Uptake of fIPV3 and implementation challenges as perceived by auxiliary nurse midwives at two primary healthcare centers in urban Bengaluru: a mixed-method study

Background: India introduced fractional-dose inactivated poliovirus vaccine (fIPV) into its routine immunization program as part of the polio eradication and endgame strategic plan. The study aimed to assess the uptake of the 3rd dose of fIPV among eligible beneficiaries and explore the implementation challenges perceived by auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) at two primary healthcare centers in urban Bengaluru. Methods: A mixed-method study was conducted between April and May 2023. A cross-sectional design was used for quantitative objectives, while in-depth interviews were conducted with ANMs for qualitative insights. Data were collected through vaccination registers, questionnaires, and key informant interviews. The study population included all eligible beneficiaries for the 3rd dose of fIPV from January to March 2023. Results: Out of 296 eligible beneficiaries, 139 (47%) had received the 3rd dose of fIPV. The challenges faced by ANMs in fIPV3 implementation included difficulties in recording and reporting activities, fear of managing adverse events, lack of confidence in administering intradermal injections, obtaining consent from parents, inadequate training, and concerns about vaccine wastage and increased workload. Conclusions: The uptake of fIPV3 was suboptimal, and ANMs encountered several challenges during implementation. To enhance fIPV3 integration into the vaccination schedule, the health system needs to improve awareness among the community, strengthen health worker capacity, and provide better training and support. Strengthening routine immunization programs can contribute to sustained polio eradication efforts.

Adverse pregnancy outcome and its association with the various determinants of current pregnancy in a district hospital, urban Bengaluru, India

Background: Maternal health is a crucial aspect of public health, directly influencing pregnancy outcomes. Adverse outcomes, such as miscarriage, stillbirth, cesarean delivery, and abortion, reflect poor maternal health and contribute to maternal mortality and infant mortality rates. Antenatal care (ANC) and institutional delivery are pivotal strategies to mitigate maternal and fetal complications. However, the escalating rates of cesarean sections in India, surpassing the WHO-recommended threshold, present a severe public health challenge. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study, conducted in urban Bengaluru from January to July 2023, aimed to identify adverse pregnancy outcomes and their determinants among women aged 15 to 49 in India. Data from maternal birth and labor records were analyzed, encompassing sociodemographic factors, obstetric characteristics, and adverse outcomes. Results: The study revealed a 20.8% magnitude of adverse pregnancy outcomes. It was found to be higher among women in the age group above 30 years, multigravida, have low blood pressure (BP) both systolic and diastolic, B blood group, positive Rh type, a male baby. In bivariate analysis, higher odds were observed among women in the 30-49 age group, body mass index overweight category, active management of the third stage of labor, and delayed cord clamping were found to be statistically significant. Conclusions: The study underscores the urgency for an expanded action plan to enhance maternal healthcare in India. While governmental initiatives exist, there remains a pressing need to address unnecessary caesarean deliveries and associated complications. The findings advocate for heightened awareness, community health worker training, and stringent guidelines on the necessity of caesarean sections.

Contribution of mid-day meal scheme to students nutrition in Bengaluru, India: time to re-look

Background: The mid-day meal scheme (MDMS) in India is the world’s largest free school lunch program. In 2021, the scheme was renamed as PM-POSHAN (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakthi Nirman). We conducted a study to quantify the routine daily dietary intake of school children with reference to calorie and protein intake and assess the proportion of calorie and protein intake from mid-day meals compared to routine daily intake. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in select five government schools of urban area of Bengaluru. From each school, a sample of 69 students (23 from each class i.e., 5th, 6th, and 7th standard) were selected using a computer-generated random number table amounting to a total sample size of 345. All the data were collected in a structured proforma and electronically entered using Microsoft Excel and analyzed using Epidata analysis software, version 3.1. Results: Our study findings revealed that nearly 1 in 3.6 children have protein deficiency routinely in their diet and 1 in 7.5 children have both protein plus calorie deficiency. Conclusions: Our study has the following programmatic implications: first, the protein deficiency among the school children in the age group 9 to 14 is considerably high. Second, it is imperative to evaluate the quality of food distributed to the schools and children at regular point of time. It is also necessary that the food served to the children should be customized to their taste and it should be locally accepted.

