Abstract This report describes a fatal case of mucosal disease in a two-year-old bull. For causal agent detection, scab, whole blood, and feces samples were tested by RT-PCR, PCR, ELISA, and viral isolation. RT-PCR positive amplification was obtained in blood samples for bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). Viral isolation from the scab samples confirmed BVDV as the causative agent of the clinical manifestations. Subsequently, genetic characterization based on phylogenetic analysis of three partial sequences revealed the presence of BVDV subgenotype 1b in analyzed samples. Due to the development of clinical manifestation named mucosal disease, these findings suggest the detection of BVDV persistently infected (PI) bull; therefore, these results demonstrate the importance of establishing BVDV control programs that rely on testing the presence of PI in cattle from Mexico.

Resumen El virus de la diarrea viral bovina (VDVB) genera pérdidas significativas en la producción de bovinos. Se reporta sobre un caso fatal de la enfermedad de las mucosas en un toro de dos años. Para la detección del agente causal, se analizaron muestras de lesiones, de sangre completa y de heces mediante el RT-PCR, PCR, ELISA y aislamiento viral. Se obtuvo amplificación positiva por RT-PCR en muestras de sangre para el virus de la diarrea viral bovina (VDVB). El aislamiento viral de las muestras de las lesiones confirmó que el VDVB fue el agente causal de las manifestaciones clínicas. Una caracterización genética basada en el análisis filogenético de tres secuencias parciales identificó la presencia del subgenotipo 1b del VDVB en las muestras analizadas. El animal muestreado manifestaba signos clínicos indicando que tenía la enfermedad de las mucosas, lo cual sugiere que sufría de una infección persistente (IP) por VDVB. Este hallazgo resalta la importancia de establecer programas de control de VDVB basados en probar la presencia de IP en el ganado de México.

Abstract: Introduction: Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) using the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-up (M-CHAT-R/F) increases early detection, allowing early interventions and improving prognosis. This tool is part of the management in case of suspected ASD in several clinical guidelines. The objective of this article was to conduct the concurrent and discrimi nant validation and the reliability analysis of M-CHAT-R/F in the Chilean population. Patients and Method: This is the second stage of the cross-cultural adaptation of cross-sectional design. M-CHAT- R/F was applied to a sample of 20 children with suspected ASD and 100 randomly selected healthy control children, aged between 16-30 months. Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), considered as reference, was applied to the 20 patients of the clinical sample, to 20 children of the healthy control sample and to those cases of the healthy control sample with M-CHAT-R/F positive. Cronbach alpha was calculated, as well as M-CHAT-R/F and ADOS-2 correlation, sensitivity, and specificity analyses. Results: In the healthy sample, M-CHAT-R/F was positive in two patients, with one of them positive and the other one negative for ASD with ADOS-2 test. In the clinical sample, M- CHAT-R/F was positive in all cases, three of them were negative in the ADOS-2 test. The Alfa relia bility of M-CHART-R/T was 0,889, the discriminant sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 98%, and the concurrent ones were 100% and 87.5% respectively. Conclusions: The Chilean M-CHAT- R/F version was reliable, sensitive and specific, similar to the original test, which opens the possibility for its use in clinical samples and for research. Validating M-CHAT-R/F is an ongoing process which must be further developed.

