Distribution of paracoccidioidomycosis: determination of ecologic correlates through spatial analyses

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is endemic in Latin America and in countries like Brazil it carries a high mortality rate. The fungus' habitat has not been precisely determined. The present study aims to identify ecologic correlates based on PCM distribution in a hyper-endemic area in southeastern Brazil. The Geographic Information System (GIS) and spatial statistics were used to associate environmental attributes, human population density and, PCM distribution. By means of the Pearson r correlation coefficient, the highest statistically significant associations with prevalence density were the percent area (by county) of: basaltic rocks (r = 0.63; P < 0.0001), Podzolic soils (r = - 0.48; P < 0.001), Latosol soils (r = 0.40; P < 0.01), mean annual precipitation between 1500 and 1600 mm (r = 0.46; P < 0.001) and, mean precipitation during the wet season between 940 and 1040 mm (r = - 0.44; P < 0.01). Soil texture and precipitation analyzed together reached r = 0.61 (P < 0.000002) for fine-textured soils with annual precipitation above 1400 mm. Environmental correlates indicate that moisture availability plays an important role in PCM distribution.

Influence of glycemic control on fetal lung maturity in gestations affected by diabetes or mild hyperglycemia

Objective. To evaluate the influence of glycemic control on fetal lung maturity in pregnancies affected by diabetes or mild hyperglycemia. Design. Cross-sectional study. Setting. Level III maternity center. Population. A total of 187 pregnant women were submitted to routine amniocentesis for the assessment of fetal lung maturity up to 72 hours before delivery. Methods. Fetal lung maturity thresholds were: Clements-positive at a dilution of 0.5; OD(650) nm >= 0.15; and lamellar body count (LBC) >= 32,000/mu l. The relation of test results with adequate (<= 6.7 mmol/l) or poor (> 6.7 mmol/l) glycemic mean (GM) at term and at preterm was evaluated. Main outcome measure. Delay in fetal lung maturity when glycemic control was poor. Results. Glycemic control was adequate in 146 (78.1%) women. Clements maturity rates were higher at term (91.9%) than at preterm (64.7%) when GM <= 6.7 mmol/l (p < 0.001), but not when control was inadequate. LBC median was higher at term (99.0; 62.0-154.0) than at preterm (66.5; 40.5-108.25) (p = 0.009) when GM <= 6.7 mmol/l, while GM > 6.7 mmol/l did not lead to any difference between these rates at term or preterm. When glycemic control was adequate, OD(650) nm medians at term and at preterm were similar. However, when GM > 6.7 mmol/l, OD(650) nm median at term (0.29; 0.22-0.40) was higher than that observed at preterm (0.15; 0.12-0.18) (p < 0.001). Conclusions. Our results suggest that in term pregnancies routine amniocentesis for the assessment of fetal lung maturity should be abandoned. In preterm pregnancies, or when glycemic control is inadequate it is recommended.

Depressive symptoms among elderly inpatients of a Brazilian university hospital: prevalence and associated factors

Background: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and associated factors among elderly hospital inpatients.Methods: A cross-sectional study evaluated 189 participants using the Geriatric Depression Scale, the Mini-mental State Examination and the Katz and Lawton Index, to assess dependence regarding activities of daily living (ADL).Results: Most of the participants were women, aged between 60 and 92 years, with low levels of educational attainment and personal income, and non-qualified occupations. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 56%, but only 3% had a psychiatric diagnosis registered in their medical records. Univariate analysis showed significant associations between depressive symptoms and low educational level and income, marital status, number of hospitalizations in the previous year, cognitive decline, dependence regarding basic and instrumental ADL, and death. After logistic regression, the only variables that remained significantly associated with depression were low educational level, dependence regarding basic ADL, and death.Conclusions: Depressive symptoms were independently associated with low educational level and dependence regarding basic ADL. Hospitalized elderly people with depressive symptoms were more likely to die. It is essential to diagnose and treat depression properly in this population to minimize its negative impacts.

