Genital route in experimental infection, a promising approach to study genital leptospirosis in ruminants.

Infection by Leptospira sp., mainly strains from the Sejroe serogroup, impairs the reproductive efficiency of ruminants leading to economic losses. Although the majority of experimental studies use the intraperitoneal route of leptospiral infection, it has been suggested that natural infection occurs frequently by sexual transmission. Thus, we assessed the genital route of infection to study genital leptospirosis in the sheep model. A strain of L. borgpetersenii serogroup Sejroe, serovar Hardjobovis was inoculated in 18 ewes, divided into three groups for inoculation: intraperitoneal (n=6; Gip), cervical superficial (genital) (n=6; Ggen) and conjunctival (n=6; Gconj). Monthly, for 90 days, blood samples were collected for serology (MAT) and PCR was performed on urine, cervical-vaginal mucus, and uterine fragments. All ewes were successfully infected, independently of the infection route. Gip and Ggen did not differ throughout the experiment, either on seroconversion or on PCR positivity on urine or genital samples. In contrast, Gconj presented fewer seroreactive animals (P<0.05) and fewer PCR-pos on genital samples than the other groups. The results obtained demonstrated that, although all groups presented both urinary and genital infections, the genital route was more efficient and did not differ from the traditional intraperitoneal. It indicates that genital via, besides being a naturally occurring transmission via, represents a promising and interesting route regarding future studies related to genital leptospirosis in ruminants, and its use should be encouraged.

Ear identification: A multi-ethnic study sample.

The external human ear is considered to be highly variable among individuals. Hence, forensic applications could be explored for human identification. This research compares the usefulness of Cameriere's ear identification method, in samples originating from six different countries (Brazil, India, Japan, Russia, South Africa and Turkey) in order to examine possible differences in their accuracy values. A sample of 2,225 photographs of the external human ear (1,134 left and 1,091 right ears) from 1,411 individuals (633 females and 778 males) was collected. The samples included healthy subjects with no systemic disorders and without any craniofacial trauma, maxillofacial abnormalities, auricular anomalies, ear diseases or previous auricular surgery. Cameriere's ear identification method was applied and measurements were performed on the images of each ear, considering four anatomic regions: helix, antihelix, concha, and lobe. The quantified measurement values were converted into a proposed coded number system. A search for identical codes was accomplished to find out the distinctiveness of the morphology of the human ear. The combined codes of left and right ears of each of the 814 subjects were not repeated in this multi-ethnic study sample. Dirichlet's distribution and the inherent study equation showed that the probability of two different individuals having the same code (false-positive identification) was found to be <0.0007. Because of the distinctive metrics of the ratios of external human ears, studies with Cameriere's ear identification method may be valuable for human identification. Studying the differences between the left and right ears of the same individual and across different ethnic groups could contribute to the development of supplementary tools for human identification.

Prevalence and risk factors of cysticercosis in cattle tracking / Prevalência e fatores de riscos da cisticercose no rastreamento de bovinos

The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence and the main risk factors related to the transmission of bovine cysticercosis based on tracking animals sent for slaughter and coming from properties located in the micro-region of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The properties were previously evaluated for the occurrence of cysticercosis during post-mortem inspection in the 12 months prior to the beginning of the research, and those with animals with bovine cysticercosis found at least once during this period were considered positive. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 87 properties, from which 1024 bovine serum samples were collected. Indirect ELISA performed serological diagnosis and Immunoblot confirmed positive sera. The prevalence found in this study was 5.1% (95% CI = 3.74-6.42). The risk factors identified were cattle origin (RC = 4.9), grazing (RC = 6.4) and sewage destination on the property (RC = 3.6). These environmental factors suggest that sanitation control measures and the restriction of pastures beyond the property boundary can help prevent disease in the study area. A control system based on risk analysis was discussed and proposed as a strategy to control bovine cysticercosis in the Triângulo Mineiro region and other regions of the country.

