Notes on the conservation threats to the western lesser spot-nosed monkey (Cercopithecus petaurista buettikoferi) in the Bijagós Archipelago (Guinea-Bissau, West Africa).

The lesser spot-nosed monkey (Cercopithecus petaurista) is a widely distributed West African guenon, which is generally considered less vulnerable to local extinctions than many sympatric primate species. Guinea-Bissau harbours the westernmost populations of the species, which is thought to be very rare or even extinct on the mainland, but to have putative populations on some islands of the Bijagós Archipelago. However, due to a lack of regional studies, baseline information on these insular populations is missing. We collected baseline data on the anthropogenic activities that possibly threaten the long-term conservation of this primate by using non-systematic ethnographic methodologies. The species was reported to be decreasing in number or rare by locals on two of the islands, and we identified two main conservation threats to it: generalised habitat loss/degradation, and hunting. While subsistence hunting has been recorded before in these areas, we report, to the best of our knowledge for the first time for these islands, the presence of a semi-organised commercial wild meat trade. The carcasses of western lesser spot-nosed monkeys were observed being stored and shipped from seaports to be sold at urban hubs (Bissau and Bubaque Island). The effect of commercial trade on the species could be severe, considering the small, naturally occurring, carrying capacities typical of insular ecosystems. The results of this study highlight the importance of understanding the leading social drivers of wild meat hunting of lesser spot-nosed monkeys on the Bijagós Archipelago, and the need to conduct baseline research on these insular populations, for which qualitative and quantitative methods could be combined.

The role of ultrasound guided serratus plane block on chronic neuropathic pain after breast surgery in cancer patient.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer among women. Among its treatment sequelae is chronic neuropathic pain after breast surgery (CNPBS). Pain management is difficult and classicaly consists in a pharmacological approach, however recent studies have advocated the use of locoregional techniques as adjuvants. Serratus plane block (SPB) has recently emerged as a potential tool for the control of CNPBS. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and potencial role of the ultrasound-guided SPB on CNPBS. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 30 patients with CNPBS refractory to drug therapy, who underwent SPB between 2017-2019. The following parameters were analyzed: basal pain, pain at 24 h, 1 week and at 1 month. The Mann-Whitney test was applied. Statistical significance was considered at the level of p < 0.05. All statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 20. RESULTS: 3 patients were excluded. At 24 h, we report pain improvement (at least 30% reduction on basal pain score) on 20 patients and after 1 week on 12. At 1 month after, 22 patients had improved, from these: 11 improved with no therapeutic adjustment; 11 patients improved with therapeutic adjustment (8 in gabapentinoid monotherapy, 3 with introduction of polytherapy). 5 patients didn't improve. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated SPB as a valid alternative for CNPBS management when pharmacologic therapy has been proven insufficient, with no side effects reported. Randomized studies are needed to assess the magnitude of SPB on CNPBS and to identify the patients who benefit the most from SPB.

The role of ultrasound guided serratus plane block on chronic neuropathic pain after breast surgery in cancer patient. / Papel del bloqueo ecoguiado del plano del músculo serrato en el dolor neuropático crónico tras una cirugía de mama en una paciente de cáncer.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer among women. Among its treatment sequelae is chronic neuropathic pain after breast surgery (CNPBS). Pain management is difficult and classicaly consists in a pharmacological approach, however recent studies have advocated the use of locoregional techniques as adjuvants. Serratus plane block (SPB) has recently emerged as a potential tool for the control of CNPBS. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and potencial role of the ultrasound-guided SPB on CNPBS. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 30 patients with CNPBS refractory to drug therapy, who underwent SPB between 2017-2019. The following parameters were analyzed: basal pain, pain at 24 hours, 1 week and at 1 month. The Mann-Whitney test was applied. Statistical significance was considered at the level of p < 0.05. All statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 20. RESULTS: 3 patients were excluded. At 24 hours, we report pain improvement (at least 30% reduction on basal pain score) on 20 patients and after 1 week on 12. At 1 month after, 22 patients had improved, from these: 11 improved with no therapeutic adjustment; 11 patients improved with therapeutic adjustment (8 in gabapentinoid monotherapy, 3 with introduction of polytherapy). 5 patients didn't improve. CONCLUSIóN: Our study demonstrated SPB as a valid alternative for CNPBS management when pharmacologic therapy has been proven insufficient, with no side effects reported. Randomized studies are needed to assess the magnitude of SPB on CNPBS and to identify the patients who benefit the most from SPB.

