Search

TB is currently considered to be the most important infectious disease among HIV-1-infected subjects in developing countries, such as Brazil. A retrospective analysis of TB cases was performed, occurring from January 1995 to December 2010 in our cohort of 599 HIV positive patients. The primary outcome was the occurrence of active TB. Forty-one TB cases were diagnosed over this period of 16 years, among 599 HIV positive patients in an open cohort setting in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil. All-time lowest mean CD4 T cell count at the time of TB diagnosis was 146 and 186 cells/mm³, respectively. The mean HIV viral load was 5.19 log10 copies/mL, and 59% of the patients were on HAART. TB incidence was 1.47 per 100 person-years, for a total follow-up time of 2775 person-years. The probability of surviving up to 10 years after diagnosis was 75% for TB patients as opposed to 96% for patients with other, non-TB opportunistic diseases (p = 0.03). TB can be considered a public health problem among people living with HIV in Brazil despite of the widespread use of antiretrovirals for the treatment of HIV infection/AIDS.

The aim of the present study was to isolate S. aureus strains resistant to antibiotics, characterize the genotype profiles of resistance staphylococci, and evaluate the efficacy of antiseptic agents and disinfectants used in two public hospitals of Vitoria da Conquista, Bahia, Brazil. Clinical samples were obtained from ICU environments and equipment surfaces in two public hospitals in Vitoria da Conquista. Broth cultures were plated onto mannitol salt agar, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by the broth microdilution method according to CLSI. MRSA strains were submitted to PCR for detecting the mecA gene. PCR products were purified and sequenced for SCCmec type identification. Moreover, the strains were tested for efficacy of different disinfectant solutions. S. aureus were isolated from 31 and 67 sites in each hospital, respectively. Among the isolates from hospital 1, 07 (22.6%) were resistant to oxacillin while 28 (41.8%) were resistant in hospital 2. Thirty-one were positive for the mecA gene. All isolates showed SCCmec type III genotype characteristics of the Brazilian epidemic clone. In disinfectant tests, sodium hypochlorite (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0%), 2% chlorhexidine gluconate, quaternary ammonium, peracetic acid and formaldehyde were effective against the isolates tested. The strains showed higher resistance to vinegar (4% acetic acid), alcohol and glutaraldehyde. The findings of this study should assist in reducing the occurrence of nosocomial infections and therefore the morbidity, mortality and socio-economic burden caused by prolonged hospitalization.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the post-embryonic development of Chrysomya putoria (Wiedemann 1818) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) reared on a diet of gizzard or gizzard/agar homogenate, with a diet of beef used as the control. Four replicates per treatment were performed (60 mL of each diet). The gizzard (60%), distilled water, and agar homogenate were combined in a blender. Each replicate consisted of 40 newly hatched larvae of C. putoria (5(th) generation). Each glass beaker containing a diet was inserted into a larger flask containing sawdust, which was covered with a nylon cloth held in place by an elastic band. The larvae were weighed and stored in test tubes sealed with a nylon cloth and an elastic band. The average temperature, measured with a thermohygrograph, was 20.6 °C, and the average relative humidity was 67.7%. The variation in the mean weight of mature larvae and in the duration of the larval, pupal, and total stages (newly hatched larvae to imagoes) were analyzed by Student's t-test (α = 5%), while viability was compared by ANOVA. The sex ratio was evaluated by the chi-squared test. The average duration of the period from the larval to imago stage was 8.868 days on the beef diet, 8.676 on the gizzard diet, and 9.067 on the gizzard/agar homogenate diet. Larval survival rates on these diets were 98, 92, and 73%, respectively, while pupal viabilities were 98, 91, and 71%, respectively, and larva-to-imago viabilities were 93, 83, and 64%, respectively. The duration of the pupal period differed significantly between the blowflies reared on the beef and gizzard/agar homogenate diets. The two diets proved to be good alternatives for rearing C. putoria.

