Comparison of Ectasia versus Pseudoectasia using the Ectasia Risk Factor Score System

Objectives@#To evaluate and compare ectasia and pseudoectasia in post-myopic LASIK patients presenting with corneal topographic changes indicative of ectasia using the Ectasia Risk Factor Score System (ERFSS).@*Methods@#Single-center retrospective comparative case series of a consecutive chart review of cases in 18 years who underwent bilateral myopic-LASIK and showed topographic changes indicative of ectasia.@*Results@#Four patients were included. Group 1: pseudoectasia eyes, consisting of two patients with bilateral pseudoectasia, and Group 2: ectasia eyes, consisting of two patients with unilateral ectasia. The clinical course of the cases was discussed and compared based on the ERFSS parameters: topography pattern, residual stromal bed thickness, age, preop thinnest cornea, and pre-operative spherical equivalent (SE) manifest refraction (MR). Group 1 scored zero to low risk for developing ectasia while Group 2-eyes with ectasia scored moderate risk. The predictive value of the ERFSS was 1 in this study.@*Conclusion@#The ERFSS is a good measure in deciding the suited treatment plan for patient undergoing refractive procedure. Knowing the clinical course of ectasia and pseudoectasia is helpful in the therapeutic approach since pseudoectasia is reversible when identified and managed early as seen in this study.

Análise da funcionalidade de idosos com osteoartrite / Análisis de la funcionalidad de ancianos con osteoartritis / Analysis of functional status of elderly with osteoarthritis

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a influência do gênero, idade e farmacoterapia da osteoartrite (OA) sobre a funcionalidade de idosos. Trata-se de um estudo transversal com 105 idosos de ambos os gêneros (Idade: 70,73±6,0 anos) e portadores de OA de quadril e/ou joelho, confirmado por análise radiográfica. A funcionalidade foi avaliada por dois instrumentos: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) e Índice Algofuncional de Lequesne. As análises dos dados apresentaram pior funcionalidade tanto no questionário Lequesne (p=0,007) como no WOMAC (p=0,013) e em seus domínios Intensidade da Dor (p=0,013), Rigidez (p=0,032) e Funcionalidade (p=0,018). Contudo, não foram verificadas diferenças nos instrumentos avaliados quanto a diferentes faixas etárias ou comprometimento da articulação segundo alterações radiográficas (p>0,05). Foi observado que os medicados apresentavam pior funcionalidade em comparação aos que não utilizavam medicamentos para OA (Lequesne: p=0,005; WOMAC: p=0,008 e domínios: Intensidade da Dor: p=0,004; Rigidez: p=0,007 e Funcionalidade: p=0,023). No modelo multivariado, foi observado que o gênero e o tratamento farmacológico influenciam a funcionalidade de idosos portadores de OA (p<0,05), sendo as mulheres e os indivíduos medicados os que apresentam pior funcionalidade tanto no índice Lequesne quanto WOMAC. Observou-se pior funcionalidade em idosas portadoras de OA e que o uso de medicamentos para osteoartrite não promoveu melhora na condição funcional desses indivíduos.

En este estudio se analiza la influencia del género, de la edad y del tratamiento farmacológico para la osteoartritis (OA) en la funcionalidad de las personas mayores. Se trata de un estudio transversal, lo cual 105 personas mayores han participado de ambos géneros (Edad: 70,73±6,0 años) con OA de cadera y/o rodilla confirmado por el análisis radiográfico. Se valoró la funcionalidad bajo dos instrumentos: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) e Índice Algofuncional de Lequesne. En el análisis de datos se mostró peor funcionalidad tanto en el cuestionario Lequesne (p=0,007) como en el WOMAC (p=0,013) y en sus dominios intensidad de dolor (p=0,013), rigidez (p=0,032) y funcionalidad (p=0,018). No obstante, no se comprobaron diferencias en estos instrumentos en relación a las distintas franjas etarias o a la alteración de la articulación, de acuerdo a los indicios en la radiografía (p>0,05). Se observó que los que fueron tratados con medicamentos para la OA presentaban funcionalidad peor que los que no lo utilizaban (Lequesne, p=0,005; WOMAC, p=0,008; y dominios: intensidad de dolor, p=0,004; rigidez, p=0,007 y funcionalidad p=0,023). En el modelo multivariante, se observó que el género y el tratamiento farmacológico influyeron en la funcionalidad de las personas mayores con OA (p<0,05), siendo las mujeres y los sujetos tratados con medicamentos los que más presentaron peor funcionalidad tanto en el índice Lequesne como en el WOMAC, lo que muestra que el uso de medicamentos no mejoraron la condición funcional de estos.

