Surgical scrubbing with and without a brush in decreasing the number of germ colonies on hands: A Systematic review

Purpose@#This study aims to compare surgical scrubbing with and without a brush in decreasing the number of germ colonies on hands.@*Background@#Surgical scrubbing with and without a brush are currently popular worldwide. To date, the optimal method in decreasing the number of germ colonies on the hands is not known.@*Methods@#Systematic review of effectiveness was conducted. The databases and publisher websites included PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Wiley Online Library, Cochrane Library and recruitment studies published between 2009-2019. The risk of bias was assessed utilizing Cochrane Collaboration's tool.@*Results@#Included clinical studies consisting of five randomized controlled trials. The procedures and duration of surgical scrubbing on each study varied depending on the protocol as a reference. All clinical studies found no difference in the number of colonyforming units (CFU) on the hand between surgical scrubbing with and without a brush.@*Conclusions@#Scrubbing with and without a brush showed similar efficacy in terms of the number of germ colonies on the hands.

Ultrasound monitoring of the uterus and ovaries of dominant and subordinate females of yellow-breasted capuchin (Sapajus xanthosternos) and robust tufted capuchin (Sapajus robustus) in captive colonies during the ovarian cycle and anestrus periods / Acompanhamento ultrassonográfico do útero e ovários de fêmeas dominantes e subordinadas de macacos-prego-do-peito-amarelo (Sapajus xanthosternos) e macacos-prego-de-crista (Sapajus robustus) em colônias cativas, durante o ciclo ovariano e períodos de anestro

The yellow-breasted capuchin (Sapajus xanthosternos) and robust tufted capuchin (Sapajus robustus) are endangered species due to destruction of their natural habitat and predatory chase. However, it is still necessary to elucidate some details of their reproductive physiology in order to obtain better indices in the assisted reproduction of these species. This study aimed to evaluate the ovarian cycle of 13 dominant and subordinate females of S. xanthosternos (n=8) and S. robustus (n=5) using sagittal and transversally scanned ultrasound of their uterus and ovaries. Sonograms were performed every seven days for two months. The ovarian cycle phase and anestrous condition were confirmed by colpocytology. Our results showed different uterine parameters (craniocaudal diameter, dorso-ventral diameter, and transverse diameter) (P<0.05) between anestrous subordinate females and other ovarian cycle phases and social classes. The mean of uterine volume was higher in dominant females than subordinate females in all cycle phases (P<0.05), except in follicular phase. During anestrus, endometrial width was smaller in subordinate females than in dominant females (P<0.05). Subordinate females showed differences in endometrial measures (P<0.05) between anestrous period and follicular and luteal periods. Ovarian measures in dominant females were higher than in subordinate females only during anestrus (P<0.05). In the subordinate females, ovarian parameters were different (P<0.05) between anestrus and follicular and luteal phases. Dominant females showed higher volume of right ovary compared to volume of the left ovary during anestrus and follicular phase (P<0.05). Follicles and corpus luteum were distinguished by ultrasonography in most exams (86.11%). During anestrus, measurable ovarian structures were not observed in both ovaries in dominant and subordinate females. In conclusion, the methodology used in this study allowed to evaluate the ovarian cycle in S. xanthosternos e S. robustus females and that cycle phase/anestrus and social class of the female influenced the size of the uterus and ovaries.(AU)

