Effect of environmental variables on the abundance of Amblyomma ticks, potential vectors of Rickettsia parkeri in central Brazil.

Amblyomma ticks are vectors of both Rickettsia rickettsii and R. parkeri in the Americas, where capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) are the main hosts in urban areas, thus contributing to the transmission of spotted fever. Herein, we studied: (i) the seasonal dynamics and abundance of ticks in areas where capybaras live, (ii) the effect of environmental variables on tick abundance, and (iii) the presence of Rickettsia-infected ticks. Between September 2021 and September 2022, we sampled ticks using cloth-dragging at 194 sites on the shore of Lake Paranoá in Brasília, Brazil. We measured environmental data (season, vegetation type, canopy density, temperature, humidity, and presence or vestige of capybara) at each site. Nymphs and adults were morphologically identified to the species level, and a selected tick sample including larvae was subjected to genotypic identification. We investigated Rickettsia-infected ticks by PCR (gltA, htrA, ompB, and ompA genes) and associations between tick abundance and environmental variables using Generalized Linear Models. A total of 30,334 ticks (96% larvae) were captured. Ticks were identified as Amblyomma, with A. sculptum comprising 97% of the adult/nymphs. Genotype identification of a larval sample confirmed that 95% belonged to A. dubitatum. Seasonal variables showed significant effects on tick abundance. Most larvae and nymphs were captured during the early dry season, while the adults were more abundant during the wet season. Vegetation variables and the presence of capybaras showed no association with tick abundance. Rickettsia parkeri group and R. bellii were identified in A. dubitatum, while A. sculptum presented R. bellii. We conclude that: (i) Amblyomma ticks are widely distributed in Lake Paranoá throughout the year, especially larvae at the dry season, (ii) the abundance of Amblyomma ticks is explained more by climatic factors than by vegetation or presence of capybaras, and (iii) A. dubitatum ticks are potential vectors of R. parkeri in Brasília.

Do Commercial Insect Repellents Provide Protection against the Tick Amblyomma sculptum (Acari: Ixodidae)?

Amblyomma sculptum is a species of public health interest because it is associated with the transmission of the bacteria that causes Brazilian Spotted Fever (BSF). The use of repellents on humans is a prophylactic measure widely used to provide protection against a series of arthropod vectors, including mosquitoes and ticks. However, in Brazil, the effectiveness of commercial repellents against A. sculptum is little known. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out specific studies to evaluate the repellency of these commercial products, registered for use against mosquitoes, against the star tick. The main goal of the present work was to evaluate the effectiveness of six commercial repellents against A. sculptum. Unfed nymphs, aged between two and eight weeks, were tested against products based on DEET (OFF!® and Repelex®), Icaridin (Exposis® and SBP®), and IR3535 (Johnsons and Henlau). Three bioassays were conducted to evaluate tick behavior: (i) filter paper, (ii) fingertip, and (iii) field. All bases tested showed high repellent activity, differing significantly (p < 0.05) from the control. It was observed the formulation with DEET resulted in the best results in the filter paper bioassay. In the fingertip bioassay, the DEET base repelled a greater number of ticks compared to Icaridin. In the field bioassay, there was no significant difference between the Icaridin base and DEET, and both formulations differed from the control (p < 0.05). The six formulations tested showed significant percentages of repellency against ticks; however, for the fingertip and field bioassays, the products OFF!®, Repelex®, and Exposis® were tested as they showed better performance in the filter paper test. OFF!® showed the best percentage of repellency (100%), followed by Repelex® (96.8%), and Exposis® (93.1%), considering the two-hour period of the bioassay-field-test. Proving the effectiveness of repellents on the market against A. sculptum presented in this study is crucial, since this is the main ectoparasite of humans that can transmit Rickettsia rickettsii when infected. The effectiveness of commercial insect repellents against other tick species that parasitize humans can also be explored.

Predisposition to acute pancreatitis in dogs with severe acute renal failure

ABSTRACT: Patients with acute renal failure often have a negative energy balance, which promotes metabolic changes predisposing to complications. The objective of this study was to evaluate laboratory parameters of 30 dogs with severe acute renal failure, to assess their relationship with the possibility of developing acute pancreatitis due to the negative energy balance, and to correlate these findings with the degree of renal failure. Serum concentrations of urea, creatinine, beta-hydroxybutyrate, triglycerides, amylase, total lipase, and canine pancreatic lipase were compared between healthy dogs and dogs with severe acute renal failure. A greater serum concentration of beta-hydroxybutyrate and greater activity of pancreatic enzymes, particularly canine pancreatic lipase, as well as a stronger correlation between the latter and serum creatinine concentrations, were related to the occurrence of acute pancreatitis in patients with severe acute renal failure. A greater degree of renal failure implied a greater predisposition to acute pancreatitis.