Experimental evidences that P21 protein controls Trypanosoma cruzi replication and modulates the pathogenesis of infection.

P21 is a protein secreted by Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi). Previous studies have shown a spectrum of biological activities performed by P21 such as induction of phagocytosis, leukocyte chemotaxis and inhibition of angiogenesis. However, the activity of P21 in T. cruzi infection remains unknown. Here, we reported the role of P21 in mice harboring late T. cruzi infection. Treatment with recombinant P21 protein (rP21) reduced parasite load and angiogenesis, and induced fibrosis in the cardiac tissue of infected mice. In addition, rP21 reduced the growth of epimastigotes, inhibited intracellular replication of amastigotes and modulated the parasite cell cycle. Our data suggest that P21 controls parasite replication in the host, supporting the survival of both parasite and host.

Contribution of morphoagronomic traits to grain yield and earliness in grain sorghum.

Given the importance of selecting lines to obtain hybrids, we aimed to verify the relationship between morphological traits that can be used as the criteria for the selection of sorghum lines with high grain yield and earliness. A total of 18 traits were evaluated in 160 sorghum elite lines, in an incomplete block design with two replicates. A correlation network was used to graphically express the estimates of phenotypic and genotypic correlations between the traits. Two path analyses were processed, the first considering grain yield and the second considering flowering as the principle dependent variable. In general, most of the variation in the grain yield and flowering of sorghum lines was explained by the traits evaluated. Selecting sorghum lines with greater width of the third leaf blade from flag leaf, panicle weight, and panicle harvest index might lead to increased grain yield, and selecting sorghum genotypes with higher plant height might lead to reduced earliness and increased grain yield. Thus, the results suggest the establishment of selection indices aiming at simultaneously increasing the grain yield and earliness in sorghum genotypes.

Design of an intraocular pressure curve protocol for use in dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To establish an intraocular pressure curve protocol that is safe for corneal health and detects harmful elevations of intraocular pressure outside normal clinic hours. To determine inter-user variability and if repeated measurements affect intraocular pressures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Intraocular pressures were measured in dogs with glaucoma using three protocols: Protocol 1 used applanation tonometry every 2 hours over a 24-hour period; Protocols 2 and 3 used applanation or rebound tonometry, respectively, and measured intraocular pressures every 3 hours over a 30-hour period. A total of 60 additional intraocular pressure curves from dogs with glaucoma and 20 from healthy dogs were then analysed for inter-user variability. RESULTS: A total of 128 intraocular pressure curves were determined in 30 dogs. Protocol 1 resulted in one ulcer in five pressure curves, Protocol 2 in one ulcer in 62 pressure curves and Protocol 3 in no ulcers in 61 pressure curves. Elevated intraocular pressures were detected on 61 occasions, of which 26 developed outside normal clinic hours. A total of 61 additional intraocular pressure curves revealed that repeated measurements had no effect on intraocular pressure. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Protocol 3, using rebound tonometry every 3 hours for 30 hours is safe corneal health and identified elevated intraocular pressures outside normal clinic hours in 12 of 30 (40%) patients that single intraocular pressure measurement during consultation hours would not have identified. Intraocular pressure curves may be recommended for clinical practice and glaucoma studies.

Gene expression of thyroid-specific transcription factors may help diagnose thyroid lesions but are not determinants of tumor progression.