Resumen: Introducción: El tamizaje de los Trastornos del Espectro Autista (TEA) mediante el Modified Chec klist for Autism in Toddlers - Revised with Follow Up (M-CHAT-R/F) aumenta la detección precoz, posibilitando intervenciones tempranas y mejorando el pronóstico. Este instrumento es parte del algoritmo de manejo ante la sospecha de TEA en diversas guías clínicas. El objetivo fue realizar la validación concurrente, discriminante y el análisis de confiabilidad del M-CHAT-R/F en una pobla ción chilena. Pacientes y Método: Esta es la segunda etapa de la adaptación transcultural, de diseño transversal. Se aplicó M-CHAT-R/F a una muestra de 20 niños con sospecha de TEA y 100 niños de control sano seleccionados al azar, de 16-30 meses de edad. Se aplicó Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), considerado como referencia, a los 20 pacientes de la muestra clínica, a 20 niños de la muestra de control sano y a aquellos casos de la muestra de control sano con M-CHAT-R/F po sitivo. Se calculó alfa de Cronbach, análisis de correlación de M-CHAT-R/F y ADOS-2 y sensibilidad y especificidad. Resultados: En el grupo de control sano, M-CHAT-R/F resultó alterado en 2 pacien tes, siendo uno positivo y otro negativo para TEA con ADOS-2. En muestra clínica el M-CHAT-R/F fue positivo en todos, con test de ADOS-2 negativo en 3 casos. La confiabilidad Alfa del M-CHAT- R/F fue =0,889, la sensibilidad y especificidad discriminante de 100 y 98% y la concurrente 100% y 87,5% respectivamente. Conclusión: M-CHAT-R/F en su versión chilena resultó fiable, sensible y específico de manera similar al original, lo cual abre la posibilidad de su utilización en población clínica y para investigación. La validación es un proceso continuo que se debe profundizar.

Resumo Rhynchosia possui distribuição pantropical, apresentando dois principais centros de diversidade para as cerca de 230 espécies, um na África (ca. 140 spp.) e outro nas Américas, onde é registrada a ocorrência de 55 espécies. Este trabalho consiste em um estudo taxônomico do gênero Rhynchosia para o Brasil onde foram encontradas 19 espécies: Rhynchosia arenicola, R. balansae, R. claussenii, R. corylifolia, R. diversifolia, R. edulis, R. hauthalii, R. lateritia, R. leucophylla, R. lineata, R. melanocarpa, R. minima, R. naineckensis, R. phaseoloides, R. platyphylla, R. reticulata, R. rojasii, R. senna, R. schomburgkii. Foram registradas duas novas ocorrências no Brasil, R. claussenii no estado do Maranhão e R. edulis no estado do Espírito Santo. Foi realizado um estudo morfológico para reavaliar os caracteres diagnósticos para pronta identificação das espécies, facilitando a delimitação dos táxons. Além disso, foram fornecidas ilustrações, chave de identificação, descrições e breves comentários, além de dados de distribuição geográfica.

Abstract Rhynchosia presents a pantropical distribution, with two main centers of diversity for about 230 species, one in Africa (ca. 140 spp.) and the other in the American continents, where 55 species are recorded. This work consists in a taxonomic study of the genus Rhynchosia in Brazil where 19 species were recorded: Rhynchosia arenicola, R. balansae, R. claussenii, R. corylifolia, R. diversifolia, R. edulis, R. hauthalii, R. lateritia, R. leucophylla, R. lineata, R. melanocarpa, R. minima, R. naineckensis, R. phaseoloides, R. platyphylla, R. reticulata, R. rojasii, R. senna, R. schomburgkii. Two new occurrences were registered for Brazil, R. claussenii in Maranhão state and R. edulis in Espírito Santo state. A morphological study was carried out to re-evaluate the diagnostic characteristics for prompt identification of the species, facilitating the delimitation of taxa. In addition, illustrations, descriptions, comments, and geographical distribution data were provided.

ABSTRACT Myiasis caused by Dermatobia hominis , the human botfly, is frequent in the Americas, however, scarce morphological and molecular information exist regarding this dipteran. We describe three cases in urban areas of Mexico were D. hominis is not endemic. Morphological and genetic identification were performed using the cytochrome oxidase I as a molecular marker. The mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene is useful for inferring the genetic divergence of D. hominis .

