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BACKGROUND: Identifying bodies in a state of putrefaction, skeletonization or mutilation is often difficult. In these cases, it is possible to use auxiliary methods such as forensic facial approximation, considering the possibility of recognition by a relative or acquaintance, helping to obtain ante-mortem data for the identification process. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the capacity of recognition of individuals from digital facial approximation and to verify the association between the level of understanding of the issue by evaluators and the recognition success index. METHODS: 16 skulls with previous photographic records were selected and then utilized for three-dimensional approximation using the digital technique, scanned by photogrammetry, and reconstructed by computerized method using open-source software. Twenty evaluators tried to recognize the facial approximation performed from images present in the photospreads. RESULTS: The mean overall score was 23.75%, and it was observed that in only five approximations (31.24%) the option of correct recognition of the victim was the one that obtained the highest number of selections. False positives and negatives corresponded, respectively, to 11.56% and 12.5%. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that the methodology can provide recognition albeit in low numbers, and permitting the acquisition of ante-mortem data for the proper process of human identification through primary methods.

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BACKGROUND: Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), a newly described oncogenic virus, has been found in association with tumours other than Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). As yet, little is known about the involvement or influence of MCPyV on the development of these tumours and its prevalence in various populations. AIM: To assess the prevalence of MCPyV DNA in cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC). METHODS: The prevalence of MCPyV DNA was assessed in 96 cases of NMSC in a Brazilian population comprising 76 subjects, and these results were correlated with epidemiological and demographical data. RESULTS: MCPyV DNA was detected in 23 of 69 (33.3%) basal cell carcinomas, in 2 of 11 (18%) squamous cell carcinomas, 2 of 4 Bowen disease case, 0 of 1 MCC and 4 of 11 other skin disorders. CONCLUSION: Despite the frequent detection of MCPyV DNA in NMSC, its possible role in the development of NMSC still needs further investigation.

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To enhance the conservation of endangered populations, the present study aimed to evaluate whether Tigrinas (Leopardus tigrinus) sperm could be conserved under refrigeration for short periods while maintaining sufficient quality for use in assisted-reproductive techniques (i.e., cryopreservation, in vitro fertilization). For this purpose, semen samples from 15 Tigrinas individuals were submitted to conventional and functional tests after different cooling periods (4 °C; 0, 12, and 24 hours postcooling), using TCM 199 (TCM), Ham's F10 (HAM), Ham's F10 with bovine serum albumin (HBSA), and Tris-citrate egg yolk (TEYC) extenders. In a second step, semen cooled using TEYC was supplemented with reduced glutathione (GSH) at different concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mM). TEYC yielded superior results compared with TCM, HAM, and HBSA even after 24 hours of cooling in regard to the sperm motility index (SMI-TEYC: 50.2 ± 1.7%), high mitochondrial activity (TEYC: 51.4 ± 1.9%), plasma membrane integrity (TEYC: 53 ± 2.1%), and DNA integrity (TEYC: 56.3 ± 2.9%). In regard to the concentration of thiobarbituric-acid-reactive substances (TBARS), TEYC (1900.1 ± 341.4 ng/106 spermatozoa) showed higher levels compared with the other extenders (HAM: 638.7 ± 121.6 ng/106 spermatozoa; HBSA: 468.7 ± 95.6 ng/106 spermatozoa; TCM: 169.6 ± 31.6 ng/106 spermatozoa). However, GSH therapy had no effect. In conclusion, the TEYC extender may be useful in maintaining sperm parameters of Tigrinas for up to 24 hours at 4 °C. Furthermore, these results allow the transport of this material at a minimum quality to be further used for artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, and the development of semen cryopreservation protocols.