O macaco-prego-do-peito-amarelo (Sapajus xanthosternos) e o macaco-prego-de-crista (Sapajus robustus) encontram-se em risco de extinção devido a destruição do seu habitat e a caça predatória. Porém, ainda necessita-se elucidar alguns detalhes de sua fisiologia reprodutiva, para obterem-se melhores índices por meio de reprodução assistida. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi acompanhar o ciclo ovariano de 13 fêmeas dominantes e subordinadas de S. xanthosternos (n=8) e S. robustus (n=5) por meio de cortes ultrassonográficos sagitais e transversais do útero e dos ovários. Estas fêmeas foram examinadas uma vez por semana durante dois meses. A fase do ciclo ovariano/anestro foi confirmada pela colpocitologia. Os resultados da pesquisa demonstrou diferença significativa (P<0,05) relacionada ao diâmetro crânio-caudal, diâmetro dorso-ventral e diâmetro transversal entre as fêmeas subordinadas em anestro com todas as outras fases do ciclo ovariano e classes sociais. A média do volume uterino foi maior nas fêmeas dominantes que nas subordinadas em todas as fases do ciclo (P<0,05) a exceção da fase folicular. A largura endometrial, durante o período de anestro, foi menor nas fêmeas subordinadas quando comparada às dominantes (P<0,05). Nas fêmeas subordinadas, houve diferenças (P<0,05) nas mensurações endometriais entre o período de anestro e das fases folicular e lútea. Quanto aos ovários, as médias das medidas observadas nas fêmeas dominantes foram superiores as das subordinadas durante o anestro (P<0,05). As médias das medidas das variáveis ovarianas das fêmeas subordinadas apresentaram diferenças entre o anestro e as fases folicular e lútea (P<0,05). Nas fêmeas dominantes o volume do ovário direito foi maior que o do ovário esquerdo durante o anestro e na fase folicular (P<0,05). Folículos e corpos lúteos foram diferenciados pela ultrassonografia na maioria das coletas (86,11%). Durante o anestro não foram observadas estruturas ovarianas mensuráveis nos ovários em ambas as classes sociais. Concluiu-se que a metodologia empregada neste estudo permitiu o acompanhamento do ciclo ovariano das fêmeas S. xanthosternos e S. robustus e que as fases do ciclo/anestro e a classe social das fêmeas influenciaram as medidas do útero e ovários.(AU)

Health Status of Leprosy Affected People in Rehabilitation Colonies of Uttarakhand

In the post elimination era for leprosy in India, with changing disease epidemiology and controlled incidence rates, now the focus must shift to rehabilitative strategies for leprosy affected persons (LAP) residing in leprosy rehabilitation colonies. For this, firstly it is important to reassess their socioeconomic and health status before making any recommendations. This study has been conducted among 137 LAP residing in 7 such colonies in Uttarakhand, who were interviewed on a predesigned, pretested questionnaire with aims to study the overall health status of LAPs, to assess their awareness about the disease and to assess their access to various health facilities and make recommendation for their rehabilitation. Out of 137 participants, 72% belonged to 41-80 years' age group. 85% of study participants were either illiterate or had less than or equal to primary education. More than half of the participants were engaged in begging. 87% LAPs had disabilities in hands and feet, 28.3% had disability in eyes. 24% participants had BMI <18.5. 13.9% participants had diabetes, 28.5% - Hypertension, and 13.1% had history of Tuberculosis. NGO's hospital/ private clinic is the nearest health facility for 62.8% of LAPs. Although all inhabitants (100%) are getting support from the government in form of land for rehabilitation colonies, disability cards etc., however, 44.53% had not been visited by any government functionary in the last month indicating need for proper supervision. Socioeconomic and health status of LAPs was found to be poor with most being illiterate, disabled, having comorbidities like diabetes mellitus. Strategies should be considered to improve the access to government services and developing collaboration with certain NGO's for strengthening of health infrastructure and administration, disability care and rehabilitation.

Decontamination of genetically modified mice strains by embryo transfer for obtaining SPF colonies in a Brazilian animal facility / Descontaminação de linhagens de camundongos geneticamente modificadas por transferência embrionária para obtenção de colônias SPF em um biotério brasileiro (São Paulo, SP)

The introduction of new strains of mice in specific pathogen-free (SPF) animal facilities should be performed carefully to avoid breaking sanitary barriers. To meet this need, animals should be rederived to reduce infection risk and thus avoid research interference caused by loss of animal health status and welfare. The objective of this study was to implement mice embryo transfer in the laboratory mouse facility of the Department of Immunology at the Institute of Biomedical Sciences/University of São Paulo, Brazil. Embryo transfers were performed to rederive genetically modified mouse strains with undefined sanitary status, received from different research and educational institutions. Fertilized eggs at two-cell stage were obtained by natural means and transferred into the oviducts of SPF pseudo-pregnant female mice. All surgical procedures were performed under aseptic conditions. A total of 625 embryos were transferred into the recipients. 148 pups were born, of which 140 were reared. Viruses, bacteria and intestinal protozoa were eliminated using this technique. The improvement in the microbiological status of mice allowed their expansion in our SPF facility. With these results, we can stimulate the use of embryo transfer technique between rodent facilities in Brazil and thus encourage the distribution of better models to our scientific community.(AU)

