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AIMS: We tested the hypothesis that the behaviour of an individual is associated with the diversity of its gut bacteria, using the collared peccary (Pecari tajacu) as a model. METHODS AND RESULTS: In all, 24 adult male collared peccaries received either low- (n = 12) or high-fibre diet (n = 12) to induce contrasting gut fermentation profiles. They were submitted to three short-term challenges, allowing us to rate the animals in a coping-style dimension named 'calmness'. At the end of the experimental period, we collected samples of peccaries' forestomach contents to characterize bacterial diversity. We found a significant positive association between individual 'calmness' z-scores and the bacterial evenness index in gut bacteria (and a similar trend with the Simpson's diversity index), suggesting a more homogeneous bacterial community of calmer individuals. We also found a positive association between fibres digestibility and gut bacterial diversity in the peccaries' forestomach, but no effect of the dietary fibre level. CONCLUSIONS: Gut bacteria evenness increases with 'calmness' z-scores, suggesting a more homogeneous bacterial community of calmer individuals, compared with the more heterogeneous of the most distressed ones. Our results also suggest associations between the digestibility of ADF with the gut bacterial diversity indices and with the relative abundance of the Actinobacteria phylum. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Our data showed that the hosts' individual behavioural differences are potentially aligned with gut bacterial diversity. The behaviour-microbiota link is correlated with host feed efficiency and, ultimately, may have implications for animal health and welfare of farm animals.
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Artiodáctilos , Individualidad , Animales , Bacterias/genética , Fibras de la Dieta , Humanos , MasculinoRESUMEN
Differences in how individuals cope with stressful conditions (e.g. novel/unfamiliar environment, social isolation and increases in human contact) can explain the variability in data collection from nutrient digestibility trials. We used the collared peccary (Pecari tajacu), which is under process of domestication and shows high individual behavioral distinctiveness in reactions toward humans, to test the hypothesis that behavioral differences play a role in nutrient digestibility. We assessed the individual behavioral traits of 24 adult male collared peccaries using both the 'behavioral coding' and the 'subjective ratings' approaches. For the behavioral coding assessment, we recorded the hourly frequency of behaviors potentially indicative of stress during the 30-day habituation period to the experimental housing conditions. The subjective ratings were performed based on the individuals' reactions to three short-term challenge tests (novel environment, novel object and threat from a capture net) over a period of 56 days. During the last 26 days, the collared peccaries were fed diets either high (n = 12) or low (n = 12) in dietary fiber levels, and we determined the total tract apparent digestibility of nutrients. The individual subjective ratings showed consistency in the correlated measures of 'relaxedness', 'quietness' and 'satisfaction' across the three challenge tests, which were combined to produce z score ratings of one derived variable ('calmness'). Individual frequency of BPIS/h and calmness scores were negatively correlated and both predicted the total tract digestibility of acid detergent fiber (ADF), which ranged from 0.41 to 0.79. The greater the calmness z scores (i.e. calmer individuals), the greater the total tract digestibility of ADF. In contrast, the higher the frequency of BPIS/h, the lower the total tract digestibility of ADF. Therefore, our results provide evidence that by selecting calmer collared peccaries, there will be an increase in their capacity to digest dietary fiber.
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Artiodáctilos , Individualidad , Animales , Dieta/veterinaria , Fibras de la Dieta , Digestión , NutrientesRESUMEN
Parkinson's disease (PD) has numerous motor and non-motor symptoms. Among non-motor manifestations impulse control disorders (ICDs) stand out. ICDs include compulsions for gambling, shopping, eating, and sexual behavior, and "related disorders" such as hobbyism, simple motor activities, and dopamine dysregulation syndrome. There is no rating scale translated and adapted transculturally into Brazilian Portuguese language. Therefore, we cross-culturally adapted and investigated the measurement properties of the Brazilian version of the Questionnaire for Impulsive-Compulsive Disorders in Parkinson's Disease-Rating Scale (QUIP-RS). Fifty-three patients participated in the study. Inter-evaluator and test-retest (patient and health professional) reliabilities (intraclass correlation coefficient) were all excellent (0.93, 0.93, and 0.99). The internal consistency was high (α = 0.92). The Minimal detectable change (MDC) value was 5.8 (patient) and 2.3 (health professional) points. There was a floor, but no ceiling, effect. In summary, the Brazilian version of the QUIP-RS has high reliability and content validity.