Caracterização do gene do choque térmico (HSP-70. 1) e sua relação com características de produção em bovinos leiteiros criados no semiárido brasileiro / Characterization of the thermal shock gene (HSP-70. 1) and its relationship with production characteristics in dairy cattle reared in the Brazilian semiarid

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a diversidade genética do gene HSP-70.1 e associar os polimorfismos encontrados com a performance de vacas leiteiras das raças Holandesa, Girolando (5/8H-G) e Sindi criadas em região do semiárido brasileiro. Os polimorfismos foram identificados e avaliados pela técnica de PCR-RFLP, usando-se a enzima de restrição EcoRII. Avaliou-se a variabilidade genética por meio do índice de diversidade padrão e da análise de variância molecular (AMOVA). Os polimorfismos identificados foram avaliados sobre as características de produção de leite. Foram identificados sete alelos, os quais demonstraram que houve polimorfismo para a região gênica analisada, e alguns alelos foram compartilhados entre os rebanhos. As raças bovinas Holandesa e Sindi foram similares geneticamente para o gene analisado. A AMOVA demonstrou que há variação genética entre os rebanhos e dentro deles, com a maior parte da variação ocorrendo dentro dos rebanhos para todos os grupos avaliados. Houve efeito dos alelos identificados sobre a produção de leite dos rebanhos das raças Holandesa (P<0,0001) e Girolando (P<0,0117). O gene HSP-70.1 foi polimórfico na população de bovinos leiteiros estudada, sendo, portanto, um marcador molecular promissor para avaliar a produção de leite de raças criadas em região semiárida.(AU)

The objective of this work was to evaluate the genetic diversity of the HSP-70.1 gene and to associate the polymorphisms found with the performance of Holstein, Girolando (5/8H-G) and Sindi dairy cows raised in region of the Brazilian semiarid. Polymorphisms were identified and evaluated using the PCR-RFLP technique using the EcoRII restriction enzyme. Genetic variability was evaluated using the standard diversity index and molecular variance analysis (AMOVA). The identified polymorphisms were evaluated on the characteristics of milk production. They were identified from the seven alleles, demonstrating that there was polymorphism for the analyzed gene region and some alleles were shared among the herds. The Holstein and Sindi bovine breeds were genetically like the analyzed gene. AMOVA demonstrated that there is genetic variation between and within the herds, with most of the variation occurring within the herds for all groups evaluated. There was effect of the alleles identified on the production of milk herds of Holstein and (P<0.0001) Girolando (P<0.0117) breeds. The HSP-70.1 gene was polymorphic in the population of dairy cattle studied, and therefore a promising molecular marker to evaluate milk production of breeds created in semiarid regions.(AU)

Acute effect of passive cycle-ergometry and functional electrical stimulation on nitrosative stress and inflammatory cytokines in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients: a randomized controlled trial

Early mobilization is beneficial for critically ill patients because it reduces muscle weakness acquired in intensive care units. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of functional electrical stimulation (FES) and passive cycle ergometry (PCE) on the nitrous stress and inflammatory cytometry in critically ill patients. This was a controlled, randomized, open clinical trial carried out in a 16-bed intensive care unit. The patients were randomized into four groups: Control group (n=10), did not undergo any therapeutic intervention during the study; PCE group (n=9), lower-limb PCE for 30 cycles/min for 20 min; FES group (n=9), electrical stimulation of quadriceps muscle for 20 min; and FES with PCE group (n=7), patients underwent PCE and FES, with their order determined randomly. The serum levels of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon gamma, and interleukins 6 and 10 were analyzed before and after the intervention. There were no differences in clinical or demographic characteristics between the groups. The results revealed reduced nitric oxide concentrations one hour after using PCE (P<0.001) and FES (P<0.05), thereby indicating that these therapies may reduce cellular nitrosative stress when applied separately. Tumor necrosis factor alpha levels were reduced after the PCE intervention (P=0.049). PCE and FES reduced nitric oxide levels, demonstrating beneficial effects on the reduction of nitrosative stress. PCE was the only treatment that reduced the tumor necrosis factor alpha concentration.