A introdução de novas linhagens de camundongos em biotérios livres de patógenos específicos (SPF) deve ser realizada com critérios para evitar a quebra das barreiras sanitárias. Dessa forma, os animais devem ser rederivados para reduzir os riscos de infecção e evitar as interferências provocadas pela perda do status sanitário e do bem-estar dos animais. O objetivo deste estudo foi implementar a transferência de embriões murinos no Biotério do Departamento de Imunologia do Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas da Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil. As transferências embrionárias foram realizadas para rederivar linhagens de camundongos geneticamente modificadas com status sanitário não conhecido, recebidas de diferentes instituições de pesquisa e de ensino. Os embriões em duas células foram obtidos pelos métodos naturais e transferidos para os ovidutos de fêmeas de camundongos SPF pseudoprenhas. Todos os procedimentos cirúrgicos foram realizados sob condições assépticas. Um total de 625 embriões foram transferidos para as receptoras. Foram obtidos 148 filhotes nascidos vivos, destes 140 foram desmamados. Por meio desta técnica, foram eliminados vírus, bactérias e protozoários intestinais. A melhora no status microbiológico dos camundongos permitiu a expansão destes em nossa colônia SPF. Com esses resultados, podemos promover o uso da técnica de transferência de embriões entre os biotérios brasileiros e assim incentivar a distribuição de modelos mais adequados para a nossa comunidade científica.(AU)

Em busca do novo Éden no século XX: os portugueses e a fundação de colónias naturistas no Brasil / In search of a new Eden in the twentieth century: the Portuguese and the establishment of naturist colonies in Brazil

Resumo Este trabalho integra um projeto que se dedica ao estudo dos inícios do vegetarianismo e do naturismo em Portugal. Procura contextualizar a ligação entre as duas realidades para, em seguida, verificar a extensão dos ideais naturistas ao Brasil, em particular na região do Pará, por meio da fundação de uma efémera colónia naturista em Boim (na margem do rio Tapajós) e do projeto fracassado de criação de uma nos arredores de Belém. Outras tentativas de divulgação das ideias vegetarianas e naturistas passaram pela chegada de livros e revistas portugueses e pela fundação de sociedades vegetarianas e naturistas em várias cidades brasileiras. Importa, pois, problematizar e interpretar esses percursos por meio de fontes inéditas.

Abstract This article is part of a project that is studying the beginnings of vegetarianism and naturism in Portugal. It contextualizes the connection between the two realities, then ascertains how widely naturist ideas were spread in Brazil, especially in the Pará region, through the establishment of a short-lived naturist colony in Boim (on the Tapajós river) and the abortive plans to create one on the outskirts of Belém. Other efforts to spread vegetarian and naturist ideas included the importing of Portuguese magazines and books and the founding of vegetarian and naturist societies in different Brazilian towns and cities. It is therefore important to problematize and interpret these paths through unpublished sources.

Comparison of two artificial diets to rear Elaphria agrotina / Comparação de duas dietas artificiais para criação de Elaphria agrotina

ABSTRACT: Given the increasing importance of Elaphria agrotina (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in corn crops, especially in the Brazilian Savannah biome, the present research aimed to study its development and survival on Greene's and Poitout & Bues's artificial diets (25±1°C, 70±10% relative humidity [RH] and 12h photophase). Poitout & Bues's diet was more suitable than Greene's diet, providing higher survival percent (77.51% vs. 5.57%), lower development time (49.81 days vs. 55.24 days) and higher fecundity (167.65 vs. 84.9 eggs), respectively. All the caterpillars reared on Poitout & Bues's diet passed through six instars, while almost half of the larvae reared on Greene's diet went through one less instar stage. Regarding the main reproductive parameters, higher average time of generation (T) and lower values of net rates of reproduction (Ro), and increased (rm) intrinsic and finite reason of increase (λ), were observed for larvae reared on Greene's diet. Results presented in this study indicated that Poitout & Bues's diet is more suitable for maintenance of colonies of E. agrotina as compared to Greene's diet.

