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1.
Exp Tech ; 46(5): 731-743, 2022 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39119455

ABSTRACT

Most commercially-available mechanical testing devices are bulky, expensive, and unable to evaluate changes in sample microstructure under load. This leaves a crucial gap in understanding between material structure and bulk mechanical properties. Our objective was to fabricate a mechanical testing device small enough to fit in most upright or inverted microscopy stages and able to position samples to allow for simultaneous mechanical and microstructural characterization. Parts were 3D printed using the hobbyist-friendly Fused Filament Fabrication technique, then assembled with commercial fasteners and translation components to create a mechanical testing device that utilized the deflection of plastic posts to determine sample reaction forces under applied strain. Video of sample deformation was analyzed using a custom processing script to calculate stress and strain behavior in an automated and high-throughput manner. This device was able to perform mechanical characterization with an accuracy comparable to commercial mechanical testing devices for a wide range of nonlinear and viscoelastic samples under dry and hydrated conditions. Additionally, the device showed compatibility with different upright and inverted microscopes and was able to demonstrate accurate mechanical testing results when used with these instruments. We successfully developed a device capable of accurately testing a majority of soft materials in the field of Biomedical Engineering with the ability to perform additional microstructural characterization using microscopy at a price point of $600.

2.
Environ Pollut ; 240: 670-682, 2018 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29775944

ABSTRACT

Environmental chemicals originating from human activities, such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs), may interfere with the endocrine system of aquatic organisms. The effect of these chemicals on biota and human populations is of high public concern but remains poorly understood, especially in aquatic environments of South America. The aim of this study was to investigate the bioavailability of POPs and the related effects in caged male tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in four cascading reservoirs of the Iguaçu River, Southern Brazil. POPs including organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were determined in the reservoir water and tissue samples of tilapia after two months of exposure. The PCB levels in water (14.7 ng L-1) were 14 times higher than the limits permitted by the Brazilian legislation in the Salto Santiago (SS) reservoir. Similarly, concentrations of aldrin and its metabolites (6.05 ng L-1) detected in the water sample of the Salto Osório (SO) reservoir were also above the permitted limits. RT-qPCR analysis revealed different transcript levels of cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP1A and CYP3A) in the liver among the four groups, with induced activity in tilapia from the SS reservoir. Quantification of the CYP3A mRNA expression and catalytic activity showed higher values for fish caged at the SS reservoir. The fish from this site also had a higher number of eosinophils observed in the testes. Although overt measurements of endocrine disruption were not observed in caged fish, alteration of CYP enzymes with co-occurrence of organochlorine contaminants in water may suggest bioavailability of contaminants from agricultural sources to biota. Additional studies with feral or caged animals for a longer duration may be necessary to evaluate the risks of the waterways to humans and wildlife.


Subject(s)
Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1/metabolism , Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A/metabolism , Endocrine Disruptors/pharmacokinetics , Liver/metabolism , Pesticides/pharmacokinetics , Tilapia/metabolism , Water Pollutants, Chemical/pharmacokinetics , Animals , Biological Availability , Brazil , Endocrine Disruptors/analysis , Fishes , Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers/analysis , Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers/pharmacokinetics , Humans , Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated/analysis , Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated/pharmacokinetics , Male , Pesticides/analysis , Polychlorinated Biphenyls/analysis , Polychlorinated Biphenyls/pharmacokinetics , Rivers/chemistry , Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis
3.
Environ Pollut ; 232: 274-283, 2018 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28958726

