Natural occurrence of Zoophthora radicans (Entomophthorales: Entomophthoraceae) on Thaumastocoris peregrinus (Heteroptera: Thaumastocoridae), an invasive pest recently found in Brazil

AbstractOccurrence of Zoophthora radicans infecting nymphs and adults of Thaumastocoris peregrinus Carpintero and Dellape, 2006 is reported in Brazil. This is a new record of host for this fungal species and the first fungal pathogen associated with this pest worldwide. Infection of Z. radicans on T. peregrinus populations on commercial Eucalyptus plantation (Eucalyptus spp.) reached up to 100%, and low insect densities were associated with high levels of fungal infection in three out of seven plots. This pathogen seems to be virulent against T. peregrinus and may play an important role in population regulations of this invasive pest through naturally induced epizootics

Vertical positioning surveillance by magnetostrictive transducer

This work purpose is to create a positioning automated system of a tailstock to perform impact resistance tests on silicone mammary implants. This system is capable to measure and oversight the positioning through interrelation between three main components: programmable logic controller, human-machine interface and magnetostrictive transducer. Together, these components form an operational closed loop that ensures an appropriate positioning for the impact device. The paper describes how the closed loop works and also the algorithm implemented in the programmable logic controller which surveys the positioning. As a last topic, the paper presents the operator work on the machine’s operation in conjunction with human-machine interface. The results were satisfactory and in accordance with the limits determined on ABNT NBR ISO 14607 for this method of tests

MONITORIZAÇÃO ELETROCARDIOGRÁFICA CONTÍNUA EM CÃES PORTADORES DE DEGENERAÇÃO MIXOMATOSA VALVULAR MITRAL

Myxomatous Valve Degeneration (DMV) represents a chronic degenerative process of the atrioventricular leaflets, preventing their perfect coaptation. Consequently, the activation of congestive compensatory mechanisms and the beginning of an important symptomatology may occur. In many cases this disease is correlated with the occurrence of important arrhythmias. In this work, two clinical cases of DMV in patients with different functional classification according to the American College of Internal Veterinary Medicine criteria are described under clinical and arrhythmogenic aspects, one in stage B1 and the other in chronic stage D. The findings indicate that cardiac arrhythmias are recurrent events in patients with Myxomatous Mitral Valve Degeneration (DMVM), and that even in the early stages without remodeling, they may be present in low density; as well as in the advanced stages, the cardiac remodeling index it may be directly correlated with the incidence of arrhythmias commonly described in the literature, or other more serious ones not reported, such as sinus dysfunction.A Degeneração Mixomatosa Valvar (DMV) representa um processo degenerativo crônico dos folhetos atrioventriculares, impedindo sua perfeita coaptação. Consequentemente podem ocorrem a ativação de mecanismos compensatórios congestivos e o início de uma importante sintomatologia. Em muitos casos esta enfermidade correlaciona-se com a ocorrência de importantes arritmias. Neste trabalho descrevem-se sob os aspectos clínicos e arritmogênicos, por meio do método Holter, de dois casos de DMV em pacientes de diferentes classificações funcional, segundo os critérios do Colégio Americano de Medicina Veterinária Interna, um em estágio B1 e outro em estágio D crônico. Os achados apontam que as arritmias cardíacas são eventos recorrentes em pacientes portadores de Degeneração Mixomatosa Valvar Mitral (DMVM), e que ainda em estágios iniciais, sem remodelamento, esta pode estar presente em baixa densidade; bem como nos estágios avançados, o índice de remodelamento cardíaco pode estar diretamente correlacionado à incidência de arritmias, comumente descritas na literatura, ou outras mais graves não relatadas, como a disfunção sinusal

Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide Measurements and Screening of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in a Sleep-Laboratory Setting: A Cross-Sectional Study