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Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates genetically related to the CA-MRSA clone MW2/USA400 (ST1-SCCmecIV lineage) from the United States have emerged in hospitals in Rio de Janeiro and are associated with nosocomial bloodstream infections. To understand the virulence mechanisms involved in the adaptability of ST1 isolates as a hospital pathogen in Rio de Janeiro, we compared the virulence traits and fitness properties of the Brazilian isolates with those displayed by the CA-MRSA isolates from the United States. Similar to the USA400 from the United States, all the Brazilian isolates tested carried the genes encoding SEH and LukDE. In contrast, none of the Brazilian isolates carried the lukSF PVL, sea, sec, and sek genes. Competition experiments in mice demonstrated a significant increase in the fitness for the CA-MRSA isolates MW2 and USA400-0051 from the United States compared to other isolates. In the foreign body animal model, 83 % more North-American bacterial cells were recovered compared to the Brazilian ST1 isolates. Differences in gene expression of important virulence factors were detected. Transcription of rnaIII and psmα3 was increased about two-fold in the isolates from the United States, and sasG about two-fold in the Brazilian isolates. Thus, it is possible that the virulence attenuation observed among the Brazilian hospital isolates, associated with the acquisition of multiple resistant determinants, are consequences of microevolutionary events that contributed to the necessary fitness adjustment of this lineage, allowing a typically community-acquired MRSA (MW2/USA400) to emerge as a successful hospital pathogen (Brazilian ST1-SCCmecIV).

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Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) participate in a variety of processes in the kidney, and evidence suggests that gender-related hormones participate in renal function. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship of GAGs, gender, and proteinuria in male and female rats with chronic renal failure (CRF). GAGs were analyzed in total kidney tissue and 24-h urine of castrated (c), male (M), and female (F) Wistar control (C) rats (CM, CMc, CF, CFc) and after 30 days of CRF induced by 5/6 nephrectomy (CRFM, CRFMc, CRFF, CRFFc). Total GAG quantification and composition were determined using agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, respectively. Renal GAGs were higher in CF compared to CM. CRFM presented an increase in renal GAGs, heparan sulfate (HS), and proteinuria, while castration reduced these parameters. However, CRFF and CRFFc groups showed a decrease in renal GAGs concomitant with an increase in proteinuria. Our results suggest that, in CRFM, sex hormones quantitatively alter GAGs, mainly HS, and possibly the glomerular filtration barrier, leading to proteinuria. The lack of this response in CRFMc, where HS did not increase, corroborates this theory. This pattern was not observed in females. Further studies of CRF are needed to clarify gender-dependent differences in HS synthesis.

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Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) participate in a variety of processes in the kidney, and evidence suggests that gender-related hormones participate in renal function. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship of GAGs, gender, and proteinuria in male and female rats with chronic renal failure (CRF). GAGs were analyzed in total kidney tissue and 24-h urine of castrated (c), male (M), and female (F) Wistar control (C) rats (CM, CMc, CF, CFc) and after 30 days of CRF induced by 5/6 nephrectomy (CRFM, CRFMc, CRFF, CRFFc). Total GAG quantification and composition were determined using agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, respectively. Renal GAGs were higher in CF compared to CM. CRFM presented an increase in renal GAGs, heparan sulfate (HS), and proteinuria, while castration reduced these parameters. However, CRFF and CRFFc groups showed a decrease in renal GAGs concomitant with an increase in proteinuria. Our results suggest that, in CRFM, sex hormones quantitatively alter GAGs, mainly HS, and possibly the glomerular filtration barrier, leading to proteinuria. The lack of this response in CRFMc, where HS did not increase, corroborates this theory. This pattern was not observed in females. Further studies of CRF are needed to clarify gender-dependent differences in HS synthesis.

