Antimicrobial resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from patients with pneumonia during the COVID-19 pandemic and pre-pandemic periods in Northeast Brazil

Healthcare-related infections caused by resistant microorganisms are a severe public health problem and are becoming increasingly prevalent in the hospital environment, especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This work aimed to evaluate the resistance profile of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to antimicrobials before the COVID-19 pandemic and during the pandemic period. Bacteria strains were obtained from tracheal aspiration, sputum, and bronchoalveolar lavage for diagnosis and phenotypic characterization. Matrix assisted laser-desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALD-TOF MS) was used to identify strains. Automated Phoenix and VITEK® 2 Compact system and the disc diffusion method were performed to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profile. A total of 41,000 medical reports from adult patients with pneumonia were analyzed. Of these, 951 patients were positive for P. aeruginosa, of which 373 were related to the pre-pandemic period and 578 to the pandemic period. Older men (≥60 years) were more prevalent in both periods. P. aeruginosa strains were resistant to imipenem in both periods: 38.8 and 42.5%, respectively, followed by meropenem (34.2 and 39.2%), ciprofloxacin (33.6 and 36.7%), and levofloxacin (34.9 and 43.5%). Intensive care units had the highest percentage of affected patients (62 and 65%) compared with other sectors, with a prevalence of 71% in the public network before COVID-19 and 59% during the pandemic. Our data showed a prevalence of P. aeruginosa in elderly patients in both the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. In addition, an increase in P. aeruginosa resistance to beta-lactams, quinolones, carbapenems, and cephalosporins was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the period before the pandemic, especially in ICUs.

Performance and digestibility of confined lambs fed with Babassu cake (Orbignya speciosa) as a substitute for elephant grass silage / Desempenho e digestibilidade de cordeiros confinados alimentados com torta de babaçu (Orbignya speciosa) em substituição à silagem de capim-elefante

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the partial replacement of elephant grass silage with babassu (Orbignya speciosa) on the performance, intake, digestibility, and carcass weight gain of sheep. Fifty-four castrated male lambs (19.08±2.76kg) were distributed in a completely randomized design and administered one of the following treatments: 0.0, 12.5, 25.0, 37.5 or 50% dry matter (%DM) replacement of elephant grass silage with babassu cake. No difference (P> 0.05) was observed in the dry matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber intake, but the ether extract intake increased (P< 0.05). The digestibility of the dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, and total digestible nutrients were unaffected. The crude protein digestibility decreased (P< 0.05), and the ether extract digestibility increased with the replacement of the elephant grass. There were no changes in mean daily weight gain and carcass weight gain. In the carcasses, a linear increase was observed in the proportion of the ether extract, and the crude protein decreased. The replacement of the silage with the babassu cake by up to 50% did not change the performance of sheep, however it led to an increase in fat deposit in the carcass.

Objetivou-se avaliar a substituição parcial da silagem de capim elefante por torta de babaçu (Orbignya speciosa) sobre o desempenho, consumo, digestibilidade, composição química e ganho em peso de carcaça de ovinos. Cinquenta e quatro machos, castrados (19,08±2,76kg) foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado e administrado um dos seguintes tratamentos: 0.0, 12.5, 25.0, 37.5 e 50% (%MS) de substituição da silagem pela torta de babaçu. Não houve diferença (P> 0.05) na ingestão de matéria seca, proteína bruta e fibra em detergente neutro, porém o consumo de extrato etéreo aumentou (P< 0.05). A digestibilidade da matéria seca, fibra em detergente neutro e nutrientes digestíveis totais não foram alterados, no entanto, os coeficientes de digestibilidade da proteína bruta reduziu (P< 0.05) e do extrato etéreo aumentou (P< 0.05), com a substituição. Não houve alterações no ganho de peso médio diário e ganho de peso em carcaça. Nas carcaças, observou-se aumento linear na proporção do extrato etéreo, no entanto a porcentagem de proteína bruta diminuiu. O aumento no extrato etéreo da carcaça mostrou uma tendência linear. A substituição da silagem pela torta de babaçu em até 50% não alterou o desempenho de ovinos, porém levou a aumento na deposição de gordura na carcaça.

