Seroprevalence of Chagas disease in Southern Brazilian cardiac patients and their knowledge about the parasitosis and vectors / Soroprevalência da doença de Chagas em pacientes cardíacos do sul do Brasil e seu conhecimento sobre a parasitose e vetores

Abstract Chagas disease (CD) is considered a typical low-income population sickness of the developing countries in Latin America. Given the historical relevance of CD in individuals in southern Rio Grande do Sul (RS) State, Brazil, the aim of this study was to identify the knowledge of the CD and its vectors by cardiac patients, and the prevalence of anti-T cruzi antibodies in these individuals in Pelotas, city located in Rio Grande do Sul (RS) state, Brazil. The subjects with cardiac disease were submitted to a semi-structured questionnaire as well as two serological tests in order to detect anti-T. cruzi IgG antibodies. Of the individuals that born in municipalities showing the highest triatomine infestation rates in recent decades, 81.8% were able to recognize the vector insect (p = 0.0042; OR = 5.9), and 83.3% reported either themselves or someone in their families to have CD (p = 0.043, OR = 5.2). Of the 54 patients submitted to serological analysis, only 01 patient (1.9%) was positive for anti-T. cruzi antibodies, a 55 year old man from the rural area of Canguçu county. This study provides support for the evaluation to be extended to other cardiology centers, given the importance of Chagas disease in Brazil.

Resumo A doença de Chagas (DC) é considerada uma doença típica da população de baixa renda dos países em desenvolvimento da América Latina. Dada a relevância histórica da DC em indivíduos do sul do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (RS), o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar o conhecimento da doença de Chagas (DC) e seus vetores em pacientes cardíacos, e a prevalência de anticorpos anti-T cruzi nesses indivíduos, em Pelotas, cidade localizada no Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brasil. Os pacientes cardiopatas foram submetidos a um questionário semiestruturado, e também a dois testes sorológicos para detecção de anticorpos anti-T. cruzi IgG. Dos indivíduos que nasceram em municípios com as maiores taxas de infestação por triatomíneos nas últimas décadas, 81,8% foram capazes de reconhecer o inseto vetor (p = 0,0042; OR = 5,9), e 83,3% relataram que eles próprios ou alguém em suas famílias tem DC (p = 0,043, OR = 5,2). Dos 54 pacientes submetidos à análise sorológica, apenas 01 paciente (1,9%) foi positivo para anticorpos anti-T.cruzi, um homem de 55 anos da área rural do município de Canguçu. Este estudo fornece subsídios para que a avaliação seja estendida a outros centros de cardiologia, devido à importância da doença de Chagas no Brasil.

Ocorrência de não conformidades físico-químicas e microbiológicas em leite e derivados no estado de Minas Gerais, no período de 2011 a 2015 / Occurrence of physico-chemical and microbiological nonconformities in milk and dairy products in the State of Minas Gerais, from 2011 to 2015

Milk and dairy products are potential sources for spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms, and although a huge amount of data is collected by the official inspection services, only a few reports are available to the public. This study aimed to evaluate the data for physicochemical and microbiological quality of pasteurized milk and dairy products, collected for inspection at industrial establishments registered at the Instituto Mineiro de Agropecuária (IMA), which is an official inspection service in Minas Gerasi State, Brazil. A total of 192 analyzes were done in 2011, 1008 in 2012, 1368 in 2013, 1271 in 2014, 1582 in 2015, adding up to 5421 samples analyzed by standard analytical techniques in official government laboratories. The statistical analysis was descriptive. A total of 2010 analytical results were nonconform to the legal requirements. Among the results, 78 (4.3%) samples of mozzarella cheese were positive for alkaline phosphatase, and freezing point results for pasteurized milk were outside the legal requirements in 86 (10%) samples. Staphylococcus coagulase positive was above limits in 80 (4.4%) samples of mozzarella cheese. These results indicate a risk to the consumer's health even in pasteurized products, and the need for effective enforcement of good manufacturing practices in the food industries.(AU)

Produtos de pescado elaborados com resíduos de arrasto: análise físico-química, microbiológica e toxicológica / Fish products made from trawl fishery waste: physical, chemical, microbiologic, and toxicological analysis

