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O eletrocardiograma (ECG) é um importante método diagnóstico, essencial para determinar o ritmo e o funcionamento elétrico do coração. Os gambás (D. albiventris) frequentemente são atendidos nos Centros de Triagem de Animais Silvestres (CETAS), contudo pouco se sabe sobre o sistema cardiovascular dessa espécie. Dessa forma, o objetivo foi estabelecer valores de referência dos parâmetros eletrocardiográficos dessa espécie. Foram utilizados 32 filhotes, considerados hígidos nos exames clínicos geral e específico. Avaliaram-se a frequência cardíaca, o ritmo, a morfologia, a amplitude e a duração das ondas P, o complexo QRS e T, a duração dos intervalos PR e QT e o segmento ST. A frequência cardíaca média foi de 214 batimentos por minuto (bpm), o ritmo sinusal mostrou-se normal e houve arritmia sinusal em 25% dos pacientes. O eixo médio foi de 40º(QRS)e 47º (P). A onda P apresentou morfologia positiva (81,3%) e negativa (18,7%), amplitude de 0,03mV (±0,01) e duração de 0,04s (±0,04). O complexo QRS apresentou morfologia QRS ou RS (31%) e duração de 0,05s (±0,06). A amplitude de Q foi de -0,04mV (±0,05), a de R foi 0,23mV (±0,16) e S -0,07mV (±0,08). Já a onda T apresentou morfologia variada, amplitude de 0,04mV (±0,04) e duração de 0,04s (±0,09). O intervalo PR obteve duração de 0,05s (±0,08), QT com intervalo entre 0,08 e 0,21 e o segmento ST médio de 0,05s (±0,02). Dessa forma, observou-se que foi possível realizar o ECG em gambás filhotes e que o sexo e o peso não influenciaram no traçado obtido. Os resultados diferiram de cães, gatos e de outras espécies de gambás.

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A radiologia é uma importante ferramenta complementar para o diagnóstico de diversas afecções em diferentes espécies. O uso de exames complementares na medicina de animais silvestres, em especial o exame de imagem, traz inúmeras informações acerca do paciente. Este trabalho apresenta os dados obtidos por meio de um levantamento dos exames radiográficos realizados em animais silvestres entre os anos de 2017 e 2020, no Laboratório de Diagnóstico de Imagem e Cardiologia (LADIC), do Hospital de Clínicas Veterinárias da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (HCV/UFPel). Ao todo, foram avaliados 464 prontuários, sendo 293 (63,1%) de aves, 135 (29,1%) de mamíferos e 36 (7,8%) de répteis. As alterações mais encontradas nos exames radiológicos foram fratura de membros torácicos para as duas primeiras classes, e pneumonia para a última.(AU)

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Transmission of Zika virus (ZIKV) in the Americas was first confirmed in May 2015 in northeast Brazil. Brazil has had the highest number of reported ZIKV cases worldwide (more than 200,000 by 24 December 2016) and the most cases associated with microcephaly and other birth defects (2,366 confirmed by 31 December 2016). Since the initial detection of ZIKV in Brazil, more than 45 countries in the Americas have reported local ZIKV transmission, with 24 of these reporting severe ZIKV-associated disease. However, the origin and epidemic history of ZIKV in Brazil and the Americas remain poorly understood, despite the value of this information for interpreting observed trends in reported microcephaly. Here we address this issue by generating 54 complete or partial ZIKV genomes, mostly from Brazil, and reporting data generated by a mobile genomics laboratory that travelled across northeast Brazil in 2016. One sequence represents the earliest confirmed ZIKV infection in Brazil. Analyses of viral genomes with ecological and epidemiological data yield an estimate that ZIKV was present in northeast Brazil by February 2014 and is likely to have disseminated from there, nationally and internationally, before the first detection of ZIKV in the Americas. Estimated dates for the international spread of ZIKV from Brazil indicate the duration of pre-detection cryptic transmission in recipient regions. The role of northeast Brazil in the establishment of ZIKV in the Americas is further supported by geographic analysis of ZIKV transmission potential and by estimates of the basic reproduction number of the virus.

