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The current knowledge on the diversity of the genus Plexaurella is based on a series of dated revisions, often with no examination of types. Although being common octocorals in western Atlantic reefs, there is no consensus on an exact number of valid species. Furthermore, phylogenetic reconstructions do not support the current classification of Plexaurella within the family Plexauridae. Thus, this study reviews the genus based on examination of available types and assesses monophyly using mitochondrial (COI+igr , mtMutS) and nuclear (28S) markers, mostly from available molecular data. Until now, up to six species were considered valid. Our results show that the group is composed of at least seven previously described species: P. dichotoma , P. nutans , P. grisea , P. teres , P. grandiflora , P. regia and P. obesa ; and one new species: Plexaurella rastrera sp. nov. An illustrated key to the valid species and a list of all available names are provided and the current classification of the genus is discussed. Based on congruent phylogenetic reconstructions and genetic distances, we propose the elevation of the former plexaurid subfamily Plexaurellinae to family level. Finally, based on examination of types, we propose the synonymy between Pseudoplexaura crucis and Plexaurella tenuis under Pseudoplexaura tenuis new comb. Corals of the genus Plexaurella are conspicuous sea fans from Caribbean and Brazilian reefs. Although known for more than a century, there was an uncertainty regarding on how many species comprised the group or in which family they should be placed. Herein, based on morphological and molecular evidence, we review the species of the genus and reconstruct the recent evolutionary history, concluding that eight species are valid, one of which is new. Our analyses also illustrate the need to establish a family for these corals, called Plexaurellidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guanabara Bay is an estuarine environment of great socio-economic importance, where around 12 million people live in its drainage basin. We aim to characterize the sedimentary matter of Guanabara Bay, two mangrove systems therein (Suruí and Piedade mangroves), and the rivers, São João do Merití, Iguaçu, Sarapui, Suruí, and Guapimirim, by performing sedimentological, mineralogical, elemental/isotopic organic matter composition (total organic carbon and total nitrogen, 13C and 15 N) and organic matter petrography. Samples from the entrance of the bay present high values of quartz, low values of C/N ratio, and high percentages of diffuse amorphous organic matter indicating marine influence, whereas samples from rivers mouths present high percentages of translucent lignocellulosic, opaque lignocellulosic, gelified organic matter, and high C/N ratio probably due to the influence of terrestrial organic matter that comes from the drainage basin and the mangroves areas. Stations of the central sector of the bay were characterized by high percentages of TOC, intermediated values of δ13C, low C/N ratio, and also high diffuse amorphous organic matter indicating a predominant influence of organic matter from algae origin. High values of δ15N indicate large assimilation of nitrate or a high denitrification process in the highest productivity areas. In the river mouth regions, it is mainly influenced by terrestrial organic matter; however, in the northwestern and western sectors, organic matter is influenced both by terrestrial and domestic sewage influences which promote anaerobic decomposition of organic matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new all-digital transceiver architecture fully integrated into a single field-programmable gate array chip. Both the radio frequency (RF) receiver and the transmitter were entirely implemented using a digital datapath from the baseband up to the RF stage without the use of conventional analog-to-digital converter, digital-to-analog converter, or analog mixer. The transmitter chain uses delta-sigma modulation and digital upconversion to produce a two-level RF output signal. The receiver uses a high-speed comparator and pulsewidth modulation to convert the RF signal into a single-bit data stream, which is digitally filtered and then downconverted. Both the transmitter and the receiver are agile with flexible carrier frequency, bandwidth, and modulation capabilities. The transceiver error vector magnitude and the signal-to-noise ratio figures of merit were analyzed in a point-to-point transmission to evaluate the transmitter’s performance. The results show the feasibility of this approach as a more flexible alternative to common radio architectures. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Rabies is an endemic disease in Brazil, where it is considered a serious public health problem. Although the number of human and dog-transmitted cases has declined in recent decades, rabies in wildlife has emerged considerably. Among the sylvatic animals, wild canids have been considered important hosts of the rabies virus. We performed a retrospective study of reported cases of rabies in wild canids and human victims in Ceará state (Northeast Brazil) during 2003 to 2013. Information was provided by governmental laboratories involved in rabies detection and by the Ministry of Health. From January 2003 to December 2013, a total of 11 931 animal samples were examined for rabies. Positivity were detected in 438 samples (3.67%), of which 229 (52.28%) were domestic animals, 105 (23.97%) wild canids and 104 (23.74%) other wild animals (bats, marmosets and raccoons). Approximately 33% of wild canids surveyed ( n = 317) were positive for rabies. During the studied period, a total of 1923 attacks on humans by wild canids were registered. Males ( n = 1405) were more affected than females ( n = 520; 72.98% versus 27.01%), and the median age of all cases was 36.5 years. Injuries to individuals up to 19 years old corresponded to approximately 30% ( n = 565) of all cases. Most of the victims lived in rural areas (72.46%; n = 1395), and the majority showed bites (81.13%; n = 1677) or scratches (12.23%; n = 253). Injuries were considered profound (52.1%; n = 1003), superficial (40.91; n = 788) or multiple with severe laceration (6.98%; n = 134). Only 1300 (67.53%) victims were enrolled for the complete rabies post-exposure prophylaxis scheme. Data from the present study confirm that wild canids are important hosts of rabies virus in northeastern Brazil and jeopardize rabies control in this area. Local authorities should focus their efforts in education of health professionals. In