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Background: Praziquantel is the only drug available to treat schistosomiasis, and there is an urgent demand for new anthelmintic agents. Methodology & results: We conducted in-depth in vitro and in vivo  studies and report a target fishing investigation. In vitro , tamoxifen was active against adult and immature worms at low concentrations (<5 μM). Tamoxifen at a single dose (400 mg/kg) or once daily for five consecutive days (100 mg/kg/day) in mice harboring either adult (patent infection) or juvenile (prepatent infection) significantly reduced worm burden (30-70%) and egg production (70-90%). Target fishing studies revealed propionyl-CoA carboxylase as a potential target for tamoxifen in Schistosoma   mansoni and glucose uptake by S. mansoni was also significantly reduced. Conclusion: Our results provide news evidence of antiparasitic effect of tamoxifen and reveal propionyl-CoA carboxylase as a potential target.

Competing Interests: None disclosed.

Having recognized the value of resistance training in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), there are a lack of lower limb normative reference values for one repetition maximum (1RM) and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) in this population. Hence, the purposes of this study were to provide reference values for 1RM and MVIC of knee extensors in PwMS across the disability spectrum and to examine knee extension strength asymmetry. Three hundred and ninety PwMS participated in the study, performing MVIC and 1RM tests of bilateral (both legs together at once) and unilateral (each leg singly) knee extensors. There was no difference in 1RM according to the disease course of MS, but there was according to the degree of neurological disability, being more preserved in those with a lower degree of disability. MVIC tends to be higher in patients with relapsing-remitting MS respect those with progressive MS, and in patients with lower levels of neurological disability. Asymmetry above the values considered normal in 1RM was present in 20-60% of patients and 56-79% in the MVIC test, depending on the type of MS and tended to be lower in those with less disability. Reference values are given by quartiles for 1RM, MVIC, and asymmetry., Competing Interests: The authors do not have any potential conflict of interest.

Biological invasion is one of the main threats to native biodiversity. For a species to become invasive, it must be voluntarily or involuntarily introduced by humans into a nonnative habitat. Mammals were among first taxa to be introduced worldwide for game, meat, and labor, yet the number of species introduced in the Neotropics remains unknown. In this data set, we make available occurrence and abundance data on mammal species that (1) transposed a geographical barrier and (2) were voluntarily or involuntarily introduced by humans into the Neotropics. Our data set is composed of 73,738 historical and current georeferenced records on alien mammal species of which around 96% correspond to occurrence data on 77 species belonging to eight orders and 26 families. Data cover 26 continental countries in the Neotropics, ranging from Mexico and its frontier regions (southern Florida and coastal-central Florida in the southeast United States) to Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay, and the 13 countries of Caribbean islands. Our data set also includes neotropical species (e.g., Callithrix sp., Myocastor coypus, Nasua nasua) considered alien in particular areas of Neotropics. The most numerous species in terms of records are from Bos sp. (n = 37,782), Sus scrofa (n = 6,730), and Canis familiaris (n = 10,084); 17 species were represented by only one record (e.g., Syncerus caffer, Cervus timorensis, Cervus unicolor, Canis latrans). Primates have the highest number of species in the data set (n = 20 species), partly because of uncertainties regarding taxonomic identification of the genera Callithrix, which includes the species Callithrix aurita, Callithrix flaviceps, Callithrix geoffroyi, Callithrix jacchus, Callithrix kuhlii, Callithrix penicillata, and their hybrids. This unique data set will be a valuable source of information on invasion risk assessments, biodiversity redistribution and conservation-related research. There are no copyright restrictions. Please cite this data paper when using the data in publications. We also request that researchers and teachers inform us on how they are using the data., (© 2020 The Authors. Ecology © 2020 The Ecological Society of America.)

Mortality of animals on roads is a critical threat to many wildlife populations and is poised to increase strongly because of ongoing and planned road construction. If these new roads cannot be avoided, effective mitigation measures will be necessary to stop biodiversity decline. Fencing along roads effectively reduces roadkill and is often used in combination with wildlife passages. Because fencing the entire road is not always possible due to financial constraints, high-frequency roadkill areas are often identified to inform the placement of fencing. We devised an adaptive fence-implementation plan to prioritize road sections for fencing. In this framework, areas along roads of high, moderate, and low levels of animal mortality (respectively, roadkill hotspots, warmspots, and coldspots) are identified at multiple scales (i.e., in circles of different diameters [200-2000 m] in which mortality frequency is measured). Fence deployment is based on the relationship between the amount of fencing being added to the road, starting with the strongest roadkill hotspots, and potential reduction in road mortality (displayed in mortality-reduction graphs). We applied our approach to empirical and simulated spatial patterns of wildlife-vehicle collisions. The scale used for analysis affected the number and spatial extent of roadkill hot-, warm-, and coldspots. At fine scales (e.g., 200 m), more hotspots were identified than at coarse scales (e.g., 2000 m), but combined the fine-scale hotspots covered less road and less fencing was needed to reduce road mortality. However, many short fences may be less effective in practice due to a fence-end effect (i.e., animals moving around the fence more easily), resulting in a trade-off between few long and many short fences, which we call the FLOMS (few-long-or-many-short) fences trade-off. Thresholds in the mortality-reduction graphs occurred for some roadkill patterns, but not for others. Thresholds may be useful to consider when determining road-mitigation targets. The existence of thresholds at multiple scales and the FLOMS trade-off have important implications for biodiversity conservation., (© 2020 Society for Conservation Biology.)

Roads and traffic impacts on wildlife populations are well documented. Three major mechanisms can cause them: reduced connectivity, increased mortality and reduced habitat quality. Researchers commonly recommend mitigation based on the mechanism they deem responsible. We reviewed the 2012-2016 literature to evaluate authors' inferences, to determine whether they explicitly acknowledge all possible mechanisms that are consistent with their results. We found 327 negative responses of wildlife to roads, from 307 studies. While most (84%) of these responses were consistent with multiple mechanisms, 60% of authors invoked a single mechanism. This indicates that many authors are over-confident in their inferences, and that the literature does not allow estimation of the relative importance of the mechanisms. We found preferences in authors' discussion of mechanisms. When all three mechanisms were consistent with the response measured, authors were 2.4 and 2.9 times as likely to infer reduced habitat quality compared to reduced connectivity or increased mortality, respectively. When both reduced connectivity and increased mortality were consistent with the response measured, authors were 5.2 times as likely to infer reduced connectivity compared to increased mortality. Given these results, road ecologists and managers are likely over-recommending mitigation for improving habitat quality and connectivity, and under-recommending measures to reduce road-kill.

