Hematological, hepatic, and renal evaluation in Aotus azarai infulatus

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Estudo de dosagem de tijolos de solo-cimento com adição de resíduos de construção e demolição

An evaluation of the composition of soil cement bricks with construction and demolition waste. Sustainable development requires the existence of a production network that includes the reuse of construction waste for new materials. Current analysis investigates an optimal soil-cement composition made up of construction and demolition waste for the manufacture of pressed bricks. Soil-cement bricks were manufactured from construction and demolition wastes (CDW), A-4 classified fine sandy soil and cement CP II Z 32. Laboratory tests, comprising test compaction, optimum water content and maximum dry specific weight, consistency limits, grain size distribution and linear shrinkage, were made to characterize the materials researched. Compressive strength and absorption tests were also undertaken in different combinations of composition. Results showed that the application of CDW improved soil-cement qualities and reduced shrinkage of the material used.

Anomalous flow behaviour of bauxite tailings

This paper deals with the anomalous flow behaviour observed in two bauxite tailings pumping systems, with 450 mm and 680 mm outer diameter. In order to enlarge the pipeline lengths in the field, tests were carried out in a laboratory test-loop in order to try to understand the anomalous (intermittent) flow behaviour and to solve the problem. Based on data obtained from these laboratory tests and using a generalized REYNOLDS number it was possible to obtain results that fit the MOODY ROUSE diagram.

Indices de atividade da doença inflamatória do intestino: indicadores clínicos e laboratoriais.

The quantification of the degree of activity of inflammatory bowel disease is assuming growing importance nowadays. The activity index of the disease can be attained by clinical and laboratorial indicators. For ulcerative colitis the mostly used clinical parameters are daily bowel movements and presence of bloody diarrhea whereas albumin, hemoglobin, ESR and positive acute phase protein measurements are the laboratory parameters. For Crohn's disease activity besides the daily bowel movements the presence of abdominal pain and discomfort sensation are also frequently used whereas the C-reactive protein is the most used laboratory test which is able to detect the disease reactivation even before the appearance of any clinical sign. The combinations of clinical signs with the laboratory tests earned the sympathy of the specialists and the set of ensembled indicators has been recognized by the author's name. In this sense, the classification of the ulcerative colitis activity originally proposed by Truelove and Witts deserves presently a wide acceptance whereas such agreement is still lacking for Crohn's disease activity. In the mean time, the Bristol index is clinically the most feasible, once the Crohn's disease activity index and the Van Hees index are considered too complex. However the latter indexes are still useful mainly for comparisons among multicentric data. It seems that the currently existing clinical signs used for Crohn's disease activity would be quantitatively improved by adding some easily made laboratory tests such as C-reactive protein.

Avaliacao da necessidade da dosagem rotineira de hematocrito, hemoglobina, ureia e creatinina sericos durante a avaliacao pre-anestesica

Background and Objectives - There are many questions and opinions about the value of routine preoperative tests as an integral part of the preanesthetic evaluation. Current trends suggest that such tests should be based on detailed clinical and physical evaluation. Since such tests are still routinely performed and questions about their real value still persist, the aim of this study was to assess the value of routine hematocrit (Ht), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine results in patients undergoing elective surgery, to establish when they are needed and aiming at answering such questions. Methods - 1065 patients aged 12 years and above, physical status ASA I, II and III, scheduled for elective surgery were studied. Patients were divided into 7 different age groups with randomized distribution of gender. Ht, Hb, BUN and serum creatinine results, routinely asked by our surgical departments, were observed and analyzed. Variance Analysis was used for each variable, and the Bonferroni Multiple Comparison Test was used to compare group to group. Differences were considered significant when p < 0.05 (5%). Results - For all patients, 4025 laboratory tests were obtained. The number of tests was the same for each group. There were no differences in Ht and Hb values which remained within normal ranges. Considering BUN and serum creatinine, there was a difference between younger and older patients, but the results were normal in all groups. Conclusions - We concluded that mean Ht, Hb, BUN and serum creatinine values in all age groups were all acceptable for surgical patients in general. However, they are barely useful if performed regardless of clinical evaluation. Thus, such preoperative routine tests should be abandoned and the good clinical practice with common sense should prevail in indicating them.