PURPOSE: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition characterized by repetitive collapse of the upper airways and intermittent oxygen desaturation, which may lead to airway inflammation. Here, we explored whether fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels provide a non-invasive screening tool of OSA. METHODS: Over a 3-month period, FeNO levels were measured in consecutive non-smoking patients referred for a sleep laboratory. All patients underwent full polysomnography. OSA severity was classified based on the apnea/hypopnea index: ≥ 5.0/h as any OSA, ≥ 15.0/h as moderate/severe OSA, and ≥ 30.0/h as severe OSA. FeNO was measured by a portable device (NIOX-MINO®; Aerocrine AB, Solna, Sweden) and expressed as parts per billion (ppb). Discrimination by area under the curve (AUC) and binary logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: A total of 229 subjects were evaluated. Mean FeNO values were similar among subjects without OSA or with OSA: 16.9 ± 10.6 ppb versus 20.2 ± 14.5 ppb, p = 0.221; respectively. FeNO was not an inclusionary parameter to predict any OSA, moderate/severe OSA, and severe OSA: odds ratio (OR) 1.023 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.986-1.062); OR 1.012 (95% CI: 0.991-1.034); and OR 0.999 (95% CI: 0.980-1.018), respectively. The AUC values for FeNO in the diagnosis of any OSA, moderate/severe OSA, and severe OSA showed no discriminatory properties: AUC: 0.567 (95% CI: 0.464-0.670), AUC: 0.541 (95% CI: 0.465-0.618), and AUC: 0.535 (95% CI: 0.459-0.610); respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In a sleep-lab setting, our findings suggest that FeNO measurements are inconsequential in the screening of OSA in adults.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

estudo comparativo do desempenho do instrumento relacionado ao gênero

Objective: To evaluate the performance of the No-Apnea score, a simplified screening instrument for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), by gender. Methods: This was a crosssectional study including adults undergoing full polysomnography. The No-Apnea model comprises two items (neck circumference and age) with a total score of 0 to 9. The severity of OSA was categorized, on the basis of the apnea-hypopnea index, as any (≥ 5 events/h), moderate-to-severe (≥ 15 events/h), or severe (≥ 30 events/h). The performance of the No-Apnea instrument was assessed by determining the area under the (ROC) curve (AUC) and by constructing contingency tables. Results: We evaluated a total of 6,606 adults (53.8% men). For categorizing the level of OSA severity, the NoApnea score had a sensitivity of 83.9-93.0% and a specificity of 57.3-35.2%. At all OSA severity levels, the No-Apnea score exhibited higher sensitivity and lower specificity in men than in women. The No-Apnea score proved to be an appropriate screening model for patients in general or when separated by gender or severity of OSA (AUC > 0.7 for all). The discriminatory power of the No-Apnea score to predict any, moderate-to-severe, and severe OSA was similar between genders (p = 0.109, p = 0.698, and p = 0.094, respectively). Conclusions: In a sample of adults referred to the sleep laboratory, there was no significant difference between men and women in terms of the discriminatory power of the No-Apnea instrument in for screening for OSA severity.publishersversionpublishe

Prevalência e controle de enteroparasitoses em crianças participantes do programa famílias fortes da cidade de Campina Grande-PB

A pesquisa visou determinar a prevalência de enteroparasitoses em crianças de 2 a 10 anos, pertencentes a famílias cadastradas no Programa Famílias Fortes, em Campina Grande-PB, além de promover terapêutica educativa e medicamentosa antiparasitária pertinente. Desenvolveu-se uma pesquisa experimental onde foram aplicados questionários socioeconômicos e realizada coleta de amostras de fezes do público em questão.  As amostras foram encaminhadas para o Laboratório de Parasitologia do Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, para execução do exame Parasitológico de Fezes pelo Método de Hoffman. Foram avaliadas 37 crianças pertencentes a 24 famílias. Observou-se a renda per capita de R$215,47 nas famílias avaliadas, em que 84% vive com renda bruta inferior a 1 salário mínimo, 65% consome água sem tratamento, 59% possui água encanada no domicílio, 65% vive em área sem rede de esgoto e 92% das mães não concluíram o ensino fundamental. Verificou-se a presença dos parasitas Entamoeba histolytica em 89% da população, Entamoeba coli em 46%, Giardia lamblia em 51% e Endolimax nana em 59%. Na totalidade, 97% do público estava parasitado por pelo menos um protozoário. Não foram encontrados helmintos, nas amostras analisadas. As equipes de saúde das Unidades Básicas de Saúde estabeleceram a terapêutica medicamentosa com metronidazol e atividades educativas foram realizadas pelos discentes participantes do projeto. A vulnerabilidade das famílias denota a influência direta dos fatores socioeconômicos na prevalência de enteroparasitoses, demonstrando a necessidade de busca por qualidade de vida, saúde e garantia do crescimento e desenvolvimento da criança