Relationship between clinical symptomatology on the isolation of Salmonella Gallinarum of japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix) / Relação entre a sintomatologia clínica no isolamento de Salmonella Gallinarum de codornas japonesas (Coturnix coturnix)

Salmonella Gallinarum is capable of causing high mortality in birds of the order Galliformes. This study aimed to relate the presence of clinical signs with the recovery of Salmonella Gallinarum from organs and c loacal swabs of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix) experimentally infected. A total of 70 female quails were housed in a pair per cage and divided in two groups (IG: quails inoculated with 1.5x106 CFU of Salmonella Gallinarum Nalr/mL and CG: control group). After the inoculation, birds were evaluated three times a day to verify the presence of clinical signs. Birds that presented ruffled feathers, eyes closed and remained quiet in the cage were removed for euthanasia, as well as the same number of birds from the inoculated groups that presented no clinical signs and from the control group. Cloacal swabbing was performed following euthanasia for the sampling of liver, spleen, caeca, ovarian follicles and lung for microbiological procedure. Quails with clinical signs and quails found dead presented positivity of 100%. While inoculated quails with no clinical signs presented a lower positivity (38.5%). Therefore, quails with septicemia caused by SG present clinical signs of the disease and the pathogen can be isolated and quantified in the organs.(AU)

Salmonella Gallinarum pode causar alta mortalidade em aves da ordem Galliformes. Objetivou-se neste estudo relacionar a presença de sinais clínicos com a recuperação de Salmonella Gallinarum de órgãos e swabs cloacais de codornas japonesas (Coturnix coturnix) experimentalmente infectadas. Um total de 70 codornas fêmeas foram alojadas em par por gaiola e divididas em dois grupos (IG: codornas inoculadas com 1,5x106 UFC de Salmonella Gallinarum Nalr / mL e CG: grupo controle). Após a inoculação, as aves foram avaliadas três vezes ao dia para se verificar a presença de sinais clínicos. As aves que se apresentaram com penas eriçadas, olhos fechados e permaneciam imóveis na gaiola foram removidas para a eutanásia, assim como o mesmo número de aves dos grupos inoculados que não apresentaram sinais clínicos e do grupo controle. O swab cloacal foi realizado após a eutanásia para a amostragem de fígado, baço, ceco, folículos ovarianos e pulmão para procedimento microbiológico. As codornas com sinais clínicos e as encontradas mortas apresentaram positividade de 100%, enquanto as codornas inoculadas sem sinais clínicos apresentaram menor positividade (38,5%). Portanto, codornas com septicemia causada por SG apresentam sinais clínicos da doença e o patógeno pode ser isolado e quantificado em diversos órgãos.(AU)

Hematological disorders detected in dogs infected by Hepatozoon canis in a municipality in Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil / Alterações hematológicas detectadas em cães infectados por Hepatozoon canis em um município do estado do Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil

A retrospective review of hematological reports of nine dogs detected with Hepatozoon canis infection by microscopic examination of blood smears in a laboratory in the municipality of Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil was conducted. This study aimed to evaluate the hematological profile of these infected dogs, in addition to the occurrence of coinfections with other agents that infect blood cells, since studies concerning canine hepatozoonosis in Brazil are scarce and there are some divergences regarding H. canis infection that still require a resolution. The nine cases of H. canis infection were identified among all dogs examined at the studied laboratory in 2009 and 2010, with an occurrence of 7/1,192 (0.59%; 95% CI 0.15 - 1.02%) positive dogs in the first year and 2/1,313 (0.15%; 95% CI 0.02 - 0.55%) cases in 2010. The analysis of the hematological reports showed an occurrence of coinfection between H. canis and other agents in two (2/9; 22.22%; 95% CI 2.81 - 60.00%) dogs, one with E. canis and another with Babesia spp. (1/9; 11.11%; 95% CI 0.28 - 48.24%). Only the blood test of one dog had no alterations, based on reference values. Anemia was the most frequent hematological alteration (6/9; 66.67%; 95% CI 29.93 - 92.51%). Although the occurrence of H. canis infection was low, significative hematological alterations were observed in most infected dogs. Coinfection with Babesia spp. and E. canis was detected in two dogs and the hematological alterations cannot be attributed exclusively to H. canis in these animals. Longitudinal studies would be of fundamental importance to determine the causality of these alterations. These results highlight the importance of differential diagnosis in dogs when there is clinical suspicion of infection by hemoparasites, since the hematological changes in dogs infected by H. canis are quite variable.(AU)