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O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia do meloxicam associado ou não ao tramadol, no controle da dor após ovário-histerectomia (OVH) laparoscópica com dois portais. Foram selecionadas 14 cadelas hígidas. Os animais foram separados de forma aleatória, em dois grupos. O grupo M (GM) recebeu meloxicam (0,2mg kg-1, s.i.d.), enquanto os animais do grupo MT (GMT) receberam a associação de meloxicam (0,2mg kg-1, s.i.d.) e tramadol (4mg kg-1, t.i.d.), ambos durante dois dias de pós-operatório. Para avaliação da dor pós-cirúrgica, foram utilizadas as escalas de Melbourne e escala visual analógica (EVA), além de mensurações de glicemia e cortisol sérico. Não houve diferença ao se avaliarem os grupos GM e GMT pela escala de Melbourne nem pela EVA. As mensurações de cortisol não atingiram valores superiores aos de referência para a espécie, enquanto os valores de glicemia não apresentaram variação significativa ao longo do tempo de avaliação nem entre grupos. Com os resultados deste estudo, foi possível concluir que a utilização de meloxicam associado ou não ao tramadol, nas doses e posologias propostas, é eficaz para controlar a dor pós-operatória de cadelas submetidas à OVH laparoscópica com dois portais.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of meloxicam with or without tramadol for pain control after laparoscopic-assisted ovariohysterectomy (OVH) by two-portal access. Were selected 14 healthy dogs to perform video-assisted OVHs. The animals were divided randomly into two groups (GM and GMT). The GM group received meloxicam (0.2mg kg-1, s.i.d), whereas the GMT group received the combination of meloxicam (0.2mg kg-1, s.i.d) and tramadol (4mg kg-1, tid), both for two days after surgery. To evaluate the post-surgical pain Melbourne and EVA scales were used, and blood glucose and serum cortisol were measured. There was no statistical difference when evaluating GM and GMT groups and the Melbourne scale or the visual analogue scale VAS. Cortisol measurements did not reach values higher than the reference for the species, while blood glucose levels did not present significant statistical variation throughout the evaluation time or between groups. With these results, we concluded that the use of meloxicam with or without the tramadol at the doses and dosage schedules proposed, is effective to control postoperative pain in bitches that had undergone video-assisted OVH with two-portal access.

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O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia do meloxicam associado ou não ao tramadol, no controle da dor após ovário-histerectomia (OVH) laparoscópica com dois portais. Foram selecionadas 14 cadelas hígidas. Os animais foram separados de forma aleatória, em dois grupos. O grupo M (GM) recebeu meloxicam (0,2mg kg-1, s.i.d.), enquanto os animais do grupo MT (GMT) receberam a associação de meloxicam (0,2mg kg-1, s.i.d.) e tramadol (4mg kg-1, t.i.d.), ambos durante dois dias de pós-operatório. Para avaliação da dor pós-cirúrgica, foram utilizadas as escalas de Melbourne e escala visual analógica (EVA), além de mensurações de glicemia e cortisol sérico. Não houve diferença ao se avaliarem os grupos GM e GMT pela escala de Melbourne nem pela EVA. As mensurações de cortisol não atingiram valores superiores aos de referência para a espécie, enquanto os valores de glicemia não apresentaram variação significativa ao longo do tempo de avaliação nem entre grupos. Com os resultados deste estudo, foi possível concluir que a utilização de meloxicam associado ou não ao tramadol, nas doses e posologias propostas, é eficaz para controlar a dor pós-operatória de cadelas submetidas à OVH laparoscópica com dois portais.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of meloxicam with or without tramadol for pain control after laparoscopic-assisted ovariohysterectomy (OVH) by two-portal access. Were selected 14 healthy dogs to perform video-assisted OVHs. The animals were divided randomly into two groups (GM and GMT). The GM group received meloxicam (0.2mg kg-1, s.i.d), whereas the GMT group received the combination of meloxicam (0.2mg kg-1, s.i.d) and tramadol (4mg kg-1, tid), both for two days after surgery. To evaluate the post-surgical pain Melbourne and EVA scales were used, and blood glucose and serum cortisol were measured. There was no statistical difference when evaluating GM and GMT groups and the Melbourne scale or the visual analogue scale VAS. Cortisol measurements did not reach values higher than the reference for the species, while blood glucose levels did not present significant statistical variation throughout the evaluation time or between groups. With these results, we concluded that the use of meloxicam with or without the tramadol at the doses and dosage schedules proposed, is effective to control postoperative pain in bitches that had undergone video-assisted OVH with two-portal access.(AU)