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INTRODUCTION: Infliximab infusion generally occurs in 2-4 h. Recent studies have suggested the possibility of accelerated infusion (1 h) of this drug. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety of accelerated infliximab infusion in patients with rheumatic diseases. In addition, patient satisfaction was also assessed. METHODS: A prospective, single-center, non-randomized study with 34 patients with rheumatic diseases was conducted from July to November 2016. Patients with the following were excluded: history of allergic reaction to biologics, asthma or severe atopy. All patients previously received a 2- to 3-h infliximab infusion. The infusion rate was accelerated to 1 h, and premedication was excluded. The infusion was monitored in all patients. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients were included in the study [rheumatoid arthritis (n = 16), ankylosing spondylitis (n = 15), psoriatic arthritis (n = 2) and enteropathic arthropathy (n = 1)], with an average age of 48.7 ± 18.6 years; 55.5% of the patients were female, and 29.4% were white. The duration of disease was 9.5 ± 9.2 years, and the duration of infliximab use was 38.9 ± 27.6 months, with a mean dose per infusion of 414.2 ± 158.1 (range, 200-800) mg. The mean infliximab infusion time prior to the study was 2.2 ± 0.4 h. A total of 6 (17.6%) patients received premedication. The premedication was suspended. There were no adverse effects during or after infusion. Ninety-seven percent of the patients and 100% of the health workers were satisfied with the accelerated infusion. CONCLUSION: Our data support the safe use of accelerated infliximab infusion in rheumatic patients, with high satisfaction among patients and health workers.
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Antirreumáticos/administración & dosificación , Infliximab/administración & dosificación , Satisfacción del Paciente , Enfermedades Reumáticas/tratamiento farmacológico , Enfermedades Reumáticas/psicología , Adulto , Anciano , Antirreumáticos/efectos adversos , Artritis Psoriásica/tratamiento farmacológico , Artritis Psoriásica/psicología , Artritis Reumatoide/tratamiento farmacológico , Artritis Reumatoide/psicología , Enfermedad de Crohn/tratamiento farmacológico , Enfermedad de Crohn/psicología , Esquema de Medicación , Femenino , Humanos , Infliximab/efectos adversos , Infusiones Intravenosas/efectos adversos , Infusiones Intravenosas/métodos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Prospectivos , Espondilitis Anquilosante/tratamiento farmacológico , Espondilitis Anquilosante/psicología , Factores de Tiempo , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
A molecule with a π conjugated backbone built from aromatic thiophene and dialkoxyphenylene units and substituted imidazolium groups (TPO) is designed to obtain ultra-stable single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) dispersion in aqueous medium. The proposed mechanism of non-covalent interaction is accompanied by individualization of SWCNT and comprises of dominant nondisruptive π-π and cation-π interaction between them and the TPO conjugated oligomer. The individualization of SWCNT and dispersibility and stability of the ultra-stable suspensions were estimated using high resolution transmission electron microscopy, UV-Visible-NIR absorption spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence and zeta potential measurement. Nuclear magnetic resonance data provides direct evidence toward possible cation-π interaction.
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To perform a validation of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) for complete denture wearers and present a proposal for estimation of perceived oral health. This is a cross-sectional study with non-probabilistic sampling. A total of 211 subjects with a mean age of 62·5 (s.d. = 11·4) years participated, being 169 female. The GOHAI was applied in a personal interview. The construct/convergent/discriminant validity was tested using structural equation modelling. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to verify the fit of three proposals of the GOHAI: three-factor, one-factor and second-order hierarchical models. The stability of the models was evaluated in independent samples. The three-factor model presented an inadequate fit, and items 3, 4 and 9 were removed. The new structure presented an acceptable fit and strong invariance in independent samples. The convergent, discriminant validity and internal consistency were below adequate. The one-factor model presented an adequate fit to the sample. Convergent validity was compromised. A strong invariance of the one-factor model was observed. To calculate the overall scores of the GOHAI factors (three-factor model) or of the oral health perception (one-factor model), a matrix of regression weights for each item in the model was presented as a suggestion. We found an adequate fit of the both structures of the GOHAI for denture wearers, but the three-factor structure was more parsimonious. We suggested considering the weights of the regression model to calculate the overall score of perceived oral health or of its factors in different samples.
