Miniaturized QuEChERS extraction method for the detection of multi-residue pesticides in bat muscle tissue.

Habitat loss and fragmentation are among the greatest threats to biodiversity and ecosystem stability, with physiological implications on wild fauna. Bats (Microchiroptera) are small mammals with a wide variety of eating habits, and the well-being of these animals is disturbed by exposure to pesticides. This study aimed to develop a miniaturized QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) extraction method for the detection of multi-residue pesticides in bat muscle tissue using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 48 pesticides were tested in 250 mg of bat muscle tissue. The developed analytical method was applied to 148 bats collected from two different areas in Minas Gerais State, Southeast Region of Brazil. The method presented good sensitivity and allowed the determination of residues of 48 pesticides in bat muscle using GC-MS. The miniaturized extraction method makes the analysis feasible even when the sample volume is limited. However, no pesticide residues were detected in bats from the two areas investigated.

Predicting the chemical composition of the body and the carcass of hair sheep using body parts and carcass measurements.

Determination of the chemical composition in the body and carcass of ruminants is important for both nutritional requirement studies and the meat industry. This study aimed to develop equations to predict the body and carcass chemical composition of hair sheep using the chemical composition of body parts, carcass measurements and shrunk BW as predictors. A database containing 107 individual records for castrated male hair sheep ranging from 24 to 43 kg BW was gathered from two body composition studies. The empty body, carcass and body parts were analyzed for water, ash, fat and protein contents (%). The body parts used to estimate body and carcass composition were fore leg, hind leg and 9-11th rib section. The carcass measurements used were leg length, thoracic circumference, hind circumference, hind width, thoracic width, thoracic depth and chest width. Each model performance was evaluated using a leave-one-out cross-validation. Multiple regression analysis considering the study as a random effect revealed that body parts in association with carcass measurements were significant for predicting the chemical composition in the body of castrate male sheep. However, the use of the chemical composition of hind leg produced the best models for predicting the ash and fat contents in the empty body, whereas the water and protein contents in the empty body were better predicted when using the chemical compositions of 9-11th rib section and fore leg, respectively. Multiple regression analysis also revealed that most body parts were suitable for predicting the carcass composition, except for 9-11th rib section whose chemical composition did not produce significant prediction equations for ash and protein carcass contents. The use of the chemical composition of hind leg in association with carcass measurements produced the best models for predicting the water and fat contents in the carcass, while the ash and protein contents in the carcass were better predicted when using the chemical composition of fore leg. In conclusion, precision, accuracy and goodness-of-fit of the equations drove the selection of the chemical composition of hind leg and carcass measurements in a multivariate approach, as the most suitable predictors of the chemical composition of the body and carcass of hair sheep. However, the chemical composition of fore leg may be used as well. The developed equations could improve the accuracy of the empty body and carcass composition estimations in sheep, optimizing the estimation of nutrient requirements, as well as the carcass quality evaluation for this species.

Tumor necrosis factor beta (TNF-ß) NcoI polymorphism is associated with multiple sclerosis in Caucasian patients from Southern Brazil independently from HLA-DRB1.

This study evaluated the association of tumor necrosis factor beta (TNF-ß) NcoI polymorphism with the presence of multiple sclerosis (MS), disability, and HLA-DRB1 alleles in 208 Brazilian MS patients. As controls, 147 healthy individuals were included. The disability was evaluated at baseline and 5-year follow-up using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). The TNF-ß genotypes were determined using PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism and serum TNF-α level was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Among the MS patients, 166 (79.8 %) were white, 39 (18.7 %) were brown, and three (1.4 %) were Asian descents (those were excluded from the further analysis). Among the 205 MS patients, 149 (72.6 %) presented remitting-relapsing MS. The baseline and 5-year follow-up EDSS ranged from 0.0 to 3.0 and from 1.0 to 5.7, respectively. The TNFB2/B2 genotype was associated with the presence of MS among the white patients (p = 0.0443). Brown patients presented higher disability (p = 0.0234) and higher TNF-α levels (p = 0.0463) than white patients. White and brown patients carrying TNFB2/B2 genotype exhibited higher TNF-α levels (p = 0.0354 and p = 0.0309, respectively) than those with other geotypes. Association between TNF-ß NcoI genotypes and HLA-DRB1 alleles was not observed among the MS patients (p > 0.05). Taken together, TNFB2 allele was associated with the presence of MS independently of HLA-DRB1 in white patients and the TNFB2/B2 genotype was associated with increased TNF-α levels in white and brown patients, which could be an important genetic factor candidate for the susceptibility and pathogenesis of MS.

