Yellow fever in Brazil threatens successful recovery of endangered golden lion tamarins.

The golden lion tamarin is an endangered primate endemic to Brazil's Atlantic Forest. Centuries of deforestation reduced numbers to a few hundred individuals in isolated forest fragments 80 km from Rio de Janeiro city. Intensive conservation action including reintroduction of zoo-born tamarins into forest fragments 1984-2000, increased numbers to about 3,700 in 2014. Beginning in November 2016, southeastern Brazil experienced the most severe yellow fever epidemic/epizootic in the country in 80 years. In May 2018, we documented the first death of a golden lion tamarin due to yellow fever. We re-evaluated population sizes and compared them to results of a census completed in 2014. Tamarin numbers declined 32%, with ca. 2,516 individuals remaining in situ. Tamarin losses were significantly greater in forest fragments that were larger, had less forest edge and had better forest connectivity, factors that may favor the mosquito vectors of yellow fever. The future of golden lion tamarins depends on the extent of additional mortality, whether some tamarins survive the disease and acquire immunity, and the potential development of a vaccine to protect the species against yellow fever.

Estimating population sizes to evaluate progress in conservation of endangered golden lion tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia).

Efforts to reverse the decline of endangered golden lion tamarin monkeys have been relatively successful because the Brazilian organization dedicated to the species' conservation (Associação Mico-Leão-Dourado, AMLD) relies on science-based computer modeling to determine the number of tamarins necessary to achieve demographic and genetic goals, and a process of strategic planning to achieve those goals. Accurate estimates of the numbers of tamarins in forest fragments are essential to evaluate progress in achieving goals and adapt strategies as necessary. In this report we present the results of a new method to survey the number of tamarins in the wild, a modification of the point transect with lures procedure. Using this method, we estimate that in 2014 there were approximately 3,700 golden lion tamarins in 41,400 hectares of Atlantic Forest. Of these, 59% are from remnant wild populations, 34% are descendants of captive-born reintroduced animals and 7% are descendants of wild translocated groups. The number of tamarins and amount of forest estimated in this survey exceeded values necessary to meet AMLD's definition of a viable population, determined to be 2,000 tamarins in 25,000 hectares of connected and protected forest. However, the seven forest blocks and their tamarin populations are not yet adequately connected and protected. AMLD's strategic plan to achieve a viable population of golden lion tamarins includes 12 strategies that mitigate these and other threats or contribute directly to the conservation goal. The point transect with lures survey method provides a way to evaluate progress in achieving that goal and adapt strategies as appropriate.

Impact on sexual function of surgical treatment in rectal cancer

ABSTRACT Introduction The development of new surgical techniques and medical devices, like therapeutical multimodal approaches has allowed for better outcomes on patients with rectal cancer (RCa). Owing to that, an increased awareness and investment towards better outcomes regarding patients' sexual and urinary function has been recently observed. Aim Evaluate and characterize the sexual dysfunction of patients submitted to surgical treatment for RCa. Materials and Methods An observational retrospective study including all male patients who underwent a surgical treatment for RCa between January 2011 December 2014 (n=43) was performed, complemented with an inquiry questionnaire to every patient about its sexual habits and level of function before and after surgery. Discussion All patients were male, with an average of 64yo. (range 42-83yo.). The surgical procedure was a rectum anterior resection (RAR) in 22 patients (56%) and an abdominoperineal resection (APR) in 19(44%). Sixty three percent described their sexual life as important/very important. Sexual function worsening was observed in 76% (65% with complains on erectile function, and 27% on ejaculation). Fourteen patients (38%) didn't resume sexual activity after surgery. Increased age (p=0.007), surgery performed (APR) (p=0.03) and the presence of a stoma (p=0.03) were predictors of ED after surgery. A secondary analysis found that the type of surgery (APR) (p=0.04), lower third tumor's location (p=0.03) and presence of comorbidities (p=0.013) (namely, smokers and diabetic patients) were predictors of de novo ED after surgery. Conclusions This study demonstrated the clear negative impact in sexual function of patients submitted to a surgical treatment for RCa. Since it is a valued feature for patients, it becomes essential to correctly evaluate/identify these cases in order to offer an adequate therapeutical option.