RESUMO: Com a crescente importância de Elaphria agrotina (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) em cultivos de milho, especialmente no Bioma Cerrado, o presente trabalho objetivou comparar o seu desenvolvimento e sobrevivência em dieta artificial de Greene e Poitout & Bues (25±1ºC, 70±10% umidade relativa [UR] e fotofase de 12h). A dieta de Poitout & Bues foi mais adequada que a dieta de Grenne, proporcionando maior sobrevivência (77.51% e 5.57%), menor tempo de desenvolvimento (49.81 dias e 55.24 dias) e maior fecundidade (167.65 ovos e 84.9 ovos), respectivamente. Todas as lagartas alimentadas com dieta de Poitout & Bues passaram por seis instares, enquanto que praticamente metade das provenientes da dieta de Greene passou por um instar a menos. Lagartas alimentadas com dieta de Greene, apresentaram maior valor do tempo médio de cada geração (T) e menores valores das taxas líquida de reprodução (Ro), intrínseca de aumento (rm) e razão finita diária de aumento (λ). Os resultados deste estudo indicam a recomendação da dieta de Poitout & Bues para manutenção de colônias e criação massal de E. agrotina quando comparada com a dieta de Greene.

Neutropenia inducida por citostáticos en oncología / Neutropenia induced by cytostatics in oncology

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal de 330 pacientes con cáncer, atendidos en el Hospital Oncológico Conrado Benítez de Santiago de Cuba, desde junio hasta diciembre del 2014, para determinar la presencia de neutropenias inducidas por quimioterapia. Presentaron esa afección 145 pacientes (44,0 por ciento). Predominaron el grupo etario de 41-60 años (51,0 por ciento), el sexo femenino (87,5 por ciento), el cáncer de mama (64,8 por ciento), el estadio clínico II (50,3 por ciento), los afectados con 2 episodios de neutropenia (62,1 por ciento), así como los grados leve (51,7 por ciento) y moderado (37,9 por ciento). Respondieron al tratamiento con ior® LeukoCIM 118 pacientes (81,4 por ciento). No se estableció asociación entre las diferentes combinaciones de citostáticos, el número de episodios y los grados de esa enfermedad. La disponibilidad del ior® LeukoCIM para tratar dicha afección facilitará su uso profiláctico y mejorará la calidad de vida de estos pacientes

A descriptive and cross-sectional study of 330 patients with cancer, assisted in Conrado Benítez Oncological Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, was carried out from June to December, 2014, to determine the presence of neutropenias induced by chemotherapy. This disorder was present in 145 patients (44.0 percent). There was a prevalence of the 41-60 age group (51.0 percent), female sex (87.5 percent), breast cancer (64.8 percent), clinical stage II (50.3 percent), those affected patients with 2 neutropenia episodes (62.1 percent), as well as light (51.7 percent) and moderate grades (37.9 percent). One hundred eighteen patients responded to the treatment with ior® LeukoCIM (81.4 percent). There was no association between the different combinations of cytostatics, number of episodes and grades of that disease. The availability of the ior® LeukoCIM to treat this disorder will facilitate its prophylactic use and will improve these patients life quality

Application of fine management in the infection control and management of pharmacy intravenous admixture services / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective To investigate the fine management in the role of infection control management and the effect evaluation in pharmacy intravenous admixture services. Methods From July 2013 to June 2016, infection control management were reviewed retrospectively in pharmacy intravenous admixture services:routine management (from July 2013 to December 2014) and fine management (from January 2015 to June 2016). The settlement of air bacteria formation rate, hand hygiene compliance and accuracy of drug-care workers, and worker′s hand colonization monitoring data before and after the fine management were compared. Results After the implementation of fine management, the settlement of air bacteria formation rate was reduced from 10.42%(120.0/1152) to 4.45%(51.3/1152); there was significant differences (t=3.417, P<0.01).The hand hygiene compliance of drug-care workers increased from 81.50%(1172/1438) to 95.56%(1314/1375), the difference was statistically significant (χ2=1.353, P<0.01);the accuracy rate increased from 86.09%(1109/1172) to 95.13%(1250/1314), the difference was statistically significant (χ2=60.975, P<0.01); workers′ hands colonies number after fine management decreased than before, and there was significant differences (χ2=41.163, P<0.01). Conclusions The fine management has a higher application value in the infection control management of pharmacy intravenous admixture services, which can reduce the settlement of air bacteria formation rate, workers′ hands colonies number, improve hand hygiene compliance and accuracy of drug-care workers, further standardize the worker′s behavior, provide a more secure configuration environment, and guarantee the quality of drug configuration.