Realizou-se estudo retrospectivo de laudos hematológicos de nove cães detectados com infecção por Hepatozoon canis, por meio de exame microscópico de esfregaços sanguíneos, em um laboratório no município de Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. Este estudo objetivou avaliar o perfil hematológico dos cães infectados, além da ocorrência de coinfecções com outros agentes que infectam células sanguíneas, tendo em vista que estudos a respeito da hepatozoonose canina no Brasil são escassos e que existem algumas divergências a respeito da infecção por H. canis que ainda requerem esclarecimento. Os nove casos de infecção por H. canis foram identificados dentre todos os cães examinados no laboratório estudado, em 2009 e 2010, com uma ocorrência de 7/1.192 (0,59%; IC 95% 0,15 - 1,02%) cães positivos no primeiro ano e de 2/1.313 (0,15%; IC 95% 0,02 - 0,55%) em 2010. A análise dos laudos hematológicos dos nove cães evidenciou a ocorrência de coinfecção entre H. canis e outros agentes em dois (2/9; 22,22%; IC 95% 2,81 - 60,00%) desses cães, um deles com E. canis e outro com Babesia spp. (1/9; 11,11%; IC 95% 0,28 - 48,24%). Apenas o exame sanguíneo de um cão não evidenciou alterações, com base nos valores de referência. Anemia foi a alteração hematológica mais frequentemente observada (6/9; 66,67%; IC 95% 29,93 - 92,51%). Embora a ocorrência de infecções por H. canis neste estudo tenha sido baixa, alterações hematológicas significativas foram observadas na maioria dos cães infectados. Coinfecções com Babesia spp. e E. canis foram observadas em dois cães, não sendo possível atribuir exclusivamente a H. canis as alterações hematológicas detectadas nesses animais. Estudos longitudinais seriam fundamentais para determinar a causalidade dessas alterações. Os resultados ressaltam a importância de realizar diagnóstico diferencial em cães quando há suspeita clínica de infecção por hemoparasitas, uma vez que as alterações hematológicas em cães infectados por H. canis são bastante variáveis.(AU)

Isolation of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica (O: 4, 5: i) and Salmonella enterica subsp. Typhimurium from free-living domestic pigeons (Columba livia) / Detecção de Salmonella enterica subsp enterica (O: 4, 5: i) e Salmonella enterica subsp. Typhimurium em pombo doméstico de vida livre (Columba livia)

The present study reports the isolation of Salmonella enterica in organs of free-living domestic pigeons. In the clinic examination, the presence of feces in the peri-cloacal and abdominal regions were observed, as well as symptoms such as cachexy, incoordination and opisthotonos. Before any therapeutic protocol was applied the bird died and a necropsy was then performed for the removal of spleen, liver, kidney and intestine for bacteriological examination and antibiotic sensitivity test. Salmonella enterica subsp.enterica (O:4,5:i-) and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium were isolated from the liver and intestine and the sensitivity test demonstrated that these strains are sensitive to several antibiotics...

O presente trabalho relata o isolamento de Salmonella enterica em órgãos de um pombo doméstico de vida livre. No exame clínico foi observada a presença de fezes pericloacal na região ventral, caquexia, incoordenação motora e opistótono. Antes de iniciar um protocolo terapêutico, a ave foi a óbito, e, em seguida, foi realizada uma necropsia para remoção do baço, fígado, rim e intestino para exame bacteriológico e teste de sensibilidade a antibióticos. Foi isolado Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica (O:4,5:i-) e Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica sorovar Typhimurium do fígado e intestino, e o teste de sensibilidade demonstrou que essas cepas são sensíveis a vários antimicrobianos...

Isolation of Salmonella spp. in captive Psittaciformes from zoos and a commercial establishment of Fortaleza, Brazil / Isolamento de Salmonella spp. em Psittaciformes de zoológicos e estabelecimento comercial de Fortaleza, Brasil

This study showed a low prevalence of Salmonella spp. in captive psittacines from zoos and a commercial establishment of Fortaleza. None of the isolated serotypes (S. Lexington, S. Saintpaul and S. Newport) have yet been reported in Amazona aestiva, Ara chloroptera or Melopsittacus undulatus. However, the fact that most birds presented negative for Salmonella spp. may not imply the absence of this pathogen in these birds, since the intermittent excretion is a well-known characteristic of this microorganism...

