DyMnO3: Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation of Its Photocatalytic Activity in the Visible Spectrum.

DyMnO3 is a p-type semiconductor oxide with two crystal systems, orthorhombic and hexagonal. This material highlights its ferroelectric and ferromagnetic properties, which have been the subject of numerous studies. Nevertheless, its photocatalytic activity has been less explored. In this work, the photocatalytic activity of DyMnO3 is evaluated through the photodegradation of MG dye. For the synthesis of this oxide, a novel and effective method was used: polymer-decomposition. The synthesized powders contain an orthorhombic phase, with a range of absorbances from 300 to 500 nm and a band gap energy of 2.4 eV. It is also highlighted that, when using this synthesis method, some of the main diffraction lines related to the orthorhombic phase appear at 100 °C. Regarding its photocatalytic activity, it was evaluated under visible light (λ = 405 nm), reaching a photodegradation of approximately 88% in a period of 30 min. Photocurrent tests reveal a charge carrier separation (e-,h+) at a 405 nm wavelength. The main reactive oxygen species (ROS) involved in the photodegradation process were radicals, OH•, and photo-holes (h+). These results stand out because it is the first time that the photodegradation capability of this oxide in the visible spectrum has been evaluated.

Dendritic cells drive profibrotic inflammation and aberrant T cell polarization in systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: SSc is a devastating autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis and obliterative vasculopathy affecting the skin and visceral organs. While the processes mediating excessive extracellular matrix deposition and fibroblast proliferation are clear, the exact link between autoimmunity and fibrosis remains elusive. Th17 cells have been proposed as critical drivers of profibrotic inflammation during SSc, but little is known about the immune components supporting their pathogenic role. Our aim was to determine cytokine responses of stimulated monocyte-derived dendritic cells (Mo-DCs) and to determine how they influence T-cell cytokine production in SSc. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Dendritic cells (DCs) activate and shape T cell differentiation by producing polarizing cytokines. Hence, we investigated the cytokine responses of monocyte-derived DCs (Mo-DCs) from patients with limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc), diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) and healthy controls (HCs) after stimulation with toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists. Also, using co-culture assays, we analysed T cell subpopulations after contact with autologous TLR-activated Mo-DCs. RESULTS: In general, we observed an increased production of Th17-related cytokines like IL-1ß, IL-17F, IL-21 and IL-22 by SSc compared with HC Mo-DCs, with variations between lcSSc vs dcSSc and early- vs late-stage subgroups. Noticeably, we found a significant increment in IL-33 production by Mo-DCs in all SSc cases regardless of their clinical phenotype. Strikingly, T cells displayed Th2, Th17 and dual Th2-Th17 phenotypes after exposure to autologous TLR-stimulated Mo-DCs from SSc patients but not HCs. These changes were pronounced in individuals with early-stage dcSSc and less significant in the late-stage lcSSc subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that functional alterations of DCs promote immune mechanisms favouring the aberrant T cell polarization and profibrotic inflammation behind clinical SSc heterogeneity.

Differential Leukocyte Expression of IFITM1 and IFITM3 in Patients with Severe Pandemic Influenza A(H1N1) and COVID-19.

Interferon-induced transmembrane (IFITM) proteins mediate protection against enveloped viruses by blocking membrane fusion at endosomes. IFITM1 and IFITM3 are crucial for protection against influenza, and various single nucleotide polymorphisms altering their function have been linked to disease susceptibility. However, bulk IFITM1 and IFITM3 mRNA expression dynamics and their correlation with clinical outcomes have not been extensively addressed in patients with respiratory infections. In this study, we evaluated the expression of IFITM1 and IFITM3 in peripheral leukocytes from healthy controls and individuals with severe pandemic influenza A(H1N1) or coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Comparisons between participants grouped according to their clinical characteristics, underlying disease, and outcomes showed that the downregulation of IFITM1 was a distinctive characteristic of severe pandemic influenza A(H1N1) that correlated with outcomes, including mortality. Conversely, increased IFITM3 expression was a common feature of severe pandemic influenza A(H1N1) and COVID-19. Using a high-dose murine model of infection, we confirmed not only the downregulation of IFITM1 but also of IFITM3 in the lungs of mice with severe influenza, as opposed to humans. Analyses in the comparative cohort also indicate the possible participation of IFITM3 in COVID-19. Our results add to the evidence supporting a protective function of IFITM proteins against viral respiratory infections in humans.

Heterogeneity of Genetic Admixture Determines SLE Susceptibility in Mexican.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder for which Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genes are well identified as risk factors. SLE patients present different clinical phenotypes, which are partly explained by admixture patterns variation among Mexicans. Population genetic has insight into the high genetic variability of Mexicans, mainly described through HLA gene studies with anthropological and biomedical importance. A prospective, case-control study was performed. In this study, we recruited 146 SLE patients, and 234 healthy individuals were included as a control group; both groups were admixed Mexicans from Mexico City. The HLA typing methods were based on Next Generation Sequencing and Sequence-Based Typing (SBT). The data analysis was performed with population genetic programs and statistical packages. The admixture estimations based on HLA-B and -DRB1 revealed that SLE patients have a higher Southwestern European ancestry proportion (48 ± 8%) than healthy individuals (30 ± 7%). In contrast, Mexican Native American components are diminished in SLE patients (44 ± 1%) and augmented in Healthy individuals (63 ± 4%). HLA alleles and haplotypes' frequency analysis found variants previously described in SLE patients from Mexico City. Moreover, a conserved extended haplotype that confers risk to develop SLE was found, the HLA-A∗29:02∼C∗16:01∼B∗44:03∼DRB1∗07:01∼DQB1∗02:02, pC = 0.02, OR = 1.41. Consistent with the admixture estimations, the origin of all risk alleles and haplotypes found in this study are European, while the protection alleles are Mexican Native American. The analysis of genetic distances supported that the SLE patient group is closer to the Southwestern European parental populace and farthest from Mexican Native Americans than healthy individuals. Heterogeneity of genetic admixture determines SLE susceptibility and protection in Mexicans. HLA sequencing is helpful to determine susceptibility alleles and haplotypes restricted to some populations.

