Padrão de sensibilidade de cepas de Enterobacter spp isoladas na região de Presidente Prudente - SP

Enterobacter spp. are considered important causing agents of infection, specially in hospitalized individuals. The natural resistance of these microorganisms and the great facility to develop resistance to new antimicrobial agents make this genus an important object of study. In this work, 176 strains isolated from various clinical samples were used from hospitalized patients (University Hospital Domingos Leonardo Cerávolo) and from clinic patients (Clinical Laboratory from Unoeste), both situated in Presidente Prudente - SP. E. cloacae (78.9%), E. aerogenes (7.9%) and E. (pantoea) agglomerans (3.9%) were the ones more frequently isolated. Eleven antimicrobial agents were tested by the disk diffusion method and around 90% of the strains presented resistance to the cephalotin, ampicillin and cefaclor. Strains of E. (pantoea) agglomerans presented wide profile of sensibility However one strain of E. cloacae presented resistance to all the antimicrobial agents. The antimicrobial agents with greater inhibitory activity were imipenem and cefepime, for this reason these antimicrobial agents could be the treatment of choice in emergencial therapeutic. This emergencial therapy can be applied with relative security, whereas the data obtained in this study show homogeneity in the profile of sensibility to these antimicrobial agents, independent of the infection site and from the isolated species. The ESBL enzyme could not be detected in no one of the strains by the double diffusion test.

Efeito de um novo produto fermentado de soja sobre os lípides séricos de homens adultos normocolesterolêmicos

This study was undertaken to verify the effect of a daily intake of a new fermented soy milk produced with Enterococcus faecium and Lactobacillus jugurti on the serum lipid levels in normocholesterolemic middle-aged men. The study was randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled and was performed for a period of 6 weeks. Forty-four normocholesterolemic healthy, male volunteers, aged 40-55 years old were randomly separated in two groups: The F-group received 200 ml of the fermented product daily and the P-group received 200 ml of placebo (chemically fermented). The blood samples were drawn initially and after 3 and 6 weeks and serum values for total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride were determined. The LDL-cholesterol value was estimated. No significant changes in the fermented group (F) were observed for total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol or triglyceride levels, while the HDL-cholesterol level was significantly higher (p≤ 0,05) after 6 weeks. The total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels were significantly higer (p≤ 0,05) in the placebo group (P), but no changes were found for the HDL-cholestrol and triglyceride levels during the experimental period. In conclusion, the intake of 200 ml/day of the fermented soy milk, produced with E.faecium and L. jugurti, for 6 weeks, did not affect the serum total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, and led an increase of 10% in the HDL-cholesterol level.

Padrão de sensibilidade aos antimicrobianos de bacilos gram-negativos não fermentadores isolados de materiais clínicos de pacientes em Presidente Prudente - SP

The aim of this study was the assessment of isolation frequency and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of nonfermenting Gram-negative bacilli. Ninety eight strains of nonfermenting Gram-negative bacilli, isolated from several clinical materials of patients admited at the Dr. Domingos Leonardo Cerávolo University Hospital and at Dr. Odilo Antunes Siqueira State Hospital, as well as from every outpatient; assisted at Laboratory of Clinical Analysis of Unoeste University, Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, in the period of October 1999 to April 2001 were analyzed. The most frequent species were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (65.3%) and Acinetobacter baumannii (23.5%). The frequency of the other isolated species was smaller than 2.5%. In the antimicrobial susceptibility tests, the two species more prevalent showed high resistance. The antibiotic most active in vitro was the imipenem, with 79.6% in microdiluition method, and 76.6% in diffusion method, for Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains and 100.0% in both microdiluition and diffusion methods, for Acinetobacter baumannii. The cephalosporins of third generation, the ciprofloxacin and the aminoglycosides, presented percentage of susceptibility varying from 22.4 to 69.7%. These results bring implications to the emergency use of the antimicrobial agents in the treatment of patients with severe infection.

Doença arterial coronariana: Um novo paradigma na AIDS

The HIV-infected individuals have been identified as a peculiar group whose propensity to the development of abnormalities in lipids metabolism supports the hypothesis that AIDS itself can be considered as an independent risk factor for the occlusive diseases development. The AIDS progression, as well as the therapy against HIV has been capable to show an array of metabolic disturbances that HIV-infected patients are prone to. These metabolic alterations affect the fate of plasmatic lipids and homocysteine as a result of three factor mainly: (i) the viral infection per se which triggers the development of hypertriglyceridemia and hipocholesterolemia; (ii) multiple vitamins and micronutrients deficiencies, that favors an onset of hyperhomocysteinemia; (iii) the state-of-the-art therapy for HIV infection, which is accompanied to idiosyncratic effects encompassing the lipid metabolism. In this context, a variety of risk factors to atherosclerosis can be identified in the HIV-infected individual. Of note, it must be considered that once life expectancy of these patients has been expanded due to the effective therapy, on the other hand they can accelerate atherosclerotic disease or its pathological appearance in the same extent.

