Abstract Background: Only a fraction of patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) will eventually progress toward systemic disease (SLE). Objective: To find inflammatory biomarkers which could predict the progression of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) into systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) using immunohistochemical (IHC) assays. Methods: Immunohistochemical markers for cytotoxic, inflammatory, and anti-inflammatory responses and morphometric methods were applied to routine paraffin sections of skin biopsies, taken from lesions of 59 patients with discoid lupus, subacute lupus, and lupus tumidus. For the diagnosis of SLE, patients were classified by both the American College of Rheumatology (ACR-82) and the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC-12) systems. Results: Skin samples from CLE/SLE +patients presented higher expression of IL-1β (ARC-82: p = 0.024; SLICC-12: p = 0.0143) and a significantly higher number of cells marked with granzyme B and perforin (ARC: p = 0.0097; SLICC-12: p = 0.0148). Biopsies from CLE/SLE- individuals had higher expression of IL-17 (ARC-82: p = 0.0003; SLICC-12: p = 0.0351) and presented a positive correlation between the density of granzyme A+and FoxP3+ cells (ARC-82: p = 0.0257; SLICC-12: p = 0.0285) and CD8+ cells (ARC-82: p = 0.0075; SLICC-12: p = 0.0102), as well as between granulysin-positive and CD8+ cells (ARC-82: p = 0.0024; SLICC-12: p = 0.0116). Study limitations: Patients were evaluated at a specific point in their evolution and according to the presence or not of systemic disease. The authors cannot predict how many more, from each group, would have evolved towards SLE in the following years. Conclusions: In this cohort, immunohistochemical findings suggested that patients with a tendency to systemic disease will show strong reactivity for IL-1β, while those with purely cutaneous involvement will tend to express IL-17 more intensely. Background CLE (CLE SLE. . Objective (SLE IHC (IHC assays Methods cytotoxic antiinflammatory anti biopsies 5 tumidus ACR82 ACR 82 (ACR-82 SLICC12 SLICC 12 (SLICC-12 systems Results CLESLE IL1β ILβ IL 1β β ARC82 ARC (ARC-82 0.024 0024 0 024 SLICC-12 0.0143 00143 0143 (ARC 0.0097 00097 0097 0.0148. 00148 0.0148 0148 0.0148) IL17 17 IL-1 0.0003 00003 0003 0.0351 00351 0351 Aand A FoxP3 FoxP 0.0257 00257 0257 0.0285 00285 0285 CD8 CD 0.0075 00075 0075 0.0102, 00102 0.0102 , 0102 0.0102) granulysinpositive granulysin 0.0024 00024 0.0116. 00116 0.0116 0116 0.0116) limitations group years Conclusions cohort IL1β, 1β, intensely ACR8 8 (ACR-8 SLICC1 1 (SLICC-1 ARC8 (ARC-8 0.02 002 02 SLICC-1 0.014 0014 014 0.009 0009 009 IL1 IL- 0.000 0000 000 0.035 0035 035 0.025 0025 025 0.028 0028 028 0.007 0007 007 0010 0.010 010 0.002 0002 0011 0.011 011 (ACR- (SLICC- (ARC- 0.0 00 SLICC- 0.01 001 01 0.00 0.03 003 03 (ACR (SLICC 0.

ABSTRACT Bartonella spp. are bacteria responsible for neglected diseases worldwide. Bartonella henselae is the species most associated with human infections. It is associated with a large spectrum of clinical manifestations and is potentially fatal. The identification of Bartonella spp. is considered a challenge in clinical routine. These bacteria are fastidious, and the time required to isolate them varies from one to six weeks. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry has emerged as an application for research on Bartonella spp. , and has still been little explored. We investigated whether three different B. henselae strains with different growth times—14 and 28 days—could be correctly identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectra fingerprint comparison and matching. We found that the spectra from strains with different growth times do not match each other, leading to misidentification. We suggest creating database entries with multiple spectra from strains with different growth times to increase the chances of accurate identification of Bartonella spp. by MALD-TOF MS. spp worldwide infections fatal routine fastidious weeks MALDITOF MALDI TOF explored B times14 14 times—1 2 dayscould days could matching other misidentification MALDTOF MALD MS times1 1 times—