Ovarian mucinous cystadenoma in a gray brocket deer (Mazama gouazoupira)

An ovarian mucinous cystadenoma is described in a gray brocket deer (Mazama gouazoupira). The tumor was histologically characterized by the presence of cysts and proliferation of papillae, both lined by single- or multi-layered pleomorphic epithelial cells that contained alcian blue-positive mucins.

Prevalence of von Willebrand disease in dogs from São Paulo State, Brazil

The aims of the current study were to assess the prevalence of von Willebrand disease (vWD) in dogs from the region of Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil, and to evaluate laboratory tests to diagnose this disease. The study included 350 dogs of various ages, different breeds, and both sexes. Dogs included in the study had no historical or clinical evidence of abnormal bleeding. von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF:Ag), buccal mucosal bleeding time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and factor VIII activity were evaluated in their ability to diagnose vWD. The prevalence of vWD in dogs was 1.43% in the Botucatu region of Brazil. Determination of vWF:Ag was the best laboratory test to diagnose vWD.

Mycobacterium DNA detection in liver and skin of a horse with generalized sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a rare equine skin disease characterized primarily by an exfoliative and granulomatous dermatitis but also presenting granulomatous inflammation of multiple systems. The current report presents the clinical and histopathological findings of sarcoidosis in a 16-year-old American Quarter Horse gelding with nested polymerase chain reaction Mycobacterium spp. DNA detection within hepatic and skin samples. Mycobacterium spp. may play a role in the pathogenesis of equine sarcoidosis as has been proposed for human sarcoidosis.

Expression of fibroblast growth factor 10 and its receptor, fibroblast growth factor receptor 2B, in the bovine corpus luteum

There is evidence that several fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are involved in growth and development of the corpus luteum (CL), but many FGFs have not been investigated in this tissue, including FGF10. The objective of this study was to determine if FGF10 and its receptor (FGFR2B) are expressed in the CL. Bovine CL were collected from an abattoir and classed as corpus hemorrhagica (stage 1), developing (stage 11), developed (stage 111), and regressed (stage IV) CL. Expression of FGF10 and FGFR2B mRNA was measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Both genes were expressed in bovine CL, and FGF10 expression did not differ between stages of CL development. FGF10 protein was localized to large and small luteal cells by immunohistochemistry. FGFR2B expression was approximately threefold higher in regressed compared to developing and developed CL (P < 0.05). To determine if FGF10 and FGFR2B expression is regulated during functional luteolysis, cattle were injected with PGF2 alpha and CL collected at 0, 0.5, 2, 4, 12, 24, 48, and 64 hr thereafter (n = 5 CL/time point), and mRNA abundance was measured by real-time RT-PCR. FGF10 mRNA expression did not change during functional luteolysis, whereas FGFR2B mRNA abundance decreased significantly at 2, 4, and 12 hr after PGF2a, and returned to pretreatment levels for the period 24-64 hr post-PGF2 alpha. These data suggest a potential role for FGFR2B signaling during structural luteolysis in bovine CL.

Stress Analysis in Simulation Models With or Without Implant Threads Representation

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of implants with or without threads representation on the outcome of a two-dimensional finite element (FE) analysis. Materials and Methods: Two-dimensional FE models that reproduced a frontal section of edentulous mandibular posterior bone were constructed using a standard crown/implant/screw system representation. To evaluate the effect of implant threads, two models were created: a model in which the implant threads were accurately simulated (precise model) and a model in which implants with a smooth surface (press-fit implant) were used (simplified model). An evaluation was performed on ANSYS software, in which a load of 133 N was applied at a 30-degree angulation and 2 mm off-axis from the long axis of the implant on the models, The Von Mises stresses were measured. Results: The precise model (1.45 MPa) showed higher maximum stress values than the simplified model (1.2 MPa). Whereas in the cortical bone, the stress values differed by about 36% (292.95 MPa for the precise model and 401.14 MPa for the simplified model), in trabecular bone (19.35 MPa and 20.35 MPa, respectively), the stress distribution and stress values were similar. Stress concentrations occurred around the implant neck and the implant apex. Conclusions: Considering implant and cortical bone analysis, remarkable differences in stress values were found between the models. Although the models showed different absolute stress values, the stress distribution was similar. INT J ORAL MAXILLOFAC IMPLANTS 2009;24:1040-1044

