Serological survey of Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina, and Anaplasma marginale antibodies in cattle from the semi-arid region of the state of Bahia, Brazil, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays

The objectives of this work were to determine the prevalence of Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina, and Anaplasma marginale detecting antibodies in cattle raised in the semi-arid region of the state of Bahia, Brazil, through indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and to compare the performances of indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays with crude (I-ELISA-CrAnaAg) and recombinant major surface protein-5 (I-ELISA-MSP-5Ag), as antigens to detect antibodies against A. marginale. An stable enzootic area was found in Senhor do Bonfim and Euclides da Cunha for B. bovis that showed 86 and 95.5 percent of prevalence, respectively, and for B. bigemina with 90.8 and 91.3 percent. On the other hand, Uauá and Juazeiro, were characterized as enzootically unstable areas, since prevalences were: B. bovis - 63.7 and 56.4 percent and B. bigemina - 53 and 54.8 percent, respectively. The prevalence of A. marginale in the four municipalities was above 97 percent with I-ELISA-CrAnaAg and 94.8 percent with I-ELISA-MSP-5Ag which is an indication of stable enzootic condition for the rickettsia. The I-ELISA-CrAnaAg and I-ELISA-MSP-5Ag showed a highly significant association (r = 0.977), which means that both ELISA tests are suitable for epidemiological studies of A. marginale.

Systematization in oncology mammaplasty / Sistematização em mamoplastia oncológica

The objective of this study was to emphasize the advantages of mastologists and plastic surgeons working together in a single surgical procedure to treat breast tumors. The authors describe their experience with 58 patients who underwent surgery in the Plastic Surgery facilities at Hospital Divina Providência and Hospital Moinhos de Vento, both in the city of Porto Alegre, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between 1998 and 2001. This surgery involved the removal of the tumor and breast reconstruction in a single surgical procedure. Patients were followed up cliniclally for at least 60 days. Follow-up included evaluation of clinical results, level of satisfaction with the physical aspect, and return to everyday activities. Breast reconstruction techniques have been described, according to the type of resection conducted by the mastologist. Authors have concluded that the combination of surgical oncologic treatment and reconstructionin a single intervention is a key factor for quick recovery and for providing breast cancer patients with a good quality of life.