Na pesca de arrasto, são inúmeras as espécies de peixe capturadas acidentalmente, compostas, em sua maioria, de espécimes de pequeno tamanho e baixo valor comercial, os quais recebem o nome de rejeito de pesca. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo o desenvolvimento de dois produtos, almôndega e quibe de peixe, tendo como matéria- prima espécies consideradas capturas acidentais na modalidade de pesca de arrasto realizada no litoral do Rio de Janeiro. A identificação taxonômica das espécies teve como resultado as espécies pargo (Pagrus pagrus), castanha (Umbrina sp.), olho-de-cão (Priacanthus arenatus), congro-negro (Conger sp.), congro-rosa (Genypterus brasiliensis) e peixe-sapo (Lophius gastrophysus). A matéria seca percentual na polpa foi de 31,20±1,30%, no quibe e na almôndega crus; os valores foram de 37,90±1,10 e 32,10±1,10, respectivamente. Nos produtos assados, os resultados foram 33,40±1,20 para o quibe e 34,20±1,00 para a almôndega. Os teores de cinzas na polpa foram 1,5% para o quibe e a almôndega crus; os valores de cinzas foram de 2,55±0,05 e 1,47±0,05, respectivamente. Para os produtos assados, os resultados foram 1,87±0,05 para o quibe e 1,92±0,05 para a almôndega. Os teores de lipídeos aferidos na polpa foram de 4,80±0,30%. Com relação ao quibe e à almôndega crus, o percentual de lipídeos foi de 4,20±0,80 e 4,20±0,60, respectivamente. Para os produtos assados, foi de 4,50±0,60 para o quibe e 4,40±0,60 para a almôndega. A proteína bruta apresentou, na polpa, um índice de 15,60±1,04%. Com relação ao quibe e à almôndega crus, 17,80±2,16 e 14,90±2,12, respectivamente. Para os produtos assados, 15,10±2,10 em ambos. Os compostos nitrogenados solúveis, formadores do NNP, apresentaram valores de 285mg NNP/100g de polpa de pescado crua, 291mg NNP/100g no quibe cru e 294mg NNP/100g na almôndega crua. Os resultados da contagem total de psicrotróficos mantiveram-se abaixo de log 7,0UFC/g, para contagem padrão em placas de microrganismos aeróbicos. Não foi constatada a presença de coliformes fecais Salmonella e Staphylococcus aureus. Também não foram detectados níveis de histamina e compostos à base de enxofre nas amostras.(AU)

Seafood products represent an important source of proteins and minerals as well as polyunsaturated fatty acids. However, its consumption in Brazil is very low in comparison to other kinds of meat. This may due to lack of skill in its preparation, making immensurable the importance of the search for new ways to market it, such as ready-made or semi-ready to serve products. The trawl fishery method often accidentally captures a variety of species, composed basically of low commercial value and size. Such catches are called "second-hand catch". With this in mind, this paper has as its main objective de development of two products: fish meatball and kibe, using what is considered accidental catches in the trawl fishery industry done on Rio de Janeiro's offshore as the raw material. The taxonomic identification of the species resulted in the species, Red porgy (Pagrus pagrus), Argentine croaker (Umbrina sp.), Atlantic bigeye (Priacanthus arenatus), Black cusk-eel (Conger sp.), Cusk-eel (Genypterus brasiliensis) and Blackfin goosefish (Lophius gastrophysus). The dry material of the raw product was 31.20±1.30%, in the raw meatball and kibbeh the values was 37.90±1.10 and 32.10±1.10, respectively, in the baked product the results was 33.40±1.20 and 34.20±1.00 (kibbeh and meatball). The ash content in the pulp was 1.5%, for the raw kibbeh and meatball, the amounts of ash were 2.55±0.05 and 1.47±0.05, respectively. For baked goods results were 1.87±0.05 for the kibbeh and 1.92±0.05 for the meatball. The measured lipid levels in the pulp was 4.80±0.30%. In respect, raw kibbeh and meatball, the percentage of lipids were 4.20±0.80 and 4.20±0.60, respectively. For baked goods was 4.50±0.60 for the kibbeh and 4.40±0.60 for the meatball. The protein level presented in the raw material was 15.60±1.04%, to the raw kibbeh and meatball was 17.80±2.16 and 14.90±2.12 and for the baked goods 15.10±2.10 both. Soluble nitrogen compounds shows values of 285mg/100g in the raw material, in the kibbeh NNP 291mg/100g and the meatball NNP 294mg/100g. The results of the total count of psychotropic remained below 7.0 log CFU/g, for standard count of aerobic microorganism plates. Fecal coliform bacteria, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus were not present . The levels of histamine and sulfur basic compounds (H2S) were not detected in the samples.(AU)

Adulterants interference on Fourier Transform Infrared analysis of raw milk / Interferência de adulterantes na análise do leite cru por espectroscopia pela transformada de Fourier

