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ABSTRACT Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) and Origanum vulgare L. (oregano) are known to have antimicrobial properties, but studies on sporotrichosis are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-Sporothrix spp. activity of essential oils from commercial products and oils extracted from aerial parts of these plants and analyze their chemical constituents. S. schenckii complex and S. brasiliensis (n: 25) isolated from humans, cats, dogs, and environmental soil were tested through M27-A3 guidelines of CLSI with modification for phytotherapics. The essential oils of R. officinalis L. were similar for MIC50 and MFC50 ≤2.25mg/mL for extracted oil; and 4.5mg/mL and 9mg/mL, respectively, for commercial oil. Both products showed MIC90 of 18mg/mL and MFC90 of 36mg/mL. In O. vulgare L., the extracted oil had better activity with MIC50 and MFC50 ≤2.25mg/mL, and MIC90 and MFC90 of 4.5mg/mL, whereas the commercial oil showed MIC50 and MFC50 of 9mg/mL and MIC90 18mg/mL, respectively, and MFC90 of 36mg/mL. Through gas chromatography (CG/FID), thymol and α-terpinene were majority for extracted oil of O. vulgare L., and carvacrol and γ-terpinene made up the majority of the commercial oil. Both essential oils of R. officinalis L. showed 1,8-cineole and α-pinene as major. The fungal isolates were susceptible to all tested essential oils, including in itraconazole-resistant S. brasiliensis isolates. The extracted and commercial oils of the plants presented in vitro anti-Sporothrix spp. activity, and they are promising for treatment of sporotrichosis, including in cases refractory to itraconazole. More studies should be performed about toxicity and in vivo efficacy for its safe use.

Entre as micoses relevantes em saúde pública destaca-se a candidíase, infecção oportunista que acomete o homem e animais. A enfermidade era considerada pouco frequente na medicina veterinária, porém relatos demonstram um aumento considerável, assim como a resistência aos antifúngicos. Com isso, pesquisas têm sido desenvolvidas visando encontrar substâncias bioativas frente ao gênero Candida. Desta forma, objetivou-se reunir dados das bases Scielo e ScienceDirect com informações entre os anos de 2005-2013 referentes à ação anti-Candida de diferentes extratos vegetais. Foi encontrado um total de 78 famílias e 208 espécies de plantas com atividade frente à Candida spp., destacando-se as famílias Asteraceae, Geraniaceae, Myrtaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Rubiaceae, Verbenaceae e Anacardiaceae, com extratos diclorometânicos, aquosos, etanólicos, metanólico, frações e subfrações, sendo as folhas a parte vegetal mais utilizada. As plantas descritas apresentaram ação anti-Candida, porém algumas necessitam concentrações muito altas dos extratos com pequena inibição de crescimento/eliminação destas leveduras, ocorrendo variações, principalmente, quanto ao método de avaliação, tipo de extrato, parte vegetal, e procedência dos isolados fúngicos. Chama a atenção a raridade dos estudos com isolados de animais, principalmente de casos clínicos. Por fim, destacam-se as famílias Asteraceae e Geraniaceae que apresentaram maior número de espécies vegetais com atividade, podendo ser uma fonte de investigação frente à Candida spp.

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar a atividade antifúngica in vitro do óleo essencial de Origanum vulgare frente a isolados clínicos de Malassezia pachydermatis. As folhas secas de O. vulgare foram adquiridas de distribuidor comercial com certificado de qualidade e origem e encaminhadas para extração do óleo essencial e cromatografia. Para realização do teste in vitro, foi utilizada a técnica de microdiluição em caldo (CLSI M27A3) com modificações para fitofármacos e M. pachydermatis. O óleo essencial de orégano foi testado nas concentrações de 28 a 0,87mg/mL diluído em caldo Sabouraud com 1% de tween 80. Todos os isolados foram testados em duplicata. Na análise cromatográfica do óleo essencial, foram identificados 12 compostos, sendo timol, a-terpineno e 4-terpineol os compostos majoritários. A CIM e a CFM dos 42 isolados de M. pachydermatis variaram de

