Induced Corneal Ulcers in Cats - Effects of 2% Dorzolamide on Epithelization Time and on the Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9

Background: Topically administered 2% dorzolamide is among the most commonly used agents to lower IOP. As a complication of glaucoma, blind patients may develop corneal ulcers secondary to trauma. Nonetheless, in patients with a hypertensive or glaucomatous eye, in which the cornea has also been ulcerated, medical hypotensive therapy should not be discontinued. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine whether the instillation of a benzalkonium chloride (BAK)-preserved 2% dorzolamide alters corneal wound healing time and the levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-9) in the tears of cats with experimentally induced corneal ulcers. Materials, Methods & Results: Sixteen cats (8/group) were randomly assigned to receive 40 µL of 2% dorzolamide (TG) or saline (CG) 3 times daily until corneal re-epithelialization. Experimental keratectomies were performed under general and topical anesthesia using an operating microscope. For this purpose, a millimitred trephine was calibrated and used to create a temporal paraxial corneal ulcer with a diameter of 6 mm and a depth of 200 µm. After corneal wounding, the ulcerated area, the healing time, blepharospasm, conjunctival hyperemia, and aqueous flare were compared between groups. Tears were collected at baseline and 24 and 48 h after keratectomy, and the total MMP-9 was quantified by ELISA. Data were assessed statistically using unpaired Student’s t test, one-way, and two-way ANOVA followed by a Bonferroni post hoc test. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05 for all analyses.  The average time to achieve corneal wound healing did not differ between groups (P = 0.36) and was 65.50 ± 3.62 h in the CG and 71.00 ± 4.58 h in the TG. Twenty-four h after keratectomy, the ulcerated area in the CG was 3.34 mm2 larger than that observed in the TG (P = 0.04); the rest of the comparisons did not reach statistical significance at any time point between groups (P > 0.05). Higher blepharospasm scores were observed in cats of TG (P = 0.04). When compared with baseline of both groups, the levels of MMP-9 increased significantly at 24 and 48 h post-keratectomy (P < 0.001), but differences between groups were not observed at 24 and 48 h post-keratectomy (P > 0.05). Discussion: In cats, 9 mm axial corneal ulcers created by superficial debridement re-epithelize approximately 48 h post-wounding. In the present study, re-epithelialization post keratectomy occurred within an average time of 68.25 h in most cats and in a delayed manner in one cat of the TG after 96 h. In the current study, the lesions in both groups healed without corneal scarring, pigmentation, or vascularization. Although BAC was present in all topical medications used in the present study, the authors attribute the higher scores of blepharospasm in the TG to the rheological characteristics and the pH of the dorzolamide ophthalmic solution. Indeed, the pH value of dorzolamide (5.58) may cause signs of irritation, as the tear film has an approximate pH of 7.6. Previous studies showed that ulcerated corneas presented significantly higher levels of MMP-9 in tears at the early stages (8 to 36 h) post-wounding. In the current study, the levels of this enzyme after wounding did not change significantly in the tears of cats treated with 2% dorzolamide when compared to the eyes in the control group. This study showed that the instillation of a BAC-preserved 2% dorzolamide ophthalmic solution did not impair the corneal wound healing time or the early expression of MMP-9 in the tears of cats with experimentally induced corneal ulcers. However, our results warrant further investigation in patients with ocular hypertension or glaucoma presenting concomitant naturally occurring corneal ulcers to certify our findings. Keywords: carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, benzalkonium chloride, ulcerative keratitis, corneal healing, glaucoma

Rotavirus Genotype Distribution after Vaccine Introduction, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Brazil introduced rotavirus vaccination in March 2006. We studied 133 rotavirus-positive fecal samples collected from February 2005 through December 2007. Genotype G2P[4] was found in 1.4% of samples in 2005, in 44% in 2006, and in 96% in 2007. Rotavirus detection rate decreased from 38% in 2005 to 24% in 2007 (p = 0.012)