A manutenção de aves em cativeiro reúne condições que favorecem a disseminação de doenças infecciosas, sendo a Salmonella uma dessas doenças infecciosas que acomete os psitacídeos. Portanto o objetivo do presente estudo foi isolar e identificar Salmonella spp. em Psittaciformes mantidos em criatórios comerciais e conservacionistas da Região Metropolitana de Fortaleza. Para o estudo, foram coletados swabs cloacais de 182 psitacídeos clinicamente sadios. Os resultados mostraram que três psitacídeos avaliados (1,65%) foram positivos: Amazona aestiva (Salmonella Lexington), Ara chloroptera (Salmonella Saintpaul) e Melopsittacus undulatus (Salmonella Newport). De acordo com a literatura científica, não há registro desses sorotipos em psitacídeos. Esta pesquisa evidenciou uma baixa prevalência de Salmonella spp. em Psittaciformes mantidos em criatórios comerciais e conservacionistas da Região Metropolitana de Fortaleza...

Reprocessamento de pinças de alta resolução para corte e coagulação / High-resolution tweezers for cutting and coagulation reprocessing

INTRODUÇÃO: Diversos estudos demonstraram as vantagens clínicas da utilização dos instrumentos de alta resolução em cirurgia, com a redução do tempo operatório, fácil manuseio e efetividade nas incisões, assim como menor geração de fumaça e danos térmicos teciduais. OBJETIVO: Demonstrar a viabilidade técnica de reutilização das pinças de alta resolução para corte e coagulação teoricamente recomendadas para uso único. MÉTODO: Foi avaliada a eficácia da limpeza, garantia do processo de esterilização e qualidade funcional do material. O processo foi aplicado em quatro pinças da marca Ligasure- Valleylab. Cada uma foi identificada com fitas autoclaváveis de cores diferentes para rastreamento. Duas foram submetidas diretamente à limpeza após a primeira utilização e nas outras duas foi coletado, antes desta limpeza, material para a primeira cultura. Todas as pinças passaram por processo de limpeza antes da esterilização. Em seguida foram esterilizadas em peróxido de hidrogênio. Após o processo de esterilização foi colhida, de cada pinça, cultura em meio de solução fisiológica. Após esta coleta todas as pinças foram testadas por um cirurgião quanto à sua atuação em uma amostra de carne bovina. Randomicamente, a cada teste o pesquisador contaminava uma pinça com cepas de Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Staphylococcus aureus e Candida albicans. Este processo foi repetido por quatro vezes. O material foi encaminhado ao laboratório e semeado em meio de cultura passível de identificação microbiológica. Para controle de qualidade todos os testes biológicos, químicos e certificados de qualidade dos produtos utilizados no processo foram anexados. RESULTADOS: Os resultados de todas as culturas foram negativos e a funcionabilidade preservada nas quatro reutilizações. CONCLUSÃO: Quanto à funcionabilidade, as pinças podem ser utilizadas por no mínimo até quatro vezes, que foi o número de vezes testado neste experimento. Portanto, ela pode ser utilizada por cinco vezes, sendo a primeira vinda de fábrica e mais quatro após reprocessamento.

INTRODUCTION: Several studies have demonstrated the clinical benefits of the use of high resolution instruments in surgery, with reduction in the operative time, easy handling and effectiveness in the incisions, as well as lower smoke generation and thermal tissue damage. AIM: To demonstrate the technical feasibility of reusing devices of high resolution for cutting and coagulation, theoretically recommended for single use. METHOD: Was evaluated the efficacy of cleaning, sterilization process and functional quality of the material. The process was applied in four tweezers brand Ligasure - Valleylab. Each was identified with ribbons of different colors autoclavable for tracking. Two were submitted directly to the cleaning after the first use and from the other two were collected samples of this cleaning for the first culture. All tweezers passed through the cleaning process prior to sterilization. Then were sterilized in hydrogen peroxide. After the sterilization process, was taken material from the devices and put it on saline solution for culture. After, the tweezers were tested by a surgeon to analyze its performance in a sample of beef. Randomly at each test the researcher contaminated tweezers with strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. This process was repeated four times. The material was sent to the laboratory and seeded in culture medium capable of microbiological identification. For quality control tests all biological, chemical and quality certification of products used in the process were attached. RESULTS: The results of all cultures were negative, and functionality was preserved in the four reuses. CONCLUSION: As to the functionality, the tweezers may be used at least four times, the number of times tested in this experiment. Therefore, it can be used for five times, the first coming from the factory and four more after reprocessing.

