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ABSTRACTThe brain aging process triggers cognitive function impairment, such as memory loss and compromised quality of life. Cognitive impairment is based on bioenergetic status, with reduced glucose uptake and metabolism in aged brains. Anaplerotic substrates are reported to promote mitochondrial ATP generation, having been tested in clinical trials for the treatment of neurological disorders and metabolic diseases.Objectives and Methods: To assess whether the improvement in oxidative capacity ameliorates cognitive function in adults (12 weeks), and aged (22-month-old) C57/6BJ mice, they received (1) a ketogenic diet, (2) a ketogenic diet supplemented with the anaplerotic substance, triheptanoin, or (3) a control diet for 12 weeks. Spontaneous alternation and time spent in a previously closed arm in the Y-maze test and time interacting with an unknown object in the novel object recognition test (NORT) were used to evaluate working memory. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the prefrontal lobe, brain left hemisphere, and cerebellum was also evaluated. Glucose transporter 3 (GLUT3) expression in the prefrontal lobe was analyzed by western blotting.Results: The ketogenic diet (KD) reduced spontaneous alternation in aged mice, leading to lower AChE activity in the aged prefrontal lobe and cerebellum, and in the parieto-temporal-occipital lobe of adult mice. Furthermore, KD decreased GLUT3 protein expression in the frontal lobe of the adults.Discussion: Supplementation of KD with triheptanoin prevented memory impairment and showed similar values of AChE activity and GLUT3 expression compared to the controls. Our data suggest that triheptanoin has a potential role in the bioenergetic capacity of the brain, improving cognitive function.

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Os estudos sobre parasitos gastrintestinais em primatas mantidos em cativeiros são importantes para o manejo da população de macacos e para a manutenção da saúde das pessoas que trabalham com esses animais, pois muitos desses parasitos são potentes causadores de zoonoses. Este trabalho objetivou estudar os parasitas presentes nas fezes da espécie Cebus libidinosus, criada em cativeiro. Foram utilizados 22 animais apreendidos pelo Ibama-PI, Ibama-PB e Cipama (Companhia Independente de Policiamento Ambiental do Piauí), no período de 2007 a 2009, que faziam parte do Projeto de Soltura Experimental em Ilhas Lacustres de Espécies do Gênero Cebus sp., do Ibama-PI. Foram encontrados parasitas do gênero Ancylostoma em 45% (10/22) das amostras e do gênero Strongyloides em 23% (05/22). No método de Willis (1921) e no método de Hoffman, o Ancylostoma sp. estava presente em 41% (09/22) e o Strongyloides sp. em 18% (04/22) das amostras. A coprocultura revelou a presença de larva do gênero Ancylostoma em 50% dos grupos estudados. A espécie Cebus libidinosus revelou-se parasitada por helmintos gastrintestinais dos gêneros Ancylostoma e Strongyloide.(AU)

The studies of gastrointestinal parasites in primates kept in captivity are important for managing the population of monkeys and to maintain the health of people who work with these animals, as many of these parasites are potent causes of zoonosis. The study investigated the parasites present in the feces of Cebus libidinosus species bred in captivity. 22 animals were seized by IBAMA-PI, IBAMA-PB and CIPAMA (Independent Company of Piaui Environmental Policing) from 2007 to 2009. Hookworm parasites of the genus were found in 45% (10/22) of samples and gender Strongiloyde in 23% (22/05) in the Willis method (1921) and Hoffman method Ancylostoma sp. I was present in 41% (09/22) and Strongyloides sp. 18% (04/22) of the samples. A stool culture revealed the presence of hookworm larvae of the genus in 50% of the groups studied. The species Cebus libidinosus proved to be parasitized by gastrointestinal helminths of Ancylostoma and Strongyloides genres.(AU)

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The skin has an important role in the transmission of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) as the infection pathway in dogs. To better characterize the inflammatory response of intact skin in VL, sixty infected dogs (30 symptomatic and 30 asymptomatic) and six non-infected controls were studied. Diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis was confirmed by RIFI and ELISA; direct visualization of the parasite in bone marrow aspirate; imprints of popliteal lymph nodes, spleen, liver and skin; culture in NNN-phase liquid Schneider's medium; and PCR (performed only in the ear skin). Amastigote forms of the parasite in intact skin were found only in symptomatic dogs. Inflammatory infiltrates were observed in all groups, varying from intense and/or moderate in symptomatic to discrete and/or negligible in asymptomatic and control animals. Parasite load was associated with the intensity of the inflammatory response and with clinical manifestations in canine visceral leishmaniasis. AgNOr as active transcription markers were expressed in inflammatory cells and within apoptotic bodies in all groups, including controls, with no statistical difference. Therefore, cell activation and transcription do occur in both symptomatic and asymptomatic canine visceral leishmaniasis and may result in more necrosis and inflammation or in apoptosis and less symptoms, depending on the parasite load.