RESUMO: O portador de insuficiência renal aguda é um paciente que, muitas vezes, encontra-se sob importante condição de balanço energético negativo, gerando alterações metabólicas que predispõem a complicações. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar parâmetros laboratoriais de trinta cães com insuficiência renal aguda grave, quanto a possibilidade de desenvolvimento de pancreatite aguda em função do balanço energético negativo, e relacioná-los ao grau de gravidade da insuficiência renal. As concentrações séricas de ureia, creatinina, betahidroxibutirato, triglicérides, amilase, lipase total e lipase pancreática canina foram comparadas entre o grupo de cães hígidos e o de cães doentes. Observou-se maior concentração sérica de betahidroxibutirato e maior atividade das enzimas pancreáticas, especialmente da lipase pancreática canina, além de forte correlação entre esta última e a concentração sérica de creatinina, demonstrando a ocorrência de pancreatite aguda em pacientes com insuficiência renal aguda grave. Verificou-se também que quanto mais grave é a insuficiência renal, maior é a predisposição à pancreatite aguda.

Predisposition to acute pancreatitis in dogs with severe acute renal failure / Predisposição à pancreatite aguda em cães com insuficiência renal aguda grave

Patients with acute renal failure often have a negative energy balance, which promotes metabolic changes predisposing to complications. The objective of this study was to evaluate laboratory parameters of 30 dogs with severe acute renal failure, to assess their relationship with the possibility of developing acute pancreatitis due to the negative energy balance, and to correlate these findings with the degree of renal failure. Serum concentrations of urea, creatinine, beta-hydroxybutyrate, triglycerides, amylase, total lipase, and canine pancreatic lipase were compared between healthy dogs and dogs with severe acute renal failure. A greater serum concentration of beta-hydroxybutyrate and greater activity of pancreatic enzymes, particularly canine pancreatic lipase, as well as a stronger correlation between the latter and serum creatinine concentrations, were related to the occurrence of acute pancreatitis in patients with severe acute renal failure. A greater degree of renal failure implied a greater predisposition to acute pancreatitis.(AU)

O portador de insuficiência renal aguda é um paciente que, muitas vezes, encontra-se sob importante condição de balanço energético negativo, gerando alterações metabólicas que predispõem a complicações. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar parâmetros laboratoriais de trinta cães com insuficiência renal aguda grave, quanto a possibilidade de desenvolvimento de pancreatite aguda em função do balanço energético negativo, e relacioná-los ao grau de gravidade da insuficiência renal. As concentrações séricas de ureia, creatinina, betahidroxibutirato, triglicérides, amilase, lipase total e lipase pancreática canina foram comparadas entre o grupo de cães hígidos e o de cães doentes. Observou-se maior concentração sérica de betahidroxibutirato e maior atividade das enzimas pancreáticas, especialmente da lipase pancreática canina, além de forte correlação entre esta última e a concentração sérica de creatinina, demonstrando a ocorrência de pancreatite aguda em pacientes com insuficiência renal aguda grave. Verificou-se também que quanto mais grave é a insuficiência renal, maior é a predisposição à pancreatite aguda.(AU)

Intra-abdominal hypertension secondary to chronic diaphragmatic rupture in a dog / Hipertensão intra-abdominal secundária à ruptura diafragmática crônica em um cão

ABSTRACT: Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) is the persistent increase of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) that could be caused by several pathologies. It is capable of promoting organ dysfunction, thereby increasing the mortality rate of human patients. As for cats and dogs, there are still few reports on how this pressure can be monitored and treated as a routine for admitted and hospitalized animals and on its relationship with the mortality of the patients. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to report a case of IAH secondary to chronic diaphragmatic rupture in a dog, which was treated with a temporary abdominal closure (TAC). A bitch was admitted to the veterinary hospital to undergo an elective ovariohysterectomy when it was diagnosed with a diaphragmatic rupture and displacement of the liver and intestinal loops in the chest. After repositioning these structures in the abdominal cavity, tension was observed in the abdomen. A temporary abdominal closure was then performed with a Bogota bag. Immediately after the surgery, the IAP was measured, presenting a value of 15 mmHg, indicating that there was an increase in intra-abdominal pressure. The animal was hospitalized, and IAP was monitored. After 24 hours, IAP was 5.8 mmHg when the Bogota bag was removed, and definitive celiorraphy was performed. The patient showed satisfactory clinical progress and was discharged 72 hours after the surgical procedure. The treatment used for IAH proved to be effective and contributed to the quick and satisfactory recovery of the patient.