ABSTRACT Objectives. To produce recombinant single-chain antibodies from alpaca that will bind to the excreted-secreted (ES) Fasciola hepatica antigen with high affinity and specificity, so as to develop new diagnostic technologies of human and animal fascioliasis. Materials and Methods. A gene bank of DNA of the variable dominions of heavy single-chain antibodies (VHH) has been created, based on mononuclear cells of peripheral blood of an alpaca immunized with the ES antigen of F. hepatica. The gene bank was screened with the ES antigen by differential phage display, selecting ten VHH that bind specifically to ES. The anti-ES VHH was cloned in an expression vector, the recombinant protein (VHH-ES1) of 15.3 kDa was produced by fermentation in E. coli and purified to homogeneity by affinity chromatography. The binding of VHH-ES1 to the ES antigen was evaluated by ELISA using VHH-ES1 as capture antibody, policlonal anti-ES serum of rabbit and conjugated rabbit anti IgG with radish peroxidase. Results. A VHH that binds to the ES antigen (VHH-ES1) has been identified through differential phage display and produced by fermentation in E. coli; this corresponds to an antibody of the long-hinge IgG2 subclass. The binding of the VHH-ES1 antibody to the antigen shows linearity with respect to the concentration of ES in the 50-5,000 ng/mL range and the limit of detection value of the antigen is in the 30-170 ng/mL range of ES (R2=0.99). Conclusions. The VHH-ES1 binds with affinity and specificity to the ES antigen of F. hepatica and is a promissory antibody to be assessed for the development of new fascioliasis diagnostic technologies.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Producir anticuerpos recombinantes de cadena única de alpaca que se unan con alta afinidad y especificidad al antígeno excretado-secretado (ES) de Fasciola hepatica para el desarrollo de tecnologías nuevas de diagnóstico de fascioliasis humana y animal. Materiales y métodos. Se ha construido una genoteca de cADNde los dominios variables de anticuerpos de cadena única pesada, conocidos como VHH, a partir de células mononucleares de sangre periférica de una alpaca inmunizada con el antígeno ES de F. hepatica. La genoteca fue tamizada con el antígeno ES por despliegue diferencial de fagos (phage display), seleccionando diez VHH que se unen específicamente a ES. El VHH anti ES fue clonado en un vector de expresión, la proteína recombinante (VHH-ES1) de 15,3 kDa fue producida por fermentación en E. coli y purificada a homogeneidad por cromatografía de afinidad. La unión del VHH-ES1 al antígeno ES fue evaluada por ELISA usando VHH-ES1 como anticuerpo de captura, antisuero policlonal anti-ES de conejo y conjugado anti IgG de conejo con peróxidasa de rábano. Resultados. Se ha identificado y producido un VHH-ES1 recombinante que se une al antígeno ES (VHH-ES1) que correspondía a un anticuerpo de la subclase IgG2 de bisagra larga. La unión del anticuerpo VHH-ES1 al antígeno muestra linealidad respecto a la concentración de ES en el rango de 50-5000 ng/mL y el valor límite de detección del antígeno está en el rango de 30-170 ng/mL de ES (R2=0,99). Conclusión . El VHH-ES1 se une con afinidad y especificidad al antígeno ES de F. hepatica y es un anticuerpo promisorio a evaluar para el desarrollo de nuevas tecnologías de diagnóstico de fascioliasis.

Objectives. To produce recombinant single-chain antibodies from alpaca that will bind to the excreted-secreted (ES) Fasciola hepatica antigen with high affinity and specificity, so as to develop new diagnostic technologies of human and animal fascioliasis. Materials and Methods. A gene bank of DNA of the variable dominions of heavy single-chain antibodies (VHH) has been created, based on mononuclear cells of peripheral blood of an alpaca immunized with the ES antigen of F. hepatica. The gene bank was screened with the ES antigen by differential phage display, selecting ten VHH that bind specifically to ES. The anti-ES VHH was cloned in an expression vector, the recombinant protein (VHH-ES1) of 15.3 kDa was produced by fermentation in E. coli and purified to homogeneity by affinity chromatography. The binding of VHH-ES1 to the ES antigen was evaluated by ELISA using VHH-ES1 as capture antibody, policlonal anti-ES serum of rabbit and conjugated rabbit anti IgG with radish peroxidase. Results. A VHH that binds to the ES antigen (VHH-ES1) has been identified through differential phage display and produced by fermentation in E. coli; this corresponds to an antibody of the long-hinge IgG2 subclass. The binding of the VHH-ES1 antibody to the antigen shows linearity with respect to the concentration of ES in the 50-5,000 ng/mL range and the limit of detection value of the antigen is in the 30-170 ng/mL range of ES (R2=0.99). Conclusions. The VHH-ES1 binds with affinity and specificity to the ES antigen of F. hepatica and is a promissory antibody to be assessed for the development of new fascioliasis diagnostic technologies.