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BACKGROUND: Visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil is caused by the protozoan Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi and it is transmitted by sandfly of the genus Lutzomyia. Dogs are an important domestic reservoir, and control of the transmission of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) to humans includes the elimination of infected dogs. However, though dogs are considered to be an important element in the transmission cycle of Leishmania, the identification of infected dogs representing an immediate risk for transmission has not been properly evaluated. Since it is not possible to treat infected dogs, they are sacrificed when a diagnosis of VL is established, a measure that is difficult to accomplish in highly endemic areas. In such areas, parameters that allow for easy identification of reservoirs that represents an immediate risk for transmission is of great importance for the control of VL transmission. In this study we aimed to identify clinical parameters, reinforced by pathological parameters that characterize dogs with potential to transmit the parasite to the vector. RESULTS: The major clinical manifestations of visceral leishmaniasis in dogs from an endemic area were onicogriphosis, skin lesions, conjunctivitis, lymphadenopathy, and weight loss. The transmission potential of these dogs was assessed by xenodiagnosis using Lutzomyia longipalpis. Six of nine symptomatic dogs were infective to Lutzomyia longipalpis while none of the five asymptomatic dogs were infective to the sandfly. Leishmania amastigotes were present in the skin of all clinically symptomatic dogs, but absent in asymptomatic dogs. Higher parasite loads were observed in the ear and ungueal region, and lower in abdomen. The inflammatory infiltrate was more intense in the ears and ungueal regions of both symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs. In clinically affected dogs in which few or none Leishmania amastigotes were observed, the inflammatory infiltrate was constituted mainly of lymphocytes and macrophages. When many parasites were present, the infiltrate was also comprised of lymphocytes and macrophages, as well as a larger quantity of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). CONCLUSION: Dogs that represent an immediate risk for transmission of Leishmania in endemic areas present clinical manifestations that include onicogriphosis, skin lesions, conjunctivitis, lymphadenopathy, and weight loss. Lymphadenopathy in particular was a positive clinical hallmark since it was closely related to the positive xenodiagnosis.

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"Quantitative Buffy Coat" (QBC) is a direct and fast fluorescent method used for the identification of blood parasites. Since Leishmania chagasi circulates in blood, we decided to test it in American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL). Bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB) of 49 persons and PB of 31 dogs were analyzed. QBC was positive in BM of 11/11 patients with AVL and in 1/6 patients with other diseases. Amastigotes were identified in PB of 18/22 patients with AVL and in none without AVL. The test was positive in 30 out of the 31 seropositive dogs and in 28/28 dogs with Leishmania identified in other tissues. QBC is a promising method for diagnosis of human AVL, and possibly for the exam of PB of patients with AVL/AIDS, for the control of the cure and for the identification of asymptomatic carriers. Because it is fast and easy to collect and execute, QBC should be evaluated for programs of reservoir control.

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Renal involvement in visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is very frequent. The renal lesions of humans and dogs are similar but their pathogenesis has not been clearly elucidated. There is growing evidence that the cellular immune response is involved in the pathogenesis of immunologically mediated glomerulonephritis. Since T cells could participate in the pathogenesis of nephropathy, in the present study we investigated the possible involvement of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in the nephropathy of canine VL. Six dogs naturally infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi from the endemic area in the Northeast of Brazil, the town of Teresina in the State of Piauí, were studied. An expressive inflammatory infiltrate of CD4(+) T cells both in glomeruli and in interstitium was present in 4 animals and absent in 2. CD8(+) T cells were detected only in one animal. CD4(+) T cells alone were observed in 3 animals; when CD8+ T cells were present CD4(+) T cells were also present. CD4(+) T cells were observed in cases of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, diffuse membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, diffuse mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis and crescentic glomerulonephritis. CD8(+) T cells were present only in a case of crescentic glomerulonephritis. Leishmania antigen was detected in glomeruli and in interstitial inflammatory infiltrate in 4 animals and immunoglobulins were observed in 4 dogs. In this study we observed that T cells, in addition to immunoglobulins, are present in the renal lesion of canine VL. Further studies are in progress addressing the immunopathogenic mechanisms involving the participation of immunoglobulins and T cells in canine VL nephropathy.