Este estudo teve por objetivo identificar a prevalência e os principais fatores de risco relacionados com a transmissão da cisticercose bovina em animais enviados para abate e provenientes de propriedades localizadas na microrregião de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brasil. As propriedades foram previamente avaliadas quanto à ocorrência de cisticercose durante a inspeção post mortem nos 12 meses antecedentes ao início da pesquisa; aquelas que revelaram animais com cisticercose bovina pelo menos uma vez durante esse período foram consideradas positivas. Foi realizado um estudo de corte transversal em 87 propriedades, onde foram coletadas 1024 amostras de soro bovino. O diagnóstico sorológico foi realizado por triagem pelo teste ELISA indireto, e os soros positivos foram confirmados pelo Immunoblot. A prevalência identificada neste estudo foi de 5,1% (IC 95%= 3,74-6,42). Os fatores de risco identificados foram: a origem dos bovinos (RC=4,9), o pastejo (RC=6,4) e o destino do esgoto da propriedade (RC=3,6). Esses fatores ambientais encontrados sugerem que medidas de controle do saneamento e restrição a pastagens além do limite da propriedade possam auxiliar na prevenção da doença na área de estudo.

Ultrasonographic findings of abdominal thrombosis in dogs / Vascular ultrasonographic findings of abdominal thrombosis in dogs

This retrospective case series study describes the clinical and vascular ultrasound findings of 26 dogs diagnosed with abdominal thrombosis. Images were selected based on the detection of intravascular echogenic thrombus or the absence of vascular flow on color Doppler, confirmed by surgery or necropsy. Images were acquired using the Mylab 40 model, with linear and microconvex multifrequency probes. All the reports were evaluated along with the corresponding images by a veterinary diagnostic imaging radiologist. The ultrasonographic aspects evaluated were echogenicity (92.3%), anechogenicity (7.7%), vascularization (11.5%), mineralization (15.4%), and recanalization (7.7%) of the thrombosis. The vascular and hemodynamic findings were dilation of the affected vein (57.7%), total occlusion of blood flow (30.8%), presence of turbulent flow (65.38%), and visualization of smoke signal (blood flow detected as moving echogenic points in dynamic bidimensional mode) (11.5%). Neoplasms (19 cases) and nephropathies (13 cases) were the most common clinical conditions in the affected dogs. Eleven cases of vascular invasion due to adrenal neoplasms were identified. The results indicate that the vascular ultrasound examination is an important method for diagnosis, as 23 of the 26 cases did not show any clinical signs of thrombosis.

Este estudo de série de casos retrospectivos descreve os achados clínicos e ultrassonográficos vasculares de 26 cães diagnosticados com trombose. As imagens foram selecionadas baseadas na detecção de trombo ecogênico intravascular ou na ausência de fluxo vascular ao Doppler colorido, confirmado por cirurgia ou necropsia. O equipamento utilizado na aquisição das imagens foi o modelo Mylab 40, com probes multifrequenciais linear e microconvexa. Todos os relatórios foram avaliados com as imagens correspondentes por um veterinário radiologista. As características ultrassonográficas avaliadas foram: ecogenicidade (92,3%), anecogenicidade (7,7%), vascularização (11,5%), mineralização (15,4%) e recanalização (7,7%) das tromboses. Os achados vasculares e hemodinâmicos observados foram: dilatação da veia afetada (57,7%), oclusão total do fluxo sanguíneo (30,8%), presença de fluxo turbulento (65,38%) e visibilização do sinal de fumaça (fluxo vascular visível como pontos ecogênicos em modo bidimensional dinâmico) (11,5%). As neoplasias (19 casos) e as nefropatias (13 casos) foram as condições clínicas mais comuns nos cães afetados. Foram identificados 11 casos de invasão vascular decorrentes de neoplasia de adrenais. Os resultados indicaram que o exame ultrassonográfico vascular é um método importante para diagnóstico, considerando-se que, em 23 casos, não ocorreram sinais clínicos determinantes de trombose.

Use of non-clinical smile images for human identification: a systematic review.