Relatou-se um caso clínico de dermatite multifatorial em cão, envolvendo Demodex canis, Sporothrix schenckii e bactérias dos gêneros Staphylococcus e Streptococcus. O animal, macho, da raça Pit Bull, com um ano e três meses de idade, apresentou lesões úmidas, hiperêmicas, descamativas e ulcerativas nas regiões do pescoço e do tórax. Exames laboratoriais confirmaram o diagnóstico de infecção concomitante por fungo, bactéria e parasito. A terapia antimicrobiana com moxidectina, itraconazol e amoxicilina foi efetiva, com remissão dos sinais clínicos após 30 dias de tratamento. Este relato salienta a importância do diagnóstico de certeza, que foi determinante para estabelecimento da terapêutica adequada e recuperação do animal.

Introduction Although the role of SARS-CoV2 pandemic on psychiatric Emergency Department (ED) encounters, has been analysed, few studies have focused on the pandemic influence on patients’ characteristics and admission rates in a psychiatric ward. Objectives The aim of this cross-sectional study is to analyse characteristics of patients admitted in the psychiatric ward of “San Salvatore” Hospital in L’Aquila (Italy) in a three-year timeframe, from 2019 to 2021, and evaluate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on admission trends over the course of these three years. Methods We collected data regarding 1115 patients from the hospital discharge summaries (Scheda di Dimissione Ospedaliera, SDO) of “San Salvatore” Hospital. Patients were sorted according to diagnosis, year of admission and age range. Comparison of mean values from each group was attained using the Student’s t-test, while percentages and ratios were compared by means of the Chi-Square test. Results Between January 2019 and December 2021, 1115 patients were admitted in our psychiatric ward. In 2020, during pandemic outbreak, we observed a reduction of the number of admissions, with 351 patients. Although no statistically significant differences were found regarding patients’ gender or age, we observed a higher number of male patients admitted during all three years (male/female ratio: 231/171 in 2019, 217/134 in 2020 and 192/170 in 2021). Admission rates of patients aged between 18 to 30 years were higher during 2020 and 2021, conversely in the previous year the most represented group were patients aged between 41 to 50 years. Regarding diagnostic categories, percentages remained relatively steady during the three years. Nevertheless, it was possible to observe a slight reduction of Schizo-Psychotic disorders (175/402; 45,53% in 2019, 135/351; 38.46% in 2020 and 119/362; 32,87% in 2021) and a slighter reduction of Personality disorders percentages (49/402; 12,19% in 2019, 37/351; 10,54% in 2020 and 36/362; 9,94% in 2021). Conversely, results showed an increase in admission of patients with substance use disorder: 24 out of 402 patients (5,97%) in 2019, 32 out of 351 patients (9,12%) in 2020, and 46 out of 362 patients (12,71%) in 2021. Image 2: Image 3: Conclusions Despite biases due to the one-site evaluation, the strength of the present study relies in the retrospectively cross-sectional observation design conducted to evaluate a three-year timeframe, spanning throughout the pandemic. The sharp reduction of admissions rates in 2020, is in line with other data regarding ED accesses’ trends during pandemic. Increasing rates of admission of patients between 18 and 30 years could be a result of a stronger impact of the pandemic on young people’s mental health. Moreover, increasing trends of admission of patients with substance abuse disorders may be potentially addressed to distress symptoms brought by the pandemic. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Introduction A few studies have analyzed the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on psychiatric Emergency Department (ED) accesses. The pandemic may indeed have influenced the phase of day accesses for patients with psychiatric disorders. Objectives Aim of this cross-sectional study is to analyze how COVID-19 weighed on psychiatric patients daily accesses over the course of three years. Methods Data on 219 patients were retrospectively collected from the ED in the Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome. According to the stage of the day, accesses were divided into 4 groups: between 00:00 and 6:00; between 6:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m.; between 12:00 a.m. and 18:00 p.m.; between 18:00 p.m. and 00:00 p.m. Results Performing a regression analysis, a relation was found between psychiatric symptoms, stage of the day admission and year. In 2019 the admissions seem to be homogeneously distributed, however during 2021 and 2020 the admissions rates have a delayed evening trend. Conclusions Despite the low number of accesses considered, the Covid-19 pandemic appears to exert an effect that still lasts in terms of both accesses and worsening or new onset of psychiatric symptoms. Measures taken to prevent the spread of infections may have affected access in the ED of patients in various ways. However, the trend of increasing evening accesses could be related to a saturation of territorial psychiatric services that work mainly until the afternoon. Thus, an enhancement of territorial psychiatric services seems highly necessary to cope with what could be an increase in psychopathology in patients without previous diagnosis. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Introduction Several studies highlighted how COVID-19-related isolation and quarantine deeply weighed on the mental health of both the general and psychiatric population. There has been limited investigation about self-harm and impulsivity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives The aim of this study is to evaluate how COVID-19-related lockdown affected self-harm rates in an Italian hospital. Methods Data on 59 patients were retrospectively collected from the Emercency deparment of the Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, from March 11 to May 4, 2020 (Italian mass quarantine) and the same periods of 2019 and 2021. Demographics, psychiatric history, substance use/abuse, types of self-harm and admission in psychiatric acute unit (PAU) rates were recorded. Results No statistical difference was reported in self-harm rates [9.8%(26/266) in 2019 vs 13.2%(10/76) in 2020 vs 10.7%(23/215) in 2021;p>0.05]. In 2020 subjects were younger (31.9±12.1 vs 39.2±14.4,p=0.22;vs 38.1±14.4;p=0.15) and had higher incidence of psychiatric history [90%(9/10) vs 73.1%(19/26), p=0.42;vs 65.2% (15/23),p=0.29],than 2019 and 2021 respectively. Substance use/abuse rates were significantly lower in 2020 compared to 2019 and 2021 [10%(1/10) vs 53.8%(14/26),p=0.04;vs 60.9% (14/23), p=0.02]. In 2020, subjects committing self-harms were more frequently admitted to PAU compared to 2019 and 2021 [60%(6/10)vs19.2%(5/26),p=0.04; vs 17.4% (4/23), p=0.04). Conclusions Consistent with the literature, lockdown-related measures negatively impacted on younger people, with higher rates of self-harm between March and May 2020. This, together with a higher rate of admissions to PAU, should warn the mental health system to target with specific programs to support adolescents and youngers. Disclosure No significant relationships.

