructures. Variatons of the JF were already reported regarding shape, size and laterality in one only skull,besides differences related to sex, race and laterality domain, which makes the study of these parameters in thepopulation of southern Brazil significant. Objective: this paper wants to conduct the morphometric analysisof the JF of 111 dry skulls belonging to males and females. Results: the latero-medial the anteroposteriormeasurements showed significant differences when genera were compared and side was compared, respectively.Of the total amount of the investigated skulls, 0.9% showed a complete septum on both sides; 0.9% showedincomplete septum, and 83.8% lacked the septum. The presence of a domed bony roof was noticed in 68.5%of skulls on both sides. Conclusion: the obtained results presented variations regarding some parameterswhen compared to previous studies, thus making it evident the significance of race in the morphometricmeasurements and characteristics of the JF, besides the relevance of studying the kind of impairment whichcan jeopardize important functions, as the cardiac innervation of the vagus nerve.

Época de colheita e qualidade fisiológica de sementes de coentro produzidas no norte de Minas Gerais / Harvest season and physiological quality of coriander seeds produced in the north of Minas Gerais

No presente trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar a época de colheita e a qualidade fisiológica de sementes de coentro produzidas no Norte de Minas Gerais. A primeira época de colheita das sementes foi realizada aos 15 dias após o florescimento pleno, quando aproximadamente 50 por cento das plantas apresentavam flores. As demais colheitas foram realizadas de 7 em 7 dias, até as sementes atingirem 14,0 por cento de umidade, fato que ocorreu na 6ª colheita. Imediatamente após cada colheita, as sementes foram avaliadas quanto ao teor de água, à germinação e ao vigor (testes de primeira contagem, emergência de plântulas e índice de velocidade de emergência). A maturidade fisiológica das sementes de coentro, cultivar Verdão, ocorre entre 42 a 44 dias após o florescimento, quando as sementes apresentam umidade em torno de 28,0 por cento, podendo a colheita ser realizada até 50 dias após o florescimento, quando as sementes apresentavam 14,0 por cento de umidade.

The present study aimed to evaluate the harvest season and physiological quality of coriander seeds produced in the North of Minas Gerais. The first season of harvest of the seeds was performed 15 days after full bloom, when approximately 50 percent of plants had flowers. The other crops were carried out 7 in 7 days, until the seeds reach 14,0 percent moisture, a fact that occurred in the 6th harvest. Immediately after each harvest, the seeds were evaluated for water content, germination and vigor tests (first count, seedling emergence and emergence speed index). The physiological maturity of coriander seeds, cultivate Verdão, occurs between 42 to 44 days after flowering, when the seeds had humidity around 28,0 percent at physiological maturity, the harvest may be held until 50 days after flowering, when seeds had 14,0 percent humidity.

Potential pathogenic role of aggregative-adhering Corynebacterium diphtheriae of different clonal groups in endocarditis

Invasive diseases caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae have been described increasingly. Several reports indicate the destructive feature of endocarditis attributable to nontoxigenic strains. However, few reports have dealt with the pathogenicity of invasive strains. The present investigation demonstrates a phenotypic trait that may be used to identify potentially invasive strains. The study also draws attention to clinical and microbiological aspects observed in 5 cases of endocarditis due to C. diphtheriae that occurred outside Europe. Four cases occurred in female school-age children (7-14 years) treated at different hospitals in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. All patients developed other complications including septicemia, renal failure and/or arthritis. Surgical treatment was performed on 2 patients for valve replacement. Lethality was observed in 40 percent of the cases. Microorganisms isolated from 5 blood samples and identified as C. diphtheriae subsp mitis (N = 4) and C. diphtheriae subsp gravis (N = 1) displayed an aggregative adherence pattern to HEp-2 cells and identical one-dimensional SDS-PAGE protein profiles. Aggregative-adhering invasive strains of C. diphtheriae showed 5 distinct RAPD profiles. Despite the clonal diversity, all 5 C. diphtheriae invasive isolates seemed to display special bacterial adhesive properties that may favor blood-barrier disruption and systemic dissemination of bacteria. In conclusion, blood isolates from patients with endocarditis exhibited a unique adhering pattern, suggesting a pathogenic role of aggregative-adhering C. diphtheriae of different clones in endocarditis. Accordingly, the aggregative-adherence pattern may be used as an indication of some invasive potential of C. diphtheriae strains.

First detection of Corynebacterium ulcerans producing a diphtheria-like toxin in a case of human with pulmonary infection in the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area, Brazil

The frequency and severity of human infections associated with Corynebacterium ulcerans appear to be increasing in different countries. Here, we describe the first C. ulcerans strain producing a diphtheria-like toxin isolated from an elderly woman with a fatal pulmonary infection and a history of leg skin ulcers in the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area.

Comparacao de dois protocolos de fortalecimento para preensao plamar / Comparison of two protocols for increasing grip strength

A medida da forca de preensao palmar tem sido um dos meios uteis para a avaliacao das caracteristicas fisicas, a evolucao durante a reabilitacao e o grau de incapacidade. Na pratica clinica o fisioterapeuta se depara com a dificuldade em selecionar o protocolo mais adequado e eficiente para o fortalecimento muscular. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar dois protocolos de regimes isotonicos buscando evidenciar qual deles seria o mais indicado para o fortalecimento musculos responsaveis pela preensao. As medidas da forca de preensao pre e pos-treinamento foram realizadas com um dinamometro mecanico da marca Jamar, em 22 mulheres com idade entre 18 e 21 anos (media de 19 anos). As voluntarias foram separadas em 2 grupos, DeLorme (carga crescente) e Oxford (carga decrescente), para a aplicacao dos protocolos. Para o treinamento foi utilizado um exercitador de mao e dedos da marca Digi-flex, e o programa foi realizado duas vezes por semana, com duracao de 20 minutos cada sessao em um total de 8 sessoes. Posteriormente, foram comparadas as forcas pre e pos-treinamentos e foi observado que, para as amostras dependentes (pre e pos-treinamentos), houve diferenca significativa tanto no grupo DeLorme quanto no Oxford, ja para as amostras independentes (pos-DeLorme e pos-Oxford) nao houve diferenca significativa

Corynebacterium diphtheriae threats in cancer patients

The aim of this study was to determine the bacteriological properties of Corynebacterium diphtheriae strains isolated from bronchiole washing and cancer lesions. Bacteriological characterization included fluorescence/double sugar urease (King/DSU) screening tests, pyrazinamidase (PYZ), CAMP-reactions and radial immunodiffusion toxigenicity assay. Microorganisms produced fluorescence under ultraviolet light and were catalase positive; urea and aesculin hydrolysis negative; fermentation of glucose, maltose and sucrose and no fermentation of mannitol and xylose; PYZ and CAMP reaction negative. The API-Coryne system was used for bacterial preliminary identification at local hospital laboratory and produced numerical profiles 1010325 and 0010325 for sucrose positive C. diphtheriae var. mitis (nitrate positive) and C. diphtheriae var. belfanti (nitrate negative), respectively. The hemagglutination, adherence to glass and polystyrene assays evaluated adhesive characteristics. Strains were toxigenic and able to adhere to glass, polystyrene and human erythrocyte surfaces (titer 4). C. diphtheriae strains isolated from cancer patients expressed adhesive characteristics similar to strains isolated from immunocompetent hosts. Circulation of toxigenic C. diphtheriae continues to present a threat for children and adults including patients with cancer in hospital environment. Laboratories should remain alert to the possibility of isolation of diphtheria bacilli from adults with neoplastic disease.