PURPOSE: The role of thyroid-specific transcription factors in thyroid malignancy is still poorly understood, so we investigate thyroid-specific transcription factors gene expression both in benign and in malignant thyroid nodules, aiming to study a possible clinical utility of these molecules. METHODS: We quantified TTF-1, FOXE1 and PAX8 mRNA levels, relating their expression to diagnostic and prognostic features of thyroid tumors. RNA was extracted from 4 normal thyroid tissues, 101 malignant [99 papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC) and 2 anaplastic thyroid carcinomas] and 99 benign thyroid lesion tissues [49 goiter and 50 follicular adenomas (FA)]. RESULTS: Levels of mRNA of both FOXE1 (P < 0.0001) and PAX8 (P < 0.0001) genes, but not TTF-1 (P = 0.7056), were higher in benign than in malignant thyroid lesions. FOXE1 was able to identify malignant nodules with 75.8 % sensitivity, 76.1 % specificity, 75.8 % positive predictive value, 76.1 % negative predictive value and 75.9 % accuracy. PAX8 was able to identify malignancy with 60.6 % sensitivity, 81.1 % specificity, 76.9 % positive predictive value, 66.4 % negative predictive value and 70.6 % accuracy. Both FOXE1 and PAX8 gene expression patterns were also able to differentiate FA from the follicular variant of PTC-FVPTC. However, the investigated gene expression was neither associated with any clinical feature of tumor aggressiveness nor associated with recurrence or survival. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that FOXE1 and PAX8 gene expression patterns may help to diagnose thyroid nodules, identifying malignancy and characterizing follicular-patterned thyroid lesions, but are not determinants of thyroid tumor progression.

The Influence of Social Systems on Patterns of Mitochondrial DNA Variation in Baboons.

Behavior is influenced by genes but can also shape the genetic structure of natural populations. Investigating this link is of great importance because behavioral processes can alter the genetic diversity on which selection acts. Gene flow is one of the main determinants of the genetic structure of a population and dispersal is the behavior that mediates gene flow. Baboons (genus Papio) are among the most intensely studied primate species and serve as a model system to investigate the evolution of social systems using a comparative approach. The general mammalian pattern of male dispersal and female philopatry has thus far been found in baboons, with the exception of hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas). As yet, the lack of data on Guinea baboons (Papio papio) creates a taxonomic gap in genus-wide comparative analyses. In our study we investigated the sex-biased dispersal pattern of Guinea baboons in comparison to hamadryas, olive, yellow, and chacma baboons using sequences of the maternally transmitted mitochondrial hypervariable region I. Analyzing whole-range georeferenced samples (N = 777), we found strong evidence for female-biased gene flow in Guinea baboons and confirmed this pattern for hamadryas baboons, as shown by a lack of genetic-geographic structuring. In addition, most genetic variation was found within and not among demes, in sharp contrast to the pattern observed in matrilocal primates including the other baboon taxa. Our results corroborate the notion that the Guinea baboons' social system shares some important features with that of hamadryas baboons, suggesting similar evolutionary forces have acted to distinguish them from all other baboons.

Peptides derived from phage display libraries as potential neutralizers of Shiga toxin-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo.

AIMS: To use the phage display technique to develop peptides with the capability to neutralize the cytotoxicity induced by Stx1 and Stx2 toxins produced by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). METHODS AND RESULTS: The phage display technique permitted the development of three peptides, named PC7-12, P12-26 and PC7-30, which bind to the globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) receptor for Shiga toxins produced by STEC. Moreover, these peptides were capable of competing efficiently with the Shiga toxins for binding to Gb3. The peptides described herein partially inhibited the Stx-induced cytotoxicity of cell-free filtrates of STEC O157 : H7 and purified Stx toxins in Vero cells. The inhibition of lethality induced by Stx toxins in mice indicated that peptide PC7-30 inhibited the lethality caused by Stx1 (2LD50) in mice. CONCLUSIONS: The phage display technique permitted the development of peptides that inhibited the cytotoxicity induced by Stx toxins in vitro. Peptide PC7-30 inhibited the lethality of Stx1 in vivo; this molecule would be a promising candidate for the development of therapeutic agents for STEC-related diseases in humans. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The selection of Gb3, the common receptor for Stx1 and Stx2, may contribute to the development of efficient neutralizers for both toxins, and our approach would be an interesting alternative for the development of therapeutic molecules for the treatment of diseases caused by STEC strains.