Limb immobilization alters functional electrophysiological parameters of sciatic nerve

Immobilization, used in clinical practice to treat traumatologic problems, causes changes in muscle, but it is not known whether changes also occur in nerves. We investigated the effects of immobilization on excitability and compound action potential (CAP) and the ultrastructure of the rat sciatic nerve. Fourteen days after immobilization of the right leg of adult male Wistar rats (n=34), animals were killed and the right sciatic nerve was dissected and mounted in a moist chamber. Nerves were stimulated at a baseline frequency of 0.2 Hz and tested for 2 min at 20, 50, and 100 Hz. Immobilization altered nerve excitability. Rheobase and chronaxy changed from 3.13±0.05 V and 52.31±1.95 µs (control group, n=13) to 2.84±0.06 V and 59.71±2.79 µs (immobilized group, n=15), respectively. Immobilization altered the amplitude of CAP waves and decreased the conduction velocity of the first CAP wave (from 93.63±7.49 to 79.14±5.59 m/s) but not of the second wave. Transmission electron microscopy showed fragmentation of the myelin sheath of the sciatic nerve of immobilized limbs and degeneration of the axon. In conclusion, we demonstrated that long-lasting leg immobilization can induce alterations in nerve function.

A spreadsheet for calculation of ingredients for standardization of requeijão cremoso / Planilha eletrônica para cálculos de ingredientes visando à padronização de requeijão cremoso

The standardization of requeijão cheese quality characteristics is a processing stage which is directly influenced by the chemical composition of the raw material. Fat and water concentrations are the main factors that cause variation in quality properties of the requeijão and, when not thoroughly controlled, may cause a lack in standardization of the food. Calculations of ingredients for effective standardization must be made in relation to the final product through of iterative calculations, which makes the manual process unfeasible. Thus, the objective of the present study was to develop a spreadsheet for ingredient calculation, with restrictions being the different concentrations of fat and water in order to standardize the final products. The spreadsheet was developed using the Excel 2007® Solver function, with just four input data: quantity of mass, water and fat content of the mass and fat content of the cream. The optimal solution was that which maximizes the amount of final product while meeting the stipulated constraints of fat and water. Results obtained with the spreadsheet were validated by processing the requeijão cheeses and comparison of the theoretical and practical parameters using the t-test. There was no significant difference between fat and water contents (p>0.10) estimated and verified in practice. Therefore, the use of the spreadsheet proved to be efficient for standardization of requeijão formulations.

A padronização das características de qualidade do requeijão é uma etapa do processamento, a qual é diretamente influenciada pela composição química da matéria-prima. Os teores de gordura e água são os principais fatores que acarretam variação nas propriedades de qualidade do requeijão e, quando não controlados minuciosamente, causam despadronização do alimento. Os cálculos de ingredientes para efetiva padronização devem ser realizados em relação ao produto final, por meio de cálculos iterativos, o que inviabiliza o processo manual. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho teve por objetivo desenvolver uma planilha eletrônica para cálculo de ingredientes, tendo como restrições diferentes teores de gordura e água, visando à padronização dos produtos. A planilha foi desenvolvida utilizando-se o suplemento Solver do Excel2007®, sendo que os únicos parâmetros de entrada após a implementação da planilha foram: quantidade de massa, teor de gordura e de água na massa e teor de gordura do creme. A solução ótima foi a maximização da quantidade do produto final que satisfizesse as restrições dos teores de gordura e água estipulados. Os resultados obtidos pela planilha foram validados por meio do processamento dos requeijões e da comparação dos parâmetros teóricos e práticos utilizando-se o teste t. Não houve diferença significativa entre os teores de gordura e de água (p>0,10) estimados e verificados na prática. Portanto, a utilização da planilha eletrônica se apresenta eficiente para padronização de formulações de requeijão cremoso.

