Metodo para montaje permanente de huevos de helmintos enteroparasitos

Se comunican resultados obtenidos empleando Medio de Hoyer para el montaje de huevos de helmintos enteroparásitos, destinado a preparaciones para colecciones docentes y/o de investigación. La utilización de esta técnica en muestras fecales conteniendo huevos de A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura, Uncinaria sp., Taenia sp., Diphyllobothrium sp., H. nana, H. diminuta y F. hepática, permitió la correcta observación de ellos en lecturas iniciadas a las 24 horas y mantenidas hasta 180 días después.

Giardia intestinalis and nutritional status in children participating in the complementary nutrition program, Antioquia, Colombia, May to October 2006

Giardia intestinalis infection is prevalent throughout the world and widely distributed in developing countries. In general, children display serious consequences to their state of health, including slow height-weight development; therefore, the main aim of this study was to determine the association between Giardia infection and the nutritional status of children who participate in the program of complementary feeding (Mejoramiento Alimentario y Nutricional de Antioquia (MANA) - Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar (ICBF)). A cross-sectional study examining the association of giardiasis with nutritional status was conducted. A total of 2035 children aged eight months to six years-old were studied. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, anthropometric measurements and laboratory analysis of blood and stool samples. Analysis of the results showed that 27.6% of children were infected with G. intestinalis, while 8.1% and 1.9% were mildly and significantly underweight, respectively, and 14.1% presented stunting. Giardiasis was statistically identified as a strong predictor of stunting in this study population.

Diagnostic tests for amoebic liver abscess: comparison of enzyme - linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa) and counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE)

The liver abscess is the most frequent extraintestinal complication of intestinal amoebiasis: its diagnosis is suggested by the clinical picture but it must be confirmed by paraclinic tests. Themost stringent diagnosis requires identification of E. histolytica. But this is possible only in a few cases. Serological tests greatly improve the diagnosis of this severe complication of amoebiasis. We compared the Enzyme Linfed Immunosorbent Assay and the Counterimmunoeletrophoresis techniques. Both techniques were used to detect amoebic antibodies in 50 control patients, 30 patients with liver abscess and 30 patients with intestinal amoebiasis. All the sera from control patients gave negative results iin both techniques. When analysing the sera from patients with intestinal amoebiasis, 10% of them were positive by ELISA but non by CIE. The sera of patients with liver abscess, we found that 90% were positive by the ELISA method and 66.6% by the CIE technique. In patients with amoebic liver abscess, the results showed that the ELISA was more sensitive than the CIE, as it presented a higher sensitivity (100%) than that of the CIE technique (66%).

Evaluation of constitutive and inducible resistance to clindamycin in clinical samples of Staphylococcus aureus from a tertiary hospital

IntroductionInfections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have become common in hospitals and the community environment, and this wide resistance has limited patient treatment. Clindamycin (CL) represents an important alternative therapy for infections caused by S. aureus. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing using standard methods may not detect inducible CL resistance. This study was performed to detect the phenotypes of resistance to macrolides-lincosamides-streptogramin B (MLSB) antibiotics, including CL, in clinical samples of S. aureusfrom patients at a tertiary hospital in Santa Maria, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.MethodsOne hundred and forty clinical isolates were submitted to the disk diffusion induction test (D-test) with an erythromycin (ER) disk positioned at a distance of 20mm from a CL disk. The results were interpreted according to the recommendations of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI).ResultsIn this study, 29 (20.7%) of the 140 S. aureus samples were resistant to methicillin (MRSA), and 111 (79.3%) were susceptible to methicillin (MSSA). The constitutive resistance phenotype (cMLSB) was observed in 20 (14.3%) MRSA samples and in 5 (3.6%) MSSA samples, whereas the inducible resistance phenotype (iMLSB) was observed in 3 (2.1%) MRSA samples and in 8 (5.8%) MSSA samples.ConclusionsThe D-test is essential for detecting the iMLSBphenotype because the early identification of this phenotype allows clinicians to choose an appropriate treatment for patients. Furthermore, this test is simple, easy to perform and inexpensive.

Retrospective evaluation of bone pain palliation after samarium-153-EDTMP therapy

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of metastatic bone pain palliation and medullar toxicity associated with samarium-153-EDTMP treatment. METHODS: Seventy-three patients with metastatic bone pain having previously undergone therapy with samarium-153-EDTMP (1 mCi/kg) were retrospectively evaluated. Routine follow-up included pain evaluation and blood counts for 2 months after treatment. Pain was evaluated using a subjective scale (from 0 to 10) before and for 8 weeks after the treatment. Blood counts were obtained before treatment and once a week for 2 months during follow-up. Dosimetry, based upon the urinary excretion of the isotope, was estimated in 41 individuals, and the resulting radiation absorbed doses were correlated with hematological data. RESULTS: Reduction in pain scores of 75% to 100% was obtained in 36 patients (49%), with a decrease of 50% to 75%, 25% to 50%, and 0% to 25% in, respectively, 20 (27%), 10 (14%), and 7 (10%) patients. There was no significant relationship between the pain response and location of the primary tumor (breast or prostate cancer). Mild to moderate myelosuppression was noted in 75.3% of patients, usually with hematological recovery at 8 weeks. The mean bone marrow dose was 347 ± 65 cGy, and only a weak correlation was found between absorbed dose and myelosuppression (Pearson coefficient = .4). CONCLUSIONS: Samarium-153-EDTMP is a valuable method for metastatic bone pain palliation. A mild to moderate and transitory myelosuppression is the main toxicity observed after samarium therapy, showing a weak correlation with dosimetric measures.