The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of gender, age and pharmacological treatment for osteoarthritis (OA) on the functional status of physically independent elderly. This cross-sectional study involved 105 elder individuals from both genders (age: 68.80±6.3 years) with OA of the hip and / or knee, which was confirmed by radiographic analysis. Two specific instruments assessed functional status: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Lequesne Index. It was observed worse condition in females in Lequesne (p=0.007), global WOMAC (p=0.013), as well as in its fields: pain intensity (p=0.023), stiffness (p=0.032) and functional status (p=0.018). However, considering age and radiological status, no differences were observed between groups in all variables (p>0.05). It was observed that the individuals with pharmacological treatment for OA have poor functional status in all functional questionnaires (Lequesne, p=0.005; global WOMAC, p=0.008 as well as in specific WOMAC fields, such as Pain intensity, p=0.004; Stifness, p=0.007; and Functional status p=0.023). At multivariate modelo (multiple linear regression), it was observed that gender and pharmacological treatment may influence the functional status of elderly with OA, whereas women and medicated individuals are those showing the worse condition both in Lequesne and WOMAC indexes. It was observed worse functional status in women with osteoarthritis and pharmacological treatment evoked no improvement in functional status of these individuals.

Caracterização dos danos de Spodoptera eridania (Cramer) e Spodoptera cosmioides (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) a estruturas de algodoeiro / Characterization of the damage of Spodoptera eridania (Cramer) and Spodoptera cosmioides (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to structures of cotton plants

The cotton plant, Gossypium hirsutum, hosts various pests that damage different structures. Among these pests, Spodoptera cosmioides (Walker) and Spodoptera eridania (Cramer) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) are considered important. The objectives of this study were to characterize and to quantify the potential damage of S. eridania and S. cosmioides feeding on different structures of cotton plants. For this purpose, newly-hatched larvae were reared on the following plant parts: leaf and flower bud; leaf and boll; flower bud or boll; and leaf, flower bud and boll. The survival of S. cosmioides and S. eridania was greater than 80 percent and 70 percent for larvae fed on cotton plant parts offered separately or together, respectively. One larva of S. eridania damaged 1.7 flower buds, but did not damage bolls, while one larva of S. cosmioides damaged 5.2 flower buds and 3.0 cotton bolls. Spodoptera eridania and S. cosmioides can be considered species with potential to cause economic damage to cotton plants because they can occur throughout cotton developmental stages causing defoliation and losses of reproductive structures. Therefore, the results validate field observations that these two species of Spodoptera are potential pests for cotton.

Distribuição espacial e variação temporal da composição de espécies de borrachudos (Diptera: Simuliidae) em uma microbacia situada no norte do Paraná / Spatial distribution and temporal variation in composition of black fly species (Diptera: Simuliidae) in a small watershed located in the Northern of Paraná State, Brazil

In this work, the survey of simuliid species and the study of their spatial distribution in four streams of a small watershed situated in Londrina, Paraná State, were carried out from January to October 2007. Changes in the species composition of the breeding sites were also checked along the sampling months. Seventeen black fly species were found, being Simulium botulibranchium Lutz, Simulium travassosi d'Andretta & d'Andretta, Simulium anamariae Vulcano, Simulium brachycladum Lutz & Pinto and Simulium metallicum s. l. Bellardi new records for Paraná State. The Canonical Correspondence Analysis showed that the environmental variables most correlated to the species distribution among sample sites were water conductivity and those linked to physical dimensions of the breeding sites, like width, depth and water velocity. The matrix of faunistic similarity among collecting dates was negatively correlated to the time interval of sampling matrix for three of the water bodies studied, showing the existence of temporal changes in the species composition. According to Multiple Regression Analysis, temporal abundance variation of Simulium perflavum Roubaud, Simulium inaequale Paterson & Shannon and Simulium lutzianum s. l. Pinto was not linked to air temperature, photoperiod and rainfall, suggesting the influence of other factors, probably those directly associated to specific breeding site conditions. The results indicate that differences in physical and chemical characteristics among water bodies may affect the taxonomic composition of simuliids in this watershed.

Refractive errors in Filipino eyes in a single-center study population

Objective@#We determined the frequency of refractive errors among Filipino patients undergoing refractive or cataract screening at an ambulatory eye-care center, correlated them with demographic and ophthalmic variables, and compared refractive and keratometric astigmatism.@*Methods@#Clinical records of 666 consecutive patients who had optical interferometry were reviewed and the demographic and clinical parameters obtained were subjected to statistical analyses.