ABSTRACT Hyalohyphomycosis and phaeohyphomycosis are groups of mycoses caused by several agents and show different clinical manifestations. We report a case of an immunocompromised patient who presented rare manifestations of opportunistic mycoses: mycetoma-like hyalohyphomycosis on his right foot caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, followed by cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis on his right forearm caused by Exophiala oligosperma. Further to the rarity of this case, the patient's lesion on the foot shows that the clinical aspects of mycetomas could falsely appear in other fungal infections similar to hyalohyphomycosis. We also show that the muriform cells that were seen in the direct and anatomopathological examination of the skin are not pathognomonic of chromoblastomycosis, as observed in the lesion of the patient's forearm. mycetomalike mycetoma like gloeosporioides oligosperma patients s chromoblastomycosis

Abstract The impact of GnRH treatment on the day of TAI in beef cows has received limited investigation, especially concerning its association with estrus expression. Consequently, two experiments were conducted to assess the potential of GnRH treatment on the day of TAI to enhance fertility according to the expression or not of estrus in beef cows. Experiment 1 aimed to determine ovulation rate and luteal function, while Experiment 2 aimed to determine the effect of the two GnRH treatment approaches on pregnancy rate. In Experiment 1, multiparous Brangus suckling cows (n = 17) were submitted to an 8-day TAI protocol. Estrus occurrence was evaluated based on chalk removal on D10 (TAI) and cows were assigned to receive GnRH (25µg lecirelin; im) according to the group: GnRH (n = 7), regardless of estrus expression; or selectGnRH (n = 10), only cows not detected in estrus. Ovulation rate occurring until 77h after IVD removal did not differ (p = 0.17) between GnRH (85.7%; 6/7) and selectGnRH (100%; 10/10). Also, corpus luteum size and serum progesterone concentration were not affected (p>0.05) by treatments. In Experiment 2, crossbred taurine suckled cows (n = 384) were submitted to the same protocol as described in Experiment 1 and were randomly allocated to GnRH or selectGnRH groups. There was no difference in P/AI between groups (selectGnRH = 55.6%; GnRH = 54.3%; p = 0.7) 30 days after TAI. As expected, there was a pronounced effect (p<0.0001) of estrus expression on P/AI (Estrus = 61.5%; No estrus = 33.0%), regardless of group. In summary, ovulation timing and rate and luteal function did not differ between groups. Also, GnRH administration only in cows that do not show estrus is recommended, considering hormone savings and similar conception rate. investigation Consequently n 17 8day 8 D D1 (TAI 25µg µg lecirelin im group 7, 7 , 7) 10, 10 10) h 0.17 017 0 85.7% 857 85 (85.7% 6/7 67 6 100% 100 (100% 10/10. 1010 10/10 . 10/10) Also p>0.05 p005 05 (p>0.05 treatments 384 PAI P AI 55.6% 556 55 54.3% 543 54 3 0.7 07 expected p<0.0001 p00001 0001 (p<0.0001 61.5% 615 61 5 33.0%, 330 33.0% 33 33.0%) summary recommended 0.1 01 85.7 (85.7 6/ (100 101 10/1 p>0.0 p00 (p>0.0 38 55.6 54.3 0. p<0.000 p0000 000 (p<0.000 61.5 33.0 85. (85. (10 10/ p>0. p0 (p>0. 55. 54. p<0.00 p000 00 (p<0.00 61. 33. (85 (1 p>0 (p>0 p<0.0 (p<0.0 (8 ( p> (p> p<0. (p<0. p<0 (p<0 p< (p<