ABSTRACT

The guidelines for the Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCP) recommend the use of standard ecotoxicity assays and the assessment of endpoints at the individual level to evaluate potential effects of PPCP on biota. However, effects at the sub-individual level can also affect the ecological fitness of marine organisms chronically exposed to PPCP. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the environmental risk of two PPCP in marine sediments: triclosan (TCS) and ibuprofen (IBU), using sub-individual and developmental endpoints. The environmental levels of TCS and IBU were quantified in marine sediments from the vicinities of the Santos submarine sewage outfall (Santos Bay, São Paulo, Brazil) at 15.14 and 49.0 ng g-1, respectively. A battery (n = 3) of chronic bioassays (embryo-larval development) with a sea urchin (Lytechinus variegatus) and a bivalve (Perna perna) were performed using two exposure conditions: sediment-water interface and elutriates. Moreover, physiological stress through the Neutral Red Retention Time Assay (NRRT) was assessed in the estuarine bivalve Mytella charruana exposed to TCS and IBU spiked sediments. These compounds affected the development of L. variegatus and P. perna (75 ng g-1 for TCS and 15 ng g-1 for IBU), and caused a significant decrease in M. charruana lysosomal membrane stability at environmentally relevant concentrations (0.08 ng g-1 for TCS and 0.15 ng g-1 for IBU). Chemical and ecotoxicological data were integrated and the risk quotient estimated for TCS and IBU were higher than 1.0, indicating a high environmental risk of these compounds in sediments. These are the first data of sediment risk assessment of pharmaceuticals and personal care products of Latin America. In addition, the results suggest that the ERA based only on individual-level and standard toxicity tests may overlook other biological effects that can affect the health of marine organisms exposed to PPCP.


Subject(s)
Environmental Monitoring , Geologic Sediments/chemistry , Ibuprofen/analysis , Triclosan/analysis , Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis , Animals , Aquatic Organisms , Brazil , Ecotoxicology , Perna , Risk Assessment , Sewage , Toxicity Tests/methods
4.
Biosens Bioelectron ; 87: 823-831, 2017 Jan 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27657844

ABSTRACT

For a point-of-use analytical device to be successful in real-world applications, it needs to be rapid, simple to operate and, ideally, able to multiplex the detection of several analytes and samples. Mycotoxin detection in food and feedstock in particular has become increasingly relevant as these toxins, such as ochratoxin A (OTA), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and deoxynivalenol (DON), are subject to strict regulations and recommendations in the European Union. A novel, simple, negative pressure-driven device with manually operated magnetic valves was developed and the simultaneous immunodetection of these three mycotoxins was demonstrated via the laminar flow patterning of probes in an area of ≈0.12mm2 and subsequent chemiluminescence generation via HRP-labeled antibodies. The three mycotoxins were detected in less than 20min at concentrations of 100ng/mL for OTA and DON and 3ng/mL for AFB1, spiked in a sample under analysis and simultaneously compared to a toxin-free reference and a standard contaminated with critical target concentrations. The on-chip optical detection was performed in a single acquisition step by integrating a microfabricated array of 25×25µm2 hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) photosensors below the microfluidic chip. The device presented in this work is simple and effective for point-of-use multiplexing of immunoassays and was applied in this work to the screening of mycotoxins.


Subject(s)
Aflatoxin B1/analysis , Biosensing Techniques/instrumentation , Immunoassay/instrumentation , Lab-On-A-Chip Devices , Ochratoxins/analysis , Trichothecenes/analysis , Equipment Design , Food Contamination/analysis , Horseradish Peroxidase/chemistry , Immunoconjugates/chemistry , Limit of Detection , Luminescent Measurements/instrumentation
5.
Rev. bras. plantas med ; 18(1,supl.1): 240-247, 2016. tab, graf
Article in Portuguese | LILACS | ID: lil-782989