Human identification using Forensic Dentistry occurs through comparative analysis of ante-mortem (AM) and post-mortem (PM) data. With the constant improvement of technology, photographs became a common source of AM data. When clinical dental records are not available, images showing the smile can be useful in human identification. The aim of this study was to investigate human identification techniques through the analysis of smile images in the available literature. Studies on human identification through the analysis of smile images were searched in the scientific literature. The search resulted in 4,043 studies. After screening, 14 studies were considered eligible. Eleven were case reports, two were pilot studies and one a technical note. From the eligible studies, in addition to the methodological data, information about the sample, used techniques and results regarding human identification were extracted. Three techniques were detected: direct comparison of morphological characteristics, AM/PM image overlap, and the analysis of smile lines. One or more associated techniques were used for human identification. Authors highlighted as a common limitation of the techniques the quality of the available images, the difficulty in reproducing PM the same images AM, and the eventual image modifications performed by the victim before posting in social media. Advantages included the low-cost aspect of the technique, as well as a potential fast and accurate procedure (depending on the quantity and quality of evidence). In general, studies considered the technique useful and adjuvant for human identification.

Protease-activated receptor 4 plays a role in lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory mechanisms in murine macrophages.

The role of protease-activated receptor (PAR)4 in thrombin-induced platelet aggregation has been studied, and PAR4 blockade is thought to be useful as a new and promising approach in antiplatelet therapy in humans. In recent years, studies have been conducted to clarify the role of PAR4 in the host defense against invading microorganisms and pathogen-induced inflammation; however, to date, the role of PAR4 in mediating the LPS-induced inflammatory repertoire in macrophages remains to be elucidated. Here, we investigated the effects of the synthetic PAR4 agonist peptide (PAR4-AP) AYPGKF-NH2 on the phagocytosis of zymosan-FITC particles; NO, ROS, and iNOS expression; and cytokine production in C57/BL6 macrophages cocultured with PAR4-AP/LPS. The PAR4-AP impaired LPS-induced and basal phagocytosis, which was restored by pharmacological PAR4 blockade. Coincubation with the PAR4-AP/LPS enhanced NO and ROS production and iNOS expression; decreased IL-10, but not TNF-α, in the culture supernatant; and increased translocation of the p65 subunit of the proinflammatory gene transcription factor NF-κ-B. Our results provide evidence for a complex mechanism and new approach by which PAR4 mediates the macrophage response triggered by LPS through counter-regulating the phagocytic activity of macrophages and innate response mechanisms implicated in the killing of invading pathogens.

Investigation of genetic susceptibility to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (VDR and IL10 genes) in a population with a high level of substructure in the Brazilian Amazon region.

OBJECTIVES: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious and contagious disease that has been very influential in human history and presents high rates of mortality. The objective of this study was to investigate the association of VDR, IL10, and SLC11A1 gene polymorphisms with susceptibility to the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. METHODS: A total of 135 patients with confirmed TB and 141 healthy individuals were included in the analysis. Blood samples were collected for DNA extraction. Genotyping of the polymorphisms in the VDR and IL10 genes was performed by real-time PCR, and genotyping of the polymorphisms in the SLC11A1 gene by conventional PCR, followed by visualization in polyacrylamide gel. The genomic ancestry was obtained using an autosomal panel with 48 insertion/deletion ancestry-informative markers. RESULTS: Polymorphisms TaqI (TT, p=0.004), FokI (CC and CC+CT, p=0.012 and p=0.003, respectively), and BsmI (GG, p=0.008) in the VDR gene, as well as A-592C (GC+AG, p=0.001) in the IL10 gene, were significantly associated with susceptibility to TB In addition, high production of VDR combined with low production of IL10 showed protection for the TB group (p=0.035). CONCLUSIONS: The VDR polymorphisms may confer an increased risk and the IL10 haplotype may be a protection factor for the presence of M. tuberculosis infection in the Brazilian population.

Short communication: Uterine leptospiral infection is strongly associated to strains of serogroup Sejroe on experimentally infected hamsters.