Refractive errors in Filipino eyes in a single-center study population

Objective We determined the frequency of refractive errors among Filipino patients undergoing refractive or cataract screening at an ambulatory eye-care center, correlated them with demographic and ophthalmic variables, and compared refractive and keratometric astigmatism. Methods Clinical records of 666 consecutive patients who had optical interferometry were reviewed and the demographic and clinical parameters obtained were subjected to statistical analyses. Results The mean axial length (AL) was 24.43 ± 1.56 mm, significantly shorter among females (p < 0.001). Axial length (AL) was also inversely correlated with age (r = –0.50). Mean sphere was –1.3 ± 3.4D, and correlated with age (r = 0.57); younger age groups had higher negative values. Myopia was the major refractive-error type (90 to 100%) in the 17- to 30-year-old age bracket. Hyperopia was the predominant refractive error (50 to 75%) among the elderly. The mean keratometry reading was 44 ± 1.5D. Females had steeper K readings than males (p = 0.000). Refractive astigmatism was observed in 47.88% and keratometric astigmatism in 71.7%. Against-the-rule (ATR) was the prevalent type (46.1%) in refractive astigmatism and with-the-rule (WTR) (59.1%) in keratometric astigmatism. Conclusion In the older population, AL was shorter and hyperopia was more prevalent; in the younger population, myopia was more prevalent. Astigmatism did not differ between gender groups but differed among age groups. WTR astigmatism was more prevalent in the younger age group and ATR in the elderly.

A week in neuro-ophthalmology: The Singapore experience

Objective@#To report the frequency of neuro-ophthalmologic cases seen over one working week by a senior neuro-ophthalmologist in Singapore and to determine a pattern in the incidence of neuro-ophthalmic diseases.@*Methods@#A retrospective review of 57 consecutive neuro-ophthalmologic cases seen by one senior neuro-ophthalmologist from June 14 to 18, 2010 was done. All patients underwent a complete neuro-ophthalmologic examination. Demographic data and clinical diagnoses were gathered.@*Results@#A total of 57 patients were seen. Thirty-one percent (18) of these patients were new consultations while the remaining 61% (39) were follow-up visits. Fifty-two percent were females (30) with a mean age of 53 years while 47% were males (27) with a mean age of 49 years. Nineteen cases involved disorders of the optic nerve followed by disorders of ocular motility (11), optic chiasm, visual pathways, and/or visual cortex (14). Among the cases involving the optic nerve, 5 were ischemic optic neuropathy. In respect to disorders of ocular motility, ocular myasthenia gravis (n=5) was the most common condition seen. Pituitary adenomas comprised the bulk of the disorders of the optic chiasm (4). The remaining neuro-ophthalmic cases were almost evenly distributed. A very rare case of Froin’s syndrome was also seen.@*Conclusion@#Overall, during the five-day neuro-ophthalmologic clinic, majority of cases were ischemic in nature, reminding readers that systemic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, commonly manifest in the eye. Hence, better systemic control of these diseases is necessary.

Disappeared roots: a case report.

Tooth resorption is a perplexing problem for all dental practitioners. The etiologic factors are vague, the diagnoses are educated guesses and, often, the chosen treatment does not prevent the rapid disappearance of the calcified dental tissues. This becomes all the more confusing if the tooth in question is a pulpally involved young permanent tooth. Presented in this report is the case of an upper first young permanent molar that underwent complete root resorption following root canal therapy and obturation.

Bradykinin or acetylcholine as vasodilators to test endothelial venous function in healthy subjects

INTRODUCTION: The evaluation of endothelial function has been performed in the arterial bed, but recently evaluation within the venous system has also been explored. Endothelial function studies employ different drugs that act as endothelium-dependent vasodilatory response inductors. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to compare the endothelium-dependent venous vasodilator response mediated by either acetylcholine or bradykinin in healthy volunteers. METHODS AND RESULTS: Changes in vein diameter after phenylephrine-induced venoconstriction were measured to compare venodilation induced by acetylcholine or bradykinin (linear variable differential transformer dorsal hand vein technique). We studied 23 healthy volunteers; 31 percent were male, and the subject had a mean age of 33 ± 8 years and a mean body mass index of 23 ± 2 kg/m². The maximum endothelium-dependent venodilation was similar for both drugs (p = 0.13), as well as the mean responses for each dose of both drugs (r = 0.96). The maximum responses to acetylcholine and bradykinin also had good agreement. CONCLUSION: There were no differences between acetylcholine and bradykinin as venodilators in this endothelial venous function investigation.

