Modelação da degradação de pontes considerando a incerteza associada às inspecções

Dissertação para obtenção do Grau de Mestre em Engenharia Civil - Perfil Estruturas

Forty years of visceral leishmaniasis in the State of Piaui: a review

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has been known to occur in the state of Piauí since 1934. The typically rural disease began to appear in urban areas over time, being concentrated mainly in Teresina, the capital of Piauí. Teresina was also affected by the first urban epidemic of VL in Brazil. Over 1,000 cases of the disease were reported during urbanization (1981-1986). Human population growth and migration led to land occupation on the outskirts of Teresina. These factors have contributed to vector proliferation, increasing the incidence of VL. At present, the incidence of human and canine disease is quite high and uncontrolled in Piauí. It seems that some measures, such as the elimination of seropositive dogs, failed to significantly reduce the number of new VL cases in Teresina. Despite previously conducted studies, little is known about VL epidemiology in urban areas. The aim of this review is to reveal the situation of VL in Teresina during the last 40 years, focusing on the major factors that may contribute to the high incidence and persistence of VL infection.

THE SERO-CONVERSION AND EVALUATION OF RENAL ALTERATIONS IN DOGS INFECTED BY Leishmania (Infantum) chagasi

This study investigated the sero-conversion period in which dogs from endemic areas test positive for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) as well as the early post-infection period in which renal alterations are observed. Dogs that were initially negative for Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis (CVL) were clinically evaluated every three months by serological, parasitological and biochemical tests until sero-conversion was confirmed, and six months later a subsequent evaluation was performed. Samples of kidney tissues were processed and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) and Masson’s trichrome stain and lesions were classified based on the WHO criteria. Of the 40 dogs that initially tested negative for VL, 25 (62.5%) exhibited positive serological tests during the study period. Of these 25 dogs, 15 (60%) tested positive within three months, five (20%) tested positive within six months and five (20%) tested positive within nine months. The dogs exhibited antibody titers between 1:40 and 1:80 and 72% of the dogs exhibited clinical symptoms. The Leishmania antigen was present in the kidneys of recently infected dogs. We found higher levels of total protein and globulin as well as lower levels of albumin in the infected dogs when compared to the control dogs. Additionally, infected dogs presented levels of urea and creatinine that were higher than those of the uninfected dogs. Glomerulonephritis was detected in some of the dogs examined in this study. These data suggest that in Teresina, the sero-conversion for VL occurs quickly and showed that the infected dogs presented abnormal serum proteins, as well as structural and functional alterations in the kidneys during the early post-infection period.

Prevalence and genetic characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. and Cystoisospora belli in HIV-infected patients

Cryptosporidium spp. and Cystoisospora belli are monoxenic protozoa that have been recognized as the causative agents of chronic diarrhea in immunocompromised individuals, especially HIV-infected subjects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of these intestinal protozoa in HIV-positive patients in the Triângulo Mineiro region of Brazil and to correlate the presence of these infections with clinical, epidemiological and laboratory data of the patients. Oocysts were detected in stool samples of 10 (16.9%) of the 59 patients studied, while Cryptosporidium spp. were present in 10.1% (6/59) and C. belli in 6.7% (4/59). The frequency of these parasites was higher among patients with diarrheic syndrome and CD4+ T lymphocyte counts < 200 cells/mm 3 , demonstrating the opportunistic characteristic of these infections. A significant association was observed between the lack of adherence to antiretroviral therapy and the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. and/or C. belli. Parasitism with Cryptosporidium spp. was more frequent in February and April, the months following the period of high rainfall. The same was not observed for C. belli. Genetic characterization of two isolates led to the identification of Cryptosporidium parvum, one of the main species associated with the zoonotic transmission of cryptosporidiosis.

Poroqueratose de Mibelli. Um Caso Clínico

As poroqueratoses resultam de uma hiper-proliferação clonal dos queratinócitos, encontrando-se pelo menos descritas seis formas clínicas, que partilham o achado da lamela cornóide no exame histopatológico. Os autores descrevem o caso de uma poroqueratose de Mibelli numa mulher de 27 anos, raça negra, com início na infância, eficazmente tratada com retinóide tópico, apresentando-se as manifestações típicas de uma dermatose pouco frequente e destacando-se a importância da histopatologia na confirmação do seu diagnóstico. A poroqueratose de Mibelli é uma dermatose crónica e progressiva, raramente com remissão espontânea. A sua evolução para neoplasia maligna, particularmente carcinoma espino-celular, pode ocorrer em cerca de 7% dos doentes, reforçando-se a importância de uma adequada vigilância.