Leptospira infection is influenced by the host species and the bacterial strain involved. Important differences on their tissue distribution are referred, also depending on the host and the studied strain. Considering tissue distribution of leptospires the majority of the studies focus on a single strain, or strains from the same serogroup with different inoculation doses. Nevertheless, none had associated different serogroups with their tissue distribution. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the hypothesis that tissue distribution of Leptospira spp. on experimentally infected hamsters may vary according to the strain serogroup. Females of Golden Syrian hamsters were used for the experimental infection with Leptospira isolates (n = 13) belonging to serogroups Icterohaemorrhagiae (n = 8) and Sejroe (n = 5). PCRs were conducted in renal, hepatic and uterine tissue. Seven out of the thirteen studied hamsters presented acute clinical signs and were euthanized before the 21° day p.i. (strains VF237, VF52, U81, UFF-SG001, UFF-G19, UFF-B15, L1-130), while the others presented a subclinical infection. Regarding to the PCR results it was possible to observe that, all but one strain (UFF-SG001), which was detected on all the studied tissues, presented some differences on their tissue distribution. All strains could be detected on at least one tissue and a significant association was observed for the occurrence of the strains of serogroup Sejroe in uterus (p = 0.044). The results of the present study indicate that strains of serogroup Sejroe are strongly associated to uterine infection on experimentally infected hamsters.

Perfil epidemiológico da cisticercose bovina e suína em três regiões do estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil / Epidemiological profile of bovine and swine cysticercosis in three regions of Minas Gerais State, Brazil

Com o objetivo de avaliar a situação epidemiológica da cisticercose suína e bovina na zona rural de cinco municípios, distribuídos em três distintas regiões do estado de Minas Gerais, foi determinada a prevalência das cisticercoses bovina e suína nas propriedades rurais e os principais fatores de risco que poderiam favorecer a transmissão e manutenção da doença nas referidas propriedades. A pesquisa abrangeu 388 propriedades, localizadas em 91 diferentes comunidades rurais, sendo coletadas 1.792 amostras de sangue bovino e 554 de suíno. Além da avaliação das referidas amostras laboratoriais (ELISA indireto e imunoblot), também foram analisados os dados obtidos da aplicação de um questionário para cada propriedade, no qual constava as informações sobre as condições socioeconômicas, higiênico-sanitárias e as relacionadas ao sistema de criação animal. A prevalência da cisticercose variou de 0,3 a 5,9% nos bovinos e de 0 a 2,8% nos suínos criados artesanalmente nesses municípios pesquisados. Os principais fatores de risco de transmissão identificados foram a fonte de água consumida, a origem da carne, a natureza do município e da região, para a cisticercose bovina, e o destino do esgoto e o sistema de criação, para a cisticercose suína.(AU)

In order to evaluate the epidemiological situation of porcine and bovine cysticercosis in the rural area of five municipalities, distributed in three different regions of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, the prevalence of bovine and porcine cysticercosis was determined in the rural properties as well as the main risk factors that may favor the transmission and maintenance of the disease in these properties. The research covered 388 farms, located in 91 different rural communities, with 1,792 samples of bovine blood and 554 of swine collected. In addition to the evaluation of these laboratory samples (indirect ELISA and Imunoblot), the data obtained from the application of a questionnaire for each property were also analyzed, with information on socioeconomic, hygienic-sanitary and animal-related conditions. The prevalence of cysticercosis ranged from 0.3 to 5.9% in cattle and from 0 to 2.8% in the pigs raised in these municipalities. Among the main risk factors for transmission of bovine cysticercosis were the source of water consumed, the origin of the meat, the nature of the municipality and the region. Regarding the pigs, risk factors were the sewage disposal and animal management system.(AU)

Perfil epidemiológico da cisticercose bovina e suína em três regiões do estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil / Epidemiological profile of bovine and swine cysticercosis in three regions of Minas Gerais State, Brazil