addition, strategies should be formulated to preserve wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetization is induced in an ensemble of quantum dots, each charged with a single electron, when it is illuminated with a short circularly polarized light pulse that is resonant with the fundamental energy gap of the quantum dots. In this investigation, a quantum-mechanical model for the light-induced magnetization is presented. The phase of the magnetization precession as a function of the strength of the magnetic field in a Voigt geometry is in excellent agreement with experimental data measured on (In,Ga)As singly charged quantum dot ensembles. It is demonstrated that the precession of the hole in the trion plays a vital role because it determines the amplitude and phase of the magnetization precession. The model could also be easily extended to describe positively charged quantum dots. We also suggest that our theory, combined with measurements of the phase as a function of magnetic field, can be used as a technique to measure the resonant trion lifetime as a function of QD emission energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cryptococcus neoformans species complex contains the most important agents of fungal meningoencephalitis. Therapeutic choices are limited and issues related to toxicity and resistance to antifungals have been described. The present study evaluated the inhibitory effect of the antifolate combinations sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SMX/TMP) and sulfadiazine-pyrimethamine (SDZ/PYR) against planktonic cells and biofilms of C. neoformans and C. gattii. The influence of the antifolate combinations on the amphotericin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of planktonic cells was also investigated. In addition, the effect of these combinations on the cellular ergosterol content of planktonic cells was studied. Strains of C. neoformans ( n = 15) and C. gattii ( n = 15) obtained from environmental or clinical sources were evaluated by the broth microdilution method. SMX/TMP and SDZ/PYR showed antifungal activity against free living cells and sessile cells of Cryptococcus spp. Moreover, planktonic cells showed increased susceptibility to amphotericin B after pre-incubation with sub-inhibitory concentrations of SMX/TMP or SDZ/PYR. The drug combinations SMX/TMP and SDZ/PYR were able to prevent the biofilm formation and showed inhibitory effect against mature biofilms of both species. Additionally, the study showed that antifolate drugs reduced the ergosterol content in C. neoformans and C. gattii planktonic cells. Our results highlight the antifungal potential of antifolate drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents In spite of widespread application of flutamide in the endocrine therapies of young and adult patients, the side effects of this antiandrogen on spermatogenesis and germ-cell morphology remain unclear. This study evaluates the short-term androgen blockage effect induced by the administration of flutamide to the testes of pubertal (30-day old) and adult (65- and 135-day old) guinea pigs, with an emphasis on ultrastructural alterations of main cell types. The testes removed after 10 days of treatment with either a non-steroidal antiandrogen, flutamide (10 mg/kg of body weight) or a pharmacological vehicle alone were processed for histological, quantitative and ultrastructural analysis. In pubertal animals, flutamide androgenic blockage induces spermatogonial differentiation and accelerates testes maturation, causing degeneration and detachment of primary spermatocytes and round spermatids, which are subsequently found in great quantities in the epididymis caput. In post-pubertal and adult guinea pigs, in addition to causing germ-cell degeneration, especially in primary spermatocytes, and leading to the premature detachment of spherical spermatids, the antiandrogen treatment increased the relative volume of Leydig cells. In addition, ultrastructural evaluation indicated that irrespective of age antiandrogen treatment causes an increase in frequency of organelles involved with steroid hormone synthesis in the Leydig cells and a dramatic accumulation of myelin figures in their cytoplasm and, to a larger degree, in Sertoli cells. In conclusion, the transient exposition of the guinea pigs to flutamide, at all postnatal ages causes some degenerative lesions including severe premature detachment of spermatids and accumulation of myelin bodies in Leydig and Sertoli cells, compromising, at least temporarily, the spermatogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are extensively used in the food industry for fermentation processes. However, it is possible that these bacteria may serve as a reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes that can be transferred to pathogens, giving rise to public health concerns. Animal operations that use antimicrobials as growth promotants have been linked to the origin of resistance due to the selective effect of low levels of antimicrobial used in this management strategy. The objective of this study was to determine the antimicrobial susceptibilities and mechanisms of resistance for 30 isolates of meat starter cultures commonly used in dry sausage fermentations to 20 antimicrobial agents. Susceptibility tests were performed by broth microdilution using Iso-Sensitest broth (90%, vol/vol) and de Man Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) broth (10%, vol/vol). The results showed that all 30 isolates exhibited resistance to at least three antimicrobials regardless of antimicrobial class while 17 or 30% of strains were resistant to antibiotics in three or six different classes, respectively. The incidence of antimicrobial resistance was higher among Pediococcus pentosaceus and lower for Staphylococcus carnosus strains. Genetic determinants for the lincosamide, macrolide, and tetracycline antimicrobials were not found using PCR. Phenotypic resistance in the absence of known resistance genes found here suggests that other mechanisms or genes might have contributed to the negative results. Further studies are needed to explore the genetic mechanisms underlying the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in Pediococcus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Noise is the most common agent of occupational exposure. It may induce both auditory and extraauditory dysfunction and increase the risk of work accidents. The purpose of this study was to estimate the fraction of accidents attributable to noise occupational exposure in a mid-size city located in southeastern Brazil.Materials and Methods: In this population case-control study, which included 108 cases and 324 controls, the incidence rate ratio of work accidents controlled for several covariables was obtained by classifying occupational noise exposure into three levels, as well as determining the prevalence in each level.Results: Based on these data, the attributable fraction was estimated as 0.6391 (95% CI = 0.2341-0.3676), i.e., 63% of the work accidents that took place in the study site were statistically associated with occupational noise exposure.Discussion: The causes of this association as well as its implications in the prevention of work accidents are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermatophytes are a group of fungi that are capable of invading keratinized tissues of humans and other animals. Antifungal susceptibility analysis and genetic studies by random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD), have been used to detect polymorphism as well as determining the possible resistance of dermatophytes to antifungals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible correlation between the antifungal susceptibility and genotypical pattern of Microsporum canis strains isolated in dogs and cats with dermatophytosis in Northeast Brazil. The antifungal susceptibility study was conducted using the broth microdilution test with griseofulvine, ketoconazole, itraconazole, and fluconazole. The genotypical analysis was performed using the RAPD method. The antifungal susceptibility analysis showed that all the strains of M. canis analyzed (n = 22) were sensitive to griseofulvine (0.25 µg/mL ≤ minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ≤ 1 µg/mL), ketoconazole (0.25 µg/mL ≤ MIC ≤ 2 µg/mL), itraconazole (0.25 µg/mL ≤ MIC ≤ 1 µg/mL), and fluconazole (1 µg/mL ≤ MIC ≤ 16 µg/mL). The RAPD results showed that all analyzed strains are genetically similar. Thus, based on antifungal susceptibility analysis and RAPD data, a possible correlation can be shown between the antifungal susceptibility and the genotypical pattern of the strains of M. canis from Northeast Brazil.Key words:Microsporumcanis, antifungal susceptibility testing, RAPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented which discusses the case of a 15-year-old female patient, with systemic lupus erythematosus, who developed ulceration of striae distensae.

Coccidioidomycosis is a deep infection caused by two dimorphic fungi, Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii. Diagnosis of the disease requires culture of suspicious clinical samples on mycological media. However, as these species are virulent pathogens, handling of their cultures is a high-risk activity, and is limited to Biosafety Level 3 laboratories. This study describes the direct detection of C. posadasii DNA in an inappropriate sputum sample by PCR amplification of the highly specific Ag2/PRA antigen gene. The results obtained suggest that direct detection of the Ag2/PRA sequence in sputum is an excellent method for rapid and specific diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic cutaneous dermatophytoses caused by Trichophyton rubrum are common in immunocompromised patients. In immunocompetent indivuals, the disease is more often associated with onychomycosis and tinea pedis. The aim of this study was to perform antifungal susceptibility tests and genetic analysis of sequential isolates of T. rubrum from an immunocompetent patient with chronic dermatophytosis. Antifungal susceptibility tests against griseofulvin, ketoconazole, itraconazole and fluconazole were performed with sequential isolates of T. rubrum. Genetic relationship among the isolates was analysed by the random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method. The results revealed that treatment failure was not related to the development of drug resistance, as all of the sequential T. rubrum isolates were sensitive to antifungals tested in vitro. The RAPD data demonstrated that this disease was caused by identical isolates, with no genetic differences among them, representing a single T. rubrum strain. Treatment failure and chronicity of infection do not seem to be related to antifungal resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Implementation of bioterrorism agents diagnosis by electron microscopy in Portuguese reference laboratory" by R. Cordeiro and others, is presented.

A letter to the editor is presented concerning a 32-year-old woman diagnosed with abdominal striae distensae (SD) since her pregnancy.

The present study was intended to explore the potential relationships between self-esteem and affective temperament (Akiskal et al., 2005) of nurses working for Psychiatric and Mental Health Departments. The ultimate goal is to establish which factor determines their professional stress and adaptation. Methods: Self-administered questionnaires were given to 152 nurses employed in three Portuguese public hospitals. The questionnaire items included socio demographic and job-related data and two scales: the Portuguese version of TEMPS-A Scale (Akiskal, 2005) and the Personal Self-esteem Scale (Ribeiro, J.L.P 2006). For statistical analysis besides descriptive statistics, a correlation model was used. Results: Hyperthimic Temperament was the more prevalent subtype. Women presented a higher Self-esteem positively correlated with Ciclothymic and Anxious temperaments. The results also show that there is a correlation between marital status and Irritable Temperament, and between the years of professional experience and the Cyclothymic and Hyperthymic Temperaments. Conclusion: An interaction between temperament subtypes, self-esteem and professional experience was observed. Gender differences are also significant. Further study is needed to investigate the potential relationship between temperament, self-esteem and professional satisfaction and resilience to job-related stress factors in Psychiatric Departments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate and compare the performance of visual exam with use of the Nyvad criteria (visual examination - (VE)), interproximal radiography (BW), laser fluorescence device (DIAGNOdent Pen-DDPen), and their association in the diagnosis of proximal lesions in primary teeth. For this purpose, 45 children (n = 59 surfaces) of both sexes, aged between 5 and 9 years were selected, who presented healthy primary molars or primary molars with signs suggestive of the presence of caries lesions. The surfaces were clinically evaluated and coded according to the Nyvad criteria and immediately afterwards with the DDPen. Radiographic exam was performed only on the surfaces coded with Nyvad scores 2, 3, 5, or 6. Active caries lesions and/or those with discontinuous surfaces were restored, considering the depth of lesion as reference standard. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and area under ROC curve were calculated for each technique and its associations. Visual exam with Nyvad criteria presented the highest specificity, accuracy, and area under ROC curve values. The DDPen presented the highest sensitivity values. Association with one or more methods resulted in an increase in specificity. The performance of visual, radiographic, and DDpen exams and their associations were good; however, the clinical examination with the Nyvad criteria was sufficient for the diagnosis of interproximal lesions in primary teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate the presence of fungi during three human decomposition stages: bloated, putrefaction and skeletonization. Methods and Results: The samples were gathered in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, from the public morgue and cemeteries. The material was submitted to conventional mycological procedures by direct examination and macro/micro morphological and biochemical analyses. The main fungi isolated were Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp. and Candida spp. in the bloated stage ( n = 34 cadavers) and in the putrefaction stage ( n = 6 cadavers), while in the skeletonization stage ( n = 20 cadavers), the main fungi were Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp. and Mucor sp. Conclusions: Aspergillus, Penicillium and Candida species were associated with decomposed human cadavers. Significance and Impact of the Study: These findings enable tracing out the profile of fungal communities of human cadavers for the first time. However, much more research will be necessary to develop this new segment of mycology and to enable its routine use in forensic science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study investigated the possible correlation between the phenotypical and genotypical characteristics of Microsporum canis isolated from cats and dogs in north-east Brazil. Methods and Results: The mycological study was conducted by direct microscopic examination and by fungal culture. Polymerase chain reaction–restriction enzyme analysis and random amplification of polymorphic DNA techniques were used for the genotypical analysis. The morphological analysis showed a considerable diversity of colonies as well as different morphologies of conidia, despite the M. canis strains having been isolated under the same conditions. However, the molecular analysis showed that all analysed strains are genetically similar. Conclusions: This study, based on phenotypical and molecular analysis, evidences the wide spectrum of phenotypical variations in M. canis in contrast to the stable genotypes of such dermatophytes. Significance and Impact of the Study: The findings of this study indicate that M. canis isolated from cats and dogs with dermatophytosis in north-east Brazil may be clones, well adapted to the conditions of this region, despite M. canis showing different morphological features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathogenic mycobacteria survive inside macrophages and deactivate these cells, using a mechanism that is still poorly understood. Mycobacterial cell wall lipids constitute the first contact with the host cell. Although Mycobaterium leprae and M. bovis BCG share common antigens, they induce opposite inflammatory responses. Apolar M. leprae lipids have been shown to be anti-inflammatory by down-regulating macrophage activation and T-cell functions. We wonder if these lipids would influence cellular migration to BCG or to other inflammatory agent. We investigated the effect of M. leprae, its lipids or delipidated bacteria on acute and chronic BCG- or carrageenan-induced pleurisy. Previous injection of intact or delipidated M. leprae did not alter either the BCG- or carrageenan-induced pleural inflammatory reaction. However, M. leprae lipids enhanced carrageenaninduced acute cellular migration without impairing BCG inflow; moreover, they reduced BCG chronic response. Together these data suggest distinct mechanisms for intracellular deactivation and pleural cell recruitment exerted by mycobacterial structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim Individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS) might present low muscle performance resulting in a decrease of the functional capacity interfering in the gait time. Whole body vibration exercise (WBVe) has been considered in the management of MetS individuals promoting a better functional performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of WBVe on the gait time of the MetS individuals. Methods CAAE 19826413.8.0000.5259. UTN: U1111-1181-1177; Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials- ReBEC RBR - 2bghmh. A pseudo randomized controlled trial study with thirty-nine individuals with MetS (according International Diabetes Federation) was performed. The side-to-side alternating oscillating/vibratory platform was used. The individuals were allocated in WBVe group (WBVeG = 22) and in control group (CG = 17). The WBVeG was in squat static position for 1 minute of intervention and 1 minute of rest in 3 different peak-to-peak displacements (2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 mm) 3 times. In the first session was used 5 Hz and increasing 1 Hz in each session up to 14 Hz in the tenth session. In the CG was used the same position and time but the platform was turned off. Before the first and after the tenth session were collected the data about the gait time of 3 meters (in seconds). The statistical analysis was performed using the Graph Pad Prism 5.01 Program ( P ≤0.05). Results The gait time (Mean ± SD) showed a significant difference intergroups. Conclusion WBVe is a modality of physical activity that can improve the functional capacity of the MetS individuals, at least, considering the time of the gait. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the influence of tetraconazole and malathion, both used in agricultural activities, on resistance to fluconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole in Candida parapsilosis ATCC 22019. The susceptibility to tetraconazole, malathion, fluconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole, through broth microdilution. Then, 12 independent replicates, were separated and exposed to four treatment groups, each one containing three replicates: G1: tetraconazole; G2: malathion; G3: fluconazole (positive control); G4: negative control. Replicates from G1, G2 and G3, were exposed to weekly increasing concentrations of tetraconazole, malathion and fluconazole, respectively, ranging from MIC/2 to 32 × MIC, throughout 7 weeks. The exposure to tetraconazole, but not malathion, decreased susceptibility to clinical azoles, especially fluconazole. The tetraconazole-induced fluconazole resistance is partially mediated by the increased activity of ATP-dependent efflux pumps, considering the increase in antifungal susceptibility after the addition of the efflux pump inhibitor, promethazine, and the increase in rhodamine 6G efflux and CDR gene expression in the G1 replicates. Moreover, MDR expression was only detected in G1 and G3 replicates, suggesting that MDR pumps are also involved in tetraconazole-induced fluconazole resistance. It is noteworthy that tetraconazole and fluconazole-treated replicates behaved similarly, therefore, resistance to azoles of clinical use may be a consequence of using azoles in farming activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate in vitro performance of near-infrared laser transillumination (NIR-LTI) for detecting early occlusal caries in permanent teeth and compare it with quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF), DIAGNOdent Pen (DDPen), and conventional radiography (CR). Ninety-four occlusal surfaces presenting International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) scores ranging from 0 to 3 were selected. For the NIR-LTI examination, images were captured using a prototype, which consists of a laser beam (808 nm) and an infrared CCD camera. One occlusal site on each tooth was assessed twice by two examiners. The teeth were prepared histologically and assessed for the presence of early caries. The intraexaminer correlation showed no difference between the NIR-LTI, DDPen, and QLF analytical methods, but all these methods differed from CR. Interexaminer reproducibility was moderate for NIR-LTI, which showed sensitivity (0.68), specificity (0.85), accuracy (0.73), and area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve (0.76) similar to those of the fluorescence method and different from those of the CR. In conclusion, the performance of NIR-LTI was comparable to that of DDPen and QLF and may therefore be considered a valid and reliable alternative for the diagnosis of incipient lesions on the occlusal surface of permanent teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate in vitro performance of near-infrared laser transillumination (NIR-LTI) for detecting early occlusal caries in permanent teeth and compare it with quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF), DIAGNOdent Pen (DDPen), and conventional radiography (CR). Ninety-four occlusal surfaces presenting International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) scores ranging from 0 to 3 were selected. For the NIR-LTI examination, images were captured using a prototype, which consists of a laser beam (808 nm) and an infrared CCD camera. One occlusal site on each tooth was assessed twice by two examiners. The teeth were prepared histologically and assessed for the presence of early caries. The intraexaminer correlation showed no difference between the NIR-LTI, DDPen, and QLF analytical methods, but all these methods differed from CR. Interexaminer reproducibility was moderate for NIR-LTI, which showed sensitivity (0.68), specificity (0.85), accuracy (0.73), and area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve (0.76) similar to those of the fluorescence method and different from those of the CR. In conclusion, the performance of NIR-LTI was comparable to that of DDPen and QLF and may therefore be considered a valid and reliable alternative for the diagnosis of incipient lesions on the occlusal surface of permanent teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose Endogenous glucocorticoids are pro-resolving mediators, an example of which is the endogenous glucocorticoid-regulated protein annexin A1 ( ANX A1). Because silicosis is an occupational lung disease characterized by unabated inflammation and fibrosis, in this study we tested the therapeutic properties of the N-terminal ANX A1-derived peptide annexin 1-(2-26) ( Ac2-26) on experimental silicosis. Experimental Approach Swiss- Webster mice were administered silica particles intranasally and were subsequently treated with intranasal peptide Ac2-26 (200 μg per mouse) or dexamethasone (25 μg per mouse) for 7 days, starting 6 h post-challenge. Ac2-26 abolished the leukocyte infiltration, collagen deposition, granuloma formation and generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines evoked by silica; these variables were only partially inhibited by dexamethasone. Key Results A clear exacerbation of the silica-induced pathological changes was observed in ANX A1 knockout mice as compared with their wild-type ( WT) littermate controls. Incubation of lung fibroblasts from WT mice with Ac2-26 in vitro reduced IL-13 or TGF-β-induced production of CCL2 (MCP-1) and collagen, but this peptide did not affect the production of CCL2 (MCP-1) by stimulated fibroblasts from formyl peptide receptor type 1 (FPR1) knockout mice. Ac2-26 also inhibited the production of CCL2 ( MCP-1) from fibroblasts of FPR2 knockout mice. Conclusions and Implications Collectively, our findings reveal novel protective properties of the ANX A1 derived peptide Ac2-26 on the inflammatory and fibrotic responses induced by silica, and suggest that ANX A1 mimetic agents might be a promising strategy as innovative anti-fibrotic approaches for the treatment of silicosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the in vitro interaction between ciprofloxacin (CIP) and classical antifungals against Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum in mycelial ( n = 16) and yeast-like forms ( n = 9) and Coccidioides posadasii in mycelial form ( n = 16). This research was conducted through broth microdilution and macrodilution, according to Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute. Inocula were prepared to obtain from 0.5 × 103 to 2.5 × 104 cfu ml−1 for H. capsulatum and from 103 to 5 × 103 cfu ml−1 for C. posadasii. Initially, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for each drug alone was determined. Then, these MICs were used as the highest concentration for each drug during combination assays. The procedures were performed in duplicate. For all combination assays, MICs were defined as the lowest concentration capable of inhibiting 80% of visible fungal growth, when compared to the drug-free control. Drug interaction was evaluated by paired sample