Genetic structure in two northern muriqui populations (Brachyteles hypoxanthus, Primates, Atelidae) as inferred from fecal DNA

We assessed the genetic diversity of two northern muriqui (Brachyteles hypoxanthus Primata, Atelidae) populations, the Feliciano Miguel Abdala population (FMA, n = 108) in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais (19°44' S, 41°49' W) and the Santa Maria de Jetibá population (SMJ, n = 18) in the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo (20°01' S, 40°44' W). Fecal DNA was isolated and PCR-RFLP analysis used to analyze 2160 bp of mitochondrial DNA, made up of an 820 bp segment of the gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2 (cox2, EC 1.9.3.1), an 880 bp segment of the gene cytochrome b (cytb, EC 1.10.2.2) and 460 bp of the hypervariable segment of the mtDNA control region (HVRI). The cox2 and cytb sequences were monomorphic within and between populations whereas the HVRI revealed three different population exclusive haplotypes, one unique to the SMJ population and two, present at similar frequencies, in the FMA population. Overall haplotype diversity (h = 0.609) and nucleotide diversity (pi = 0.181) were high but reduced within populations. The populations were genetically structured with a high fixation index (F ST = 0.725), possibly due to historical subdivision. These findings have conservation implications because they seem to indicate that the populations are distinct management units.

Noninvasive genetic sampling of endangered muriqui (Primates, Atelidae): efficiency of fecal DNA extraction

The muriqui (Brachyteles) is one of the most endangered primates in the world, however little is known about the viability of the remaining populations. We evaluated the technique of extracting DNA from wild muriqui feces for PCR applications. In order to determine the effect of the DNA in subsequent amplifications, we analyzed five different extracts. The importance of the recommended BSA and the HotStarTaq DNA polymerase was tested. The minimal conditions to successfully amplify highly degraded fecal DNA were determined, showing that the recommended reagents are not required. We envision that this method may be useful in further conservation management studies.

Biologia de Spodoptera eridania (Cramer) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) em diferentes hospedeiros / Biology and consumption of Spodoptera eridania (Cramer) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in different hosts

Spodoptera eridania (Cramer) é uma praga em expansão nas culturas de algodão e de soja no cerrado, necessitando de estudos de biologia em diferentes hospedeiros. Com o objetivo de conhecer a biologia e o consumo foliar de S. eridania em algodoeiro, soja e corda-de-viola (Ipomoea grandifolia), este inseto foi criado em laboratório (27± 2°C, UR 60± 10 por cento, fotofase de 14h), a partir de lagartas recém-eclodidas e individualizadas. Foram observados parâmetros relacionados à biologia, ao consumo foliar e à reprodução quando alimentadas nos três hospedeiros. O período de desenvolvimento larval foi menor nos insetos alimentados com algodoeiro e corda-de-viola do que em soja, embora a sobrevivência em soja tenha sido satisfatória (80 por cento). Lagartas alimentadas com folhas de algodoeiro e corda-de-viola tiveram peso médio de pupas semelhante, porém 1,3 e 1,4 vezes maior do que o obtido por pupa macho e fêmea, respectivamente, em folhas de soja. A soja, também influenciou negativamente a sobrevivência de pré-pupa e pupa, contrastando com os valores, acima de 91,8 por cento, nos outros dois hospedeiros. Em geral, a folha de soja foi a menos adequada para S. eridania, causando 6,3 por cento de deformidade em pupas. Variáveis como períodos de pré-oviposição, oviposição, número de posturas/fêmea e o total de ovos/fêmea, não foram afetados pelas dietas. Embora as folhas de algodoeiro tenham sido as menos consumidas, elas proporcionaram um bom desenvolvimento do inseto. Comprovou-se que a planta invasora corda-de-viola é um hospedeiro alternativo adequado para a espécie, possibilitando o seu desenvolvimento e a sua reprodução na ausência de hospedeiros cultivados.