Estimativa do padrão de preferência térmica de matrizes pesadas (frango de corte)

Female broiler breeder productivity is based on the principles of thermal comfort that are directly related with the microclimate inside the housing. This research had the objective of monitoring the behavior of female broiler breeders, using the technology of radio-frequency, injectable transponders and readers in different existing microclimates inside a small scale distorted housing model. Eight birds with electronic identification were used. Three readers were used, in three different points inside the model: on the floor of the nest, in the passage besides the lateral wall and below the water facility. Dry bulb (DBT), wet bulb (WBT) and black globe (BGT) temperature were measured continuously. The results point out a distinct behavioral pattern of the birds regarding the environment exposition during the experiment. Three probabilistic models of behavior were developed from the recorded data: probabilistic model for the passage use: FP = 1.10 - 0.244 ln(DBT), probabilistic model for the water facility use: FB = 0.398 + 0.00866(DBT), and probabilistic model for the nest use: FN = 2.22 - 0.272 DBT + 0,011 DBT 2 - 0.000144 DBT 3.

Acurácia do teste de escada utilizando o consumo máximo de oxigênio como padrão-ouro

Objective: To determine the accuracy of the variables related to the fixed-height stair-climbing test (SCT) using maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O 2 max) as the gold standard. Methods: The SCT was performed on a staircase consisting of 6 flights (72 steps; 12.16 m total height), with verbal encouragement, in 51 patients. Stair-climbing time was measured, the variables 'work' and 'power' also being calculated. The V̇O2 max was measured using ergospirometry according to the Balke protocol. We calculated the Pearson linear correlation (r), as well as the values of p, between the SCT variables and V̇O2 max. To determine accuracy, the V̇O 2 max cut-off point was set at 25 mL/kg/min, and individuals were classified as normal or altered. The cut-off points for the SCT variables were determined using the receiver operating characteristic curve. The Kappa statistic (k) was used in order to assess concordance. Results: The following values were obtained for the variable 'time': cut-off point = 40 s; mean = 41 ± 15.5 s; r = -0.707; p < 0.005; specificity = 89%; sensibility = 83%; accuracy = 86%; and k = 0.724. For 'power', the values obtained were as follows: cut-off point = 200 w; mean = 222.3 ± 95.2 w; r = 0.515; p < 0.005; specificity = 67%; sensibility= 75%; accuracy = 71%; and k = 0.414. Since the correlation between the variable 'work' and V̇O2 max was not significant, that variable was discarded. Conclusion: Of the SCT variables tested, using V̇O2 max as the gold standard, the variable 'time' was the most accurate.

Síntese e modelagem molecular do novo derivado indolinônico como candidato a antiinflamatório COX-2 seletivo

Anti-inflammatory drugs are known to be the most widely-marketed drugs in the world, despite their serious side effects, mainly on the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, there are constant efforts to discover new prototypes with improved therapeutic activity and safety for the patient. Since the advent of the computational chemistry, the theoretical study of the physiological behavior of a new compound and hence an understanding of its supposed mechanism of action have been made a lot more accessible. Thus, molecule-receptor mathematical modeling was applied to compound I (1-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)indolin-2-one), to predict theoretically its ability to inhibit, selectively, the COX-2 isoform of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase (PGHS-2), and the best positions to introduce chemical groups and to make molecular modifications.

Atividades séricas da aspartato aminotransferase, creatina quinase e lactato desidrogenase de eqüinos submetidos ao teste padrão de exercício progressive em esteira

The aim of this study was to determine the serum activities of enzymes aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase in Arabian horses submitted to exercise on high-speed equine treadmill. Eleven mature Arabian horse were training and submitted to Standard Incremental Exercise Test on high-speed equine treadmill. Venous blood samples were taken before exercise, immediately and 30 min, 60min, 3h, 6h, 24h, 3 days and 5 days after exercise. The serum activity aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase were determined. The serum activies of AST, CK and LDH increase immediately and returned to baseline value 30 minutes after exercise. The AST enzyme activity increased at 12 hours and 24 hours, CK at 3 hours and 6 hours, and LDH at 24 hours after Standard Incremental Exercise Test.