Impact on sexual function of surgical treatment in rectal cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The development of new surgical techniques and medical devices, like therapeutical multimodal approaches has allowed for better outcomes on patients with rectal cancer (RCa). Owing to that, an increased awareness and investment towards better outcomes regarding patients' sexual and urinary function has been recently observed. AIM: Evaluate and characterize the sexual dysfunction of patients submitted to surgical treatment for RCa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational retrospective study including all male patients who underwent a surgical treatment for RCa between January 2011 December 2014 (n=43) was performed, complemented with an inquiry questionnaire to every patient about its sexual habits and level of function before and after surgery. DISCUSSION: All patients were male, with an average of 64yo. (range 42-83yo.). The surgical procedure was a rectum anterior resection (RAR) in 22 patients (56%) and an abdominoperineal resection (APR) in 19(44%). Sixty three percent described their sexual life as important/very important. Sexual function worsening was observed in 76% (65% with complains on erectile function, and 27% on ejaculation). Fourteen patients (38%) didn't resume sexual activity after surgery. Increased age (p=0.007), surgery performed (APR) (p=0.03) and the presence of a stoma (p=0.03) were predictors of ED after surgery. A secondary analysis found that the type of surgery (APR) (p=0.04), lower third tumor's location (p=0.03) and presence of comorbidities (p=0.013) (namely, smokers and diabetic patients) were predictors of de novo ED after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the clear negative impact in sexual function of patients submitted to a surgical treatment for RCa. Since it is a valued feature for patients, it becomes essential to correctly evaluate/identify these cases in order to offer an adequate therapeutical option.

Characterisation of the epidemic strain of H3N8 equine influenza virus responsible for outbreaks in South America in 2012.

BACKGROUND: An extensive outbreak of equine influenza occurred across multiple countries in South America during 2012. The epidemic was first reported in Chile then spread to Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina, where both vaccinated and unvaccinated animals were affected. In Brazil, infections were widespread within 3months of the first reported cases. Affected horses included animals vaccinated with outdated vaccine antigens, but also with the OIE-recommended Florida clade 1 strain South Africa/4/03. METHODS: Equine influenza virus strains from infected horses were isolated in eggs, then a representative strain was subjected to full genome sequencing using segment-specific primers with M13 tags. Phylogenetic analyses of nucleotide sequences were completed using PhyML. Amino acid sequences of haemagglutinin and neuraminidase were compared against those of vaccine strains and recent isolates from America and Uruguay, substitutions were mapped onto 3D protein structures using PyMol. Antigenic analyses were completed by haemagglutination-inhibition assay using post-infection ferret sera. RESULTS: Nucleotide sequences of the haemaglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes of Brazilian isolate A/equine/Rio Grande do Sul/2012 were very similar to those of viruses belonging to Florida clade 1 and clustered with contemporary isolates from the USA. Comparison of their amino acid sequences against the OIE-recommended Florida clade 1 vaccine strain A/equine/South Africa/4/03 revealed five amino acid substitutions in HA and seven in NA. Changes in HA included one within antigenic site A and one within the 220-loop of the sialic acid receptor binding site. However, antigenic analysis by haemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay with ferret antisera raised against representatives of European, Kentucky and Florida sublineages failed to indicate any obvious differences in antigenicity. CONCLUSIONS: An extensive outbreak of equine influenza in South America during 2012 was caused by a virus belonging to Florida clade 1, closely related to strains circulating in the USA in 2011. Despite reports of vaccine breakdown with products containing the recommended strain South Africa/03, no evidence was found of significant antigenic drift. Other factors may have contributed to the rapid spread of this virus, including poor control of horse movement.

Falha de transferência passiva em potros: a importância da imunidade do colostro / Failure of passive transfer in foals: the importance of immunity through colostrum / Falia en la transferencia pasiva (FTP) em potros: la importancia de la inmunidad através del calostro

Potros nascem sem qualquer defesa em decorrência da barreira placentária das éguas durante a gestação. O recém-nascido, quando exposto aos agentes infecciosos do ambiente, estará sem proteção e sobrisco de morte. A administração de colostro, rico em imunoglobulinas (Ig), nas primeiras 2 a 6 horas de vida é o procedimento mais adequado para transferir imunidade. Porém, falhas de transferência passiva (FTP) podem ocorrer e diversas técnicas para determinar a IgG sérica dos neonatos estão disponíveis, permitindo uma conduta rápida frente aos resultados, caso necessário. Niveis ;:::800 mgJdL de IgG caracterizam uma excelente transferência passiva. Niveis abaixo de 400 mg/dL requerem suplementação com colostro ou plasma equino e níveis entre 400-800 mgJdL necessitam apenas de monitoramento. Com a detecção dos níveis de IgG e suplementação, é possível minimizar os impactos causados pela falha na transferência passiva (FTP) e obter menores taxas de mortalidade equina.