t-Student test. The obtained data showed a significant MIC reduction for most tested combinations of CIP with antifungals, except for that of CIP and voriconazole against yeast-like H. capsulatum. This study brings potential alternatives for the treatment of histoplasmosis and coccidioidomycosis, raising the possibility of using CIP as an adjuvant antifungal therapy, providing perspectives to delineate in vivo studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the performance of International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS), radiographic examination, and fluorescence-based methods for detecting occlusal caries in primary teeth. One occlusal site on each of 79 primary molars was assessed twice by two examiners using ICDAS, bitewing radiography (BW), DIAGNOdent 2095 (LF), DIAGNOdent 2190 (LFpen), and VistaProof fluorescence camera (FC). The teeth were histologically prepared and assessed for caries extent. Optimal cutoff limits were calculated for LF, LFpen, and FC. At the D threshold (enamel and dentin lesions), ICDAS and FC presented higher sensitivity values (0.75 and 0.73, respectively), while BW showed higher specificity (1.00). At the D threshold (inner enamel and dentin lesions), ICDAS presented higher sensitivity (0.83) and statistically significantly lower specificity (0.70). At the D threshold (dentin lesions), LFpen and FC showed higher sensitivity (1.00 and 0.91, respectively), while higher specificity was presented by FC (0.95), ICDAS (0.94), BW (0.94), and LF (0.92). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve ( Az) varied from 0.780 (BW) to 0.941 (LF). Spearman correlation coefficients with histology were 0.72 (ICDAS), 0.64 (BW), 0.71 (LF), 0.65 (LFpen), and 0.74 (FC). Inter- and intraexaminer intraclass correlation values varied from 0.772 to 0.963 and unweighted kappa values ranged from 0.462 to 0.750. In conclusion, ICDAS and FC exhibited better accuracy in detecting enamel and dentin caries lesions, whereas ICDAS, LF, LFpen, and FC were more appropriate for detecting dentin lesions on occlusal surfaces in primary teeth, with no statistically significant difference among them. All methods presented good to excellent reproducibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify spatial variation in the risk for metabolic complications (RMC) by means of a semi-parametric approach for multinomial data.Design: Cross-sectional study.Setting: We visited 730 households selected in the first of a two-stage sample in South health district in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil, 2006-2007.Subjects: We interviewed 651 individuals and obtained their respective anthropometric measures and geographical coordinates of their house location. They were classified according to a combination of BMI and abdominal circumference as having no risk, increased, high or very high RMC.Results: Gender, age and schooling were associated with RMC. Crude spatial risk for the three levels of RMC in relation to the absence of risk suggested different patterns in each level. Adjusted spatial risk for the RMC showed smaller significant areas, but the pattern remained similar to crude risk.Conclusions: Spatial point analysis with a multinomial approach improves the understanding of differences in RMC found, as we could identify specific areas in which to intervene. The public health significance of these findings may lie in the additional evidence provided that spatial location and its features can influence patterns of RMC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Inhalation of the local anaesthetic lidocaine has been suggested to be beneficial for asthmatics, but airway anaesthesia is unpleasant and may exacerbate bronchoconstriction. Our previous study showed that inhalation of the lidocaine analogue JMF2-1 can elicit the anti-inflammatory properties of lidocaine without anaesthesia. This prompted further research on the mechanism of action and putative therapeutic application of JMF2-1. Objective We tested the hypothesis that JMF2-1 would prevent allergen-induced lung inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) by modulating T cell function in vivo and in vitro. Methods Local and systemic changes in leucocyte levels, cytokine production and lung mechanics were examined in a murine model of lung inflammation. JMF2-1 (0.05-2%) or saline was aerosolized twice a day during the ovalbumin (OVA)-provocation period (19-21 days post-sensitization). Analyses were performed 24 h after the final challenge. Primary cultured lymph node cells were used to assess the effects of JMF2-1 (100-600 μM) at the cellular level. Results OVA challenge resulted in lung recruitment of CD4+ T cells and eosinophils, increased generation of inflammatory cytokines and AHR to inhaled methacholine within 24 h. These changes were prevented by JMF2-1 nebulization, and occurred in parallel with an increase in the number of apoptotic cells in the lung. JMF2-1 treatment did not alter levels of CD4+ or CD8+ T cells in the thymus or lymph nodes of naïve mice, although it inhibited OVA-induced IL-13 production and the lymphocyte proliferative response in vitro. It also induced apoptosis of OVA-activated lymphocytes in a mechanism sensitive to z-VAD, indicating that JMF2-1 mediates caspase-dependent apoptosis. Conclusion Inhalation of JMF2-1 prevents the cardinal features of asthma by reducing TH2 cytokine generation and lung eosinophilic inflammatory infiltrates via local inhibition of T cell function and survival. JMF2-1 may represent a novel therapeutic alternative for asthma control with distinct advantages over local anaesthetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The addition of a nitric oxide (NO)-releasing moiety to prednisolone was shown to enhance the anti-inflammatory activity of this glucocorticoid in some experimental conditions, but its effectiveness in the context of eosinophilic inflammation remains to be elucidated. Objective This study compared the anti-inflammatory effect of prednisolone to a NO-releasing derivative of prednisolone, NCX-1015, using a model of allergen-evoked eosinophil recruitment in rats. The efficacy of a NO-donor compound, DETA-NONOate, was also assessed for comparison. Methods Wistar rats were actively sensitized with Al(OH)3 plus ovalbumin and 14 days later challenged with antigen intrapleurally. Treatments were performed locally 1 h before challenge. Cysteinyl-leucotrienes (Cys-LT) and eotaxin were measured by ELISA. Results Antigen challenge induced an eosinophil infiltration at 12 h, maximal at 24 h. It also caused an increase in the levels of Cys-LTs in the pleural exudate