RESUMO: A hipertensão intra-abdominal (HIA) é o aumento persistente da pressão intra-abdominal (PIA), podendo ser causada por diversas afecções e caraterizada por promover disfunções orgânicas, aumentando a taxa de mortalidade no homem. Em cães e gatos, ainda há poucos relatos da monitoração dessa pressão e do seu tratamento na rotina dos animais admitidos e internados, e sua relação com a mortalidade dos pacientes. Assim, objetivou-se relatar um caso de HIA secundária à ruptura diafragmática crônica em cão, a qual foi tratada com o fechamento abdominal temporário (FAT). Uma cadela foi admitida no hospital veterinário para realização de uma cirurgia de ovário-histerectomia eletiva, quando foi diagnosticada com ruptura diafragmática com fígado e alças intestinais deslocadas para o interior do tórax. Após reposicionamento dessas estruturas na cavidade abdominal, observou-se tensão no abdômen. Realizou-se então o fechamento abdominal temporário com bolsa de Bogotá. Imediatamente após o término da cirurgia, a PIA foi aferida e seu valor era de 15 mmHg, indicando aumento da mesma. O animal foi mantido internado e sua PIA monitorada. Após 24 horas seu valor era de 5,8 mmHg, quando a bolsa de Bogotá foi removida e realizada a celiorrafia definitiva. O paciente teve evolução clínica satisfatória e 72h após a cirurgia recebeu alta hospitalar. O tratamento utilizado para a HIA se mostrou eficaz, contribuindo para a rápida e satisfatória recuperação da paciente.

Conhecimento de cuidadores acerca de lesões de pele em idosos / Conocimiento de cuidadores sobre lesiones de la piel en las personas mayors / Knowledge of caregivers about skin injuries in elderly

Objective: to evaluate the knowledge of caregivers as the identification of changes in the skin of the elderly and the care they consider correct these situations. Methods: Descriptive study with caregivers of patients treated at a university hospital in the Federal District. It was used pre- and post-test with questions about type, cause and treatment of common skin disorders in the elderly. Results: Sample with 31 caregivers, 93.5% women, mean age 45.2 years, 48.4% children of the elderly, 93.5% reported not having going to be the caregiver. In the pre-test more damage was recognized in the diaper area dermatitis (48.39%). In the post-test there was an improvement in recognition for all items 50% or more hits. Conclusion: The results showed that some injuries were known by caregivers to be part of the day-to-day care ofthe elderly, and easy to be recognized, so the educational guidance carried becomes an effective method to identify lesions.

Objetivo: avaliar os conhecimentos de cuidadores quanto a identificação das lesões de pele em idosos e os cuidados que consideram corretos nestas situações. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, com cuidadores de idosos atendidos em hospital universitário do Distrito Federal. Foi utilizado pré e pós-teste, com perguntas sobre tipo, causa e tratamento de lesões de pele comuns em idosos. Resultados: Amostra com 31 cuidadores, 93,5% mulheres, média de idade 45,2 anos, 48,4% filhos dos idosos, 93,5% relataram não possuir curso para ser cuidador. No pré-teste a lesão mais reconhecida foi a dermatite na área de fraldas (48,39%). No pós-teste houve melhora no reconhecimento para todos os itens avaliados com 50% ou mais acertos. Conclusão: Os resultados demonstraram que algumas lesões já eram conhecidas pelos cuidadores por fazerem parte do dia-a-dia do cuidado com o idoso, sendo fáceis de serem reconhecidas, assim a orientação educativa realizada torna-se um método eficaz na identificação de lesões.

Objetivo: evaluar el conocimiento de los cuidadores como la identificación de los cambios en la piel de las personas mayores y la atención que consideran correcta estas situaciones. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo con los cuidadores de los pacientes tratados en un hospital universitario en elDistrito Federal. Fue utilizado pre y post-test con preguntas sobre el tipo, la causa y el tratamiento de trastornos cutáneos comunes en los ancianos. Resultados: Muestra con 31 cuidadores, 93,5% mujeres, con una edad media de 45,2 años, 48,4% niños de los adultos mayores, el 93,5% manifestaron no tener preparo para ser cuidador. En el pre-test el daño más reconocido fue la dermatitis en área del pañal (48,39%). En el posttest hubo una mejora en el reconocimiento de todos los artículos 50% o más hits. Conclusión: Los resultados mostraron que algunas lesiones eran conocidos por los cuidadores por ser parte del cuidado del día a día del ancianos, y fácil de ser reconocido, por lo que la orientación educativa llevada convierte en un método efectivo para identificar las lesiones.

Formação da imagem corporal em crianças e adolescentes e sua relação com os transtornos alimentares / Formation of body image in children and adolescents and their relationship with eating disorders

O presente trabalho versa sobre a formação da imagem corporal e quais são as influências do ambiente familiar e da cultura na sua constituição. Expomos ao longo do trabalho, formas normais e patológicas deste desenvolvimento, salientando as consequências da distorção de imagem corporal na adolescência e na vida adulta

This paper aims to assess the home environmental and culture influences on the constitution on the body image formation. Normal and pathological development ways are discussed, highlighting the consequences of body image distortion in adolescence and adulthood