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar as leituras de composição do leite cru por meio de espectrofotometria FTIR, utilizando-se curva de regressão PLS, bem como as contagens de células somáticas e bacteriana total por citometria de fluxo, após adição de amido e sacarose. O leite cru foi adulterado com três concentrações de amido e sacarose (0,1%, 0,5% e 1%), colocado em frascos contendo bronopol ou azidiol, os quais foram armazenados em duas temperaturas (7±2°C e 25±2°C ). As análises foram realizadas após zero, três, 24, 48, 72 e 168 horas de armazenamento. O modelo de regressão linear múltipla foi utilizado para análise estatística. A adição de amido e sacarose resultou em mudança significativa (P<0,05) para todas as variáveis dependentes. O leite adulterado com amido resultou em aumento nas leituras de gordura, proteína, lactose, sólidos totais (ST), sólidos não gordurosos (SNG), CCS e CBT e em diminuição das leituras de caseína, do nitrogênio ureico do leite (NUL) e do ponto de congelamento. O leite adulterado com sacarose resultou no aumento das leituras da lactose, ST, SNG e NUL, enquanto as leituras de proteína, caseína, ponto de congelamento e CCS diminuíram. Este trabalho evidencia a importância do monitoramento de adulterantes reconstituintes no leite por afetarem os resultados analíticos da qualidade do leite, obtidos por métodos eletrônicos.(AU)

Cartogenina associada à microperfuração do osso subcondral na reparação da cartilagem articular em equinos / Kartogenin associated to micro of the subchondral bone in the joint cartilage repair in horses

A reconstituição da cartilagem articular danificada por doenças de desenvolvimento, trauma e osteoartrite tem sido um grande desafio na veterinária. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o uso da cartogenina, uma molécula capaz de induzir diferenciação de células mesenquimais em condrócitos, associado ou não à técnica de microfratura na reparação de defeitos condrais induzidos na tróclea femoral de equinos. Foram utilizados seis equinos pesando em média (±DP) 342±1,58kg, com idade de 7,2±1,30 anos e escore corporal de 7,1±0,75, os quais foram submetidos à videoartroscopia para indução da lesão condral de 1cm2 na tróclea lateral do fêmur e à realização da técnica de microperfuração do osso subcondral de ambos os joelhos. Foram realizadas quatro aplicações semanais com 20µM de cartogenina intra-articular em um dos joelhos (grupo tratado) e solução de ringer com lactato na articulação contralateral (grupo controle). Os animais foram submetidos a avaliações física, radiográfica, ultrassonográfica, por um período de 60 dias. Não houve qualquer diferença estatística entre as articulações tratadas e as controle. A terapia com cartogenina, segundo protocolo utilizado, não produziu melhora clínica em lesões osteocondrais induzidas e tratadas com microperfurações na tróclea lateral do fêmur em equinos.(AU)

Articular cartilage reconstruction is still a challenge in Veterinary Medicine. The aim was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of kartogenin, a small molecule that promotes chondrocyte differentiation, in the repair of induced chondral defects pretreated with subchondral drilling. Six horses with a mean (± SD) weight of 342 ± 1.58Kg, aging 7.2 ± 1.30 years, and with a mean 7.1 ± 0.75 body score condition were used. In both stifles, a 1cm2 chondral defect was induced in the lateral femoral trochlea followed by treatment with subchondral drilling. Four intra-articular injections with kartogenin (20mM) were performed weekly in one stifle (treated group). The same procedure using saline solution was performed in the contralateral joint (control group). Clinical, radiographic, ultrasound evaluations were performed for a period of 60 days. No statistical differences were detected between groups in any of the studied variables. Although kartogenin has shown to improve articular cartilage repair in laboratory animal models, the same was not observed in this equine model. In conclusion, the kartogenin therapy, according to the used protocol, did not promote any clinical benefit in equine femoral trochlear defects pretreated with subcondral drilling.(AU)

Prevalência de uropatógenos no laboratório de saúde pública de Macapá ­ AP entre 2009 e 2012 / Uropathogens prevalence in public health laboratory Macapá ­ AP between 2009 and 2012

Objetivo: Investigar a prevalência de uropatógenos de usuários atendidos no Laboratório Central de Saúde Pública de Macapá no período de 2009 a 2012. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo de corte transversal, realizado no Laboratório Central de Saúde Públicade Macapá no período de 2009 a 2012, identificando os principais microrganismos responsáveis por infecções do trato urinário. O universo amostral foi composto pela população ambulatorial e hospitalar atendida no laboratório, sendo realizado o teste qui-quadrado. Os resultados foram expressos em números absolutos e em porcentagens utilizando-se o Programa Bioestat (5.0) e Excel Windows (2010). Resultados: Os resultados foram avaliados pela frequência das variáveis e analisados pelo teste qui-quadrado, destacando-se comocritérios: ocorrência, gênero, idade e o tipo de microrganismo causador e apresentados por meio de tabelas e gráficos. Das 10.026 (100%) uroculturas, observaram-se 7.758 (77,38%) com resultado negativo e 2.268 (22,62%) com resultado positivo. Os casos positivos foram separados em quatro grandes grupos: Enterobactérias ­ 1.422 (62,70%); Cocos Gram positivos ­ 663 (29,23%); Bacilo Gram negativo não fermentador ­102 (4,50%) e Fungo ­ 81 (3,57%). Os patógenos isolados mais prevalentes foram: Escherichia coli ­ 67,09%, Staphylococcus coagulase negativa ­ 20,8%, Acinetobacter baumanii ­ 38,23% e Candida albicans ­ 44,45%. Conclusão: O perfil epidemiológico de microrganismos e suas variáveis torna-se uma ferramenta imprescindível às investigações direcionadas à população susceptível. Tal conhecimento é relevante para a Saúde prestar maior assistência aos pacientes contribuindo para o planejamento, execução e avaliação das ações de prevenção, controle e tratamento