In view of the epidemiological relevance of periodontal disease and chronic noncommunicable diseases, the study aimed to evaluate the relationship between them through subclinical indicators of systemic risk in a population group with healthy habits, including alcohol and tobacco abstinence. A complete periodontal examination of six sites per tooth was performed in a sample of 420 participants from the Advento study (Sao Paulo), submitted to anthropometric and laboratory evaluation. Periodontitis was defined and classified based on the Community Periodontal Index score 3 (periodontal pocket = 4-5 mm) and score 4 (periodontal pocket ≥ 6 mm). The prevalence of mild/moderate and severe periodontitis was 20% and 8.2%, respectively. Both categories of periodontal disease had significantly higher levels of triglycerides, C-reactive protein, calcium score, and calcium percentile, whereas blood glucose after tolerance test was significantly higher among people with severe periodontitis and HDL-c levels were lower (p < 0.05). Young adults with severe periodontitis had significantly higher prevalence of obesity, pre-diabetes, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome. Besides these conditions, the older adults with severe periodontitis had significantly higher prevalence of dyslipidemia and subclinical atherosclerosis. The group with periodontitis had also a higher coronary heart disease risk based on the PROCAM score (p < 0.05). The results indicated associations of periodontitis with several systemic indicators for chronic noncommunicable diseases, and highlighted the need for multiprofessional measures in the whole care of patients.

Autism is a neuropathology characterized by behavioral disorders. Considering that oxidative stress is involved in the pathophysiology of this disease, we evaluated the effects of quercetin, a flavonoid with antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, in an experimental model of autism induced by valproic acid (VPA). Twelve pregnant female rats were divided into four groups (control, quercetin, VPA, and VPA+quercetin). Quercetin (50 mg/kg) was administered orally to the animals from gestational days 6.5 to 18.5, and VPA (800 mg/kg) was administered orally in a single dosage on gestational day 12.5. Behavioral tests such as open field, social interaction, and tail flick nociceptive assays were performed on pups between 30 and 40 days old, after which the animals were euthanized. Cerebral cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and cerebellum were collected for evaluation of oxidative stress parameters. The pups exposed to VPA during the gestational period showed reduced weight gain, increased latency in the open field and tail flick tests, reduced time of social interaction, accompanied by changes in oxidative stress parameters mainly in the hippocampus and striatum. Prenatal treatment with quercetin prevented the behavioral changes and damage caused by oxidative stress, possibly due to its antioxidant action. Our findings demonstrated that quercetin has neuroprotective effects in an animal model of autism, suggesting that this natural molecule could be an important therapeutic agent for treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs)., (© 2020 International Society for Developmental Neuroscience.)

In this work, we present some properties and use of a nanocomposite formed by gold nanoparticles (NPs) into poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and its application as substrates for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The nanocomposite was formed using low-energy (49 eV) ion implantation of gold in PMMA using a cathodic arc plasma gun. The gold NPs are formed spontaneously from the implanted ions and they remain isolated from each other by the polymer medium surrounding them, ensuring a spacing between the NPs of less than 10 nm (hot spot places). The NPs form below the surface, protected from the environment, guaranteeing the stability of the composite layer. Moreover, here, we present an interesting approach to concentrate analyte molecules closer to the metal surface using the swelling effect in PMMA. Using absorption of the analyte, the molecules stay in the gaps between NPs, which is a good solution for one of the biggest challenges in SERS, that is, to guide molecules to the hot spot places., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (Copyright © 2020 American Chemical Society.)

Introduction: Glioblastoma (GB) is the most common malignant brain tumor and is characterized by high invasiveness, poor prognosis, and limited therapeutic options. Silencing gene expression, through the use of small interfering RNA (siRNA), has been proposed as an alternative to conventional cancer therapy. Here, we evaluated the potential of CD73 as a new therapeutic target, since it is overexpressed in solid tumors and has emerged as a promising target to control GB progression. Methods: A cationic nanoemulsion (NE) as an intravenous siRNA-CD73 delivery system was developed and its effect on C6 glioma cell viability was determined. Results: The nanostructured system was effective in complexing oligonucleotides for delivery to target cells. In addition, we observed that the NE-siRNA-CD73 complex was effective in reducing CD73 protein levels and AMPase activity, which were related to decreased C6 glioma cell viability. Conclusions: These findings indicate the potential of siRNA-CD73-loaded cationic NE as a therapeutic alternative for glioma treatment.

Rationale: Inosine is a naturally occurring purine nucleoside formed by adenosine breakdown. This nucleoside is reported to exert potent effects on memory and learning, possibly through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions., Objective: The objective is to evaluate the effects of inosine on the behavioral and neurochemical parameters in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) induced by streptozotocin (STZ)., Methods: Adult male rats were divided into four groups: control (saline), STZ, STZ plus inosine (50 mg/kg), and STZ plus inosine (100 mg/kg). STZ (3 mg/kg) was administered by bilateral intracerebroventricular injection. The animals were treated intraperitoneally with inosine for 25 days. Memory, oxidative stress, ion pump activities, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activities and expression were evaluated in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus., Results: The memory impairment induced by STZ was prevented by inosine. An increase in the Na + , K + -ATPase, and Mg-ATPase activities and a decrease in the Ca 2+ -ATPase activity were induced by STZ in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, and inosine could prevent these alterations in ion pump activities. Inosine also prevented the increase in AChE activity and the alterations in AChE and ChAT expression induced by STZ. STZ increased the reactive oxygen species, nitrite levels, and superoxide dismutase activity and decreased the catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities. Inosine treatment conferred protection from these oxidative alterations in the brain., Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that inosine affects brain multiple targets suggesting that this molecule may have therapeutic potential against cognitive deficit and tissue damage in AD.