Application of fine management in the infection control and management of pharmacy intravenous admixture services / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective To investigate the fine management in the role of infection control management and the effect evaluation in pharmacy intravenous admixture services. Methods From July 2013 to June 2016, infection control management were reviewed retrospectively in pharmacy intravenous admixture services:routine management (from July 2013 to December 2014) and fine management (from January 2015 to June 2016). The settlement of air bacteria formation rate, hand hygiene compliance and accuracy of drug-care workers, and worker′s hand colonization monitoring data before and after the fine management were compared. Results After the implementation of fine management, the settlement of air bacteria formation rate was reduced from 10.42%(120.0/1152) to 4.45%(51.3/1152); there was significant differences (t=3.417, P<0.01).The hand hygiene compliance of drug-care workers increased from 81.50%(1172/1438) to 95.56%(1314/1375), the difference was statistically significant (χ2=1.353, P<0.01);the accuracy rate increased from 86.09%(1109/1172) to 95.13%(1250/1314), the difference was statistically significant (χ2=60.975, P<0.01); workers′ hands colonies number after fine management decreased than before, and there was significant differences (χ2=41.163, P<0.01). Conclusions The fine management has a higher application value in the infection control management of pharmacy intravenous admixture services, which can reduce the settlement of air bacteria formation rate, workers′ hands colonies number, improve hand hygiene compliance and accuracy of drug-care workers, further standardize the worker′s behavior, provide a more secure configuration environment, and guarantee the quality of drug configuration.

Melanoma lentiginoso acral en una mujer suazí / Acral lentiginous melanoma in a suazi woman

Se presenta el caso clínico de una fémina de 58 años de edad, de raza negra, quien acudió a la consulta de Cirugía del Hospital Gubernamental de Mbabane en Suazilandia por presentar una lesión pigmentada y ulcerada en el talón del pie derecho, donde se le practicó una biopsia por escisión cuyo resultado fue un melanoma lentiginoso acral invasivo. Posteriormente fue evaluada en la consulta de Oncología y luego de realizarle los exámenes complementarios necesarios, la neoplasia se clasificó en estadio IIC. La paciente fue remitida a Sudáfrica para recibir tratamiento con citosinas inmunomoduladoras, factor estimulante de colonias de granulocitos y macrófagos o inhibidores del gen BRAF.

The case report of a 58 years black woman is presented. She went to the Surgery Service of Mbabane Government Hospital in Suaziland due to a pigmented and ulcerated injury in her right foot heel, where she had an excisional biopsy whose result was an invasive acral lentiginous melanoma. Later on she was evaluated in the Oncology Service and after carrying out the necessary complementary tests, the neoplasm was classified in stage IIC. The patient was referred to South Africa to receive treatment with immunomodulatory cytokines, stimulating factor of granulocytes and macrophages colonies or BRAF gene inhibitors.

Neutropenia inducida por quimioterapia en pacientes con cáncer de mama / Neutropenia induced by chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal y prospectivo de 201 pacientes con cáncer de mama atendidos en el Servicio de Quimioterapia del Hospital Oncológico Docente Provincial "Conrado Benítez García" de Santiago de Cuba durante un año (de junio del 2013 a igual mes del 2014), a fin de caracterizarles y determinar la presencia de neutropenia como reacción adversa al tratamiento. La información fue analizada estadísticamente mediante el cálculo porcentual y la prueba de la Χ², con lo cual se obtuvo que 82 pacientes padecieran neutropenia (40,7 %), en quienes predominó el grupo etario de 41-60 años (50,0 %), el estadio clínico II del tumor maligno (65,8 %) y un único episodio de neutropenia (90,2 %). En cuanto a las pacientes diagnosticadas con neutropenia, se registraron 91 episodios, con mayor frecuencia de los grados moderado (52,7 %) y leve (39,5 %), y una reacción favorable al factor estimulante de colonias de granulocitos humano en 81,8 % de ellas. Por último, se demostró la existencia de neutropenia como efecto adverso a los citostáticos en casi 50 % de las pacientes, así como el resultado beneficioso del factor estimulante en estas; sin embargo, no se halló asociación entre las diferentes combinaciones de citostáticos y los episodios y grados de neutropenia.