Musculoskeletal disorder related to the work of doctors who perform medical invasive evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Experts in medical invasive evaluations, like colonoscopy, could be exposed to ergonomic risks during their work. Little attention has been given to these spectrum of occupational health. Its aimed to analyze possible clinical problems related to upper limb of physicians who perform those exams. METHODS: Cross-sectional study in a health service in Sao Paulo, Brazil. For evaluation of the workplace of the colonoscopist physician were applied two tools: Couto's check list and Sue Rodgers Method. The results direct the potential risk to upper limb injuries. RESULTS: The procedure is done and the final report is issued. There are no mandatory pauses during workday. The dominant hand holds the tube insertion with pincer movement during the exam, digital prehension being necessary at times. For this activity the employee has to use some strength. Couto's check list indicates a significant biomechanical factor. Sue Rodgers's Method states high ergonomic risk for dominant hand/wrist/fingers. CONCLUSION: The main risk for the development of health disorders are associated with the use of force and repetitive movements of hands. The adoption of regular breaks to recover most of the structures required is recommended.

Serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophicfactor correlate with the number of T2 MRI lesions in multiple sclerosis

The objective of the present study was to determine if there is a relationship between serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the number of T2/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (T2/FLAIR) lesions in multiple sclerosis (MS). The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has revolutionized the study of MS. However, MRI has limitations and the use of other biomarkers such as BDNF may be useful for the clinical assessment and the study of the disease. Serum was obtained from 28 MS patients, 18-50 years old (median 38), 21 women, 0.5-10 years (median 5) of disease duration, EDSS 1-4 (median 1.5) and 28 healthy controls, 19-49 years old (median 33), 19 women. BDNF levels were measured by ELISA. T1, T2/FLAIR and gadolinium-enhanced lesions were measured by a trained radiologist. BDNF was reduced in MS patients (median [range] pg/mL; 1160 [352.6-2640]) compared to healthy controls (1640 [632.4-4268]; P = 0.03, Mann-Whitney test) and was negatively correlated (Spearman correlation test, r = -0.41; P = 0.02) with T2/FLAIR (11-81 lesions, median 42). We found that serum BDNF levels were inversely correlated with the number of T2/FLAIR lesions in patients with MS. BDNF may be a promising biomarker of MS.

Serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor correlate with the number of T2 MRI lesions in multiple sclerosis.

The objective of the present study was to determine if there is a relationship between serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the number of T2/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (T2/FLAIR) lesions in multiple sclerosis (MS). The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has revolutionized the study of MS. However, MRI has limitations and the use of other biomarkers such as BDNF may be useful for the clinical assessment and the study of the disease. Serum was obtained from 28 MS patients, 18-50 years old (median 38), 21 women, 0.5-10 years (median 5) of disease duration, EDSS 1-4 (median 1.5) and 28 healthy controls, 19-49 years old (median 33), 19 women. BDNF levels were measured by ELISA. T1, T2/FLAIR and gadolinium-enhanced lesions were measured by a trained radiologist. BDNF was reduced in MS patients (median [range] pg/mL; 1160 [352.6-2640]) compared to healthy controls (1640 [632.4-4268]; P = 0.03, Mann-Whitney test) and was negatively correlated (Spearman correlation test, r = -0.41; P = 0.02) with T2/FLAIR (11-81 lesions, median 42). We found that serum BDNF levels were inversely correlated with the number of T2/FLAIR lesions in patients with MS. BDNF may be a promising biomarker of MS.