Complicaciones del uso de la Máscara Laríngea en Pacientes Pediátricos. Estudio Multicéntrico / Complications of the use laryngeal mask in Pediatric Patients. Multicenter Study

Introducción: La máscara laríngea es el equipamiento con el objetivo de aumentar la calidad, seguridad, cuidado, sin embargo, a pesar de tener uso universal y alta eficacia para la ventilación no está exenta de complicaciones. El objetivo de la presente Investigación fue identificar la frecuencia de complicaciones con el uso de mascara laríngea en los hospitales públicos Vicente Corral Moscoso y José Carrasco en la ciudad de Cuenca. Métodos: Es un estudio observacional, descriptivo, prospectivo, en 220 pacientes pediátricos, ASA I , II y III intervenidos en cirugías electivas y emergentes bajo anestesia general en un intervalo de tiempo de 30 a 240 minutos, de todas las especialidades médicas quirúrgicas del año 2018 ,se utilizaron los diferentes tipos de máscara. La muestra se obtuvo aplicando la fórmula para población desconocida (n = (Z2 x p x q)/ e2), nivel de confianza (Z): 95%. (1.96) Margen de error (e): 5% Probabilidad de ocurrencia del evento (p): 15% Probabilidad de no ocurrencia del evento (q): 85%. Resultados: 220 casos ingresados al estudio. El índice de complicaciones laríngeas es 5.9% , frecuentemente la tos y secreción sanguinolenta, asociándose factores como mascara clásica, edad (2-5 años), tiempo mayor de 60 minutos, mayor número de intentos, ASA> I, estado nutricional sobrepeso, e insertar en formación. Conclusión: La máscara laríngea es validada como dispositivo en anestesia pediátrica por aprendizaje rápido, baja tasa de fracaso, menores complicaciones y utilidad en vías aéreas difíciles, Es insuficiente la evidencia para respaldar el uso de un determinado dispositivo por encima de otro

Introduction: The laryngeal mask is the equipment with the aim of increasing quality, safety, care, however, despite having universal use and high efficacy for ventilation, it is not without complications. The objective of this research was to identify the frequency of complications with the use of a laryngeal mask in the Vicente Corral Moscoso and José Carrasco public hospitals in the city of Cuenca. Methods: It is an observational, descriptive, prospective study in 220 pediatric patients, ASA I, II and III who underwent elective and emergent surgeries under general anesthesia in a time interval of 30 to 240 minutes, of all surgical medical specialties of the year 2018, the different types of mask were used. The sample was obtained by applying the formula for unknown population (n = (Z2 x p x q) / e2), confidence level (Z): 95%. (1.96) Margin of error (e): 5% Probability of occurrence of the event (p): 15% Probability of non-occurrence of the event (q): 85%. Results: 220 cases entered the study. The rate of laryngeal complications is 5.9%, frequently cough and bloody discharge, associating factors such as classic mask, age (2-5 years), time greater than 60 minutes, greater number of attempts, ASA> I, nutritional status, overweight, and insert in formation. Conclusion: The laryngeal mask is validated as a device in pediatric anesthesia due to rapid learning, low failure rate, fewer complications and usefulness in difficult airways. The evidence is insufficient to support the use of a certain device over another.

Antimicrobial Resistance Profile and Biofilm Production of Microorganisms Isolated from Oropharynx of Rupornis magnirostris (Gmelin, 1788) and Caracara plancus (Miller, 1777).

The aim of this preliminary study was to identify microorganisms with antimicrobial resistance profile and biofilm producers in oropharynx of Rupornis magnirostris and Caracara plancus. Six R. magnirostris and six C. plancus maintained in Triage Center for Wild Animals (CETAS) facilities were studied. Coagulase-positive staphylococci (CoPS), enterobacteria, and yeasts were identified by the biochemical analysis or MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The resistance profile of the microorganisms was analyzed according to CLSI. The biofilm production was evaluated by Congo red and violet crystal staining methods. Among the 12 birds, 10 presented strains of CoPS and/or enterobacteria with resistance profile, such as methicillin-resistant CoPS (MR-CoPS), vancomycin-resistant CoPS (VR-CoPS), extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL), and Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase- (KPC-) producing bacteria. Regards the fungal analysis, Candida spp., Cryptococcus spp., Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, R. glutinis, and Trichosporon coremiiforme were identified. All the Trichosporon coremiiforme strains were resistant to amphotericin B, as well as all the Rhodotorula mucilaginosa exhibited resistance to fluconazole. Related to the biofilm production, among the 8 CoPS, 27 enterobacteria, and 10 yeasts isolates, 3, 16, and 7 strains were biofilm producers, respectively. Thus, the presence of these microorganisms in birds of prey is worrisome, highlighting its possible influence in the spread of infections in urban centers.