Temas, metodologias e núcleos de sentido

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a produção científica do Mestrado Profissional em Ciências Sociais para o Ensino Médio (MPCS), da Fundação Joaquim Nabuco, a partir dos seus trabalhos de conclusão de curso (TCCs). Considerando o Ensino de Sociologia um subcampo das Ciências Sociais e da Educação, ponderamos que os TCCs operam neste espaço como produtos e produtores de discurso. Os sentidos e as representações expressos nos textos foram examinados a partir da análise de conteúdo, utilizando o software MAXQDA. Apesar de o MPCS ser um mestrado profissional, o estudo revelou que os TCCs adotaram o modelo dissertação, ainda que com metodologias variadas, e a palavra-chave mais frequente é “sociologia”, e não “ensino de sociologia”. Dentre os temas, o mais explorado foi metodologia de ensino

Different infective forms trigger distinct immune response in experimental Chagas disease.

Although metacyclic and blood trypomastigotes are completely functional in relation to parasite-host interaction and/or target cell invasion, they differ in the molecules present on the surface. Thus, aspects related to the variability that the forms of T. cruzi interacts with host cells may lead to fundamental implications on the immune response against this parasite and, consequently, the clinical evolution of Chagas disease. We have shown that BT infected mice presented higher levels of parasitemia during all the acute phase of infection. Moreover, the infection with either MT or BT forms resulted in increased levels of total leukocytes, monocytes and lymphocytes, specifically later for MT and earlier for BT. The infection with BT forms presented earlier production of proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α and later of IFN-γ by both T cells subpopulations. This event was accompanied by an early cardiac inflammation with an exacerbation of this process at the end of the acute phase. On the other hand, infection with MT forms result in an early production of IFN-γ, with subsequent control in the production of this cytokine by IL-10, which provided to these animals an immunomodulatory profile in the end of the acute phase. These results are in agreement with what was found for cardiac inflammation where animals infected with MT forms showed intense cardiac inflammation later at infection, with a decrease in the same at the end of this phase. In summary, our findings emphasize the importance of taking into account the inoculums source of T. cruzi, since vectorial or transfusional routes of T. cruzi infection may trigger distinct parasite-host interactions during the acute phase that may influence relevant biological aspects of chronic Chagas disease

Characterization and biogeographic history of neotropical dry ecosystems

A região Neotropical, detentora da maior riqueza de espécies no globo, ocorre do México Central ao sul do Brasil. Neste trabalho, buscamos sumarizar as principais informações disponíveis na literatura que caracterizam os biomas neotropicais de Florestas Sazonalmente Seca (FTSS), Chaco e Savanas. Revisamos hipóteses biogeográficas concernentes a esses ambientes que buscam explicar sua dinâmica histórica. Nosso objetivo é oferecer uma caracterização desses biomas como etapa principal para o entendimento das principais hipóteses biogeográficas a eles associadas. Ainda que comporte como um cenário atraente para pesquisa, as espécies neotropicais são pouco estudas, sendo questões referentes a seus aspectos ecológicos, origem, história evolutiva e manutenção da elevada biodiversidade desconhecidas ou, ainda, pouco compreendidas. Embora, nossa revisão apresente pesquisas com diferentes pontos de vista quanto à dinâmica biogeográfica das formações vegetais, há consenso de que é produto de complexa interação entre os processos históricos, ecológicos e biológicos. Os estudos em biodiversidade de regiões ameaçadas, como os Neotrópicos, são norteadores para simulações e previsões de impactos, planos e estratégias de pesquisa.The Neotropical region holds the largest species richness in the globe, occurring from Central Mexico to southern of Brazil. In this paper, we aim to summarize the main information available in the literature that characterizes the Neotropical biomes of Seasonally Dry Forests (SDF), Chaco and Savannas. Here we surveyed and reviewed biogeographic hypotheses concerning these environments that seek to explain their historical dynamics. Our goal is to offer a characterization of these biomes as a major step towards the understanding of the main hypotheses biogeographical associated with them. Although it supports an attractive scenario for research, Neotropical species are poorly studied, and questions concerning their ecological aspects, origin, evolutionary history and maintenance of the high biodiversity are unknown or even little understood. Although our review presents researches with different points of view regarding the biogeographic dynamics of vegetation formations, there is a consensus of being the product of a complex interaction between the historical, ecological and biological processes. Biodiversity studies of threatened regions, such as the Neotropic, are guidance for simulations and impacts predictions, for plans and research strategies

