Muscle coactivation during gait in children with and without cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND: Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) walk with an uncoordinated gait compared to Typically Developing (TD) children. This behavior may reflect greater muscle co-activation in the lower limb; however, findings are inconsistent, and the determinants of this construct are unclear. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES: (i) Compare lower-limb muscle co-activation during gait in children with, and without CP, and (ii) determine the extent to which muscle co-activation is influenced by electromyography normalization procedures and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) class. METHODS: An electromyography system measured muscle activity in the rectus femoris, semitendinosus, gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior muscles during walking in 46 children (19 CP, 27 TD). Muscle co-activation was calculated for the tibialis anterior-gastrocnemius (TA-G), rectus femoris-gastrocnemius (RF-G), and rectus femoris-semitendinosus (RF-S) pairings, both using root mean squared (RMS)-averaged and dynamically normalized data, during stance and swing. Mann-Whitney U and independent t-tests examined differences in muscle co-activation by group (CP vs. TD) and GMFCS class (CP only), while mean difference 95% bootstrapped confidence intervals compared electromyography normalization procedures. RESULTS: Using dynamically normalized data, the CP group had greater muscle co-activation for the TA-G and RF-G pairs during stance (p < 0.01). Using RMS-averaged data, the CP group had greater muscle co-activation for TA-G (stance and swing, p < 0.01), RF-G (stance, p < 0.05), and RF-S (swing, p < 0.01) pairings. Muscle co-activation calculated with dynamically normalized, compared to RMS-averaged data, were larger in the RF-S and RF-G (stance) pairs, but smaller during swing (RF-G). Children with CP classified as GMFCS II had greater muscle co-activation during stance in the TA-G pair (p < 0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: Greater muscle co-activation observed in children with CP during stance may reflect a less robust gait strategy. Although data normalization procedures influence muscle co-activation ratios, this behavior was observed independent of normalization technique.

Effect of the racial group and body condition score at calving on production performance and metabolic profile of buffaloes during the transition period.

This study evaluated the body condition score (BCS) at calving and breed (B) effects on milk composition, yield, performance, physiological parameters, hemogram, blood metabolites, and urinary metabolites in the transition and early lactation periods of Mediterranean (MED) and Murrah (MUR) buffaloes. Twenty MED and fifteen MUR buffaloes were distributed into four experimental treatments, in a completely randomized design, considering their racial groups and BCS (LBCS = low; HBCS = high): LBCS MED (N = 9); HBCS MED (N = 11); LBCS MUR (N = 8); HBCS MUR (N = 7). Animals were monitored during the last 21 days of gestation and first 56 days postpartum and kept under the same management and feeding conditions. During data collection, milk composition, yield, performance, physiological parameters, hemogram, blood metabolites, and urinary metabolites were evaluated. Higher milk production and fat-corrected milk were observed in MED than MUR buffaloes. Breed effects were observed on body weight, rectal temperature, glucose, urea, calcium (Ca) concentrations, and BCS effects on total protein, albumin, urea, and Ca. There were BCS effects on hematocrit, neutrophils, eosinophils, and interactions between B × BCS for lymphocytes and platelets. There were breed effects on urinary concentrations of chlorine, uric acid, and interactions between weight (W) × B on chlorine and urea. The MED buffaloes can be considered the most prepared to undergo physiological changes, including the BCS value at calving, indicating higher physiological health. Besides, this study demonstrates more considerable preparation for the calving, regardless of the body condition score at calving.

Surface Characteristics and Microbial Adhesion in Polymethylmethacrylate for Denture Base Submitted to Antimicrobial Agents and Cleaning Agents: A Systematic Review.

This review aimed to identify the influence of antimicrobial and cleaning agents on surface characteristics such as surface free energy (SFE) and wettability, and microbial adhesion in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) for denture base. The review question, based on PICO, was: "Does intervention with antimicrobial and cleaning agents in PMMA influence the surface free energy, wettability, and consequently the microbial adhesion?" and the protocol was registered in Open Science Framework (osf. io/v3xgn). The search was performed in PubMed, Lilacs, Embase, Scopus, and Science Direct databases, using the terms: ("acrylic resin" OR PMMA) AND (antimicrobial OR antibacterial) AND ("electrostatic interaction" OR surface free energy) AND (biofilm OR "bacteria adhesion"), and resulted in 462 articles, of which 7 were included. The antimicrobials polypara-xylylene, carboxybetaine methacrylate, ethylene glycol methacrylate phosphate, and deposition of F and Ag ions in PMMA influenced the SFE and wettability. Denture cleaners reduced microbial adhesion. Five of the included studies evaluated the microbial adhesion, however, only two observed a direct relationship between SFE, wettability, and microbial adhesion. It was concluded that the intervention with antimicrobial and cleaning agents in PMMA can interfere in SFE and surface wettability, but no correlation was observed between microbial adhesion and these surface characteristics in PMMA.