Background: Metastatic melanoma is a highly aggressive skin cancer and currently resistant to systemic therapy. Melanomas may involve genetic, epigenetic and metabolic abnormalities. Evidence is emerging that epigenetic changes might play a significant role in tumor cell plasticity and metastatic phenotype of melanoma cells., Principal Findings: In this study, we developed a systematic approach to identify genes implicated in melanoma progression. To do this, we used the Affymetrix GeneChip Arrays to screen 34,000 mouse transcripts in melan-a melanocytes, 4C pre-malignant melanocytes, 4C11- non-metastatic and 4C11+ metastatic melanoma cell lines. The genome-wide association studies revealed pathways commonly over-represented in the transition from immortalized to pre-malignant stage, and under-represented in the transition from non-metastatic to metastatic stage. Additionally, the treatment of cells with 10 µM 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5AzaCdR) for 48 hours allowed us to identify genes differentially re-expressed at specific stages of melan-a malignant transformation. Treatment of human primary melanocytes with the demethylating agent 5AzaCdR in combination to the histone deacetylase inhibitor Trichostatin A (TSA) revealed changes on melanocyte morphology and gene expression which could be an indicator of epigenetic flexibility in normal melanocytes. Moreover, changes on gene expression recognized by affecting the melanocyte biology (NDRG2 and VDR), phenotype of metastatic melanoma cells (HSPB1 and SERPINE1) and response to cancer therapy (CTCF, NSD1 and SRC) were found when Mel-2 and/or Mel-3-derived patient metastases were exposed to 5AzaCdR plus TSA treatment. Hierarchical clustering and network analyses in a panel of five patient-derived metastatic melanoma cells showed gene interactions that have never been described in melanomas., Significance: Despite the heterogeneity observed in melanomas, this study demonstrates the utility of our murine melanoma progression model to identify molecular markers commonly perturbed in metastasis. Additionally, the novel gene expression signature identified here may be useful in the future into a model more closely related to translational research.

Aims: We have isolated a new muscarinic protein (MT-Mlα) from the venom of the Brazilian coral snake Micrurus lemniscatus., Main Methods: This small protein, which had a molecular mass of 7,048Da, shared high sequence homology with three-finger proteins that act on cholinergic receptors. The first 12 amino acid residues of the N-terminal sequence were determined to be: Leu-Ile-Cys-Phe-Ile-Cys-Phe-Ser-Pro-Thr-Ala-His., Key Findings: The MT-Mlα was able to displace the [(3)H]QNB binding in the hippocampus of rats. The binding curve in competition experiments with MT-Mlα was indicative of two types of [(3)H]QNB-binding site with pK(i) values of 9.08±0.67 and 6.17±0.19, n=4, suggesting that various muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) subtypes may be the target proteins of MT-Mlα. The MT-Mlα and the M(1) antagonist pirenzepine caused a dose-dependent block on total [(3)H]inositol phosphate accumulation induced by carbachol. The IC(50) values for MT-Mlα and pirenzepine were, respectively, 33.1 and 2.26 nM. Taken together, these studies indicate that the MT-Mlα has antagonist effect on mAChRs in rat hippocampus., Significance: The results of the present study show, for the first time, that mAChRs function is drastically affected by MT-Mlα since it not only has affinity for mAChRs but also has the ability to inhibit mAChRs., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Due to the scarcity of information related to the epidemiology of Cryptosporidium infection in passerine birds, this study aimed to determine the periodicity of fecal shedding of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts, after natural infection, and its clinical signs, mortality, and molecular characterization. Four hundred eighty fecal samples were collected from 40 birds, including 372 samples from 31 adult birds and 108 samples from nine young birds (up to 12 months old), housed in five aviaries, monthly from September 2007 to September 2008, with the exception of April. The birds originated from aviaries in which the following species were raised: great-billed seed-finch (Oryzoborus maximiliani), lesser seed-finch (Oryzoborus angolensis), ultramarine grosbeak (Cyanocompsa brissonii), and rusty-collared seedeater (Sporophila collaris). The samples were preserved in 2.5% potassium dichromate at 4 degrees C until processing. The oocysts were purified by centrifugal flotation in Sheather's solution, followed by genomic DNA extraction and molecular characterization of oocysts using the nested polymerase chain reaction for amplification of fragments of the 18S subunit of rRNA gene. Intermittent shedding of oocysts was observed by positive amplification for Cryptosporidium spp. in 91 (24.5%) samples of adult birds and 14 (13%) of young birds. The sequencing of the amplified fragments enabled the identification of Cryptosporidium galli. Although all the aviaries had birds positive for C. galli, morbidity or mortality was observed in only one aviary and was associated with concomitant infection with Escherichia coli and Isospora sp.