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The aim of this study was to investigate functional and morphological alterations caused by oxidative stress in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and to evaluate the antioxidant effect of quercetin (QUE) in this disease. One hundred and thirty male Wistar rats, it were randomly distributed in 10 different experimental groups, with ten animals per group: Control Saline (CS), Control Ethanol (CE), Control QUE 5mg/kg (CQ5), Control QUE 25mg/kg (CQ25), Control QUE 50mg/kg (CQ50), Diabetic Saline (DS), Diabetic Ethanol (DE), Diabetic QUE 5mg/kg (DQ5), Diabetic QUE25 mg/kg (DQ25), Diabetic QUE 50mg/kg (DQ50). Therefore, hyperglycemia is directly involved in oxidative stress production, as well as in functional and morphological alterations caused by the excess of free radicals. QUE, specially at the dosage of 50mg/kg, can act as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, becoming a promising adjuvant in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

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A five year old male mongrel dog was presented for medical consultation with a history of arthralgia. Complete blood count revealed linfopenia and neutropenia, antinuclear antibody was positive at 1:1,256, and synovial fluid analysis showed inflammatory arthritis with lupus erythematosus cells. No significant proteinuria was detected on urinalysis, and microalbuminuria measurement was performed to determine glomerulonephritis in early stage. Based on clinical signs, synovial fluid analysis, antinuclear antibody test and complete blood count, the diagnosis was systemic lupus erythematosus. The measurement of microalbuminuria was useful to demonstrate the absence of glomerulonephritis, and the performance of complementary tests proved to be indispensable for diagnosis and prognosis. Glucocorticoid treatment led to complete remission.

Foi atendido um cão com cinco anos de idade sem raça definida, macho, por apresentar artralgia. O hemograma revelou linfopenia e neutropenia, o anticorpo antinuclear foi positivo em 1:1.256 e a análise de líquido sinovial demostrou artropatia inflamatória com células de lúpus eritematoso. Não foi detectada proteinúria significativa na urinálise, e exame de detecção de microalbuminúria foi realizada para determinar glomerulonefrite em fase inicial. Baseado em sinais clínicos, análise do líquido sinovial, teste de anticorpos antinucleares e hemograma, o diagnóstico foi lúpus eritematoso sistêmico. A mensuração da microalbuminúria mostrou-se útil para demonstrar ausência de glomerulonefrite, e a realização de exames complementares mostrou-se indispensável para o diagnóstico e o prognóstico. O tratamento com glicocorticoides levou à remissão completa dos sinais clínicos.

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In recent years we have observed great advances in our ability to combat infectious diseases. Through the development of novel genetic methodologies, including a better understanding of pathogen biology, pathogenic mechanisms, advances in vaccine development, designing new therapeutic drugs, and optimization of diagnostic tools, significant infectious diseases are now better controlled. Here, we briefly describe recent reports in the literature concentrating on infectious disease control. The focus of this review is to describe the molecular methods widely used in the diagnosis, prevention, and control of infectious diseases with regard to the innovation of molecular techniques. Since the list of pathogenic microorganisms is extensive, we emphasize some of the major human infectious diseases (AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, rotavirus, herpes virus, viral hepatitis, and dengue fever). As a consequence of these developments, infectious diseases will be more accurately and effectively treated; safe and effective vaccines are being developed and rapid detection of infectious agents now permits countermeasures to avoid potential outbreaks and epidemics. But, despite considerable progress, infectious diseases remain a strong challenge to human survival.

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A five year old male mongrel dog was presented for medical consultation with a history of arthralgia. Complete blood count revealed linfopenia and neutropenia, antinuclear antibody was positive at 1:1,256, and synovial fluid analysis showed inflammatory arthritis with lupus erythematosus cells. No significant proteinuria was detected on urinalysis, and microalbuminuria measurement was performed to determine glomerulonephritis in early stage. Based on clinical signs, synovial fluid analysis, antinuclear antibody test and complete blood count, the diagnosis was systemic lupus erythematosus. The measurement of microalbuminuria was useful to demonstrate the absence of glomerulonephritis, and the performance of complementary tests proved to be indispensable for diagnosis and prognosis. Glucocorticoid treatment led to complete remission.(AU)