ABSTRACT

RESUMO O uso de espécies vegetais para curar doenças e sintomas remonta ao início da civilização. Em várias culturas produtos botânicos eram empregados para essa finalidade. No Brasil, sob influência das interações culturais entre índios, negros e portugueses, essa relação homem-natureza permitiu a disseminação da sabedoria herdada em relação ao uso e cultivo de diversas espécies vegetais. O presente trabalho objetivou realizar um levantamento das plantas medicinais indicadas pelos índios da etnia Kantaruré, aldeia Baixa das Pedras com ação antiparasitária. Para a coleta de dados foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com quatorze pessoas, pertencentes a uma população de 150 indígenas, selecionadas pela técnica da bola de neve, reconhecidas pela comunidade como maiores detentores do conhecimento sobre a realidade local e sobre plantas. Os resultados indicam que doze espécies são utilizadas na medicina tradicional local com ação antiparasitária, podendo destacar a caçatinga (Croton argyrophylloides Muell. Arg.), mastruz (Chenopodium ambrosioides L.), hortelã miúdo (Mentha piperita L.) e babosa (Aloe vera (L.) Burm f.) como as mais indicadas. As plantas citadas pertencem à vegetação nativa, sendo que as espécies cultivadas são encontradas principalmente nos quintais, nas proximidades das residências e em locais de cultivo próprio. Os dados levantados nesta pesquisa evidenciam a importância terapêutica, cultural e histórica do uso de espécies botânicas na prevenção e cura de enfermidades. A aldeia estudada depende diretamente dos recursos vegetais para as suas práticas de cura. Os resultados dessa pesquisa podem servir como base para bioprospecção bem como para seleção de espécies da caatinga para estudos futuros visando o seu uso e manejo sustentável.


ABSTRACT The use of plant species to cure diseases and symptoms dates back to the dawn of civilization. In various cultures, botanical products were employed for this purpose. In Brazil, influenced by cultural interactions between native indians, Africans, and the Portuguese, this man-nature relationship allowed the spread of inherited knowledge regarding the use and cultivation of various species of plants. The purpose of this study was to carry out a survey of medicinal plants with antiparasitic action indicated by the Kantaruré indians from the Baixa das Pedras village. For data collection, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 people belonging to an indigenous population of 150, selected by the snowball technique, recognized by the community as the most knowledgeable on the local situation and plants. The results indicate that 12 species with antiparasitic action are used in traditional local medicine, with emphasis on the caçatinga (Croton argyrophylloides Muell. Arg.), mastruz (Chenopodium ambrosioides L.), peppermint (Mentha piperita L.), and babosa (Aloe vera (L.) Burm f.) as the most suitable. These plants belong to the native vegetation, and the cultivated species are found mainly in backyards, near homes, and on cultivation sites. The data from this study demonstrate the therapeutic, cultural, and historical importance of the use of botanical species to prevent and cure diseases. The village studied depends directly on plant resources for their healing practices. The results of this study can serve as a basis for bioprospecting as well as for the selection of caatinga species in future studies toward its use and sustainable management.


Subject(s)
Humans , Plants, Medicinal/classification , Antiparasitic Agents/analysis , Ethnobotany/methods , Medicine, Traditional
6.
J Med Virol ; 85(6): 1037-45, 2013 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23588729

ABSTRACT

Data reported during recent years reveal the complex picture of the epidemiology of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in Latin America. Whereas in countries like Argentina and Brazil is almost identical to the characteristic of most countries from North America and Europe, HEV in the Caribbean and Mexico involves the water-borne, non-zoonotic viral genotypes responsible for epidemics in Asia and Africa. Nevertheless, Latin America has been considered a highly endemic region for hepatitis E in the scientific literature, a generalization that ignores the above complexity. In addition, reports from isolated Amerindian communities, which display well known, important and very specific epidemiological features for hepatitis B and D virus infections are neither taken into account when considering the epidemiology of hepatitis E in the region. This review updates compilation of the available information for the HEV infection, both among humans and other mammals, in Latin America, discusses the strengths and the weaknesses of our current knowledge, and identifies future areas of research.