This erratum corrects measurements of the prompt and secondary (from-b).

Introduction Italy has been one of the most affected countries by Covid-19 pandemic. Our University General Hospital, Policlinico of “Tor Vergata” (PTV) in Rome, has become a Covid Hub in order to manage the spread of the epidemic. Thus, our Psychiatric Emergency Service (PES)’s access has been partially limited. Direct indicators of PES activity, as admission rates, can be useful for evaluating the psychological impact of Covid epidemic. Objectives To assess psychiatric admittance rates to PES of PTV before and during Covid-19 global pandemic. Methods Data from our PES register have been obtained and analyzed. We compared all the psychiatric access during the trimester March – May 2019 and 2020. All patients have been characterized according to clinical features. Results A marked reduction of the number of patients presenting to PES has been observed (76 patients) in the 57-day period (March 11–May 04, 2020) of lockdown compared to the same period in 2019 (266 patients). The cutback was visible for all diagnostic groups, except for “Borderline Personality Disorder” diagnosis which have slightly increased. On the other hand, hospitalization rates in our psychiatric inpatients unit remained steady. Conclusions Although larger study are needed to understand the mental consequences of the lockdown experience, people’s fear of potential infection might explain our results. Interestingly, personality disorder patients represent an exception to it, suggesting the importance of the clinical characteristics of fearless, engagement in dangerous behavior and detachment from reality. These findings might be helpful to improve psychosocial crisis interventions during the pandemic.