O uso do solo e a qualidade da água do sistema pacoti-riachão e gavião, na bacia metropolitana de fortaleza, ceará / Soil use and water quality in the pacoti-riachão and gavião system in the metropolitan basin of fortaleza, ceará

A disponibilidade de água de uma região, seja em qualidade ou quantidade podem ser resultantes de condições naturais e antrópicas na bacia hidrográfica. Nesse contexto o presente trabalho tem como objetivo associar os usos do solo e a qualidade das águas no sistema Pacoti-Riachão e Gavião, na Bacia Metropolitana no Estado do Ceará. Para isso, foram analisados 20 anos de dados pluviométricos e fluviométricos, disponibilizados pela COGERH e FUNCEME, no período de janeiro de 2000 a dezembro de 2019 e correlacionados aos usos do solo no entorno dos reservatórios. Para caracterizar a qualidade da água nesse estudo, optou-se por utilizar o Índice de Qualidade da Água (IQA-CETESB). Os resultados mostram que os açudes apresentam variações no estado trófico, tendo como principal fonte poluidora difusa a atividade agrícola. Além disso, a seca de 2011 a 2017 é um grande fator a ser levado em consideração, pois a vazão hídrica foi reduzida nesse período, porém esses corpos continuam recebendo poluentes e passam a ter uma diluição menor, ou nenhuma diluição, da carga orgânica resultante destes lançamentos. A partir das análises realizadas, chegou-se à conclusão de que as concentrações dos parâmetros investigados no período de estudo estão cada vez mais elevadas, e consequentemente, degradando a qualidade da água do açude

Determinantes do abandono do aleitamento materno exclusivo: fatores psicossociais

OBJETIVO Avaliar os determinantes ao abandono do aleitamento materno exclusivo. MÉTODOS Estudo longitudinal baseado em coorte de nascimentos realizado em Viçosa, Minas Gerais. Acompanharam-se 168 puérperas provenientes da rede pública de saúde em 2011/2012. Foram realizadas três entrevistas com as puérperas: aos 30, 60 e 120 dias após o parto. O abandono do aleitamento materno exclusivo foi analisado no segundo e quarto meses após o parto. Aplicou-se escala Edinburgh Post-Natal Depression Escale para identificar os sintomas depressivos no primeiro e segundo encontros, adotando-se o ponto de corte ≥ 12. Foram investigadas variáveis socioeconômicas, demográficas, obstétricas, condições emocionais e rede social da puérpera durante a gestação e puerpério. RESULTADOS As prevalências de abandono do aleitamento materno exclusivo aos 30, 60 e 120 dias após o parto foram 53,6% (n = 90), 47,6% (n = 80) e 69,6% (n = 117), respectivamente, e sua incidência no quarto mês em relação ao primeiro foi 48,7%. Sintomas de depressão pós-parto e parto traumático associaram-se com abandono do aleitamento materno exclusivo no segundo mês após o parto. No quarto mês, mostraram significância as variáveis: menor escolaridade materna, não possuir imóvel próprio, ter voltado a trabalhar, não ter recebido orientações sobre amamentação no puerpério, reação negativa da mulher com a notícia da gestação e não receber ajuda do companheiro com a criança. CONCLUSÕES Fatores psicossociais e sociodemográficos se mostraram fortes preditores do abandono precoce do aleitamento materno exclusivo. Dessa forma, é necessário identificar e tratar precocemente as nutrizes com sintomatologia depressiva, reduzindo a morbidade a ela associada e promovendo maior duração do aleitamento materno exclusivo. Os profissionais de saúde, bem como o apoio recebido no lar e no trabalho, podem beneficiar esse processo.OBJECTIVE To assess the determinants of exclusive breastfeeding abandonment. METHODS Longitudinal study based on a birth cohort in Viçosa, MG, Southeastern Brazil. In 2011/2012, 168 new mothers accessing the public health network were followed. Three interviews, at 30, 60, and 120 days postpartum, with the new mothers were conducted. Exclusive breastfeeding abandonment was analyzed in the first, second, and fourth months after childbirth. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was applied to identify depressive symptoms in the first and second meetings, with a score of ≥ 12 considered as the cutoff point. Socioeconomic, demographic, and obstetric variables were investigated, along with emotional conditions and the new mothers’ social network during pregnancy and the postpartum period. RESULTS The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding abandonment at 30, 60, and 120 days postpartum was 53.6% (n = 90), 47.6% (n = 80), and 69.6% (n = 117), respectively, and its incidence in the fourth month compared with the first was 48.7%. Depressive symptoms and traumatic delivery were associated with exclusive breastfeeding abandonment in the second month after childbirth. In the fourth month, the following variables were significant: lower maternal education levels, lack of homeownership, returning to work, not receiving guidance on breastfeeding in the postpartum period, mother’s negative reaction to the news of pregnancy, and not receiving assistance from their partners for infant care. CONCLUSIONS Psychosocial and sociodemographic factors were strong predictors of early exclusive breastfeeding abandonment. Therefore, it is necessary to identify and provide early treatment to nursing mothers with depressive symptoms, decreasing the associated morbidity and promoting greater duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Support from health professionals, as well as that received at home and at work, can assist in this process

