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Seismo-electromagnetic phenomena, electrokinetic in nature, take place whenever a seismic wave propagates in fluid-bearing media, its energy depending mainly on the electrical properties of the fluid and the hydraulic properties of the porous medium. They result from a conversion of mechanical into electromagnetic (EM) energy due to the transient ionic interactions occurring at the pore scale. Two of these phenomena are usually studied: the electric field accompanying seismic waves, and the EM field that travels independently, generated at discontinuities of physicochemical properties in the porous medium. Although the first event is sensitive to physical parameters of the surrounding medium, the second catches information about interfaces in the subsurface, with the resolution of seismic methods, making it very attractive to near surface exploration. In this context, we propose a new experimental setup where both phenomena can be simultaneously studied. At first, we use a porous medium composed of homogeneous water-saturated sand and study the characteristics of the coseismic electric field. Afterwards, a thin layer of Vosges sandstone is inserted into the sand, which allows the study of the EM waves generated at the two closely spaced sand-sandstone interfaces. We record the seismic displacement field at the upper surface of the sand volume using a laser vibrometer, and use stainless steel electrodes buried in the sand to acquire individual electric potentials rather than electric fields, seeking to favour the measurement of the EM interface-generated signals. With the help of direct numerical simulations, we compare experimental measurements and theoretical predictions, based on a well established set of seismoelectric governing equations. In both types of experiments, this comparison shows very good agreements between experimental and numerical waveforms, thus confirming the relevant theory. The electric potential data also show that the EM signals generated at interfaces are clearly recorded at distances of about 10 seismic P wavelengths away from the interface. By contrast, the same events are barely noticeable near the inserted layer when measured using classical electric dipolar arrays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Although chronic renal disease is uncommon in horses, guidelines for management of the broodmare with kidney disease are needed to ensure successful foaling. Herein, we present a case report of a broodmare with chronic renal disease that produced a live foal, and parturition was predicted by monitoring pH and electrolytes in the milk. A 15‐year‐old pregnant mare presented with a history of poor body condition and weight loss despite an excellent appetite. At presentation, the mare was bright, alert and responsive, with severe pitting ventral oedema and vital parameters within normal limits. Plasma biochemistry revealed azotaemia, hypercalcaemia and hypophosphataemia. Based on clinical ultrasonographic and biochemical parameters, the mare was diagnosed with renal failure. Pregnancy was assessed by transabdominal ultrasound, and the fetal parameters were within normal limits; however, an increased combined thickness of the uterus and placenta and oedematous fetal membranes were found. Monitoring of mammary secretions accurately predicted the onset of foaling at 326 days of gestation. A healthy filly was delivered, and the fetal membranes were passed in a timely manner without complications. Physical examination and haematological parameters were within the normal limits for a neonate foal, except for a mild elevation in blood urea nitrogen. Two weeks later, the mare was subjected to euthanasia due to worsening of her condition. At necropsy and on histopathological examination, the findings were consistent with chronic renal disease. This case demonstrates that a pregnant horse with chronic renal disease can be managed with supportive care and produce a viable foal. Fetal well‐being and mare's prefoaling milk electrolytes were similar to parameters measured in healthy pregnant mares, suggesting that the feto‐placental unit may be spared of the dam's systemic disease. Prepartum physiological changes in the milk may be unaltered with concurrent maternal renal disease and still be useful for foaling prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of the present paper is to search for natural trajectories that can be used to place a spacecraft to observe the triple asteroid 2001SN263. For a first set of observations mid-range distance orbits are ideal. To model this triple asteroid from a mid-range distance, it is considered that it can be modeled as a single ellipsoid body, which gives a simple mathematical model that allows on-board computation of trajectories. The mass is assumed to be equal to the sum of the masses of the three bodies and its dimensions are calculated considering the size of the orbits of Beta and Alpha. The objective is to search for orbits that can be used at the arrival time of the spacecraft in the vicinity of the triple asteroid to observe the bodies to make a better evaluation of their dimensions and dynamics before a good choice for a final orbit can be made. The two-dimensional elliptic restricted three-body problem is used as the mathematical model with the addition of the perturbations coming from the asteroid and the Sun irregular gravity fields (J2). It is also considered the disturbance caused by the solar radiation pressure, a major force near asteroids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Sexual dysfunction is an alteration in one or more components of the sexual response cycle and dyspareunia is the dysfunction in which the woman experiences pain before, during or after vaginal penetration, which impairs quality of life and relationship with the couple. Physiotherapy uses several techniques to address this dysfunction, including pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and perineal massage (PM), but studies on the actual effects of these techniques and the resolution of dyspareunia are still scarce. Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify the evidence on the use of PFMT and MP techniques in the treatment of women with dyspareunia. Materials/Methods: Research carried out in the PEDro, Pubmed and MEDLINE databases. Articles of the type were included: clinical trials, meta-analysis and systematic reviews, published in English and Portuguese; in the period from 2013 to 2023; who addressed TMAP and MP techniques in the treatment of dyspareunia. Those who did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded. Results: In total, 525 articles were identified, but only 9 studies were selected for this review as they met the inclusion criteria. Most of the results showed significant responses to treatment with the use of PFMT and MP, and even the studies in which they did not obtain significance did not rule out the possibility of these techniques, since they do not present side effects and have good potential. to improve. Many studies have low methodological quality. Conclusion: It was observed in the literature that PFMT and MP have good responses in the treatment of dyspareunia, but there is not enough support in the literature to demonstrate their effectiveness. It is necessary to develop future studies with better methodological quality for more solid scientific evidence. Financing: No conflict. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastitis is an infectious disease associated with the increased number of somatic cells in cow’s milk, and it is one of the most relevant cause of economic losses in dairy farming industries. In this paper, we propose a method capable of determine, with 99.7% accuracy, the number of these cells in microscope slide images. This level of accuracy is achieved by changing the image original RGB format to Lab color space and applying k -means clustering algorithm to remove debris and other background features. A new gray level thresholding is proposed, and the remaining bound cells are separated in the final segmentation step applying Watershed transform. Many microscope slide images with debris, contrast, and hue variation were used to validate the experimental results. Comparison between the proposed method and manual counting indicates that this new approach is a robust and promising solution to be incorporated in a future automated somatic cell counting system using optical microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Coronary artery bypass graft ( CABG) surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass ( CPB) is associated with systemic inflammatory response and endothelial dysfunction. Our hypothesis is that CPB-induced post-operative endothelial dysfunction may be detected using laser Doppler perfusion monitoring ( LDPM) in the skin microcirculation. Methods We used LDPM to investigate the subacute effects of the CPB on systemic microvascular reactivity among patients undergoing CABG surgery with CPB. Thirty patients were submitted to the study of skin microcirculation and blood sample collection at baseline (pre-surgery) and at 7 days post-surgical procedure. The skin microcirculation was evaluated by acetylcholine ( ACh) and sodium nitroprusside ( SNP) iontophoresis, and thermal hyperemia ( TH). Plasma levels of nitrite/nitrate were also analyzed, and cytokine profiles were determined using a multiplex system. Results On-pump CABG surgery induced a significant reduction of the increased microvascular dermal flux observed after cumulative doses of ACh iontophoresis and after TH. On-pump CABG surgery did not induce any significant changes in the microvascular flux after cumulative doses of SNP. Patients still presented high levels of interleukin ( IL)-6, IL-8, and C-reactive protein, and low bioavailability of nitric oxide 7 days after the CABG surgery with CPB. Conclusion We observed a significant impairment of systemic microvascular endothelial function and well-preserved endothelium-independent vasodilatation in the skin microcirculation of patients 1 week after CABG surgery with CPB. Our results suggest that LDPM is a useful tool for the assessment of on-pump CABG-induced subacute post-operative endothelial dysfunctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies show that the mutualistic role of lizards as pollinators and seed dispersers has been underestimated, with several ecological factors promoting such plant-animal interactions, especially on oceanic islands. Our aim is to provide a quantitative assessment of pollination and seed dispersal mutualisms with lizards in continental xeric habitats. We carried out focal observations of natural populations of Melocactus ernestii ( Cactaceae) in the Caatinga, a Brazilian semiarid ecosystem, in order to record the frequency of visits, kind of resource searched and behaviour of visiting animals towards flowers and/or fruits. We made a new record of the lizard Tropidurus semitaeniatus foraging on flowers and fruits of M. ernestii. During the search for nectar, T. semitaeniatus contacted the reproductive structures of the flowers and transported pollen attached to its snout. Nectar production started at 14:00 h, with an average volume of 24.4 μl and an average concentration of solutes of 33%. Approximately 80% of the seeds of M. ernestii found in the faeces of T. semitaeniatus germinated under natural conditions. The roles of T. semitaeniatus as pollinator and seed disperser for M. ernestii show a clear relationship of double mutualism between two endemic species, which may result from the environmental conditions to which both species are subject. Seasonality, low water availability and arthropod supply in the environment, high local lizard densities, continuous nectar production by the flower and fruits with juicy pulp may be influencing the visits and, consequently, pollination and seed dispersal by lizards in this cactus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Schinus molle L. is popularly known as “peppertree” and presents high essential oil contents with a pleasant spicy scent. Its fruits are used in beverages or dried and ground as a substitute for pepper. Air-dried samples of 11 Brazilian populations of S. molle were extracted using steam distillation and analyzed using GC and GC–MS. A total of 22 volatile compounds were detected and identified. Four groups were formed by the Average Linkage cluster analysis. The first group was characterized by the compound sabinene; the second, which was the largest group, was characterized by the presence of α- and β-pinene; the third group comprised the samples corresponding to the São Borja population and was characterized by the high contents of α-cadinol; and the fourth group was characterized by the high concentrations of myrcene. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives Tuberculosis (TB) remains an important disease associated with HIV infection and AIDS in Brazil, even in a setting of free access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and TB treatment. In previous studies, isoniazid therapy (IT) for latent infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (LIMTb) was found to reduce the risk of TB by 62% in patients with a tuberculin test (TT)>5 mm. The objectives of this study were to investigate the occurrence of TB, the prevalence of LIMTb and the coverage of the TT and IT, and to estimate the number of missed opportunities to prevent TB in patients with HIV/AIDS. Methods A random sample of patients with HIV/AIDS was selected; data from the medical files were obtained, and a TT was performed in consenting subjects. Results In the 203 subjects included in the study, TB occurrence was 13.3%, LIMTb prevalence was 20% and the coverage of the TT and IT was 59.2 and 55%, respectively. Patients with TB had a lower nadir CD4 cell count, but their CD4 recovery was comparable to that of non-TB patients. Patients with LIMTb always had a higher CD4 cell count. Conclusions By expanding the coverage of the TT and IT to nearly 100%, we could more than double the number of prevented cases of TB. TB prevention programmes must be reinforced to reduce the number of missed opportunities for diagnosis, and IT must be improved to reduce TB among patients with HIV/AIDS. Empowering patients with knowledge about TB, the preventive role of IT and the need for an annual TT may be the best way of lowing rates of TB in patients with HIV/AIDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate oral N-acelylcysteine in the prevention of contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients at low to moderate risk undergoing cardiac catheterisation with ionic low osmolality contrast medium. Methods: In a multicentre double blind clinical trial 156 patients undergoing coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention with serum creatinine ⩾ 106.08 μmol/l or creatinine clearance <50 mI/min or diabetes mellitus were randomly assigned to receive N-acetylcysteine 600 mg orally twice daily for two days or placebo. Only low osmolality ionic contrast medium was used. Results: Sixteen patients developed CIN, defined as an increase of 44.2 μmol/l in creatinine in 48 hours: eight of 77 patients (10.4%) in the N-acetylcysteine group and eight of 79 patients (10.1 %) in the placebo group (p = 1.00). The mean (SD) change in serum creatinine was similar in both groups: 7.96 (35.36) pmol/l in the N-acetylcysteine group and 6.19 (25.64) μmol/l in the placebo group (p = 0.67). No difference was observed in the change in endogenous creatinine clearance (-0.54 (10.4) mI/min v -2.52 (12.3) mI/min N-acetylcysteine and placebo, respectively, p = 0.28). Conclusion: Oral N-acelylcysteine did not prevent CIN in patients at low to moderate risk undergoing cardiac catheterisation with ionic low osmolality contrast medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Two cases of focal mucopurulent placentitis (FMP) associated with Stenotrophomonas maltophilia are reported herein. The first patient, a 12‐year‐old Quarter Horse mare, aborted at 287 days of gestation and the fetus and placenta were submitted for post‐mortem examination. Histopathological findings included chronic exudative allantochorionitis and fetal multifocal suppurative hepatitis. The second patient, a 10‐year‐old Thoroughbred mare, prematurely delivered a live foal at 293 days of gestation. Chronic exudative allantochorionitis and perifunisitis were diagnosed. The foal was severely compromised and was euthanised. On post‐mortem examination, pneumonia, myocardial and hepatic necrosis, and sepsis were diagnosed. The fetal membranes of both mares had a thick adherent mass of exudate overlaying the chorionic surface. The lesions were well demarcated, and the underlining chorion was avillous, pale and thickened. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was isolated from the exudate of both mares and from the lungs and stomach of the fetus from the first patient. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first clinical description of FMP associated with S. maltophilia in the USA. The aetiopathogenesis of placentitis induced by this micro‐organism and its relevance as an emerging pathogen in equine reproduction remains to be further elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor which discusses the possible pathogenic role of fibroblasts in lichenoid dermatitis with scarring and white spot disease in a 58-year-old woman is presented.