Biochemical biomarkers (the activities of acetylcholinesterase, 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deetilase, carboxylesterase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase) were evaluated in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) that had been exposed to benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and the organophosphate pesticide diazinon (DZ), at 0.5mg/L. The animals were pre-exposed to BaP for three days, and DZ was then added to both non-exposed and pre-exposed groups, being exposed for 2 and 7 additional days. The level of BaP was also measured in the bile. BaP caused the induction of phase I and II enzymes, and DZ caused carboxylesterase inhibition in gills but not in liver. AChE activity was unchanged. No significant modulation was observed in antioxidant enzymes. When in combination with BaP, DZ caused a significant decrease of EROD and GST induction. Levels of BaP in the bile were also increased in fish exposed to BaP combined with DZ, indicating an interference of DZ in responses activated by BaP., (Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This qualitative-descriptive study was carried out in a university hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from August, 2007 to December, 2008. Nursing care was described and characterized based on the perceptions of 26 hospitalized patients. Data collection was carried out through interviews and the "Almanac" creative and sensitivity technique, followed by thematic content analysis from which the following category emerged: "Nursing care dimensions from the subjects' perspectives scientific-technical and expressive". The results show that these dimensions should be manifested in a coordinated way and integral care should be designed and constructed in the relationship with the other. The participants value and defend an alliance between these dimensions and expect nurses to integrate them into care actions. Knowledge about the patients' perceptions concerning hospital care collaborates to the promotion of the environment and favors its restoration through effective care generated in this relationship.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium species and genotypes in birds kept in captivity in Brazil. A total of 966 samples from 18 families of birds was collected and stored in 5% potassium dichromate solution at 4 degrees C until processing. Oocysts were purified in Sheather sugar solution following extraction of genomic DNA. Molecular analyses were performed using nested-PCR for amplification of fragments of the 18S subunit of rRNA gene and of the actin gene. Amplification of Cryptosporidium DNA fragments was obtained in 47 (4.86%) samples. Sequencing of amplified fragments and phylogenetic analyses allowed the identification of Cryptosporidium baileyi in a black vulture (Coragyps atratus), a domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) and a saffron finch (Sicalis flaveola); Cryptosporidium galli in canaries (Serinus canaria), a cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) and lesser seed-finches (Oryzoborus angolensis); Cryptosporidium meleagridis in a domestic chicken (G. g. domesticus); Cryptosporidium parvum in a cockatiel (N. hollandicus); Cryptosporidium avian genotype I in a canary (S. canaria) and an Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus); Cryptosporidium avian genotype II in ostriches (Struthio camelus) and Cryptosporidium avian genotype III in a cockatiel (N. hollandicus) and a peach-faced lovebird (Agapornis roseicolis).

