A revision of the South American snake genus Thamnodynastes Wagler, 1830 (Serpentes, Colubridae, Tachymenini): I. Two new species of Thamnodynastes from Central Brazil and adjacent areas, with a redefinition of and neotype designation for Thamnodynastes pallidus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Two new species of Thamnodynastes whose ranges are entirely or largely in Brazil are described. Thamnodynastes pallidus, one of the most easily identified species of the genus, is redefined and a neotype is designated, and Coluber strigilis Thunberg is placed in its synonymy, thus clarifying an enduring state of confusion in the taxonomy of this genus

Atypical and Anaplastic Meningiomas: Diagnosis and Treatment

The aim of this chapter is to describe the usefulness of surgical technologies such as neuronavigation, intraoperative MRI, fluorescence-guided surgery and intraoperative monitoring as a tool do make neurosurgical procedures to brain tumors more safe and effective. The main topics to be explored are: history of the specific technique, indications and contra indications, description of the technique, real case examples, pros and cons. The focus on the discussion besides practical aspects is going to be relevant literature regarding impact of their use in avoidance of complications, improve in survival rates, cost-effectiveness, some tips and tricks acquired in the experience of our department

Development and validation of attitudes measurement scales: fundamental and practical aspects

Purpose – This paper aims to present the fundamental aspects for the development and validation (D&V) of attitudes’ measurement scale, as well as its practical aspects that are not deeply explored in books and manuals. These aspects are the results of a long experience of the authors and arduous learning with errors and mistakes. Design/methodology/approach – The nature of this paper is methodological and can be very useful for an initial reading on the theme that it rests. This paper presents four D&V stages: literature review or interviews with experts; theoretical or face validation; semantic validation or validation with possible respondents; and statistical validation. Findings – This is a methodological paper, and its main finding is the usefulness for researchers. Research limitations/implications – The main implication of this paper is to support researchers on the process of D&V of measurement scales. Practical implications – Became a step-by-step guide to researchers on the D&V of measurement scales. Social implications – Support researchers on their data collection and analysis. Originality/value – This is a practical guide, with tips from seasoned scholars to help researchers on the D&V of measurement scale

RIFAMPICIN AND ANTIBIOTIC-ASSOCIATED COLITIS

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/24457/1/0000731.pd

ANTIBIOTIC-INDUCED COLITIS IMPLICATION OF A TOXIN NEUTRALISED BY CLOSTRIDIUM SORDELLII ANTITOXIN

A toxin(s) has been demonstrated in the stools of two patients with antibiotic- associated colitis. This toxin(s) was heat-labile, wasrapidly lethal for hamsters, increased vascular permeability in rabbit skin, and was cytotoxic for cells in tissue-culture. It was neutralised by Clostridium sordellii antitoxin but not by antitoxins prepared against otherclostridia; Escherichia coli, and Vibrio choleroe toxins. These characteristics were identical to those of a toxin implicated in the aetiology of antibiotic-induced colitis in the hamster. One patient improved rapidly after treatment with oral vancomycin, and at the same time the toxin disappeared from the stool.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/22808/1/0000365.pd

Impaired lymphocyte function in depressive illness

Mood states and immunity may be related. To investigate the immune status of patients with primary depressive illness, we compared lymphocytic responses to three different mitogens in 26 drug-free depressed patients and 20 normal controls of comparable age and sex. We observed a generalized and marked decrease in the lymphocyte mitogenic activity among the depressive group. This defect in lymphocyte function may be indicative of an impairment in cell-mediated immunity in patients with primary depressive illness.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/25160/1/0000596.pd

An environmentally benign antimicrobial nanoparticle based on a silver-infused lignin core

Silver nanoparticles have antibacterial properties, but their use has been a cause for concern because they persist in the environment. Here, we show that lignin nanoparticles infused with silver ions and coated with a cationic polyelectrolyte layer form a biodegradable and green alternative to silver nanoparticles. The polyelectrolyte layer promotes the adhesion of the particles to bacterial cell membranes and, together with silver ions, can kill a broad spectrum of bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and quaternary-amine-resistant Ralstonia sp. Ion depletion studies have shown that the bioactivity of these nanoparticles is time-limited because of the desorption of silver ions. High-throughput bioactivity screening did not reveal increased toxicity of the particles when compared to an equivalent mass of metallic silver nanoparticles or silver nitrate solution. Our results demonstrate that the application of green chemistry principles may allow the synthesis of nanoparticles with biodegradable cores that have higher antimicrobial activity and smaller environmental impact than metallic silver nanoparticles

Maternal LAMP/p55gagHIV-1 DNA Immunization Induces In Utero Priming and a Long-Lasting Immune Response in Vaccinated Neonates

Infants born to HIV-infected mothers are at high risk of becoming infected during gestation or the breastfeeding period. A search is thus warranted for vaccine formulations that will prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission. The LAMP/gag DNA chimeric vaccine encodes the HIV-1 p55gag fused to the lysosome-associated membrane protein-1 (LAMP-1) and has been shown to enhance anti-Gag antibody (Ab) and cellular immune responses in adult and neonatal mice; such a vaccine represents a new concept in antigen presentation. In this study, we evaluated the effect of LAMP/gag DNA immunization on neonates either before conception or during pregnancy. LAMP/gag immunization of BALB/c mice before conception by the intradermal route led to the transfer of anti-Gag IgG1 Ab through the placenta and via breastfeeding. Furthermore, there were an increased percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T cells in the spleens of neonates. When offspring were immunized with LAMP/gag DNA, the anti-Gag Ab response and the Gag-specific IFN-γ-secreting cells were decreased. Inhibition of anti-Gag Ab production and cellular responses were not observed six months after immunization, indicating that maternal immunization did not interfere with the long-lasting memory response in offspring. Injection of purified IgG in conjunction with LAMP/gag DNA immunization decreased humoral and cytotoxic T-cell responses. LAMP/gag DNA immunization by intradermal injection prior to conception promoted the transfer of Ab, leading to a diminished response to Gag without interfering with the development of anti-Gag T- and B-cell memory. Finally, we assessed responses after one intravenous injection of LAMP/gag DNA during the last five days of pregnancy. The intravenous injection led to in utero immunization. In conclusion, DNA vaccine enconding LAMP-1 with Gag and other HIV-1 antigens should be considered in the development of a protective vaccine for the maternal/fetal and newborn periods

Influence of inflammation on parasitism and area of experimental amoebic liver abscess: an immunohistochemical and morphometric study

The influence of inflammation on the number of trophozoites and on the murine amoebic liver abscess area following infection with Entamoeba histolytica and E. dispar was evaluated. Immunohistochemistry and digital morphometry were used to identify and quantify the trophozoites, neutrophils, macrophages, and lesions. Positive correlation was observed between the number of trophozoites and inflammatory cells. A significant decrease in parasitism and inflammation in groups treated with dexamethasone was observed. The scarceness or absence of trophozoites in the treated groups suggest the importance of the inflammatory response in the production of amoebic hepatic abscesses in spite of the inherent virulence of the parasite being decisive in the establishment of the lesion