Abstract Using 34.7 pb−1 of data collected with the LHCb detector, the inclusive production of the X(3872) meson in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}=7\mbox{~TeV}$ is observed for the first time. Candidates are selected in the X(3872)→J/ψπ + π − decay mode, and used to measure where σ(pp→X(3872)+anything) is the inclusive production cross section of X(3872) mesons with rapidity in the range 2.5–4.5 and transverse momentum in the range 5–20 GeV/c. In addition the masses of both the X(3872) and ψ(2S) mesons, reconstructed in the J/ψπ + π − final state, are measured to be $$m_{X(3872)} = 3871.95 \pm0.48 \ (\mathrm{stat}) \pm0.12 \ (\mathrm {syst})\ \mathrm{MeV}/c^2 $$ and $$m_{\psi(2S)} = 3686.12\pm0.06 \ (\mathrm{stat}) \pm0.10 \ (\mathrm {syst})\ \mathrm{MeV}/c^2. $$

A buoy based instrument platform (the "O-buoy") was designed, constructed, and field tested for year-round measurement of ozone, bromine monoxide, carbon dioxide, and meteorological variables over Arctic sea ice. The O-buoy operated in an autonomous manner with daily, bi-directional data transmissions using Iridium satellite communication. The O-buoy was equipped with three power sources: primary lithium-ion battery packs, rechargeable lead acid packs, and solar panels that recharge the lead acid packs, and can fully power the O-buoy during summer operation. This system was designed to operate under the harsh conditions present in the Arctic, with minimal direct human interaction, to aid in our understanding of the atmospheric chemistry that occurs in this remote region of the world. The current design requires approximately yearly maintenance limited by the lifetime of the primary power supply. The O-buoy system was field tested in Elson Lagoon, Barrow, Alaska from February to May 2009, and deployed in the Beaufort Sea in October 2009. Here, we describe the design and present preliminary data.

This paper presents matheuristics for routing a heterogeneous group of capacitated unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) for complete coverage of ground areas, considering simultaneous minimization of the coverage time and locating the minimal number of refueling stations. Whereas coverage path planning (CPP) is widely studied in the literature, previous works did not combine heterogeneous vehicle performance and complete area coverage constraints to optimize UAV tours by considering both objectives. As this problem cannot be easily solved, we designed high-level path planning that combines the multiobjective variable neighborhood search (MOVNS) metaheuristic and the exact mathematical formulation to explore the set of nondominated solutions. Since the exact method can interact in different ways with MOVNS, we evaluated four different strategies using four metrics: execution time, coverage, cardinality, and hypervolume. The experimental results show that applying the exact method as an intraroute operator into the variable neighborhood descent (VND) can return solutions as good as those obtained by the closest to optimal strategy but with higher efficiency.

Introduction: TDP-43 is an intranuclear protein involved in many cellular processes. When altered, it shows a change in pattern of distribution, as well as in functioning, throughout the Central Nervous System structures. Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (FTLD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) are examples of TDP-43 proteinopathy. These disorders form a clinical spectrum, with some patients having a pure cognitive disorder while others also exhibit motor features., Methods: We studied two donated brains from patients with a diagnosis of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), one of which was associated with ALS (ALS-FTD). After fixation and macroscopic examinations, sample analyses were performed. Specific regions were chosen for the application of immunohistochemistry (IHC) with anti-Aβ, AT8, anti-α-synuclein and anti-phospho-TDP-43., Results: Both brains presented anti-phospho-TDP-43 positivity, but this was not equally distributed throughout the encephalic zones. In the FTD case, the studied brain presented phosphorylated TDP-43- in the frontal cortex, hippocampus, entorhinal cortex and mesencephalon; in the ALS-FTD case, the abnormal protein was also seen in the pons and medulla oblongata. The brain in the ALS-FTD case presented Aβ and AT8 positivity in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex (Braak I and II)., Discussion: The hypothesis supported by scientific literature that these neurodegenerative diseases can have the same etiology with distinct encephalic region involvement is corroborated by the present study., Competing Interests: Disclosure: The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Ear infections in cats are uncommon, especially involving yeasts. This report describes the first isolation of the Stephanoascus ciferrii, teleomorph of the Candida genus, in a case of feline otitis in Brazil. The identification and characterization of Stephanoascus ciferrii were confirmed by the Vitek2 System (BioMerieux ®).