Objetivo. Producir anticuerpos recombinantes de cadena única de alpaca que se unan con alta afinidad y especificidad al antígeno excretado-secretado (ES) de Fasciola hepatica para el desarrollo de tecnologías nuevas de diagnóstico de fascioliasis humana y animal. Materiales y métodos. Se ha construido una genoteca de cADNde los dominios variables de anticuerpos de cadena única pesada, conocidos como VHH, a partir de células mononucleares de sangre periférica de una alpaca inmunizada con el antígeno ES de F. hepatica. La genoteca fue tamizada con el antígeno ES por despliegue diferencial de fagos (phage display), seleccionando diez VHH que se unen específicamente a ES. El VHH anti ES fue clonado en un vector de expresión, la proteína recombinante (VHH-ES1) de 15,3 kDa fue producida por fermentación en E. coli y purificada a homogeneidad por cromatografía de afinidad. La unión del VHH-ES1 al antígeno ES fue evaluada por ELISA usando VHH-ES1 como anticuerpo de captura, antisuero policlonal anti-ES de conejo y conjugado anti IgG de conejo con peróxidasa de rábano. Resultados. Se ha identificado y producido un VHH-ES1 recombinante que se une al antígeno ES (VHH-ES1) que correspondía a un anticuerpo de la subclase IgG2 de bisagra larga. La unión del anticuerpo VHH-ES1 al antígeno muestra linealidad respecto a la concentración de ES en el rango de 50-5000 ng/mL y el valor límite de detección del antígeno está en el rango de 30-170 ng/mL de ES (R²=0,99). Conclusión. El VHH-ES1 se une con afinidad y especificidad al antígeno ES de F. hepatica y es un anticuerpo promisorio a evaluar para el desarrollo de nuevas tecnologías de diagnóstico de fascioliasis.

Abstract Chronic periodontitis (CP) is characterized by gingival inflammation and bone destruction. It has been reported that interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) levels are high in CP patients; however, the IFN-γ receptor (IFN-γR) has not been studied in gingival tissue from these patients. Objective: To evaluate IFN-γ levels and IFN-γR expression in gingival tissue biopsies from chronic periodontitis patients compared with healthy subjects (HS). Material and Methods: Gingival tissues were obtained from all study subjects, CP (n = 18) and healthy subjects (HS) (n = 12). A tissue section of each study subject was embedded in paraffin blocks to determine the expression of IFN-γ R (IFN-γR1 and IFN-γR2) through immunohistochemistry. Another section of the tissue was homogenized and IFN-γ was measured by the ELISA technique. Results: No significant differences were found in the IFN-γR1 expression within the cell layers of the gingival tissue of the study groups. When analyzing the IFN-γR2 expression it was found that IFN-γR2 is strongly expressed in the endothelial cells of CP patients when compared to HS (p<0.05). IFN-γ concentrations in the gingival tissue were significantly higher in CP patients than in HS. No significant correlation between IFN-γ levels and the expression of IFN-γR1 and IFN-γR2 was found. However, a positive correlation between IFN-γ levels and clinical parameters [probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL)] was found. Conclusion: The study of IFN-γR expression in gingival tissue samples from patients with CP showed an increase only in the IFN-γR2 chain in endothelial cells when compared to HS.

SUMMARY Chagas disease and the leishmaniases are endemic zoonoses of great importance to public health in the state of Piauí, Brazil. The domestic dog (Canis familiaris) is a major reservoir, host of Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. in both urban and rural areas, playing an important role in the transmission of these parasites. The present study evaluated the prevalence of both infectious diseases in dogs of a rural area in the municipality of São João do Piauí, Piauí State. One hundred twenty-nine blood samples were collected for serological assessment: for the leishmaniases, 49 (38%) animals tested positive by the Dual-Path Platform technology (DPP), nine (6%) by the Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), and 19 (14.7%) by the Indirect Fluorescent Antibody test (IFA); while for American Trypanosomiasis, 36 (28%) dogs were reagent by ELISA and 21 by IFA. Of the 129 dogs sampled, 76 were submitted to xenodiagnosis, bone marrow aspiration and skin biopsy to perform parasitological tests whose results showed only one (2.3%) positive skin sample for Trypanosoma caninum and one positive xenodiagnosis for T. cruzi, both results confirmed by molecular assays. Three hundred triatomines of the species Triatoma brasiliensis and 552 phlebotomines - 509 (97%) of the species Lutzomyia longipalpis, were also captured.