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Renal involvement in visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is very frequent. The renal lesions of humans and dogs are similar but their pathogenesis has not been clearly elucidated. There is growing evidence that the cellular immune response is involved in the pathogenesis of immunologically mediated glomerulonephritis. Since T cells could participate in the pathogenesis of nephropathy, in the present study we investigated the possible involvement of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the nephropathy of canine VL. Six dogs naturally infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi from the endemic area in the Northeast of Brazil, the town of Teresina in the State of Piauí, were studied. An expressive inflammatory infiltrate of CD4+ T cells both in glomeruli and in interstitium was present in 4 animals and absent in 2. CD8+ T cells were detected only in one animal. CD4+ T cells alone were observed in 3 animals; when CD8+ T cells were present CD4+ T cells were also present. CD4+ T cells were observed in cases of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, diffuse membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, diffuse mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis and crescentic glomerulonephritis. CD8+ T cells were present only in a case of crescentic glomerulonephritis. Leishmania antigen was detected in glomeruli and in interstitial inflammatory infiltrate in 4 animals and immunoglobulins were observed in 4 dogs. In this study we observed that T cells, in addition to immunoglobulins, are present in the renal lesion of canine VL. Further studies are in progress addressing the immunopathogenic mechanisms involving the participation of immunoglobulins and T cells in canine VL nephropathy

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OBJECTIVES: Limited data have been reported concerning the influence of right ventricular systolic overload on the accuracy of the 2D echocardiographic (echo) determination of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF). The normal newborn at birth (high pulmonary peak systolic pressure) and just after the fall of pulmonary pressure, represent an in vivo model to study this influence. This study compares the LVEF determined by recommended 2D echocardiographic algorithms with that by 3D echo, in newborns at birth and just after the normal fall of right ventricular systolic pressure. METHODS: 100 echocardiographic studies (50 at 2 to 6 hours after birth--group I; and 50 at 7 to 14 days old--control group) were performed in 82 normal newborns, to determine LVEF by 4 geometric models (cylinder hemiellipsoid; ellipsoid biplane; single plane area length, in 4- and 2-chamber view; biplane method of discs) and visual estimation, using 3D echocardiography as the reference method. RESULTS: In group I, the correlation between 3D echo and cylinder hemiellipsoid was r = 0.62 (SEE = 4.5%); ellipsoid biplane, r = 0.69 (SEE = 4.1%); single plane area length, 4 chambers, r = 0.66 (SEE = 5.1%) and, 2 chambers, r = 0.72 (SEE = 4.0%); biplane method of discs, r = 0.83 (SEE = 3.6%), and, visual estimation, r = 0.78 (SEE = 3.5%). In the control group, the correlation between 3D echo and cylinder hemiellipsoid was r = 0.70 (SEE = 3.4%); ellipsoid biplane, r = 0.63 (SEE = 3.4%); single plane area length, 4 chambers, r = 0.79 (SEE = 3.5%) and, 2 chambers, r = 0.76 (SEE = 4.1%); biplane method of discs, r = 0.90 (SEE = 2.3%), and, visual estimation, r = 0.64 (SEE = 3.9%). IN CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the biplane method of discs and single plane area length using 2-chamber view allows a more accurate LVEF determination when significant right ventricular pressure overload is present.