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Dentadura Completa/psicología , Evaluación Geriátrica/métodos , Rehabilitación Bucal/psicología , Salud Bucal , Psicometría/métodos , Encuestas y Cuestionarios/normas , Anciano , Estudios Transversales , Análisis Factorial , Femenino , Humanos , Modelos Logísticos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Reproducibilidad de los ResultadosRESUMEN
Estudar o relacionamento conjugal e a avaliação da efetividade de intervenções com casais pode promover as habilidades de comunicação, afeto e resolução de problemas. Pesquisas com casais de namorados na literatura são incipientes e acredita-se que ampliar tais comportamentos pode ajudar esses casais. O presente estudo de caso avalia uma intervenção (quatro sessões de avaliação e dez sessões de grupo) com um casal de namorados num delineamento de sujeito único, considerando medidas de linha de base, pré-teste, pós-teste e seguimento, combinado com medidas processuais de expectativa e satisfação com o procedimento conduzido. Os resultados demonstram satisfação com o tratamento, generalização para outros relacionamentos e melhoria do relacionamento em comunicação, afeto e resolução de problemas. Discute-se implicações para a prevenção e futuras pesquisas (AU)
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Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Adulto , Conducta Social , Terapia ConductistaRESUMEN
Estudar o relacionamento conjugal e a avaliação da efetividade de intervenções com casais pode promover as habilidades de comunicação, afeto e resolução de problemas. Pesquisas com casais de namorados na literatura são incipientes e acredita-se que ampliar tais comportamentos pode ajudar esses casais. O presente estudo de caso avalia uma intervenção (quatro sessões de avaliação e dez sessões de grupo) com um casal de namorados num delineamento de sujeito único, considerando medidas de linha de base, pré-teste, pós-teste e seguimento, combinado com medidas processuais de expectativa e satisfação com o procedimento conduzido. Os resultados demonstram satisfação com o tratamento, generalização para outros relacionamentos e melhoria do relacionamento em comunicação, afeto e resolução de problemas. Discute-se implicações para a prevenção e futuras pesquisas
The study of the marital relationship and of the evaluation of the effectiveness of interventions with couples can promote communication skills, affection and problem solving. Researches with dating couples are incipient on the literature, and it is believed that extending such behaviors can help those couples. The present case study evaluates an intervention (four evaluation sessions and ten sessions of group) with dating couples, in the design of a single subject, considering measures baseline, pretest, posttest and follow-up, combined with procedural measures of expectation and satisfaction with the procedure conducted. The results show satisfaction with treatment, generalization to other relationships and improvement of the relationship as communication, affection and problem solving. Implications are discussed for future prevention and researches
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Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Adulto , Conducta Social , Terapia ConductistaRESUMEN
Parent-offspring vocal communication, such as the isolation call, is one of the essential adaptations in mammals that adjust parental responsiveness. Thus, our aim was to test the hypothesis that the function of the capybara infants' whistle is to attract conspecifics. We designed a playback experiment to investigate the reaction of 20 adult capybaras (seven males and 13 females) to pups' whistle calls recorded from unrelated offspring or to bird song, as control. The adult capybaras promptly responded to playback of unrelated pup whistles, while ignoring the bird vocalisation. The adult capybaras took, on average, 2.6 ± 2.5 seconds (s) to show a response to the whistles, with no differences between males and females. However, females look longer (17.0 ± 12.9 s) than males (3.0 ± 7.2 s) toward the sound source when playing the pups' whistle playback. The females also tended to approach the playback source, while males showed just a momentary interruption of ongoing behaviour (feeding). Our results suggest that capybara pups' whistles function as the isolation call in this species, but gender influences the intensity of the response.(AU)