Analysis of the workers head transcriptome of the Asian subterranean termite, Coptotermes gestroi.

The lower termite, Coptotermes gestroi (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), is originally from Southeast Asia and has become a pest in Brazil. The main goal of this study was to survey C. gestroi transcriptome composition. To accomplish this, we sequenced and analyzed 3003 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) isolated from libraries of worker heads. After assembly, 695 uniESTs were obtained from which 349 have similarity with known sequences. Comparison with insect genomes demonstrated similarity, primarily with genes from Apis mellifera (28%), Tribolium castaneum (28%) and Aedes aegypti (10%). Notably, we identified two endogenous cellulases in the sequences, which may be of interest for biotechnological applications. The results presented in this work represent the first genomic study of the Asian subterranean termite, Coptotermes gestroi.

Nursing the dying: essential elements in the care of terminally ill patients.

AIM: To verify those aspects of care that nurses view as important when assisting patients beyond therapeutic possibilities and who are not under intensive care. OBJECTIVES: (1) To find out how nurses cope with daily confrontation with the death and suffering of dying patients, (2) To identify whether nurses feel it is important to have communication skills in order to assist the terminally ill patient, (3) To estimate nurses' degree of work satisfaction, and (4) To explore the humane aspects of nursing assistance to the dying. METHOD: Data were collected in January and February of 2002 by means of individual semistructured interviews with 14 nurses from the unit of haematology at a general hospital in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and further analysed according to the qualitative method proposed by Bardin (1977). RESULTS: We found that Brazilian nurses caring for dying patients should be receiving psychological and emotional support. Results also highlighted different individual approaches in the endeavour to communicate with terminally ill patients, as well as the avoidance patterns developed by some nurses. The latter appeared to be as a result of personal difficulties in coping with the reality of human suffering and death. Finally, there is a need for better preparation in communication skills for nurses caring for terminally ill patients. CONCLUSION: Although the number of interviewed nurses in our study was small, the results corroborated the findings of other studies on the subject.

[Role of arterial hypertension in comorbidity of chronic headaches]. / El papel de la hipertensión arterial en la comorbilidad de las cefaleas crónicas.

INTRODUCTION: The literature concerning the association between headache and arterial hypertension is very scarce, mostly prior to the actual IHS classification and based on very diverse methods, being therefore difficult to interpret. OBJECTIVES: To analyse the association between arterial hypertension and two types of chronic headache and to determine, if and how arterial hypertension may affect the outcome of prophylactic therapy for chronic headaches. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty four files of our headache outpatient clinic, chosen randomly among patients suffering from migraine or tensional type headache (TTH), were analysed retrospectively. Patients were considered hypertensive, if blood pressure was higher than normal several times without an acute crisis present. Resistance to treatment was defined as lack of benefit concerning number and/or intensity of crisis. RESULTS: Age varied between 18 and 80 years, the mean age being 42,9 (SD 13,86) years. Eighty six percent were females. Twenty nine patients suffered from TTH and 35 from migraine. Prevalence of hypertension was 35,9% among all patients, 28,5% among migraine patients, 44,8% among patients with TTH. The prevalence of resistance to treatment was 39,8%, 34,3% and 41,3%, respectively. Of the patients resistant to treatment 60% were hypertensive and 62,5% of the hypertensive patients showed resistance to therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Arterial hypertension was more prevalent in the study sample than would be expected in an equivalent sample of the general population. Hypertension was significantly more prevalent among patients resistant to therapy, as was resistance to treatment among hypertensive patients. We therefore conclude that there is a relevant comorbidity between chronic headache and hypertension and that arterial hypertension complicates the control of chronic headaches.