Com o objetivo de avaliar a situação epidemiológica da cisticercose suína e bovina na zona rural de cinco municípios, distribuídos em três distintas regiões do estado de Minas Gerais, foi determinada a prevalência das cisticercoses bovina e suína nas propriedades rurais e os principais fatores de risco que poderiam favorecer a transmissão e manutenção da doença nas referidas propriedades. A pesquisa abrangeu 388 propriedades, localizadas em 91 diferentes comunidades rurais, sendo coletadas 1.792 amostras de sangue bovino e 554 de suíno. Além da avaliação das referidas amostras laboratoriais (ELISA indireto e imunoblot), também foram analisados os dados obtidos da aplicação de um questionário para cada propriedade, no qual constava as informações sobre as condições socioeconômicas, higiênico-sanitárias e as relacionadas ao sistema de criação animal. A prevalência da cisticercose variou de 0,3 a 5,9% nos bovinos e de 0 a 2,8% nos suínos criados artesanalmente nesses municípios pesquisados. Os principais fatores de risco de transmissão identificados foram a fonte de água consumida, a origem da carne, a natureza do município e da região, para a cisticercose bovina, e o destino do esgoto e o sistema de criação, para a cisticercose suína.(AU)

In order to evaluate the epidemiological situation of porcine and bovine cysticercosis in the rural area of five municipalities, distributed in three different regions of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, the prevalence of bovine and porcine cysticercosis was determined in the rural properties as well as the main risk factors that may favor the transmission and maintenance of the disease in these properties. The research covered 388 farms, located in 91 different rural communities, with 1,792 samples of bovine blood and 554 of swine collected. In addition to the evaluation of these laboratory samples (indirect ELISA and Imunoblot), the data obtained from the application of a questionnaire for each property were also analyzed, with information on socioeconomic, hygienic-sanitary and animal-related conditions. The prevalence of cysticercosis ranged from 0.3 to 5.9% in cattle and from 0 to 2.8% in the pigs raised in these municipalities. Among the main risk factors for transmission of bovine cysticercosis were the source of water consumed, the origin of the meat, the nature of the municipality and the region. Regarding the pigs, risk factors were the sewage disposal and animal management system.(AU)

Inflammatory biomarkers in infective endocarditis: machine learning to predict mortality.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is the cardiac disease with the highest rates of mortality. New biomarkers that are able to identify patients at risk for death are required to improve patient management and outcome. This study aims to investigate if cytokines, chemokines and growth factors measured at IE diagnosis can predict mortality. Patients with definite IE, according to the Duke's modified criteria, were included. Using high-performance Luminex assay, 27 different cytokines, chemokines and growth factors were analyzed. Machine learning techniques were used for the prediction of death and subsequently creating a decision tree, in which the cytokines, chemokines and growth factors were analyzed together with C-reactive protein (CRP). Sixty-nine patients were included, 41 (59%) male, median age 54 [interquartile range (IQR) = 41-65 years] and median time between onset of the symptoms and diagnosis was 12 days (IQR = 5-30 days). The in-hospital mortality was 26% (n = 18). Proinflammatory cytokines interkeukin (IL)-15 and C-C motif chemokine ligand (CCL4) were found to predict death, adding value to CRP levels. The decision tree predicted correctly the outcome of 91% of the patients at hospital admission. The high-risk group, defined as CRP ≥ 72 mg/dL, IL-15 ≥ 5·6 fg/ml and CCL4 ≥ 6·35 fg/ml had an 88% in-hospital mortality rate, whereas the patients classified as low-risk had a mortality rate of 8% (P = < 0·001). Cytokines IL-15 and CCL4 were predictors of mortality in IE, adding prognostic value beyond that provided by CRP levels. Assessment of cytokines has potential value for clinical risk stratification and monitoring in IE patients.