A descriptive, cross-sectional and prospective study of 201 patients with breast cancer assisted in the Chemotherapy Service of "Conrado Benítez García" Teaching Provincial Oncological Hospital in Santiago de Cuba was carried out during a year (from June, 2013 to the same month of 2014), in order to characterize them and to determine neutropenia as adverse reaction to the treatment. The information was analyzed statistically by means of the percentage calculation and the test Chi squared test, with which it was obtained that 82 patients suffered neutropenia (40.7%) in whom the age group 41- 60 years prevailed (50.0%), the clinical stage II of the malignant tumor (65.8%) and just one neutropenia episode (90.2%). As for the patients diagnosed with neutropenia, 91 episodes were registered, with higher frequency of the moderated degrees (52.7%) and mild (39.5%), and a favorable reaction to the stimulating factor of human granulocytes colonies 81.8% of them. Lastly, the neutropenia existence as adverse effect to the cytostatic drugs in almost 50% of the patients was demonstrated, as well as the beneficial result of the stimulating factor in them; however, there was no association between the different combinations of cytostatic drugs and the episodes and neutropenia degrees.

Nesting of social wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in a riparian forest of rio das Mortes in southeastern Brazil / Nidificação de vespas sociais (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) em floresta ripária do rio das Mortes no Sudeste do Brasil

The survival of social wasp species depends on the success in founding new nests. These species can use plant species with different specific characteristics for nesting, with nest architecture varying according to the habits of those plant species. The nesting of social wasps in natural environments was studied in the period from October 2005 to September 2007 in the rio das Mortes riparian forest, municipal district of Barroso, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, with the objective of evaluating the different types of plant substrate used by social wasps for nesting, and to investigate whether there is a relationship between nest construction type and the habits of plant species. A total of 171 colonies of social wasps belonging to 29 species were recorded, which used 78 plant species as nesting substrate (76 Angiosperms and two Pteridophytes) of arbustive, herbaceous, arboreal, epiphyte and liana habits. Species with phragmocyttarus and gymnodomous nests were observed nesting, with higher incidence, in arboreal plants and their deciduousness did not affect the nesting. The preservation of natural areas is suggested in order to guarantee a higher availability of nesting places for the social wasp species, ensuring their higher efficiency in the environmental services and biological control of agricultural pests.

A sobrevivência das espécies de vespas sociais depende do sucesso na fundação de novos ninhos. Essas espécies podem utilizar para nidificação de diferentes espécies vegetais com características específicas, com a arquitetura dos ninhos que variam em relação aos hábitos dessas espécies vegetais. A nidificação de vespas sociais em ambiente natural foi estudada no período de outubro de 2005 a setembro de 2007 em uma floresta ripária do rio das Mortes, município de Barroso, Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil, com o objetivo de avaliar os diferentes tipos de substratos vegetais utilizados por vespas sociais para nidificação, e investigar se há relação entre o tipo de construção dos ninhos com os hábitos das espécies vegetais. Foram registradas 171 colônias de vespas sociais pertencentes a 29 espécies, que utilizaram como substrato de nidificação 78 espécies vegetais (76 Angiospermas e 2 Pteridófitas) de hábitos arbustivo, herbácea, arbóreo, epífita e liana. Espécies com ninhos fragmocítaros e giminódomos nidificaram, com maior incidência, em plantas arbóreas e a deciduidade das mesmas não afetou a nidificação. Sugere-se a preservação das áreas naturais de modo a garantir maior disponibilidade de locais de nidificação para as espécies de vespas sociais, assegurando maior eficiência nos serviços ambientais e no controle biológico de pragas na agricultura.

Seasonal richness and composition of social wasps (Hymenoptera, vespidae) in areas of cerrado biome in Barroso, Minas Gerais, Brazil / Riqueza sazonal e composição de vespas sociais (Hymenoptera, vespidae) em áreas de cerrado em Barroso, Minas Gerais, Brasil

The study evaluated the seasonal richness and composition of social wasps in Cerrado transition areas and Atlantic Forest in the municipal district of Barroso (Cerrado Grassland, Semidecidual Forest and Anthropic Areas). Thirty-eight species of social wasps were recorded, distributed in 10 genera and 127 colonies. The phytophysiognomy of Cerrado Grassland had the highest number of species (35) and colonies (76), followed by Semidecidual Forest (26 species and 37 colonies) and Anthropic Areas (nine species and 14 colonies). Agelaia vicina (Saussure, 1854) showed the highest constancy, present in 57.7% of collections. The number of social wasp species and colonies was positively correlated with temperature and precipitation. The hot and humid season is the most favorable period for social wasp population growth.

