RESUMEN

Objective.To present an innovative approach for the design of a 3D mammographic phantom for medical equipment quality assessment, estimation of the glandular tissue percentage in the patient's breast, and emulation of microcalcification (µC) breast lesions.Approach.Contrast-to noise ratio (CNR) measurements, as well as spatial resolution and intensity-to-glandularity calibrations under mammography conditions were performed to assess the effectiveness of the phantom. CNR measurements were applied to different groups of calcium hydroxyapatite (HA) and aluminum oxide (AO)µCs ranging from 200 to 600µm. Spatial resolution was characterized using an aluminum plate contained in the phantom and standard linear figures of merit, such as the line spread function and modulation transfer function (MTF). The intensity-to-glandularity calibration was developed using an x-ray attenuation matrix within the phantom to estimate the glandular tissue percentage in a breast with a compressed thickness of 4 cm.Main results.For the prototype studied, the minimum confidence level for detecting HAµCs is 95.4%, while for AOµCs is above 68.3%. It was also possible to determine that the MTF of the commercial mammography machine used for this study at the Nyquist frequency is 41%. Additionally, a one-to-one intensity-to-glandularity calibration was obtained and verified with Monte-Carlo simulation results.Significance.The phantom provides traditional arrangements presented in accreditation phantoms, which makes it competitive with available devices, but excelling in regarding affordability, modularity, and inlays distribution. Moreover, its design allows to be positioned in close proximity to the patient's breast during a medical screening for a simultaneous x-ray imaging, such that the features of the phantom can be used as reference values to specify characteristics of the real breast tissue, such as proportion of glandular/adipose composition and/orµC type and size lesions.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Metastatic breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease that presents in varying forms, and a growing number of therapeutic options makes it difficult to determine the best choice in each particular situation. When selecting a systemic treatment, it is important to consider the medication administered in the previous stages, such as acquired resistance, type of progression, time to relapse, tumor aggressiveness, age, comorbidities, pre- and post-menopausal status, and patient preferences. Moreover, tumor genomic signatures can identify different subtypes, which can be used to create patient profiles and design specific therapies. However, there is no consensus regarding the best treatment sequence for each subgroup of patients. During the SABCC Congress of 2014, specialized breast cancer oncologists from referral hospitals in Europe met to define patient profiles and to determine specific treatment sequences for each one. Conclusions were then debated in a final meeting in which a relative degree of consensus for each treatment sequence was established. Four patient profiles were defined according to established breast cancer phenotypes: pre-menopausal patients with luminal subtype, post-menopausal patients with luminal subtype, patients with triple-negative subtype, and patients with HER2-positive subtype. A treatment sequence was then defined, consisting of hormonal therapy with tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors, fulvestrant, and mTOR inhibitors for pre- and post-menopausal patien ts; a chemotherapy sequence for the first, second, and further lines for luminal and triple-negative patients; and an optimal sequence for treatment with new antiHER2 therapies. Finally, a document detailing all treatment sequences, that had the agreement of all the oncologists, was drawn up as a guideline and advocacy tool for professionals treating patients with this disease.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

ABSTRACT Objectives. Establish the genetic profiles of cats from 12 neighboring municipalities in southwestern Colombia, in a town course from Pereira-Popayán. Estimate the degree of diversity, genetic structure, and quantify gene flow. Materials and methods. Were inventoried the phenotypic markers present in the pigmentation and structure of the coat of 1482 cats of the municipalities surveyed. Based on these phenotypic frequencies, allele frequencies, heterozygosity, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, F statistics and Nei genetic distances were calculated. A comparison was also made between genetic and geographic distance matrices to determine if there was a significant association between the two. Results. With the genetic profiles of the populations we estimated the degree of diversity. We found the populations in equilibrium for the S autosomal locus and for the O sex-linked locus. We found a low level genetic structure, and it was determined that there was no significant correlation between the genetic and geographic distance matrices among populations. Conclusions: These findings can be explained on the basis of the processes of human displacement for this region, due to the fact that the establishment of feline populations in these municipalities originated during the same historical period. Identical genetic profiles are shared as a result of colonization events, and due to possible continued migration among these populations.