Smoke exposure from chronic biomass burning induces distinct accumulative systemic inflammatory cytokine alterations compared to tobacco smoking in healthy women.

Long-term exposure to biomass-burning smoke (BS) is associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and other chronic inflammatory lung diseases. BS results from such processes as the burning of wood for indoor cooking and heating, with women and children having the highest exposure rate. This study aimed to analyze the accumulative alterations in cytokine levels associated with BS (from wood) compared to tobacco smoke (TS) in healthy adult women. The levels of 27 cytokines were analyzed in the serum of 100 women, including 40 tobacco smokers/non-exposed to BS (TS+/BS-), 30 never-smokers/exposed to BS (TS-/BS+) and 30 never-smokers/non-exposed to BS (TS-/BS-) as controls, using 27-Plex immunoassay. The chronic BS exposure index was rated at ≥100 h-years, and the tobacco-smoking index was ≥10 pack-years. Compared to TS-/BS-, TS+/BS- had higher levels of IL-2, IL-9, MCP-1, MIP-1ß, and VEGF, while TS-/BS+ showed higher levels of IL-1ra, IL-6, IL-8, Eotaxin, IP-10, RANTES, and VEGF, presenting a distinct inflammatory profile that may favor an eosinophil-derived inflammatory response to BS exposure. Compared to TS+/BS-, TS-/BS+ expressed higher levels of IP-10 and IL-8, but lower levels of IL-2 and MIP-1ß. Gene-disease database analysis showed that altered cytokines in both TS+/BS- and TS-/BS+ are associated with asthma, COPD, lung fibrosis, and lung cancer. In conclusion, chronic BS exposure induces distinct systemic inflammatory cytokine alterations compared to tobacco smokers in healthy women. These findings provide new insights into how long-term exposure to BS affects the inflammatory response-and potentially the health-of adult women.

A unique immune signature of serum cytokine and chemokine dynamics in patients with Zika virus infection from a tropical region in Southern Mexico.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the kinetics of circulating cytokines and chemokines in humans with ZIKAV infection. METHODS: Serum levels of different immune mediators in patients with ZIKAV infection were measured at distinct stages of the disease, as well as in culture supernatants from human monocytes infected with a clinical ZIKAV isolate. We also looked for clinical features associated with specific immune signatures among symptomatic patients. RESULTS: We evaluated 23 ZIKAV-infected patients. Their mean age was 32 ± 8.3 years and 65% were female. ZIKAV patients showed elevated IL-9, IL-17A, and CXCL10 levels at acute stages of the disease. At day 28, levels of CCL4 and CCL5 were increased, whereas IL-1RA, CXCL8 and CCL2 were decreased. At baseline, IL-7 was increased among patients with headache, whereas CCL2, and CCL3 were decreased in patients with bleeding and rash, respectively. Our clinical ZIKAV isolate induced a broad immune response in monocytes that did not resemble the signature observed in ZIKAV patients. CONCLUSIONS: We showed a unique immune signature in our cohort of ZIKAV-infected patients. Our study may provide valuable evidence helpful to identify immune correlates of protection against ZIKAV.

The role of socioeconomic status in the susceptibility to develop systemic lupus erythematosus in Mexican patients.

INTRODUCTION: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder for which Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genes are well-identified as risk factors. SLE patients have different phenotypes or clinical presentations, which vary among Mexicans. This variation could be explained by ethnicity and admixture. Since socioeconomic status probably limits and change the patterns of migration, this factor could favor inbreeding and homogamy in some geographic areas. Consequently, it could alter or restrict the possibilities of admixture too. Therefore, the socioeconomic status may also have implications in the susceptibility and the clinical heterogeneity of SLE in Mexican patients. METHODS: One hundred twenty-three SLE patients and 234 healthy individuals with Mexican admixed ancestry were recruited. HLA alleles were analyzed using the HLA typing method based on Sequence-based typing (SBT). RESULTS: As expected, it was found an increased frequency of the HLA-DRB1*03:01 allele in all socioeconomic groups when compared with healthy individuals. The susceptibility allele found in the low-income SLE patients was HLA-DRB1*04:05 whereas, the susceptibility alleles for the high-income SLE patients were HLA-DRB1*07:01 (pC = 0.03, OR = 2.0) and HLA-DRB1*11:04 (pC = 0.0004, OR = 5.1). Additionally, the frequencies of two protective alleles HLA-DRB1*14:06 (pC = 0.01, OR = 0.28) and HLA-DRB1*16:02 (pC = 0.04, OR = 0.22) were found diminished. These findings correlate with the admixture differences between low-income and high-income SLE patients. The clinical manifestations showed a different distribution between both groups. Arthritis and neurological disorder were prevalent in low-income SLE patients, while the hematological disorder was prevalent in high-income SLE patients. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that HLA class II DRB1 genes contribute to the susceptibility and protection to develop SLE differently depending on socioeconomic status. Due to this, the clinical manifestations vary among patients and it could be related to different admixture charge.Key Point• HLA class II DRB1 genes contribute to the susceptibility and protection to develop SLE differently depending on socioeconomic status.