Foals are bom without any immunitary defense whatsoever due to placental barrier in the maresduring pregnancy. The newbom, when exposed to infeccious agents in natural environment, will be defenselessand in danger of death. Colostrum administration (rich in IgG) during the first 2 to 6 hours of life constitutes themost adequate procedure to transfer immunit. Never the less, failures of passive transfer (FPT) can occur and several techniques are available to determine serum igG levels of newboms, allowing quick action to be taken incase it is necessary. Levels ;:::800 mg/dL of IgG caracterize an excelent passive transference. Levels below 400mg/dL require colostrum or equine plasma supplementation and levels between 400-800 mg/dL require monitoringonly. Detection of IgG levels and supplementation measures, make it possible to minimize the impacts caused by the failure of passive transfer (FPT) and to obtain lower rates of equine mortality.

Los potros nacen sin ninguna defensa en decurrencia de Ia barrera placentaria de Ias yeguas duranteIa gestación. EI recién nacido, cuando expuesto a los agentes infecciosos dei ambiente, estará sin proteccióny corriendo riesgo de muerte. La administración de calostro (rico en IgG), en Ias primeras 2 a 6 horas de vida, esel procedimiento más adecuado para transferir inmunidad. No obstante, falias en Ia transferencia pasiva (FTP)pueden ocurrir, siendo que están disponibles diversas técnicas para determinar Ia IgG sérica de los neonatos,permitiendo Ia tomada rápida de decisión ante los resultados, en caso de ser necesario. Los niveles ;:::800 mgldL de IgG caracterizan una excelente transferencia pasiva. Los níveles abajo de 400 mg/dL requieren Ia suplementación con calostro o plasma equino y 105 niveles entre 400-800 mg/dL necesitan apenas de monitoreamiento. Con Ia detección de 105 niveles de IgG y Ia suplementación, es posible minimizar 105 impactos causados porIa falia en Ia transferencia pasiva (FTP) y obtener menores tasas de mortalidad equina.

Falha de transferência passiva em potros: a importância da imunidade do colostro / Failure of passive transfer in foals: the importance of immunity through colostrum / Falia en la transferencia pasiva (FTP) em potros: la importancia de la inmunidad através del calostro

Potros nascem sem qualquer defesa em decorrência da barreira placentária das éguas durante a gestação. O recém-nascido, quando exposto aos agentes infecciosos do ambiente, estará sem proteção e sobrisco de morte. A administração de colostro, rico em imunoglobulinas (Ig), nas primeiras 2 a 6 horas de vida é o procedimento mais adequado para transferir imunidade. Porém, falhas de transferência passiva (FTP) podem ocorrer e diversas técnicas para determinar a IgG sérica dos neonatos estão disponíveis, permitindo uma conduta rápida frente aos resultados, caso necessário. Niveis ;:::800 mgJdL de IgG caracterizam uma excelente transferência passiva. Niveis abaixo de 400 mg/dL requerem suplementação com colostro ou plasma equino e níveis entre 400-800 mgJdL necessitam apenas de monitoramento. Com a detecção dos níveis de IgG e suplementação, é possível minimizar os impactos causados pela falha na transferência passiva (FTP) e obter menores taxas de mortalidade equina.(AU)

Foals are bom without any immunitary defense whatsoever due to placental barrier in the maresduring pregnancy. The newbom, when exposed to infeccious agents in natural environment, will be defenselessand in danger of death. Colostrum administration (rich in IgG) during the first 2 to 6 hours of life constitutes themost adequate procedure to transfer immunit. Never the less, failures of passive transfer (FPT) can occur and several techniques are available to determine serum igG levels of newboms, allowing quick action to be taken incase it is necessary. Levels ;:::800 mg/dL of IgG caracterize an excelent passive transference. Levels below 400mg/dL require colostrum or equine plasma supplementation and levels between 400-800 mg/dL require monitoringonly. Detection of IgG levels and supplementation measures, make it possible to minimize the impacts caused by the failure of passive transfer (FPT) and to obtain lower rates of equine mortality.(AU)