Leptospiral antibodies in wild boars (Sus scrofa) bred in Brazil

In the recent years, the wild boar (Sus scrofa) trade has increased in Brazil. The present study aimed to detect Leptospira spp. infection in 308 blood samples from wild boars bred in São Paulo state, Brazil. The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was performed using 29 serovars. Sixty three (63; 20.45 percent) animals tested positive against the serovars Hardjo (29/63; 46.0 percent), Copenhageni (11/63; 17.4 percent), Pomona (8/63; 12.7 percent), Pyrogenes (4/63; 6.3 percent), Wolfii (4/63; 6.3 percent), Autumnalis (3/63; 4.7 percent), Icterohaemorraghiae (2/63; 3.1 percent), and Hardjo-miniswajezak (1/63; 15.8 percent). These results indicate that captive wild boars were infected with Leptospira spp. and may represent a source of infection to humans and other animals.

Anticorpos para Leptospira spp., Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora caninum em cães errantes albergados em canil privado / Antibodies to Leptospira spp., Toxoplasma gondii, and Neospora caninum in mongrel dogs kept in private kennel

The serological profile of 300 mongrel dogs of various ages and gender were investigated. Animals were captured in the streets and afterwards directed to a private kennel in Avaré city (SP) to search for leptospirosis, toxoplasmosis, and neosporosis. Blood samples were obtained from jugular or cephalic vein for the obtention of sera. The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was used to leptospirosis. MAT detect the prevalence of 9.3%. The most frequent reactant serovars were Bratislava (35.7%), Cynopteri (17.9%), Autumnalis (14.3%), and Copenhageni (10.7%), besides 7.1% to others serovars: Icterohaemorrhagiae, Canicola, and Hardjo. The modified agglutination test used for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis showed 26% of positive animals, with titers varying from 16 to 256, with 16 in 3.3%, 64 in 13.7%, and 256 in 9% of the samples. To canine neosporosis, it was used the indirect fluorescent antibody test, and two animals (0.7%) demonstrated antibodies with titers 25 and 100. The results show the participation of the animals in the epidemiological chain of the researched diseases.

Occupational therapy in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3: an open-label trial

Occupational therapy (OT) is a profession concerned with promoting health and well-being through occupation, by enabling handicapped people to participate in the activities of everyday life. OT is part of the clinical rehabilitation of progressive genetic neurodegenerative diseases such as spinocerebellar ataxias; however, its effects have never been determined in these diseases. Our aim was to investigate the effect of OT on both physical disabilities and depressive symptoms of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) patients. Genomically diagnosed SCA3 patients older than 18 years were invited to participate in the study. Disability, as evaluated by functional independence measurement and Barthel incapacitation score, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, and World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF), was determined at baseline and after 3 and 6 months of treatment. Twenty-six patients agreed to participate in the study. All were treated because OT prevents blinding of a control group. Fifteen sessions of rehabilitative OT were applied over a period of 6 months. Difficult access to food, clothing, personal hygiene, and leisure were some of the main disabilities focused by these patients. After this treatment, disability scores and quality of life were stable, and the Hamilton scores for depression improved. Since no medication was started up to 6 months before or during OT, this improvement was related to our intervention. No association was found between these endpoints and a CAG tract of the MJD1 gene (CAGn), age, age of onset, or neurological scores at baseline (Spearman test). Although the possibly temporary stabilization of the downhill disabilities as an effect of OT remains to be established, its clear effect on depressive symptoms confirms the recommendation of OT to any patient with SCA3 or spinocerebellar ataxia.

ABO blood groups and Helicobacter pylori cagA infection: evidence of an association

Diseases resulting from Helicobacter pylori infection appear to be dependent on a host of genetic traits and virulence factors possessed by this microorganism. This paper aimed to investigate the association between the ABO histo-blood groups and H. pylori cagA infections. Genomic DNA samples (n = 110) of gastric biopsies obtained from patients with endoscopic diagnosis of peptic ulcers (n = 25) and chronic active gastritis (n = 85) were analyzed by PCR using specific primers for the cagA gene. Of the samples, 66.4 percent (n = 73) tested positive and 33.6 percent (n = 37) negative for the gene. The cagA strain was predominant in peptic ulcers (n = 21; 84.0 percent) compared with chronic active gastritis (n = 52; 61.2 percent) (p = 0.05; OR 3.332; 95 percent CI: 1.050-10.576). Additionally, the cagA strain was prevalent in the type O blood (48/63; 76.2 percent) compared with other ABO phenotypes (25/47; 53.2 percent) (p = 0.01; OR 2.816; 95 percent CI: 1.246-6.364). These results suggest that H. pylori cagA infection is associated with the O blood group in Brazilian patients suffering from chronic active gastritis and peptic ulcers.