En août 2019, une augmentation significative des consommations de daptomycine (+106 % en valeur et × 3,5 en DDJ/JH entre 2018 et 2019) a conduit à réunir infectiologues, bactériologistes, réanimateur et pharmaciens à une COMEDIMS exceptionnelle afin d'alerter sur le sujet et définir des actions d'amélioration. Ce travail vise à évaluer l'impact médico-économique suite à cette COMEDIMS et analyser les résultats d'un suivi pharmaceutique ciblé. Les consommations et les coûts de daptomycine ont été analysés sur 5 mois précédents (T1) et 5 mois suivants (T2) la COMEDIMS et corrélés à la bactériologie. En parallèle, un suivi pharmaceutique de l'indication, des données physiopathologiques, de la posologie, des données bactériologiques et des réévaluations à 48 h–72 h et à j7 des prescriptions de daptomycine a été mis en place. L'analyse des coûts entre T1 et T2 révèle une économie d'environ 26 500 € (30 % ; p = 0,1875) estimée à 63 000 € par an, liée à une baisse des consommations (moyenne CT1 = 105 flacons délivrés vs CT2 = 57 ; p = 0,145) imputable à une diminution des initiations (28 vs 15 prescriptions informatisées initiées ; p = 0,312) et à minima des durées de traitements (moyennes DT1 = 7,5 jours vs DT2 = 7,1 jours ; p = 0,855). Paradoxalement, la prévalence des bactériémies à staphylocoques méti-résistants était en hausse (nT1 = 33 vs nT2 = 38 ; p = 0,353). En parallèle, l'analyse descriptive de 23 prescriptions révèle que 74 % (n = 17) étaient initiées en probabiliste, 52 % (n = 12) sur avis infectiologique. La daptomycine était choisie dans 70 % (n = 16) des cas du fait de sa bactéricidie sur le biofilm, 22 % (n = 5) du fait d'une présence ou suspicion de bactériémie à staphylocoque et 9 % (n = 2) à cause d'un échec ou d'une intolérance aux traitements alternatifs. À l'initiation, 39 % (n = 9) des posologies étaient non conformes : 8 étaient sous-dosées (89 % < 10 mg/kg/j) et 1 (11 %) non correctement adaptée à la fonction rénale, 5 (56 %) ont fait l'objet d'une intervention pharmaceutique auprès du prescripteur, 2 (22 %) ont finalement été stoppées et 2 (22 %) adaptées. D'un point de vue bactériologique, 22 % (n = 5) des traitements étaient adaptés à l'antibiogramme, 4 % (n = 1) ne l'était pas et a été stoppé suite à l'appel du pharmacien, 74 % (n = 17) étaient en attente de données. Sur 83 % (n = 19) des prescriptions réévaluées, 44 % (n = 10) étaient déjà arrêtées à 48 h–72 h, 17 % (n = 4) étaient relayées par d'autres antibiotiques. À j7, 13 % (n = 3) des traitements ont été poursuivis et 9 % (n = 2) relayés. Devant une épidémiologie bactérienne stable, l'économie réalisée s'explique par une diminution des initiations et des durées de traitements. Ceci révèle l'importance d'une sensibilisation des prescripteurs au respect des indications et des réévaluations pour laquelle les pharmaciens en collaboration avec les infectiologues et bactériologistes ont un rôle majeur concourant ainsi au bon usage et à la lutte contre l'antibiorésistance dans un contexte de maîtrise des dépenses de santé. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

En août 2019, une augmentation significative des consommations de daptomycine (+106 % en valeur et ×3,5 en DDJ/JH entre 2018 et 2019) a conduit à réunir infectiologues, bactériologistes, réanimateur et pharmaciens à une COMEDIMS exceptionnelle afin d'alerter sur le sujet et définir des actions d'amélioration. Ce travail vise à évaluer l'impact médico-économique suite à cette COMEDIMS et analyser les résultats d'un suivi pharmaceutique ciblé. Les consommations et les coûts de daptomycine ont été analysés sur 5 mois précédents (T1) et 5 mois suivants (T2) la COMEDIMS et corrélés à la bactériologie. En parallèle, un suivi pharmaceutique de l'indication, des données physiopathologiques, de la posologie, des données bactériologiques et des réévaluations à 48 h–72 h et à j7 des prescriptions de daptomycine a été mis en place. L'analyse des coûts entre T1 et T2 révèle une économie d'environ 26 500 € (30 % ; p = 0,1875) estimée à 63 000 € par an, liée à une baisse des consommations (C T1 = 105 flacons délivrés vs C T2 = 57 ; p = 0,073) imputable à une diminution des initiations (28 vs 15 prescriptions informatisées initiées) et à minima des durées de traitements (moyennes D T1 = 7,5 jours vs D T2 = 7,1 jours ; p = 0,855). Parallèlement, la prévalence des bactériémies à staphylocoques méti-résistants était comparable (n T1 = 33 vs n T2 = 38 ; p = 1). En parallèle, l'analyse descriptive de 23 prescriptions révèle que 74 % (n = 17) étaient initiées en probabiliste, 52 % (n = 12) sur avis infectiologique. La daptomycine était choisie dans 70 % (n = 16) des cas du fait de sa bactéricidie sur le biofilm, 22 % (n = 5) du fait d'une présence ou suspicion de bactériémie à staphylocoque et 9 % (n = 2) à cause d'un échec ou d'une intolérance aux traitements alternatifs. À l'initiation, 39 % (n = 9) des posologies étaient non conformes : 8 étaient sous-dosées (89 % < 10 mg/kg/j) et 1 (11 %) non correctement adaptée à la fonction rénale, 5 (56 %) ont fait l'objet d'une intervention pharmaceutique auprès du prescripteur, 2 (22 %) ont finalement été stoppées et 2 (22 %) adaptées. D'un point de vue bactériologique, 22 % (n = 5) des traitements étaient adaptés à l'antibiogramme, 4 % (n = 1) ne l'était pas et a été stoppé suite à l'appel du pharmacien, 74 % (n = 17) étaient en attente de données. Sur 83 % (n = 19) des prescriptions réévaluées, 44 % (n = 10) étaient déjà arrêtées à 48 h–72 h, 17 % (n = 4) étaient relayées par d'autres antibiotiques. À j7, 13 % (n = 3) des traitements ont été poursuivis et 9 % (n = 2) relayés. Devant une épidémiologie bactérienne stable, l'économie réalisée s'explique par une diminution des initiations et des durées de traitements. Ceci révèle l'importance d'une sensibilisation des prescripteurs au respect des indications et des réévaluations pour laquelle les pharmaciens en collaboration avec les infectiologues et bactériologistes ont un rôle majeur à jouer concourant ainsi au bon usage et à la lutte contre l'antibiorésistance dans un contexte de maîtrise des dépenses de santé. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pelvic radiotherapy is a treatment for gynecological and anorectal cancer, with side effects including vaginal fibrosis, dryness, adhesions and strictures. Rehabilitation aids may prevent or minimize post-radiotherapy vaginal changes and subsequent decline in sexual functioning, which could reduce distress. Objective: To present the effects of dilator therapy on vaginal changes in women with pelvic cancer undergoing radiotherapy treatment. Methods: This is an integrative review of the literature and surveys were carried out in the electronic databases PubMed and PEDro. The search terms used were: "Vaginal Dilator", "Pelvic Neoplasm", "Brachytherapy" and "Radiotherapy". Only randomized clinical trials and observational studies were considered. Data collection was carried out between March and May 2022. Results: 21 studies were found, seven of which met the established criteria and agreed with the proposed objective. Subsequently, a manual search was carried out, where two more studies were found. Finally, this review was composed of nine studies. It was observed that the vaginal dilator after radiotherapy is beneficial, reducing the frequency and severity of vaginal stenosis, thus improving the quality of sexual life of women. However, it is important to highlight that psychosocial education programs are also important and cause positive effects in this population. Strategies related to promoting treatment adherence remain necessary due to taboos related to the use of dilators. Conclusion: Dilator therapy is effective in reducing vaginal stenosis and improving the quality of sexual life of women undergoing radiotherapy for pelvic cancer. Financing: No conflict. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The patient underwent the second vaccination injection under low dose of systemic corticosteroids and antihistamines, without any significant reactions resulting. The patient in this manuscript has given written informed consent to publication of their case details. Lymphomatoid drug reaction developed after BNT162b2 (Comirnaty) COVID-19 vaccine manifesting as pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta-like eruption. [Extracted from the article]

This study aimed to evaluate the production and milk composition of crossbreed F1 Holstein x Zebu (1/2 HxZ) cows grazing on Marandu grass (Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu) or Tifton-85 (Cynodon spp.) supplemented with different protein concentrate. 36 H x Z cows (±514 kg of body weight) were used. The cows had ± 65 days in milk and were distributed in a randomized block design, in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement, i.e., two types of grass (Marandu and Tifton-85 grass), three types of protein supplementation (2.0 kg of concentrate with low rumen degradable protein; 2.0 kg of concentrate with high rumen degradable protein; and no concentrate feed). Both grass produced similar amounts of forage mass, kg.h-1. The nutritional value for both grasses was also similar in all the variables analyzed, such as crude fat, crude protein, carbohydrates, non-fiber carbohydrates, neutral detergent fiber, and, acid detergent fiber. The milk yield was not affected by the different grasses used for grazing. Only the lactose content was higher in cows grazing on marandu grass than in Tifton-85 grass (P=0.032). The cows that did not receive concentrate had lower daily milk yield (P=0.010) and a lower percentage of lactose (P=0.011). In conclusion, both grasses can be used for grazing F1 ½ H x Z cows, and protein supplementation, regardless of its ruminal degradability, in this situation is necessary to increase milk production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The study that is presented in this article has as its main objectives the analysis of the way some psychological and social (psycho-social) variables and in conjugal context fore see the psychological well-being of the women with breast cancer; and to know the differences between the groups which are susceptible of being formed with the study population. Methods: This transversal study, of quantitative nature, was applied to a sample of 229 women, associated to the São Teotónio Hospital in Viseu and to the “Movimento Vencer e Viver” (Winning and Living Movement) of the Portuguese League against Cancer. Results: The results show that the psycho-social variables predict significantly and additionally, the psychological well-being of the women with breast cancer.The psycho-social variable that shows potential in the psychological well-being is the corporal image and the variable in the conjugal context that shows potential in the psychological well-being is the satisfaction with the conjugal relationship. Conclusions: We are aware that scientific research in psycho-oncology almost never reflect a definitive answer to the problems, however, and it gives them an incentive to continue to study the questions. The realization of this study led to a recognition of the psychological well-being as a fundamental dimension of the experience of women with breast cancer, suggesting the urgent need to implement an integrated and multidisciplinary, suitable for the promotion of that well-being. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents the case report of a 74 year old man with Canadian Cardiovascular Society class II stable angina. He had a past medical history significant for aortic valve stenosis, having previously been treated in August 1965 with a Starr-Edwards metallic valve prosthesis, the surgery was performed at the University of Indiana Hospital, Indianapolis. Coronary angiography revealed a moderate proximal circumflex artery lesion. In the fluoroscopic evaluation, the caged ball prosthesis presented normal mobility and no signs of structural deterioration.