A comunicação vocal entre pais-filhotes, tal como os chamados de isolamento, é uma das adaptações essenciais nos mamíferos para o ajuste da resposta parental. Assim, nosso objetivo foi testar a hipótese de que a função do chamado de assobio em filhotes de capivara é para atrair co-especificos. Delineamos um experimento via playback para investigar a reação de 20 capivaras adultas (sete machos e 13 fêmeas) ao chamado de assobio de filhotes não aparentados e como controle usamos o chamado de um pássaro. As capivaras adultas prontamente responderam ao playback de assobios de filhotes não aparentados, enquanto ignoraram as vocalizações de pássaro. As capivaras levaram, em media 2,6 ± 2,5 segundos (s) para mostrar a resposta para os assobios, não havendo diferença entre machos e fêmeas. No entanto, fêmeas permanecem mais tempo (17,0 ± 12,9 s) do que os machos (3,0 ± 7,2 s) para retornar da fonte sonora após o playback de assobio iniciar. As fêmeas também tendem a aproximar-se da fonte sonora, enquanto os machos fazem uma breve interrupção do comportamento que estão engajados (comendo). Os resultados sugerem que a função do chamado de assobio de filhotes de capivaras é um chamado de isolamento na espécie e que o gênero influencia a intensidade da resposta.(AU)
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Animales , Masculino , Femenino , Roedores/fisiología , Vocalización Animal/fisiología , Factores Sexuales , Grabación en Cinta , Factores de TiempoRESUMEN
Parent-offspring vocal communication, such as the isolation call, is one of the essential adaptations in mammals that adjust parental responsiveness. Thus, our aim was to test the hypothesis that the function of the capybara infants' whistle is to attract conspecifics. We designed a playback experiment to investigate the reaction of 20 adult capybaras (seven males and 13 females) to pups' whistle calls - recorded from unrelated offspring - or to bird song, as control. The adult capybaras promptly responded to playback of unrelated pup whistles, while ignoring the bird vocalisation. The adult capybaras took, on average, 2.6 ± 2.5 seconds (s) to show a response to the whistles, with no differences between males and females. However, females look longer (17.0 ± 12.9 s) than males (3.0 ± 7.2 s) toward the sound source when playing the pups' whistle playback. The females also tended to approach the playback source, while males showed just a momentary interruption of ongoing behaviour (feeding). Our results suggest that capybara pups' whistles function as the isolation call in this species, but gender influences the intensity of the response.
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Roedores/fisiología , Vocalización Animal/fisiología , Animales , Femenino , Masculino , Factores Sexuales , Grabación en Cinta , Factores de TiempoRESUMEN
The aim of this study is to evaluate the characteristics of pregnant women whether they are HIV infected or not and their prenatal care. It is a cross-sectional study. HIV-infected women were derived from a cohort study of all HIV-infected pregnant women followed from 1995 to 2005, at the Instituto de Puericultura e Pediatria Martagão Gesteira - Rio de Janeiro. HIV-non-infected women were derived from a random sample of all pregnant women who gave birth at Rio de Janeiro municipality between 1999 and 2001. All relevant sociodemographic, clinical, and pregnancy outcomes data were retrieved from both studies. To evaluate the prenatal care, we calculated the Kotelchuck Modified Index (KMI). The index is based on the months of initiation of prenatal care and the proportion of visits observed in each trimester, according to gestational age at birth. Comparisons were performed using Student t- and chi-square tests. Variables with p-value < 0.25 were included in an unconditional logistic regression model. There were 713 HIV-infected women and 2145 HIV-non-infected women. Variables independently associated with HIV status were: inadequate KMI (OR=4.08, 95% CI=3.17-5.24); lower educational level (OR=1.32, 95% CI=1.04-1.68); does not live with a partner (OR=3.54, 95% CI=2.66-4.64); lower family income (OR=4.71, 95% CI=3.62-6.14); tobacco use (OR=2.17, 95% CI=1.63-2.88); and hypertension (OR=1.47, 95% CI=1.01-2.17). Prematurity was not independently associated with HIV status. Although in Brazil, the HIV care is free of charge, pregnant women are still having difficulty to reach the specialized care. Better access to care must be offered to this population and studies of prematurity in the HIV-infected women must evaluate their prenatal care.