Metacryphaeus rotundatus, um novo elemento da fauna de trilobites calmoniidae (phacopida), da formação Ponta Grossa (Devoniano), bacia do Paraná, Brasil

Calmoniids (Delo, 1935) are the most common and abundant group of trilobites of the fossil record of the Devonian Ponta Grossa Formation in the Apucarana sub-basin. Although known since the past century, the study of calmoniids has been taxonomically and stratigraphically biased. This is because some authors centered their studies on some particular genera from a few stratigraphic horizons within the basal portion of the Ponta Grossa Formation. The analyses of 398 specimens of calmoniid trilobites of the rocks of Jaguariaiva Member of the Ponta Grossa Formation, mainly from Tibagi county in the state of Paraná, Brazil, indicate the presence of specimens that are referable to Metacryphaeus rotundatus (Kozlowski, 1923). This is the first record of M. rotundatus in Brazilian Devonian rocks. Metacryphaeus rotundatus is a conspicuous species of the Emsian rocks of the Icla Formation, Bolivia. Although the affinities of the trilobite fauna of the Devonian Paraná Basin, in the context of the Malvinokaffric realm, are with the Brazilian and South Africa provinces, this finding is in accordance with new evidence (e.g., conulariids, homalonotids trilobites), indicating the presence of cosmopolitan species with Andean affinities. Metacryphaeus rotundatus lived in a broad paleoclimatic range, from a temperate, cold temperate to a subpolar climate. Finally, in the Devonian of the Paraná Basin, M. rotundatus lived and were preserved in muddy, organic rich bottoms, deposited in offshore waters, below the storm wave base, associated to marine flooding surfaces.

Aplicação da espirometria durante teste padrão de exercício progressivo em esteira para avaliação da troca gasosa respiratória de equinos da raça árabe

The current study evaluated equine gas exchange responses through spirometry, by measuring oxygen uptake (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), respiratory exchange ratio (R) and maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) of Arabian horses during a standard incremental exercise test performed on a high-speed treadmill. Six clinically healthy Arabian horses were submitted to a standard incremental exercise test, performed on a high-speed treadmill at a 6% slope, and initial speed of 1,8 m.s-1 for 5 minutes, then 4,0 m.s-1 for 3 minutes, 6,0 m.s-1 for 2 minutes and 8,0 m.s-1, 9,0 m.s-1, 10,0 m.s-1 and 11,0 m.s-1 for one minute for each of these speed. The end of the exercise test was defined as the point in which the horse was no longer able to keep pace with the treadmill. Gas exchange was measured through respiratory analyses horse mask on the last 10 seconds at the end of each speed transition and at 1, 2 and 3 minutes after the end of the exercise, defined as experiment moments. During exercise, it was noticed an increase on both VO2 and VCO2 with linear relationship between exercise and speed. Arabian horses VO2max was 114,9 mL.kg-1.min-1. The respiratory exchange ratio increased over 1,0 by the speed of 9,0 m.s-1, indicating the preponderance of the anaerobic metabolism, and remains at a high level on the post-exercise period.

Fatores preditivos do sucesso da inseminação intrauterina: A morfologia espermática de acordo com o novo manual de laboratório da Organização Mundial de Saúde

Objective: The aim of our study was to assess the likelihood of IUI success as a function of the previously described predictive factors, including sperm morphology according to the new reference values defined by WHO. Material and Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 300 couples which underwent IUI. Regression analyses were used to correlate maternal age, number of preovulatory follicles on the day of hCG administration, number of inseminated motile sperm, and normal sperm morphology with clinical pregnancy. Results are expressed as odds ratio (OR) with 95% of confidence intervals (CI). Results: Women older than 35 years showed a lower pregnancy rate (6.5% vs 18.2%, p=0.017). Logistic regression models confirmed the lower chance of pregnancy occurrence for older women (OR: 0.39; CI: 0.16-0.96; p=0.040). The presence of two or more preovulatory follicles on the day of hCG administration resulted in higher pregnancy rate when compared to cases in which only one preovulatory follicle was present (18.6% vs 8.2%, p=0.011). The regression model showed a more than two fold increase on probability of pregnancy when two or more preovulatory follicles were detected (OR: 2.58; CI: 1.22-5.46, p=0.013). The number of inseminated motile sperm positively influenced pregnancy occurrence (OR: 1.47; CI: 0.88-3.14, p=0.027). Similar pregnancy rates were observed when semen samples were classified as having normal or abnormal morphology (10.6% vs 10.2%, p=0.936). Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that sperm morphological normalcy, according to the new reference value, has no predictive value on IUI outcomes. © Todos os direitos reservados a SBRA - Sociedade Brasileira de Reprodução Assistida.