Purpose: Bladder autoaugmentation was described in 1989, and the effectiveness of this surgical technique in the management of neurogenic bladder dysfunctions is still debated. Few experimental studies with different animals and diverse changes in technique have been described, making comparison of studies difficult. The aim of this study was to assess laparoscopic bladder autoaugmentation in dogs, allowing future studies to be developed using a uniform surgical technique and the results to be compared., Materials and Methods: Seven male mongrel dogs weighing from 15 to 20 kg under general anesthesia underwent urodynamic evaluation. Laparoscopic bladder autoaugmentation was then attempted either with or without the use of the intravesical silicone balloon., Results: The reproduction of the open technique caused complications. Changing the method of dissection was essential for completing the surgery. As different limitations appeared solutions were found as well. The use of the intravesical balloon requires the surgery to be different, although quite similar., Conclusions: Laparoscopic bladder autoaugmentation is feasible in the canine model with and without the intravesical silicone balloon. The best way to perform the surgery was identified for both methods. Future studies can be developed using a uniform surgical technique, and the functional results will be comparable.

A homologous series of beta-brominated porphyrins derived from meso-tetrakis(4-carbomethoxyphenyl)porphyrinatomanganese(III) chloride, i.e., Mn(III)(Br(x)TCMPP)Cl (x=0,2,4,6, and 8), was prepared and investigated as cytochrome P450 models. Hydroxylations of cyclohexane by iodosylbenzene (PhIO) and iodobenzene diacetate (PhI(OAc)(2)) in the presence or absence of water were carried out as P450 model reactions. The influence of the degree of beta-bromination of the macrocycle on the UV-vis spectra, the Mn(III)/Mn(II) reduction potential, and the catalytic properties of the Mn(III)(Br(x)TCMPP)Cl (x=0,2,4,6, and 8) series were examined. The catalytic efficiency does not correlate with the Mn(III)/Mn(II) reduction potential and shows a bell-shaped behavior, where the best results are achieved with the hexabrominated complex. Better hydroxylation yields were achieved by using PhI(OAc)(2) as oxygen donor, but at expenses of catalyst recovery; addition of water to this system resulted in a increase in the reaction rate. Recycling of the more oxidatively robust complexes Mn(III)(Br(6)TCMPP)Cl and Mn(III)(Br(8)TCMPP)Cl is feasible when using PhIO as oxygen donor. Selectivity and UV-vis data suggested that hydroxylation by both PhIO and PhI(OAc)(2) share closely related active species and mechanism. We also show that the Mn(III)/Mn(II) reduction potentials are inappropriate predictors of P450-type activity of Mn porphyrin-catalyzed oxidations.

Eight multiparous Holstein cows averaging 570 +/- 43 kg of body weight and 60 +/- 20 d in milk were used in a double Latin square design with four 21-d experimental periods to determine the effects of feeding ground or whole flaxseed with or without monensin supplementation (0.02% on a dry matter basis) on milk production and composition, feed intake, digestion, blood composition, and fatty acid profile of milk. Intake of dry matter was similar among treatments. Cows fed whole flaxseed had higher digestibility of acid detergent fiber but lower digestibilities of crude protein and ether extract than those fed ground flaxseed; monensin had no effect on digestibility. Milk production tended to be greater for cows fed ground flaxseed (22.8 kg/d) compared with those fed whole flaxseed (21.4 kg/d). Processing of flax-seed had no effect on 4% fat-corrected milk yield and milk protein and lactose concentrations. Monensin supplementation had no effect on milk production but decreased 4% fat-corrected milk yield as a result of a decrease in milk fat concentration. Feeding ground compared with whole flaxseed decreased concentrations of 16:0, 17:0, and cis6-20:4 and increased those of cis6-18:2, cis9, trans11-18:2, and cis3-18:3 in milk fat. As a result, there was a decrease in concentrations of medium-chain and saturated fatty acids and a trend for higher concentrations of long-chain fatty acids in milk fat when feeding ground compared with whole flaxseed. Monensin supplementation increased concentrations of cis9 and trans11-18:2 and decreased concentrations of saturated fatty acids in milk fat. There was an interaction between flaxseed processing and monensin supplementation, with higher milk fat concentration of trans11-18:1 for cows fed ground flaxseed with monensin than for those fed the other diets. Flaxseed processing and monensin supplementation successfully modified the fatty acid composition of milk fat that might favor nutritional value for consumers.