Production and characterization of a biosurfactant produced by Streptomyces sp. DPUA 1559 isolated from lichens of the Amazon region

Surfactants are amphipathic compounds containing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups, capable to lower the surface or interfacial tension. Considering the advantages of the use of biosurfactants produced by microorganisms, the aim of this paper was to develop and characterize a biosurfactant produced by Streptomyces sp. DPUA1559 isolated from lichens of the Amazon region. The microorganism was cultured in a mineral medium containing 1% residual frying soybean oil as the carbon source. The kinetics of biosurfactant production was accompanied by reducing the surface tension of the culture medium from 60 to values around 27.14 mN/m, and by the emulsification index, which showed the efficiency of the biosurfactant as an emulsifier of hydrophobic compounds. The yield of the isolated biosurfactant was 1.74 g/L, in addition to the excellent capability of reducing the surface tension (25.34 mN/m), as observed from the central composite rotational design when the biosurfactant was produced at pH 8.5 at 28°C. The critical micelle concentration of the biosurfactant was determined as 0.01 g/mL. The biosurfactant showed thermal and pH stability regarding the surface tension reduction, and tolerance under high salt concentrations. The isolated biosurfactant showed no toxicity to the micro-crustacean Artemia salina, and to the seeds of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.). The biochemistry characterization of the biosurfactant showed a single protein band, an acid character and a molecular weight around 14.3 kDa, suggesting its glycoproteic nature. The results are promising for the industrial application of this new biosurfactant.

Use of aqueous extract of noni in extender for sheep semen freezing / Utilização do extrato aquoso de noni em diluente para congelação de sêmen ovino

The study aimed to evaluate the action of aqueous extract of noni in an extender for sheep semen freezing. Treatments differed in inclusion of aqueous extract of noni in the extender: T1 ˗ no addition; T2 ˗ 24µg/mL; T3 ˗ 72µg/mL; and T4 ˗ 120µg/mL. Ejaculates were collected, diluted in the four treatments, and frozen. After thawing, the semen was subjected to a thermoresistance test and evaluated for subjective motility, vigor, membrane integrity assessment by hypo-osmotic swelling test, live-dead assay, computer-assisted sperm analysis and the status of sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction. Data were subjected to ANOVA, and then to Student Newman Keuls's test at 5% significance level. In the thermoresistance test after two hours of incubation, motility in T4 (120µg/mL) was lower than in the other treatments, with no differences in the HoS test in either diluted semen or in the semen evaluated immediately post-thawing, while for the other times, treatments showed similar responses. Regarding the motility parameters, a difference was observed for progressive motility, curvilinear velocity, average path velocity, and amplitude of lateral head displacement. As to the sperm capacitation status, a difference was observed between treatments for the sperm capacitated with intact acrosome.(AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a ação do extrato aquoso de noni em diluente para congelação de sêmen de carneiro. Os tratamentos diferiram quanto à inclusão de extrato aquoso de noni ao meio diluidor em: T1˗ sem adição de extrato; T2˗ 24µg/mL ; T3- 72µg/mL e 120µg/mL. Por meio de vagina artificial, 16 ejaculados foram coletados, diluídos entre os quatro tratamentos e congelados. Após o descongelamento, o sêmen foi submetido ao teste de termorresistência e avaliado quanto à motilidade subjetiva, ao vigor espermático, à integridade de membrana pelo teste hiposmótico, bem como ao teste supravital, à análise de sêmen assistida por computador (CASA) e ao status de capacitação espermática e de reação acrossomal. Os dados foram submetidos a uma análise de variância, seguida pelo teste de Student-Newman-Keuls com 5% de significância. No teste de termorresistência, após duas horas de incubação, a motilidade do T4 (120µg/mL) apresentou-se inferior aos demais tratamentos. Não houve diferença significativa no teste HOS tanto para o sêmen diluído quanto para o sêmen avaliado imediatamente pós-descongelação; para as demais horas, os tratamentos apresentaram comportamento semelhante. Para os parâmetros de cinética, foi observada diferença estatística para motilidade progressiva, velocidade curvilinear, velocidade do percurso médio e amplitude de deslocamento lateral da cabeça. Quanto ao estado de capacitação espermática, observou-se diferença entre os tratamentos para espermatozoide capacitado com acrossomo intacto.(AU)

Extraskeletal osteosarcoma of the orbit: A clinicopathologic case report and review of literature.