Alveolar microbiota profile in patients with human pulmonary tuberculosis and interstitial pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: The presence of the human lung microbiota has been demonstrated in patients with different lung diseases, mainly in sputum samples. However, for study of the alveolar microbiota, a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) sample represents the lower respiratory tract (LRT) environment. It is currently unknown whether there is a specific alveolar microbiota profile in human lung diseases, such as pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and interstitial pneumonia (IP). METHODS: BAL samples from six active TB patients, six IP patients and ten healthy volunteers were used for DNA extraction followed by amplification of the complete bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene (16S rDNA). The 16S rDNA was sequenced with a MiSeq Desktop Sequencer, and the data were analysed by QIIME software for taxonomic assignment. RESULTS: The alveolar microbiota in TB and IP patients and healthy volunteers was characterized by six dominant phyla, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Fusobacteria and Cyanobacteria. A significant reduction in the abundance of Firmicutes was observed in IP patients. In TB and IP patients, the diversity of the alveolar microbiota was diminished, characterized by a significant reduction in the abundance of the Streptococcus genus and associated with increased Mycobacterium abundance in TB patients and diminished Acinetobacter abundance in IP patients with respect to their abundances in healthy volunteers. However, an important difference was observed between TB and IP patients: the Fusobacterium abundance was significantly reduced in TB patients. Exclusive genera that were less abundant in patients than in healthy volunteers were characterized for each study group. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the alveolar microbiota profile in BAL samples from TB and IP patients, representing infectious and non-infectious lung diseases, respectively, is characterized by decreased diversity.

Pharmacoinvasive strategy versus primary angioplasty in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction / Estrategia farmacoinvasiva versus angioplastia primaria en pacientes con infarto agudo al miocardio con elevación del segmento ST

Abstract: Background: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is the treatment of choice for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The delays associated with PPCI reduce the benefits of this therapy. To minimize these delays, the pharmacoinvasive strategy (PS) was developed, consisting of applying thrombolytic therapy followed by coronary angioplasty 2 to 24 hours after. Objective: To compare the safety and efficiency of PPCI vs PS in STEMI. Methods: We included patients with STEMI who had emergency PCI. The primary endpoint was combined major adverse cardiac events (MACE), death, reinfarction, stroke, target vessel revascularization (TVR) during hospitalization. The secondary endpoints were the individual components of MACE, and major bleeding (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium: BARC ≥ 3). Results: A total of 400 patients, 263 (65.8%) for PPCI group, 114 (28.5%) for PS group and 23 (5.75%) for diagnostic group. The PS group, 79 (69.3%) were then categorized as systematic angioplasty having had a successful thrombolysis, and 35 (30.7%) were rescue angioplasty because they had a failed thrombolysis. There were no differences in MACE: 13 (9.5%) patients in PS and 27 (10.3%) patients in the PPCI (p = 0.806), there were no differences in the individual components of MACE. The rate of major bleeding was the same, 5 (3.6%) and 4 (1.5%) respectively (p = 0.173). The multivariate analysis did not show a relationship between MACE and the reperfusion strategy. Conclusions: The pharmacoinvasive strategy when compared to PPCI has a similar rate of primary and secondary endpoints. There is no increase in major bleeding therefore, it is an important strategy that offers a reperfusion therapy for patients with STEMI in a non-PCI capable hospital.(AU)

Resumen: Antecedentes: La intervención coronaria percutánea primaria (ICPP) es el tratamiento de elección en infarto agudo al miocardio con elevación del ST (IAMCEST). El retraso relacionado con ICPP disminuye el beneficio. Buscando una reperfusión oportuna se implementa la estrategia farmacoinvasiva (EFI), que consiste en realizar trombólisis seguido de ICP entre 2 a 24 horas después. Objetivo: Comparar la seguridad y eficacia en pacientes sometidos a ICPP contra EFI en IAMCEST. Métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes con IAMCEST sometidos a ICP emergente. El punto final primario son eventos cardiacos adversos mayores (ECAM), muerte, reinfarto, evento vascular cerebral y revascularización del vaso tratado, durante la hospitalización. Los puntos finales secundarios son la presencia de los componentes individuales del ECAM, y el sangrado mayor (BARC ≥ 3). Resultados: Se estudiaron 400 pacientes, 263 (65.8%) de ICPP, 114 (28.5%) a EFI y 23 (5.75%) angiografía diagnóstica. Del grupo EFI, 79 (69.3%) fueron angioplastia sistemática por trombólisis exitosa y 35 (30.7%) por angioplastia de rescate por trombólisis fallida. No se observó diferencia en la frecuencia de ECAM: EFI 13 (9.5%) contra ICPP 27 (10.3%) respectivamente (p = 0.806), tampoco hubo diferencia en los componentes individuales. No se observó diferencia en sangrado mayor, 5 (3.6%) vs 4 (1.5%), (p = 0.173). El análisis multivariado no relacionó la estrategia de reperfusión con los ECAM. Conclusiones: La EFI comparada con ICPP demuestra una tasa similar de ECAM, así como de sus componentes individuales. No se asocia con aumento de hemorragia mayor, concluyendo que ofrece el beneficio de una reperfusión oportuna sin aumento del riesgo en los hospitales que no tienen la capacidad para realizar ICPP.(AU)