Antibiotic restriction can be useful in maintaining bacterial susceptibility. The objective of this study was verify if restriction of cefepime, the most frequently used cephalosporin in our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), would ameliorate broad-spectrum susceptibility of Gram-negative isolates. Nine hundred and ninety-five premature and term newborns were divided into 3 cohorts, according to the prevalence of cefepime use in the unit: Group 1 (n=396) comprised patients admitted from January 2002 to December 2003, period in which cefepime was the most used broad-spectrum antibiotic. Patients in Group 2 (n=349) were admitted when piperacillin/tazobactam replaced cefepime (January to December 2004) and in Group 3 (n=250) when cefepime was reintroduced (January to September 2005). Meropenem was the alternative third-line antibiotic for all groups. Multiresistance was defined as resistance to 2 or more unrelated antibiotics, including necessarily a third or fourth generation cephalosporin, piperacillin/tazobactam or meropenem. Statistics involved Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney and logrank tests, Kaplan-Meier analysis. Groups were comparable in length of stay, time of mechanical ventilation, gestational age and birth weight. Ninety-eight Gram-negative isolates were analyzed. Patients were more likely to remain free of multiresistant isolates by Kaplan-Meier analysis in Group 2 when compared to Group 1 (p=0.017) and Group 3 (p=0.003). There was also a significant difference in meropenem resistance rates. Cefepime has a greater propensity to select multiresistant Gram-negative pathogens than piperacillin/tazobactam and should not be used extensively in neonatal intensive care.

The fluorescence-based solvatochromism (fluorosolvatochromism) of 4-[(1-methyl-4(1H)-pyridinylidene)-ethylidene]-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-one (Brooker's merocyanine) was studied. The results revealed that the fluorescence emission band of the dye was dependent on the medium (lambda(fl)(max)= 573 nm in water and lambda(fl)(max)=622 nm in DMF). The fluorescence quantum yields (phi (f)) were calculated for the dye in the solvents investigated. Low phi (f) values ( < 10%) were obtained for the dye and in order to better comprehend the radiative and nonradiative decay processes of this dye, its fluorescence lifetime in methanol was measured and was found to be very short (230 ps). The results suggest that the dye in the excited state decays rapidly through nonradiative processes. The behavior of the probe in binary mixtures including a hydrogen-bond accepting solvent (acetonitrile, N,N-dimethylformamide, and dimethylsulfoxide) and a hydroxylic solvent (water, methanol, ethanol, propan-2-ol, and butan-1-ol) was also investigated. All data were successfully fitted to a model based on solvent exchange equilibria, which allowed the separation of the different contributions of the solvent species in the solvation shell of the dye. The data obtained for the mixed solvents were explained based on solute-solvent and solvent-solvent interactions.

Beta-hexabromo-5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-carbomethoxyphenyl)porphyrinatomanganese(III) chloride (Mn(III)(Br6TCMPP)Cl) was prepared by selective Br2-hexabromation of its parent non-brominated manganese complex (Mn(III)(TCMPP)Cl), whereas the octabrominated analogue beta-octabromo-5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-carbomethoxyphenyl)porphyrinatomanganese(III) chloride (Mn(III)(Br8TCMPP)Cl) was synthesized via metallation of the corresponding free-base. Beta-octabromo-5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-carbomethoxyphenyl)porphyrin was obtained by demetallation of its brominated Cu(II) derivative, which, in its turn, was prepared by either a Br2 or an N-bromosuccinimide protocol. Relative to Mn(III)(TCMPP)Cl (E(1/2) = -0.16 V vs. normal hydrogen electrode, CH2Cl2), the Mn(III)/Mn(II) reduction potential of Mn(III)(Br8TCMPP)Cl and Mn(III)(Br6TCMPP)Cl showed anodic shifts of 0.43 and 0.33 V, respectively, which corresponded to a linear shift of 0.05 V per bromine added. These manganese complexes were evaluated as cytochrome P450 mimics in catalytic iodosylbenzene (PhIO)-oxidations of cyclohexane and cyclohexene. In aerobic PhIO-oxidation of cyclohexene, epoxidation and allylic autoxidation reactions were inversely related, competitive processes; the most efficient P450-mimics were the least effective autoxidation catalysts. Mn(III)(Br6TCMPP)Cl was more efficient as epoxidation or hydroxylation catalyst than both its fully and non-beta-brominated counterparts were. There was no linear relationship between the catalytic efficiency and both the number of bromine substituents and the Mn(III)/Mn(II) potential; these observations were compared to Lyons system literature data and discussed. Analogously to enzymatic optimum pH effects, an optimum redox potential effect is suggested as relevant in designing and understanding cytochrome P450 biomimetic catalysts.