The Brazilian database on pregnancy in multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: To report the results from the Brazilian database on multiple sclerosis (MS) and pregnancy. METHODS: Retrospective data from MS patients who became pregnant at any time of their disease were sent to a Brazilian database, using a specific file for this purpose. RESULTS: Data on 128 women (142 pregnancies) from 30 neurologists working in 21 cities in Brazil were collected. Patients' average age at pregnancy was 29.8 years (range 16-42). EDSS at start of pregnancy was 1.5±1.4; and the relapse rate in the year preceding pregnancy was 1.2±1.5. Exposure to medication at any time during pregnancy was high (69.7%): 48.6% to interferon beta; 14.1% to glatiramer acetate; and 7% to other immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive drugs. There was a significant decrease in relapse rate during pregnancy. The prevalence of complications was relatively low, with 4.9% of obstetric and 1.4% neonatal unfavorable outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Our patients had low degrees of disability, short histories of disease, high drug exposure, and relatively high relapse rate in the year previous to pregnancy. Obstetric and neonatal outcomes were successful in over 90% of our patients.

pelB gene in isolates of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides from several hosts.

Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is an important pathogen for a great number of economically important crops. During the necrotrophic phase of infection by Colletotrichum spp, the degradative enzymes of plant cell walls, such as pectate lyase, clearly increase. A gene pelB that expresses a pectate lyase was identified in isolates of C. gloeosporioides in avocado pathogens. Various molecular studies have identified a kind of specialization of C. gloeosporioides isolates with specific hosts; however, there have been no studies of this gene in isolates from hosts other than avocado. The same is true for other species of Colletotrichum. We examined genetic variability in order to design primers that would amplify pelB gene fragments and compared the products of this amplification in C. gloeosporioides isolates from different hosts. Genetic variability was assessed using ISSR primers; the resultant data were grouped based on the UPGMA clustering method. Primers for the pelB gene were designed from selected GenBank sequences using the Primer 3 program at an annealing temperature of 60 degrees C and product amplification of nearly 600 bp. The ISSR primers were efficient in demonstrating the genetic variability of the Colletotrichum isolates and in distinguishing C. gloeosporioides, C. acutatum and C. sublineolum species. The gene pelB was found in C. gloeosporioides, C. acutatum and C. sublineolum. Amplified restriction fragments using MspI did not reveal differences in pelB gene structure in isolates from the three different host species that we investigated.

Fabry's disease as a differential diagnosis of MS.

Fabry's disease is a genetically inherited error of glycosphingolipid metabolism that results from the defective activity of the lysosomal enzyme alpha-galactosidase A (alpha-GalA). The enzymatic defect, caused by an X-linked recessive genes, leads to progressive deposition of neutral glycosphingolipids (predominantly globotriaosylceramide), with terminal alpha-galactosyl moieties, in most visceral tissues and fluids of the body. Cerebrovascular manifestations result from multifocal small-vessel involvement and may include thromboses, basilar arterial ischaemia and aneurysm, seizures, paroxystic hemiplegia or hemianaesthesia, vestibular disorders and frank cerebral haemorrhage. Severe neurological signs may be present without evidence of major thrombosis and are presumably due to multifocal small-vessel occlusive disease. Vascular ischaemia and lipid deposition in peripheral nerves may cause conduction abnormalities (slowed conduction velocities and distal latency). Sensory neurons in spinal ganglia and small myelinated and unmyelinated fibers are affected preferentially.

[Historical aspects of multiple sclerosis]. / Aspectos históricos de la esclerosis múltiple.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) in young adults. MS is the most common disorder of the central nervous system in young people living in temperate climate regions. Although a few references to possible cases of the disease come from the xiii century, its scientific observation and systematic study only started in the late xix century. DEVELOPMENT: Robert Carswell e Jean Cruveilhier were the first investigators to document the pathological lesions while the clinical picture was first studied by Charcot. In spite of a huge number of infectious agents has been proposed for the etiology of MS and a genetic susceptibility trait recently defined, the ultimate cause of the disease remains to be determined. The development of diagnostic criteria sets, clinical disability scales and image methods in the latter half of the last century has provided investigators with useful research tools allowing unprecedented advances. In the last 30 years ACTH and corticosteroids have been employed as treatment for MS relapses. Starting in 1993 a new class of drugs called disease modifying agents, such as interferon beta and more recently glatiramer acetate, was introduced with encouraging results. CONCLUSIONS: MS is postulated to be a cell mediated autoimmune disease directed against CNS myelin components and characterized by inflammation and chronic demyelination. This paper is a review of the principal most significant events in the search for knowledge of the disease in the world.