Valor pronóstico de la troponina I posintervencionismo coronario percutáneo electivo.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El significado de la elevación de la troponina I (Tn-I) después de una intervención coronaria percutánea (ICP) es tema de debate. OBJETIVO: Determinar el pronóstico cardiovascular a un año asociado con el incremento de Tn-I posterior a ICP electiva exitosa. MÉTODO: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo y longitudinal. Se incluyeron pacientes sometidos a ICP electiva exitosa. Se dividieron en dos grupos: con y sin elevación de Tn-I, para comparar la ocurrencia de eventos cardiacos adversos mayores (ECAM) a un año; la Tn-I pos-ICP se correlacionó con características demográficas y angiográficas. RESULTADOS: Se detectó elevación de Tn-I en 32 pacientes (35.2 %). La elevación fue más frecuente en pacientes con enfermedad coronaria multivascular, más compleja y con complicaciones peri-ICP. Los ECAM a un año fueron mayores en el grupo de Tn-I elevada (25 versus 3.4 %, p = 0.002). Los predictores independientes de ECAM fueron elevación cinco veces de Tn-I al valor normal (RM = 7.5, IC 95 % = 1.25-45, p = 0.027) y las complicaciones peri-ICP (RM = 7.5, IC 95 % = 1.25-45, p = 0.027). CONCLUSIÓN: En pacientes con enfermedad coronaria estable, la elevación de Tn-I posterior a ICP electiva se asoció con eventos cardiacos adversos a un año, complicaciones peri-ICP y enfermedad coronaria más extensa y compleja. INTRODUCTION: The significance of troponin I (Tn-I) elevation after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the subject of debate. OBJECTIVE: To determine cardiovascular prognosis associated with Tn-I elevation one year after successful elective PCI. METHODS: Observational, retrospective, longitudinal study. Patients who underwent successful elective PCI were included and divided in two groups: with and without Tn-I elevation, in order to compare the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 1 year; post-PCI Tn-I was correlated with demographic and angiographic characteristics. RESULTS: Tn-I elevation was detected in 32 patients (35.2%). Elevation was more common in patients with multivascular and more complex coronary artery disease, and with peri-PCI complications. MACE incidence at one year was higher in the elevated Tn-I group (25% vs. 3.4%; p = 0.002). Independent predictors of MACE were Tn-I 5-fold elevation from normal value (OR: 7.5; 95% CI: 1.25-45; p = 0.027) and peri-PCI complications (OR: 7.5; 95% CI: 1.25-45; p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with stable coronary artery disease, Tn-I elevation after successful elective PCI is associated with adverse cardiac events at 1 year, more extensive and complex coronary artery disease and peri-PCI complications.

Are Brazilian cervids at risk of prion diseases?

Prion diseases are neurodegenerative fatal disorders that affect human and non-human mammals. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a prion disease of cervids regarded as a public health problem in North America, and polymorphisms at specific codons in the PRNP gene are associated with this disease. To assess the potential CWD susceptibility of South American free-ranging deer, the presence of these polymorphisms was examined in Mazama gouazoubira, Ozotoceros bezoarticus and Blastocerus dichotomus. Despite the lack of CWD reports in Brazil, the examined codons (95, 96, 116, 132, 225, and 226) of the PRNP gene showed potential CWD susceptibility in Brazilian deer. Low abundancy of deer in Brazil possibly difficult both CWD proliferation and detection, however, CWD surveillance may not be neglected.

Hydrocortisone release from tablets based on bioresorbable poly(ether-ester-urethane)s

Abstract Bioresorbable linear poly(ether-ester-urethane)s with different hydrophilic characteristics were synthesized from triblock copolymers of poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL-PEO) as macrodiols, and L-lysine diisocyanate (LDI) or hexamethylenediisocyanate (HDI) were used as the required diisocyanates. Macrodiols were obtained by ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of ε-caprolactone (CL). Polyurethanes were synthesized by the reaction of the triblock copolymers with LDI or HDI in solution using stannous 2-ethylhexanoate as catalyst. Polyurethane tablets were fabricated and investigated as prospective drug delivery systems. The effect of the PEO content on the polymers' performance as drug carriers was evaluated. It was found that water provoked more swelling and erosion of polymers with higher contents of PEO. The hydrocortisone release profiles were analyzed using the Ritger-Peppas approximation. An anomalous release behaviour (values of n higher than 0.5) was found for most of the analyzed samples.

Climatic conditions, twining and frequency of milking as factors affecting the risk of fetal losses in high-yielding Holstein cows in a hot environment.

An epidemiological study of risk factors for fetal losses was carried out on 62,403 high-yielding Holstein cows in 29 large highly technified dairy herds in northern Mexico (25° N; 23.5 °C mean annual temperature). Multivariate multiple-group response model indicated that fetal losses between 43 and 260 days of pregnancy were 23 %. Heat-stressed cows at conception (temperature-humidity index, THI >82) were 14 times more likely (P < 0.01) to present fetal losses than not heat-stressed cows (27 vs. 18 %). Heat-stressed cows at 60 days of pregnancy (THI >82) were 4.5 times more likely (P < 0.01) to present fetal losses than cows suffering heat stress in early gestation (29.1 vs. 17.7 %). The proportion of cows experiencing fetal loss was lower for multiparous than primiparous cows (odds ratio; OR = 0.7). Cows with twin pregnancies had significantly increased chances of losing their fetuses than cows with a single fetus (33.6 vs. 20.7 %; P < 0.01). Cows with three milkings per day were 30 % more likely (P < 0.01) to lose their fetuses than cows milked twice daily. Cows calving in winter and spring had significantly increased chances of losing their fetuses than cows calving in summer and fall (30-35 vs. 4-5 %; P < 0.01). It was concluded that, in this particular environment, heat stress exert a great influence on fetal losses in high producing Holstein cows.