Feeding behavior of feedlot lambs fed diets with different energy and protein sources.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the replacement of ground corn by crude glycerin and soybean meal by cottonseed cake, in association or not, on feedlot lambs' feeding behavior. Thirty-two non-castrated crossbred ½ Dorper ½ Santa Inês lambs, with an average body weight of 18.52 ± 3.24 kg (mean ± standard deviation), were distributed in a completely randomized design, into four treatments and eight replicates per treatment, in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme. Four experimental diets were tested with different sources or combinations of energy and protein ingredients in the concentrate, respectively: (1) ground corn + soybean meal; (2) ground corn and cottonseed cake; (3) crude glycerin and soybean meal; and (4) crude glycerin and cottonseed cake. The glycerin decreased dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (P < 0.001) intakes, whereas it increased times spent in feeding (P = 0.009; from 21.8 to 28.6), rumination (P = 0.006; from 56.2 to 67.2), and chewing (P < 0.001; from 79.4 to 97.2), in minutes/100 g of DM. Feeding efficiencies of DM (P = 0.003) and NDF (P = 0.008) were decreased by the diets. Protein sources increased (P = 0.018) the times spent in chewing and per period in rumination (P = 0.014). Cottonseed cake, as a protein source, up to a 112 g/kg DM level, can totally replace soybean meal in diets for feedlot lambs without effects on the intake, behavioral activities, and feeding efficiencies. In contrast, the crude glycerin energy source is not adequate to replace ground corn in lambs' diets.

Oviposition preferences of the mosquito Aedes aegypti Linnaeus, 1762 (Culicidae): an urban environment bioassay.

The establishment of an invasive species depends on reproductive success and dispersion capability in the new environment. One of the striking examples of invasion in urban environments is the mosquito Aedes aegypti Linnaeus, 1762 (Culicidae). The success of this species is primarily attributed to its ability to colonize urban environments, and some of the important adaptive strategies associated with this ability is the preference for humans as a blood source and intense occupation of residential (indoor) environments. This study evaluated the effects of location (indoor vs. outdoor) and water nutrient level (% organic matter) on the oviposition preference of A. aegypti in an urban environment. We used oviposition choice experiments to evaluate mosquito oviposition in containers holding 1:1 vs 1:0 ratios of water: organic matter placed indoors and outdoors. Eggs were sampled once per week for nine weeks. Our results revealed a strong oviposition preference for outdoor containers, with a significant preference for containers with higher concentrations of organic matter during the fifth to ninth weeks. However, mosquitoes occupying indoor environments did not prefer to lay eggs in containers with lower levels of organic matter. A better understanding of the preferences of A. aegypti regarding the nutrient level and location of oviposition containers can increase our understanding of the behavioral factors allowing mosquitoes to utilize anthropogenic environments.

Anti-parietal cell antibodies in patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases.

BACKGROUND: Autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD) patients may have a higher prevalence of anti-parietal cell antibodies (APCA) than normal population. OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of APCA in a cohort of ATD patients to know its association with patient's clinical profile and gastrointestinal complaints. METHODS: APCA was sought for by indirect immunofluorescence test in 243 ATD patients: 136 (55.9%) with Graves' disease and 107 (44.0%) with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. A structured questionnaire for gastrointestinal symptoms, previous history of thrombosis, arthralgia and other autoimmune diseases in the patients and their families was applied. Positive and negative APCA individuals were compared. Positive patients were invited to perform upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and biopsy of duodenum segments. Sera from 100 healthy individuals from the same geographic area were used as controls. RESULTS: APCA was present in 20.1% (49/243) of ATD patients: 21.3% (29/136) in the Graves' sample and 18.6% (20/107) in the Hashimoto's sample (p = 0.61). Patients with positive APCA had more anemia (p = 0.03; OR = 2.89; 95% CI = 1.03-8.07) and less heartburn (p = 0.01; OR = 0.4; 95% CI = 0.20-0.83). Among the group of 49 APCA-positive patients, 24 agreed with upper endoscopy and it was found that 54.1% had atrophic gastritis. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of positive APCA in ATD patients. APCA are more common in those with anemia and less common in those with complaints of heartburn. Almost half of positive APCA patients had atrophic gastritis.