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Infecciones por VIH/complicaciones , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo , Resultado del Embarazo , Atención Prenatal , Adolescente , Adulto , Brasil/epidemiología , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Estudios de Cohortes , Estudios Transversales , Escolaridad , Femenino , Accesibilidad a los Servicios de Salud , Humanos , Recién Nacido , Recien Nacido Prematuro , Enfermedades del Prematuro/epidemiología , Estado Civil , Pobreza , Embarazo , Uso de Tabaco , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Considering the different potential benefits of divergent fiber ingredients, the effect of 3 fiber sources on energy and macronutrient digestibility, fermentation product formation, postprandial metabolite responses, and colon histology of overweight cats (Felis catus) fed kibble diets was compared. Twenty-four healthy adult cats were assigned in a complete randomized block design to 2 groups of 12 animals, and 3 animals from each group were fed 1 of 4 of the following kibble diets: control (CO; 11.5% dietary fiber), beet pulp (BP; 26% dietary fiber), wheat bran (WB; 24% dietary fiber), and sugarcane fiber (SF; 28% dietary fiber). Digestibility was measured by the total collection of feces. After 16 d of diet adaptation and an overnight period without food, blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride postprandial responses were evaluated for 16 h after continued exposure to food. On d 20, colon biopsies of the cats were collected under general anesthesia. Fiber addition reduced food energy and nutrient digestibility. Of all the fiber sources, SF had the least dietary fiber digestibility (P < 0.05), causing the largest reduction of dietary energy digestibility (P < 0.05). The greater fermentability of BP resulted in reduced fecal DM and pH, greater fecal production [g/(cat × d); as-is], and greater fecal concentration of acetate, propionate, and lactate (P < 0.05). For most fecal variables, WB was intermediate between BP and SF, and SF was similar to the control diet except for an increased fecal DM and firmer feces production for the SF diet (P < 0.05). Postprandial evaluations indicated reduced mean glucose concentration and area under the glucose curve in cats fed the SF diet (P < 0.05). Colon mucosa thickness, crypt area, lamina propria area, goblet cell area, crypt mean size, and crypt in bifurcation did not vary among the diets. According to the fiber solubility and fermentation rates, fiber sources can induce different physiological responses in cats, reduce energy digestibility, and favor glucose metabolism (SF), or improve gut health (BP).
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Alimentación Animal/análisis , Enfermedades de los Gatos/terapia , Colon/anatomía & histología , Fibras de la Dieta/metabolismo , Heces/química , Sobrepeso/veterinaria , Animales , Gatos , Dieta/veterinaria , Fibras de la Dieta/análisis , Digestión/fisiología , Metabolismo Energético/fisiología , Femenino , Fermentación , Masculino , Sobrepeso/terapia , Periodo Posprandial/fisiologíaRESUMEN
In this article, we investigate the linear and nonlinear optical properties of the thiophene/phenylene-based oligomer (SL128G) and polymer (FSE59) chemically modified with alquilic chains, which allow greater solubility and provide new optical properties. These compounds present a strong absorption in the UV-visible region, providing a wide transparence window in visible-IR, ideal for applications in nonlinear optics. Employing the Z-scan technique with femtosecond pulses, we show that these compounds exhibit considerable two-photon absorption (2PA), with two 2PA allowed states located at 650 and 800 nm for SL128G and 780 and 920 nm for FSE59. Moreover, we observe the resonance enhancement effect as the excitation wavelength approaches the lowest one-photon-allowed state. By modeling the 2PA spectra considering a four-energy-level diagram within of the sum-over-essential states approach, we obtained the spectroscopic parameters of the electronic transitions to low-energy singlet excited states. Additionally, photoluminescence excited by femtosecond and picosecond pulses were performed to confirm the order of the multiphoton process and estimate the fluorescence lifetime, respectively.