Impact of pituitary FSH purification on in vitro early folliculogenesis in goats

Porcine pituitary follicle stimulating hormone (pFSH) is known to regulate the production of growth factors that have an essential role in early foliculogenesis. However, the effects of different preparations of pFSH on the survival and development of caprine follicles are not yet known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different pFSH (Stimufol and Folltropin) on the in vitro survival and growth of caprine preantral follicles. Pieces of caprine ovarian tissues were cultured for either one or seven days in a supplemented Minimum Essential Medium, alone or containing either Stimufol (50 ng/mL) or Folltropin (10, 50, 100 and 1000 ng/mL). Fresh control ovarian tissues as well as cultured tissued were processed for histological and ultrastructural studies. The results showed that after seven days, o nly Stimufol maintained follicular morphology similar to control. Moreover, follicular degeneration was higher in medium alone or with Folltropin at 50, 100 and 1000 ng/mL. However, at day seven, the percentage of growing follicles was higher in 100 ng/mL of Folltropin than Stimufol. In conclusion, FSH preparations affect differently the performance of in vitro culture of caprine preantral follicles. Stimufol was better to preserve follicular morphology while Folltropin was more efficient to promote follicular growth.

Leptospira spp. and Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) in Botucatu region, SP, Brazil

The destruction of natural ecosystems has caused several problems to humans and other animals; herein we investigate the close relationship among vampire bats, humans and domestic animals. Toxoplasma gondii and Leptospira spp. infections are two worldwide zoonoses that provoke serious damage to animals. To determine the prevalence of bats seropositive for toxoplasmosis and leptospirosis in the Botucatu region, 204 serum samples of vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) were tested for T. gondii antibodies by modified agglutination test (MAT-t) and for Leptospira spp. by microscopic agglutination test (MAT-l). No animal was tested positive for T. gondii while leptospiral positivity was 7.8 percent for Pyrogenes, Shermani and Javanica serovars, with titers varying from 100 to 1,600. Thus, it was verified that D. rotundus does not play a relevant role in toxoplasmosis epidemiology. However, these bats can be important in the maintenance of Leptospira spp. in the environment.(AU)

Leptospira spp. antibodies in captive coatis (Nasua nasua Storr, 1780) (Carnivora: Procyonidae)

Leptospirosis is a worldwide infection that affects many species, including wild animals. The present study aimed to detect Leptospira spp. antibodies in 17 captive coatis (Nasua nasua) by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Nine (52.94 percent) animals tested positive and the following serovars were identified: Copenhageni (22.22 percent), Shermani (22.22 percent), Andamana (11.11 percent), Wolfii (11.11 percent) and Pyrogenes (11.11 percent). Two samples presented coagglutination, one (11.11 percent) for Hebdomadis and Wolfii, and another (11.11 percent) for Hebdomadis, Hardjo and Wolfii. The current study revealed the presence of the infection even in animals without any clinical signs, reinforcing the possibility that wild animals in captivity may be infected by leptospire serovars, thus enabling reservoirs.

Prevalence and risk factors for human toxoplasmosis in a rural community

Toxoplasma gondii infection may lead to important pathological questions, especially in rural areas, where several sources of infection exist. Therefore, it is important to determine risk factors in order to establish adequate prophylactic measures. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors involved in human toxoplasmosis infection in a rural community, in Eldorado, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. This community was composed of 185 farms - with 671 inhabitants - from which 20 were randomly chosen. In these farms, blood samples were collected from rural workers, who also answered a risk factor questionnaire. Serum samples were analyzed by means of direct agglutination test for the detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. From 73 samples collected, 79.45% were positive. None of the studied variables was significantly associated with the prevalence of the infection. However, among the individuals who reported eyesight impairments, 94.4% had anti-T. gondii antibodies, compared with 74.0% who did not report eyesight changes (p = 0.0594). Moreover, most individuals in the study (68.20%) were older than 18 years and presented 84.44% positivity, compared with 66.67% of positive individuals younger than 18 years old. We were able to conclude that a high prevalence of antibodies did not imply significant associations with the risk factors studied.(AU)

Serological survey for rabies in serum samples from vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) in Botucatu region, SP, Brazil