Utilization of different methodologies for the characterization of Hb Hasharon heterozygotes

Hb Hasharon has an electrophoretic mobility similar to that of Hb S in cellulose acetate and a mobility between Hb S and C at acid pH. In high-performance liquid chromatography, Hb Hasharon shows a distinct chromatographic profile and retention time. The origin of this variant is a mutation in codon 47 (GAC → CAC) of the α2-globin gene, resulting in the replacement of asparagine by histidine during the translation process. Ten blood samples from individuals suspected of being Hb Hasharon carriers were analyzed. In addition to classic laboratory tests and high-performance liquid chromatography, molecular analysis by polymerase chain reaction with restriction fragment length polymorphism designed in the laboratory was performed to confirm this mutation. The study of these cases showed that a combination of classical and molecular methodologies is necessary in the diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies for a correct hemoglobin mutant identification. The accurate identification of hemoglobin variants is essential for genetic counseling and choice of therapy. ©FUNPEC-RP.

Avaliação de diferentes métodos no diagnóstico laboratorial de Giardia lamblia

The protozoan parasite Giardia lamblia is responsible for a common intestinal infection in all regions of the world. In this study, four laboratory tests were evaluated for diagnostic reproducibility in the detection of this infection: Coprotest®, Direct modified method, Faust method and iron-hematoxylin staining. Positive diagnoses were tested for association with factors such as the age group and gender of the subject and the month when the sample was taken. Feces of 200 children in the Araraquara region (SP, Brazil) were examined by all four methods and the results compared. G. lamblia was found to be the most frequent parasite and 8.0% of the children showed giardiasis. There was no apparent correlation with gender, but most of the parasites were found in three- to five-year-olds. The highest frequency of infection occurred in January. The most reliable diagnostic results for G. lamblia were achieved by combining at least two methods of good reproducibility, i.e. Coprotest-Faust, Direct-Faust or Coprotest-Direct (A > 0.81).

Tijolos prensados de solo-cimento confeccionados com resíduos de concreto

In this work results are presented of laboratory tests aiming to evaluate the possibility of using concrete wastes in manufactured soil-cement pressed bricks. Tests of characterization of used soil of the composite of this soil with concrete wastes and of the mixtures of soil cement made with this composite were evaluated. According to results of tests carried out with cylindrical specimens and with soil cement pressed bricks, it was verified that the addition of the concrete wastes improved soil cement mechanical properties, favoring the a reduction of the cement consumption, obtaining pressed bricks with a better quality.

Aplicabilidade do TTC para a detecção de bacteriúria

Laboratory tests to detect urinary infection at a lawer cost than uroculture are necessary. Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride was evaluated in parallel with uroculture in 342 urine samples, for the detection of significant bacteriuria. The results showed that the test has high sensitivity (91.3%) but low specificity (64.3%), and negative predictive value 99.0%. Although the test cannot replace uroculture as a diagnostic method, it can be recommended for preliminary screening, and could eliminate the need for uroculture of negative samples.

Recurrent urinary tract infections: Evaluation of the prophylactic efficacy of urinary antiseptics methenamine and methylthioninium chloride