A riqueza sazonal e composição de vespas sociais em áreas de transição Cerrado e Mata Atlântica no município de Barroso foram avaliadas (campo cerrado, mata semidecidual e áreas antrópicas). Foram registradas 38 espécies de vespas sociais, distribuídas em 10 gêneros, e 127 colônias. A fitofisionomia de campo cerrado teve o maior número de espécies (35) e de colônias (76), seguido da mata semidecidual (26 espécies e 37 colônias) e áreas antrópicas (nove espécies e 14 colônias). Agelaia vicina (Saussure, 1854) apresentou maior constância, presente em 57,7% das coletas. O número de espécies e colônias de vespas sociais correlacionou positivamente com a temperatura e a precipitação. A estação quente e úmida é o período mais favorável para o crescimento populacional de vespas sociais.

Nidification of Polybia rejecta (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) associated to Azteca chartifex (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in a fragment of Atlantic Forest, in the state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil / Nidificação de Polybia rejecta (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) associada com Azteca chartifex (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) em um fragmento de Mata Atlântica, no estado Minas Gerais, Sudoeste do Brasil

Records to nesting between associated social wasp Polybia rejecta (Fabricius, 1798) and the ant Azteca chartifex Forel, 1896 in the Parque Estadual do Rio Doce, Minas Gerais, are reported. This association is reported for the first time in this biome. Twelve colonies of P. rejecta founded close to nests of A. chartifex were observed. The wasp colonies were founded at a distance of about 10-20 cm from the ant nest and they did not overlap. The nests of wasps were smaller compared to ant, but the coloring was similar protective casing, making it difficult to differentiate between the wasp nest and the ant.

Registra-se a nidificação associada entre a vespa social Polybia rejecta (Fabricius, 1798) e a formiga Azteca chartifex Forel, 1896 no Parque Estadual do Rio Doce, Minas Gerais. Esta associação é observada neste bioma pela primeira vez. Observaram-se doze colônias de P. rejecta fundadas ao lado de ninhos da A. chartifex . Cada colônia da vespa social foi fundada a uma distância em torno de 10 a 20 cm do ninho da formiga, não ocorrendo sobreposição das colônias. Os ninhos das vespas eram menores em relação a formiga, porém a coloração do invólucro protetor era semelhante, o que dificultava a diferenciação entre os ninho da vespa e da formiga.

Quantification of the genetic change in the transition of Rhodnius pallescens Barber, 1932 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) from field to laboratory

Previous studies have reported genetic differences between wild-caught sylvatic, domestic and laboratory pop-ulations of several Triatominae species. The differences between sylvatic and laboratory colonies parallel are similar to the differences observed between sylvatic and domestic populations. Laboratory colonies are frequently used as references for field populations, but the consequences of founder events on the genetic makeup of laboratory or domestic populations are rarely quantified. Our goal was to quantify the genetic change in Rhodnius pallescens populations artificially submitted to founder effects via laboratory colonization. We compared the genetic makeup of two sylvatic populations and their laboratory descendants using a panel of 10 microsatellite markers. Both sylvatic populations were initially collected from palm trees, but the colonies differed in the number of founder insects and amount of time kept in the laboratory. We evaluated allelic polymorphism, differences between expected and observed heterozygosity, estimates of population differentiation (Fst) and inbreeding (Fis, Fit) and cluster analyses based on Nei's distances. We found a unique genetic structure for each sample population, with significant differentiation between the field insects and each of the laboratory generations. These analyses showed strong founder effects and showed that genetic drift had led to a genetic equilibrium over several generations of isolation. Our results suggest that laboratory colonies of R. pallescens have a different genetic structure than their wild relatives and similar processes likely affect other Triatominae laboratory stocks.

Búsqueda Activa de Lepra y de Otras Enfermedades de la Piel en Escolares de Agua de Dios, Colombia / Active search for leprosy and other skin diseases in school children from Agua de Dios, Colombia