Subject(s)
Genome, Viral , Hepatitis E virus/genetics , Hepatitis E/epidemiology , RNA, Viral/genetics , Acute Disease , Animals , Chronic Disease , Genotype , Hepatitis E/physiopathology , Hepatitis E/transmission , Hepatitis E/virology , Hepatitis E virus/classification , Hepatitis E virus/pathogenicity , Humans , Latin America/epidemiology , RNA, Viral/classification
7.
J Chem Phys ; 134(12): 124503, 2011 Mar 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21456672

ABSTRACT

In this work we present a comprehensive study of the spectroscopic and thermo-optical properties of a set of samples with composition xNd(2)O(3)-(5-x)Y(2)O(3-)40CaO-55B(2)O(3) (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0 mol%). Their fluorescence quantum efficiency (η) values were determined using the thermal lens technique and the dependence on the ionic concentration was analyzed in terms of energy transfer processes, based on the Förster-Dexter model of multipolar ion-ion interactions. A maximum η = 0.54 was found to be substantially higher than for yttrium aluminoborate crystals and glasses with comparable Nd(3+) content. As for the thermo-optical properties of yttrium calcium borate, they are comparable to other well-known laser glasses. The obtained energy transfer microparameters and the weak dependence of η on the Nd(3+) concentration with a high optimum Nd(3+) concentration put this system as a strong candidate for photonics applications.

8.
Neuroscience ; 163(4): 1211-9, 2009 Nov 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19647045

ABSTRACT

This study assessed the effect of the agonist 15d-PGJ(2) administered into the rat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) on nociceptive behavioral and the anti-inflammatory potential of this prostaglandin on TMJ. It was observed that 15-deoxy-(Delta12,14)-prostaglandin J(2) (15d-PGJ(2)) significantly reduced formalin-induced nociceptive behavior in a dose dependent manner, however injection of 15d-PGJ(2) into the contralateral TMJ failed to reduce such effects. This antinociceptive effect is dependent on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-gamma (PPAR-gamma) since pre-treatment with GW9662 (PPAR-gamma receptor antagonist) blocked the antinociceptive effect of 15d-PGJ(2) in the TMJ. In addition, the antinociceptive effect of 15d-PGJ(2) was also blocked by naloxone suggesting the involvement of peripheral opioids in the process. Confirming this hypothesis pre-treatment with kappa, delta, but not mu receptor antagonists significantly reduced the antinociceptive effect of 15d-PGJ(2) in the TMJ. Similarly to opioid agonists, the 15d-PGJ(2) antinociceptive action depends on the nitric oxide (NO)/guanilate cyclase (cGMP)/ATP-sensitive potassium channel blocker(K(+)(ATP)) channel pathway since it was prevented by the pre-treatment with the inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase (NOS; aminoguanidine), cGMP (ODQ), or the K(+)(ATP) (glibenclamide). In addition, 15d-PGJ(2) (100 ng/TMJ) inhibits 5-HT-induced TMJ hypernociception. Besides, TMJ treated with 15d-PGJ(2) showed lower vascular permeability, assessed by Evan's Blue extravasation, and also lower neutrophil migration induced by carrageenan administration. Taken together, these results demonstrate that 15d-PGJ(2) has a potential peripheral antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effect in the TMJ via PPAR-gamma activation. The results also suggest that 15d-PGJ(2) induced-peripheral antinociceptive response in the TMJ is mediated by kappa/delta opioid receptors by the activation of the intracellular l-arginine/NO/cGMP/K(+)(ATP) channel pathway. The pharmacological properties of the peripheral administration of 15d-PGJ(2) highlight the potential use of this PPAR-gamma agonist on TMJ inflammatory pain conditions.


Subject(s)
Analgesics/pharmacology , Pain/drug therapy , Prostaglandin D2/analogs & derivatives , Receptors, Opioid, delta/metabolism , Receptors, Opioid, kappa/metabolism , Temporomandibular Joint/drug effects , Analgesics/administration & dosage , Animals , Cyclic GMP/antagonists & inhibitors , Cyclic GMP/metabolism , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Formaldehyde , Inflammation/chemically induced , Inflammation/drug therapy , Inflammation/metabolism , KATP Channels/antagonists & inhibitors , KATP Channels/metabolism , Male , Nitric Oxide Synthase/antagonists & inhibitors , Nitric Oxide Synthase/metabolism , PPAR gamma/antagonists & inhibitors , PPAR gamma/metabolism , Pain/chemically induced , Pain/metabolism , Prostaglandin D2/administration & dosage , Prostaglandin D2/pharmacology , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Receptors, Opioid, delta/antagonists & inhibitors , Receptors, Opioid, kappa/antagonists & inhibitors , Receptors, Opioid, mu/antagonists & inhibitors , Receptors, Opioid, mu/metabolism , Serotonin/metabolism , Signal Transduction , Temporomandibular Joint/metabolism
9.
Can J Gastroenterol ; 20(1): 39-42, 2006 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16432559