The treatment and control of schistosomiasis, a neglected disease that affects more than 200 million people worldwide, rely on the use of a single drug, praziquantel. A vaccine has yet to be developed and since new drug design and development is a lengthy and costly process, drug repurposing is a promising strategy. In this study, the efficacy of promethazine, a first-generation antihistamine, was evaluated against Schistosoma mansoni ex vivo and in a murine model of schistosomiasis. In vitro assays demonstrated that promethazine affected parasite motility, viability, and it induced severe tegumental damage in schistosomes. The LC 50 of the drug was 5.84 μM. Similar to promethazine, schistosomes incubated with atropine, a classical anticholinergic drug, displayed reduced motor activity. In an animal model, promethazine treatment was introduced at an oral dose of 100 mg/kg for five successive days at different intervals from the time of infection, for the evaluation of the stage-specific susceptibility (pre-patent and patent infections). Various parasitological criteria indicated the in vivo antischistosomal effects of promethazine: there were significant reductions in worm burden, egg production, and hepato- and splenomegaly. The highest worm burden reduction was achieved with promethazine in patent infections (> 90%). Taken together, considering the importance of the repositioning of drugs in infectious diseases, especially those related to poverty, our data revealed the possibility of promethazine repositioning as an antischistosomal agent., (Copyright © 2019 American Society for Microbiology.)

Xenarthrans-anteaters, sloths, and armadillos-have essential functions for ecosystem maintenance, such as insect control and nutrient cycling, playing key roles as ecosystem engineers. Because of habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting pressure, and conflicts with domestic dogs, these species have been threatened locally, regionally, or even across their full distribution ranges. The Neotropics harbor 21 species of armadillos, 10 anteaters, and 6 sloths. Our data set includes the families Chlamyphoridae (13), Dasypodidae (7), Myrmecophagidae (3), Bradypodidae (4), and Megalonychidae (2). We have no occurrence data on Dasypus pilosus (Dasypodidae). Regarding Cyclopedidae, until recently, only one species was recognized, but new genetic studies have revealed that the group is represented by seven species. In this data paper, we compiled a total of 42,528 records of 31 species, represented by occurrence and quantitative data, totaling 24,847 unique georeferenced records. The geographic range is from the southern United States, Mexico, and Caribbean countries at the northern portion of the Neotropics, to the austral distribution in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay. Regarding anteaters, Myrmecophaga tridactyla has the most records (n = 5,941), and Cyclopes sp. have the fewest (n = 240). The armadillo species with the most data is Dasypus novemcinctus (n = 11,588), and the fewest data are recorded for Calyptophractus retusus (n = 33). With regard to sloth species, Bradypus variegatus has the most records (n = 962), and Bradypus pygmaeus has the fewest (n = 12). Our main objective with Neotropical Xenarthrans is to make occurrence and quantitative data available to facilitate more ecological research, particularly if we integrate the xenarthran data with other data sets of Neotropical Series that will become available very soon (i.e., Neotropical Carnivores, Neotropical Invasive Mammals, and Neotropical Hunters and Dogs). Therefore, studies on trophic cascades, hunting pressure, habitat loss, fragmentation effects, species invasion, and climate change effects will be possible with the Neotropical Xenarthrans data set. Please cite this data paper when using its data in publications. We also request that researchers and teachers inform us of how they are using these data., (© 2019 The Authors. Ecology © 2019 The Ecological Society of America.)

Introduction and Objectives: There is no consensus on the best treatment option for choledocholithiasis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and common bile duct surgery (CBDS) for the treatment of choledocholithiasis., Materials and Methods: We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ERCP and CBDS in the treatment of choledocholithiasis. MEDLINE and EMBASE were the used databases. RCTs assessing mortality, bile duct clearance failure, complications, or length of hospital stay were considered eligible. Meta-analysis was performed using random effects model, through the Mantel-Haenszel method for binary outcomes and through the inverse variance method for continuous outcomes. The quality of the evidence was evaluated according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation Working Group. The study protocol was registered at the PROSPERO platform (CRD42017073196)., Results: Nineteen RCTs (2466 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. There was no evidence of significant difference between interventions regarding mortality (risk ratio - RR=1.31, 95% confidence interval - 95% CI=0.60-2.85, p=0.49), bile duct clearance failure (RR=1.17, 95% CI=0.86-1.59, p=0.31), complications (RR=0.99, 95% CI=0.82-1.20, p=0.94) and length of hospital stay (weighted mean difference - MD=1.06, 95% CI=-0.62-2.73, p=0.22). Sensitivity analyses failed to demonstrate significant changes in results compared to the main analyses. The quality of the evidence was considered to be low., Conclusion: There was no evidence of significant difference between ERCP and CBDS for the treatment of choledocholithiasis., (Copyright © 2019 Fundación Clínica Médica Sur, A.C. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Transportation infrastructures are directly responsible for killing billions of animals worldwide. Although the understanding about road impacts have recently increased, the impact of railroads on wildlife has received less attention. The current knowledge concerning the impacts of railroads focuses mainly on large mammals although amphibians might be affected. Our study aims to unravel temporal and spatial patterns of Rhinella toad fatalities on a Brazilian Amazonian railroad, to comprehend how toads are killed and to estimate the magnitude of toad fatalities. Data collection was carried out on foot on an 871-km stretch of the Estrada de Ferro Carajás from 2013 to 2017. We identified different potential causes for fatalities: being run over, desiccated or with barotrauma signs. We estimated a surprisingly high carcass persistence probability of about 38 days. After correcting for the bias from carcass detection and removal, we estimated that approximately 10,000 toads are killed per year (≈ 11 fatalities/km/year). A GLM model showed that toads were more likely to be killed in the dry to wet transition. We identified critical zones of fatalities and prioritized them according to their intensity. The highly critical segments encompass >10% of all fatalities although they cover only 1.5% of the railroad. Our study is the first one to address carcass detection and persistence on railroads and to unravel patterns of fatalities of an amphibian species in a tropical climate. A better understanding of the patterns of animal fatality on railroads is of fundamental importance to manage and mitigate this impact., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Studying biofilm dispersal is important to prevent Listeria monocytogenes persistence in food processing plants and to avoid finished product contamination. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen intermediates (ROI and RNI, respectively) may trigger cell detachment from many bacterial species biofilms, but their roles in L. monocytogenes biofilms have not been fully investigated. This study reports on ROI and RNI quantification in Listeria monocytogenes biofilms formed on stainless steel and glass surfaces; bacterial culture and microscopy combined with fluorescent staining were employed. Nitric oxide (NO) donor and inhibitor putative effects on L. monocytogenes dispersal from biofilms were evaluated, and transcription of genes (prfA, lmo 0990, lmo 0807, and lmo1485) involved in ROI and RNI stress responses were quantified by real-time PCR (qPCR). Microscopy detected the reactive intermediates NO, peroxynitrite, H 2 O 2 , and superoxide in L. monocytogenes biofilms. Neither NO donor nor inhibitors interfered in L. monocytogenes growth and gene expression, except for lmo0990, which was downregulated. In conclusion, ROI and RNI did not exert dispersive effects on L. monocytogenes biofilms, indicating that this pathogen has a tight control for protection against oxidative and nitrosative stresses.