Palm kernel cake obtained from biodiesel production in diets for goats: feeding behavior and physiological parameters.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of palm kernel (Elaeis guineensis) cake in diets for goats on feeding behaviors, rectal temperature, and cardiac and respiratory frequencies. Forty crossbred Boer male, non-castrated goats (ten animals per treatment), with an average age of 90 days and an initial body weight of 15.01 ± 1.76 kg, were used. The goats were fed Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.) hay and palm kernel supplemented at the rates of 0, 7, 14, and 21% of dry matter (DM). The feeding behaviors (rumination, feeding, and idling times) were observed for three 24-h periods. DM and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake values were estimated as the difference between the total DM and NDF contents of the feed offered and the total DM and NDF contents of the orts. There was no effect of palm kernel cake inclusion in goat diets on DM intake (P > 0.05). However, palm kernel cake promoted a linear increase (P < 0.05) in NDF intake and time spent feeding and ruminating (min/day; %; period) and a linear decrease in time spent idling. Palm kernel cakes had no effects (P > 0.05) on the chewing, feeding, and rumination efficiency (DM and NDF) or on physiological variables. The use up to 21% palm kernel cake in the diet of crossbred Boer goats maintained the feeding behaviors and did not change the physiological parameters of goats; therefore, its use is recommended in the diet of these animals.

Testosterone serum profile, semen characteristics and testicular biometry of Mangalarga Marchador stallions in a tropical environment.

This study was conducted to characterize the daily profile of testosterone secretion and its mean concentrations in the four seasons as well as to evaluate the semen characteristics and testicular biometry of Mangalarga Marchador stallions throughout the year in a tropical region. Three stallions were submitted to semen collections and evaluation of testicular biometry every 14 days along a year. Blood samples were collected once at the middle of each season, in a 20-min interval during 24 hr in order to evaluate the testosterone secretion profiles among seasons. Testosterone concentrations along the day were higher at the beginning of the afternoon (from 12:00 to 15:00 hr), but a circadian secretion was not clearly observed. Mean testosterone concentrations did not differ among seasons (p > .05), but a pattern of secretion along the day showed variations with higher concentrations in the afternoon during the winter. Ejaculate volume was higher during summer; however, sperm motility decreased in summer and spring. Total sperm in ejaculate, sperm morphology and testicular biometry kept constant along the year showing no differences among the seasons. The results demonstrated that in a tropical region, reproductive aspects of stallions did not show a clearly defined seasonal variation, and months of autumn and winter were not unsuitable for reproduction of the males.

Intake, digestibility, performance, and nitrogen metabolism of feedlot-finished young bulls () fed diets containing peanut cake.

This aim of this study was to evaluate the use of peanut cake as a dietary substitute for soybean meal and to determine the effects on intake, apparent digestibility, performance, and N metabolism in feedlot-finished young bulls. Thirty-two young Nellore bulls with an average initial BW of 390 ± 43.5 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design and individually housed in stalls. The young bulls were fed Tifton 85 hay and 4 concentrate mixes containing 0, 33, 66, or 100% peanut cake replacing soybean meal. The diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous, containing 150 g/kg CP, and isocaloric (65% TDN), to have a 40:60 forage:concentrate ratio, and were provided as a total mixed ration. The experiment lasted 90 d and data were collected every 28 d. Blood and urine samples were taken during the last 6 d. Intakes of DM ( = 0.005), OM ( = 0.006), CP ( = 0.002), NDF ( = 0.022), nonfiber carbohydrates ( = 0.002), and TDN ( = 0.018) linearly decreased as the dietary inclusion of peanut cake in the diet was increased. Conversely, intake and ether extract digestibility linearly increased ( < 0.035). The average daily weight gain decreased ( = 0.015) as the peanut cake levels were increased. Plasma urea N decreased (linearly; = 0.005). Peanut cake may not be used to replace soybean meal in the diet of young feedlot-finished Nellore bulls.