Objetivo: Buscar lepra, otras enfermedades de la piel y la cicatriz BCG, en escolares de Agua de Dios, municipio con la más alta prevalencia de lepra en Colombia: 23-39/10 000; educar y difundir los resultados en la comunidad. Métodos: Se hizo examen clínico de los niños por enfermeras, médicos internos y generales y por expertos en lepra. Cuando la clínica lo indicaba, se practicaron baciloscopias y biopsias de piel. En pocos casos se buscaron anticuerpos en sangre contra el glicolípido fenólico 1, del bacilo de Hansen. Resultados: Se examinaron 86 por ciento de los 2 844 escolares de las 17 instituciones del municipio; 833 tuvieron patologías cutáneas, de los cuales 16 por ciento requirieron el examen por expertos. Se demostraron cuatro casos nuevos de lepra paucibacilar, dos indeterminados y dos polineuríticos primarios. Las entidades más frecuentes fueron: pediculosis, pitiriasis alba, pitiriasis versicolor, nevus hipocrómicos, picaduras de insectos y miliaria. Cuatro niños tuvieron maltrato infantil y una niña de 11 años, micosis fungoides hipocromiante. La vacunación BCG se aplicó en 387 niños que no la habían recibido. Se trataron las condiciones encontradas. Se informó a la comunidad sobre las enfermedades detectadas, las funciones de la piel y sus cuidados generales, enfatizando la importancia del diagnóstico temprano de la lepra. Conclusiones: La incidencia de lepra encontrada (16/10 000), es la más alta en Colombia, 123 veces mayor que la global del país. Su búsqueda activa demostró enfermedad paucibacilar, sin discapacidades y otras enfermedades cutáneas importantes. Es recomendable persistir con este examen clínico y con la investigación de los factores predisponentes para adquirir la enfermedad.

Objetive: Actively searching for leprosy, other skin diseases and BCG vaccination scars amongst school children from Agua de Dios, the municipality having the highest prevalence of leprosy in Colombia. Methods: A clinical examination of the children was carried out by nurses, interns, general practitioners and experts on leprosy. Skin smear tests and skin biopsies were performed when the clinical findings suggested leprosy. Anti-phenolic glycolipid antibodies in blood were determined in special cases. Results: 86 percent of the 2 844 school children were examined; 833 had skin diseases and 16 percent of these required evaluation by specialists. Four new cases of paucibacillary leprosy, two indeterminate and two primary polyneuritic cases were found. Pediculosis capitis, pityriasis alba, tinea versicolor, hypopigmented nevus, insect bites and miliaria were frequently detected. BCG vaccination scars were absent in 387 children; following several logistical problems, they were vaccinated. Four children had signs of childhood abuse. An 11-year-old girl presented hypopigmented mycosis fungoides. All diseases and conditions found were treated. The community received information regarding the results, emphasising the importance of an early diagnosis of leprosy. Conclusions: The incidence of leprosy found (16/10 000) was 123 times higher than the rest of the country's incidence. It is advisable to continue clinical examinations in Agua de Dios and research into risk factors for acquiring leprosy.

Application of two bacteria colony-PCR methods in the screening of phage antibody library / 医学研究生学报

Objective:To value the application of two bacteria colony-PCR methods in the screening of phage antibody library. Methods:Five positive monoclonal bacterium were respectively suspended in either deionized water or 0.1% Triton X-100, and then boiled to be used as template in PCR. . The DNAs products of PCR were extracted and digested by two enzymes, and then determined by electrophoresis. Results:The inserted genes were detected in all the 5 clones after PCR and enzyme digestion .Conclusion:Bacteria colony-PCR can be used in screening positive recombinant colonies. The bacteria colony-PCR method with bacteria colonies suspended in deionized water is valuable in large scale positive recombinant bacterium screening.

The cytotoxic effects of extracts from dominant indoor airborne fungal culture / 医学研究生学报

Objectine:To study the cytotoxicity of extracts of dominant indoor airborne fungal culture. Methods:Chinese hamster lung(CHL) cell culture was carried out in vitro.Cells were exposed to extracts of dominant indoor airborne fungal culture,then MTT method and CHL colonies assay were performed to detect their cytotoxicity.The release of cytosolic enzyme Lactate Dehydrogenase(LDH) and the fluidity of K~+,Ca~(2+) were analysed. Results:With the increase of the dose,the LDH levels in culture medium increased and the Ca~(2+) concentration inside cells increased while the K~+ concentration inside cells decreased accordingly. Conclusion:The extracts of dominant indoor airborne fungal culture could damage cell membrane,and have cytotoxicity.

Rapid Characterization of Recombination Clone by PCR Screening of Individual Bacterial Colonies / 微生物学通报

The recombination clones contained CFP, LTB-ST foreign gene were screening by PCR using individual bacterial colonies as template, the aimed band was amplified from positive clones, the result was as well as plasmid PCR. The selecting of agrobacterium transformed with recombination plasmid could also use this method of PCR screening of individual bacterial colonies. The result of individual bacterial colonies PCR was as well as that of PCR using bacterial solution as template. It showed that the method individual bacterial colonies PCR was an efficient, easy one that characterized recombination clones.