Abstract Leprosy reactions are among the main causes of physical disability resulting from an infectious disease and can culminate in irreversible physical disabilities, therefore they should be considered a clinical emergency, as well as the elucidation of its cause. Co-infections are considered one of the main triggering causes of leprosy reactions, aggravating and maintaining these reactions for longer in these patients. After reporting a high rate of Bartonella henselae infection in patients with chronic type 2 leprosy reaction, 19/47 (40.4 %) compared to the control group, 9/50 (18.0 %), p = 0.0149, we conducted this study to observe the rate of infection by Bartonella sp. in a group of patients with chronic type 1 leprosy reactions. Blood samples from 14 patients with chronic type 1 leprosy reactions were analyzed by molecular and microbiological tests and compared. The results showed that, like patients with chronic type 2 leprosy reactions, this group of patients has a high proportion of B. henselae infection 6/14 (42.9 %), p = 0.88. We conclude that these bacteria can trigger chronic leprosy reactions and should be investigated in all chronic leprosy reactions patients. Summary Line: Our results showed that, like patients with chronic type 2 leprosy reactions, this group of patients has the same proportion of B. henselae DNA detection 6/14 (42.9 %), p = 0.88. disabilities emergency cause Coinfections Co infections reaction 1947 19 47 19/4 40.4 404 40 4 (40. % 950 9 50 9/5 18.0 180 18 0 (18. %, , 00149 0149 0.0149 sp B 614 6 6/1 42.9 429 42 (42. 088 88 0.88 Line 194 19/ 40. (40 95 5 9/ 18. (18 0014 014 0.014 61 6/ 42. (42 08 8 0.8 (4 (1 001 01 0.01 0. ( 00 0.0

Abstract Bartonelloses represent a group of potentially fatal diseases associated with various clinical manifestations including endocarditis. Caused by bacteria belonging to the genus Bartonella, these microorganisms have a remarkable ability to infect mammals, and their transmission is commonly associated with hematophagous vectors such as fleas, lice, mosquitoes, and ticks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of Bartonella sp. DNA in 81 triatomines of the species Triatoma sordida collected in the field in peri‑domiciliary areas of the Brazilian city of Seabra, located in the state of Bahia. Nested PCR was conducted targeting the ftsZ gene and real-time PCR targeting the gltA gene, both representing specific reactions for Bartonella henselae. Additionally, conventional PCR targeting kDNA was employed to evaluate the presence of Trypanosoma cruzi. Of the samples tested, 23/81 (28.39 %) bugs showed positive PCR for B. henselae. No sample showed positive PCR for T. cruzi. The high prevalence of triatomines with a positive PCR for B. henselae emphasizes the close relationship between these insects and the bacteria, indicating the need for further studies to investigate the vectorial potential of these kissing bugs. endocarditis mammals fleas lice mosquitoes ticks sp 8 peridomiciliary peri domiciliary Seabra Bahia realtime real time Additionally cruzi tested 2381 23 23/8 28.39 2839 28 39 (28.3 % B T 238 2 23/ 28.3 283 3 (28. 28. (28 (2 (