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of uropathogens of users served at the Central Laboratory of Public Health Macapá the period 2009 to 2012. Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study, carried out at the Central Laboratory of Public Health Macapá the period 2009 to 2012, identifying key microorganisms responsible for urinary tract infections. The sample was composed of the Universe out patient population treated at the hospital and laboratory, which performed the chi-square test. Results were expressed in absolute numbers and in percentage using the Program Bioestat (5.0) and Windows Excel (2010). Results: The results were evaluated by variable frequency and analyzed by chi-square test, especially as criteria: occurrence, gender, age and type of causative microorganism and were presented descriptively and analytically through tables and graphs. Of 10.026 (100%) urine culture, there was 7.758 (77.38%) with negative and 2.268 (22.62%) with positive results. Positive cases were separated into four groups: Enterobacteria 1.422 (62.70%); Cocos Gram positive 663 (29.23%), Gram negative bacillus not fermentor 102 (4.50%) and Fungus 81 (3, 57%). The most prevalent pathogens isolated were Escherichia coli ­ 67.09%, 20.8% coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, Acinetobacter baumannii ­ 38.23% and 44.45% Candida albicans. Conclusion: The epidemiological profile of microorganisms and their variables becomes an indispensable tool for investigations directed at susceptible population. Such knowledge is relevant to health provide greater patient care by contributing to the planning, implementation and evaluation of prevention, control and treatment

Seroprevalence of Chagas disease in Southern Brazilian cardiac patients and their knowledge about the parasitosis and vectors

Abstract Chagas disease (CD) is considered a typical low-income population sickness of the developing countries in Latin America. Given the historical relevance of CD in individuals in southern Rio Grande do Sul (RS) State, Brazil, the aim of this study was to identify the knowledge of the CD and its vectors by cardiac patients, and the prevalence of anti-T cruzi antibodies in these individuals in Pelotas, city located in Rio Grande do Sul (RS) state, Brazil. The subjects with cardiac disease were submitted to a semi-structured questionnaire as well as two serological tests in order to detect anti-T. cruzi IgG antibodies. Of the individuals that born in municipalities showing the highest triatomine infestation rates in recent decades, 81.8% were able to recognize the vector insect (p = 0.0042; OR = 5.9), and 83.3% reported either themselves or someone in their families to have CD (p = 0.043, OR = 5.2). Of the 54 patients submitted to serological analysis, only 01 patient (1.9%) was positive for anti-T. cruzi antibodies, a 55 year old man from the rural area of Canguçu county. This study provides support for the evaluation to be extended to other cardiology centers, given the importance of Chagas disease in Brazil.

Resumo A doença de Chagas (DC) é considerada uma doença típica da população de baixa renda dos países em desenvolvimento da América Latina. Dada a relevância histórica da DC em indivíduos do sul do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (RS), o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar o conhecimento da doença de Chagas (DC) e seus vetores em pacientes cardíacos, e a prevalência de anticorpos anti-T cruzi nesses indivíduos, em Pelotas, cidade localizada no Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brasil. Os pacientes cardiopatas foram submetidos a um questionário semiestruturado, e também a dois testes sorológicos para detecção de anticorpos anti-T. cruzi IgG. Dos indivíduos que nasceram em municípios com as maiores taxas de infestação por triatomíneos nas últimas décadas, 81,8% foram capazes de reconhecer o inseto vetor (p = 0,0042; OR = 5,9), e 83,3% relataram que eles próprios ou alguém em suas famílias tem DC (p = 0,043, OR = 5,2). Dos 54 pacientes submetidos à análise sorológica, apenas 01 paciente (1,9%) foi positivo para anticorpos anti-T.cruzi, um homem de 55 anos da área rural do município de Canguçu. Este estudo fornece subsídios para que a avaliação seja estendida a outros centros de cardiologia, devido à importância da doença de Chagas no Brasil.