RESUMEN Objetivos. Determinar los perfiles genéticos de los gatos de 12 municipios contiguos del suroccidente colombiano en un trayecto Pereira-Popayán; estimar el grado de diversidad, estructura genética y cuantificar el flujo de genes. Materiales y métodos. Se inventariaron los marcadores fenotípicos presentes en la pigmentación y estructura del pelaje de 1482 gatos de los municipios estudiados, con base en estas frecuencias fenotípicas se calcularon frecuencias alélicas, heterocigosidad, equilibrio Hardy-Weinberg, el estadístico FST y distancias genéticas de Nei. También se realizó una comparación entre matrices de distancia genética y geográfica para determinar si existía asociación significativa entre las dos. Resultados. Con los perfiles genéticos de las poblaciones se estimó el grado de diversidad, se halló en equilibrio Hardy-Weinberg a las poblaciones para el locus autosómico S y el locus ligado al sexo O. Se encontró bajo nivel de estructura genética y se determinó que no existe correlación significativa entre las matrices de distancia genética y geográfica entre poblaciones. Conclusiones. Estos hallazgos se pueden explicar con base en los procesos de desplazamiento humano para esta región, debido a que el establecimiento de poblaciones felinas en estos municipios se originó en el mismo período histórico. Se comparten perfiles genéticos idénticos como resultado, posiblemente, de eventos de colonización y migración continua entre estas poblaciones.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Objective. To assess the population structure and genetic diversity in populations of domestic horse (Equus caballus) in the municipality Cienaga de Oro-Córdoba (Colombia). Materials and methods. Random sampling were conducted between August and October 2013, in adult animals on farms seven districts, which was carried out phenotypic characterization of each animal, based on autosomal markers encoding morphological Extension (E) , Agouti (A), Cream (C), White (W), Gray (G), Tobiano (TO), Overo (O) and Roan (RN). Population genetic parameters: allele frequency, genetic diversity, gene flow, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and genetic distance were calculated through the program POPGENE 1.31; the genetic structure was assessed using the program FSTAT v. 2.9.3.2. Results. 341 individuals were analyzed in the seven populations studied, where the Extension gene Was the MOST faq frequently as the Overo and Tobiano genes showed the lowest values. Insignificant values of genetic variability and population recorded a global level, likewise, low genetic differentiation among populations, accompanied by a high gene flow was obtained; an excess of heterozygotes at population and global level was observed; to this is added the presence of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in all populations relative to the markers studied and low genetic distance values ​​were reported. Conclusions. The populations are highly genetically related, a situation that may result from the existing geographical proximity between them, favoring genetic exchange and the establishment of a metapopulation.