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In this work, the influence of γ radiation on electronic, structural, and vibrational properties of a poly(2,5-thiophene-1,4-dialkoxyphenylene) derivative is studied by optical absorption and photoluminescence. A Gaussian fit of emission spectra within Franck-Condon vertical transitions formalism was carried out in order to understand how vibronic coupling is affected by the dose, because an unexpected luminescence behavior was observed. Aiming to understand the ionizing radiation-matter interaction processes, we employed a molecular modeling procedure, through the use of a semiempirical method (AM1) applied to conjugated oligomers' conformational structure and equilibrium geometries, to clarify the defects induction for the used doses. From AM1 optimized structures, electronic transitions were calculated by ZINDO/S-CI semiempirical method to measure the chain scission degree. Moreover, with the results presented in this work, it is possible to come up with a new physical-chemical route to treat and increase conjugated polymers' efficiency. Finally, we believe that the present paper contributes to the literature about defects on conjugated polymers.
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This study investigated the ionic speciation of reclaimed urban wastewater (RWW), and the impact of increasing RWW irrigation rates on soil properties and plant nutrition under field conditions. Most RWW elements (>66%) are readily available as NH(4)(+), Ca(2+), Mg(2+), K(+), SO(4)(2-), Cl(-), H(3)BO(3), Mn(2+) and Zn(2+), but in imbalanced proportion for plant nutrition. Lead, Cd, Cr and Al in RWW are mostly bounded with DOM or OH(-).(.)Irrigation with RWW decreased soil acidity, which is beneficial to the acidic tropical soil. Although RWW irrigation builds exchangeable Na(+) up, the excessive Na(+) was leached out of the soil profile after a rainy summer season (>400 mm). Benefits of the disposal of RWW to the soil under tropical conditions were discussed, however, the over irrigation with RWW (>100% of crop evapotranspiration) led to a nutritional imbalance, accumulating S and leading to a plant deficiency of P and K.
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Restauración y Remediación Ambiental/métodos , Plantas , Suelo , Clima Tropical , Riego AgrícolaRESUMEN
In this study a simple model of the postural control system is implemented and its parameters are adjusted to explain the differences between Parkinson's disease patient's measures and healthy young adult's measures by performing simulations of spontaneous sway with center-of-pressure traces. An optimization procedure was performed varying four parameters of the model. The best adjustment obtained was when the proportional and derivative factors where the same as for healthy young adults and noise level gain and force feedback gain varied independently. Differences in the latter parameter can be explained because of insufficient and slowed force production necessary to counteract perturbations in Parkinson's disease patients while the former may be due to noise in the sensory system that estimates the vertical deviation angle and/or perturbations in the execution of the movement.
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Modelos Neurológicos , Enfermedad de Parkinson/fisiopatología , Equilibrio Postural/fisiología , Anciano , Simulación por Computador , Humanos , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
The main objectives of the present study were to investigate the clinical and laboratory features of meningococcal disease in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during the overlap of 2 epidemics in the 1990s. We conducted a study of a series of cases of meningococcal disease admitted in a Meningitis Reference Hospital. All clinical isolates available were analyzed by means of microbiological epidemiological markers. In 1990, Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B:4,7:P1.19,15, 1.7,1 sulfadiazine-resistant of the ET-5 complex emerged causing epidemic disease. Despite mass vaccination campaign (VaMengoc B+C®), the ET-5 clone remained hyperendemic after the epidemic peaked. In 1993 to 1995, an epidemic of serogroup C belonged to the cluster A4 overlapped, with a significant shift in the age distribution toward older age groups and an increase of sepsis. Serogroup C epidemics are a recurrent problem in Rio de Janeiro, which can be hindered with the introduction of a conjugate vaccine. We hope the data presented here brings useful information to discuss vaccines strategies and early management of suspected cases.