The thermal methods consist of furnishing heat to the oil, reducing its viscosity. The electromagnetic heating for oil recovery is based on the transformation of electric energy into thermal energy. It happens through a direct interaction between the electromagnetic field and the electrically sensitive particles of the medium. The physical model applied to a reservoir is based on the principles of conservation of mass, conservation of energy, and conservation of movement in porous mediums, applied to the fluids and the solid phases. This study was based on reservoirs with characteristics similar to those found in the sedimentary basins of the Brazilian Northeast. The purpose of this work is to analyze the influence of the distinct cracking reactions and the coke formation of the different models during electromagnetic heating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electromagnetic heating for oil recovery is based on the transformation of electric energy into thermal energy. It happens through a direct interaction between the electromagnetic field and the electrically sensitive particles of the medium. There are different types of electromagnetic heating and the choice of the heating type depends on factors such as reservoir depth, geological heterogeneities, and electrical characteristics of the reservoir constituents. This study was based on reservoirs with characteristics similar to those found in the sedimentary basins of the Brazilian Northeast. The purpose of this work is to analyze the influence of the cracking reactions using electromagnetic heating and the influence of the fractures geometries in the reservoir model proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Was evaluated the effects of adding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Biosaf HR ®, UFC 8 billion) in pelleted diet (CP = 35%, ED = 3.333.00 Kcal / kg. FB = 3.7; EE = 6.4%) for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), using 540 sexually inverted thermal shock arising from S3 Pisciculture, registration/SP-Brazil, distributed in 30 tanks 60 liters each in a completely randomized design. We evaluated five treatments and six repetitions with different levels of yeast T1: 0.00%. T2: 0.10%. T3: 0.20%. T4:0,30% and T5:0.40%. According to the results obtained in this experiment was not observed differences in performance for the 15-day trial. But by the Tukey test (P <0.01) differences were found for feed conversion and weight gain at 30 days for diets with 0.1% of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. And at 60 days was no difference (P <0.01) feed conversion and length of intestine for the treatment you received the dosage of 0.2% yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Also the 0,2% dosage of yeast was significant (P<0,01) for crude protein of the Nile tilapia carcass. It is concluded that 0,2% of yeast added is efficient of fingerlings tilapia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is currently pandemic. Even most cases are self-limiting, the SARS-CoV-2 TE could be associated with dermal fibrosis and permanent reduction in hair density in susceptible patients. These cytokines leads to multi-functional cells activation as the pericytes playing a role in perivascular inflammation.[10] All of these pathogenetic mechanisms may explain the presence of fibrosis in the scalp of our patients. [Extracted from the article]

The European Gypsies, commonly referred to as Roma, are represented by a vast number of groups spread across many countries. Although sharing a common origin, the Gypsy groups are highly heterogeneous as a consequence of genetic drift and different levels of admixture with surrounding populations. With this study we aimed at contributing to the knowledge of the Roma history by studying 17 Y-STR and 34 Y-SNP loci in a sample of 126 Portuguese Gypsies. Distinct genetic hallmarks of their past and migration route were detected, namely: an ancestral component, shared by all Roma groups, that reflects their origin in India (H1a-M82; ∼17%); an influence from their long permanence in the Balkans/Middle-East region (J2a1b-M67, J2a1b1-M92, I-M170, Q-M242; ∼31%); traces of contacts with European populations preceding the entrance in the Iberian Peninsula (R1b1c-M269, J2b1a-M241; ∼10%); and a high proportion of admixture with the non-Gypsy population from Iberia (R1b1c-M269, R1-M173/del.M269, J2a-M410, I1b1b-M26, E3b1b-M81; ∼37%). Among the Portuguese Gypsies the proportion of introgression from host populations is higher than observed in other groups, a fact which is somewhat unexpected since the arrival of the Roma to Portugal is documented to be more recent than in Central or East Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting with both the internal thoracic arteries, such as the Tector technique, can reduce the morbidity associated with extracorporeal circulation and aortic cross-clamp. The aim of the present study is to describe our experience and the results obtained. METHODS: From April 1998 to December 2003, the off-pump Tector technique was performed on 743 patients, of whom 621 were male (83.5%), with a mean age of 65.3 +/- 9.5 years (23-90). Preoperative risk factors were diabetes mellitus in 29.5% and peripheral vasculopathy in 14.7% of the patients. Angiography showed left main disease in 25.6% and triple-vessel disease in 50.3% of the patients, with a mean ejection fraction of 60%+/- 13% (23-88). Both the internal thoracic arteries were harvested using the skeletonization technique and were anastomosed as 'Y' or 'T' grafts. Intraoperative graft patency was checked using a Doppler flowmeter. RESULTS: A total of 2028 distal anastomoses were performed, the average being 2.7 (1 to 5) per patient. At least three distal anastomoses were undertaken in 62% of the patients. Postoperative complications included atrial fibrillation in 40 patients (5.4%), myocardial infarction in 24 (3.2%), mediastinitis and reoperation for bleeding in 7 (0.9%) and stroke in 3 (0.4%). Twenty-four patients (3.2%) died in the first month postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The off-pump Tector technique appears to be safe, showing a low surgical morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lectin with a high affinity for glucose/mannose was isolated from Annona muricata seeds (Annonaceae) by gel filtration chromatography on Sephacryl S-200, ion exchange chromatography on a DEAE SP-5 PW column, and molecular exclusion on a Protein Pak Glass 300 SW column. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) yielded two protein bands of approximately 14 kDa and 22 kDa. However, only one band was seen in native PAGE. The Mr of the lectin estimated by fast-performance liquid chromatography-gel filtration on Superdex 75 was 22 kDa. The lectin was a glycoprotein with 8% carbohydrate (neutral sugar) and required divalent metal cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, and Mn2+) for full activity. Amino acid analysis revealed a large content of Glx, Gly, Phe, and Lys. The lectin agglutinated dog, chicken, horse, goose, and human erythrocytes and inhibited the growth of the fungi Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, and Colletotrichum musae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy metabolism in early life stages of the shrimp Farfantepenaeus paulensis subjected to temperature reduction (26 and 20 °C) was determined using the activities of citrate synthase (CS) and pyruvate kinase (PK). At both temperatures, weight-specific activity of CS decreased throughout the ontogenetic development from protozoea II (PZ II) to postlarva XII–XIV (PL XII–XIV). PK activity reached a pronounced peak in PL V–VI, followed by a further decrease in PL XII–XIV. Temperature reduction produced variation in oxygen