Objective: To describe the implementation of a robot for the preparation of antineoplastic drugs in the Pharmacy Service and to be able to analyze the added value to pharmacotherapy Methods: The implementation was carried out in June 2012 at a tertiary level Hospital, taking place in two periods: 1- test period with the installation of the robot, with technical configuration of the equipment and validation of 29 active ingredients and the integration of electronic prescribing software with the robot application (9 months). 2- Usage period (22 months). On the other hand, training was given to pharmacists and nurses. The robot uses image recognition, barcode identification and gravimetric controls for proper operation. These checks provide information about the error ratio in the preparation, with a margin of ± 10%, which after a pilot study was restricted to a range of ±4%. The robot was programmed to recognize bags, infusion pumps, syringes and vials. The added value was assessed for 31 months by identifying preparation's errors. Results: 11,865 preparations were made by the robot, which meant approximately 40% of all antineoplastic prepared from 29 different active ingredients. 1.12% (n=133) of the errors were identified by the robot and therefore didn't reach the patient (negative desviation - 4%). These errors were corrected manually Conclusion: The implementation of a robot in the preparation of antineoplastic drugs allows to identify errors therefore preventing them to arrive to the patient. This promotes safety and quality of the process, reducing the exposure to cytotoxic drugs from the manipulator.

Objetivo: Describir la implantación de un robot para la elaboración de antineoplásicos en el Servicio de Farmacia y evaluar el valor añadido al proceso farmacoterapéutico. Método: La implantación se llevó a cabo en Junio 2012 en un hospital de tercer nivel, realizándose en dos períodos: 1-Período de pruebas con la instalación del robot, configuración técnica del equipo, validación de 29 principios activos e integración con el software de prescripción electrónica (9 meses); 2-Período de utilización (22 meses). Se impartieron cursos de formación a farmacéuticos y personal de enfermería. Para su funcionamiento el robot emplea reconocimiento fotográfico, identificación por código de barras y controles gravimétricos, que proporcionaron datos de error cometido por preparación, tolerando ±10% y restringiéndolo, tras un estudio piloto, a un intervalo de tolerancia de ±4%. El robot fue programado para reconocer bolsas, infusores, jeringas y viales. El valor añadido se evaluó durante 31 meses con la identificación de los errores de preparación. Resultados: Se realizaron 1 1.865 preparaciones en el robot, que correspondieron al 40% del global de antineoplásicos elaborados, de 29 principios activos diferentes. Se identificaron y evitaron errores de dosificación en el 1,12% (n=133) de las preparaciones, que no alcanzaron al paciente al ser identificadas por el robot como preparaciones con desviación negativa (-4%) y ser corregidas manualmente. Conclusiones: La implantación de un robot en la elaboración de antineoplásicos permite identificar los errores de elaboración y evitar que lleguen al paciente, promoviendo la seguridad y calidad del proceso farmacoterapéutico de antineoplásicos y reduciendo la exposición del manipulador a los mismos.

Eriosema, compreendendo 150 espécies, possui distribuição pantropical, e apresenta dois principais centros de diversidade, um na África e outro nas Américas. Atualmente 38 espécies são registradas para a região Neotropical, das quais 30 encontram-se no Brasil. O presente trabalho consiste no tratamento taxonômico das espécies de Eriosema na região Sudeste do Brasil onde foram registrados 26 táxons: Eriosema benthamianum, E. campestre var. campestre, E.campestre var. macrophyllum, E.congestum, E.crinitum, E.defoliatum, E. floribundum, E.glabrum, E. glaziovii, E.hatschbachii, E.heterophyllum, E.longiflorum, E.longifolium, E.obovatum, E.platycarpon, E.prorepens, E.pycnanthum, E.riedelii, E.rigidum, E.rufum var. macrostachyum, E.rufum var. rufum, E.simplicifolium, E.stenophyllum, E.strictum, E.tacuaremboense. e E. tozziae. Uma nova ocorrência é apresentada para o Sudeste, E. tacuaremboense, além da descoberta de duas espécies novas, E. hatschbachii e E. tozziae .