Objetivo. Evaluar la estructura poblacional y la diversidad genética en poblaciones de caballo doméstico (Equus caballus), en el municipio Ciénaga de Oro, Córdoba (Colombia). Materiales y métodos. Se realizaron muestreos aleatorios entre los meses de Agosto y Octubre del año 2013, en animales adultos presentes en las fincas de siete corregimientos, donde se llevó a cabo la caracterización fenotípica a cada animal, atendiendo a los marcadores autosómicos de codificación morfológica Extension (E), Agouti (A), Cream (C), White (W), Gris (G), Tobiano (TO), Overo (O) y Roan (RN). Los parámetros genéticos poblacionales: frecuencia alélica, diversidad genética, flujo génico, equilibrio Hardy-Weinberg y distancia génica, fueron calculados a través del programa PopGene 1.31; la estructura genética se evaluó mediante el programa FSTAT v. 2.9.3.2. Resultados. Se analizaron 341 individuos en las siete poblaciones estudiadas, donde El marcador Extensión fue el de mayor frecuencia mientras los genes Overo y Tobiano presentaron los menores valores. Se registraron cifras poco significativas de variabilidad genética a nivel global y poblacional, así mismo, se obtuvo una escasa diferenciación genética entre las poblaciones, acompañado de un elevado flujo génico; se observó un exceso de heterocigotos a nivel poblacional y a nivel total, a esto se le suma la presencia de equilibrio Hardy-Weinberg en todas las poblaciones con relación a los marcadores estudiados y se reportaron valores bajos de distancia genética. Conclusiones. Las poblaciones se encuentran muy relacionadas genéticamente, situación que puede obedecer a la cercanía geográfica existente entre ellas, favoreciendo el intercambio genético y la constitución de una metapoblación.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Objective. The purpose of this study was to characterize a population of domestic pig (Sus scrofa domestica) in Cereté, Córdoba, using 20 microsatellite; calculate heterozygosity per locus and average heterozygosity. Materials and methods. Hair samples were collected from 62 specimens. DNA was extracted by proteinase K digestion and phenol-chloroform purification. Information from 20 microsatellites was selected out of those recommended for swine biodiversity studies. PCR products were separated by a vertical polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The bands were visualized by staining with silver nitrate. Results. All microsatellites used were polymorphic. Between 3 (SW1067) and 15 (IFNG) alleles were detected with an average number of 6.7 and a total de 134 alleles. The average expected and observed heterozygosities were 0.5278 and 0.5479, respectively. PIC values ranged between 0.1999 and 0.8300 for loci SW1067 and SW911, respectively. Conclusions. Levels of observed and expected heterozygosity found in the present study indicate that the domestic pig (Sus scrofa domestica) in Córdoba Cereté show high degree of genetic variability.

Objetivo. El objetivo del presente estudio fue caracterizar una población de cerdo doméstico (Sus scrofa domestica) en Cereté, Córdoba utilizando 20 microsatélites; calcular la heterocigosidad por locus y la heterocigosidad media. Materiales y métodos. Se recolectaron muestras de bulbos de pelo de 62 ejemplares. El ADN se extrajo mediante digestión con proteinasa K y una purificación con fenol-cloroformo. Se utilizó la información proporcionada por 20 marcadores microsatélites de los recomendados para estudios de biodiversidad porcina. Los productos de PCR se separaron mediante electroforesis vertical en gel de poliacrilamida. Las bandas se visualizaron por tinción con nitrato de plata Resultados. Todos los microsatélites utilizados fueron polimórficos. Se detectaron, entre 3 (SW1067) y 15 (IFNG) alelos, con un número medio de alelos de 6.7 y un total de 134. Las heterocigosidades media esperadas y observadas fueron 0.5278 y 0.5479 respectivamente. Los valores del PIC oscilaron entre 0.1999 y 0.8300 para los loci SW1067 y SW911 respectivamente. Conclusiones. Los niveles de heterocigosidad observada y esperada encontrados en el presente estudio, indican que el cerdo doméstico (Sus scrofa domestica) en Cereté Córdoba muestran alto grado de variabilidad genética.

Asunto(s)

Asunto(s)

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB), a preventable and curable disease, remains a major public health threat in the poorest regions of the Americas. The DOTS strategy was implemented to control TB in the region in 1993, and the new Stop TB strategy, emphasizing high-quality DOTS expansion, in 2006. OBJECTIVES: To describe TB epidemiology in the region of the Americas from 1994 to 2005 and to analyze the progress made towards and prospects for achieving Goal 6 of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015. METHODS: TB incidence, mortality and prevalence rates as well as DOTS coverage and DOTS treatment success rates were collated from the World Health Organization (WHO) databases from 1994 to 2005. RESULTS: DOTS coverage and DOTS treatment success rates rose steadily from 1994 to 2005, with 88% of the population covered under DOTS by 2005, and an 80% success rate by the end of 2004. The TB incidence, prevalence and mortality rates have also decreased steadily from 1994 to date, but differ with respect to the various scenarios. CONCLUSIONS: With the exception of some countries, further reduction in TB incidence, prevalence and deaths by 2015 is possible. Widespread implementation of DOTS should continue in order to meet WHO targets and attain the MDGs.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