Cloacal enterobacteria isolated from captive roadside hawks (Rupornis magnirostris, GMELIN, 1788) and their antimicrobial susceptibility profile / Enterobactérias isoladas da cloaca de Gaviões-carijós (Rupornis magnirostris, GMELIN, 1788) cativos e seu perfil de susceptibilidade a antimicrobianos

Knowledge of the enterobacteria present in the roadside hawk can bring about an understanding of infectious diseases that can affect this bird, as well as other animals and/or humans, while also adding information of great ecological importance. Thus, the aim of the study was to determine the enterobacteria present in the cloaca of captive roadside hawks and antimicrobial susceptibility profile. Initially, cloacal samples from nine specimens were collected with the aid of swabs. Samples were placed in petri dishes with MacConkey agar, Hektoen agar, EMB agar and Salmonella-Shigella (SS) agar and incubated for 24 h at 35C. After incubation, the microorganisms were submitted to biochemical testing to confirm the presence of enterobacteria. Thereafter, the susceptibility profile of bacteria to antimicrobial agents was evaluated by a disk diffusion test according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Escherichia coli (77.8%), Klebsiella oxytoca (11.1%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (11.1%) and Salmonella spp. (55.6%) were isolated from the collected samples. Among the isolates, some bacteria showed resistance to up to three antimicrobial agents. This study has brought greater insight about the enterobacteria present in the roadside hawk (Rupornis magnirostris), exhibiting a significant percentage of enterobacteria important to public health; also, it showed the occurrence of strains with resistance profile to antimicrobial agents...

O conhecimento das enterobactérias presentes em Gavião-carijó pode trazer uma compreensão sobre as doenças infecciosas que podem acometer essa ave, como também outros animais e/ou humanos, além de trazer mais informações sobre essa espécie de grande importância ecológica. Desta forma, o objetivo do estudo foi determinar as enterobactérias presentes na cloaca de Gaviões-carijós cativos e seu perfil de susceptibilidade a antimicrobianos. Inicialmente, foram coletadas amostras cloacais de nove espécimes com o auxílio de swabs. As amostras foram plaqueadas em ágar MacConkey, ágar Hektoen, ágar EMB e ágar SS e incubadas por 24 h a 35C. Após incubação, as colônias foram submetidas às provas bioquímicas para confirmação da presença de enterobactérias. Posteriormente, o perfil de susceptibilidade das bactérias frente a agentes antimicrobianos foi avaliado através do teste da difusão em disco de acordo com o Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Escherichia coli (77,8%), Klebsiella oxytoca (11,1%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (11,1%) e Salmonella spp. (55,6%) foram isoladas das amostras coletadas. Dentre as cepas isoladas, algumas apresentaram resistência a até três antimicrobianos. O presente estudo trouxe um maior conhecimento sobre as enterobactérias presentes no Gavião-carijó (Rupornis magnirostris), mostrando um percentual significativo de enterobactérias de importância na saúde pública, evidenciando também a ocorrência de cepas com perfil de resistência a agentes antimicrobianos...

Cloacal enterobacteria isolated from captive roadside hawks (Rupornis magnirostris, GMELIN, 1788) and their antimicrobial susceptibility profile / Enterobactérias isoladas da cloaca de Gaviões-carijós (Rupornis magnirostris, GMELIN, 1788) cativos e seu perfil de susceptibilidade a antimicrobianos

Knowledge of the enterobacteria present in the roadside hawk can bring about an understanding of infectious diseases that can affect this bird, as well as other animals and/or humans, while also adding information of great ecological importance. Thus, the aim of the study was to determine the enterobacteria present in the cloaca of captive roadside hawks and antimicrobial susceptibility profile. Initially, cloacal samples from nine specimens were collected with the aid of swabs. Samples were placed in petri dishes with MacConkey agar, Hektoen agar, EMB agar and Salmonella-Shigella (SS) agar and incubated for 24 h at 35C. After incubation, the microorganisms were submitted to biochemical testing to confirm the presence of enterobacteria. Thereafter, the susceptibility profile of bacteria to antimicrobial agents was evaluated by a disk diffusion test according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Escherichia coli (77.8%), Klebsiella oxytoca (11.1%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (11.1%) and Salmonella spp. (55.6%) were isolated from the collected samples. Among the isolates, some bacteria showed resistance to up to three antimicrobial agents. This study has brought greater insight about the enterobacteria present in the roadside hawk (Rupornis magnirostris), exhibiting a significant percentage of enterobacteria important to public health; also, it showed the occurrence of strains with resistance profile to antimicrobial agents(AU)