Seedling survival of Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart ex DC) Mattos in a semi-arid environment through modified germination speed and post-germination desiccation tolerance / Sobrevivência de plântulas de Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart ex DC) Mattos em ambiente semi-árido ocorre por modificação da velocidade de germinação e da tolerância à dessecação pós germinação

Abstract Uniform rapid seed germination generally forms a great risk for the plant population if subsequent intermittent precipitation causes desiccation and seedling death. Handroanthus impetiginosus can be found commonly in a wide range of biomes within Brazil including those that are semi-arid. Germination and early growth was studied to understand how germinated seeds survive under these stringent conditions. Accessions were sampled from four seasonally dry biomes in Brazil. Precipitation at the start of the rainy season in the Caatinga, a semi-arid biome, is less predictable and the number of successive dry days per dry interval in the first four months of the rainy season was higher than in the other studied biomes. Plants from the Caatinga produced thicker seeds and this trait concurred with slow germination and stronger osmotic inhibition of germination across the accessions, forming a stress avoidance mechanism in the Caatinga. Post-germination desiccation tolerance was high in the Caatinga accession, could be re-induced in accessions from biomes with more regular precipitation (Cerrado and transition zone), but remained poor in the Cerradão accession; thus forming a stress tolerance mechanism. Production of adventitious roots ascertained survival of all tested individuals from all four locations, even if protruded radicles did not survive desiccation, forming an additional stress tolerance mechanism. A sequence of stress avoidance and stress tolerance mechanisms in seeds and germinated seeds was associated with precipitation patterns in different biomes. These mechanisms purportedly allow rapid seedling establishment when conditions are suitable and enable survival of the young seedling when conditions are adverse.

Resumo A germinação rápida e uniforme geralmente pode apresentar riscos para a população de plantas caso a precipitação ocorra de maneira intermitente, provocando seca e morte das plântulas. Handroanthus impetiginosus pode ser encontrado em uma grande variedade de biomas no Brasil. A germinação e o crescimento inicial das plântulas de Handroanthus impetiginosus foram estudadas para compreender como as sementes germinadas sobrevivem nestas condições. Acessos de quatro biomas que apresentam secas sazonais foram amostrados. A precipitação, no início da estação chuvosa na Caatinga, um bioma semi-árido, é menos previsível e o número de dias secos consecutivos por intervalo de seca, nos primeiros quatro meses da estação chuvosa, foi maior do que nos outros biomas estudados. Plantas do bioma Caatinga produzem sementes mais espessas e essa característica está associada com uma germinação lenta e com a inibição osmótica maior da germinação através dos acessos, formando um mecanismo para evitar o estresse. Tolerância à dessecação em sementes germinadas foi superior no bioma Caatinga e que podem ser reinduzida em acesso com uma precipitação mais regular (Cerrado e na zona de transição), mas manteve-se baixa no acesso Cerradão, formando assim um mecanismo para evitar o estresse. Produção de raízes adventícias foi observada nos indivíduos estudados de todos os quatro biomas, mesmo quando as raízes primárias não sobreviveram à dessecação, formando um mecanismo adicional de tolerância ao estresse. Assim, foi observado estratégias para evitar o estresse e mecanismos de tolerância ao estresse em sementes e sementes germinadas associada com padrões de precipitação nos diferentes biomas estudados. Estes mecanismos podem favorecer o estabelecimento das plântulas de forma rápida quando as condições são adequadas e permitirem a sobrevivência de plântulas quando as condições são adversas.

Potencial terapêutico e uso de plantas medicinais em uma área de Caatinga no estado do Ceará, nordeste do Brasil / Therapeutic potential and use of medicinal plants in an area of the Caatinga in the state of Ceará, northeastern Brazil

O presente trabalho visou o levantamento etnobotânico das plantas medicinais, verificando a versatilidade das espécies utilizadas e o consenso de uso e/ou conhecimento entre os informantes, do Distrito de Aratama, no Município de Assaré, Ceará. As informações etnobotânicas foram obtidas através de entrevistas estruturadas e semi-estruturadas com os moradores locais. Foram citadas 116 espécies com fins medicinais pertencentes a 103 gêneros e 58 famílias com destaque para Fabaceae (10ssp.), Asteraceae (7spp.) e Lamiaceae (6spp.). Entre as espécies levantadas, Mentha spicata L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., Allium sativum L., Bauhinia cheilantha (Bong.), Ximenea americana L., se destacaram como as mais versáteis dentro da comunidade. As indicações terapêuticas citadas foram agrupadas em 16 categorias de sistemas corporais, dos quais as Desordens mentais e comportamentais, as Afecções ou dores não definidas, os Transtornos do sistema respiratório, as Doenças de pele e do tecido celular subcutâneo, e os Transtornos do sistema sensorial (ouvidos), mostram maior concordância entre os informantes na utilização de espécies para tratar um sistema corporal especifico. Os resultados mostraram elevada riqueza da flora medicinal presente na caatinga. Neste sentido, torna-se necessária a intensificação de estudos que avaliem e consolidem as propriedades químicas e farmacológicas destas espécies.