Eriosema, comprising about 150 species, has a pantropical distribution, with two main centres of diversity, one in Africa and the other in the Americas. Currently 38 species are recorded for the Neotropics, of which 30 occur in Brazil. This work consists of the taxonomic treatment of the species of Eriosema in Southeastern Brazil. In this study, 26 taxa were recorded: Eriosema benthamianum, E. campestre var. campestre, E.campestre var. macrophyllum, E.congestum, E.crinitum, E.defoliatum, E. floribundum, E.glabrum, E. glaziovii, E.hatschbachii, E.heterophyllum, E.longiflorum, E.longifolium, E.obovatum, E.platycarpon, E.prorepens, E. pycnanthum, E.riedelii, E.rigidum, E.rufum var. macrostachyum, E.rufum var. rufum, E.simplicifolium, E.stenophyllum, E.strictum, E.tacuaremboense and E. tozziae. A new occurrence is cited for southeastern Brazil, E. tacuaremboense, besides the discovery of two new species, E. hatschbachii and E. tozziae.

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Hipertermia maligna (HM) é doença farmacogenética, com reação hipermetabólica anormal a anestésicos halogenados e/ou relaxantes musculares despolarizantes. Desde 1991 há um serviço hotline de atendimento telefônico para HM no Brasil, disponível 24 horas por dia, em São Paulo. Este artigo analisa a atividade do serviço brasileiro de hotline para HM em 2009. MÉTODOS: Análise prospectiva de todas chamadas telefônicas paria maligna (HM) é doença farmacogenética, com reação hipermetabólica anormal a anestésicos halogenados e/ou relaxantes musculares despolarizantes. Desde 1991 há um serviço hotline de atendimento telefônico para HM no Brasil, disponível 24 horas por dia, em São Paulo. Este art go analisa a at vidade do serviço brasileiro de hotline para HM em 2009a o serviço brasileiro de hotline para HM, de janeiro a dezembro de 2009. RESULTADOS: Foram recebidas 22 ligações; 21 provenientes do Sul-Sudeste do Brasil e uma do Norte. Quinze eram pedidos de informações gerais sobre HM. Sete foram suspeitas de crises agudas de HM, das quais duas não foram consideradas como HM. Nas cinco crises compatíveis com HM, todos os pacientes receberam anestésicos inalatórios halogenados (2 isoflurano, 3 sevoflurano) e um usou também succinilcolina; havia quatro homens e uma mulher, com média de idade de 18 anos (2-27). Problemas descritos nas cinco crises de HM: taquicardia (cinco), aumento do gás carbônico expirado (quatro), hipertermia (três), acidemia (um), rabdomiólise (um) e mioglobinúria (um). Um paciente recebeu dantrolene. Todos os cinco pacientes com crises de HM foram seguidos em unidade de terapia intensiva e recuperaram-se sem sequelas. A suscetibilidade à HM foi posteriormente confirmada em dois pacientes por meio do teste de contratura muscular in vitro. CONCLUSÕES: O número de chamadas por ano no serviço brasileiro de hotline para HM ainda é reduzido. As características das crises foram similares às descritas em outros países. É preciso aumentar o conhecimento sobre HM no Brasil.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a pharmacogenetic disease that causes abnormal hypermetabolic reaction to halogenated anesthetics and/or depolarizing muscle relaxants. In Brazil, there is a hotline telephone service for MH since 1991, available 24 hours a day in São Paulo. This article analyzes the activity of the Brazilian hotline service for MH in 2009. METHODS: Prospective analysis of all phone calls made to the Brazilian hotline service for MH from January to December 2009. RESULTS: Twenty-two phone calls were received: 21 from the South/Southeast region of Brazil and one from the North region. Fifteen calls were requests for general information about MH. Seven were about suspected MH acute episodes, two of which were not considered as MH. In five episodes compatible with MH, all patients received halogenated volatile anesthetics (2, isoflurane; 3, sevoflurane) and one also used succinylcholine; there were four men and one woman, with a mean age of 18 years (2-27). The problems described in the five MH episodes were tachycardia (5), increased expired carbon dioxide (4), hyperthermia (3), acidemia (1), rhabdomyolysis (1), and myoglobinuria (1). One patient received dantrolene. All five patients with MH episodes were follow-up in the intensive care unit and recovered without sequelae. Susceptibility to MH was later confirmed in two patients by in vitro muscle contracture test. CONCLUSIONS: The number of calls per year in the Brazilian hotline service for MH is still low. The characteristics of MH episode were similar to those reported in other countries. The knowledge of MH in Brazil needs to be increased.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: La Hipertermia Maligna (HM) es una enfermedad farmacogenética, con una reacción hipermetabólica anormal a los anestésicos halogenados y/o relajantes musculares despolarizantes. Desde 1991 existe un servicio hotline de atención telefónica para la HM en Brasil a disposición las 24 horas del día en São Paulo. Este artículo analiza la actividad del servicio brasileño de hotline para la HM en el 2009. MÉTODOS: Análisis prospectivo de todas las llamadas telefónicas realizadas al servicio brasileño de hotline para la HM, desde enero a diciembre de 2009. RESULTADOS: Se recibieron 22 llamadas; 21 provenientes del Sur y Sudeste de Brasil y una del Norte. Quince eran solicitudes de informaciones generales sobre la HM. Siete fueron sobre sospechas de crisis agudas de HM, de las cuales dos no fueron consideradas como HM. En las cinco crisis compatibles con la HM, todos los pacientes recibieron anestésicos inhalatorios halogenados (2 isoflurano, 3 sevoflurano) y uno también usó succinilcolina. Había cuatro hombres y una mujer, con un promedio de edad de 18 años (2-27). Los problemas descritos en las cinco crisis de HM: taquicardia (cinco), aumento del gas carbónico espirado (cuatro), hipertermia (tres), acidemia (uno), rabdomiólisis (uno) y mioglobinuria (uno). Un paciente recibió dantrolene. Todos los cinco pacientes con crisis de HM recibieron acompañamiento en la unidad de cuidados intensivos y se recuperaron sin secuelas. La susceptibilidad a la HM fue posteriormente confirmada en dos pacientes por medio del test de la contractura muscular in vitro. CONCLUSIONES: El número de llamadas por año al servicio brasileño de hotline para la HM todavía es pequeño. Las características de las crisis fueron similares a las descritas en otros países. Es necesario aumentar el conocimiento que se tiene sobre la HM en Brasil.