PARTICIPATION OF TICKS IN THE INFECTIOUS CYCLE OF CANINE VISCERAL LEISHMANIASIS, IN TERESINA, PIAUÍ, BRAZIL

In this study, we detected Leishmania spp. infection in R. sanguineus collected from dogs that were naturally infected with L. (L.) infantum. We examined 35 dogs of both sexes and unknown ages. The infected dogs were serologically positive by the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Quick Test-DPP (Dual Path Platform), as well as parasitological examination of a positive skin biopsy or sternal bone marrow aspiration. Ten negative dogs were included as controls. The ticks that infested these dogs were collected in pools of 10 adult females per animal. The PCR was performed with specific primers for Leishmania spp., which amplified a 720-bp fragment. Of the 35 analyzed samples, a product was observed in eight samples (8/35; 22.9%). We conclude that the presence of parasite DNA suggests that ticks participate in the zoonotic cycle of canine visceral leishmaniasis, in the city of Teresina, Piauí.

Eritema Induratum de Bazin. Um Caso numa Doente com Tuberculose Ganglionar Activa

O Eritema induratum de Bazin é uma doença rara, considerada uma reacção de hipersensibilidade ao Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Caracteriza-se pelo aparecimento de nódulos firmes, dolorosos, por vezes, ulcerados nos membros inferiores. Descrevemos o caso de uma doente do sexo feminino, 83 anos de idade, com queixas de aproximadamente 3 meses de duração de tumefacção cervical direita indolor e de nódulos subcutâneos de superfície eritematosa envolvendo ambas as pernas.

PREVALENCE OF ANTIBODIES AGAINST INFLUENZA VIRUS IN NON-VACCINATED EQUINES FROM THE BRAZILIAN PANTANAL

The prevalence of antibodies against Equine Influenza Virus (EIV) was determined in 529 equines living on ranches in the municipality of Poconé, Pantanal area of Brazil, by means of the hemagglutination inhibition test, using subtype H3N8 as antigen. The distribution and possible association among positive animal and ranches were evaluated by the chi-square test, spatial autoregressive and multiple linear regression models. The prevalence of antibodies against EIV was estimated at 45.2% (95% CI 30.2 - 61.1%) with titers ranging from 20 to 1,280 HAU. Seropositive equines were found on 92.0% of the surveyed ranches. Equine from non-flooded ranches (66.5%) and negativity in equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) (61.7%) were associated with antibodies against EIV. No spatial correlation was found among the ranches, but the ones located in non-flooded areas were associated with antibodies against EIV. A negative correlation was found between the prevalence of antibodies against EIV and the presence of EIAV positive animals on the ranches. The high prevalence of antibodies against EIV detected in this study suggests that the virus is circulating among the animals, and this statistical analysis indicates that the movement and aggregation of animals are factors associated to the transmission of the virus in the region.

Forma e conceito na escultura de oitocentos

Tese apresentada para cumprimento dos requisitos necessários à obtenção do grau de Doutor em História da Arte Contemporânea

Morbilidade Cirúrgica do Serviço de Ginecologia da Maternidade Dr. Alfredo da Costa

Introdução: A prática médica actual tem a crescente preocupação de avaliar e melhorar a qualidade dos serviços médicos prestados aos seus doentes. O objectivo principal deste trabalho foi analisar a morbilidade/mortalidade das cirurgias realizadas no Serviço de Ginecologia da Maternidade Dr. Alfredo da Costa, e possíveis factores associados ao aparecimento de complicações pós-operatórias. Material e Métodos: Foi feito um estudo retrospectivo de todas as cirurgias realizadas no ano de 2001, tendo sido analisadas múltiplas variáveis, como a idade, patologias anteriores, dias de internamento, tipo de anestesia, tempo cirúrgico, tipo de cirurgia e respectiva via de abordagem, “graduação” do cirurgião, uso de antibioterapia e complicações intra e pós-operatórias. Resultados: Dos 561 doentes, 1% tiveram complicações intra-operatórias e 8.9% tiveram complicações pós-operatórias. Dentro destas últimas, as “urinárias” foram as mais frequentes, seguidas pelas complicações da ferida operatória. Não se encontrou qualquer associação estatisticamente significativa entre estas complicações e a presença de patologias anteriores ou mesmo pelo tipo de cirurgia, anestesia realizada ou “graduação” do cirurgião. A via laparoscópica, o uso de antibioterapia intra-operatoriamente e uma duração da cirurgia inferior a 60 minutos esteve associado a menos complicações. Conclusões: Confirma-se mais uma vez a importância de um menor tempo cirúrgico e do uso de antibioterapia profiláctica na redução da morbilidade operatória, assim como a utilização da via laparoscópica, para redução de complicações.