O conhecimento das enterobactérias presentes em Gavião-carijó pode trazer uma compreensão sobre as doenças infecciosas que podem acometer essa ave, como também outros animais e/ou humanos, além de trazer mais informações sobre essa espécie de grande importância ecológica. Desta forma, o objetivo do estudo foi determinar as enterobactérias presentes na cloaca de Gaviões-carijós cativos e seu perfil de susceptibilidade a antimicrobianos. Inicialmente, foram coletadas amostras cloacais de nove espécimes com o auxílio de swabs. As amostras foram plaqueadas em ágar MacConkey, ágar Hektoen, ágar EMB e ágar SS e incubadas por 24 h a 35C. Após incubação, as colônias foram submetidas às provas bioquímicas para confirmação da presença de enterobactérias. Posteriormente, o perfil de susceptibilidade das bactérias frente a agentes antimicrobianos foi avaliado através do teste da difusão em disco de acordo com o Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Escherichia coli (77,8%), Klebsiella oxytoca (11,1%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (11,1%) e Salmonella spp. (55,6%) foram isoladas das amostras coletadas. Dentre as cepas isoladas, algumas apresentaram resistência a até três antimicrobianos. O presente estudo trouxe um maior conhecimento sobre as enterobactérias presentes no Gavião-carijó (Rupornis magnirostris), mostrando um percentual significativo de enterobactérias de importância na saúde pública, evidenciando também a ocorrência de cepas com perfil de resistência a agentes antimicrobianos(AU)

Diagnóstico e educação em saúde no uso de plantas medicinais: relato de experiência / Diagnosis and health education in medicinal herbs use: experience report / Diagnóstico y educación en salud em el uso de las plantas medicinales: informe experiencia

The use of medicinal plants associated to popular culture spread over generations, whether in traditional or contemporary communities through empirical knowledge, the result of observations and experiences, providing important field generator of knowledge. The objective of this study was to report the experience the identification of medicinal plants used traditionally for the treatment of diseases in general, the population of Japaratuba - SE and develop and implement a plan in the field of health education with the construction of a road map for intervention in health-themed medicinal plants. It was interviewed 30 seniors residents in Japaratuba - SE who had greater knowledge about the use of herbal medicine, selected through appointment of local residents during the course of "Projeto Rodon ­ Operação Rio do Siris", from Ministério da Defesa in 2011. The interviews took place-using questionnaires, open-ended, and then workshops for guidance on care in cultivation / use of medicinal plants were delivered in a systematic manner, with production of a draft analysis of interventions. 25 ethnospecies were mentioned, 52% of common usage in the visited communities; featuring some ("erva cidreira" - Melissa spp, indicated by users to gastrointestinal problems and high blood pressure and "aroeira" - Myracodruon spp, as indicated by the same healing), handling errors (clinical herbal preparation), this being corrected with the workshops and methodological evaluation of interventions. This plan can be a guideline reproducible in several communities, guiding health professionals in relation to the patient and guidelines on conscientious and safe use of medicinal plants, improving therapeutic success on primary care through training of multipliers of knowledge and minimizing exposure and health risks.(AU)

O uso de plantas medicinais está relacionado à cultura popular com disseminação ao longo de gerações, em comunidades tradicionais ou contemporâneas, através do conhecimento empírico, fruto de observações e experiências vivenciadas, constituindo importante campo gerador do conhecimento. O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar a experiência na identificação das plantas medicinais utilizadas tradicionalmente para o tratamento de enfermidades em geral, pela população de Japaratuba - SE e elaborar e executar um plano na área de educação em saúde, com construção de um roteiro de intervenção em saúde com a temática de plantas medicinais. Foram entrevistados 30 moradores de Japaratuba - SE, idosos que possuíam maior conhecimento sobre a utilização da fitoterapia, selecionados através de indicação de moradores da região durante a realização do "Projeto Rondon ­ Operação Rio dos Siris", do Ministério da Defesa, 2011. As entrevistas ocorreram por meio de questionários, tipo aberto e, em seguida, foram ministradas oficinas para orientação sobre cuidados no cultivo/uso de plantas medicinais, de forma sistematizada, com produção de uma proposta de análise das intervenções realizadas. Foram citadas 25 etnoespécieis, sendo 52% de uso comum nas comunidades visitadas (erva cidreira - Melissa spp., indicadas pelos usuários para problemas gastrointestinais e pressão alta; e aroeira - Myracodruon spp., indicada pelos mesmos como cicatrizante), apresentando alguns erros de manipulação (preparação clínica de fitoterápicos), sendo isto corrigido com as oficinas realizadas e avaliação metodológica das intervenções. Este plano pode ser um guia reprodutível em diversas comunidades, norteando profissionais de saúde na relação com o paciente e orientações sobre o uso consciente e seguro das plantas medicinais, melhorando o sucesso terapêutico na atenção primária, através da formação de agentes multiplicadores do conhecimento e minimização da exposição e riscos à saúde.(AU)