Therapeutic Hypothermia in Brazil: A MultiProfessional National Survey.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the rate of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) use, current practices, and long-term follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cross-sectional national survey with 19 questions related to the assessment of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and TH practices. An online questionnaire was made available to health care professionals working in neonatal care in Brazil. RESULTS: A total of 1,092 professionals replied, of which 681 (62%) reported using TH in their units. Of these, 624 (92%) provided TH practices details: 136 (20%) did not use any neurologic score or amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram (aEEG) to assess encephalopathy and 81(13%) did not answer this question. Any specific training for encephalopathy assessment was provided to only 81/407 (19%) professionals. Infants with mild HIE are cooled according to 184 (29%) of the respondents. Significant variations in practice were noticed concerning time of initiation and cooling methods, site of temperature measurements and monitoring, and access to aEEG, electroencephalogram (EEG), and neurology consultation. Only 19% could perform a brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and 31% reported having a well-established follow-up program for these infants. CONCLUSION: TH has been implemented in Brazil but with significant heterogeneity for most aspects of hypothermia practices, which may affect safety or efficacy of the therapy. A step forward toward quality improvement is important.

Exames radiográficos e ultrassonográficos em pequenos animais: riscos de interpretação / Radiographic and ultrasound examinations in small animals: risks of interpretation

Nas últimas décadas, foi possível observar grandes avanços tecnológicos no que se refere às novas técnicas de exames por meio de imagens, que se tornou um componente importante e imprescindível no processo de tomada de decisão frente ao diagnóstico de diversas alterações em pacientes veterinários. Tais exames, cada um com sua especificidade, requerem análise cuidadosa por parte do avaliador e, evidentemente, um bom período de treinamento com o propósito de se extrair o máximo de informação possível que o exame possa oferecer. Mesmo assim, costumam ocorrer situações que geram dúvidas e equívocos, resultando em erros de interpretação. São, na verdade, armadilhas resultantes das próprias limitações da técnica ou da produção dos chamados artefatos, capazes de gerar dúvidas e erros de interpretação, muitas vezes comprometendo a formulação do diagnóstico. Diante do exposto, procurou-se, com este estudo, chamar a atenção dos envolvidos com diagnóstico por imagem em veterinária quanto aos riscos de interpretação, em particular na radiologia e na ultrassonografia, duas técnicas distintas e amplamente usadas na medicina veterinária. Foram selecionadas imagens radiográficas e ultrassonográficas obtidas da rotina de atendimento a pequenos animais do Hospital Veterinário da Escola de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) que pudessem exemplificar as mais frequentes dúvidas no momento da interpretação e que poderiam induzir a erros. (AU)

In recent decades there have been many great technological advances. Im particular new imaging examination techiniques have becane, important and indispensable component the diagnostic decisiun making process for several alterations in veterinary patients. These examinations, require careful analysis by the examiner and, extensive. In order to extract as much information as possible fron the exam. Even so, situations that generate doubts and confusions occur often, resulting in errors of interpretation. These are, traps result from the limitations of the technique henselves or the production of artifacts, which are of creating doubts and errors of interpretation, this compromisi the diagnosis. In light of this, we sought to draw the attention of those involved in veterinary diagnostic imaging, regarding the risks of misinterpretation, with radiology and ultrasonography, two different techniques widely used in veterinary medicine. Radiographic and ultrasonographic images were obtained from routine small animal care at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Minas Gerais Veterinary School (UFMG). which demostrate the most frequent doubts during image interpretation and that could potentially induce erros were selected. Situations that could generateperceptual erros were observed. These errosrs could possibly be associated with cognitive erros.(AU)

An Outbreak of Intestinal Obstruction by Ascaridia Galli in Broilers in Minas Gerais

Industrial broilers raised on helminthic medication-free feed were diagnosed with a severe disease caused by Ascaridia galli, characterized by intestinal hemorrhage and obstruction. A. galli was identified based on the morphological features of the nematode. Broilers were raised for a longer period (63 days) for weight recovery, grouped as stunted (n=500), had low body score and had fetid diarrhea. The duodenum-jejunum segment was the most severely affected with obstruction and had localized accumulation of gas. The intestinal mucosa was severely congested with petechial and suffusive hemorrhages. The outbreak resulted in morbidity of about 10% and mortality of up to 4% and was associated to the absence of preventive medication on feed and slack biosecurity. The reemergence of A. galli is discussed in view of the alternative poultry management and raising conditions for drug free and welfare.(AU)

An Outbreak of Intestinal Obstruction by Ascaridia Galli in Broilers in Minas Gerais