Primary extraskeletal osteosarcoma (EOS) is an extremely rare malignancy. In this report, the clinical course of a 32-yearold man presenting with proptoses is described. Medical history included Hirschsprung disease (HD), horseshoe kidney, azoospermia, and vertebral anomalies. Imaging of the orbit showed an oval, well-defined heterogeneous mass adjacent to the lateral wall of the orbit. The patient underwent a lateral orbitotomy and complete excision of the mass. The mass was not attached to the bone. Histopathologic and immunohistochemical examination confirmed the diagnosis of an EOS. The patient received chemotherapy and radiotherapy and is free of the disease 3 years after the diagnosis. Genetic screening showed no mutations for both the RET protooncogene for HD and the p53 tumor suppressor gene for osteosarcoma.

Avaliação hemogasométrica em cadelas com piometra / Hemogasometric evaluation in bitches with pyometra

A piometra é uma afecção comum em cadelas com uma etiologia hormonal associada à infecção bacteriana, levando ao acúmulo de exsudato uterino. Desequilíbrios ácido-base e hidroeletrolíticos são complicações que contribuem para a progressão da doença, o que piora o estado geral da paciente e pode levá-la ao óbito. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi caracterizar os distúrbios ácido-base e eletrolíticos em cadelas com piometra, além de avaliar se a terapia hídrica pré-cirúrgica (Ringer lactato) é efetiva na correção desses desequilíbrios. Vinte cadelas com piometra foram submetidas à hemogasometria em oito tempos preestabelecidos. Concluiu-se que o distúrbio ácido-base mais frequente foi a alcalose respiratória e que a terapia hídrica no pré-cirúrgico com solução Ringer lactato foi efetiva na correção da acidose metabólica e proporcionou melhora na alcalose respiratória, embora não tenha corrigido quadros de alcalose metabólica.

Pyometra is a common disease in dogs with a hormonal etiology associated with a bacterial infection and leading to accumulation of uterine exudates. Acid-base and electrolyte disturbances are complications that contribute to disease progression, worsening the condition of the patient, possibly leading death. The aim of this study was to characterize the acid-base and electrolyte disturbances in dogs with pyometra, and to evaluate whether preoperative fluid therapy (Ringer's lactate) is effective in correcting these imbalances. Twenty bitches with pyometra were subjected to blood gas analysis in eight pre-set times. It was concluded that the acid-base disorder was the most frequent respiratory alkalosis and fluid therapy in the preoperative Ringer 's lactate solution was effective in the correction of metabolic acidosis, although this has not corrected metabolic alkalosis frames and has provided improved alkalosis breathing .

Influência do aquecimento artificial de ovos de matrizes pesadas sobre o rendimento de incubação / Influence of artificial heating on hatchability of broiler breeder eggs

O desenvolvimento embrionário nas aves tem início antes mesmo da postura. A variabilidade do estágio de desenvolvimento embrionário no momento da oviposição é conhecida e influencia a taxa de eclosão, uma vez que estágios muito avançados ou muito precoces são prejudiciais por tornarem os embriões mais sensíveis ao estresse do armazenamento. O aquecimento de ovos férteis no período entre a postura e o armazenamento vem sendo estudado como forma de reduzir os efeitos negativos do armazenamento sobre o rendimento de incubação por permitir que os embriões progridam até um estágio em que são mais aptos a suportar o estresse do armazenamento. Este experimento teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos do aquecimento artificial de ovos de matrizes pesadas no período entre a coleta e o armazenamento sobre o rendimento de incubação e o peso do pinto ao nascimento. Foram utilizados 5.760 ovos de matrizes pesadas Cobb(r) com 57 semanas de idade. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, constituído por quatro tratamentos definidos com base no tempo de aquecimento dos ovos (zero, três, seis e nove horas). O aquecimento foi feito em câmara de fumigação a 30°C, e os ovos foram armazenados por três dias. O aquecimento artificial no período entre a coleta e o armazenamento não influenciou a eclodibilidade, a mortalidade embrionária e o peso do pinto ao nascimento, tendo sido, nessas circunstâncias, uma prática injustificada...