[Impact of non-verbal communication of professors in the class room -- view of nursing professors]. / Influências do comportamento comunicativo não-verbal do docente em sala de aula--visão dos docentes de enfermagem.

In the interaction teacher-student, the teacher has an important paper and his good acting depends mainly on the conscience and ability that he has in the communication, the nonverbal. This work had as objective to verify the educational of Nursing, the knowledge and the importance attributed to the nonverbal signs in its interaction in class room close to. It is an exploratory study, in the qualitative line and 25 teachers were interviewed in the Nursing School of USP, in October to December of 1999. As results, we could verify that facilitators of the interaction are considered in class room: some teacher's characteristics, student's characteristics, the contact regularity, the type of exposed content and the own communication.

[Non-verbal communication in nurse-user interactions in mental health care]. / A comunicação não-verbal nas interações enfermeiro-usuário em atendimentos de saúde mental.

On this exploratory-description study, we analyzed the nurse's nonverbal communication during 11 interactions in mental illness attendance. We came to the conclusion that among nonverbal sins observed, a greater number used to the feelings demonstration, the codified especially, as interest, attention, quietness/relaxing, tension/fear, indifference, anxiety and irritation. We identified also the nonverbal contradicting the verbal, alerting us that the contradictory of sending messages can give a double or distorted understanding of the message sent. In our perception, most of the nurses researched are not enough attentive to realize consciously how much the nonverbal way of communicating can influence on assistance and humanization of attendance.

[Sexuality covered by the body's silence]. / Reflexões sobre a sexualidade velada no silêncio dos corpos.

The humane relations are mediated by the verbal and non-verbal communication. The non-verbal communication expresses our feelings and emotions, it complements, contradicts and replaces the verbal communication. This study reflects upon the non-verbal communication as a specific approach to sexuality covered by the bodies silence and it expresses the feelings which are determined by the interrelation process of each experience. The data were collected through individual interviews realized from January to March by the year 1995, according to the women from a countryside area in Rio Grande do Sul. It is included in this study the non-verbal signs of the "paralanguage", body language, touch language, and also clothes and items demonstrating the culture, value and cultural preconceptions about Sexuality.

[Headaches, otalgia and peripheral facial palsy as a form of presentation of neurosyphilis]. / Cefaleas, otalgias, hipoacusia y parálisis facial periférica como forma de presentación de la neurosífilis.

INTRODUCTION: Decrease in incidence of neurosyphilis over the last few decades implies that clinicians consider less frequently this diagnosis. On the other hand, some reports suggest an increase in atypical forms of this disease that represent an additional reason for missing this diagnosis. CLINICAL CASE: We report on a 16 year-old immunocompetent black female from Guinea-Bissau presented with headaches, ear pain, hearing loss and peripheral facial paralysis. A cranial CT scan showed a hypodense area in the left cortico-subcortical zone and a contrast enhancement on the left pontocerebellar angle and internal auditory meatus. On the third day of admission a diagnosis of meningitis was made, with high titles of VDRL and TPHA in CSF and serum, leading to a diagnosis of neurosyphilis. The epidemiological aspects of this case suggest either a late congenital syphilis or an infection as a result of a blood transfusion administered seven years earlier in Guinea-Bissau. CONCLUSION: This rare form of presentation of neurosyphilis emphasizes the importance of considering systematically this diagnosis, even in the context of atypical presentations.

[Communication between nurses' aides and patients with chronic renal failure]. / Reflexões sobre comunicações na assistência de enfermagem ao paciente renal crônico.

This article makes considerations about the communication in the nursing assistance to the chronic renal patient, submitted to hemodialysis, which treatment is characterized by a frequent relation and sometimes a "closed" professional relation between nurse and patient. The object of this article is to analyse and give examples of the way to use consciently the verbal and nonverbal communication in order to establish a therapeutic interaction of these patients.