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic flatworm disease that infects over 200 million people worldwide, especially in poor communities. Treatment and control of the disease rely on just one drug, praziquantel. Since funding for drug development for poverty-associated diseases is very limited, drug repurposing is a promising strategy. In this study, from a screening of 13 marketed diuretics, we identified that spironolactone, a potassium-sparing diuretic, had potent antischistosomal effects on Schistosoma mansoni in vitro and in vivo in a murine model of schistosomiasis. In vitro , spironolactone at low concentrations (<10 µM) is able to alter worm motor activity and the morphology of adult schistosomes, leading to parasitic death. In vivo , oral treatment with spironolactone at a single dose (400 mg/kg) or daily for five consecutive days (100 mg/kg/day) in mice harboring either patent or prepatent infections significantly reduced worm burden, egg production, and hepato- and splenomegaly ( P <  0.05 to P <  0.001). Taken together, with the safety profile of spironolactone, supported by its potential to affect schistosomes, these results indicate that spironolactone could be a potential treatment for schistosomiasis and make it promising for repurposing., (Copyright © 2019 American Society for Microbiology.)

We investigated acute and chronic effects administration of methionine (Met) and/or methionine sulfoxide (MetO) on ectonucleotidases and oxidative stress in platelets and serum of young rats. Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, Met, MetO, and Met + MetO. In acute treatment, the animals received a single subcutaneous injection of amino acid(s) and were euthanized after 1 and 3 hours. In chronic protocol, Met and/or MetO were administered twice a day with an 8-hour interval from the 6th to the 28th day of life. Nucleoside triphosphate phosphohydrolase and 5'-nucleotidase activities were reduced in platelets and serum by Met, MetO, and Met + MetO after 3 hours and 21 days. Adenosine deaminase activity reduced in platelets at 3 hours after MetO and Met + MetO administration and increased after 21 days in animals treated with Met + MetO. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities decreased in platelets in MetO and Met + MetO groups after 3 hours, while reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels increased in same groups. Catalase activity in platelets decreased in all experimental groups after chronic treatment. Met, MetO, and Met + MetO administration increased plasmatic ROS levels in acute and chronic protocols; glutathione S-transferase activity increased by MetO and Met + MetO administration at 3 hours, and ascorbic acid decreased in all experimental groups in acute and chronic protocols. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances increased, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities reduced in the Met and/or MetO groups at 3 hours and in chronic treatment. Our data demonstrated that Met and/or MetO induced changes in adenine nucleotide hydrolysis and redox status of platelets and serum, which can be associated with platelet dysfunction in hypermethioninemia., (© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Mortality from collision with vehicles is the most visible impact of road traffic on wildlife. Mortality due to roads (hereafter road-kill) can affect the dynamic of populations of many species and can, therefore, increase the risk of local decline or extinction. This is especially true in Brazil, where plans for road network upgrading and expansion overlaps biodiversity hotspot areas, which are of high importance for global conservation. Researchers, conservationists and road planners face the challenge to define a national strategy for road mitigation and wildlife conservation. The main goal of this dataset is a compilation of geo-referenced road-kill data from published and unpublished road surveys. This is the first Data Paper in the BRAZIL series (see ATLANTIC, NEOTROPICAL, and BRAZIL collections of Data Papers published in Ecology), which aims make public road-kill data for species in the Brazilian Regions. The dataset encompasses road-kill records from 45 personal communications and 26 studies published in peer-reviewed journals, theses and reports. The road-kill dataset comprises 21,512 records, 83% of which are identified to the species level (n = 450 species). The dataset includes records of 31 amphibian species, 90 reptile species, 229 bird species, and 99 mammal species. One species is classified as Endangered, eight as Vulnerable and twelve as Near Threatened. The species with the highest number of records are: Didelphis albiventris (n = 1,549), Volatinia jacarina (n = 1,238), Cerdocyon thous (n = 1,135), Helicops infrataeniatus (n = 802), and Rhinella icterica (n = 692). Most of the records came from southern Brazil. However, observations of the road-kill incidence for non-Least Concern species are more spread across the country. This dataset can be used to identify which taxa seems to be vulnerable to traffic, analyze temporal and spatial patterns of road-kill at local, regional and national scales and also used to understand the effects of road-kill on population persistence. It may also contribute to studies that aims to understand the influence of landscape and environmental influences on road-kills, improve our knowledge on road-related strategies on biodiversity conservation and be used as complementary information on large-scale and macroecological studies. No copyright or proprietary restrictions are associated with the use of this data set other than citation of this Data Paper., (© 2018 The Authors. Ecology © 2018 The Ecological Society of America.)