Foi atendido um cão com cinco anos de idade sem raça definida, macho, por apresentar artralgia. O hemograma revelou linfopenia e neutropenia, o anticorpo antinuclear foi positivo em 1:1.256 e a análise de líquido sinovial demostrou artropatia inflamatória com células de lúpus eritematoso. Não foi detectada proteinúria significativa na urinálise, e exame de detecção de microalbuminúria foi realizada para determinar glomerulonefrite em fase inicial. Baseado em sinais clínicos, análise do líquido sinovial, teste de anticorpos antinucleares e hemograma, o diagnóstico foi lúpus eritematoso sistêmico. A mensuração da microalbuminúria mostrou-se útil para demonstrar ausência de glomerulonefrite, e a realização de exames complementares mostrou-se indispensável para o diagnóstico e o prognóstico. O tratamento com glicocorticoides levou à remissão completa dos sinais clínicos.(AU)

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This study aimed to evaluate the activity of cholinesterases and adenosine deaminase (ADA) in blood and serum of rats infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. Twelve adult rats were used in the experiment divided into two uniform groups. Rodents from group A (control group) were non-infected and animals from group B served as infected, receiving intraperitoneally 3·3×10(7) trypomastigotes/each. Blood collection was performed at days 60 and 120 post-infection (PI) in order to evaluate the hemogram, blood activity of acetylcholinesterase, and serum butyrylcholinesterase and ADA activities. Hematological parameters did not differ between groups. A significant increase (P<0·05) of acetylcholinesterase activity was observed in blood while butyrylcholinesterase had a significant reduction (P<0·01) in serum of infected rats at days 60 and 120 PI. ADA activity in serum showed an inhibition in infected animals when compared to non-infected at day 120 PI. Based on these results, it is possible to conclude that the activity of cholinesterases and ADA were changed in animals infected with T. cruzi. The possible causes of these alterations will be discussed in this paper.

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The Oligochaeta forms an important part of the macroinvertebrates inhabiting sediments of lotic ecosystems. It has an important role in the cycling of matter and energy transfer in these environments. The aim of this study is to analyse limnological variables, their influence on the structure and diversity of benthic oligochaete taxocenosis in a stretch of the Upper São Francisco River and its tributary the Piumhi River. Samples were taken in two climatic periods, the dry season in October 2006 and 2007 and the rainy season in March 2007 and 2008 at three points along the Piumhi River and six points along the São Francisco River. The sediment of the São Francisco consisted predominantly of sand and clay, whereas the sediment of the Piumhi was mainly sandy. Six species of oligochaete occurred in the Piumhi River while seven were found in the São Francisco. Of these, Pristina synclites Stephenson, 1925, Pristina americana Cernosvitov, 1937, Bothrioneurum sp. Stolc, 1888 and Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri Claparede, 1862 occurred in the sediment of both rivers. L. hoffmeisteri showed the highest numerical abundance in the Piumhi River and Brinkhurstia americana (Brinkhurst, 1964) and L. neotropicus Cernosvitov, 1939 were the most abundant species in the São Francisco River. The highest oligochaete density was recorded in the Piumhi during the dry seasons. Canonical correspondence analyses (CCA) of sediment characteristics explained most of the data variability and the association of the presence of oligochaete species in the Piumhi and São Francisco Rivers with the limnological variables (grain size composition and total nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in the sediment).

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Compararam-se os efeitos da ventilação espontânea (V E) e controlada (V C) em equinos submetidos à mudança de decúbito durante anestesia. Dezesseis animais foram equitativamente divididos em dois grupos: V E e V C. Os procedimentos cirúrgicos foram iniciados com os animais em decúbito lateral esquerdo (DLE) e, após 75 minutos, os animais foram reposicionados em decúbito lateral direito (DLD). Análises hemogasométricas do sangue arterial foram realizadas após 30 e 75 minutos com os animais posicionados em cada decúbito (M1 e M2 no DLE e M3 e M4 no DLD, respectivamente). Durante a V E, observaram-se hipercapnia (PaCO2 >45mmHg), acidose respiratória (pH <7,35), redução significativa da oxigenação sanguínea após 75min da mudança de decúbito (M4: 205,8±124,7mmHg) em relação aos valores de PaO2 observados antes da mudança de posicionamento (M1: 271,8±84,8mmHg). A Vc foi associada a valores de PaCO2 e pH mais próximos da normalidade bem como resultou em valores de PaO2 significativamente maiores (52 a 96 por cento de elevação nos valores médios) que a V E. Conclui-se que a mudança de decúbito, em equinos anestesiados com halotano e mantidos sob V E, resulta em hipercapnia, acidose respiratória e diminuição dos valores de PaO2. A instituição de V C, desde o início da anestesia, previne a acidose respiratória, além de resultar em valores de PaO2 mais próximos do ideal para animais respirando O2 a 100 por cento.