and in the expression of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) in infiltrated leucocytes at 6 h, peaking at 12 h and persisting for at least 24 h. Treatment with equimolar doses of prednisolone and NCX-1015 inhibited the late eosinophil infiltration, although the dose required to produce maximal inhibition was about one-tenth that of prednisolone. Cys-LT generation and 5-LO expression were inhibited by NCX-1015 but not by prednisolone. Treatment with prednisolone combined with the NO-donor DETA-NONOate led to a greater inhibition of the eosinophilia and Cys-LT generation as compared with either drug alone. Administration of the steroid receptor antagonist RU 486, 1 h before prednisolone and NCX-1015, abolished the inhibitory effect of the former, under conditions where it only partially affected the latter. Conclusions Our findings indicate that NCX-1015 provided a greater anti-inflammatory effect than prednisolone on the allergic eosinophil recruitment in rats, suggesting that NO-releasing steroids can be considered as a promising therapeutic approach to allergic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of pit and fissure sealants on fluorescence readings using lasers. We selected 166 permanent molars and randomly divided them into 4 groups which were each treated with a different sealant (a commercially available clear sealant, 2 opaque sealants and an experimental nanofilled clear sealant). The teeth were independently measured twice by 2 experienced dentists using conventional laser fluorescence (LF) and a laser fluorescence pen device (LFpen), before and after sealing, and again after thermocycling to simulate the thermal stressing between the tooth and the dental materials. Friedman test showed no statistically significant changes using LF and LFpen for the commercial clear sealant group, although values tended to increase after sealing. However, the values increased significantly after thermocycling. There was a statistically significant decrease in fluorescence after application of opaque sealants. After application of the experimental nanofilled clear sealant, LF values increased only after thermocycling, whereas the LFpen values increased after sealing and after thermocycling as well. The intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.87 to 0.96 for interexaminer and 0.82 to 0.94 for intraexaminer reproducibility. It was shown that pit and fissure sealants influence LF and LFpen readings, with the values increasing or decreasing according to the material used. In conclusion, both laser fluorescence devices could be useful as an adjunct to detect occlusal caries under unfilled clear sealants. Nevertheless, surfaces sealed with clear nanofilled material could be assessed using only the LF device. Copyright © 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To find new antifungal agents among essential oils from Brazilian Croton species. Methods and Results: Plant leaves were steam distilled and the obtained essential oils were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy. The main constituents were estragole and anethole for Croton zehntneri, methyl-eugenol and bicyclogermacrene for Croton nepetaefolius and spathulenol and bicyclogermacrene for Croton argyrophylloides. The antifungal activity of essential oils was evaluated against Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis and Microsporum canis by the agar-well diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by the broth microdilution method. Essential oils of Croton species demonstrated better activity against M. canis. Among the three plants C. argyrophylloides showed the best results, with MIC ranging from 9 to 19 μg ml−1. The acute administration of the essential oil up to 3 g kg−1 by the oral route to mice was devoid of overt toxicity. Conclusions: The studied essential oils are active in vitro against the dermatophyte M. canis and present relative lack of acute toxicity in vivo. Significance and Impact of the Study: Because of its antifungal activity and low toxicity, the essential oils of studied Croton species are promising sources for new phytotherapeutic agents to treat dermatophytosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing incidence of nosocomial infections caused by non-multiresistant methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (nMMRSA) has been reported worldwide. The present study genotyped nMMRSA isolates obtained from hospitals in two cities in Brazil. The hospital isolates displayed pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns that were similar to those of the USA100 (ST5-SCC mecII) and USA 800 (ST5-SCC mecIV) strains, which are related to the New York/Japan and paediatric clones, respectively. Carriage of SCC mecIV and the classification by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of a representative of this PFGE pattern in clonal complex 5 (CC5) confirmed the genetic relationship of the Brazilian isolates with USA800. The USA800-related Brazilian isolates were responsible for severe nosocomial infections in compromised adults and elderly patients in Brazil. A higher growth rate, an ability to form biofilm on inert polystyrene surfaces and the presence of the egc locus may have contributed, at least in part, to the fitness of these organisms as global nosocomial pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, we study the stability of hypothetical satellites that are coorbital with Enceladus and Mimas. We performed numerical simulations of 50 particles around the triangular Lagrangian equilibrium points of Enceladus and Mimas taking into account the perturbation of Mimas, Enceladus, Tethys, Dione, Titan and the oblateness of Saturn. All particles remain on tadpole orbits after 10 000 yr of integration. Since in the past the orbit of Enceladus and Mimas expanded due to the tidal perturbation, we also simulated the system with Enceladus and Mimas at several different values of semimajor axes. The results show that in general the particles remain on tadpole orbits. The exceptions occur when Enceladus is at semimajor axes that correspond to 6:7, 5:6 and 4:5 resonances with Mimas. Therefore, if Enceladus and Mimas had satellites librating around their Lagrangian triangular points in the past, they would have been removed if Enceladus crossed one of these first-order resonances with Mimas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the role of Malassezia pachydermatis as a pathogenic agent in canine otitis, a comparative analysis of isolates from normal and diseased external ear canals in dogs was undertaken. Specimens were collected from the ears of dogs