ABSTRACT

Duodenal hematoma is a rare complication of endoscopic duodenal biopsy that occurs mainly in children or adults with impaired coagulation. The clinical presentation consists of signs of intestinal obstruction, and pancreatitis and direct hyperbilirubinemia are possible complications caused by ampullary obstruction. A case of a six-year-old girl who presented with a duodenal hematoma and acute pancreatitis after having an endoscopic duodenal biopsy is reported. A review of the literature and data from all similar cases reported so far are briefly presented and discussed.


Subject(s)
Biopsy/adverse effects , Duodenum/injuries , Endoscopy/adverse effects , Hematoma/etiology , Intestinal Obstruction/etiology , Child , Duodenum/diagnostic imaging , Duodenum/pathology , Enzyme Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Female , Humans , Intestinal Obstruction/therapy , Omeprazole/therapeutic use , Radiography
10.
Int Endod J ; 34(2): 93-9, 2001 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11307266

ABSTRACT

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of ultrasound during the removal of posts cemented with either zinc phosphate cement, glass ionomer cement or resin cement. METHODOLOGY: Eighty-four single-rooted teeth were prepared and after cementation of cast posts, they were randomly divided into six groups of 14. Group 1, 2 and 3 did not receive ultrasonic vibration, whilst groups 4, 5 and 6 received ultrasonic vibration for 10 min. The force necessary for post removal was determined using a universal testing machine. Results were statistically analysed using ANOVA and Tukey tests (5%). RESULTS: The application of ultrasonic vibration reduced the retention provided by zinc phosphate and glass ionomer cements by 39% and 33%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A statistically significant reduction in the force necessary to remove posts cemented with zinc phosphate and glass ionomer cements occurred following application of ultrasound. The application of ultrasonic vibration did not influence the retention of cast posts cemented with resin cement.


Subject(s)
Dental Cements , Dental Prosthesis Retention , Post and Core Technique , Ultrasonics , Analysis of Variance , Cementation , Dental Alloys , Dental Casting Investment , Dental Cements/chemistry , Dental Debonding , Dental Stress Analysis/instrumentation , Glass Ionomer Cements/chemistry , Humans , Resin Cements/chemistry , Statistics as Topic , Stress, Mechanical , Surface Properties , Time Factors , Vibration , Zinc Phosphate Cement/chemistry
11.
Acta Cytol ; 43(6): 1098-100, 1999.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10578984

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Metastasis of renal cell carcinoma to the vagina is rare, although it may be the first evidence of the existence of the primary tumor. CASE: A metastatic deposit of renal cell carcinoma in the vagina was diagnosed by cytology as clear cell adenocarcinoma, which was confirmed by biopsy. Radiographic and ultrasound examinations confirmed the renal site of origin, which was corroborated by immunohistochemistry of the biopsy specimen. CONCLUSION: When a cytologic diagnosis of vaginal clear cell adenocarcinoma is made, metastasis of renal cell carcinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis.