This study is about an ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants, checking the versatility of the species used and the consensus of use and/or knowledge among informants from the Aratama District, in the municipality of Assaré, state of Ceará, Brazil. The ethnobotanical information was obtained through structured interviews and semi-structured interviews with local residents. Approximately, 116 species were mentioned for medicinal purposes, belonging to 103 genera and 58 families, especially Fabaceae (10ssp.), Asteraceae (7spp.) and Lamiaceae (6spp.). Among the surveyed species, Mentha spicata L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., Allium sativum L. and Bauhinia cheilantha (Bong.) Ximenea americana L. stood out as the most versatile in the community. The therapeutic indications mentioned were grouped into 16 categories of body systems; the mental and behavioral disorders, disorders or pain not defined, disorder of the respiratory system, skin diseases and subcutaneous tissue disorder, and disorder of the sensory system (ears) showed greater agreement among informants in the use of species to treat a specific body system. The results showed a high species richness of the medicinal flora present in the Brazilian Caatinga. Thus, it is necessary to intensify and consolidate studies assessing the chemical and pharmacological properties of these species.

Clinical Implications caused by the agenesis of the RectusAbdominal Muscle’s (MRA) inferior venter

The rectus abdominal muscle is part of the anterior abdominal wall, having three to six bellies. In only oneof the 106 dissections already made in the “Faculdade de Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais” AnatomyLaboratory was found a male cadaver who did not have inferior venter of this muscle bilaterally. Instead, at theleft side, was found a tendon that measured 5.5 cm laterally and 12 cm medially, and at the right side, therewas the same variation with a 15.5 cm length tendon, rising in the upper branch of the pubis and crest pubis.Despite being a rare variation, individuals who have showed it have increased potential for physiological andsurgical complications, in case they need interventions using inferior rectus abdominis muscle venter’s snips.

Confirmação de infecção por Brucella abortus em um rebanho bovino certificado livre em Minas Gerais: relato de caso / Brucella abortus infection in an officially brucellosis-free bovine herd in Minas Gerais state - Brazil: a case report

Relata-se a ocorrência de um surto de brucelose em um rebanho de aproximadamente 1000 animais, livre da doença há 18 anos, certificado pelo Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento desde 2006. Dois animais reagiram aos testes sorológicos de diagnóstico por ocasião dos procedimentos de recertificação em 2008. Após o sacrifício deles, Brucella abortus, biovariedade 1, amostra não vacinal, foi isolada e identificada por meio de provas bioquímicas e de biologia molecular (PCR AMOS). A origem do agente no rebanho é de difícil determinação. No entanto, a adoção de procedimentos preconizados pelo Programa Nacional de Controle e Erradicação da Brucelose permitiu evitar a disseminação da enfermidade. Ocorrências como essas, em que rebanhos livres foram infectados após anos sem a ocorrência de brucelose, nunca haviam sido relatadas no Brasil.

A Brucellosis outbreak is reported in a bovine herd free from the disease for over 18 years, officially free since 2006. One heifer and one cow tested positive in serological tests for the 2008 annual recertification in a herd of almost 1000 animals. Isolation and identification by biochemical tests and molecular biology (AMOS PCR) confirmed the infection by a Brucella abortus biovar 1 field strain. It wasn't possible to find the source of the infection. However, adoption of standard procedures prescribed by the Brazilian National Brucellosis and Tuberculosis Control and Eradication Program hindered the spread of the disease. This is the first report of a Brucella infection in an officially Brucellosis-free bovine herd in Brazil.

Epidemiology of recurrent venous thrombosis

Venous thrombosis, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, is a common disease that frequently recurs. Recurrence can be prevented by anticoagulants, but this comes at the risk of bleeding. Therefore, assessment of the risk of recurrence is important to balance the risks and benefits of anticoagulant treatment. This review briefly outlines what is currently known about the epidemiology of recurrent venous thrombosis, and focuses in more detail on potential new risk factors for venous recurrence. The general implications of these findings in patient management are discussed.

Putative new heat-stable cytotoxic and enterotoxic factors in culture supernatant of Escherichia coli isolated from drinking water

Enteric infections caused by the ingestion of contaminated water, especially by Escherichia coli, are important to define the virulence properties of these bacteria. Due to frequent infantile diarrhea in the city of Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais state, Brazil, the phenotypic and genotypic diarrheagenic properties of E. coli isolated from drinking water were studied. The culture supernatants of 39 (40 percent) among a total of 97 E. coli isolates from drinking water were positive by suckling mouse assay and induced cytotoxic effects on Vero cells. The enterotoxic and cytotoxic activities were present in the fraction with less than 10 kDa and were not lost when heated up to 60¨¬C and 100¨¬C for 30 minutes. PCR assays showed that among these 39 Vero cytotoxigenic E. coli, four (10.2 percent) were positive for ST II (estB) and two (5 percent) positive for ¥áHly (hlyA). Gene amplification of SLT (stx 1, stx 2), ST I (estA), LT (eltI, eltII), EAST1 (astA), EHly (enhly) and plasmid-encoded enterotoxin (pet) were not observed. This heat-stable cytotoxic enterotoxin of E. coli is probably a new putative diarrheagenic virulence factor, as a toxin presenting these characteristics has not yet been described.