The ET polarity values of 4-[(1-methyl-4(1H)-pyridinylidene)-ethylidene]-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-one (Brooker's merocyanine) were collected in mixed-solvent systems comprising a formamide [N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), N-methylformamide (NMF) or formamide (FA)] and a hydroxylic (water, methanol, ethanol, propan-2-ol or butan-1-ol) solvent. Binary mixtures involving DMF and the other formamides (NMF and FA) as well as NMF and FA were also studied. These data were employed in the investigation of the preferential solvation (PS) of the probe. Each solvent system was analyzed in terms of both solute-solvent and solvent-solvent interactions. These latter interactions were responsible for the synergism observed in many binary mixtures. This synergistic behaviour was observed for DMF-propan-2-ol, DMF-butan-1-ol, FA-methanol, FA-ethanol and for the mixtures of the alcohols with NMF. All data were successfully fitted to a model based on solvent-exchange equilibria, which allowed the separation of the different contributions of the solvent species in the solvation shell of the dye. The results suggest that both hydrogen bonding and solvophobic interactions contribute to the formation of the solvent complexes responsible for the observed synergistic effects in the PS of the dye.

Objective: To introduce the notion of noninvasive mechanical ventilation as an alternative for invasive ventilation in children, describing advantages and disadvantages, indications, and the process of equipment installation., Source of Data: Literature review through PubMed/Medline, using as source articles focusing on noninvasive ventilation in pediatric populations, as well as consensus statements and metanalyses concerning noninvasive ventilation in adults., Summary of the Findings: The main indication for noninvasive ventilation is respiratory failure due to hypercapnia. It is contra-indicated in the presence of hemodynamic instability. The advantages of noninvasive ventilation include: the equipment is easy to install; it is not invasive and involves less discomfort; there is a lower incidence of complications associated with the endotracheal tube; lower cost. The disadvantages are: gastric distention; transient hypoxemia; facial skin necrosis. The equipment required for noninvasive ventilation includes an interface (mask) and a respirator. The removal of noninvasive ventilation equipment is relatively simple, but chronic patients may require assistance in the home., Conclusions: Noninvasive ventilation is a less costly, efficient and simple to perform alternative in cases of respiratory failure without hemodynamic instability.