Colorectal cancer is a significant public health concern. As a multistage and multifactorial disease, environmental and genetic factors interact at each stage of the process, and an individual's lifestyle also plays a relevant role. We set out to review the scientific evidence to study the need to investigate the role of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α) gene as a biomarker of the physical activity's (PA) effect on colorectal cancer. PA is a protective factor against colorectal cancer and usually increases the expression of PGC-1α This gene has pleiotropic roles and is the main regulator of mitochondrial functions. The development of colorectal cancer has been associated with mitochondrial dysfunction; in addition, alterations in this organelle are associated with colorectal cancer risk factors, such as obesity, decreased muscle mass, and the aging process. These are affected by PA acting, among other aspects, on insulin sensitivity and oxygen reactive species/redox balance. Therefore, this gene demands special attention in the understanding of its operation in the consensual protective effect of PA in colorectal cancer. A significant amount of indirect evidence points to PGC-1α as a potential biomarker in the PA-protective effect on colorectal cancer. The article focuses on the possible involvement of PGC-1α in the protective role that physical activity has on colorectal cancer. This is an important topic both in relation to advances in prevention of the development of this widespread disease and in its therapeutic treatment. We hope to generate an initial hypothesis for future studies associated with physical activity-related mechanisms that may be involved in the development or prevention of colorectal cancer. PGC-1α is highlighted because it is the main regulator of mitochondrial functions. This organelle, on one hand, is positively stimulated by physical activity; on the other hand, its dysfunction or reduction increases the probability of developing colorectal cancer. Therefore, we consider the compilation of existing information about the possible ways to understand the mechanisms of this gene to be highly relevant. This study is based on evidence of PGC-1α and physical activity, on PGC-1α and colorectal cancer, on colorectal cancer and physical activity/inactivity, and the absence of studies that have sought to relate all of these variables. Cancer Prev Res; 11(9); 523-34. ©2018 AACR ., (©2018 American Association for Cancer Research.)

Understanding road-kill patterns is the first step to assess the potential effects of road mortality on wildlife populations, as well as to define the need for mitigation and support its planning. Reptiles are one of the vertebrate groups most affected by roads through vehicle collisions, both because they are intentionally killed by drivers, and due to their biological needs, such as thermoregulation, which make them more prone to collisions. We conducted monthly road surveys (33months), searching for carcasses of freshwater turtles, lizards, and snakes on a 277-km stretch of BR-101 road in Southernmost Brazil to estimate road-kill composition and magnitude and to describe the main periods and locations of road-kills. We modeled the distribution of road-kills in space according to land cover classes and local traffic volume. Considering the detection capacity of our method and carcass persistence probability, we estimated that 15,377 reptiles are road-killed per year (55reptiles/km/year). Road-kills, especially lizards and snakes, were concentrated during summer, probably due to their higher activity in this period. Road-kill hotspots were coincident among freshwater turtles, lizards, and snakes. Road-kill distribution was negatively related to pine plantations, and positively related to rice plantations and traffic volume. A cost-benefit analysis highlighted that if mitigation measures were installed at road-kill hotspots, which correspond to 21% of the road, they could have avoided up to 45% of recorded reptile fatalities, assuming a 100% mitigation effectiveness. Given the congruent patterns found for all three taxa, the same mitigation measures could be used to minimize the impacts of collision on local herpetofauna., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Evidence exists which suggests that a vegetarian diet is a predisposing factor to erosive tooth wear. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of dietary pattern (vegetarian, lacto-ovo vegetarian and omnivore) on erosive tooth wear., Materials and Methods: Two hundred seven subjects (29 vegetarians, 96 lacto-ovo vegetarians and 82 omnivores) underwent an oral assessment and were asked to answer questionnaires about diet and oral care., Results: Individuals who followed vegetarian and lacto-ovo vegetarian diets had statistically significantly more erosive tooth wear than did omnivores (p = 0.004). Conversely, omnivores presented more tooth loss than did lacto-ovo vegetarians (p = 0.027). Being a vegetarian or a lacto-ovo vegetarian entailed an increased risk (4 times and 2.5 times, respectively) of presenting erosive tooth wear than being omnivorous., Conclusion: Vegetarian and lacto-ovo vegetarian dietary patterns seem to favour the loss of dental structure by erosion. Vegetarian patients should thus be informed about preventive measures and treated accordingly.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to analyse the intraday test-retest reliability of stabilometric measurements on the Centre of Pressure (CoP) in persons with Multiple Sclerosis. [Subjects and Methods] The measurements were taken with the subject standing on the force platform with both feet together, in four different conditions: eyes open and closed whilst standing on both a rigid surface and then on foam. The measurements were taken on three occasions with intervals of 20 minutes between them. 18 persons with confirmed Multiple Sclerosis (MS), (aged 44.4 ± 13.3 years and 3.5 ± 1.5 EDSS) participated in the study. Relative reliability was measured using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the 95% confidence interval (95% CI); and the absolute reliability using the coefficient of variation (CV) and standard error of measurement (SEM). [Results] The measurements of the CoP in all of the variables in each of the four conditions, showed a reliability of good to excellent (ICC=0.69-0.92) in the intraday test-retest. The variables which showed greatest consistency with repetition were X Speed, Y Speed and Side Length. [Conclusion] Given the results it would seem that the best variables for monitoring postural control in persons with MS are Speed on X and Y along with Side Length.

The pathogenic bacterium Listeria monocytogenes can persist in food processing plants for many years, even when appropriate hygienic measures are in place, with potential for contaminating ready-to-eat products and, its ability to form biofilms on abiotic surfaces certainly contributes for the environmental persistence. In this research, L. monocytogenes was grown in biofilms up 8 days attached to stainless steel and glass surfaces, contributing for advancing the knowledge on architecture of mature biofilms, since many literature studies carried out on this topic considered only early stages of cell adhesion. In this study, biofilm populations of two strains of L. monocytogenes (serotypes 1/2a and 4b) on stainless steel coupons and glass were examined using regular fluorescence microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy and classic culture method. The biofilms formed were not very dense and microscopic observations revealed uneven biofilm structures, with presence of exopolymeric matrix surrounding single cells, small aggregates and microcolonies, in a honeycomb-like arrangement. Moreover, planktonic population of L. monocytogenes (present in broth media covering the abiotic surface) remained stable throughout the incubation time, which indicates an efficient dispersal mechanism, since the culture medium was replaced daily. In conclusion, even if these strains of L. monocytogenes were not able to form thick multilayer biofilms, it was noticeable their high persistence on abiotic surfaces, reinforcing the need to focus on measures to avoid biofilm formation, instead of trying to eradicate mature biofilms., (Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda.)