Los potros nacen sin ninguna defensa en decurrencia de Ia barrera placentaria de Ias yeguas duranteIa gestación. EI recién nacido, cuando expuesto a los agentes infecciosos dei ambiente, estará sin proteccióny corriendo riesgo de muerte. La administración de calostro (rico en IgG), en Ias primeras 2 a 6 horas de vida, esel procedimiento más adecuado para transferir inmunidad. No obstante, falias en Ia transferencia pasiva (FTP)pueden ocurrir, siendo que están disponibles diversas técnicas para determinar Ia IgG sérica de los neonatos,permitiendo Ia tomada rápida de decisión ante los resultados, en caso de ser necesario. Los niveles ;:::800 mgldL de IgG caracterizan una excelente transferencia pasiva. Los níveles abajo de 400 mg/dL requieren Ia suplementación con calostro o plasma equino y 105 niveles entre 400-800 mg/dL necesitan apenas de monitoreamiento. Con Ia detección de 105 niveles de IgG y Ia suplementación, es posible minimizar 105 impactos causados porIa falia en Ia transferencia pasiva (FTP) y obtener menores tasas de mortalidad equina.(AU)

In vitro evaluation of co-exposure of arsenium and an organic nanomaterial (fullerene, C60) in zebrafish hepatocytes.

Taking into account the concept of the "Trojan Horse", where contaminants may have its entry into specific organs potentiated by its association with nanomaterials, the aim of this study was to analyze the joint toxic effects induced by an organic nanomaterial, fullerene (C(60)) with the metalloid arsenic (As(III)). Hepatocytes of zebrafish Danio rerio were exposed to As(III) (2.5 or 100 µM), C(60) or As+C(60) for 4h, not altering cells viability. Intracellular reactive oxygen species concentration was reduced in cells exposed only to the C(60) (1mg/L) and in the treatment of 100 µM As(III)+C(60). Co-exposure with C(60) abolished the peak of the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) registered in cells exposed to the lowest As(III) concentration (2.5 µM). A similar result was observed in terms of lipid damage (TBARS). Total antioxidant capacity was significantly higher at both As(III) concentrations co-exposed to C(60) when compared with the control group. Activity of glutathione-S-transferase omega, a limiting enzyme in the methylation pathway of As(III), was reduced in the 100 µM As(III)+C(60) treatment. Cells co-exposed to C(60) had a significantly higher accumulation of As(III), showing a "Trojan Horse" effect which did not result in higher cell toxicity. Instead, co-exposure of As(III) with C(60) showed to reduce cellular injury.

Accumulation, biotransformation, and biochemical responses after exposure to arsenite and arsenate in the estuarine polychaete Laeonereis acuta (Nereididae).

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to analyze antioxidant responses and oxidative damage induced by two inorganic forms of arsenic (As; As(III) and As(V)) in an estuarine polychaete species, Laeonereis acuta (Nereididae). The capacity of arsenic biotransformation was also evaluated through the methylation process considering the activity of a key enzyme involved in the metabolization process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Worms were exposed to 50 µg (As(III) or As(V))/l during 2 or 7 days, plus a control group. Endpoints analyzed included concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS), activities of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione reductase (GR), total glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and omega isoform (GST Ω), glucose-6-phosphate deshydrogenase (G6PDH), levels of the antioxidant glutathione (GSH), and lipid peroxides concentration (TBARS). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Results showed: (1) GR inhibition after 2-day exposure to both As forms (p < 0.05); (2) GST Ω inhibition after 7-day exposure to As(III) paralleled by an increase in total GST activity (p < 0.05); (3) augmented G6PDH activity after 7-day exposure to both As forms (p < 0.05); (4) no differences in terms of ROS and TBARS; and (5) inhibition of GST Ω activity in As(III) exposed worms, which was concomitant with a lowering of mono- and dymethylated arsenic species. CONCLUSION: These results confirm the reactivity of some biochemical variables of L. acuta to As and indicates its importance as a sentinel species in estuarine regions with presence of arsenic.

Uso de carbonos pirolíticos (Durasphere) no tratamento da insuficiência glótica: estudo experimental em cães / Use of pyrolytic carbon coated beads (Durasphere) to treat glottic failure: an experimental study in dogs