Subject(s)
Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell/pathology , Carcinoma, Renal Cell/diagnosis , Cytodiagnosis/methods , Kidney Neoplasms/pathology , Vaginal Neoplasms/diagnosis , Biopsy , Carcinoma, Renal Cell/secondary , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Humans , Immunohistochemistry , Middle Aged , Vaginal Neoplasms/secondary
12.
Cad Saude Publica ; 15(4): 901-6, 1999.
Article in Portuguese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10633213

ABSTRACT

Tree felling around a chicken coop and periodic insecticide spraying at the Palmital farm in the county of Terra Boa in southern Brazil impacted the ecology of sand fly species. The most prevalent species (51.6%) before clearing the trees and insecticide spraying was Lutzomyia migonei (França, 1920), and it is now Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) whitmani (Antunes & Coutinho, 1939) (89.8%). There was a highly significant difference between the proportions of L. whitmani reported by this paper (89.8%) and another publication before the tree felling and insecticide spraying (32,6%).


Subject(s)
Ecology , Environment , Insect Vectors , Psychodidae/physiology , Animals , Behavior, Animal , Brazil , Ecosystem , Insecticides , Population Density , Seasons
13.
Rev Soc Bras Med Trop ; 31(6): 517-22, 1998.
Article in Portuguese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9859694

ABSTRACT

The present study was undertaken after the detection of one case of cutaneous leishmaniasis with presumed infection in one of the three remaining wooded areas in the urban area of the city of Maringá, Southern Brazil; also in view of the lack of knowledge about sand flies and their behavior. From June to September, 1995, sand flies were caught with Falcão traps during the night in the remaining wooded areas (Parque do Ingá, Bosque Dois and Horto Florestal). A total of 2,907 sand flies were caught in Parque do Ingá; 1,723 of them were aught in forest traps and 1,184 in wild animal shelter traps at the zoo. The results show that Lutzomyia whitmani is better adapted to the three areas under study and that it frequently occurs in wild animal shelters within the urban perimeter of Maringá.


Subject(s)
Insect Vectors , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/epidemiology , Psychodidae , Animals , Animals, Zoo/parasitology , Behavior, Animal , Brazil/epidemiology , Humans , Psychodidae/parasitology , Trees
14.
Rev. Soc. Bras. Med. Trop ; 31(6): 517-522, nov.-dez. 1998. tab
Article in Portuguese | LILACS | ID: lil-463595

ABSTRACT

The present study was undertaken after the detection of one case of cutaneous leishmaniasis with presumed infection in one of the three remaining wooded areas in the urban area of the city of Maringá, Southern Brazil; also in view of the lack of knowledge about sand flies and their behavior. From June to September, 1995, sand flies were caught with Falcão traps during the night in the remaining wooded areas (Parque do Ingá, Bosque Dois and Horto Florestal). A total of 2,907 sand flies were caught in Parque do Ingá; 1,723 of them were aught in forest traps and 1,184 in wild animal shelter traps at the zoo. The results show that Lutzomyia whitmani is better adapted to the three areas under study and that it frequently occurs in wild animal shelters within the urban perimeter of Maringá.


Um caso de leishmaniose tegumentar com provável infecção em uma das áreas de matas remanescentes no perímetro urbano de Maringá, Paraná, Brasil, o desconhecimento da fauna e do comportamento de flebotomíneos nestas matas despertaram o interesse desta investigação. Os flebotomíneos foram coletados com armadilhas de Falcão instaladas em matas remanescentes do Parque do Ingá, Bosque Dois e Horto Florestal, de junho a setembro de 1995, no período noturno. Nestas áreas coletaram-se 3.532 flebotomíneos, prevalecendo Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) whitmani (Antunes & Coutinho, 1939) com 3.395 (96,1%) exemplares. No Parque do Ingá, onde as coletas também foram feitas em abrigos de animais silvestres, mantidos em zoológico, foram coletados 2.907 flebotomíneos, dos quais 1.723 nestes abrigos. Os resultados mostram melhor adaptação de Lutzomyia whitmani nas matas remanescentes no perímetro urbano de Maringá e sua freqüência nos abrigos dos animais silvestres mantidos em cativeiro.