Um novo jogo para o estudo do raciocínio combinatório e do cálculo de probabilidade

We present an educational proposal for the study of combinatorial reasoning and calculation of probabilities based on a game and problem solving methodology, aiming to support the teaching of mathematical content. A review of the literature related to the teaching and learning of the concepts of combinatorial reasoning and probability is presented. The game is original, using a board game similar to Tic-tac-toe, and the movements of its parts have some similarities, in particular those made with the rook and pawn pieces of the game of chess. We formulate various activities (problems) involving the game which, in the process of solving them, using the problem solving methodology and with the appropriate intervention of the teacher, encourage students to develop strategies for counting, an indispensable tool in the initial study of Combinatorial Analysis and Calculation of Probabilities.

Relevãncia do padrão de remodelamento ventricular no modelo de infarto do miocárdio em ratos

Background: The relevance of the remodeling pattern in the model of infarcted rats is not known. Objective: To analyze the presence of different patterns of remodeling in this model and its functional implications. Methods: Infarcted rats (n=47) have been divided according to the geometry pattern, analyzed by echocardiogram: normal (normal mass index and normal relative thickness), concentric remodeling (normal mass index and increased relative thickness), concentric hypertrophy (increased mass index and increased relative thickness) and eccentric hypertrophy (increased mass index and normal relative thickness). Data are median and interquartile range. Results: Infarcted rats showed only two of the four geometric patterns: normal pattern (15%) and eccentric hypertrophy - EH (85%). Groups of normal pattern and EH showed no differences in the values of fractional area change (Normal = 32.1-28.8 to 50.7; EH = 31.3-26.5 to 36.7; p = 0.343). Out of the infarcted animals, 34 (74%) had systolic dysfunction, detected by fractional area change. Considering these two geometry patterns, 77% of animals with eccentric hypertrophy and 57% with normal geometry presented systolic dysfunction (p=0.355). The relative wall thickness, the geometric patterns and the body mass index were not predictors of ventricular dysfunction (p>0.05). On the other hand, infarct size was a predictive factor for ventricular dysfunction in univariate analysis (p<0.001) and multivariate analysis (p = 0.004). Conclusion: Rats that underwent coronary occlusion showed two different patterns of remodeling, which do not constitute a predictor of ventricular dysfunction.

Cytogenetic evidence for de novo synthesis of rRNA and involvement of nucleolar material in the organization of cell structures during spermiogenesis of Chariesterus armatus (Heteroptera, Coreidae).

The nucleolar material of Chariesterus armatus was analyzed during spermiogenesis in cell preparations impregnated with silver nitrate. Nucleolar corpuscles were observed in spermatids at the beginning of the process, showing that this organoid is also maintained after meiosis. In addition, nucleoli were seen in the round spermatids connected to the X-chromosome (bearer of the nucleolar organizer in C. armatus), indicating de novo synthesis of nucleolar material. This differs from the reorganization of ribosomal granules, transported from meiotic spermatocytes to round spermatids, where they would support protein synthesis, which is reported for other species. We also observed connections of nucleolar corpuscles to the nuclear membrane regions where the tail and the acrosome will be formed, suggesting close involvement of the nucleolar material in the formation of these structures. In addition to the nucleolar bodies, we detected silver-positive structures, which will require new approaches to clarify their role. One of these structures, observed in the cytoplasm, appears to correspond to the chromatoid body, which has been found in several organisms, but is still poorly understood; another is a complex structure to which the tail appears to be connected. We conclude that C. armatus is an appropriate model for understanding not only the synthesis of rRNA in the spermiogenesis, but also the functional meaning of the close relationship of nucleolar material with other structures during this process.

Avaliação da segurança e eficácia de novo preenchedor à base de ácido hialurônico no tratamento dos sulcos nasolabiais e contorno dos lábios

Introduction: The use of dermal filling techniques for soft tissue augmentation has greatly increased in recent years. Hyaluronic acid is one of the most used temporary dermal fillers in the treatment of facial wrinkles, furrows, and folds due to its effectiveness and safety. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Perfectha®, a new hyaluronic acid filler, for nasolabial folds and lip correction. Methods: Open, multicenter study comprising 87 women. Efficacy was evaluated by the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale and the Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale. Safety was evaluated through observation and the reporting of side effects. Results: One week after the injection of the filler, improvement in nasolabial folds and lips was observed in 86% and 89% of the women, respectively. Mild or moderate transient inflammatory reaction and ecchymoses occurred in 15% and 9% of patients, respectively, mainly in nasolabial folds. Two patients presented labial herpes simplex after treatment of the lips. The good results were maintained in 76% and 57% of women for nasolabial folds and in 72% and 45% of women for lips after 3 and 6 months, respectively. Conclusion: Perfectha® was effective and safe for these indications.