Background: Eosinophilic angiocentric fibrosis (EAF) and granuloma faciale (GF) share several histopathologic features, including eosinophil-rich inflammation, microangiitis, and progressive fibrosis. Concurrent presentation of EAF and GF suggests a pathogenetic link between them., Objectives: To identify histologic findings that tell them apart and construe the pathogenetic mechanisms behind each morphologic variable, 14 immunohistochemical markers were used to study the cells subpopulations in 14 cases of GF and 3 cases of EAF., Materials and Methods: The lesions were classified according to their stage of development. The antibodies studied were: CD4, Foxp3, CD8, granzymes A and B, perforin, granulysin, CD20, CD56, CD68, ICAM-1, CD34, CD105, and 1A4., Results: The intensity of the sclerotic response and the density of 1A4-immunostained cells were significantly higher in EAF. In both diseases, CD68 cells were the most numerous, followed by CD20, CD8, and CD4 cells. About 30% of cells expressed ICAM-1. Among cells with cytotoxic granules, granulysin-positive cells were the most frequent., Conclusions: Differences between GF and EAF were found to be mostly like due to anatomic site (usually skin of the face vs. sinonasal cavity) and stage of the disease development (usually earlier in cutaneous lesions because of their visibility). Innate and adaptive immunity, including B cells, T cells, and cytotoxic granules have a role in their pathogenesis.

Experimental models of mouse paw infection with L. amazonensis show an induction of a strong inflammatory response in the skin, and parasitic migration may occur to secondary organs with consequent tissue injury. There are few studies focusing on the resolution of damage in secondary organs caused by Leishmania species-related cutaneous leishmaniasis. We investigated the propolis treatment effect on liver inflammation induced by Leishmania amazonensis infection in the mouse paw. BALB/c mice were infected in the hind paw with L. amazonensis (10(7)) promastigote forms. After 15 days, animals were treated daily with propolis (5 mg/kg), Glucantime (10 mg/kg), or with propolis plus Glucantime combined. After 60 days, mice were euthanized and livers were collected for inflammatory process analysis. Liver microscopic analysis showed that propolis reduced the inflammatory process compared to untreated infected control. There was a decrease of liver myeloperoxidase and N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase activity levels, collagen fiber deposition, pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and plasma aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase levels. Furthermore, propolis treatment enhanced anti-inflammatory cytokine levels and reversed hepatosplenomegaly. Our data demonstrated that daily low doses of Brazilian propolis reduced the secondary chronic inflammatory process in the liver caused by L. amazonensis subcutaneous infection in a susceptible mice strain.

This study examined the effects of a high-speed power training program in peak muscle power and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of knee extensors in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Forty patients, 20 women (age 42.8 +/- 10.3 yr) and 20 men (age 44.0 +/- 8.7 yr) diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS were randomly assigned, with respect to sex, to either an exercise group or a control group. Participants from the exercise group performed 12 wk of supervised muscle power training of knee extensors. All subjects were tested for MVIC and peak muscle power at baseline and after the training intervention. A strain gauge was used to measure the MVIC, and peak muscle power was assessed with a linear encoder at five relative loads. The training-related effects were assessed using a t-test. The results showed no significant changes in the control group from baseline to postintervention evaluation. In contrast, the exercise group significantly increased MVIC (10.8%; p < 0.05) and muscle power at 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80% of the MVIC by 21.8, 14.5, 17.3, 19.4, and 22.3%, respectively (p < 0.01), after the training. These findings suggest that 12 wk of high-speed power training improve both MVIC and muscle power at five different loads in patients with relapsing-remitting MS.

Introduction: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality, especially in dialyses population., Objective: To determine the overall survival rate; the epidemiological and clinical profiles; the comorbidities and the variables associated with survival of the patients undergoing hemodialysis., Methods: This is a longitudinal and descriptive study with 162 patients undergoing hemodialysis, at the University Hospital. The categorical variables were described by frequency and percentage; numerical variables by mean and standard-deviation. The analysis by Cox Regression model was used to study the influence of several clinical and demographic variables in survival rates. Kaplan Meyer model was used to construct the survival curves of the significant variables., Results: The mean age was 48.09 years, and the monthly family income and level of education were reduced in most of the patients studied. Hypertension was the main comorbidity associated with CKD in this population, followed by Diabetes Mellitus. The variables that negatively influenced the survival rates were advanced age at the beginning of therapy and low hemoglobin and albumin levels. The overall survival was 84.41% and 63.32% in one and five years, respectively., Conclusion: The rate of survival was considered low compared others studies and was decreasing over the years, not representing improvements despite technological advances in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Advanced age, hypoalbuminemia and anemia are strong predictors of mortality.

Purpose: To develop an experimental model of acute inflammation, like aphthous ulcers, in oral cavity of rabbits, and also, to evaluate the results of the application of a polysaccharide spongy film of molasses from sugar cane as assist treatment in the healing process., Methods: Twenty adult rabbits weighting between 2.5 kg and 3.9 kg were divided into two groups: experimental and control infected ulcers were induced on the jugal mucosa by surgical excision. They were treated at the experimental group by curettage and dressing with spongy film of cellulosic polysaccharide film, whereas saline solution was used in the control group. Temporal evolution of the healing area, histopathology and bacteriological analysis were used to evaluate the healing process on the 3rd (D3), 7th (D7) and 11th days (D11)., Results: The healing time and bacteriological study showed no statistical differences on the group means. Analyzing the histopathology of the experimental group we verified epithelial hyperplasia from D3 to D11, instead in the control group there was a greater clutter of the epithelial cells from the D3 to D11., Conclusion: The experimental model used caused aphthous ulcers and the polysaccharide sponge film can be used as an aid in the symptomatic treatment and healing of the ulcerative lesions of the oral mucosa.