This study determined the correlation between serum cortisol levels and rabies antibody titers in cattle primo-vaccinated against rabies and supplemented with dietary selenium (Se). Sixty Nelore male calves (10 to 12 months old) received daily and individual dietary supplementation with 0, 3.6, 5.4 and 6.4 mg Se (groups Gc, G3.6, G5.4 and G6.4, respectively). The animals were vaccinated against rabies (day 0) and subjected to handling stress in the corral for 120 days. Blood sampling procedures were performed on days 0, 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120. Cortisol levels increased until day 90, but had dropped significantly by day 120 (P < 0.01). Rabies antibody titers on days 30 and 90 were similar among Se-supplemented groups; in the control group, rabies antibodies decreased significantly from day 30 to 60, and 90 to 120. Serum cortisol levels and antibody titers were not correlated in most of the groups or blood sampling days. A positive correlation among these variables was found only in G6.4 on days 60 (R = 0.513; P = 0.05) and 120 (R = 0.644; P = 0.009). In conclusion, repeated handling in the corral stresses cattle, but without compromising rabies humoral immune response.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

This study determined the correlation between serum cortisol levels and rabies antibody titers in cattle primo-vaccinated against rabies and supplemented with dietary selenium (Se). Sixty Nelore male calves (10 to 12 months old) received daily and individual dietary supplementation with 0, 3.6, 5.4 and 6.4 mg Se (groups Gc, G3.6, G5.4 and G6.4, respectively). The animals were vaccinated against rabies (day 0) and subjected to handling stress in the corral for 120 days. Blood sampling procedures were performed on days 0, 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120. Cortisol levels increased until day 90, but had dropped significantly by day 120 (P < 0.01). Rabies antibody titers on days 30 and 90 were similar among Se-supplemented groups; in the control group, rabies antibodies decreased significantly from day 30 to 60, and 90 to 120. Serum cortisol levels and antibody titers were not correlated in most of the groups or blood sampling days. A positive correlation among these variables was found only in G6.4 on days 60 (R = 0.513; P = 0.05) and 120 (R = 0.644; P = 0.009). In conclusion, repeated handling in the corral stresses cattle, but without compromising rabies humoral immune response.(AU)

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Levels of rabies virus neutralization antibody in sera from vaccinated dogs and cattle were either measured by mouse neutralization test (MNT) or by rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT), performed on CER monolayers. The two tests were compared for their ability to detect the 0.5 International Units/ml (I.U.) recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the minimum response for proof of rabies immunization. A significant correlation was found between the two tests (n=211; r=0.9949 in dogs and 0.9307 in cows, p<0.001), good sensitivity (87.5%), specificity (94.7%) and agreement (96.6%) as well. RFFIT method standardized on CER cell system for neutralizing antibodies detection turns the diagnosis easier and less expensive, specially when a great number of samples must be tested from endemic areas as commonly found in Brazil.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

In this study, we compared the levels of neutralizing antibodies induced by inactivated rabies vaccine in cattle by using three alternative immunization procedures. Forty-five bovines (breed nelore) were then organized in three groups (A, B and C, with 15 animals/group). Group A received only one vaccine dose at day zero and Group B received the first dose at day zero and then another dose at day 30 (early booster). Group C was also immunized with two doses; however, the booster was postponed until day 180 after the first dose (delayed booster). Blood samples were withdrawn at days zero (before the first dose) and 30, 210, 390, and 540 after the beginning of immunization and the antibody titers were evaluated by mouse neutralization test. The protocol used to immunize Group C (booster at day 180) was clearly more efficient. In this group, antibody levels were higher and also remained higher for longer periods in comparison with the other two groups. These results show that booster timing significantly affected antibody levels. Therefore, programs addressed to control this disease in cattle should consider not only the use of a booster but also its administration time

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

ABSTRACT The effect of chromium yeast on antirabies humoral immune response was evaluated in Nelore heifers. Sixty heifers (Bos indicus) aged about 2 to 5 years were fed on Brachiaria decumbens pasture and allowed ad libitum access to mineral salt and water. They were randomly distributed into one of 4 groups (15 animals each): control animals (Gc) received chromium-free mineral salt; the other groups received 8.5, 17 and 34 mg chromium/salt kg, thus constituting groups G8.5, G17 and G34, respectively. In the first day of the experiment (day 0), all the heifers were vaccinated with commercial rabies vaccines and blood was sampled on days 0, 30, 60 and 90. Antirabies antibody titers were determined by virus neutralization test in mice. Results showed that heifers of G17 increased significantly the antirabies antibody; however, only in G34 was the titer of protective antibodies higher on the 90th day after vaccination. These results demonstrate that chromium increases neutralizing antirabies antibody titers, and that the best concentration is 34 mg Cr/kg mineral salt.