Introduction: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a very common condition in clinical practice, affecting an estimated 50% of all adult women during a lifetime. The most common causative agent is E. coli; UTI may also be caused by S. saprophyticus, Enterobacteria (Klebsiella sp and Serratia sp.), Enterococcus sp., and P aeruginosa. Recurrent UTIs occur at least twice per semester or three times a year. Prophylactic measures to prevent recurrent UTIs include changes in contraception methods, cranberry products, increased fluid intake, urination after intercourse, vaginal estrogen therapy for post-menopausal women, antibiotics, and urinary tract antiseptic agents. Objectives: To evaluate the use of a combination of methenamine and methyl-thioninium chloride in the prophylaxis of recurrent uncomplicated lower UTIs, with respect to: • Signs and symptoms of UTI • Etiologic agent(s) • Recurrence rates • Need for antibiotic therapy in case of recurrence • Incidence of adverse events associated with the treatment, including any reported alterations of laboratory tests Materials & methods: A descriptive, analytic, restrospective study was performed at Hospital Universitário Constantino Otaviano - UNIFESO. Medical charts from patients presenting recurrent uncomplicated lower UTI attended from 2001-present were analyzed, including the following information: Demographic data (age, gender, weight, ethnicity, living conditions): medical history/signs and symptoms of UTI; identification of treatment and dosing regimens; treatment duration; recurrence rates and need for antibiotic therapy in case of recurrence; other medications prescribed; and records of adverse events. Results: E. coli was identified as etiologic agent in 80% of the patients. Following antibiotic therapy, all patients received prophylactic treatment with the combination of methenamine and methylthioninium chloride. Treatment duration ranged from three to six months. Adverse events were observed in 13/60 patients (21.7%). At the end of the respective treatment periods, a statistically significant (p<0.0001) number of patients showed no UTI recurrence. Conclusion: Based on the results from the collected data, we conclude that an orally administered combination of methenamine and methylthioninium chloride is safe and effective in the prophylactic treatment of recurrent uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection. © Copyright Morelra Jr. Editora.

Late-onset sepsis: Epidemiology, evaluation, and outcome

Late-onset neonatal sepsis is a common serious problem in preterm infants in neonatal intensive care units. Diagnosis can be difficult because clinical manifestations are not specific and none of the available laboratory tests can be considered an ideal marker. For this reason, a combination of markers has been proposed. Complete blood count and acute-phase reactants evaluated together help in diagnosis. C-reactive protein is a specific but late marker, and procalcitonin has proven accurate, although it is little studied in newborns. Blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and urine cultures always should be obtained when late-onset sepsis is suspected. Blood culture, the gold standard in diagnosis, is highly sensitive but needs up to 48 hours to detect microbial growth. Various cytokines have been investigated as early markers of infection, but results are not uniform. Other diagnostic tests that offer promise include: neutrophil surface markers, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, toll-like receptors, and nuclear factor kappa B. The greatest hope for quick and accurate diagnosis lies in molecular biology, using real time polymerase chain reaction combined withDNAmicroarray. Sepsis and meningitis may affect both the short- and long-term prognosis for newborns. Mortality in neonatal meningitis has been reduced in recent years, but short-term complications and later neurocognitive sequelae remain. Late-onset sepsis significantly increases preterm infant mortality and the risk of cerebral lesions and neurosensory sequelae, including developmental difficulties and cerebral palsy. Early diagnosis of late-onset sepsis contributes to improved neonatal prognosis, but the outcome remains far from satisfactory. © 2010 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Avaliação da qualidade da água purificada em farmácias magistrais da região de São José do Rio Preto, SP

Water is the raw material used most in the production of diverse pharmaceutical forms and, being a constituent of the formulation itself, is subject to a number of physico-chemical and microbiological specifications. In addition, it is indispensable for laboratory tests and the cleaning of equipment and apparatus. The aim of this study was to ascertain the degree of physicochemical and microbiological contamination of purified water used in compounding pharmacies in the city of São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil. Samples were taken as recommended in the USP Pharmacopeia, with careful aseptic technique, and sent immediately the to quality control laboratory. Physicochemical properties were analyzed, including appearance, pH, conductivity, residue after evaporation, ammonia, calcium, chloride, heavy metals, sulfate and oxidizable substances, and microbiological tests were performed: total aerobic microbial count and detection of total and thermotolerant coliforms and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results showed that some parameters did not conform to the standards, especially pH, conductivity, inorganic impurities, oxidizable substances and microbiological test data, in 10%, 17%, 10%, 14% and 20% of the analyzed samples, respectively, This points to the need for greater care in the production and/or storage of purified water in these pharmaceutical establishments.