The effects of spontaneous (SV) and controlled ventilation (CV) were compared in horses undergoing changes in body position during anesthesia. Sixteen animals were equally distributed in two groups: SV and CV. All surgical procedures were commenced on left lateral recumbency (LLR) and 75 minutes later the animals were repositioned on right lateral recumbency (RLR). Arterial blood gas analyses were performed at 30 and 75 minutes after each recumbency (M1 and M2 for LLR and M3 and M4 for RLR). Hypercapnia (PaCO2 >45mmHg), respiratory acidosis (pH <7.35), and significant decrease in PaO2 after 75min of change in body position (M4: 205.8±124.7mmHg) in comparison to PaO2 values before the change of position (M1: 271.8±84.8mmHg) were observed during SV. When compared to the SV group, CV resulted in significantly higher PaO2 levels (52 to 96 percent increase). It was concluded that the change in the body position in spontaneously ventilating halothane-anesthetized horses causes impairment in arterial oxygenation. The use of CV since the beginning of anesthesia prevents the respiratory acidosis and maintains arterial oxygen levels that are closer to values expected during the use of 100 percent O2.

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Compararam-se os efeitos da ventilação espontânea (V E) e controlada (V C) em equinos submetidos à mudança de decúbito durante anestesia. Dezesseis animais foram equitativamente divididos em dois grupos: V E e V C. Os procedimentos cirúrgicos foram iniciados com os animais em decúbito lateral esquerdo (DLE) e, após 75 minutos, os animais foram reposicionados em decúbito lateral direito (DLD). Análises hemogasométricas do sangue arterial foram realizadas após 30 e 75 minutos com os animais posicionados em cada decúbito (M1 e M2 no DLE e M3 e M4 no DLD, respectivamente). Durante a V E, observaram-se hipercapnia (PaCO2 >45mmHg), acidose respiratória (pH <7,35), redução significativa da oxigenação sanguínea após 75min da mudança de decúbito (M4: 205,8±124,7mmHg) em relação aos valores de PaO2 observados antes da mudança de posicionamento (M1: 271,8±84,8mmHg). A Vc foi associada a valores de PaCO2 e pH mais próximos da normalidade bem como resultou em valores de PaO2 significativamente maiores (52 a 96 por cento de elevação nos valores médios) que a V E. Conclui-se que a mudança de decúbito, em equinos anestesiados com halotano e mantidos sob V E, resulta em hipercapnia, acidose respiratória e diminuição dos valores de PaO2. A instituição de V C, desde o início da anestesia, previne a acidose respiratória, além de resultar em valores de PaO2 mais próximos do ideal para animais respirando O2 a 100 por cento.(AU)

The effects of spontaneous (SV) and controlled ventilation (CV) were compared in horses undergoing changes in body position during anesthesia. Sixteen animals were equally distributed in two groups: SV and CV. All surgical procedures were commenced on left lateral recumbency (LLR) and 75 minutes later the animals were repositioned on right lateral recumbency (RLR). Arterial blood gas analyses were performed at 30 and 75 minutes after each recumbency (M1 and M2 for LLR and M3 and M4 for RLR). Hypercapnia (PaCO2 >45mmHg), respiratory acidosis (pH <7.35), and significant decrease in PaO2 after 75min of change in body position (M4: 205.8±124.7mmHg) in comparison to PaO2 values before the change of position (M1: 271.8±84.8mmHg) were observed during SV. When compared to the SV group, CV resulted in significantly higher PaO2 levels (52 to 96 percent increase). It was concluded that the change in the body position in spontaneously ventilating halothane-anesthetized horses causes impairment in arterial oxygenation. The use of CV since the beginning of anesthesia prevents the respiratory acidosis and maintains arterial oxygen levels that are closer to values expected during the use of 100 percent O2.(AU)