In birds, embryonic development begins before laying. The embryonic development variability at the time of egg laying is known and influences hatching rate, since very early or advanced stages are detrimental for embryos because they become more sensitive to stress storage. The heating of fertile eggs in the period between posture and storage has been studied as a way to reduce the negative effects of storage on hatchability since it allows embryos to progress to a stage where they are more able to survive during storage. This experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of artificial heating of fertile broiler breeder eggs in the period between the collection and storage on hatchability and chick weight at birth. For this, 5760 eggs from Cobb(r) broiler breeders, 57 weeks old, were used. The experimental design was completely randomized. It consisted of four defined treatments based on the heating time of eggs (zero, three, six and nine hours). Heating was done in a fumigation chamber at 30°C, and eggs were stored for three days. The artificial heating in the period between collection and storage didn't affect hatchability, embryo mortality and chick weight at birth, being, in this case, an unjustified practice...

Assessment of the age range, where juvenile T inversion pattern in right precordial leads of an ECG changes to the adult upright T wave pattern.

Objective: To determine the age range, where juvenile T inversion pattern in right precordial leads (V1 to V4) in an ECG changes to the adult upright T wave pattern Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done in children aged 5 years and above referred to the paediatric cardiology clinic, Teaching Hospital Karapitiya from January 2012 to April 2013. Inclusion criteria were: children with no cardiac lesion or a haemodynamically insignificant cardiac lesion after a full cardiac evaluation.The cohort was divided into six age groups and the presence of juvenile and adult ECG patterns were evaluated. Results: A total number of 1039 children were enrolled. At the age of 13 years 50% depicted both juvenile and adult ECG patterns. At the age range of 13-15 years 78 (60%) of a total of 130 showed the adult ECG pattern compared to 99 (44.4%) of a total of 223 at 11-13 years (X2=8.0; p=0.005). Even after 13 years of age the juvenile ECG pattern persisted in 30-40% of children. Conclusions: Transition of the juvenile T inversion pattern in right precordial leads in an ECG to the adult upright T wave pattern occurs predominantly at the age range of 13-15 years. Presence of juvenile T inversion pattern in an ECG after 13-15 years can be a normal finding as well as may be a pre-symptomatic diagnosis of a cardiomyopathy. Although it is normal to have a juvenile ECG pattern above 13 years it is advisable to perform an echocardiographic evaluation on children above 13 years with juvenile T inversion pattern which may lead to early diagnosis of cardiomyopathy.

Characterization of gene polymorphisms related to immune system physiology in Mangalarga horses / Caracterização de polimorfismos gênicos relacionados à fisiologia do sistema imune em equinos da raça Mangalarga

The objectives of this study were to standardize a PCR-RFLP genotyping method for the AY_731081:g.1900T>C SNP of the equine CD14 gene, and to characterize this SNP and two other polymorphisms (AY_005808: c.1530A>G of the TLR4 gene and AX_463789: g.133T>C of the Cε gene) in Mangalarga horses, in order to contribute to future studies investigating the association between DNA markers and traits related to immune system physiology in this breed. A total of 151 Mangalarga horses of both sexes and variable ages, representative of the population of São Paulo State, were used. PCR-RFLP was found to be adequate for genotyping of the AY_731081: g.1900T>C SNP of the equine CD14 gene. However, this polymorphism is probably not present in Mangalarga horses, thus impairing association studies using this marker in the breed. The population genetic parameters obtained for the TLR4 AY_005808:c.1530A>G and Cε AX_463789:g.133T>C polymorphisms suggest the use of these markers in association studies with immune system-related traits in Mangalarga horses.

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram a padronização da metodologia PCR-RFLP para genotipagem do SNP AY_731081:g.1900T>C do gene CD14 equino, bem como a caracterização em equinos da raça brasileira Mangalarga deste e de outros dois polimorfismos, o AY_005808: c.1530A>G do TLR4 e o AX_463789: g.133T>C do Cε, a fim de promover o embasamento necessário para futuras pesquisas visando à associação entre marcadores de DNA e características relacionadas à fisiologia do sistema imune na raça. Para tanto, foram utilizados 151 animais Mangalarga, de ambos os sexos e de idades variadas, representativos da população do estado de São Paulo. O método de PCR-RFLP mostrou-se adequado para a genotipagem do SNP AY_731081: g.1900T>C do gene CD14 equino. Entretanto, tal polimorfismo provavelmente não ocorre em equinos Mangalarga, impossibilitando estudos de associação com o marcador na raça. Os parâmetros genético-populacionais obtidos para os polimorfismos AY_005808:c.1530A>G do gene TLR4 e o AX_463789:g.133T>C do gene Cε demonstraram a possibilidade de realização de pesquisas.