Background: Although resistance training adaptations in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients have been described, the detraining response in this population is largely unknown., Objective: [corrected] This study was designed to evaluate the effects of a 12-week detraining period on muscle strength (isometric and endurance) and muscle power of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients that had previously carried out a 12-week resistance training program (RTP)., Methods: Forty-two MS patients were randomly assigned into two groups: an exercise group (EG) that performed a 12-week RTP for the knee extensors muscles; and a control group (CG), that did not perform any specific training. Knee extension maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), muscle power and muscle endurance were evaluated before and after the RTP, as well as 12 weeks after training completion. A strain gauge was used to measure the maximal voluntary isometric contraction and muscle power was assessed with a linear encoder. Muscle endurance was interpreted as the number of repetitions that a patient could perform in a single set of knee extension exercise., Results: The EG increased MVIC and muscle power after the training period, although the training did not affect muscle endurance. After 12 weeks of detraining, MVIC returned to pre-training values but muscle power was still greater than pre-training values in the EG. The CG did not present any change in the variables measured during the intervention., Conclusions: A 12-week RTP improved MVIC and muscle power in MS patients. Additionally, 12 weeks of detraining blunted strength training adaptations in MS patients, although muscle power training adaptations were still evident after the detraining period.

Aim. Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that affects the teeth supporting structures, triggered by periodontal pathogens, and is influenced by environmental and genetic factors. Genes encoding molecules related to the immune response, such as cytokine, are the main candidates for polymorphisms analysis and may be possibly associated with this pathology. A G/C promoter polymorphism on the IL6 gene has been shown to affect basal IL-6 levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the IL6 c.-174G>C polymorphism and periodontitis in individuals from Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, Brazil. Material and Methods. Three hundred and thirty individuals (134 cases, 196 controls) were genotyped for the IL6 c.-174G>C by MS-PCR technique. Concentrations of salivary IL-6 were determined by ELISA method. Results. The IL6 c.-174G>C polymorphism was associated with periodontitis when comparing the distribution of genotypes between patients with periodontitis and control subjects. The GC genotype appeared as a protective factor for periodontitis. Results showed increased levels of salivary IL-6 in periodontitis patients. Nevertheless, there was no relationship between the concentrations of IL-6 and genotypes when comparing the case and control groups. Conclusions. Our data indicate an association between IL6 c.-174G>C polymorphism and periodontitis and showed that IL-6 may be considered an important marker for periodontitis.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the worst and most common brain tumor, characterized by high proliferation and invasion rates. Nanoparticles of biodegradable polymers for anticancer drug delivery have attracted interest in recent years since they provide targeted delivery and may overcame the obstacle imposed by blood-brain barrier. Here we investigated the antitumoral effect of ketoprofen-loaded nanocapsules (Keto-NC) treatment on in vitro and in vivo glioma progression. We observed that Keto-NC treatment decreased selectively the cell viability of a panel of glioma cell lines, while did not exhibited toxicity to astrocytes. We further demonstrate that the treatment with sub-therapeutic dose of Keto-NC reduced the in vivo glioma growth as well as reduced the malignity characteristics of implanted tumors. Keto-NC treatment improved the weight, the locomotion/exploration behavior of glioma-bearing rats. Importantly, Keto-NC treatment neither induced mortality or peripheral damage. Finally, Ketoprofen also altered the extracellular nucleotide metabolism of peripheral lymphocytes, suggesting that antiinflammatory effects of ketoprofen could also be associated with the modulation of the adenine nucleotide metabolism in lymphocytes. Data indicate at first time the potential of Keto-NC as a promising therapeutic alterative to GBM treatment.

New techniques for tissue engineering (TE) are rapidly emerging. The basic concept of autologous TE is to isolate cells from small biopsy specimens, and to expand these cells in culture for subsequent seeding onto biodegradable scaffolds. Nanocrystalline diamond films have attracted the attention of researchers from a variety of different areas in recent years, due to their unique and exceptional properties. In this approach, human dental stem cells (hDSCs) were characterized by flow cytometry and grown on diamond films with hydrogen (H)-terminated and oxygen (O)-terminated surfaces for 28 days, and then removed by lysis and washing with distilled water. Energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis was performed, showing that the regions with O-terminated surfaces contained much higher levels of deposited calcium, oxygen, and phosphorus. These results suggest that the extracellular matrix was considerably more developed in the O-terminated regions, as compared with the H-terminated regions. In addition, optical microscopy of hDSCs cultured on the diamond substrate with H- and O-terminated surfaces, before washing with distilled water, showed preferential directions of the cells arrangement, where orthogonal lines suggest that the cells appeared to be following the O-terminated regions or hydrophilic surface. These findings suggest that O-terminated diamond surfaces prepared on biodegradable scaffolds can be useful for mineralized dental tissue formation.

Background: Airway clearance therapy (ACT) is critical in cystic fibrosis (CF)., Objectives: To determine rates of self-reported adherence to ACT by patients treated in an adult CF program, to identify patient characteristics associated with poor adherence, to typify adherence according to ACT technique, and to indicate reasons for poor adherence., Methods: Our cross-sectional study included CF subjects age 16 years and older. Enrollees were evaluated via general structured questionnaire, adherence questionnaire, clinical assessment, spirometry, and S(pO(2)) values. Each was stratified by self-reporting protocol as high, moderate, or poor adherence to ACT. Concordance between physiotherapist recommended ACT technique and self-reported subject adherence was subjected to agreement analysis., Results: Of the 63 subjects studied, 38 (60%) qualified as high adherence, 12 (19%) as moderate adherence, and 13 (21%) as poor adherence. Logistic regression identified education level (less than high school) as an independent factor associated with poor adherence (odds ratio 10.2, 95% CI 1.23-84.7, P = .03). Positive expiratory pressure (κ = 0.87) and flutter device (κ = 0.63) usage both corresponded with a high level of agreement, while active cycle of breathing technique (κ = 0.40) and autogenic drainage (κ = 0.39) each showed moderate agreement. Agreement was low for percussion and postural drainage (κ = 0.23). Reasons given most frequently for poor adherence to ACT were "not enough time to do ACT" (28%), "cannot be bothered" (16%), and "do not enjoy ACT technique" (8%). Many (32%) provided no reason., Conclusions: Study outcomes showed a high rate of ACT adherence in adult CF subjects. Lower level of education was the most important factor in poor adherence to ACT. Self-reported adherence and treatment recommendations were in best agreement with positive expiratory pressure and flutter device techniques., (© 2013 Daedalus Enterprises.)