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Schistosomiasis, caused by blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma, still imposes a considerable public health burden on large parts of the world. The control of this disease depends almost exclusively on the drug praziquantel, and there are no alternative drugs in sight. Natural compounds have recently attracted significant attention due to their relevance to parasitic infection and potential development into new therapeutic agents. Epiisopiloturine is an imidazole alkaloid isolated from the leaves of Pilocarpus microphyllus (Rutaceae), a native plant from Brazil. Here, we report the in vitro effect of this drug on the survival time of Schistosoma mansoni of different ages, such as 3 h old and 1, 3, 5, and 7 days old schistosomula, 49-day-old adults, and on egg output by adult worms. Epiisopiloturine at a concentration of 300 µg/mL caused the death of all schistosomula within 120 h. Extensive tegumental alterations and death were observed when adult schistosomes had been exposed to 150 µg/mL of the epiisopiloturine. At the highest sub-lethal dose of alkaloid (100 µg/mL), a 100% reduction in egg laying of paired adult worms was observed. Additionally, epiisopiloturine showed selective antischistosomal activity and exhibited no cytotoxicity to mammalian cells. This report provides the first evidence that epiisopiloturine is able to kill S. mansoni of different ages and inhibit worm egg laying.

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In this study, we associated the restriction modification (RM) tests to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of molecular markers (SCCmec III, seh, agr II-SCCmec IV, and lukSF) for revealing the main methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clones circulating in Brazil. This simple and rapid approach allowed a precise classification of the MRSA analyzed when compared with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) data.

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Compreender a relação entre reprodução, comportamento e bem-estar vem sendo um desafio. A principal razão é a dificuldade em estabelecer e avaliar o bem-estar. Alguns autores sugerem a análise do estado geral de saúde, do nível de estresse e dos padrões comportamentais como medidas indiretas. Vários pesquisadores acreditam que o enriquecimento ambiental parece ser efetivo na redução de condições estressantes e de comportamentos anormais, podendo propiciar melhor desempenho reprodutivo em diferentes espécies. O objetivo deste artigo é fazer uma revisão crítica do uso e da avaliação de técnicas de enriquecimento para animais cativos em relação aos efeitos sobre o comportamento, o bem-estar e a reprodução.(AU)

The understanding of the relationship between reproduction, behavior and well being has been challenging. The main reason is the difficulty to establish and evaluate the well being itself. Some authors suggest the analysis of general health status, stress degree and behavioral patterns as indirect measures. Several researchers believe that the environmental enrichment appears to be effective in reducing stressful conditions, abnormal behaviors and in improving reproduction in different species. This article aims to critically review the use and evaluation of enrichment techniques for captive animals in respect to the effects on behavior, well being and reproduction.(AU)

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Compreender a relação entre reprodução, comportamento e bem-estar vem sendo um desafio. A principal razão é a dificuldade em estabelecer e avaliar o bem-estar. Alguns autores sugerem a análise do estado geral de saúde, do nível de estresse e dos padrões comportamentais como medidas indiretas. Vários pesquisadores acreditam que o enriquecimento ambiental parece ser efetivo na redução de condições estressantes e de comportamentos anormais, podendo propiciar melhor desempenho reprodutivo em diferentes espécies. O objetivo deste artigo é fazer uma revisão crítica do uso e da avaliação de técnicas de enriquecimento para animais cativos em relação aos efeitos sobre o comportamento, o bem-estar e a reprodução.

The understanding of the relationship between reproduction, behavior and well being has been challenging. The main reason is the difficulty to establish and evaluate the well being itself. Some authors suggest the analysis of general health status, stress degree and behavioral patterns as indirect measures. Several researchers believe that the environmental enrichment appears to be effective in reducing stressful conditions, abnormal behaviors and in improving reproduction in different species. This article aims to critically review the use and evaluation of enrichment techniques for captive animals in respect to the effects on behavior, well being and reproduction.