with unilateral or bilateral otitis and from healthy dogs. Mycological analysis was by direct microscopy and fungal culture on Sabouraud's dextrose agar and Dixon's agar. Of the otitis specimens, 63.7% showed typical Malassezia cells on cytological examination. In samples taken from the healthy ears of dogs with unilateral otitis, only 21.43% (P < 0.05) showed evidence of Malassezia. M. pachydermatis was identified cytologically and culturally in 57.53% (P < 0.05), 14.29% and 30.0% of samples from the ears of dogs with otitis, from the healthy ears of dogs with unilateral otitis and from the ears of healthy dogs with no otitis. In the group with otitis associated with M. pachydermatis, the poodle was the most common breed (39.29%; P < 0.05), whereas in the group without otitis, the German Shepherd breed was prominent (although this observation was not statistically significant). In both groups, the majority of dogs with M. pachydermatis were aged between 1 and 3 years (P < 0.05). The higher incidence of M. pachydermatis isolated from the ears of dogs with otitis externa suggests a putative pathogenic role of this yeast in this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation with fish oil on fatty acid (FA) composition of milk fat from grazing dairy cows with particular emphasis on omega-3 and conjugated linoleic acid. Twelve dairy cows in mid-lactation were blocked by live weight, days in lactation and milk production and randomly assigned to the experimental groups corresponding to 3 different feeding regimens which were applied 3 times with 28-day duration according to a Latin square design. Cows were stocked at 2.5 heads per hectare and supplemented with 4 kg concentrate/cow/day (C), concentrate mixed with 160 g sardine oil (LFO) and concentrate mixed with 320 g sardine oil (HFO). Supplementation with fish oil (FO) resulted in a significant (P&#60;0.05) decrease in milk production and milk fat content and production. Supplementation with 320 g FO decreased (P&#60;0.05) milk protein content and production. The ratio protein/fat in milk increased with the level of FO supplemented (P&#60;0.05). Significant correlations were detected between some FA in milk fat and milk fat content. FO supplementation had no effect on concentration of medium chain FA but originated a decrease (P&#60;0.05) in concentration of short and long chain FA in milk fat. The sum of saturated FA decreased (P&#60;0.05) with the inclusion of FO in diet while the sum of unsaturated FA remains unchanged. Proportions of stearic and oleic FA in milk fat decreased and trans-vaccenic FA increase with FO supplementation (P&#60;0.05). Milk fat concentration of polyunsaturated n-3 FA was higher in treatment HFO. Concentration of very long chain omega FA in milk fat (i.e. C20:5-EPA e C22:6-DHA) increased by 2.7-fold with 160 g FO and by 5- to 7-fold with 320 g FO. However, the level of transfer efficiency of these FA from FO to milk fat was only 3.3% in treatment LFO and 4.0% in treatment HFO. CLA concentrations in milk fat were particularly high in this experiment and increased with the level of FO supplementation (P&#60;0.05). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The main objective of this investigation was to evaluate different methods of storage for Microsporum canis based on materials and equipment that are readily available in developing countries. We tested 32 strains of M. canis at -- 20°C in potato dextrose agar (PDA) in its plain condition, or amended with 10% dimethyl sulfoxide or with 10% glycerol. In addition, we tested 25°C storage of isolates in plain saline (0.9% NaCl) and in saline covered with a mineral-oil layer. After 9 months of storage, none of the M. canis strains frozen in PDA supplemented with glycerol survived, while only 16 and 6%, respectively, of the isolates in plain and DMSO medium lost viability. Nine month's storage in saline with or without mineral oil increased the amount of pleomorphic development of sterile hyphae; this phenomenon occurred at a significantly higher level than was seen in isolates stored at -- 20°C. The physiological characteristics of M. canis were not affected by the different storage tests. The results suggest that, in order to ensure optimal viability, purity and pristine isolate condition, each M. canis isolate maintained should be held in at least two methods of storage, namely, PDA at -- 20°C and saline with a mineral-oil layer at 25°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY Human abdominal angiostrongyliasis is a severe eosinophilic disease caused by Angiostrongylus costaricensis. Previous studies have demonstrated that wild rodents are critically involved as definitive hosts to this nematode in nature. In this study, we have evaluated the susceptibility of Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) to A. costaricensis infection. Kinetics of parasitological and pathological changes, including the number of adult worms recovered from mesenteric arteries, and of IgE, mast cell and eosinophil levels in several compartments have been assessed. The oral inoculation of third-stage larvae (L3) into adult Wistar rats led to a marked accumulation of worms in the branches of the mesenteric arteries 25 and 50 days post-inoculation. Intense bone marrow eosinophilia ranging from 7 to 50 days was accompanied by marked accumulation of eosinophils in the blood, peritoneal and bronchoalveolar spaces. Eosinophilic periarteritis, oedema and granuloma in the intestinal and lung tissues were also histologically evident. Total serum IgE and specific anti-parasite IgE peaked at 25 days post-infection, as measured by ELISA and by the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test, respectively. At that time point, there was a drastic reduction in the number of intact mast cells in the peritoneal effluent. These findings indicate that Wistar rats are permissive to A. costaricensis infection. IgE-mast cell activation and massive tissue eosinophil infiltration are marked features in the process and are likely to play a crucial role in the immune-response evoked by this parasite . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melioidosis, a severe infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei that is prevalent in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia, has been sporadically reported in Brazil since 2003. We report a case of aortic aneurysm with blood culture positive for B. pseudomallei. The phylogenetic analysis of 16S ribosomal DNA showed this isolate to be evolutionarily grouped with the MSHR346 strains from Thailand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]