Autotransplant of spleen tissue in children with schistosomiasis: evaluation of splenic function after splenosis.

Autotransplantation of spleen tissue has been done, in the past ten years, in children with schistosomiasis mansoni with bleeding varices. The purposes of this investigation were: (1) to study the morphology and function of the remnant spleen tissue; (2) to quantify the production of tuftsin; and (3) to assess the immune response to pneumococcal vaccine of these patients. Twenty three children, who underwent splenectomy and autologous implantation of spleen tissue into the greater omentum were included in this investigation. The average postoperative follow-up is five years. Splenosis was proved by colloid liver-spleen scans. Search for Howell-Jolly bodies assessed the filtration function. Tuftsin and the titer of pneumococcal antibodies were quantified by ELISA. Splenosis was evident in all children; however, it was insufficient in two. Howell-Jolly bodies were found only in these two patients. The mean tuftsin serum concentration (335.0 +/- 29.8 ng/ml) was inside the normal range. The immune response to pneumococcal vaccination was adequate in 15 patients; intermediate in four; and inadequate in four. From the results the following conclusions can be drawn: splenosis was efficient in maintaining the filtration splenic function in more than 90% and produced tuftsin inside the range of normality. It also provided the immunologic splenic response to pneumococcal vaccination in 65% of the patients of this series.

[X-linked recessive bulbospinal muscular atrophy (Kennedy's disease). A family study]. / Atrofia muscular bulbo espinhal recessiva ligada ao cromossomo X (doença de Kennedy). Estudo de uma família.

Kennedy's disease is a rare type of motor neuron disease with a sex-linked recessive trait. DNA studies show a mutation at the androgen receptor gene on the long arm of X chromosome (Xq 11-12) with expanded CAG triplets (more than 347 repeats). We present three patients and one carrier among ten patients of a four generation family with clinical phenotype of the disease. The patients' ages ranged from 50 to 60 years with symptomatology usually beginning around 30 years of age. Patients had gynecomastia, testicular atrophy, muscular weakness, fasciculation, amyotrophy, absent deep tendon reflexes and postural tremor. PCR techniques of DNA analysis showed expanded size of CAG repeats on Xq 11-12 in all the three patients and in the carrier asymptomatic woman. This is the first Brazilian family with genetic molecular diagnosis of Kennedy's disease. This disease must be included in the differential diagnosis of motor neuron disease since it has a distinct prognosis and genetic counseling is mandatory to the carriers.

Hipertensäo portal esquistossomótica na criança-avaliaçäo critica / Schistomotic portal hypertension in children-Critical evaluation

Esplenectomia, ligadura de veia gástrica esquerda e auto-implante esplênico tem sido a conduta cirúrgica adotada para as crianças portadoras de hepato-esplenomegalia esquistossomótica, com indicaçäo cirúrgica. A esclerose endoscópica das varizes esofageanas é reservada para os casos de recidiva. Quarenta crianças, sendo vinte e três do sexo masculino e dezessete do sexo feminino, portadoras de esquistossomose hepatoesplênica com varizes esofageanas, foram submetidas a esta conduta, entre janeiro de 1990 e dezembro de 1994. Após seguimento pós-operatório médio de 36 meses, houve recidiva hemorrágica em três pacientes, com controle do sangramento por escleroterapia endoscópica das varizes esofageanas. No seguimento endoscópico houve o desaparecimento das varizes em cinco pacientes e reduçäo das varizes de grosso para médio calibres em oito dos dezesseis pacientes. Entretanto, a análise estatística näo revelou diferença significativa entre a frequência dos graus das varizes antes do tratamento e por ocasiäo da última valiaçäo endoscópica. A evoluçäo clínica dos pacientes faz supor que a conduta proposta tenha, até o momento, sido efetiva