In this study we investigated: (a) the effects of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injections of moxonidine (an alpha2-adrenergic and imidazoline receptor agonist) on the ingestion of water and NaCl induced by 24 h of water deprivation; (b) the effects of i.c.v. injection of moxonidine on central angiotensin II (ANG II)- and carbachol-induced water intake; (c) the effects of the pre-treatment with i.c.v. idazoxan (an alpha2-adrenergic and imidazoline receptor antagonist) and RX 821002 (a selective alpha2-adrenergic antagonist) on the antidipsogenic action of central moxonidine. Male Holtzman rats had stainless steel cannulas implanted in the lateral cerebral ventricle. Intracerebroventricular injection of moxonidine (5 and 20 nmol/1 microl) reduced the ingestion of 1.5% NaCl solution (4.1 +/- 1.1 and 2.9 +/- 2.5 ml/2 h, respectively vs. control = 7.4 +/- 2.1 ml/2 h) and water intake (2.0 +/- 0.6 and 0.3 +/- 0.2 ml/h, respectively vs. control = 13.0 +/- 1.4 ml/h) induced by water deprivation. Intracerebroventricular moxonidine (5 nmol/1 microl) also reduced i.c.v. ANG II-induced water intake (2.8 +/- 0.9 vs. control = 7.9 +/- 1.7 ml/1 h) and i.c.v. moxonidine (10 and 20 nmol/1 microl) reduced i.c.v. carbachol-induced water intake (4.3 +/- 1.7 and 2.1 +/- 0.9, respectively vs. control = 9.2 +/- 1.0 ml/1 h). The pre-treatment with i.c.v. idazoxan (40 to 320 nmol/1 microl) abolished the inhibitory effect of i.c.v. moxonidine on carbachol-induced water intake. Intracerebroventricular idazoxan (320 nmol/1 microl) partially reduced the inhibitory effect of moxonidine on water deprivation-induced water intake and produced only a tendency to reduce the antidipsogenic effect of moxonidine on ANG II-induced water intake. RX 821002 (80 and 160 nmol/1 microl) completely abolished the antidipsogenic action of moxonidine on ANG II-induced water intake. The results show that central injections of moxonidine strongly inhibit water and NaCl ingestion. They also suggest the involvement of central alpha2-adrenergic receptors in the antidipsogenic action of moxonidine.

The therapeutic and prophylactic activities of closantel given to calves inoculated with larvae of Dermatobia hominis were studied. Calves (n = 9 principals, plus 3 nontreated controls) were given closantel at different dosages (8 to 12.5 mg/kg) and schedules of treatment. The largest dosage of closantel (12.5 mg/kg) had the most efficacious therapeutic activity (97.3%). Prophylactic activity was also seen in calves given the drug before they were experimentally inoculated.

Symptoms and signs in four patients with thalidomide-induced neuropathy developing during treatment of discoid lupus were limited for long period to distal paresthesiae with altered sensory conduction velocities. Semi-thin biopsy specimens of the distal sural nerve showed depopulation of myelinized fibers, mainly affecting those of large caliber, and signs of axonal degeneration. Study of dissociated fibers showed a high proportion of E fibers. Morphometry confirmed the axonal lesion. Ultrastructural examination demonstrated anomalies of axons of amyelinic fibers (vacuoles, lamellar figures) and of Schwann cells (stacked cytoplasmic prolongations), together with numerous collagen pockets, all non-specific lesions. The disease course was slow, with disappearance of sensory symptoms in a few weeks in 3 of the 4 cases and normal clinical findings in one of the four patients one year after cessation of treatment. Definite correlations between the dose administered and the severity of the neuropathy could not be established. The still poorly understood mechanism of action is discussed.

A patient with a left parieto-occipital tumor presented generalized convulsions, and aphasia with alexia and agraphia. Diagnosis was confirmed by CT scan. Partial excision only was possible and was followed by radiotherapy. Histology showed the tumor to be composed of moderate and large sized cells with a granular PAS+ cytoplasm. Protoplasmic astrocytes were numerous at the periphery. Electron microscopy demonstrated typical features of Abrikossof's granular cell tumor: heterogeneous granulations constituted mainly of secondary lysosomes, autophagic vacuoles, multivesicular bodies, and rare angular bodies. The granular cells were interspersed with astrocytes, the feet of which were implanted on the capillary basal membrane. Immunoperoxidases assay of gliofibrillary protein acid demonstrated high levels in the intercellular prolongations, considered here to be astrocytic, but weak concentrations in the granular cells. This suggests uptake by the latter cells of adjacent astrocytic gliofibrillary protein acid, especially as the action of an anti-albumin serum on the tumor demonstrated that the granular cells can take up extracellular proteins by a passive mechanism. These findings stand against an astrocytic origin of the tumor. Comparison with other granular cell tumors, particularly pituicytomas, provides evidence of morphological unity, but cerebral granular cell tumors are rich in astrocytes, whereas these are absent in pituicytomas. The oncogenic unity of these tumors has not been established.