The dysfunctional innate immune response triggered by Toll-like receptor activation is restored by TLR7/TLR8 and TLR9 ligands in cutaneous lichen planus.

BACKGROUND: Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disease. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) bind numerous exogenous and endogenous antigens by recognizing conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and have the ability to induce the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Therefore, alterations in innate immunity could explain the inflammation and T-cell autoreactivity leading to the development of LP disease. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate how the host innate immune response to PAMPs is affected by cutaneous LP, primarily by using TLR agonists to induce proinflammatory cytokine secretion from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). METHODS: PBMCs from patients with LP and healthy control (HC) individuals were stimulated with agonists of TLR2/TLR1 (pam3csk4), TLR3 [poly(I:C)-RIG], TLR4 (lipopolysaccharide), TLR5 (flagellin), TLR7 (imiquimod), TLR7/TLR8 (CL097) and TLR9 (CpG). Cytokines from culture supernatants (n = 10-12) and serum chemokines and cytokines (n = 22-24) were measured using flow cytometry. RESULTS: Activation through the TLR2, TLR4 and TLR5 pathways induced increased tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α secretion by PBMCs from individuals with LP compared with the HC group. In contrast, activation through TLR3 and TLR7 was impaired in the LP group, leading to decreased TNF-α secretion. Moreover, intracellular TLR activation resulted in reduced interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-6 secretion. Notably, individuals with LP became responders on stimulation with TLR7/TLR8 and TLR9 agonists; responses were measured as increases in interferon (IFN)-α production. Detectable TNF-α and high CXCL9 and CXCL10 serum levels were observed in patients with LP, suggesting their potential use as markers of the inflammatory status in LP. CONCLUSIONS: These findings point to a defect in the TLR signalling pathways in cutaneous LP. Agonists of TLR7/TLR8 or TLR9 overcame impaired IFN-α secretion in LP, strategically acting as adjuvants to improve the type I response.

Ingestive Behavior of Heifers Supplemented with Glycerin in Substitution of Corn on Brachiaria brizantha Pasture.

The objective was to evaluate the ingestive behavior of crossbred heifers finished on a Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu pasture receiving four levels of glycerin in their supplementation. Thirty-six crossbred heifers with average initial weight of 264.83±3.83 kg and 20 months of age were distributed into a completely randomized design with four treatments and nine replications: control (0%), 4.82%, 10.12%, and 15.56% glycerin in the dry matter. The grazing time reduced linearly (p<0.05), whereas the time spent on activities like rumination, idleness, trough and total chewing time were quadratically affected (p<0.05). Bite rate and number of bites/day were quadratically influenced (p<0.05). The number of bites/swallowed cud and the number of bites/minute, however, increased linearly (p<0.05). Although the time spent on each cud and number of chews per cud were not affected (p>0.05). The number of rumination periods reduced linearly (p<0.05), whereas the number of grazing, idle and trough periods, and the times per grazing, idle, rumination and trough periods were quadratically affected (p<0.05). The feed and rumination efficiencies of the dry matter, non-fibrous carbohydrates, pasture dry matter and concentrate were quadratically affected (p>0.05) whereas the feed efficiency of neutral detergent fiber reduced linearly (p<0.05). Addition of glycerin in substitution of corn in supplements for animals managed on pastures does not influenced feed intake, but reduces the grazing time and increases the idle time. The supplementation also improves feed and rumination efficiencies.

AIDS-related sinonasal Burkitt lymphoma successfully treated with intensive chemotherapy regimen and high active antiretroviral therapy.

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is the second most common AIDS-related lymphoma. Primary sinonasal BL in HIV patients is extremely rare and treatment data in this subset of patients is almost nonexistent. Recently, a few studies reported promising results treating HIV-associate BL with an intensive chemotherapy regimen. The use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAARTHAART) concomitantly with chemotherapy seems to improve patient outcomes, but this topic is still controversial due to potential drug interactions. We report a case of a 29-year old woman diagnosed with AIDS presenting with symptoms of chronic sinusitis. Subsequent investigation by CT scan and endoscopic biopsy discovered a sinonasal BL in an early stage. The patient was treated with intensive chemotherapy and HAARTHAART and achieved a complete remission and long-term immunologic recovery. This case report describes a rare entity whose natural history, treatment and prognosis is infrequently characterized in the medical literature.