This work investigated the effects of co-occurring aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and microcystin (MC) in aquaculture, using immunohistochemistry and genotoxicity methods. Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were exposed to AFB1 by intraperitoneal and MC (cell extract of Microcystis aeruginosa) by intraperitoneal and immersion routes. The interaction of MC-AFB1 was evaluated co-exposing the intraperitoneal doses. Blood samples were collected after 8, 24, and 48h to analyze the micronucleus frequency and comet score. The interaction of MC-AFB1 showed a synergic mutagenic response by higher micronucleus frequency of co-exposed group. A slight genotoxic synergism was also observed in the comet score. Immunohistochemistry detected MC in al lthe fish liver tissues exposed to MC by intraperitoneal route, and only the immersed group with the highest dose of MC showed a positive response. Although MC was non-detectable in the edible muscle, the combination of immunohistochemistry with genotoxicity assay was an attractive biomonitoring tool in aquaculture, where the animals were frequently exposed to co-occurring synergic hazards.

Este estudo analisou as propriedades psicométricas da segunda versão da Escala de Avaliação do Transtorno Dismórfico Corporal - EA-TDC, de auto-relato, 40 itens, desenvolvidos para avaliar três critérios do Transtorno Dismórfico Corporal caracterizado por: preocupação excessiva com um imaginado defeito na aparência; sofrimento clinicamente significativo e prejuízo funcional em campos importantes da vida; a preocupação não é melhor explicada por outro transtorno. A análise de construto por juízes indicou acordo sobre 35 itens. Esses foram respondidos por 30 pacientes diagnosticados com TDC e 400 universitários. A validade de critério indicou capacidade de discriminação dos itens entre os indivíduos dos dois grupos amostrais. A análise fatorial exploratória sugeriu estrutura unidimensional da escala que permite medir, "preocupação excessiva e sofrimento com um imaginado defeito e os prejuízos sobre o funcionamento em diferentes áreas da vida". Os itens retidos revelaram excelente consistência interna. Definição de pontos de cortes e da capacidade de discriminar outros transtornos devem ser pesquisados.