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OBJECTIVES: To estimate Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection prevalence and associated risk factors among a low-income marginalized urban population in Peru. METHODS: Between April 2003 and April 2005, men and women at high-risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were recruited from low-income urban areas in three coastal cities in Peru (Chiclayo, Lima, and Trujillo). Consenting participants were studied using a sero-epidemiologic survey. Urine and vaginal swabs collected from men and women were evaluated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (COBAS AMPLICOR (CT/NG) Test, Roche Molecular Diagnostics, Branchburg, NJ, USA) for CT. RESULTS: Among the 2 440 participants recruited for the study (2 145 men and 295 women), overall prevalence of CT infection was 6.6% (95% CI, 5.6-7.6%): 5.5% (95% CI, 4.5-6.5%) in men and 14.9% (95% CI, 11.7-27.1%) in women. Chlamydial infection was inversely associated with age and positively associated with HIV infection and dysuria in men. Among women, chlamydial infection was inversely associated with age and positively associated with number of sex partners. CONCLUSIONS: CT infection was common among high-risk men and women in urban coastal Peru. Because chlamydial infection is associated with complications related to female reproduction, including infertility and ectopic pregnancy, interventions to prevent and treat infection and studies to determine the feasibility of population-based screening for CT should be conducted among the high-risk female population.

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BACKGROUND: Syndromic management is an inexpensive and effective method for the treatment of symptomatic sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but its effectiveness as a method of STI control in at-risk populations is questionable. We sought to determine the potential utility of syndromic management as a public health strategy to control STI transmission in high-risk populations in urban Peru. METHODOLOGY: We surveyed 3,285 at-risk men and women from three Peruvian cities from 2003-05. Participants were asked about the presence of genital ulcers, discharge, or dysuria in the preceding six months. Participants reporting symptoms were asked about subsequent health-seeking and partner notification behavior. Urine and vaginal swab samples were tested for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis by nucleic acid testing. Serum was tested for syphilis and Herpes Simplex Virus-Type 2 antibodies. FINDINGS: Recent urogenital discharge or dysuria was reported by 42.1% of participants with gonorrhea or chlamydia versus 28.3% of participants without infection. Genital ulceration was reported by 6.2% of participants with, and 7.4% of participants without, recent syphilis. Many participants reporting symptoms continued sexual activity while symptomatic, and approximately half of all symptomatic participants sought treatment. The positive and negative predictive values of urogenital discharge or genital ulcer disease in detecting STIs that are common in the study population were 14.4% and 81.5% for chlamydia in women and 8.3% and 89.5% for syphilis among gay-identified men. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, STIs among high-risk men and women in urban Peru were frequently asymptomatic and symptomatic participants often remained sexually active without seeking treatment. Additional research is needed to assess the costs and benefits of targeted, laboratory-based STI screening as part of a comprehensive STI control program in developing countries.

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OBJECTIVES: To estimate Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection prevalence and associated risk factors among a low-income marginalized urban population in Peru. METHODS: Between April 2003 and April 2005, men and women at high-risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were recruited from low-income urban areas in three coastal cities in Peru (Chiclayo, Lima, and Trujillo). Consenting participants were studied using a sero-epidemiologic survey. Urine and vaginal swabs collected from men and women were evaluated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (COBAS® AMPLICOR (CT/NG) Test, Roche Molecular Diagnostics, Branchburg, NJ, USA) for CT. RESULTS: Among the 2 440 participants recruited for the study (2 145 men and 295 women), overall prevalence of CT infection was 6.6 percent (95 percent CI, 5.6-7.6 percent): 5.5 percent (95 percent CI, 4.5-6.5 percent) in men and 14.9 percent (95 percent CI, 11.7-27.1 percent) in women. Chlamydial infection was inversely associated with age and positively associated with HIV infection and dysuria in men. Among women, chlamydial infection was inversely associated with age and positively associated with number of sex partners. CONCLUSIONS: CT infection was common among high-risk men and women in urban coastal Peru. Because chlamydial infection is associated with complications related to female reproduction, including infertility and ectopic pregnancy, interventions to prevent and treat infection and studies to determine the feasibility of population-based screening for CT should be conducted among the high-risk female population.