Evaluation of Creatine Kinase as a Diagnostic Tool for Thyroid Function.

Thyroid disorders are very commonly affecting the general population, even the persons residing in non goitrous areas are no exception. Currently used tests for the assessment of thyroid functions (throid-stimulating hormone [TSH], tri-iodothyronine [T3] and throxine [T4]) are not sometimes sufficient to clearly make out the diagnosis as T3 and T4 levels are affected by so many other nonspecific conditions. The present study was done to evaluate the role of alternative biochemical parameter creatine kinase (CK) in diagnosing thyroid disorders. Sixty hypothyroid and 40 hyperthyroid patients were compared with 50 age, sex and sociocoeconomic status matched healthy controls. FT3, FT4 and TSH levels were measured by ELISA method and CK levels were measured by modified IFCC method. In hypothyroid patients, significant increase in CK levels was found as compared to control group (190 ± 40 IU/l in hypothyroid patients and 100 ± 70 IU/l in control group). A negative correlation was also found between FT3 and CK (r = –0.51; p < 0.005). In patients of hyperthyroidism, the levels of CK were found to be on the lower side. It was concluded that CK measurements may be useful as alternative diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of thyroid function disorders, which may be not only because of prevalence of muscular dystrophies in thyroid disorders but also due to role of FT3 in gene expression.

Anti-Leishmania titers and positive skin tests in patients cured of kala-azar

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), also known as kala-azar, is an important public health problem. If not treated, virtually all clinically symptomatic patients die within months. The diagnosis is based on the Montenegro skin test (MST) and anti-Leishmania titers. Nevertheless, the time required for cured individuals living in a leishmaniasis-endemic area to present a positive skin test and negative anti-Leishmania serology is known. To determine the cellular and humoral immune response profile in relation to different times post-VL cure, a cross-sectional study was conducted on subjects from a kala-azar endemic area in Paço do Lumiar, MA, Brazil, on the basis of 1995-2005 notifications reported by the National Health Foundation/Regional Coordination of Maranhão. We visited cured individuals with a history of VL within the last 10 years. Seventy-four subjects (30 females) ranging in age from 1 to 44 years were included, all of them symptom free at the time of the study. A cellular immune response was observed in 73 (98.6 percent) subjects, whereas no significant antibody titers were detected by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) in the sera of 69 (93.2 percent) cases. Ten years post-cure, 39 (52 percent) subjects had a positive MST and negative IIF reaction, while in one subject the skin and anti-Leishmania serology tests were negative. Two other subjects were positive in both tests 1 year after cure. These data suggest that a cellular immune response may still be present in subjects cured of VL regardless of post-cure time, and that the parasite persists in the host after clinical cure of the disease. This would explain the persistence of significant Leishmania sp antibody titers in some subjects after treatment.

Glass transition and degree of conversion of a light-cured orthodontic composite

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the glass transition temperature (Tg) and degree of conversion (DC) of a light-cured (Fill Magic) versus a chemically cured (Concise) orthodontic composite. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Anelastic relaxation spectroscopy was used for the first time to determine the Tg of a dental composite, while the DC was evaluated by infrared spectroscopy. The light-cured composite specimens were irradiated with a commercial LED light-curing unit using different exposure times (40, 90 and 120 s). RESULTS: Fill Magic presented lower Tg than Concise (35-84ºC versus 135ºC), but reached a higher DC. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that Fill Magic has lower Tg than Concise due to its higher organic phase content, and that when this light-cured composite is used to bond orthodontic brackets, a minimum energy density of 7.8 J/cm² is necessary to reach adequate conversion level and obtain satisfactory adhesion.