A perda precoce do diâmetro luminal após angioplastia coronária e sua influência no fenômeno da reestenose

OBJETIVO: Analisar a perda do diâmetro luminal mínimo (DLM) nos primeiros 15min após angioplastia coronária por balão (AC), quantificando sua influência na reestenose coronária. MÉTODOS: Foram estudadas, prospectivamente, 86 AC em 86 pacientes. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois subgrupos de acordo com a presença ou ausência de reestenose; o 1º grupo compreendendo as 31 lesões com reestenose e o 2º, as 55 lesões sem reestenose. RESULTADOS: A análise univariada mostrou que a relação balão/artéria foi menor no grupo com reestenose (0,92±0,01 vs 1,00±0,11, P= .003). O grupo com reestenose apresentou maior recolhimento elástico absoluto e relativo no 1°min (0,79±0,54 vs 0,68±0,59mm; P= 0,007 e 32,04±14,27 vs 22,15±16,65%; P= 0,006.) e no controle angiográfico do 15°min (1,25±0,59 vs 0,90±0,65mm, P= 0,017 e 46,75±15,69 vs 29,18±17,84%, P<0,00001) do que o grupo sem reestenose. O DLM no 1°min foi menor no grupo com reestenose (2,15±0,42 vs 2,43±0,58mm; P=0,022). O grupo com reestenose apresentou uma maior perda precoce no DLM (0,46±0,34 vs 0,22±0,35mm, P= 0,004). Este decréscimo na luz do vaso determinou que o DLM do 15°min fosse ainda menor no grupo com reestenose (1,69±0,48 vs 2,20±0,61; P= 0,0001). Da análise multivariada, entretanto, identificou-se apenas a relação balão/artéria e o DLM do 15°min como os dois fatores independentes mais relacionados à reestenose. CONCLUSÃO: O recolhimento elástico e a perda do DLM ao longo dos 15min são fatores diretamente relacionados à reestenose. Entretanto, a análise multivariada mostrou que a relação balão/artéria e o DLM de 15min são os dois fatores independentes mais fortemente preditores de reestenose.

Estudos sobre a nutrição mineral do sorgo granífero: V. efeitos das deficiências de micronutrientes (nota)

O sorgo granífero, var. TEY 101, foi cultivado em solução nutritiva na presença e ausência de micronutrientes. Foram obtidos sintomas de carência e foi feita a determinação dos teores desses elementos nas folhas.

Estudos sobre a nutrição mineral do sorgo granífero: VII absorção de sulfato marcado por raizes destacadas

Um estudo da absorção de sulfato por raizes destacadas de sorgo granífero mostrou: mecanismo (ou sítios) múltiplo para absorção; o tamanho do espaço livre aparente; a influência da temperatura, pH; a dependência da atividade metabólica.

Toxidez de alumínio e manganês em sorgo sacarino (Sorghum bicolor (L.) moench): I. Efeitos do silicato e do carbonato de cálcio em solo podzólico vermelho amarelo var. laras

Foram determinados produção de matéria seca de raízes, colmos e folhas e teores de P, Ca, Mg, K, Al, Mn e Fe de três cultivares de sorgo sacarino (Br500, Br602 e Ample-H-OK) crescendo em solo Podzólico Vermelho Amarelo Var. Laras, em presença e ausência de corretivos da acidez do solo (calcário e silicato). Ocorreram diferenças genotípicas na resposta aos corretivos. O melhor tratamento para a produção de matéria seca das folhas não foi necessariamente o melhor para a produção de matéria seca dos colmos. O calcário propiciou efeitos relativos melhores que o silicato na promoção do crescimento dos cultivares. O cultivar Br500 apresentou a melhor resposta ao calcário e Br602 ao silicato. A melhor produção de matéria seca de colmos do sorgo sacarino, proporcionado pela aplicação de corretivos, deveu-se principalmente à redução da saturação em alumínio e ao aumento da CTC efetiva, do Ca trocável e do pH do solo. O calcário promoveu a redução nos teores foliares de todos os elementos analisados, inclusive Al e Mn. O silicato acarretou aumentos nos teores de Ca, Mg, K, P e Al. Não foram constatados sintomas visuais de toxicidade de Mn nos níveis presentes, embora a produção de matéria seca total tenha sido afetada. Os cultivares foram afetados pelo Al trocável do solo na seguinte ordem decrescente: Ample-H-OK >Br602 > Br500.