Determinação da atividade inibitória de enzimas digestivas em suplementos vendidos no comercio internacional à base de proteína vegetal

As proteínas são componentes importantes da dieta humana e exercem um papel essencial como elementos estruturais e funcionais de sistemas vivos. Seu valor nutricional dependerá, dentre outras características, do perfil de aminoácidos, biodisponibilidade, alergenicidade entre outros fatores, podendo, a presença de inibidores enzimáticos diminuírem sua obtenção. Os inibidores de protease são reconhecidos tradicionalmente como fator antinutricional e podem ser desnaturados por processamento térmico, embora alguma atividade residual possa ainda permanecer em produtos produzidos comercialmente. O presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar a atividade específica de inibição para tripsina, quimiotripsina e pepsina em suplementos a base de proteína vegetal isolada através da obtenção do extrato bruto, determinação de proteínas solúveis quantificação da atividade inibitória através de testes específicos. Todos os suplementos analisados apresentaram atividade inibitória para tripsina, quimiotripsina e pepsina sendo os suplementos de soja os que apresentaram maior atividade inibitória para proteases. Conclui-se que a utilização destes suplementos sofre uma influência negativa em decorrência da presença de inibidores enzimáticos, diminuindo sua funcionalidade para fins de hipertrofia. ABSTRACT Determination of digestive enzymes inhibition activity in vegetable protein based supplements available in international commerceProteins are important components of the human diet and play an essential role as structural and functional elements of living systems. Their nutritional value will depend, among other characteristics, on the amino acid profile, bioavailability, allergenicity, among other factors, and the presence of enzymatic inhibitors may decrease it. Protease inhibitors are traditionally recognized as an anti-nutritional factor and can be easily denatured by thermal processing, although some residual activity may remain in commercially produced products. The present study aimed to determine the specific activity of inhibition for trypsin, chymotrypsin and pepsin in supplements based on isolated plant protein by obtaining the crude extract, determination of soluble proteins and quantification of inhibitory activity through specific tests. All supplements analyzed showed inhibitory activity for trypsin, chymotrypsin and pepsin, and soybean supplements showed the highest inhibitory activity for proteases. In this report, we concluded that the use of these supplements has a negative influence due to the presence of enzymatic inhibitors, reducing their functionality for hypertrophy purposes