Nenhum tecido ou substância ideal foi encontrado para a injeção em pregas vocais. O objetivo deste estudo prospectivo foi avaliar o uso do Durasphere como substância de injeção na prega vocal canina. Materiais e métodos: Em seis cães adultos foram injetados 0,3mL de Durasphere no terço médio da prega vocal direita no músculo tireoaritenoideo e 0,3mL de soro fisiológico na prega contralateral. Os animais foram sacrificados após 7 dias (três cães) e 90 dias (três cães). Analisamos os processos inflamatórios no músculo vocal e na lâmina própria das pregas vocais. Resultados: No músculo vocal com Durasphere havia uma inflamação significativamente maior que no músculo controle, formouse um infiltrado linfomononuclear moderado após 7 dias e leve após 90 dias. Não observamos formação de corpos estranhos ou granulomas. Já na lâmina própria houve um processo inflamatório leve nos dois grupos, sem diferença entre eles. Conclusão: Trata-se de uma substância com biocompatibilidade comprovada em humanos, com resultados preliminares e inéditos de sua injeção em pregas vocais caninas que causou um processo inflamatório moderado no músculo vocal após 7 dias e leve após 90 dias, sem formação de corpos estranhos ou granulomas.

There is no ideal tissue or substance to be injected in the vocal folds. The objective of the present study was to assess the use of Durasphere in canine vocal fold injection. Materials and methods: in six adult dogs we injected 0.3 mL of Durasphere in the middle third of the thyroarytenoid muscle and 0.3 mL of saline solution in the contralateral vocal fold. The animals were slaughtered after seven days (three dogs) and after 90 days (three dogs). We analyzed the inflammatory process in the vocal fold and in the lamina propria of the vocal folds. Results: in the vocal muscle which received Durasphere there was a significantly more intense inflammation when compared to the control muscle - there was a moderate lymphomodular infiltrate after seven days and mild after 90 days. We did not observe foreign bodies nor granulomas. On the lamina propria there was a mild inflammatory process in the two groups, without difference between them. Conclusion: this is a substance of proven biocompatibility in humans, with preliminary and unprecedented results and its injection in canine vocal folds caused a moderate inflammatory process after seven days and mild after 90 days, without foreign bodies or granuloma formation.

Exposure to ambient levels of particles emitted by traffic worsens emphysema in mice.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated effects of chronic exposure (2 months) to ambient levels of particulate matter (PM) on development of protease-induced emphysema and pulmonary remodeling in mice. METHODS: Balb/c mice received nasal drop of either papain or normal saline and were kept in two exposure chambers situated in an area with high traffic density. One of them received ambient air and the other had filters for PM. RESULTS: mean concentration of PM10 was 2.68 +/- 0.38 and 33.86 +/- 2.09 microg/m3, respectively, in the filtered and ambient air chambers (p < 0.001). After 2 months of exposure, lungs from papain-treated mice kept in the chamber with ambient air presented greater values of mean linear intercept, an increase in density of collagen fibers in alveolar septa and in expression of 8-isoprostane (p = 0.002, p < 0.05 and p = 0.002, respectively, compared to papain-treated mice kept in the chamber with filtered air). We did not observe significant differences between these two groups in density of macrophages and in amount of cells expressing matrix metalloproteinase-12. There were no significant differences in saline-treated mice kept in the two chambers. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that exposure to urban levels of PM worsens protease-induced emphysema and increases pulmonary remodeling. We suggest that an increase in oxidative stress induced by PM exposure influences this response. These pulmonary effects of PM were observed only in mice with emphysema.

Use of pyrolytic carbon coated beads (Durasphere) to treat glottic failure: an experimental study in dogs.

UNLABELLED: There is no ideal tissue or substance to be injected in the vocal folds. The objective of the present study was to assess the use of Durasphere in canine vocal fold injection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: in six adult dogs we injected 0.3 mL of Durasphere in the middle third of the thyroarytenoid muscle and 0.3 mL of saline solution in the contralateral vocal fold. The animals were slaughtered after seven days (three dogs) and after 90 days (three dogs). We analyzed the inflammatory process in the vocal fold and in the lamina propria of the vocal folds. RESULTS: in the vocal muscle which received Durasphere there was a significantly more intense inflammation when compared to the control muscle--there was a moderate lymphomodular infiltrate after seven days and mild after 90 days. We did not observe foreign bodies nor granulomas. On the lamina propria there was a mild inflammatory process in the two groups, without difference between them. CONCLUSION: this is a substance of proven biocompatibility in humans, with preliminary and unprecedented results and its injection in canine vocal folds caused a moderate inflammatory process after seven days and mild after 90 days, without foreign bodies or granuloma formation.

Aspergilose pulmonar em transplantado renal: relato de caso / Aspergillosis in kidney transplant: case report

É relatado caso de paciente do sexo feminino, 39 anos, transplantada renal e com aspergillose invasiva pulmonar.

This is a case-report of a female, adult patient (39 years old), transplanted renal, who developed invasive pulmonary aspergillose.