Influence of the polymorphisms of the alpha-major regulatory element HS-40 on in vitro gene expression

The α-MRE is the major regulatory element responsible for the expression of human α-like globin genes. It is genetically polymorphic, and six different haplotypes, named A to F, have been identified in some population groups from Europe, Africa and Asia and in native Indians from two Brazilian Indian tribes. Most of the mutations that constitute the α-MRE haplotypes are located in flanking sequences of binding sites for nuclear factors. To our knowledge, there are no experimental studies evaluating whether such variability may influence the α-MRE enhancer activity. We analyzed and compared the expression of luciferase of nine constructs containing different α-MRE elements as enhancers. Genomic DNA samples from controls with A (wild-type α-MRE) and B haplotypes were used to generate C-F haplotypes by site-directed mutagenesis. In addition, three other elements containing only the G→A polymorphism at positions +130, +199, and +209, separately, were also tested. The different α-MRE elements were amplified and cloned into a plasmid containing the luciferase reporter gene and the SV40 promoter and used to transiently transfect K562 cells. A noticeable reduction in luciferase expression was observed with all constructs compared with the A haplotype. The greatest reductions occurred with the F haplotype (+96, C→A) and the isolated polymorphism +209, both located near the SP1 protein-binding sites believed not to be active in vivo. These are the first analyses of α-MRE polymorphisms on gene expression and demonstrate that these single nucleotide polymorphisms, although outside the binding sites for nuclear factors, are able to influence in vitro gene expression.

Small mammals in a fragment and adjacent matrix in southeastern Brazil / Pequenos mamíferos em fragmentos e matriz adjacente no sudeste do Brasil

Between May 2002 and May 2003, we studied a small mammal community from an Atlantic forest fragment surrounded by a coffee plantation in the municipality of Santa Teresa, Espírito Santo state, Brazil. We obtained a total of 300 captures of 114 individuals belonging to 11 mammal species. Seventy three percent of the species captured in the forest also used the coffee plantation, mainly males (90%) and young (80%) individuals of Marmosops incanus. The exceptionally low recapture rate in the coffee plantation suggests that it functions as a corridor between fragments, rather than as a habitat for these species. Understanding the role of matrix habitat use in fragmented landscapes is an important factor in small mammal conservation, as it asymmetrically affects the rate and mode of individual movements of different species.

Entre março de 2002 e abril de 2003, estudamos uma comunidade de pequenos mamíferos em um fragmento de Floresta Atlântica cercado por plantação de café no município de Santa Teresa, estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil. Obtivemos um total de 300 capturas de 114 indivíduos pertencentes a 11 espécies de mamíferos. Setenta e três por cento das espécies capturadas na floresta também usaram a plantação de café, principalmente indivíduos machos (90%) e jovens (80%) de Marmosops incanus. A taxa de recaptura excepcionalmente baixa na plantação de café sugere que este possa funcionar como um corredor entre os fragmentos, e não como habitats para as espécies. Entender como é o uso da matriz de habitats em paisagens fragmentadas é um importante fator na conservação de pequenos mamíferos, uma vez que ele afeta assimetricamente a taxa e o modo de movimento de indivíduos de diferentes espécies.

Brain and lung cryptococcoma and concurrent corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in a goat: a case report

A four-year-old male goat with a history of neurological disorder was euthanized. It presented uncommon nodules in the brain and lungs associated with multiple abscesses, predominantly in the spleen and liver. Histological examination of brain and lung sections revealed yeast forms confirmed to be Cryptococcus gattii after a combination of isolation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedures. Moreover, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection was diagnosed by PCR of samples from the lung, spleen and liver. The present report highlights the rare concurrent infection of C. gatti and C. pseudotuberculosis in an adult goat from São Paulo state, Brazil, and indicates the necessity of surveillance in the treatment of goats with atypical pulmonary infections associated with neurological disorders.(AU)

Brain and lung cryptococcoma and concurrent corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in a goat: a case report

A four-year-old male goat with a history of neurological disorder was euthanized. It presented uncommon nodules in the brain and lungs associated with multiple abscesses, predominantly in the spleen and liver. Histological examination of brain and lung sections revealed yeast forms confirmed to be Cryptococcus gattii after a combination of isolation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedures. Moreover, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection was diagnosed by PCR of samples from the lung, spleen and liver. The present report highlights the rare concurrent infection of C. gatti and C. pseudotuberculosis in an adult goat from São Paulo state, Brazil, and indicates the necessity of surveillance in the treatment of goats with atypical pulmonary infections associated with neurological disorders.