consumption rates (QO2), ammonia–N excretion and in enzyme activities. Ammonia–N excretion was higher at 20 °C in mysis III (M III), PL V–VI and PL XII–XIV, resulting in substantially lower O:N ratios in these stages. QO2 was increased in protozoea II (PZ II) and mysis I (M I) at 26 °C, while no difference in QO2 was detected in the subsequent stages at either temperature. This fact coincided with higher CS and PK activities in M III, PL V–VI and PL XII–XIV at 20 °C compared with 26 °C. Regressions between individual enzyme activities and dry weight exhibited slope values of 0.85–0.92 for CS and 1.1–1.2 for PK and temperature reduction was reflected by higher slope values at 20 than at 26 °C for both enzymes. Weight-specific CS activity was positively correlated with QO2 at 20 and 26 °C, and may thus be used as an indicator of aerobic metabolic rate throughout the early stages of F. paulensis. The variation in enzyme activities is discussed in relation to possible metabolic adaptations during specific ontogenetic events of the F. paulensis life cycle. Here, the catalytic efficiency of energy-metabolism enzymes was reflected in ontogenetic shifts in behaviour such as larval settlement and the adoption of a benthic existence in early postlarvae. In most cases, enhanced enzyme activities appeared to counteract negative effects of reduced temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: Tympanostomy is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in otolaryngology, and its complexity is challenging for trainee surgeons. Investing in medical education is a cornerstone of good patient safety practices. For trainees, use of simulators before operating on actual patients helps mitigate risks. This study aimed to develop a three-dimensional printed model simulator for myringotomy, tympanostomy and ventilation tube placement. Methods: An articulated model with a detachable portion, base and plastic bag to simulate the external auditory canal, middle ear and tympanic membrane, respectively, was modelled and printed. Results: The final simulator was made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene polymer and measured 4 × 4 × 12 cm. It was designed to mimic the angulation of patient anatomy in the myringotomy position and simulate the texture and colour of the tissues of interest. The cost was low, and testing with an operating microscope and endoscope yielded satisfactory results. The advent of three-dimensional printing technology has made surgical simulation more accessible and less expensive, providing several advantages for medical education. Conclusion: The proposed model fulfilled expectations as a safe, inexpensive, reproducible, user-friendly and accessible surgical education tool that can be improved and reassessed for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the best level of inclusion of cactus pear in the ensiling of elephant grass Brazil seeds (BRS) capiaçu (Pennisetum purpureum), its effects on fermentative characteristics; and nutritional value. Experimental treatments consisted of BRS capiaçu grass silage with five levels of inclusion of cactus pear (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% inclusion as fresh basis) during ensiling. A completely randomized design with five treatments and six replicates was used. The inclusion of cactus pear in BRS capiaçu grass silage did not alter the pH of the ensiled mass (P=0.18), mean of 3.8. The marginal variation between the highest cactus pear inclusion dose and the control group (without cactus pear) for effluent was 50.33%, mean of 1.06% for each percentage unit of cactus pear inclusion. The ash content (P=0.79), total carbohydrates (P=0.30), total digestible nutrients (P=0.79), neutral detergent insoluble protein (P=0.66) and ether extract (P=0.42) did not change with the inclusion of cactus pear, being the averages of 8.01, 2.53, 3.14, 11.74, 80.88 and 44.69%, respectively. In vitro digestibility of dry matter (P<0.01) and neutral detergent fiber (P<0.01) increased linearly with the inclusion of cactus pear. The inclusion of up to 5% of cactus pear in silage BRS capiaçu grass improves the fermentation characteristics and the nutritional value of silage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The case of a woman who suffered from CSU and prurigo Besnier, with a history of chronic hyper-eosinophilia, ulcerative colitis and thyroiditis, unresponsive to anti-histamines and steroids is reported. The patient received omalizumab treatment, and obtained resolution of urticaria along with improvement of cutaneous symptoms of prurigo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Equatorial ionosphere plasma bubbles over the South American continent were successfully observed by mapping the total electron content (TECMAP) using data provided by ground-based GNSS receiver networks. The TECMAP could cover almost all of the continent within ~4000 km distance in longitude and latitude, monitoring TEC variability continuously with a time resolution of 10 min. Simultaneous observations of OI 630 nm all-sky image at Cachoeira Paulista (22.7°S, 45.0°W) and Cariri (7.4°S, 36.5°W) were used to compare the bubble structures. The spatial resolution of the TECMAP varied from 50 km to 1000 km, depending on the density of the observation sites. On the other hand, optical imaging has a spatial resolution better than 15 km, depicting the fine structure of the bubbles but covering a limited area (~1600 km diameter). TECMAP has an advantage in its spatial coverage and the continuous monitoring (day and night) form. The initial phase of plasma depletion in the post-sunset equatorial ionization anomaly (PS-EIA) trough region, followed by development of plasma bubbles in the crest region, could be monitored in a progressive way over the magnetic equator. In December 2013 to January 2014, periodically spaced bubble structures were frequently observed. The longitudinal spacing between the bubbles was around 600–800 km depending on the day. The periodic form of plasma bubbles may suggest a seeding process related to the solar terminator passage in the ionosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of geometrical characteristics such as surface area (SA) and porosity of TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNAs) on its photocatalytic activity were investigated by applying variable voltages and reaction times for the anodization of Ti substrates. While larger SA of nanotubes was observed under higher applied potential, the porosity of TNAs decreased by increasing anodizing voltage. Under applied potential of 80 V, the SA of TNAs increased from 0.164 to 0.471 m2/g as anodization time increased from 1 to 5 hours, respectively. However, no significant effect on the porosity of TNAs was observed. On the other hand, both SA and porosity of TNAs, synthesized at 60 V, increased by augmenting the anodization time from 1 to 3 hours. But further increasing of anodization time to 5 hours resulted in a decreased SA of TNAs with no effect on their porosity. Accordingly, the TNAs with SA of 0.368 m2/g and porosity of 47% showed the highest photocatalytic activity for degradation of 4-chlorobenzoic acid (4CBA). Finally, the degradation of refractory model compounds such as carbamazepine and bisphenol-A was tested and more than 50% of both compounds could be degraded under UV-A irradiation (λmax=365 nm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To calculate Tuberculosis ( TB) incidence rates in Guinea-Bissau over an 8-year period. Methods Since 2003, a surveillance system has registered all TB cases in six suburban districts of Bissau. In this population-based prospective follow-up study, 1205 cases of pulmonary TB were identified between January 2004 and December 2011. Incidence rates were calculated