This study analyzed the psychometric properties of the second version of the Assessment Scale for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (AS-BDD). It is a scale of self-report, with 40 items, developed to evaluate 3 dimensions of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): (a) excessive concern with a minor or imagined flaw in his/her personal physical characteristics, (b) significant clinical suffering and functional damage in important areas of life, and (c) such concern is not better explained by another disorder. The construct analysis by judges indicated accordance in 35 items which were answered by 30 patients diagnosed with BDD and 400 university students. The validity of criterion measures indicated ability to discriminate the items among the individuals of both sampled groups. The exploratory factor analysis suggested a unidimensional structure of the scale which allows to measuring "excessive concern with a minor or imagined flaw in his/her personal physical characteristics and the functional damages in different areas of life". The withheld items have shown excellent internal consistency. Cut point definitions and the ability to discriminate other disorders should be further studied.

A Mucuna pruriens (L). Dc é uma planta da família Fabaceae, conhecida popularmente como feijão-veludo, fava-coceira, feijão chiporro, mucuna, entre outros. Possui diversas propriedades medicinais, entre elas, o tratamento da doença de Parkinson (DP). Estudos internacionais vêm demonstrando que essa planta possui atividade superior à do fármaco levodopa para o tratamento da DP. O presente estudo avaliou a possibilidade da atividade antioxidante dessa planta auxiliar nesses resultados, uma vez que as células nervosas são altamente sensíveis às substâncias oxidativas. Para isto foi quantificada a concentração fenólica da semente da mucuna e os testes empregados para a avaliação da atividade antioxidante foram o teste de redução do complexo fosfomolibdênio, redução do radical 1,1-difenil-2-picril-hidrazil (DPPH•) e a formação do radical monocatiônico ABTS•+, proveniente do ácido [2-2'-azino-bis(3-etil-benzolina-6-sulfonado)]. Essa análise demonstrou que M. pruriens possui alta capacidade antioxidante, no entanto, não superior à levodopa isolada e, portanto, novos estudos devem ser realizados para a elucidação da atividade dessa planta em seres humanos.

Mucuna pruriens (L). Dc is a plant of the Fabaceae family, commonly known as velvet bean, itchy bean, chiporro bean, mucuna, among others. This plant has several medicinal properties, including its potential to treat Parkinson's disease (PD). International studies have shown that this plant surpasses the benefits of the substance levodopa in the treatment of PD. Taking into account that nerve cells are highly sensitive to oxidative substances, this study evaluated the antioxidant activity of mucuna and compared it to that of levodopa. The plant seeds' phenolic concentration was quantified by using the Folin-Denis reagent and the antioxidant activity assays were performed by using three different methods: the reduction of the phosphomolybdenium complex, the reduction of radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) and the formation of radical monocation ABTS•+, from the acid [2-2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate)]. Results showed that M. pruriens presents high antioxidant capacity, although not superior to isolated levodopa antioxidant capacity. Therefore, further studies should be performed to elucidate the activity of this plant in humans.

The antibody response to Plasmodium falciparum parasites of naturally infected population is critical to elucidate the role of polymorphic alleles in malaria. Thus, we evaluated the impact of antigenic diversity of repetitive and family dimorphic domains of the merozoite surface protein 2 (MSP-2) on immune response of 96 individuals living in Peixoto de Azevedo (MT-Brazil), by ELISA using recombinant MSP-2 proteins. The majority of these individuals were carrying FC27-type infections. IgG antibody responses were predominantly directed to FC27 parasites and were correlated to the extension of polymorphism presented by each MSP-2 region. This finding demonstrated the impact of the genetic polymorphism on antibody response and therefore, its importance on malaria vaccine efficacy.