Subject(s)
Animals , Humans , Insect Vectors , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/epidemiology , Psychodidae , Animals, Zoo/parasitology , Behavior, Animal , Brazil/epidemiology , Psychodidae/parasitology , Trees
15.
Q J Med ; 87(5): 269-82, 1994 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-7938407

ABSTRACT

In São Paulo State, Brazil, five males, aged between 8 and 64 years, were attacked by 'Africanized' honey bees (Apis mellifera scutellata). The estimated number of stings received by each patient ranged from > 200 to > 1000. All five were transferred to intensive care units in São Paulo City. Clinical features included intravascular haemolysis, respiratory distress with ARDS, hepatic dysfunction, rhabdomyolysis (with myoglobinaemia and myoglobinuria), hypertension and myocardial damage (perhaps explained by release of endogenous catecholamines by venom phospholipase A2 and mellitin), shock, coma, acute renal failure and bleeding. Laboratory findings included gross neutrophil leucocytosis, elevated serum enzymes [AST, ALT, LDH, CPK (predominantly CPK-MM)] and creatinine. Clotting times were slightly prolonged. Despite treatment with antihistamines, corticosteroids, bronchodilators, vasodilators, bicarbonate, mannitol and mechanical ventilation, three of the patients died between 22 and 71 h after the attacks, with histopathological features of ARDS, hepatocellular necrosis, acute tubular necrosis, focal subendocardial necrosis and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Whole bee venom and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) antigen concentrations were measured in serum and urine for the first time, using enzyme immunoassay. High venom and PLA2 concentrations were detected in serum and urine for more than 50 h after the stings in two fatal cases, in one of which the total circulating unbound whole venom was estimated at 27 mg, one hour after the attack. An antivenom should be developed to treat the increasing numbers of victims of mass attacks by Africanized 'killer' bees in USA, Middle and South America.


Subject(s)
Bees , Insect Bites and Stings/mortality , Adolescent , Adult , Animals , Antigens/blood , Antigens/urine , Bee Venoms/blood , Bee Venoms/urine , Brazil/epidemiology , Child , Fatal Outcome , Humans , Insect Bites and Stings/blood , Insect Bites and Stings/immunology , Insect Bites and Stings/pathology , Insect Bites and Stings/urine , Male , Middle Aged , Phospholipases A/immunology , Phospholipases A2
16.
J. pediatr. (Rio J.) ; 69(1): 36-41, jan.-fev. 1993. ilus, tab
Article in Portuguese | LILACS | ID: lil-127652

ABSTRACT

Para avaliar os fatores litogenicos, estudamos retrospectivamente, com relacao a idade, ao sexo, a manifestacao clinicas e antecedentes, cinquenta criancas com nefrolitiase. Todas elas foram submetidas a protocolo prospectivo que constou dos seguintes exames: urina I, urocultura, urinas de 24 horas para dosagem de calcio, acido urico e creatinina, urografia excretora, uretrocistografia miccional, ultra-som renal e prova de sobrecarga oral de calcio. As criancas foram classificadas quanto ao disturbio metabolico conforme criteiros ja estabelecidos. Das cinquenta criancas estudadas apenas 7 (14//) nao apresentaram anormalidade metabolica. Encontramos hipercalciuria renal (HCaR) em 17 (34//); absorvida (HAInt) em 16 (32//); hiperuricosuria (HEAcUr) em 7 (14//) e infeccao dotrato urinario (ITU) em 4 (8//). Observamos um caso de cistinuria. Atraves deste estudo pudemos verificar a importancia da avaliacao metabolica para proposicao de terapeutica especifica para cada caso, principalmente se considerarmos que em 86// das criancas estudadas houve deteccao de alguma, alteracao metabolica


Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Infant , Child, Preschool , Child , Adolescent , Cholelithiasis/metabolism , Acidosis, Renal Tubular , Cystinuria , Bile Duct Diseases , Klebsiella Infections , Proteus Infections , Pseudomonas Infections , Uric Acid
17.
Pediatr Nephrol ; 6(1): 54-6, 1992 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-1536741

ABSTRACT

In order to determine metabolic disorders in children with urolithiasis, 50 patients with urinary calculi were studied. Abdominal pain and/or haematuria were the most predominant symptoms. Surgical procedures were required in 22% of these children and urinary tract infection was observed in 34% of this group. Only 2 children had anatomical malformations of the urinary tract. Absorptive hypercalciuria (32%), renal hypercalciuria (34%) and uric acid hyperexcretion (24%) were the most common metabolic abnormalities in these children. We were unable to find an underlying metabolic abnormality in only 14% of the patients. These data suggest that appropriate metabolic study will allow rational management of children with urinary stones.