using census data from the Bandim Health and Demographic Surveillance System ( HDSS). Results The overall incidence of pulmonary TB was 279 per 100 000 person-years of observation; the male incidence being 385, and the female 191. TB incidence rates increased significantly with age in both sexes, regardless of smear or HIV status. Despite a peak with unknown cause of 352 per 100 000 in 2007, the overall incidence of pulmonary TB declined over the period. The incidence of HIV infected TB cases declined significantly from 108 to 39 per 100 000, while the incidence of smear-positive TB cases remained stable; the overall figure was 188 per 100 000. Conclusions Overall incidence of pulmonary TB in Guinea-Bissau has declined from 2004 to 2011. The decline was also seen in the subgroups of smear-negative and HIV-positive TB cases, probably due to antiretroviral treatment. Smear-positive TB incidence remains stable over the period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed two West African samples (Guinea-Bissau: n=289 cases and 322 controls; The Gambia: n=240 cases and 248 controls) to evaluate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Epiregulin (EREG) and V-ATPase (T-cell immune regulator 1 (TCIRG1)) using single and multilocus analyses to determine whether previously described associations with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in Vietnamese and Italians would replicate in African populations. We did not detect any significant single locus or haplotype associations in either sample. We also performed exploratory pairwise interaction analyses using Visualization of Statistical Epistasis Networks (ViSEN), a novel method to detect only interactions among multiple variables, to elucidate possible interaction effects between SNPs and demographic factors. Although we found no strong evidence of marginal effects, there were several significant pairwise interactions that were identified in either the Guinea-Bissau or the Gambian samples, two of which replicated across populations. Our results indicate that the effects of EREG and TCIRG1 variants on PTB susceptibility, to the extent that they exist, are dependent on gene-gene interactions in West African populations as detected with ViSEN. In addition, epistatic effects are likely to be influenced by inter- and intra-population differences in genetic or environmental context and/or the mycobacterial lineages causing disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genetic divergence among invasive and native populations of Plagioscion squamosissimus from four Neotropical hydrographic basins was assessed using the hypervariable domain of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region. Plagioscion squamosissimus is native to the neighbouring hydrographic basins of the Parnaíba and Amazon Rivers, and the latter includes the Araguaia-Tocantins drainage, but it is invasive in other basins due to introductions. The mtDNA nucleotide polymorphism supported the hypothesis that the Amazon and Parnaíba populations constitute the same species and are separated into two independent evolutionary lineages. Absence of nucleotide polymorphism was observed within and among P. squamosissimus populations invasive to the uppper and middle Paraná River basins. Nucleotide divergence was null or low comparing the Paraná invasive populations with the populations native to the Parnaíba River basin, whereas it was significantly high compared to Tocantins populations. These results ascertain that P. squamosissimus populations invasive to the upper Paraná River basin and to the middle Paraná River basin downstream of the Itaipu dam are derived from the Parnaíba River basin. The genetic data presented are potentially useful to assist further studies on P. squamosissimus taxonomic and geographic distribution, development of ecological guidelines for managing populations invasive to the upper Paraná River basin and for preservation of native fish diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) is an uncommon liver disease characterised histologically by numerous small hyperplastic nodules that are not separated by fibrotic tissue. It is thought to be the result of obliterative vasculopathy, and it has been associated with chronic use of medications, toxic substances and a wide variety of systemic diseases. Imaging diagnosis of early-stage NRH remains problematic. The nodules are rarely discerned and their appearance and behaviour before and after contrast medium administration are heterogeneous and not specific. A review of the literature shows that ultrasound has succeeded on occasion in revealing small focal liver lesions in patients with NRH. To our knowledge, there has been no published data on the performance in this setting of last-generation ultrasound scanners and techniques such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). The question is an important one because abdominal ultrasound is widely used as a first-line imaging technique for the evaluation of liver disease, and this makes it particularly suitable as a potential tool for the early diagnosis of NRH. Owing to the prolonged subclinical period and the limited help provided by imaging, the diagnosis in vivo of NRH is currently frequently missed, and it is still made exclusively on the basis of liver biopsy. In conclusion, this report describes 4 cases of biopsy-proven NRH that have been diagnosed over the past 2 years by our group. All were characterised by known comorbidities that confer a predisposition to NRH and by a peculiar parenchymal ultrasound pattern that we refer to as the ‘‘atoll sign’’. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the construction of a removable prosthesis, the lack of pre-extractions records turns the selection of artificial maxillary anterior teeth into a complex procedure. The aim of this study was to identify a mathematical relation between the anterior dental segment and the distance between the medialis angles of the eyes, for selecting the suitable width of the six maxillary anterior teeth. Standardized digital images of 80 dentate Brazilian subjects were used to measure both facial and oral structures when viewed from the frontal aspect through an image processing program. Accurate casts were made to measure on a curve the distance between the maxillary canines. Parametric statistics was performed to analyse the results ( P < 0·05). The distance between the medialis angles of the eyes showed no significant difference according to gender ( P < 0·108). The Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient showed significant positive correlation between the distance between the medialis angles of the eyes and all variables compared. After the linear regression analysis, mathematical formulae and biometric ratios were concluded to estimate the combined width of the six maxillary anterior teeth from the measurement of the distance between the medialis angles of the eyes. The distance between the medialis angles of the eyes measured through photogrammetry can be a reliable guide for tooth selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pre-treatment serum levels of sCD163 were measured in a cohort of 236 suspected tuberculosis (TB) cases from Guinea-Bissau, with a median follow-up period of 3.3 years (range 0–6.4 years). In 113 cases, the diagnosis of TB was verified by positive sputum microscopy and/or culture. Among the verified TB cases, a decreased survival rate was found in 27 patients with sCD163 levels above the upper reference limit (3.95 µg/mL). The difference in survival was significant during TB treatment (log rank, p < 0.02) and after long-term follow-up (log rank, p < 0.001). The decrease in survival rate during TB treatment remained significant in a multivariate Cox model controlling