Fungi of the Aspergillus genus are widespread and contaminate the environment. Thousands of conidia are released from each phialide and dispersed in the air every day. These fungi are considered important mycose-causing agents in hospitals. Due to this, research to determine prevalent fungi from the Aspergillus genus in hospital environments, and an adequate disinfection program in these areas is are needed. This study evaluated the susceptibility of Aspergillus spp. isolated from a veterinary environment against four disinfectants. Successive dilutions of disinfectants (log2) were used according to CLSI M38-A2 microdilution technique adapted to chemical agents against 18 isolates of this genus. After 72 hours of incubation, the Minimum Inhibiting Concentration and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration capable of inhibiting 50% and 90% of the isolates were determined. Chlorexidine-cetrimine, benzalconium chloride and a chlorophenol derivative proved to be effective against all isolates with a lower MIC than that suggested by the manufacturer, except for the A. flavus strain. Sodium hypochlorite was ineffective against three A. fumigatus, three A. flavus and one A. niger isolate. These results demonstrated that all studied disinfectants were effective against environmental isolates, with the exception of sodium hypochlorite, which showed lower effectiveness.

The aim of this study was detect the presence of dermatophyte fungi on wild felids from screening centers. Samples were taken from 30 animals, assembled in two groups: "free-ranging" and "transitory captivity". The dermatophytes (Trichophyton genus), isolated from two felids (6.6%), both of the group "free-ranging".

The oral microbiota of humans and animals is made up of a wide variety of yeasts and bacteria, but microbiota of dogs is not totally described. Although such identification is an important step to establish the etiopathogenesis and adequate therapy for the periodontal disease The aim of this study was to evaluate and correlate oral alterations with the presence of yeasts in oral cavity of female dogs. After clinical evaluation samples from healthy and from dogs with oral diseases were obtained from three different oral sites by swabs, curettes, millimeter periodontal probes and HA membrane tip in cellulose ester. Yeast identification was performed through macroscopic and microscopic colony features and biochemical tests. Dental calculus was the most prevalent occurrence in the oral cavity of 59 females. However, the isolation of yeasts was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in animals suffering from halitosis. Eleven yeast species were identified, namely: Malassezia pachydermatis, Rhodotorula spp., Candida albicans, C. catenulata, C. famata, C. guilliermondii, C. parapsilosis, C. intermedia, Trichosporon asahii, T. mucoides and Cryptococcus albidus. It could be concluded that the yeasts are part of the microbiota from the different sites of the oral cavity of the female canines studied without causing any significant alterations except halitosis.

The susceptibility of Sporothrix schenckii isolates from clinical cases of canine, feline and human sporotrichosis, and from the environment, was evaluated with 4% sodium hypochlorite and 6.6% chlorhexidine digluconate using the broth microdilution, agar diffusion and direct exposure techniques. The minimal inhibitory concentration was smaller than 0.8% for chlorhexidine digluconate and between 8% and 4% for sodium hypochlorite. Inhibition zones were not found in agar diffusion for sodium hypochlorite, and zones averaging 1.9 mm were found for chlorhexidine digluconate. In the direct exposure test, sodium hypochlorite demonstrated best performance at 20 min of contact, as chlorhexidine digluconate presented little antimicrobial activity., (© 2011 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.)

This study describes the isolation of S. schenckii in hospital and home environments in Brazil. Samples were collected from surfaces of a veterinary service place and at home. S. schenckii was detected in 1.5% of the samples from the hospital environment. However, this fungus was isolated from all sampled areas in home environments. The isolation of S. schenckii demonstrates that these surfaces could act as infection sources to animals and humans. Therefore, employees and pet owners could be exposed to this agent, and the contamination, through surfaces, could occur through the traumatic inoculation of the fungus or by direct contact with pre-existing lesions.