Metástases cerebrais / Brain metastasis

Os autores apresentam o estudo de 94 casos de metástases tumorais para o cérebro. Procuraram analisar a freqüência, a incidência das metástases em relaçäo aos tumores primários e a etiologia dos mesmos. Os dados relativos ao sexo mostraram que 64 dos pacientes (68 por cento) eram do sexo masculino e 30 eram do sexo feminino (32 por cento). Com relaçäo a cor, observou-se que os pacientes do sexo masculino apresentaram uma incidência proporcional de 4:1 e os do sexo feminino, uma proporçäo de 1,5:1 para os de cor branca. A idade média dos pacientes estudados foi de 43 anos. Quanto a localizaçäo dos tumores primários, foi observado que os originários do pulmäo, pÚlvis e trato digestivo eram os mais freqüentes. Cerca de 25 por cento dos casos tinham origem no que classificamos como OUTROS FOCOS. Com relaçäo ao número de mestástases cerebrais, o maior número de metástases cerebrais isoladas encontrado, foi dos tumores originários da mama (91 por cento deles). As metástases múltiplas para o Sistema Nervoso Central tiveram sua maior incidência nos tumores originários do trato digestivo (68 por cento). A distribuiçäo topográfica das metástases cerebrais de localizaçäo supratentorial, näo mostrou predomínio evidente entre os hemisférios cerebrais direito e esquerdo, havendo contudo, grande predominância das metástases de localizaçäo supratentoriais (93,5 por cento) em relaçäo as infratentoriais (6,65 por cento). Os resultados obtidos com relaçäo ao tipo de tratamento instituido, em especial o tratamento cirúrgico (46 casos - 49 por cento), säo analisados e comparados.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis in south-eastern Paraguay: a study of an endemic area at Limoy.

An epidemiological study was performed on leishmaniasis in a newly established community in south-eastern Paraguay. 149 persons, of 172 inhabitants, were thoroughly examined by clinical, parasitological and immunological (leishmanin skin test) examinations. 88 of those examined (59%) were clinically positive for dermal and nasal (mucosal) lesions or dermal scars, while 74 (50%) were positive by the leishmanin test. Of the 88 persons, 66 (75%) were positive for both leishmanial (dermal and nasal) signs and skin test; these subjects were therefore considered to be leishmaniasis patients. Most of the patients (60%) had a single dermal lesion. Among the 66 leishmaniasis patients, serious mucosal (nasal septum) lesions were observed in the 41 subjects: 2 had destruction of the septum, 8 had ulceration and 31 had erythema. In this community the persons with dermal and/or nasal problems had been treated with meglumine antimonate (Glucantime), without any precise diagnosis having been made by parasitological or immunological examination. The socio-economical and socio-medical points of view aspects are discussed.

[Medullary schistosomal granuloma: report of a case]. / Granuloma esquistossomótico medular: registro de um caso.

A case of Schistosomotic granuloma of the spinal cord in a 34 years old man with a primary diagnostic of spinal cord tumor is reported. The diagnostic conditions, the complementary examinations and endemic aspects are commented. The surgical treatment and the results are comparized with literature data.

Granuloma esquistossomotico medular.Registro de um caso. / Medullary schistosomal granuloma: report of a case

Os autores relatam um caso de granuloma esquistossomatico de localizacao medular cujo diagnostico inicial foi de tumor intramedular sem caracterizacao nosologica.O resultado e diagnostico, apos exame histologico da peca cirurgica, bem como aspectos diagnosticos atraves de exames complentares e caracteristicas endemicas do processo sao discutidos

[Ectopic meningioma of the calvarium: report of a case]. / Meningeoma ectópico do calvário: registro de um caso.

A case of calvarial meningeoma in a 42 year old female is reported. Arising from the inner table of the skull, it projected a extracranial mass without neurological simptomatology. The surgical procedure give good results. Some aspects of the literature and radiologics finds are commented. The infrequency of this pathology is resulted.

Meningeoma ectopico do calvario: registro de um caso. / Ectopic meningioma of the calvarium: report of a case

Os autores relatam um caso de meningeoma ectopico de calvario, submetido a tratamento cirurgico com boa evolucao. Comentam alguns aspectos referidos na literatura, ressaltando as caracteristicas radiologicas. Justificam o presente relato pela infrequencia do mesmo, bem como pelo bom prognostico quando submetido a tratamento adequado

[Intraventricular meningioma. Report of a case]. / Meningeoma intraventricular. Registro de um caso.

A case of meningeoma located at the right lateral ventricle is reported. The tumor was successfully removed by surgery. The authors justified this report by the infrequency of the pathology. Some aspects of the literature are commented.