for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status, age and gender, with a mortality increase of 1.19 (95% CI, 1.04–1.36) per µg of sCD163, and a hazard ratio (HR) for sCD163 levels above the upper reference limit of 4.18 (95% CI, 1.06–16.4). The difference was not significant after excluding patients with concomitant HIV-1 and HIV-2 infection in Kaplan–Meier analyses (log rank, p 0.11). In contrast, the difference in survival remained significant in Kaplan–Meier analyses after long-term follow-up, even after excluding patients with concomitant HIV-1 and HIV-2 infection (log rank, p 0.002). In the Cox model, the mortality increase per µg of sCD163 was 1.27 (95% CI, 1.14–1.40), with an HR for elevated sCD163 levels of 2.85 (95% CI, 1.44–5.63). The HRs for concomitant HIV-1 and HIV-2 infection were 6.92 (95% CI, 3.28–14.58) and 2.48 (95% CI, 1.09–5.67), respectively. Thus, sCD163 levels appeared to be an independent predictor of survival in verified TB patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, Al, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Cd concentrations were determined in the sediments of the KSGX 40 core collected from the Galicia muddy patch (NW Iberian continental shelf). The results were integrated together with textural, mineralogical and micropaleontological (foraminifera) data in order to determine the possible climatic influence on the type of sedimentation that took place in the muddy patch. The geochemical data of the KSGX 40 core suggest that sediment composition and texture were significantly influenced, over the last 5.2 kyr, by the Holocene sea transgression and by climatic oscillations consisting of both relatively temperate/cold periods and relatively warm/wet periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants exude a variety of substances through their external surfaces and from germinating seeds, some of which have an inhibitory action against plant pathogens. The aim of this study was the investigation and characterization of defense proteins present in exudates from roots of cowpea seedlings (Vigna unguiculata(L.) Walp.). Root exudates were collected from seedlings that were grown hydroponically in three different media, including, 100 mM sodium acetate buffer pH 4.5, water pH 6.0 and 100 mM sodium phosphate buffer pH 7.5. The proteins from these exudates were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and SDS-Tricine-PAGE and the presence of antimicrobial proteins in the exudates was investigated by immunological and enzymatic assays. Results showed that roots from cowpea seedlings containedß-1,3-Glucanases, chitinases and lipid transfer proteins (LTPs), all of which may potentially function as plant defense proteins. Immunolocalization of one of these proteins, chitinase, revealed its presence in the xylem cell wall vessel elements. These exudates also demonstrated an inhibitory effect on the growth of the fungus,Fusarium oxysporum,in vitro. The results suggest that plant roots may exude a variety of proteins that may function to repress the growth of root pathogenic fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A detailed dynamic model was developed for a styrene emulsion polymerisation semi-batch reactor to predict the evolution of the product particle size distribution (PSD) and molecular weight distribution (MWD) over the entire range of monomer conversion. A system exhibiting zero-one kinetics was employed, with the model comprising a set of rigorously developed population balance equations to predict monomer conversion, PSD and MWD. The modelling equations included diffusion-controlled kinetics at high monomer conversion where the transition from the zero-one regime to a pseudo-bulk regime occurs. The model predictions were found to be in good agreement with experimental results. Both particle growth and the PSD were found to be strongly affected by the monomer feedrate. Reactor temperature had a major influence on the MWD which was, however, insensitive to changes in the monomer feedrate. These findings were confirmed experimentally. As a result, it seems reasonable to propose that the use of the monomer feedrate to control the PSD and the reactor temperature to control the MWD are appropriate in practical situations. Consequently, an optimal monomer feed trajectory was developed off-line (using the validated reactor simulation) and verified experimentally by producing a polymer with specific PSD characteristics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Context: Tuberculosis (TB) is an increasing global problem, despite effective drug therapies. Access to TB therapy during conflict situations has not been studied.Objective: To determine the effect of irregular TB treatment due to an armed conflict in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa.Design, Setting, and Patients: Ongoing retrospective cohort study conducted in the capital city of Bissau among 101 patients with TB who received irregular or no treatment during the civil war (war cohort; June 7-December 6, 1998) and 108 patients with TB who received treatment 12 months earlier (peace cohort; June 7-December 6, 1997) and comparison of an additional 42 patients who had completed treatment before June 6, 1998, and 69 patients who had completed treatment before June 6, 1997.Main Outcome Measure: Mortality rates, compared by irregular (war cohort) vs regular (peace cohort) access to treatment, by intensive vs continuation phase of treatment, and by those who had previously completed treatment for TB.Results: Irregular treatment was associated with an increased mortality rate among patients with TB. The mortality rate ratio (MR) was 3.12 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20-8.12) in the war cohort, adjusting for age, sex, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, residence, and length of treatment. Each additional week of treatment before the war started increased probability of survival by 5% (95% CI, 0%-10%). In the intensive phase of treatment, the adjusted MR was 3.30 (95% CI, 1.04-10.50) and in the continuation phase it was 2.26 (95% CI, 0.33-15.34). Increased mortality among the war cohort was most marked in HIV-positive patients, who had an adjusted MR of 8.19 (95% CI, 1.62-41.25). Mortality was not increased in HIV-positive or HIV-negative patients who had completed TB treatment when the war started.Conclusions: Interruption of treatment had a profound impact on mortality among patients with TB during the war in Guinea-Bissau. Regular treatment for TB was associated with significantly improved survival for HIV-infected individuals. In emergencies, it is crucial to ensure availability of TB drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of reversible acute renal failure after cephotaxime treatment in a patient affected by non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Renal biopsy showed necrotizing vasculitis associated with eosinophil-rich interstitial inflammatory infiltrates and patchy infiltrates of CD20+ lymphoid cells. High serum p-ANCA titers were also detected. Drug withdrawal was closely related with recovery of renal function and disappearance of ANCA. Acute renal failure therefore represented a consequence of ANCA-mediated renal vasculitis and acute interstitial nephritis related to cephotaxime treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We tested 70 blood donors from Fortaleza (Ceara state, Brazil) for GB virus C/hepatitis G virus (GBV/HGV) infection by polymerase chain reaction and detection of antienvelope antibodies. Twenty-seven (38.6%) showed signs of an active or resolved infection. Sixty-four percent of those with indications of other blood-borne viral infections showed signs of GBV-C/HGV infection also. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]