Although soccer is one of the most widely played sports around the world, studies about young players and the success factors in soccer are still scarce. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to offer some insight into the factors contributing to success in this sport and to describe how physiological and technical performance evolves in young soccer players. Soccer technical skills during match play, maximum voluntary isometric contraction and power of lower limbs, jumping ability and endurance parameters were assessed in 30 prepubescent male soccer players with the same experience in soccer training. Subjects were divided into 2 groups of 15 children, a younger group (YG), aged 9.4 +/- 0.3 years, and an older group (OG), aged 11.8 +/- 0.2 years. Correlations between technical and physiological parameters were also described. Significant difference was set at p < 0.05. Differences between YG and OG appeared in physiological performance, mainly in VO(2)peak expressed in absolute values, VO(2) at different speeds, perceived exertion in treadmill test, jump performance, strength, and peak power of lower limbs. Among the technical skills measured, significant differences were found only in heading. The differences found between groups showed that most physical capacities that were measured here have an important increase during the first stages of puberty, pointing out that a specific training at these ages is necessary to get an appropriate basis for future performance. Besides, over 30% of the technical performance measured in this study can be explained with the physiological parameters. The data shown in this paper help to determine the most important capacities in youth soccer, which can facilitate the development of more appropriate selection models and trainings.

Reconstituted keratin has potential as a raw material for orthopaedic applications. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vivo biocompatibility and osseointegration of keratin materials in an ovine model. Six different modifications of the keratin polymer, based on porous or dense constructs, regenerated by either neutral or acidic treatment, with or without hydroxyapatite, were made as small rods and inserted into drilled round defects in the femur and tibia of sheep. Histology was carried out on samples taken at different time points up to 24 weeks postsurgery. All keratin implants showed similar histological profiles, which included granulation tissue surrounding and infiltrating the implants, followed by new bone formation radiating from the existing bone. By 8 weeks, new bone had grown to within a short distance of the implant surface, and in some places was in direct apposition to the keratin implant. In the 12 to 24-week period, there was peripheral resorption and infiltration of bony trabeculae with regard to the porous constructs only. The tissue reaction appeared to model that of a fairly inert material. Further work on improving the extent of osseointegration and acceleration of the biodegradation rate of reconstituted keratin is underway., ((c) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The aim of this study was to characterize rhizobial isolates from Cratylia mollis Mart. ex Benth, Calliandra depauperata Benth. and Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poir. by means of rhizobial colonies morphology and restriction analysis of the 16S ribosomal gene (16S rDNA-ARDRA). Nodules were collected in the field and from plants cultivated in a greenhouse experiment using Caatinga soil samples. Sixty seven isolates were described by morphological analysis. Forty seven representative isolates were used for ARDRA analysis using seven restriction enzymes. We observed high diversity of both slow and fast-growing rhizobia that formed three morpho-physiological clusters. A few fast-growing isolates formed a group of strains of the Bradyrhizobium type; however, most of them diverged from the B. japonicum and B. elkanii species. Cratylia mollis nodule isolates were the most diverse, while all Mimosa tenuiflora isolates displayed fast growth with no pH change and were clustered into groups bearing 100% similarity, according to ARDRA results.

Four different modifications of the keratin polymer were made as small rods and inserted into the subcutaneous tissue of the hind limbs of adult female sheep. Material 1 was porous, whereas materials 2, 3, and 4 had little or no internal porosity. The tissue response to each material was determined with regard to the extent of the inflammatory reaction and formation of a fibrous capsule around the implant, and the integrity and morphological appearance of the implant was assessed. An inflammatory cell infiltrate and fibrous capsule formed at an early stage around implants of material 1. Subsequently the inflammation decreased, the fibrous capsule became more mature, and the implants became cavitated and invaded by mono- and multi-nucleated macrophages, fibroblasts and blood vessels, with breakdown of the implant material occurring at its periphery. Similar changes were observed for implants made of materials 2 and 4. Implants of material 3 were remarkable in that, while surrounded by an inflammatory infiltrate and a fibrous capsule, they did not show any disturbance even at 24 weeks. The fibrous capsule around material 3 was thinner than that around material 1 at 6 to 24 weeks (both materials prepared using ammonium thioglycollate). No difference in capsule thickness was found for materials 2 and 4 (both materials prepared using thioglycollic acid)., (Copyright 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Unlabelled: The nitrous oxide is an inhaling gas that can increase intratympanic pressure during the anesthetic act and cause negative pressure after it is discontinued, mainly in patients with Eustachian tube dysfunction. These pressure variations may come up with clinical implications such as tympanic membrane rupture, ossicular system disarticulation, haemotympanum, barotraumas, prosthesis displacement stapaedotomy and tympanic graft lateralization after tympanoplasty, in addition to serous fluid entrance into the middle ear during the negative pressure phase., Aim: To evaluate the nitrous oxide influence on the middle ear pressure in a population without tube malfunction performing pre and postoperative tympanometry., Study Design: Transversal cohort., Material and Method: A prospective study was carried out with Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho Hospital- UFRJ intern patients, subject to general anesthesia with the use of 50% nitrous oxide from April to June 2003. It was also evaluated whether the duration of surgery, associated anesthetics, presence of allergic rhinitis and nasal septal deviation could contribute to the appearing of intratympanic pressure alteration., Results: The sample is made up of 50 patients, in almost half of them (48%), postoperative tympanometry alterations (type C curve) were found, when comparing to the preoperative tympanometric control (type A curve). Neither sex nor age interfered in the appearing of tympanometry alterations during the post operative as well as the surgery timing. The anesthetic type volatile associate, nasal septal deviation and allergic rhinitis were not able to influence during the postoperative middle ear pressure., Conclusion: The nitrous oxide modifies intratympanic pressure during the anesthetic act as well as after it was discontinued.

A fit and healthy 22 year old of Asian ancestry, living in New Zealand with no previous history of asthma or dermatitis, visited the Gold Coast, Queensland, for a vacation. Having been cautioned about the intensity of the Australian sun, he arrived armed with a hat and new SPF130 sunscreen that he had obtained from Japan. On the third day of his vacation he noticed the appearance of many erythematous papules and some vesicles on the dorsum of the forearm, arm and the 'v' of the neck. His face was spared. On the fourth day, the papules coalesced to form swollen, warm, very pruritic, erythematous plaques (Figure 1). The patient commenced taking loratadine 10 mg per day, but did not improve after seven days of treatment.