12,500+ and counting: biodiversity of the Brazilian Pampa

Knowledge on biodiversity is fundamental for conservation strategies. The Brazilian Pampa region, located in subtropical southern Brazil, is neglected in terms of conservation, and knowledge of its biodiversity is fragmented. We aim to answer the question: how many, and which, species occur in the Brazilian Pampa? In a collaborative effort, we built species lists for plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi that occur in the Brazilian Pampa. We included information on distribution patterns, main habitat types, and conservation status. Our study resulted in referenced lists totaling 12,503 species (12,854 taxa, when considering infraspecific taxonomic categories [or units]). Vascular plants amount to 3,642 species (including 165 Pteridophytes), while algae have 2,046 species (2,378 taxa) and bryophytes 316 species (318 taxa). Fungi (incl. lichenized fungi) contains 1,141 species (1,144 taxa). Animals total 5,358 species (5,372 taxa). Among the latter, vertebrates comprise 1,136 species, while invertebrates are represented by 4,222 species. Our data indicate that, according to current knowledge, the Pampa holds approximately 9% of the Brazilian biodiversity in an area of little more than 2% of Brazil’s total land The proportion of species restricted to the Brazilian Pampa is low (with few groups as exceptions), as it is part of a larger grassland ecoregion and in a transitional climatic setting. Our study yielded considerably higher species numbers than previously known for many species groups; for some, it provides the first published compilation. Further efforts are needed to increase knowledge in the Pampa and other regions of Brazil. Considering the strategic importance of biodiversity and its conservation, appropriate government policies are needed to fund studies on biodiversity, create accessible and constantly updated biodiversity databases, and consider biodiversity in school curricula and other outreach activitie

Study of the intelligence of schizophrenic patients based on the Weschler scale

O desempenho cognitivo (DC) de 25 esquizofrênicos ambulatoriais diagnosticados pelos critérios da DSM-III-R é comparado com o de 28 controles sadios, balanceados por idade e educação. O desempenho cognitivo foi medido pela Escala de Inteligência para Adultos de Weschler, em sua versão portuguesa (WAIS), aplicado fora da fase aguda. Os resultados do WAIS apontam para um déficit cognitivo nos esquizofrênicos, comparados com os controles. A diferença foi mais acentuada nos aspectos de inteligência associados à atenção, concentração, percepção e uso de conceitos. Estes achados são reforçados por achados prévios, de um padrão de déficit neuropsicol6gico de inteligência em esquizofrenia. Estes déficits, devidamente quantificados, podem servir de auxílio no planejamento de tratamento, treinamento de habi lidades sociais e redução de stress em esquizofrênicos.The cognitive performance of 25 male DSM-III-R schizophrenic outpatients is compared with 28 healthy controls balanced for age and education. It was employed the Portuguese version of WAIS (Weschler Intelligence Scale for Adulls). Overall kappas for psychiatric diagnosis was 0.86; WAIS was applied to patients out of acute phase. Results point to a significant diminution in cognitive functioning of schizophrenic compared to controls. This difference was more pronounced on aspects of intelligence linked to atention, concentration, perception and use of concepts. These data are supporled by previous findings of an overall palient of neurapsychological deficit in specific functions of intelligence in schizophrenia. The focus on cognitive deficit points to the use of standardized assessment of intelligence for treatment, planning social skills training and stress reduction in schizophrenia

Erratum of Enteropathic arthritis in Brazil: data from the Brazilian registry of spondyloarthritis

Universidade Federal de Minas GeraisInstituto Insper de Educação e PesquisaUniversidade de São Paulo Disciplina de ReumatologiaUniversidade de BrasíliaHospital Geral de GoiâniaUniversidade de CampinasUniversidade Federal do AmazonasPontifícia Universidade CatólicaFaculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio PretoHospital Evangélico de CuritibaUniversidade Federal do Rio de JaneiroUniversidade Federal do ParanáHospital Geral de FortalezaUniversidade Estadual do Rio de JaneiroSanta Casa do Rio de JaneiroSanta Casa de São PauloHospital de BaseUniversidade Federal do Mato Grosso do SulUniversidade Federal de PernambucoUniversidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulFaculdade de Medicina Souza MarquesHospital do Servidor Público EstadualUniversidade de São Paulo Instituto de Ortopedia e TraumatologiaUniversidade Federal de Santa CatarinaUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)Santa Casa de Belo HorizonteUniversidade Federal do CearáEscola de Medicina e Saúde PúblicaUniversidade Federal do ParáUniversidade Federal do Espírito SantoUNIFESPSciEL

Enteropathic arthritis in Brazil: data from the brazilian registry of spondyloarthritis

Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease and ulcerative rectocolitis) have extraintestinal manifestations 25% of the patients, with the most common one being the enteropathic arthritis. METHODS: Prospective, observational, multicenter study with patients from 29 reference centers participating in the Brazilian Registry of Spondyloarthritis (RBE), which incorporates the RESPONDIA (Ibero-American Registry of Spondyloarthritis) group. Demographic and clinical data were collected from 1472 patients and standardized questionnaires for the assessment of axial mobility, quality of life, enthesitic involvement, disease activity and functional capacity were applied. Laboratory and radiographic examinations were performed. The aim of this study is to compare the clinical, epidemiological, genetic, imaging, treatment and prognosis characteristics of patients with enteropathic arthritis with other types of spondyloarthritis in a large Brazilian cohort. RESULTS: A total of 3.2% of patients were classified as having enteroarthritis, 2.5% had spondylitis and 0.7%, arthritis (peripheral predominance). The subgroup of individuals with enteroarthritis had a higher prevalence in women (P < 0.001), lower incidence of inflammatory axial pain (P < 0.001) and enthesitis (P = 0.004). HLA-B27 was less frequent in the group with enteroarthritis (P = 0.001), even when considering only those with the pure axial form. There was a lower prevalence of radiographic sacroiliitis (P = 0.009) and lower radiographic score (BASRI) (P = 0.006) when compared to patients with other types of spondyloarthritis. They also used more corticosteroids (P < 0.001) and sulfasalazine (P < 0.001) and less non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (P < 0.001) and methotrexate (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: There were differences between patients with enteroarthritis and other types of spondyloarthritis, especially higher prevalence of females, lower frequency of HLA-B27, associated with less severe axial involvement.As doenças inflamatórias intestinais (doença de Crohn e retocolite ulcerativa) apresentam manifestações extraintestinais em um quarto dos pacientes, sendo a mais comum a artrite enteropática. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo, observacional e multicêntrico, realizado com pacientes de 29 centros de referência participantes do Registro Brasileiro de Espondiloartrites (RBE), que se incorpora ao grupo RESPONDIA (Registro Ibero-americano de Espondiloartrites). Dados demográficos e clínicos de 1472 pacientes foram colhidos, e aplicaram-se questionários padronizados de avaliação de mobilidade axial, de qualidade de vida, de envolvimento entesítico, de atividade de doença e de capacidade funcional. Exames laboratoriais e radiográficos foram realizados. Objetivamos, neste presente artigo, comparar as características clínicas, epidemiológicas, genéticas, imagenológicas, de tratamento e prognóstico de enteroartríticos com os outros espondiloartríticos nesta grande coorte brasileira. RESULTADOS: Foram classificados como enteroartrite 3,2% dos pacientes, sendo que 2,5% tinham espondilite e 0,7%, artrite (predomínio periférico). O subgrupo de indivíduos com enteroartrite apresentava maior prevalência de mulheres (P < 0,001), menor incidência de dor axial inflamatória (P < 0,001) e de entesite (P = 0,004). O HLA-B27 foi menos frequente no grupo de enteroartríticos (P = 0,001), mesmo se considerado apenas aqueles com a forma axial pura. Houve menor prevalência de sacroiliíte radiológica (P = 0,009) e também menor escore radiográfico (BASRI) (P = 0,006) quando comparado aos pacientes com as demais espondiloartrites. Também fizeram mais uso de corticosteroides (P < 0,001) e sulfassalasina (P < 0,001) e menor uso de anti-inflamatórios não hormonais (P < 0,001) e metotrexato (P = 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Foram encontradas diferenças entre as enteroartrites e as demais espondiloartrites, principalmente maior prevalência do sexo feminino, menor frequência do HLA-B27, associados a uma menor gravidade do acometimento axial.Universidade Federal de Minas GeraisInstituto Insper de Educação e PesquisaUniversidade de São PauloUniversidade de BrasíliaHospital Geral de GoiâniaUniversidade de CampinasUniversidade Federal do AmazonasPontifícia Universidade CatólicaFaculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio PretoHospital Evangélico de CuritibaUniversidade Federal do Rio de JaneiroUniversidade Federal do ParanáHospital Geral de FortalezaUniversidade Estadual do Rio de JaneiroSanta Casa do Rio de JaneiroSanta Casa de São PauloHospital de BaseUniversidade Federal do Mato Grosso do SulUniversidade Federal de PernambucoUniversidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulFaculdade de Medicina Souza MarquesHospital do Servidor Público EstadualUniversidade de São Paulo Instituto de Ortopedia e TraumatologiaUniversidade Federal de Santa CatarinaUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)Santa Casa de Belo HorizonteUniversidade Federal do CearáEscola de Medicina e Saúde PúblicaUniversidade Federal do ParáUniversidade Federal do Espírito SantoUNIFESPSciEL