Toxidez de alumínio e manganes em sorgo sacarino (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench): III relações entre P, Mg e AL

Conduziu-se um experimento em casa de vegetação, em solução nutritiva de Hoagland e Arnon nº 1, modificada para a solução padrão contendo os tratamentos (níveis de Al, P, Mg) e usando-se quatro cultivares de sorgo sacarino: CMS x S603, Br500, Sart e Br602. Após a colheira determinou-se os pesos da matéria seca da raiz e parte aérea e os teores de P, K, Ca, Mg e Al. Verificou-se que: a) a tolerância relativa dos cultivares for indicada pela produção de matéria seca do sistema radicular na seguinte ordem decrescente: SART > CMS x S603 > Br500 > Br602. b) a elevação dos níveis de Mg no substrato permitiu um aumento na tolerância ao alumínio desde que o fósforo se apresentasse em alta concentração. c) os teores dos elementos Ca, Mg, K, P e Al na parte aérea dos cultivares, comparando-se tratamentos que acarretaram as maiores e menores produções de matéria seca na presença de Al, e grau de tolerância ao mesmo, foram diferentes para os cultivares. d) ocorreu estimulo na produção de matéria seca para determinadas combinações de níveis de Al e nutrientes, dependendo do cultivar.

Toxidez de alumínio e manganes em sorgo sacarino (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench): IV. Relações entre P, K e Al

Foi feito um experimento, em casa de vegetação com quatro cultivares de sorgo sacarino: CMS x S 603, Br 500, Sart e Br 602, usando-se solução nutritiva de Hoagland e Arnon nº 1 modificada para a solução padrão contendo os tratamentos (níveis de Al, P, K). Colhido o material e determinado os pesos da matéria seca da raiz e parte aérea e os teores dos elementos P, K, Ca, Mg e Al, verificou-se que: a) ocorreu estímulo na produção de matéria seca de alguns cultivares por determinadas combinações de níveis de Al e nutrientes; b) o acréscimo dos níveis de K no substrato promoveu um aumento na tolerância ao Al desde que o P estivesse em alta concentração; c) o fornecimento de K em nível muito alto (solução de Hoagland e Arnon(, não permitiu diferenciar cultivares quanto ao grau de tolerância; d) os teores dos elementos Ca, Mg, K, P e Al na parte aérea dos cultivares foram diferentes para os mesmos, quando comparados os tratamentos que acarretaram as maiores e menores produções de matéria seca.

The feasibility of forecasting influenza epidemics in Cuba

A large influenza epidemic took place in Havana during the winter of 1988. The epidemiologic surveillance unit of the Pedro Kouri Institute of Tropical Medicine detected the begining of the epidemic wave. The Rvachev-Baroyan mathematical model of the geographic spread of an epidemic was used to forecast this epidemic under routine conditions of the public health system. The expected number of individuals who would attend outpatient services, because of influenza-like illness, was calculated and communicated to the health authorities within enough time to permit the introduction of available control measures. The approximate date of the epidemic peak, the daily expected number of individuals attending medical services, and the approximate time of the end of the epidemic wave were estimated. The prediction error was 12%. The model was sufficienty accurate to warrant its use as a pratical forecasting tool in the Cuban public health system.

Forecast of acute respiratory infections: expected nonepidemic mobidity in Cuba

A forecast of nonepidemic morbidity due to acute respiratory infections were carry out by using time series analysis. The data consisted of the weekly reports of medical patient consultation from ambulatory facilities from the whole country. A version of regression model was fitted to the data. Using this approach, we were able to detect the starting data of the epidemic under routine surveillance conditions for various age groups. It will be necessary to improve the data reporting system in order to introduce these procedures at the local health center level, as well as on the provincial level.

Abnormal humoral immune response to influenza vaccination in pediatric type-1 human immunodeficiency virus infected patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy

Given that highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been demonstrated useful to restore immune competence in type-1 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1)-infected subjects, we evaluated the specific antibody response to influenza vaccine in a cohort of HIV-1-infected children on HAART so as to analyze the quality of this immune response in patients under antiretroviral therapy. Sixteen HIV-1-infected children and 10 HIV-1 seronegative controls were immunized with a commercially available trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine containing the strains A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and B. Serum hemagglutinin inhibition (HI) antibody titers were determined for the three viral strains at the time of vaccination and 1 month later. Immunization induced a significantly increased humoral response against the three influenza virus strains in controls, and only against A/H3N2 in HIV-1-infected children. The comparison of post-vaccination HI titers between HIV-1+ patients and HIV-1 negative controls showed significantly higher HI titers against the three strains in controls. In addition, post vaccination protective HI titers (defined as equal to or higher than 1:40) against the strains A/H3N2 and B were observed in a lower proportion of HIV-1+ children than in controls, while a similar proportion of individuals from each group achieved protective HI titers against the A/H1N1 strain. The CD4+ T cell count, CD4/CD8 T cells ratio, and serum viral load were not affected by influenza virus vaccination when pre- vs post-vaccination values were compared. These findings suggest that despite the fact that HAART is efficient in controlling HIV-1 replication and in increasing CD4+ T cell count in HIV-1-infected children, restoration of immune competence and response to cognate antigens remain incomplete, indicating that additional therapeutic strategies are required to achieve a full reconstitution of immune functions.