Spodoptera eridania (Cramer) is a pest under expansion in cotton and soybean fields in the cerrado, and biology studies are needed on different hosts. In order to gain knowledge about the biology and leaf intake of S. eridania on cotton, soybean and morning glory (Ipomoea grandifolia), newly-hatched caterpillars were individualized and reared in the laboratory (27 ± 2°C, R.H. 60 ± 10 percent, photophase of 14h). Parameters related to biology, leaf intake and reproduction were observed. The larval development period of caterpillars was shorter when fed on cotton and morning glory leaves than on soybean leaves, even though, the survival on soybean had been satisfactory (80 percent). Caterpillars fed on cotton and morning glory leaves had similar mean pupal weights, however 1.3 and 1.4 times higher than those obtained for male and female pupae, respectively, on soybean leaves. The soybean also influenced prepupal (37.5 percent) and pupal survival (68.3 percent) negatively, in contrast with the values obtained on the two other hosts, which were above 91.8 percent. In general, the soybean leaves were the least suitable for the development of S. eridania, causing 6.3 percent of pupal deformities. Variables like the pre-oviposition and oviposition periods, number of egg clutches/female and total number of eggs/female were not affected by the diets. Even though cotton leaves were less consumed, they provided good development to the insect. The morning glory weed was shown a suitable alternate host for the species, allowing its development and reproduction in the absence of cultivated hosts.

Resistência de cultivares de algodoeiro ao vírus do Mosaico das Nervuras transmitido pelo pulgão Aphis gossypii (Glover) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) / Resistance of cotton cultivars to the Vein Mosaic Virus transmitted by the aphid Aphis gossypii (Glover) (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

O pulgão Aphis gossypii Glover é vetor da Virose Mosaico das Nervuras (V.M.N.), que pode ocasionar na cultura do algodoeiro, produção reduzida ou nula. O objetivo do estudo foi identificar cultivares de algodoeiro resistentes a V.M.N. quando expostas à ação de pulgões. Os experimentos foram conduzidos na fazenda experimental do Instituto Agronômico do Paraná, IAPAR, Londrina, PR, sendo o delineamento estatístico em blocos casualizados. As cultivares comparadas foram: Delta Opal, Deltapine A90, CNPA ITA 90, Coodetec 401, IAC 22, IPR 95, IPR 96 e IPR 94. Para avaliação foram selecionadas 25 plantas observando-se a presença de pulgões e sintomas de V.M.N. Dois experimentos foram realizados nas mesmas condições, sendo que em um deles realizaram-se aplicações de inseticidas, para o controle dos pulgões, quando sua presença foi constatada em 10 por cento das plantas. O outro experimento não recebeu aplicação de inseticidas para controle de pulgões. A presença do vetor foi constatada em plantas de todas as cultivares. Observou-se que, mesmo com menor infestação de pulgões na cultivar CNPA ITA 90, ocorreram elevados índices de V.M.N. com redução de 68 por cento da produção quando comparada com Delta Opal. As cultivares Delta Opal e Coodetec 401 mostraram-se muito resistentes a V.M.N. pela ausência de plantas com sintomas, IAC 22 foi susceptível, enquanto Deltapine A90 e CNPA ITA 90 foram muito susceptíveis. Os inseticidas ofereceram proteção razoável à ação do vetor, mas os dados permitem inferir que em áreas com elevados níveis de infecção de V.M.N., o método de controle mais adequado seria a adoção de cultivares resistentes à enfermidade como Delta Opal e Coodetec 401.

The aphid Aphis gossypii Glover is a vector of Cotton Vein Mosaic Virus (V.M.N.), which can cause reduced or null yields in cotton crops. The objective of this study was to identify cotton cultivars resistant to V.M.N. when exposed to the action of aphids. The experiments were conducted at the experimental farm of the Instituto Agronômico do Paraná, IAPAR, in Londrina, PR, Brazil, in a randomized blocks statistical design. The cultivars compared were: Delta Opal, Deltapine A90, CNPA ITA 90, Coodetec 401, IAC 22, IPR 95, IPR 96, and IPR 94. Twenty-five plants were selected for evaluation; the presence of aphids and V.M.N. symptoms were recorded. Two experiments were conducted under the same conditions; in one of them, insecticides were applied to control aphids when their presence was detected on 10 percent of the plants. The other experiment received no insecticides for aphid control. The vector was present on the plants from all cultivars. High V.M.N. rates occurred in cultivar CNPA ITA 90 even under lower aphid infestations, with a yield reduction of 68 percent when compared with Delta Opal. The cultivars Delta Opal and Coodetec 401 proved very resistant to V.M.N. based on the absence of plants with symptoms; IAC 22 was susceptible, while Deltapine A90 and CNPA ITA 90 were very susceptible. The insecticides provided reasonable protection against the action of the vector, but data allowed to infer that in areas with high levels of V.M.N. infection, the most suitable control method would be the adoption of cultivars resistant to the disease, such as Delta Opal and Coodetec 401.