Mau Funcionamento do Sistema de Circulação Extracorpórea: Relato de Caso

Background and objectives: The introduction of extracorporeal circulation in clinical practice was decisive for the development of modern cardiovascular surgery. Addition of new procedures and equipment, however, brings inherent risks and complications. The objective of this report is to describe a malfunction of the oxygenation system and emphasize the importance of the interaction among the medical team members to prevent errors and complications. Case Report: During valve replacement and IVC correction surgery, we observed a darker shade of red in the blood on the exit of the oxygenator. Laboratory tests demonstrated severe acidosis and hypoxemia. The entire system was evaluated, but the cause of the malfunction was not found. Measures to reduce damage were successfully instituted. After the surgery, the whole system underwent technical evaluation. Conclusions: Interaction among the medical team members, early diagnosis, and immediate intervention were fundamental for a favorable outcome. © 2011 Elsevier Editora Ltda.

Ultrassonografia Doppler na avaliação renal de cadelas diagnosticadas com piometra antes e após tratamento com ovariosalpingohisterectomia

The aim of this study was evaluate the renal hemodynamics of bitches with pyometra by means of laboratory tests, ultrasound B mode and Doppler, before and after treatment with ovariohysterectomy (OSH). This study evaluated 30 bitches with pyometra, all were subjected to OSH (moment 1) and 20 were evaluated after 7 days (moment 2). The renal perfusion, the resistivity index (RI) of the main renal artery and the interlobar arteries (cranial, middle and caudal) were statistically different between times 1 and 2 (p<0,05). There was no statistical difference for renal perfusion between the left and the right kidney at the time 1 and 2. The correlations between the IR of the main artery and the variables used to determine renal function were stablished at the time 1. For the correlated variables: urea, creatinine, proteinuria, ratio GGT/creatinine and protein/creatinine were curvilinear and positive associations with the resistivity index of the main renal artery (p<0,05), however these correlations were considered medium and weak. Comparing the RI of the main renal artery with different scores of dehydration and renal perfusion, there was statistical difference, and show increased of resistance renal in bitches with moderate reduction in renal perfusion as well as in dehydrated bitches. Were evaluated several features of renal morphology in ultrasound B mode, however, only the presence of pelvic dilatation, medullary signal and other changes as infarcts areas and diffuse hyperechoic spots in the renal cortical and medullary were statistically different from one moment to the other, most frequently at the time 2. The results of this study show that the Doppler ultrasound can identify changes of reduction in renal perfusion by color Doppler and the increasing of the resistivity index of the renal arteries in some bitches with pyometra. As well as, the ultrasound B mode, although has non-specific changes, can detect progressive renal disorders in bitches with pyometra.

Evolução de pacientes com AIDS pós cART: Evolução clínica e laboratorial de pacientes com AIDS após 48 semanas de tratamento antirretroviral

Combination Antiretroviral Therapy (cART) aims to inhibit viral replication, delay immunodeficiency progression and improve survival in AIDS patients. The objective of this study was to compare two different schemes of cART, based on plasma viral load (VL) and CD4+ T lymphocyte count, during 48 weeks of treatment. For this purpose, 472 medical charts of a Specialized Outpatient Service were reviewed from 1998 to 2005. Out of these, 58 AIDS patients who had received a triple drug scheme as the initial treatment were included in the study and two groups were formed: Group 1 (G1): 47 individuals treated with two nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) and one non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor; Group 2 (G2): 11 patients treated with two NRTI and one protease inhibitor. In G1 and G2, 53.2% and 81.8% respectively were patients with an AIDS-defining disease. The T CD4+ lymphocyte count increased progressively up until the 24th week of treatment in all patients, while VL became undetectable in 68.1% of G1 and in 63.6% of G2. The study concluded that the evolutions of laboratory tests were similar in the two treatment groups and that both presented a favorable clinical evolution.