Industrial broilers raised on helminthic medication-free feed were diagnosed with a severe disease caused by Ascaridia galli, characterized by intestinal hemorrhage and obstruction. A. galli was identified based on the morphological features of the nematode. Broilers were raised for a longer period (63 days) for weight recovery, grouped as stunted (n=500), had low body score and had fetid diarrhea. The duodenum-jejunum segment was the most severely affected with obstruction and had localized accumulation of gas. The intestinal mucosa was severely congested with petechial and suffusive hemorrhages. The outbreak resulted in morbidity of about 10% and mortality of up to 4% and was associated to the absence of preventive medication on feed and slack biosecurity. The reemergence of A. galli is discussed in view of the alternative poultry management and raising conditions for drug free and welfare.

EXAMES RADIOGRÁFICOS E ULTRASSONOGRÁFICOS EM PEQUENOS ANIMAIS: RISCOS DE INTERPRETAÇÃO

Nas últimas décadas, foi possível observar grandes avanços tecnológicos no que se refere às novas técnicas de exames por meio de imagens, que se tornou um componente importante e imprescindível no processo de tomada de decisão frente ao diagnóstico de diversas alterações em pacientes veterinários. Tais exames, cada um com sua especificidade, requerem análise cuidadosa por parte do avaliador e, evidentemente, um bom período de treinamento com o propósito de se extrair o máximo de informação possível que o exame possa oferecer. Mesmo assim, costumam ocorrer situações que geram dúvidas e equívocos, resultando em erros de interpretação. São, na verdade, armadilhas resultantes das próprias limitações da técnica ou da produção dos chamados artefatos, capazes de gerar dúvidas e erros de interpretação, muitas vezes comprometendo a formulação do diagnóstico. Diante do exposto, procurou-se, com este estudo, chamar a atenção dos envolvidos com diagnóstico por imagem em veterinária quanto aos riscos de interpretação, em particular na radiologia e na ultrassonografia, duas técnicas distintas e amplamente usadas na medicina veterinária. Foram selecionadas imagens radiográficas e ultrassonográficas obtidas da rotina de atendimento a pequenos animais do Hospital Veterinário da Escola de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) que pudessem exemplificar as mais frequentes dúvi

Exames radiográficos e ultrassonográficos em pequenos animais: riscos de interpretação / Radiographic and ultrasound examinations in small animals: risks of interpretation

Nas últimas décadas, foi possível observar grandes avanços tecnológicos no que se refere às novas técnicas de exames por meio de imagens, que se tornou um componente importante e imprescindível no processo de tomada de decisão frente ao diagnóstico de diversas alterações em pacientes veterinários. Tais exames, cada um com sua especificidade, requerem análise cuidadosa por parte do avaliador e, evidentemente, um bom período de treinamento com o propósito de se extrair o máximo de informação possível que o exame possa oferecer. Mesmo assim, costumam ocorrer situações que geram dúvidas e equívocos, resultando em erros de interpretação. São, na verdade, armadilhas resultantes das próprias limitações da técnica ou da produção dos chamados artefatos, capazes de gerar dúvidas e erros de interpretação, muitas vezes comprometendo a formulação do diagnóstico. Diante do exposto, procurou-se, com este estudo, chamar a atenção dos envolvidos com diagnóstico por imagem em veterinária quanto aos riscos de interpretação, em particular na radiologia e na ultrassonografia, duas técnicas distintas e amplamente usadas na medicina veterinária. Foram selecionadas imagens radiográficas e ultrassonográficas obtidas da rotina de atendimento a pequenos animais do Hospital Veterinário da Escola de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) que pudessem exemplificar as mais frequentes dúvidas no momento da interpretação e que poderiam induzir a erros.