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OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyse different ultrasound parameters for the assessment of isolated left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) on periodic hemodialysis (HD), comparing pulsed wave Doppler with pulsed tissue Doppler. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-seven patients with CRF on HD (61% were male; mean age was 51.0 +/- 16.5 years, mean HD time--3.7 +/- 3.8 years, 38% had hypertension, 17% had diabetes) were studied by echocardiography (bidimensional, M-Mode, flow pulsed Doppler and tissue Doppler imaging). All patients had symptoms of left heart failure-class II NYHA, were in sinus rhythm and had no symptoms of ischemic heart disease. The presence of abnormal LV regional contractility was the exclusion criteria. According to their mitral inflow profile Doppler characteristics, patients were included in two groups: Group A (E/A > 1; n = 21) and B (E/A < 1; n = 26). We compared: LV dimensions and function, left atrial (LA) dimension. Gaasch index, LV mass index. E and A wave velocities (in flow pulsatile Doppler and tissue Doppler). E/N ratio in tissue Doppler, isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) and deceleration time (DT). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the prevalence of age > or = 65 years male sex, hypertension or diabetes between group A and B patients, and almost all patients were on hemodialytic treatment for more than one year (81% vs 85%: NS). LV hypertrophy was present in almost all group A and B patients (A--95% vs B--85.5%; NS). Group A, compared with group B, had a difference in the Gaasch index (2.45 +/- 0.3 vs 2.08 +/- 0.4; p < 0.05), E wave velocity in flow pulsatile Doppler and tissue Doppler (cm/sec) (110 +/- 27 vs 62 +/- 20; p < 0.001 and 41 +/- 15 vs 28.5 +/- 16; p < 0.05), E/A ratio in tissue Doppler (1.3 +/- 0.4 vs 0.8 +/- 0.3; p < 0.001). IVRT (msec) (80.7 +/- 15.2 vs 113.5 +/- 28.3; p < 0.001) and DT (msec) (189.7 +/- 24 vs 278.2 +/- 17.9; p < 0.001). According to the E'/A' ratio in tissue Doppler, group A patients were divided in another two groups: E'/A' > 1 (13/21--62%) and < 1 (8/21--38%) and a significantly longer IVRT (75.8 +/- 9.3 vs 100.9 +/- 3.2; p < 0.001) and DT (178 +/- 15 vs 240 +/- 20; p < 0.001) and a greater LA dimension (37.6 +/- 6.9 vs 44.6 +/- 6.9; p < 0.05) were found. CONCLUSIONS: Pulsed wave Doppler is the most useful non invasive method for assessment of global diastolic dysfunction. In our study, 17% of the patients had E/A < 1 only in the tissue Doppler study. These patients probably had a pseudonormal mitral pattern.

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O tumor de células gigantes da bainha do tendäo é um tumor de tecidos moles relativamente comum, porém raro na literatura dermatológica. Deve-se a uma proliferaçäo benigna de histócitos na articulaçäo e tecido sinovial peritendinoso que se desenvolve ao redor da bainha do tendäo, ligamento articular e sinovia articular. Apresentamos um caso de localizaçäo em 2§ pododáctilo direito que serve para chamar a atençäo a esse diagnóstico e ao seu diagnóstico diferencial. Foi feita uma revisäo da literatura

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Two-dimensional (2D) echocardiographic visual estimation of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) in patients with acquired heart disease yields results that are comparable to those obtained by recommended algorithms. However, there is no information concerning its accuracy in congenital heart disease. This study compares applicability, accuracy, and reproducibility of LVEF by visual estimation with that by currently used algorithms (cylinder hemiellipsoid, ellipsoid biplane, and biplane method of disks) in 92 consecutive patients with congenital heart disease but unrepaired complete atrioventricular septal defect, univentricular heart, and hypoplastic left ventricle, using 3D echocardiography as the reference method. Visual estimation of LVEF could be applied in all cases. Because of technically inadequate 2D echocardiographic images for volume measurement, analysis for comparison could be performed in 71 patients (77%), aged 1 day to 47 years. The correlation between 3D echocardiographic and visual estimation was 0.91 (SEE 3.3%), cylinder hemiellipsoid, 0.86 (SEE 3.9%), ellipsoid biplane 0.87 (SEE 3.9%), and biplane method of disks 0.93 (SEE 3.2%). Intraobserver variability was similar for all 2D echo methods. Interobserver variability was greater for visual estimation. In conclusion, visual estimation of LVEF is applicable to most patients with congenital heart disease, yielding results that are comparable to those obtained by currently used 2D echocardiographic algorithms.

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The prevalence of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) at birth was studied in 1,734 consecutive newborns without congenital structural heart disease. We have not identified any case of an unequivocal pattern of MVP using auscultatory and echocardiographic diagnostic criteria. Our data argue for the concept that MVP is an acquired disease.

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Daily pollen counts were made in Brasília DF, Brazil, from February 9, 1973 to February 9, 1974. Just one pollen season was perfectly delineated: a grass season. Two weeds, Smilax and Aristolochia, showed some regularity, with a few number of pollen granules. Tree pollens belonging to the Rosaceae family presented a similar behaviour.

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The relationship among inhalation bronchial challenge tests, skin tests, total serum immunoglobulin E, A, M, and G values were investigated. Positive correlation between the results of the inhalation bronchial challenges and IgG and negative correlation between the value of IgG and IgA were found but no other correlations.

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