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Semen samples (n=58) were collected by electroejaculation from nine adult male howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya) between November 2000 and August 2001 at the National Primates Center, Ananindeua, Brazil. The ejaculates were free of coagulum. Mean (+/-S.D.) values were: volume, 0.09 +/- 0.05 ml; pH, 8.1 +/- 0.5; concentration 649.5 +/- 926.7 x 10(6) sperm/ml; progressive motility, 75.8 +/- 18.1%; forward progressive sperm motility (scale, 0-5), 3.5 +/- 1.0; live spermatozoa, 68.3 +/- 15.0%; primary defects, 9.6 +/- 4.5%; and secondary defects, 11.8 +/- 4.6%. There were high correlations between motility and live sperm (r = 0.91, P < 0.01), motility and forward progressive sperm motility (r = 0.84, P < 0.01) and between forward progressive sperm motility and live sperm (r = 0.78, P < 0.01). There were no alterations observed during clinical examinations and hematological analysis performed before and after semen collection. Therefore, the method was considered safe and efficient. It can be used for the evaluation of the breeding potential of male howler monkeys in captivity and for the establishment of new assisted reproductive technology (ART) for threatened species of neotropical primates.

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Although it has been known for many years that the ovary is innervated by catecholaminergic nerve fibers and much experimental evidence has strengthened the notion that catecholamines are physiologically involved in the control of ovarian function, scarce evidence has been presented as to the role of sympathetic activity in ovarian pathologies that affect reproductive function. The purpose of this article is to provide a succinct overview of the findings in this area and discuss them relative to the pathology of polycystic ovary syndrome, the most common ovarian pathology in women during their reproductive years.

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Two different procedures for inoculation of HSV on corneas of BALB/c mice were evaluated. The first was by the use of HSV suspensions directly on the corneas and the other was after corneal scarification. Animals by this later method presented greater morbidity and mortality than those of first group, suggesting that inoculation of HSV without scarification of the cornea should be the method of choice for the study of HSV ophthalmic infection. This model showed also be an efficient experimental system to testing antiviral drugs.

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During 1985-1995, illnesses clinically and epidemiologically compatible with Brazilian spotted fever were identified in 17 patients in the county of Pedreira, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Spotted-fever group rickettsial infection was confirmed by serology and/or immunostaining of tissues in 10 of these patients. Immunostaining confirmed infection in a 37-year-old pregnant patient, although rickettsial antigens were not demonstrable in the tissues of the fetus. A serosurvey was conducted in four localities in the county to determine the prevalence of subclinical or asymptomatic infections with spotted fever group rickettsiae. Five hundred and twenty-five blood samples were tested by an indirect immunofluorescence assay for antibodies reactive with Rickettsia rickettsii. Twenty-two (4.2%) of these samples demonstrated titers > or = 1:64. The results indicate that Brazilian spotted fever is endemic within this region of Brazil.

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Relata-se infecção septicêmica em cobras d’água (Helicops modestus) causada por Proteus vulgaris. Os animais iniciavam o processo apresentando abscessos puntiformes de coloração esbranquiçada na pele e após rápida evolução, morriam (100% de mortalidade). Descreve-se, ainda, a sensibilidade do P. vulgaris isolado dos animais a drogas antibacterianas.

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Relata-se infecção septicêmica em cobras dágua (Helicops modestus) causada por Proteus vulgaris. Os animais iniciavam o processo apresentando abscessos puntiformes de coloração esbranquiçada na pele e após rápida evolução, morriam (100% de mortalidade). Descreve-se, ainda, a sensibilidade do P. vulgaris isolado dos animais a drogas antibacterianas.

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From 1991 to 1995, eight New World nonhuman primates of the family Callitrichidae belonging to the collection of Fundacão Parque Zoologico de São Paulo died of toxoplasmosis. Of the eight affected nonhuman primates, four were Leontopithecus chrysomelas (one male, three females) and four were Saguinus imperator (two males, two females). The most commonly affected organs were the lungs, liver, and lymph nodes, with hemorrhagic and necrotic lesions. Histopathologic examination revealed protozoa that were morphologically consistent with Toxoplasma gondii. Immunohistochemical assays were strongly positive for T. gondii.

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