Effect of Psidium cattleianum leaf extract on enamel demineralisation and dental biofilm composition in situ

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Aspectos clínicos y morfológicos de los dientes supernumerarios

The hyperdontia teeth is an anomaly of unknown cause, characterized by increased numbers of teeth. It occurs more frequently in the maxilla, preferably in males, and is more common in permanent dentition. The presence of supernumerary teeth can be responsible for alterations in the permanent dentition, such as the delay in the eruption and dislocations. In addition, the patient may have abnormal occlusion, resorption of adjacent teeth and cyst formation. This article describes in a male patient, 9 years old, the presence of two upper right lateral incisor and one upper left lateral incisor, permanent, partially erupted. Radiological examination revealed a second left upper lateral incisor, unerupted. It should be noted that both, in the region of the 1.2 as in 2.2, the teeth showed normal anatomy and not the conoid appearance commonly observed in supernumerary teeth. In our case, in order to perform orthodontic treatment surgical removal of the teeth noted above was indicated.

Determination of the optimal quantity of crop residues for energy in sugarcane crop management using linear programming in variety selection and planting strategy

The aim of this work was to present organizational models for optimizing the reduction of crop residue generated by the sugarcane culture. The first model consisted of the selection of varieties of sugarcane to be planted meeting the mill requirements and, at the same time, to minimize the quantity of residue produced. The second model discussed the use of residue to produce energy. This is related to the selection of variety and quantity to be planted, in order to meet the requirements of the mill, to reduce the quantity of residue, and to maximize as much as possible the energy production. The use of linear programming was proposed. The two models presented similar results in this study, and both may be used to define the varieties and areas to be cultivated. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier B.V. Ltd.

Expression of fibroblast growth factor-8 and its cognate receptors, fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)-3c and-4, in fetal bovine preantral follicles

Paracrine cell signaling is thought to be important for ovarian follicle development, and a role for some members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family have been suggested. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that FGF-8 and its cognate receptors (FGFR-3c and FGFR-4) are expressed in bovine preantral follicles. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify bovine FGF-8, FGFR-3c, and FGFR-4 from preantral follicle samples and a variety of fetal and adult tissues. All three genes were widely expressed in fetal tissues, with a restricted expression pattern in adult tissues. FGF-8 and FGFR-3c were expressed in secondary follicles in 70% of fetuses examined, whereas FGFR-4 expression was significantly less frequent (20%). FGFR-3c expression frequency was significantly lower in primordial compared to secondary follicles, and FGF-8 expression showed a similar trend. FGFR-4 was only observed when all follicle classes of an individual were expressing both FGF-8 and FGFR-3c. We conclude that FGF-8 and its receptors are expressed in preantral follicles in a developmentally regulated manner. (C) 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Phenotype characterization of Staphylococcus species strains isolated from buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) milk

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Lobe Variation Effects of Experimental Diabetes and Insulin Replacement on Rat Prostate

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Differential pulse voltammetric determination of nitrite with gold ultramicroelectrode

The application of disk shaped gold ultramicroelectrode for nitrite determination with and without addition of supporting electrolyte was studied using the differential pulse voltammetric method. The well-defined peak for nitrite oxidation near 0.8V (vs. Ag/AgCl reference electrode) was used to obtain analytical plots in the concentration range from 0.1 to 0.6 mmol L-1 and from 10.0 to 50.0 mu mol.L-1. The calculated detection limit was 0.65 mu mol.L-1 in purified water, in the absence of supporting electrolyte, with relative standard deviation of 1.36% (n=6) for analyzing 10.0 mu mol L-1 nitrite solutions, and accuracy of 100.9 %, based on recovery studies. The application of this analytical method to mineral and river water samples of natural pH also showed improved sensitivity when compared with the linear sweep voltammetric method previously reported.