Resumo Antecedentes A distinção entre neuronopatias sensitivas (SN) e polineuropatias sensitivas (SP) e multineuropatias sensitivas (SM) é importante para a investigação etiológica e para o prognóstico. Contudo, esta tarefa é desafiadora na prática clínica. Hipotetizou-se que a avaliação das ondas-F pode ser útil, por ser capaz de detectar envolvimento motor nas SP e SM, mas não nas SN. Objetivo Determinar se as ondas-F podem ajudar a distinguir entre SN, SP e SM. Métodos Selecionou-se 21 pacientes com SP (12 diabetes mellitus, 4 ATTR-FAP e 4 com outras neuropatias), 22 com SM (22 hanseníases) e 26 com SN (13 imunomediadas, 10 idiopáticas e 3 com outras neuronopatias), de acordo com critérios clínicos, etiológicos e eletrofisiológicos. Para cada indivíduo, foi aferida a altura e foram aplicados 20 estímulos distais supramáximos nos nervos mediano, ulnar, fibular e tibial, bilateralmente, para registrar as ondas-F. Uma comparação foi feita, por grupo, das latências (mínimas e médias) e persistências pelos testes Kruskal-Wallis e Bonferroni. Valores de p < 0.05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados Todos os grupos foram pareados por idade, sexo e altura. Não houve diferença estatística significativa entre os grupos quanto às latências das ondas-F. A persistência da onda-F foi capaz de estratificar os grupos, sendo as dos nervos fibulares bilateralmente maiores no grupo SN que nos grupos SM e SP (p < 0.05). Adicionalmente, a persistência das ondas-F dos nervos ulnares e tibiais também foi útil para distinguir SN de SP (p < 0.05). Conclusão A persistência das ondas-F dos nervos fibulares pode ser uma ferramenta adicional e útil para diferenciar síndromes sensitivas periféricas. (SN (SP (SM prognóstico Contudo clínica Hipotetizouse Hipotetizou ondasF ondas F Selecionouse Selecionou 2 12 (1 mellitus ATTRFAP ATTR FAP neuropatias, neuropatias , neuropatias) (2 hanseníases 13 imunomediadas 1 neuronopatias, neuronopatias) clínicos eletrofisiológicos indivíduo mediano ulnar tibial ondasF. F. feita mínimas médias KruskalWallis Kruskal Wallis Bonferroni 005 0 05 0.0 significativos idade ondaF onda 0.05. . 0.05) Adicionalmente periféricas ( 00 0.

Abstract Background The distinction between sensory neuronopathies (SN), which is by definition purely sensory, and sensory polyneuropathies (SP) and sensory multineuropathies (SM) is important for etiologic investigation and prognosis estimation. However, this task is often challenging in clinical practice. We hypothesize that F-wave assessment might be helpful, since it is able to detect subtle signs of motor involvement, which are found in SP and SM, but not in SN. Objective The aim of the present study was to determine whether F-waves are useful to distinguish SN from SP and SM. Methods We selected 21 patients with SP (12 diabetes mellitus, 4 transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathy, 4 others), 22 with SM (22 leprosy), and 26 with SN (13 immune-mediated, 10 idiopathic, 3 others) according to clinical-electrophysiological-etiological criteria. For every subject, we collected data on height and performed 20 supramaximal distal stimuli in median, ulnar, peroneal, and tibial nerves, bilaterally, to record F-waves. Latencies (minimum and mean) and persistences were compared across groups using the Kruskal-Wallis and Bonferroni tests. P-values < 0.05 were considered significant. Results All groups were age, gender, and height-matched. Overall, there were no significant between-group differences regarding F-wave latencies. In contrast, F-wave persistence was able to stratify the groups. Peroneal F-wave persistence was higher, bilaterally, in the SN group compared to SM and SP (p < 0.05). In addition, F-waves persistence of the ulnar and tibial nerves was also helpful to separate SN from SP (p < 0.05). Conclusion F-wave persistence of the peroneal nerves might be an additional and useful diagnostic tool to differentiate peripheral sensory syndromes. SN, , (SN) (SP (SM estimation However practice Fwave F wave involvement Fwaves waves 2 12 (1 mellitus polyneuropathy others, others (2 leprosy, leprosy leprosy) 13 immunemediated, immunemediated immune mediated, mediated immune-mediated 1 idiopathic clinicalelectrophysiologicaletiological electrophysiological etiological criteria subject median bilaterally Fwaves. waves. minimum mean KruskalWallis Kruskal Wallis tests Pvalues P values 005 0 05 0.0 age gender heightmatched. heightmatched matched. matched height-matched Overall betweengroup latencies contrast higher p 0.05. . 0.05) addition syndromes (SN ( 00 0.