Antileishmanial IgG and IgE antibodies recognize predominantly carbohydrate epitopes of glycosylated antigens in visceral leishmaniasis

The specificity of human antileishmanial IgG and IgE antibodies to glycosylated antigens of Leishmania chagasi was evaluated. An ELISA was performed with soluble leishmanial antigen (SLA) and a panel of 95 sera including samples from patients with subclinical infection (SC) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL), subjects cured of visceral leishmaniasis (CVL), and from healthy individuals from endemic areas (HIEA). Antileishmanial IgG were verified for 18 (40 percent) of 45 SC subjects (mean absorbance of 0.49 ± 0.17). All nine sera from VL patients had such antibody (0.99 ± 0.21), while 11 (65 percent) of 17 CVL individuals were seropositive (0.46 ± 0.05). Only three (12 percent) of 24 HIEA controls reacted in IgG-ELISA. Antileishmanial IgE was detected in 26 (58 percent) of 45 SC patients (0.35 ± 0.14), and in all VL patients (0.65 ± 0.29). These antibodies were also detected in 13(76 percent) of 17 CVL subjects (0.42 ± 0.14) while all HIEA controls were seronegative. There was no correlation between antileishmanial IgG and IgE antibody absorbances. Mild periodate oxidation at acid pH of SLA carbohydrates drastically diminished its antigenicity in both IgG and IgE-ELISA, affecting mainly the antigens of 125, 102, 94, and 63 kDa as demonstrated by western immunoblotting.

Índice mitótico em células epiteliais da brânquia de Guaru (Poecilia vivipara) tratados com frações da casca do caule e da folha de pequi (Caryocar brasiliensis) / Mitotic index of epithelia cells in gills of Guppy (Poecilia vivipara) exposed to fractions of the leaf and bark of pequi (Caryocar brasiliensis)

Várias plantas nativas do bioma Cerrado são utilizadas como plantas medicinais. Dentre elas, o pequi possuí ação moluscicida utilizada no combate a esquistossomose. Objetivamos neste trabalho a verificação da toxicidade de frações de pequi sobre outros organismos aquáticos, antes da utilização destas em mananciais. Para isso, analisamos alterações no índice mitótico das células epiteliais das brânquias de Guaru (Poecilia vivipara) expostas às frações da folha e da casca do caule de pequi extraídas com acetato de etila. Constatamos que nenhuma das frações se mostrou letal aos peixes. Os animais expostos à fração acetato de etila da folha não apresentaram modificações significativas no índice mitótico em relação ao grupo controle, mas os animais expostos à fração acetato de etila da casca do caule apresentaram aumento do índice mitótico das células epiteliais em duas regiões dos filamentos branquiais. Desta forma, a fração acetato de etila da folha poderia ser utilizada como moluscicida em mananciais, enquanto que a fração acetato de etila da casca do caule necessitaria passar por outros testes mais específicos.

Histoplasmose do sistema nervoso central como única manifestaçäo da doença em pacientes imunocompetentes: apresentaçäo de dois casos / Central nervous system involvement by histoplasmosis as the unique manifestation of this disease in immunocompetent patients: presentation of two cases

Apresentamos dois casos de histoplasmose em que o acometimento do sistema nervoso central foi a única manifestaçäo clínica da doença. Revisäo da literatura permitiu confirmar a raridade dessa forma de patologia, em particular em crianças, sendo o segundo caso aqui apresentado o de mais baixa idade na literatura nacional. Säo feitos comentários sobre a variedade das apresentaçöes clínicas e os principais diagnósticos diferenciais da doença. Säo discutidos os resultados laboratoriais, tanto em relaçäo às alteraçöes liquóricas quanto aos resultados sorológicos. Finalmente, é analisada a terapêutica dessa forma de infecçäo fúngica tanto em relaçäo aos medicamentos utilizáveis quanto à duraçäo prolongada aconselhável para o tratamento específico

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

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

Esparganose humana. Relato de um novo caso no Estado de Säo Paulo / Abdominal spargnosis in Brazil. A case report

O encontro de um novo caso de esparganose humana no Brasil é relatado em paciente do sexo feminino, 17 anos, natural de Ribeiräo Grande, Estado de Säo Paulo, que apresentava processo inflamátório na regiäo umbilical, dores abdominais, mal estar, máuseas, vômitos, e febre. Foi retirado da cicatriz umbilical da paciente um parasita com cerca de 40cm de comprimento, que mostrou tratar-se de larva em fase plerocercóide conhecida como "Sparganum" de cestódio do gênero Spirometra (Luheella).