Neonatal handling reduces the stress response in adulthood due to a feedback mechanism. The present study analyzed the effects of repeated neonatal environmental intervention (daily handling during the first 10 days after birth) on neuron-, astroglial cell density, and cellular proliferation of the hippocampal (CA1, CA2, and CA3) pyramidal cell layers in female rats. Pups were divided into two groups, nonhandled and handled, which were submitted to repeated handling sessions between postnatal days 1 and 10. Histological and immunohistochemical procedures were used to determine changes in neuron density, astroglial cell density, and cellular proliferation. We found an increase in neuron density in each pyramidal cell layer of the hippocampus (CA1, CA2, and CA3) in female rats (11 and 90 day old) that were handled during the neonatal period. Furthermore, we found an increase in astroglial cell density in both hemispheres of the brain in the handled group. Finally, we observed an increase in cellular proliferation in both hippocampi (CA1, CA2, and CA3) of the brain in female pups (11 days old) handled during the neonatal period. This study demonstrates that an early-life environmental intervention may induce morphological changes in a structure involved with several functions, including the stress response. The results of the current study suggest that neonatal handling may influence the animals' responses to environmental adversities later in life.

Objective: To evaluate the number of immune cells in the peripheral blood of medication-overuse headache (MOH), chronic migraine (CM), and migraine without aura (MWA) patients, as well as from controls., Background: Migraine has been linked to immunologic disturbances, but the role of the immune system in chronic forms of headache that evolve from migraine has not been studied. Psychiatric co-morbidity has been related to both headache chronification and immunologic alterations., Methods: This cross-sectional study comprised 68 subjects divided in 4 groups: MOH, CM, MWA, control. Subjects were gender-matched, had no physical co-morbidity, and were taking only acetaminophen. Clinical and psychological data were recorded in a standardized protocol. Samples of peripheral blood for hematological analysis were obtained in the morning during the ictal (MOH, CM, and MWA groups) and interictal periods (MWA group), as well from control group., Results: A higher lymphocyte count was measured in MOH patients relative to the MWA patients (mean ± standard deviation: 2448.7/mm3  ± 775.8 vs. 1859.7/mm3  ± 564.7; P = .027). The numbers of blood lymphocytes for CM and control subjects were 2086.1/mm3  ± 540.5 and 1961.7/mm3  ± 385.6, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that only MOH and MWA groups remained associated with lymphocyte count (B = 540.7; CI 95%: 55.2-1026.1; P = .03; R2  = 19.2%). Analysis for linearity of variables in the spectrum control/MWA/CM/MOH resulted positive for body mass index (from 23.5 ± 3.25 in controls to 26.5 ± 4.49 in MOH patients; P = .034), scores on Beck Depression Inventory (from 3.29 ± 3.05 to 14.65 ± 11.21; P < 0.001) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (from 4.29 ± 3.93 to 23.24 ± 11.01; P < 0.001), hemoglobin (from 13.7 ± 0.79 to 14.6 ± 1.31; P = .022), and lymphocyte count (from 1961.7 ± 385.6 to 2448.7 ± 775.8; P = .01), but negative for CD8+ T lymphocytes (from 34.0 ± 8.82 to 30.0 ± 6.64; P = .046)., Conclusions: A higher lymphocyte count in the MOH group relative to the MWA group may indicate a chronic inflammatory state. Several clinical and laboratorial characteristics have a range along a spectrum extending from healthy subjects to patients suffering from chronic forms of migraine., (© 2011 American Headache Society.)

Unlabelled: The idiopathic Parkinson disease (IPD) is traditionally diagnosed by motor signs, but non-motor symptoms and signs are frequent and may help in the clinical diagnosis., Purpose: To evaluate the olfactory function in Brazilian healthy subjects, patients with early-onset PD (EOPD) and late-onset PD (LOPD) using the Sniffin' Sticks odor-identification test (SST)., Method: We studied 70 patients with IPD (19 EOPD and 51 LOPD) and 70 controls matched for gender, age and years of schooling. Subjects with dementia and loss of smell for other reasons were excluded., Results: The SST showed a significant difference (p<0.001) between groups: control groups (12.0 + or - 0.3), EOPD (8.3 + or - 0.7), and LOPD (6.7 + or - 0.4) when the groups were adjusted for gender, age, disease duration, and years of schooling., Conclusion: Both groups of IPD patients presented olfactory impairments, but those whose symptoms started before 45 years-old (EOPD) had better sense of smell than the LOPD patients.