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Epidemias/estadística & datos numéricos , Meningitis Meningocócica/epidemiología , Neisseria meningitidis/clasificación , Sepsis/epidemiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Brasil/epidemiología , Niño , Preescolar , Femenino , Humanos , Incidencia , Lactante , Recién Nacido , Masculino , Vacunación Masiva , Meningitis Meningocócica/microbiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Retrospectivos , Sepsis/microbiología , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
The main objectives of the present study were to investigate the clinical and laboratory features of meningococcal disease in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during the overlap of 2 epidemics in the 1990s. We conducted a study of a series of cases of meningococcal disease admitted in a Meningitis Reference Hospital. All clinical isolates available were analyzed by means of microbiological epidemiological markers. In 1990, Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B:4,7:P1.19,15, 1.7,1 sulfadiazine-resistant of the ET-5 complex emerged causing epidemic disease. Despite mass vaccination campaign (VaMengoc B+C®), the ET-5 clone remained hyperendemic after the epidemic peaked. In 1993 to 1995, an epidemic of serogroup C belonged to the cluster A4 overlapped, with a significant shift in the age distribution toward older age groups and an increase of sepsis. Serogroup C epidemics are a recurrent problem in Rio de Janeiro, which can be hindered with the introduction of a conjugate vaccine. We hope the data presented here brings useful information to discuss vaccines strategies and early management of suspected cases.
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Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Niño , Preescolar , Femenino , Humanos , Lactante , Recién Nacido , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto Joven , Epidemias/estadística & datos numéricos , Meningitis Meningocócica/epidemiología , Neisseria meningitidis/clasificación , Sepsis/epidemiología , Brasil/epidemiología , Incidencia , Vacunación Masiva , Meningitis Meningocócica/microbiología , Estudios Retrospectivos , Sepsis/microbiología , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Aspergillus terricola and Aspergillus ochraceus, isolated from Brazilian soil, were cultivated in Vogel and Adams media supplemented with 20 different carbon sources, at 30 degrees C, under static conditions, for 120 and 144 h, respectively. High levels of cellulase-free xylanase were produced in birchwood or oat spelt xylan-media. Wheat bran was the most favorable agricultural residue for xylanase production. Maximum activity was obtained at 60 degrees C and pH 6.5 for A. terricola, and 65 degrees C and pH 5.0 for A. ochraceus. A. terricola xylanase was stable for 1 h at 60 degrees C and retained 50% activity after 80 min, while A. ochraceus xylanase presented a t(50) of 10 min. The xylanases were stable in an alkali pH range. Biobleaching of 10 U/g dry cellulose pulp resulted in 14.3% delignification (A. terricola) and 36.4% (A. ochraceus). The brightness was 2.4-3.4% ISO higher than the control. Analysis in SEM showed defibrillation of the microfibrils. Arabinase traces and beta-xylosidase were detected which might act synergistically with xylanase.
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Aspergillus ochraceus/clasificación , Aspergillus ochraceus/enzimología , Celulosa/metabolismo , Endo-1,4-beta Xilanasas/química , Endo-1,4-beta Xilanasas/metabolismo , Madera/química , Endo-1,4-beta Xilanasas/aislamiento & purificación , Activación Enzimática , Estabilidad de Enzimas , Especificidad de la EspecieRESUMEN
Species of tegu (Tupinambis) are the largest lizards in South America. Large numbers of these lizards are hunted; there is a vigorous trade in their skins and the meat is consumed by rural and native peoples. The animals are also bred in captivity, an economic activity for rural populations which can help in the animals' conservation. Faecal samples from 30 captive-born tegus were analysed for the presence of Salmonella in two separate samplings. In the first analysis, samples from 26 animals (87%) yielded Salmonella enterica of which 23% were of Rubislaw serotype; 20% Carrau and Agona serotypes; 7% Infantis and Saint-Paul serotypes; 3% Panama and Brandenburg serotypes; 10% were S. enterica subsp. enterica and 7% were rough form. In the second analysis, four tegus (13%) which had been negative in the first sampling were positive, thus, 100% of the animals studied carried the bacterium. Antibiotic susceptibility showed resistance to sulfonamide in 82% of the isolates, streptomycin in 64%, tetracycline in 6% and Chloramphenicol in 20%. Two animals carried strains of the same serotype with different patterns of antibiotic susceptibility. Although it is well known that reptiles are a significant source of Salmonella, to our knowledge, its prevalence in tegu has not been studied previously.