Reproductive parameters of Mangalarga Marchador mares in a commercial embryo transfer programme.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the reproductive efficiency in donors and recipient Mangalarga Marchador mares in commercial programmes of embryo transfer (ET) and the effects of some reproductive characteristics and ET methodology on conception rates in the recipient mares. A total of 1140 flushing procedures were performed and 830 embryos (72.8%) were recovered. There were no differences between the rates of embryonic recovery in the different breeding seasons (p > 0.05) and 92.8% of the recovered embryos were 8-9 days old. There was no difference in the embryonic recovery regarding the collection order from the first to the ninth embryo collection along the breeding season, as well as among mares inseminated during the foal heat or subsequent cycles (p > 0.05). Pregnancy rates observed in the total period of all reproductive seasons at 15, 30, 45 and 60 days of pregnancy were 73.4, 69.9, 66.7 and 64.5%, respectively. Differences in pregnancy rate and early embryonic loss rates were not observed between embryos transferred immediately after collection (66.8% and 13.5%) and embryos transported at room temperature for periods of < 1 h (62.9% and 14.4%; p > 0.05). Pregnancy rates were higher when the interval between ovulations of donor and recipient mares remained between -3 and -2 days (p < 0.05), and the lowest rates were observed for intervals of -6 days (p < 0.05) with intermediary values for intervals of -1, 0 and +1 (p > 0.05). Embryonic loss rates, however, did not differ between intervals of ovulation's synchronism between donor and recipient mares (p > 0.05). This flexibilization in the ovulatory synchronism between donor and recipient mares optimizes the use of recipient mares, thus reducing costs and facilitating management of horse breeding farms.

[Retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy: inicial experience with 50 cases]. / Nefrectomía radical laparoscópica retroperitoneal: experiencia inicial con 50 casos.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy is preferentially performed by transperitoneal approach. Despite offering advantages the direct retroperitoneal laparoscopic approach has not found uniform acceptance due to small working space in the retroperitoneum. Retroperitoneoscopy is our preferred approach for performing radical nephrectomy for localized renal tumors. We present our technique and our experience with the first 50 retroperitoneoscopic radical nephrectomies and compare the results with other series. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 50 patients underwent retroperitoneoscopic radical nephrectomy for renal tumors cT1/cT2 between march 2004 to march 2007. A four ports retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy technique is performed with the patient in the full flank position. An artisanal balloon is used to create the retroperitoneal working space. The specimen is extracted intact by an extraperitoneal iliac incision. Follow up data were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Mean tumor size was 5.3 cm (3 to 13 cm), surgical time was 150 min (90 to 300 min), and blood loss was 130 ml (40-1000 ml). Average hospital stay was 2.2 days (1-11 days). Complications occurred in 6 (12%) patients. Two patients (4%) presented major complications and one of then require open conversion. Four patients (8%) presented minor complications. There were two later recurrences. One local and port site recurrence in a pT3aN0M0 renal cancer and one systemic metastases in a pT3N0M0 urothelial cancer occurred. Both cases presented inadequately extraction. CONCLUSION: Retroperitoneoscopy is a feasible, effective and safe alternative for the treatment of localized renal tumors. Retroperitoneoscopy should be avoided in advanced and large size renal tumors.

Nefrectomía radical laparoscópica retroperitoneal: experiencia inicial con 50 casos / Retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy: incial experience with 50 cases