In this study, we evaluate the clinical, histopathological and ultra structural aspects of the infection by field strain (MEL(+)) and mutated strain (MEL(-)) of Sporothrix schenckii. The development of sporotrichosis at the inoculation sites was similar for both groups of animals after the second week of the experimental period. Statistical differences appeared only at weeks 3 and 5. The pigmented isolate had greater tissue invasive capacity, promoting the formation of multifocal granulomas, whereas the albino isolate induced an enhanced inflammatory response, restraining the agent to the core of the granulomas., (Copyright 2009 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

The study objective was to determine the in vitro activity of terbinafine and itraconazole through the microdilution technique in broth (NCCLSM27-A2), adapted for dimorphic fungus, in relation to 12 isolates of Sporothrix schenckii. Six were from feline sporotrichosis, three from human sporotrichosis, one from a dog and two from human isolates originating from Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. The inoculum and antifungal concentrates were distributed on microplates that were incubated at 35 degrees C for five days. Minimum inhibitory concentration readings were made at the end of this period. The MIC for terbinafine ranged from 0.055 microg/ml to 0.109 microg/ml, and the MIC for itraconazole ranged from 0.219 microg/ml to 1.75 microg/ml. For both drugs, the MIC from the isolates from IOC was 0.875 microg/ml. The present study demonstrates the high susceptibility of Sporothrix schenckii to terbinafine. Further studies to correlate the in vitro susceptibility tests with the clinical response of patients with sporotrichosis are needed.

A new algorithm for solving integral equations of the theory of liquids at fixed pressure is introduced. Combining this technique with the Lee's star function approximation for the chemical potentials, we obtain an efficient method to investigate fluid-phase diagrams of binary mixtures. We have tested the capabilities of such technique to study symmetric and asymmetric phase diagrams in nonadditive hard spheres and Lennard-Jones mixtures. We find that the integral equation theories, although approximate, can provide a flexible tool to determine the fluid-phase diagrams whose accuracy is critically dependent on the quality of the closure and of the resulting chemical potentials.

Objective: To compare the outcome of infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) who were extubated to synchronized nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (SNIPPV) or continued on conventional ventilation (CV), immediately postsurfactant., Study Design: Prospective observational study of postsurfactant ventilatory management of consecutive infants (born between 10/99 and 12/02) of 28 to 34 weeks gestation. Extubation to SNIPPV was at the attending neonatologists' discretion. Babies in the CV group remained intubated, postsurfactant., Results: There were no significant differences in the maternal demographics, antenatal steroid use, mode of delivery, birth weight (BW), gestational age (GA), gender, Apgar at 5 minutes, age at surfactant instillation, or oxygenation index (OI) prior to surfactant administration, between infants continued on CV (n=35) and those extubated to SNIPPV (n=24). The total duration of endotracheal intubation (mean+/-SEM; CV versus SNIPPV; 2.4+/-0.4 versus 0.3+/-0.0 days, p=0.001) and duration of supplemental oxygen exposure (15+/-3.2 versus 8.2+/-3.3 days, p=0.04) were significantly shorter in the SNIPPV group. Furthermore, the duration of parenteral nutrition (12.1+/-1.6 versus 8.4+/-0.8 days, p=0.02) and length of stay (37.5+/-3.0 versus 29.1+/-3.3 days, p=0.04) were also significantly shorter in the SNIPPV group. There were no differences between the two groups in blood gas or OI values postsurfactant (up to 48 hours). There was no statistical difference in the incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage grade I (three (9%) in the CV group and two infants (8%) in the SNIPPV group). No infant died in either group or had patent ductus arteriosus, air leaks, necrotizing enterocolitis, periventricular leukomalacia, retinopathy of prematurity or bronchopulmonary dysplasia., Conclusions: Infants of 28 to 34 weeks GA with RDS requiring surfactant with early extubation to SNIPPV had a shorter duration of intubation, and decreased need for oxygen as compared to CV. There was also a significant decrease in the duration of parenteral nutrition and hospitalization. SNIPPV is a safe and effective primary mode of ventilation in larger premature infants.