El uso de plantas medicinales está relacionado con la difusión de la cultura popular a través de las generaciones, sea en las comunidades tradicionales sea en la comunidad contemporáneas por medio del conocimiento empírico, resultado de las observaciones y experiencias de la vida, lo que constituye un importante campo generador de conocimiento. El objetivo de este estudio ha sido relatar la experiencia en la identificación de plantas medicinales usadas tradicionalmente por la población de Japaratuba-SE para tratar las enfermedades en general , además de desarrollar e implementar un plan en el área de educación para la salud con la construcción de un guía de intervención en salud bajo el tema de las plantas medicinales. Se han ntrevistado a 30 moradores de Japaratuba - SE, mayores que poseían amplio conocimiento sobre el uso de la fitoterapia, seleccionados a través de la nominación de los demás moradores locales durante la realización del "Projeto Rondon ­ Operação Rio de Siris", del Ministério de Defensa, 2011. Las entrevistas se llevaron a cabo a través de cuestionarios, de composición abierta y luego se han dado talleres de orientación sobre el cuidado en el cultivo/uso de plantas medicinales, de manera sistemática, con la producción de una propuesta de revisión de las intervenciones. Han sido citados 25 etnoespecieis, siendo el 52% de consumo común en las comunidades visitadas, tales como "Erva cidreira"/"melisa" - Melissa spp, indicado por los usuarios para solucionar problemas gastrointestinales y problemas de tensión arterial alta; y "aroeira" - Myracodruon spp, citada por las personas para cicatrización). Se han observado algunos errores de en cuanto a la manipulación de las hiervas (preparación clínica de hierbas), lo que se ha corregido en los talleres y las evaluaciones metodológicas de las intervenciones. Este plan puede ser una guía reproducible en varias comunidades, guiando profesionales de la salud hacia el paciente y ofreciéndoles orientaciones sobre el uso consciente y seguro de las plantas medicinales, desarrollando el éxito terapéutico en la atención primaria a través de la formación de multiplicadores de agentes del conocimiento y la minimización de la exposición y riesgos a la salud.(AU)

Milk yield and reproductive performance of Holstein cows testing positive for bovine tuberculosis.

The objective of this study was to determine if high milk-yielding Holstein cows testing positive for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) are affected in their reproductive performance and milk yield. For this purpose, 1044 healthy cows and 105 bTB reactor cows were used. Tuberculosis reactor cows were from four large commercial dairy operations from the same region which were transferred from their barns to an isolated dairy facility. Cows free from this disease were placed in the same barn as the bTB reactor cows but in an isolated division and served as control animals. The analysis of variance with a general linear model for binary data showed that the reproductive performance of bTB reactors was impaired; overall pregnancy per artificial insemination differed (P < 0.05) between bTB reactor and non-reactor cows (16.9 vs. 20.7%). Cows that were TB reactors required 4.7 ± 2.9 services per pregnancy compared with 4.3 ± 2.8 for control cows (P > 0.05). The intervals between calving and conception were similar between bTB reactors (154 ± 78 days) and control animals (150 ± 80 days). Control cows tended (P = 0.08) to produce more milk than bTB reactors over a 305-day lactation (10,684 ± 1720 vs. 10,345 ± 1736; mean ± SD). Serum metabolites indicative of nutritional stress did not differ between bTB reactor and non-reactor cows. It was concluded that both reproductive performance and milk yield decreased marginally in bTB reactor cows, which explains the reluctance of milk producers to get rid of these animals.

Detection of Streptococcus mutans of the spaP gene and dental caries in mother/child pairs / Detecção de Streptococcus mutans portador do gene spaP e cárie dentária em pares mãe/criança

Objective: To detect the presence and transmission of S. mutans carrier of the spaP gene in samples of bacterial plaque in mother/child pairs from municipal child education centers, and the possible association with dental caries. Methods: The sample comprised 56 mother/child pairs. For the evaluation of the prevalence and severity of caries, the DMFT and dmft indices were used, following World Health Organization criteria. The oral hygiene pattern was also evaluated using the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index and O?Leary?s plaque control index. Using DNA extracted from bacteria in the dental plaque of mother/child pairs, a sequence of the S. mutans spaP gene was amplified using PCR. The chi-squared test, Fisher?s exact test and Pearson?s correlation coefficient were applied, using a level of significance of p< 0.05.Results: The mothers presented a DMFT index of 11.02 (SD=6.3) while the children exhibited a dmft index of 2.09 (SD=3.2). Approximately 40% ofmother/child pairs had a good oral hygiene index. A higher percentage of children with caries had, in their dental plaque, S. mutans harboringthe spaP+ gene (p=0.03). No association was detected between the presence of S. mutans spaP+ in the dental plaque of mother and child.Conclusion: An association was found between experience of caries in the children and the presence of bacteria carrying the spaP+ gene. Our results did not detect vertical transmission.

Objetivo: Detectar a presença e a transmissão de S. mutans portador do gene spaP em amostras de placa bacteriana em pares mãe/criança de centros municipais de educação infantil e possível associação com a cárie dentária. Métodos: A amostra foi composta por 56 pares mãe/criança. Para avaliação da prevalência e severidade de cárie foram utilizados os índices CPO-D e ceo-d seguindo critérios da Organização Mundial de Saúde. O padrão de higiene bucal foi avaliado através do Índice de Higiene Oral Simplificado e do índice de controle de placa O´Leary. Utilizando o DNA extraído das bactérias da placa dentária dos pares mãe/criança, uma seqüência do gene spaP de S. mutans foi amplificado pela PCR. Os testes de Qui-quadrado, exato de Fisher e correlação de Pearson foram realizados. Adotando-se significância de p?< 0,05. Resultados: As mães apresentaram índice CPO-D de 11,02 (DP=6,3) enquanto as crianças mostraram índice ceo-d de 2,09 (DP=3,2). Aproximadamente 40% dos pares mãe/criança tinham um bom índice de higiene bucal. Maior porcentagem das crianças com cárie apresentaram em sua placa dentária S. mutans abrigando o gene spaP+ (p=0,03). Não foi detectada associação entre a presença de S. mutans spaP+ na placa dentária da mãe e seu filho. Conclusão: Foi verificada a associação entre a experiência de cárie nas crianças e a presença da bactéria portadora do gene spaP+. Nossos resultados não detectaram a transmissão vertical.