The chiropterans constitute 25% of the world's mammal fauna. Due to the destruction of their natural ecosystem, the vampire bats have moved from nature to artificial roosts closer to man and domestic animals. This phenomenon has happened particularly in rural areas. Rabies is a viral anthropozoonosis, 100% lethal, and vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) represent an important role in its epidemiology. D. rotundus were captured at night with mesh nets in partnership with the Botucatu Defense Office and sent to the Zoonosis Diagnostic Service, at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry, UNESP. Serum samples from 204 bats were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and fluorescent antibody viral neutralization test (FAVN) for rabies antibody detection. The results showed 7.4% of sera with titers higher or equal to 0.5 U for rabies antibodies, which demonstrated viral flow circulation among the studied region. Data suggest a need for constant monitoring accomplished by epidemiological and sanitary measures.(AU)

Fatores de risco para doenças cardiovasculares em idosos com diabetes mellitus tipo 2 / Cardiovascular risk factors in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus tipo 2

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os fatores de risco relacionados às doenças cardiovasculares (FRDCV), em idosos diabéticos do tipo 2, através de um estudo observacional com delineamento transversal, tendo sido realizado com 100 idosos atendidos no Centro Regional de Reabilitação de Araraquara (CRRA), São Paulo, Brasil, de março a dezembro de 2004. Houve predominância de indivíduos casados, sexo feminino, brancos, com baixa renda e baixa escolaridade. Quanto aos hábitos e estilo de vida, predominaram os que mantinham dietas adequadas, sedentários, não fumantes e não etilistas. Entre os 100 indivíduos estudados, 42% apresentaram sobrepeso, 42% obesidade, 71% valores inadequados de circunferência abdominal e 84% de relação cintura-quadril de acordo com o sexo. Em relação aos FRDCV, 54,0% apresentaram hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS), 54,0% com hipercolesterolemia, 51,0% de hipertrigliceridemia, 84% com valores elevados de LDL-colesterol, 59% com níveis reduzidos de HDL-colesterol, 78,0% com níveis elevados de glicemia de jejum, 76,0% com níveis elevados de hemoglobina glicada e 57,0% de fibrinogênio. Os resultados demonstraram uma frequência elevada de FRDCV com diferenças em relação ao sexo e a idade.

The aim of this study was to analyze the risk factors related to the cardiovascular diseases (CVRF) in elderly type 2 diabetics. A cross-sectional observational study was carried out on 100 elderly patients attending the Rehabilitation Center of Araraquara (CRRA), São Paulo State, Brazil, from March to December, 2004. The majority were married, female, white, with a low income and low educational level. Regarding habits and style of life, the subjects had an adequate diet, were sedentary, non-smoking and non-drinking. In the population of 100, 42% were overweight, 42% obese, 71% had abovenormal waist measurements and 84% high waist-to-hip ratios. Concerning the CVRF, it was observed that more than half had hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia. 84% had high values of LDLcholesterol and 59% HDL-cholesterol levels below the reference values, 78% high levels of fasting glycemia, 76% glycohemoglobin and 57% fibrinogen and thus subject to cardiovascular risk. The results showed a highfrequency of cardiovascular risk factors, differing according to sex and the age.

Y chromosome microdeletions in Brazilian fertility clinic patients

Microdeletions in Yq are associated with defects in spermatogenesis, while those in the AZF region are considered critical for germ cell development. We examined microdeletions in the Y chromosomes of patients attended at the Laboratory of Human Reproduction of the Clinical Hospital of the Federal University of Goiás as part of a screening of patients who plan to undergo assisted reproduction. Analysis was made of the AZF region of the Y chromosome in men who had altered spermograms to detect possible microdeletions in Yq. Twenty-three patients with azoospermia and 40 with severe oligozoospermia were analyzed by PCR for the detection of six sequence-tagged sites: sY84 and sY86 for AZFa, sY127 and sY134 for AZFb, and sY254 and sY255 for AZFc. Microdeletions were detected in 28 patients, including 10 azoospermics and 18 severe oligozoospermics. The patients with azoospermia had 43.4% of their microdeletions in the AZFa region, 8.6% in the AZFb region and 17.4% in the AZFc region. In the severe oligozoospermics, 40% were in the AZFa region, 5% in the AZFb region and 5% in the AZFc region. We conclude that microdeletions can be the cause of idiopathic male infertility, supporting conclusions from previous studies.