OBJETIVOS: Estimar la prevalencia de la infección por Chlamydia trachomatis y los factores de riesgo asociados en una población marginal urbana de bajos ingresos de Perú. MÉTODOS: Entre abril de 2003 y abril de 2005 se captaron hombres y mujeres con alto riesgo de contraer infecciones de transmisión sexual, en áreas urbanas de bajos ingresos de tres ciudades costeras de Perú (Chiclayo, Lima y Trujillo). Los participantes que aceptaron colaborar respondieron una encuesta seroepidemiológica y se analizaron muestras de orina de los hombres y exudados vaginales de las mujeres mediante la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con el sistema para C. trachomatis COBAS® AMPLICOR (Roche Molecular Diagnostics, NJ, EE.UU.) RESULTADOS: En el estudio participaron 2 440 personas (2 145 hombres y 295 mujeres). La prevalencia general de infección por C. trachomatis fue de 6,6 por ciento (intervalo de confianza de 95 por ciento [IC95 por ciento]: 5,6 a 7,6 por ciento): 5,5 por ciento (IC95 por ciento: 4,5 a 6,5 por ciento) en hombres y 14,9 por ciento (IC95 por ciento: 11,7 a 27,1 por ciento) en mujeres. La infección por clamidia se asoció inversamente con la edad y directamente con la infección por VIH y la disuria en los hombres. En las mujeres, esta infección se asoció inversamente con la edad y directamente con el número de parejas sexuales. CONCLUSIONES: La infección por C. trachomatis fue frecuente en los hombres y mujeres con alto riesgo en las zonas urbanas costeras de Perú. Como esta infección está asociada con complicaciones que afectan la salud reproductiva de las mujeres, como infertilidad y embarazos ectópicos, se deben realizar intervenciones para prevenir y tratar la infección por C. trachomatis y se deben emprender estudios para determinar la factibilidad del tamizaje general de esta infección en la población femenina de alto riesgo.

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Venom of the South American rattlesnake, Crotalus durissus terrificus (Cdt), presents myotoxic and neurotoxic outcomes, but reports on its effects on the liver are scarce. This study examined the hepatotoxicity resulting from Cdt venom administration (100, 200 and 300 miug/kg) in male Wistar rats. Animais were studies at 3, 9 and 12 hours after venom injection. The hepatotoxicity was assessed through serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (AP), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), bilirrubin and also by histopathological evaluation. All the different concentrations of Cdt venom resulted in increased levels of hepatic enzymes, when compared with the control group, except for the 100 miug/kg dose, which presented normal levels at 9 and 12 hours after venom administration. Bilirrubin levels remained unchanged by Cdt venom. Histological analysis revealed endothelial damage, inflammatory cell infiltration, as well as sinusoidal and portal congestion. Based on these observations, we may conclude that Cdt venom causes dose- and time-dependent hepatic damage in rats, characterized by elevated hepatic enzyme levels and histological alterations

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The HIV epidemic in Peru is concentrated primarily among men who have sex with men. HIV interventions have focused exclusively on a narrowly defined group of MSM and FSW to the exclusion of other populations potentially at increased risk. Interventions targeting MSM and FSW are insufficient and there is evidence that focusing prevention efforts solely on these populations may ignore others that do not fall directly into these categories. This paper describes non-traditional, vulnerable populations within low-income neighborhoods. These populations were identified through the use of ethnographic and epidemiologic formative research methods and the results are reported in this publication. Although the traditional vulnerable groups are still in need of prevention efforts, this study provides evidence of previously unrecognized populations at increased risk that should also receive attention from HIV/STI prevention programs.

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RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Peru has a concentrated HIV epidemic in which men who have sex with men are particularly vulnerable. We describe the lifetime prevalence of same-sex sexual contact and associated risk behaviors of men in Peru's general population, regardless of their sexual identity. METHODS AND RESULTS: A probability sample of males from low-income households in three Peruvian cities completed an epidemiologic survey addressing their sexual risk behavior, including sex with other men. Serum was tested for HSV-2, HIV, and syphilis. Urine was tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea. A total of 2,271 18-30 year old men and women were contacted, of whom 1,645 (72.4%) agreed to participate in the study. Among the sexually experienced men surveyed, 15.2% (85/558, 95% CI: 12.2%-18.2%) reported a history of sex with other men. Men ever reporting sex with men (MESM) had a lower educational level, had greater numbers of sex partners, and were more likely to engage in risk behaviors including unprotected sex with casual partners, paying for or providing compensated sex, and using illegal drugs. MESM were also more likely to have had previous STI symptoms or a prior STI diagnosis, and had a greater prevalence of HSV-2 seropositivity. CONCLUSIONS: Many low-income Peruvian men have engaged in same-sex sexual contact and maintain greater behavioral and biological risk factors for HIV/STI transmission than non-MESM. Improved surveillance strategies for HIV and STIs among MESM are necessary to better understand the epidemiology of HIV in Latin America and to prevent its further spread.

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