RESUMO O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do crômio em diferentes concentrações na forma de levedura de crômio na resposta imune humoral anti-rábica em bovinos. Utilizaram-se 60 novilhas da raça Nelore (Bos indicus) com idade média de 2 e 5 anos, alimentadas em pastagem de Brachiaria decumbens, com fornecimento da água de bebida e sal mineral ad libidum, divididas aleatoriamente em 4 grupos de 15: grupo controle (Gc) que receberam o sal mineral sem crômio, os demais grupos receberam sal mineral contendo 8,5, 17 e 34 mg de crômio/kg de sal, grupos G8,5, G17 e G34, respectivamente. Todos os bovinos receberam no dia 0 uma dose de vacina comercial anti-rábica inativada. Colheram-se amostras de sangue nos dias 0, 30, 60 e 90 e os títulos de anticorpos anti-rábicos foram determinados por meio do teste de soroneutralização em camundongos. Os resultados obtidos mostram que as novilhas do grupo G17 apresentaram diferenças significativas no título de anticorpos anti-rábicos, no entanto, somente o G 34 mostrou persistência dos títulos de anticorpos protetores, 90 dias após a vacinação. Os resultados obtidos permitem concluir que o crômio aumentou o título de anticorpos neutralizante anti-rábico e que a melhor concentração estudada foi 34 mg de Cr/kg de sal mineral.

RESUMEN

In this study, we compared the levels of neutralizing antibodies induced by inactivated rabies vaccine in cattle by using three alternative immunization procedures. Forty-five bovines (breed nelore) were then organized in three groups (A, B and C, with 15 animals/group). Group A received only one vaccine dose at day zero and Group B received the first dose at day zero and then another dose at day 30 (early booster). Group C was also immunized with two doses; however, the booster was postponed until day 180 after the first dose (delayed booster). Blood samples were withdrawn at days zero (before the first dose) and 30, 210, 390, and 540 after the beginning of immunization and the antibody titers were evaluated by mouse neutralization test. The protocol used to immunize Group C (booster at day 180) was clearly more efficient. In this group, antibody levels were higher and also remained higher for longer periods in comparison with the other two groups. These results show that booster timing significantly affected antibody levels. Therefore, programs addressed to control this disease in cattle should consider not only the use of a booster but also its administration time.

RESUMEN

ABSTRACT The lead concentration in mineral mixtures used in beef cattle in the state of São Paulo, Brazil was measured. The lead concentration was determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Of the 39 analyzed samples (range 3.0 to 4,386 ppm), 28 samples had lead concentration above 10 ppm the acceptable maximum limit proposed by MALETTO (1986). These findings show the necessity for careful industrial monitoring, as some mineral mixtures contain sufficient lead to cause toxicity in animals.

RESUMO Para se proceder a uma investigação em misturas minerais, foi realizada uma pesquisa quantificando o elemento chumbo em diferentes formulações, comercializadas no Estado de São Paulo. O xenobiótico foi determinado pela técnica de espectrofotometria na absorção atômica. Em 28 das 39 amostras (variação de 3,0 a 4.386 ppm) observou-se valores superiores aos 10 ppm recomendado como limite máximo aceitável por MALETTO (1986). Os resultados demonstram a necessidade do monitoramento junto aos fabricantes, pois algumas misturas minerais podem ser eminentemente perigosas, possibilitando efeitos cumulativos tóxicos de chumbo inorgânico aos bovinos.