Objetivo: La nefrectomía radical laparoscópica se realiza preferentemente mediante abordaje transperitoneal. A pesar de las ventajas que ofrece el abordaje laparoscópico retroperitoneal directo, no ha encontrado aceptación uniforme debido al pequeño espacio de trabajo en el retroperitoneo. La retroperitoneoscopia es nuestro abordaje preferido para realizar nefrectomía radical de tumores renales localizados. Presentamos nuestra técnica y nuestra experiencia con los primeros 50 casos de nefrectomía radical retroperitoneoscópica y comparamos los resultados con otras series. Material y Métodos: Entre marzo de 2004 y marzo de 2007 se realizaron nefrectomía radical retroperitoneoscópica a 50pacientes con tumores renales cT1/cT2. Se realizó nefrectomía con una técnica laparoscópica retroperitoneal con 4 puertos con el paciente colocado en posición de decúbito lateral. Se creó un balón artesanal para crear el espacio de trabajo retroperitoneal. La pieza quirúrgica se extrajo intacta por medio de una incisión ilíaca extraperitoneal. Los datos del seguimiento se revisaron retrospectivamente. Resultados: El tamaño medio del tumor fue de 5,3 cm (3-13 cm), el tiempo quirúrgico fue de 150 min. (90-300 min), y la pérdida de sangre de 130 ml (40-1000 ml). La estancia media en el hospital fue de 2,2 días (1-11 días). Hubo complicaciones en 6 (12%) pacientes. Dos pacientes (4%) tuvieron complicaciones importantes y uno de ellos necesito conversión a cirugía abierta. Cuatro pacientes (8%) presentaron complicaciones menores. Hubo dos recidivas posteriores. Se produjeron una recidiva local en el trócar en un cáncer renal pT3aN0M0 y una metástasis sistémica en un tumor urotelial pT3N0M0. Ambos casos presentaban extracción inadecuada de la pieza quirúrgica. Conclusión: La retroperitoneoscopia es una alternativa viable, eficaz y segura para el tratamiento de tumores renales localizados. Se debe evitar la retroperitoneoscopia en tumores renales avanzados y de gran tamaño (AU)

Purpose: Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy is preferentially performed by transperitoneal approach. Despite offering advantages the direct retroperitoneal laparoscopic approach has not found uniform acceptance due to small working space in the retroperitoneum. Retroperitoneoscopy is our preferred approach for performing radical nephrectomy for localized renal tumors. We present our technique and our experience with the first 50 retroperitoneoscopic radical nephrectomies and compare the results with other series. Matherials and Methods: 50 patients underwent retroperitoneoscopic radical nephrectomy for renal tumors cT1/cT2 between march 2004 to march 2007. A four ports retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy technique is performed with the patient in the full flank position. An artisanal balloon is used to create the retroperitoneal working space. The specimen is extracted intact by an extraperitoneal iliac incision. Follow up data were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Mean tumor size was 5,3 cm (3 to 13 cm), surgical time was 150 min (90 to 300 min), and blood loss was 130 ml (40-1000 ml). Average hospital stay was 2,2 days (1-11 days). Complications occurred in 6 (12%) patients. Two patients (4%) presented major complications and one of then require open conversion. Four patients (8%) presented minor complications. There were two later recurrences. One local and port site recurrence in a pT3aN0M0 renal cancer and one systemic metastases in apT3N0M0 urothelial cancer occurred. Both cases presented inadequately extraction. Conclusion: Retroperitoneoscopy is a feasible, effective and safe alternative for the treatment of localized renal tumors. Retroperitoneoscopy should be avoided in advanced and large size renal tumors (AU )

[Search of natural occurrence of xiphidiocercariae (trematoda) in fresh water snails of nine countries from São Paulo State, Brazil]. / Búsqueda de xifidiocercarias (Trematoda) en moluscos de agua dulce recolectados en nueve municipios del Estado de São Paulo, Brasil.

Xiphidiocercariae, aquatic larval stages of some trematodes are considered a potential instrument for biological control of mosquitoes. In this study we evaluated its natural occurrence in Campinas region and two places in Vale do Ribeira (Registro and Miracatu), São Paulo State. Snails were obtained from fresh water collections from September 1996 to February 1999. The species collected were Lymnaea columella, Physa marmorata, Biomphalaria tenagophila, Biomphalaria sp., Drepanotrema cimex, D. lucidum and Drepanotrema sp. Fasciola hepatica, xiphidiocercariae (Haematoloechidae) and echinostomatid cercariae were detected in the lymnaeids snails from Miracatu, SP. In the same locality were found planorbids snails parasitized by furcocercariae, echinostomatid cercariae and xiphidiocercariae. The xiphidiocercariae found in the planorbids were different from those obtained from lymnaeids. One Biomphalaria sp. infected with furcocercariae was found in Louveira, SP. In the ROSA place (Campinas, SP) an individual of Biomphalaria sp. and one of L. columella were found infected by the furcocercariae and echinostomatid cercariae, respectively. In the place UNI-I, in Campinas, one L. columella was infected by furcocercariae. Double infection in snails from Miracatu was also observed.