Anatomical alterations due to polyploidy in cassava, Manihot esculenta Crantz

Information on anatomical structure is needed by breeders working on improvement for drought tolerance. For studying the effect of polyploidy on cassava anatomy and its significance to tolerance to drought, we induced a polyploidy type of a selected clone (UnB 530) by applying an aqueous solution of 0.2% colchicine on lateral buds for a period of 12 h. The stem identified as tetraploid was propagated to produce the whole plant. Free-hand cross-sections of the median portion between stem internodes were made. They were clarified using 50% sodium hypochlorite solution, stained with 1% safranin-alcian blue, passed through an ethanol series and butyl acetate and mounted in synthetic resin. The tetraploid type showed more prismatic and druse crystals in the cortical parenchyma, and its pericycle fibers had thicker walls. The secondary xylem of tetraploid types was wider than diploid ones, having thinner walls and less starch.

Critérios mecânicos para progressão de exercícios de rotação interna e externa do ombro no plano sagital / Mechanical criteria for progression in internal and external rotation exercises of the shoulder in the sagittal plane

INTRODUÇÃO: O conhecimento da capacidade de produção de torque e de força, do comportamento da distância perpendicular ao longo do movimento e a influência destas sobre o comportamento do torque produzido é essencial para o entendimento do movimento humano e pode ser de grande utilidade para controlar a sobrecarga imposta à estrutura musculotendínea. OBJETIVO: Apresentar critérios mecânicos para a progressão de exercícios de rotação interna (RI) e externa (RE) do ombro no plano sagital. MÉTODO: Seis indivíduos foram avaliados através de um dinamômetro isocinético e de um eletrogoniômetro. A partir dos dados obtidos na coleta, foram calculadas as médias de torque, força resultante e a distância perpendicular média ponderada (DPMP) nos softwares SAD32 e Matlab®. RESULTADOS: Os ângulos em que ocorreram os picos de torque de RE e RI foram de -34º e 6º, com valores de 43 Nm e 69 Nm respectivamente, e os picos de força muscular de RE e RI ocorreram nos 35º e -14º, sendo que os valores nessas angulações foram de 10227 N e 8464 N, respectivamente. A DPMP dos RE apresentou um comportamento crescente ao longo de toda amplitude de movimento (ADM), tendo seu pico no final da amplitude, ou seja, em -50º (0,91cm); e a DPMP dos RI apresentou-se praticamente constante, com seu maior valor aos 50º (0,96cm). CONCLUSÕES: Os critérios mecânicos para a progressão de exercícios de rotação interna e externa são: torque, força e distância perpendicular média ponderada, porque, baseado em seus comportamentos, é possível promover diferentes sobrecargas sobre a estrutura musculotendínea.

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge of torque and force production capacity and moment arm patterns throughout the movement, and their influence on the torque produced, are essential for understanding human movement and may be of great use for controlling the overload imposed on the muscle-tendon structure. OBJECTIVE: To present mechanical criteria for progression in internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) exercises of the shoulder in the sagittal plane. METHOD: Six individuals were assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer and an electrogoniometer. From the data collected, the mean torque, mean resultant force and weighted mean moment arm were calculated using the SAD32 and Matlab® software. RESULTS: The angles at which the peak ER and IR torque occurred were -34º and 6º with values of 43 Nm and 69 Nm, respectively. The peaks for ER and IR muscle force were at 35º and -14º, and the values at these angles were 10227 N and 8464 N, respectively. The weighted mean moment arm for ER presented an increasing pattern over the whole range of motion (ROM) and the peak was at the end of the ROM, i.e. at -50º (0.91 cm). The weighted mean moment arm for IR was almost constant with its peak at 50º (0.96 cm). CONCLUSION: The mechanical criteria for progression in internal and external rotation exercises of the shoulder are torque, force and weighted mean moment arm because different overloads on the muscle-tendon structure can be caused according to their patterns over the ROM.

Comparative study of human exposure to mercury in riverside communities in the Amazon region

Four populations in the Amazon area were selected for a comparative study of mercury-exposed and non-exposed populations: São Luiz do Tapajós, Barreiras, Panacauera, and Pindobal Grande. The highest mercury levels in human hair samples were found in São Luiz do Tapajós and Barreiras, greatly exceeding the limits established by the World Health Organization. Panacauera showed an intermediate level below 9 µg/g. This was the first comparative and simultaneous evaluation of mercury exposure in the Amazon area. Also, thanks to this type of monitoring, we were able to eliminate the uncertainties about the reference dose. On the basis of these data, we can conclude that the mercury levels detected in exposed populations of the Tapajós River basin may be dangerous not only because they are above the World Health Organization limits, but also because the simultaneous mercury detection in non-exposed populations with similar characteristics provided a valid control and revealed lower mercury levels. Our results support the importance of continuous monitoring in both exposed and non-exposed populations.