RESUMEN

RESUMO A profilaxia antirrábica em bovinos no Brasil é baseada no uso de preparações vacinais de vírus inativado. O Programa Brasileiro de Controle da Raiva Bovina indica o uso de uma dose destas vacinas (1 mL) seguida de um reforço. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar e comparar os níveis de anticorpos induzidos por 5 esquemas alternativos de vacinação antirrábica em bovinos. Para isto, foram instituídos cinco grupos experimentais, denominados A, B, C, D e E, contendo 9 animais cada grupo. Os bovinos receberam, inicialmente, uma dose da vacina (dia 0). As doses de reforço foram aplicadas de acordo com o seguinte protocolo: grupo B (uma dose no dia 30); grupo C (uma dose no dia 180); os grupos D e E receberam duas doses de reforço, nos dias 30 e 60 e 30 e 180, respectivamente; o grupo A não recebeu dose de reforço. Amostras de sangue para obtenção de soro foram colhidas de todos os animais nos dias 0 (controle), 30, 60, 90, 180, 210 e 360 após o início da vacinação. Para aferir os níveis de anticorpos antirrábicos foi utilizado o Teste Rápido de Inibição de Focos Fluorescentes (RFFIT) e foram consideradas positivas as amostras com títulos ? 0,5 UI/mL (Unidades Internacionais/mL). O esquema de vacinação adotado no grupo E foi o mais eficiente, determinando níveis mais elevados de anticorpos e persistência dos mesmos por tempo mais prolongado e os resultados obtidos ilustram a necessidade de duas doses de reforço para melhor proteção de bovinos. Em função dos resultados observados, os autores sugerem que a vacinação contra a raiva nestes animais seja realizada com 3 doses, sendo os reforços administrados nos dias 30 e 180 após a primeira dose.

ABSTRACT The Brazilian Program for Rabies Control indicates the use of 2 doses of a vaccine with inactivated virus. This study was conducted to determine the best schedule for cattle vaccination. To evaluate this, 45 bovines were organized in 5 groups (9 animals each), identified as A, B, C, D and E. Group A received only the dose at day 0; groups B and C received one booster at days 30 and 180, respectively; groups D and E received two boosters, delivered at days 30 and 60 and 30 and 180, respectively. Blood samples were withdrawn at days 0 (negative control), 30, 60, 90, 180, 210 and 360 after the beginning of vaccination. Specific antibody levels were determined in sera samples by the rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT). Samples showing titers ? 0.5 IU/mL were considered positive. Group E, whose protocol included two boosters, was the most efficient because it induced high and persistent specific antibody levels. The results reinforce the need of booster application in rabies vaccination to keep the prophylactic efficacy of inactivated vaccines. In view of these results the authors suggest the use of 3 doses of a vaccine with inactivated virus: one priming dose followed by two boosters delivered at days 30 and 180 after the initial dose.

RESUMEN

We measured lead concentrations in samples of mineral salt mixtures used in cattle feed in the states of Paraná and São Paulo, Brazil. Lead content was determined spectrometrically by the atomic plasma induction method. Of the 30 samples analyzed, 9 had lead concentrations above 30 ppm (range 35.7 to 284.5 ppm) which is the maximum concentration recommended by the National Research Council (NRC 1980). These findings show the necessity for careful industrial monitoring because some mineral mixtures contain sufficient lead to cause toxicity.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Cetacean strandings in Costa Rica are reported for a period of 33 years, with a total of 35 strandings, 13 species and 247 individuals involved. The vast majority of documented strandings occurred on the Pacific coast and correspond to single individuals (32 and 28 strandings respectively). The highest stranding number was in the period from 1990 to 1999 (n = 24). Physeter catodon (cachalot or sperm whale) is the species with the highest frequency of strandings (n = 8) and the family Delphinidae has the majority of species (n = 8) and strandings (n = 22). No other general tendencies were determined with the existing data.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Published evidence of pathogenetic mechanisms of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in mycoplasmal lung infections suggests that the pulmonary injury is related to a cell-mediated immune response. Therefore, steroids may play a role in the treatment of severe cases. We describe a patient who had Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia that progressed to severe ARDS requiring mechanical ventilation and who had improvement with prednisolone pulses.

Asunto(s)