Subject(s)
Urinary Calculi/metabolism , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Creatinine/metabolism , Female , Humans , Hypercalcemia/metabolism , Infant , Male , Uric Acid/metabolism , Urinary Calculi/etiology , Urinary Tract Infections/metabolism
18.
Rev Paul Med ; 109(3): 93-6, 1991.
Article in Portuguese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-1947611

ABSTRACT

A comparison between two sampling methods of cervicovaginal material--cytobrush and Ayre's spatula--was performed to verify the endocervical cell concentration in a group of 163 asymptomatic women. Age ranged from 18 to 57 years, with an average of 30. Smears of both methods showed satisfactory cellularity for study. Cytobrush showed endocervical cells (columnar and/or metaplastic) in 100 cases (61.3%) and Ayre's spatula in 39 (20.2%). Cytobrush showed more efficient results in terms of endocervical cell concentration; according to literature, this can be an important factor in the sensitivity of the cytologic method to detect intraepithelial neoplasia.


Subject(s)
Vaginal Smears/methods , Adolescent , Adult , Cervix Uteri/cytology , Female , Histological Techniques , Humans , Middle Aged , Vaginal Smears/instrumentation
19.
Pathologica ; 83(1083): 105-9, 1991.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-1714070

ABSTRACT

Two methods of staining (Papanicolaou versus direct immunofluorescence) and two methods of collection of the samples (Ayre's wooden spatula versus cervical Cytobrush) were compared in order to verify the efficiency in detecting Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections in the female genital tract. Out of 166 asymptomatic patients, 59 were positive for CT by means of direct immunofluorescence: 36 were detected in Cytobrush samples, 16 in Ayre's spatula samples, and 7 in the samples collected by both methods. Papanicolaou smears showed "moth-eaten" features suggestive of CT infection in a great number of metaplastic cells present in 35 cases: 24 collected by Cytobrush, 4 by Ayre's spatula and 7 by both methods. Our data show that Cytobrush is more efficient that Ayre's spatula in concentrating cellular material. It is thus possible to detect CT infection with more accuracy by means of direct immunofluorescence, and to suspect CT infection in smears collected by means of Cytobrush and stained by Papanicolaou's method.


Subject(s)
Chlamydia Infections/diagnosis , Chlamydia trachomatis/isolation & purification , Papanicolaou Test , Uterine Cervical Diseases/microbiology , Vaginal Smears/methods , Adolescent , Adult , Female , Fluorescent Antibody Technique , Humans , Middle Aged , Staining and Labeling , Vaginal Smears/instrumentation
20.
Diagn Cytopathol ; 6(2): 86-8, 1990.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-2338040

ABSTRACT

Twenty-two women with uterine carcinoma with morphological alterations postradiation treatment suggestive of Chlamydia trachomatis infection were analyzed by direct immunofluorescence. The diagnosis was confirmed in 12 (54.4%) cases. Discussions of the presence of Chlamydia in irradiated cells were not found in the literature. This finding may signify a posttherapeutic morbidity or a preradiation infection.


Subject(s)
Adenocarcinoma/radiotherapy , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/radiotherapy , Chlamydia Infections/microbiology , Chlamydia trachomatis/isolation & purification , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Adenocarcinoma/microbiology , Adenocarcinoma/pathology , Adult , Aged , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/microbiology , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology , Chlamydia Infections/pathology , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/microbiology , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/pathology
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