Congenital inclusion cysts of the anterior fontanelle.

BACKGROUND: Congenital inclusion cysts of the anterior fontanelle are rare lesions. Both dermoid and epidermoid cysts are located in the midline of the scalp and occupy the subgaleal space. METHODS: We report 7 cases, 4 boys (57.1%), and 3 girls (42.9%), with ages ranging from 3 months to 16 years (mean 40.85 +/- 68.56 months; median 10 months). Four patients (57.1%) were white and 3 (42.9%) were Afro-Brazilian. RESULTS: The cysts had manifested soon after birth in all patients. They gradually enlarged, with no intracranial extensions. Four patients had dermoid cysts and the others had epidermoid cysts. All of them underwent surgery with complete excision of the cyst and no capsular rupture. There were no complications and no deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Congenital inclusion cysts of the anterior fontanelle are rare lesions that usually manifest at birth. The diagnosis is usually easy and surgery is mandatory, with a good prognosis. Recurrence is rare.

Preliminary assessment of heavy metal levels in Mytella falcata (Bivalvia, Mytilidae) from Bacanga River estuary, São Luís, state of Maranhão, northeastern Brazil.

The concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd were determined in the mussel Mytella falcata from the Bacanga River estuary, in order to evaluate the potential role of domestic effluents released "in natura" on the quality of the estuarine environment with consequences to shellfish resources. Cu concentrations ranged from 5.2 mg.g-1 to 13.1 mg.g-1, while Zn concentrations ranged from 49.1 mg.g-1 to 76.3 mg.g-1. Pb and Cd showed concentrations lower than 2 mg.g-1. The results showed low concentrations of Cu, Pb and Cd in the filter-feeding Mytella falcata in the study area in comparison with the maximum values stablished to foods by the Brazilian Government (Decree Law No 55,871). Finally, Zn presented slightly higher values than the maximum ones stablished by the Brazilian government.

Improved Selection with Newly Identified RAPD Markers Linked to Resistance Gene to Four Pathotypes of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum in Common Bean.

ABSTRACT Three F(2) populations derived from crosses between the resistant cultivar AB 136 and the susceptible cultivar Michelite (MiA), and one F(2) population derived from a cross between AB 136 and Mexico 222 (MeA), were used to identify markers linked to anthracnose resistance genes present in cultivar AB 136. Primer OPZ04 produced a DNA band (OPZ04(560)) linked in coupling phase to the resistance gene for pathotype 89 (8.5 +/- 0.025 cM) in one population derived from the cross MiA. In the same population, primer OPZ09 produced one band (OPZ09(950)) linked in repulsion phase (20.4 +/- 0.014 cM) to the same resistance gene. The simultaneous use of markers in coupling and in repulsion phases allowed the identification of the three genotypic classes. In the other two populations from cross MiA, OPZ04(560) was linked in coupling phase to resistance genes for pathotypes 73 (2.9 +/- 0.012 cM) and 81 (2.8 +/- 0.017 cM). In population MeA, OPZ04(560) was linked in coupling phase (7.5 +/- 0.033 cM) to resistance to pathotype 64. These data suggest that a single gene or complex locus of linked resistance genes present in cultivar AB 136 confers resistance to all four pathotypes of C. lindemuthianum.

Chromium determination in osteoblast-like cell culture medium by catalytic cathodic stripping voltammetry with a mercury microelectrode.

A catalytic cathodic stripping voltammetric procedure for the determination of total chromium in osteoblast-like cell culture medium using a mercury film microelectrode (MFM) was optimised. The method is based on the pre-concentration of the Cr(III)-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) complex by adsorption at the potential of-1.00 V (vs. Ag/AgC1) in the presence of 10 x 10(-3) mol/L DTPA, 0.70 mol/L sodium nitrate, 0.04 mol/L sodium acetate and 1.0 x 10(-3) mol/L potassium permanganate at pH 5.9-6.0. The limit of detection obtained for a 40 s collection time was 2.80 x 10(-10) mol/L of chromium. The results achieved by stripping voltammetry using the MFM were compared to those obtained by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) to ensure the reliability of the electrochemical method. This procedure proved to be an alternative to AAS and valuable in biocompatibility studies performed in vitro using osteoblast-like cells.