In recent decades there have been many great technological advances. Im particular new imaging examination techiniques have becane, important and indispensable component the diagnostic decisiun making process for several alterations in veterinary patients. These examinations, require careful analysis by the examiner and, extensive. In order to extract as much information as possible fron the exam. Even so, situations that generate doubts and confusions occur often, resulting in errors of interpretation. These are, traps result from the limitations of the technique henselves or the production of artifacts, which are of creating doubts and errors of interpretation, this compromisi the diagnosis. In light of this, we sought to draw the attention of those involved in veterinary diagnostic imaging, regarding the risks of misinterpretation, with radiology and ultrasonography, two different techniques widely used in veterinary medicine. Radiographic and ultrasonographic images were obtained from routine small animal care at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Minas Gerais Veterinary School (UFMG). which demostrate the most frequent doubts during image interpretation and that could potentially induce erros were selected. Situations that could generateperceptual erros were observed. These errosrs could possibly be associated with cognitive erros.

Tuberculosis among South American immigrants in São Paulo municipality: an analysis in space and time.

OBJECTIVE: To identify spatial and temporal, and spatial variation in temporal trends in clusters of tuberculosis (TB) among South American migrants residing in São Paulo municipality, SP, Brazil, between 2006 and 2013. DESIGN: An ecological descriptive study was conducted using data obtained from official TB reports and the 2010 Brazilian demographic census. Clusters were identified using scan statistics and SaTScan software; those with P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Social and economic characteristics of residents within the clusters were investigated. RESULTS: One high-risk spatial cluster (relative risk [RR] 4.46, P < 0.001) for TB was identified. Bolivian immigrants comprised the majority of immigrants residing in this area. One purely temporal high-risk cluster was identified between 2011 and 2013 (RR 1.55, P = 0.001). In one of the spatial variation in temporal trends clusters, the annual increase in TB incidence was 17.54% inside the cluster and 5.17% outside. CONCLUSIONS: We found areas of high risk for TB among South American immigrants. These areas and those with increasing trends of TB incidence must be prioritised by TB control programmes.

Antischistosome antibodies change NTPDase 1 activity from macrophages.

NTPDases are enzymes that hydrolyse diphosphate and triphosphate nucleosides, regulating purinergic signalling in many organisms. The Schistosoma mansoni NTPDases, SmATPDases 1 and 2, are antigenic proteins and display a significant homology with the isoforms found in mammalian cells. In this work, we investigated whether anti-SmATPDase antibodies from S. mansoni-infected mice sera show cross-reactivity with the NTPDase 1 isoform from macrophages and how this event affects the cell proliferation. By Western blot, anti-SmATPDase antibodies present in serum from infected mice recognized 2 bands with approximately 53 and 58 kDa, corresponding to NTPDase 1. Additionally, the enzyme was identified in macrophages by immunofluorescence and the anti-SmATPDase antibodies were able to reduce activity enzyme (22%). Macrophages incubated with commercial polyclonal antibodies reactive with NTPDase 1 (anti-CD39) showed a reduction of 40% of the enzyme activity. In proliferation assays, macrophage proliferation was inhibited 11% and 90% by pooled sera from infected animals and anti-CD39, respectively. The results suggest that inhibition of NTPDase 1 in macrophages by antibodies produced against the isoforms of the S. mansoni ATPDases could be a mechanism of regulation in the immune response during experimental schistosomiasis.

O que dizem as crianças sobre os espaços públicos onde brincam / What children say about the public spaces where they play

O objetivo deste estudo foi compreender como crianças utilizam espaços públicos para brin-cadeiras, como se apropriam deles e suas sugestões para tais espaços. Para tanto foram en-trevistadas 28 crianças, sete a 11 anos, moradoras de diferentes bairros de Salvador-BA-BR.Os dados coletados foram analisados qualitativamente, sob a ótica da Psicologia Histórico-cultural e da Sociologia da Infância. Os resultados indicam que as crianças brincavam em áre-as planejadas e não planejadas para elas, com predominância de brincadeiras perto de suasresidências. Houve uso criativo dos espaços e dos equipamentos lúdicos, demonstrandoapropriação deles. Participantes sugeriram ampliação da segurança pública e acréscimo deáreas para brincadeiras. Conclui-se que há uma necessidade de se conhecer as demandas dainfância sob a ótica da própria criança, estimulando-se a cidadania(AU)