Estratégias de diagnóstico e planeamento de marketing na área editorial - estudo de caso no mercado de formação profissional

Dissertação apresentada como requisito parcial para obtenção do grau de Mestre em Estatística e Gestão de Informação.

EFFECTS OF VITAMIN C SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE CHRONIC PHASE OF CHAGAS DISEASE

Introduction:In order to examine the effectiveness of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in combating the oxidative insult caused by Trypanosoma cruzi during the development of the chronic phase of Chagas disease, Swiss mice were infected intraperitoneally with 5.0 × 104 trypomastigotes of T. cruzi QM1strain.Methods:Mice were given supplements of two different doses of vitamin C for 180 days. Levels of lipid oxidation (as indicated by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances-TBARS), total peroxide, vitamin C, and reduced glutathione were measured in the plasma, TBARS, total peroxide and vitamin C were measured in the myocardium and histopathologic analysis was undertaken in heart, colon and skeletal muscle.Results:Animals that received a dose equivalent to 500 mg of vitamin C daily showed increased production of ROS in plasma and myocardium and a greater degree of inflammation and necrosis in skeletal muscles than those that received a lower dose or no vitamin C whatsoever.Conclusion:Although some research has shown the antioxidant effect of vitamin C, the results showed that animals subject to a 500 mg dose of vitamin C showed greater tissue damage in the chronic phase of Chagas disease, probably due to the paradoxical actions of the substance, which in this pathology, will have acted as a pro-oxidant or pro-inflammatory.

EFFICACY OF NITAZOXANIDE AGAINST Toxocara canis: LARVAL RECOVERY AND HUMORAL IMMUNE RESPONSE IN EXPERIMENTALLY INFECTED MICE

SUMMARY The efficacy of nitazoxanide (NTZ) against toxocariasis was investigated in an experimental murine model and results were compared to those obtained using mebendazole. Sixty male BALB/c mice, aged six to eight weeks-old, were divided into groups of 10 each; fifty were orally infected with 300 larvaed eggs of T. canisand grouped as follows, G I: infected untreated mice; G II: infected mice treated with MBZ (15 mg/kg/day) 10 days postinfection (dpi); G III: infected mice treated with NTZ (20 mg/kg/day) 10 dpi; G IV: infected mice treated with MBZ 60 dpi; G V: infected mice treated with NTZ 60 dpi; GVI: control group comprising uninfected mice. Mice were bled via retro-orbital plexus on four occasions between 30 and 120 dpi. Sera were processed using the ELISA technique to detect IgG anti- Toxocaraantibodies. At 120 dpi, mice were sacrificed for larval recovery in the CNS, liver, lungs, kidneys, eyes and carcass. Results showed similar levels of anti- ToxocaraIgG antibodies among mice infected but not submitted to treatment and groups treated with MBZ or NTZ, 10 and 60 dpi. Larval recovery showed similar values in groups treated with NTZ and MBZ 10 dpi. MBZ showed better efficacy 60 dpi, with a 72.6% reduction in the parasite load compared with NTZ, which showed only 46.5% reduction. We conclude that administration of these anthelmintics did not modify the humoral response in experimental infection by T. canis. No parasitological cure was observed with either drug; however, a greater reduction in parasite load was achieved following treatment with MBZ.

Ooforectomia Profilática Associada a Histerectomia...Sim ou Não?

Os autores pretenderam fazer uma revisão da literatura sobre as vantagens, desvantagens e indicações da ooforectomia profiláctica associada a histerectomia.

Prevenção e Tratamento da Hemorragia Pós-Parto

A hemorragia pós-parto (HPP) continua nos dias de hoje a ser uma complicação obstétrica frequente com elevada morbilidade e mortalidade materna. Os autores fizeram uma revisão do método de avaliação rápida e aplicação de terapêutica médica, cirúrgica e radiológica na HPP.