Abstract Background: Livedoid vasculopathy (LV) manifests as ulcers and atrophic white scars on the lower extremities. The main known etiopathogenesis is hypercoagulability with thrombus formation, followed by inflammation. Thrombophilia, collagen and myeloproliferative diseases may induce LV, but the idiopathic (primary) form predominates. Bartonella spp. may cause intra-endothelial infection and skin manifestations caused by these bacteria may be diverse, including leukocytoclastic vasculitis and ulcers. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of bacteremia by Bartonella spp. in patients with difficult-to-control chronic ulcers diagnosed as primary LV. Methods: Questionnaires and molecular tests (conventional PCR, nested PCR and real-time PCR) were applied and liquid and solid cultures were performed in the blood samples and blood clot of 16 LV patients and 32 healthy volunteers. Results: Bartonella henselae DNA was detected in 25% of LV patients and in 12.5% of control subjects but failed to reach statistically significant differences (p = 0.413). Study limitations: Due to the rarity of primary LV, the number of patients studied was small and there was greater exposure of the control group to risk factors for Bartonella spp. infection. Conclusion: Although there was no statistically significant difference between the groups, the DNA of B. henselae was detected in one of every four patients, which reinforces the need to investigate Bartonella spp. in patients with primary LV. Background (LV extremities formation inflammation Thrombophilia (primary predominates spp intraendothelial intra endothelial diverse Objective difficulttocontrol difficult Methods conventional realtime real time 1 3 volunteers Results 25 125 12 5 12.5 p 0.413. 0413 0.413 . 0 413 0.413) limitations Conclusion groups B 2 12. 041 0.41 41 04 0.4 4 0.

RESUMO. Até o presente momento, poucos países desenvolveram programas destinados a cuidadores e familiares de pacientes com demência, objetivando o aprimoramento de conhecimentos, habilidades e estratégias para lidar com os sintomas dos pacientes. Entretanto, antes de prestar esse suporte especial, faz-se importante identificar crenças e pensamentos compartilhados por informantes acerca da cognição em pessoas idosas. Os questionários são instrumentos que permitem obter essa informação, a exemplo do Questionário de Conhecimento de Memória e Envelhecimento (KMAQ, sigla em inglês), que foi elaborado para avaliar mudanças normais e patológicas no processo de envelhecimento. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o conhecimento sobre cognição, envelhecimento e demência pela aplicação do KMAQ em pessoas que estão em contato com pessoas idosas com e sem comprometimento cognitivo. Métodos: Setenta e oito familiares e cuidadores de pacientes idosos foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo 1 — parentes de pacientes com demência (n1=48); e grupo 2 — parentes de pessoas sem comprometimento cognitivo (n2=30). Foi-lhes solicitado responder a questionários sobre demência, incluindo o KMAQ. Resultados: Quando analisadas as pontuações do questionário para os itens de mudanças normais no envelhecimento (g1: 0,53 vs. g2: 0,53, valor p: 0,99) não tivemos diferenças significativas no conhecimento entre os dois grupos, não havendo diferenças na pontuação para os itens de mudanças patológicas no envelhecimento (g1: 0,55 vs. g2: 0,55, valor p: 0,969). Conclusões: Estar em contato com a demência não parece melhorar o conhecimento sobre essa síndrome. Conhecer as mudanças normais na cognição durante o envelhecimento permite identificar “sinais de alarme” sugestivos de processos degenerativos, alcançando-se um diagnóstico precoce e mais opções para o tratamento. RESUMO momento conhecimentos Entretanto especial fazse faz se informação KMAQ, (KMAQ inglês, inglês , inglês) Objetivo Métodos grupos n1=48 n148 n n1 48 (n1=48) n2=30. n230 n2=30 . n2 30 (n2=30) Foilhes Foi lhes Resultados g1 g (g1 053 0 53 0,5 vs g2 p 0,99 099 99 055 55 0,969. 0969 0,969 969 0,969) Conclusões síndrome sinais alarme degenerativos alcançandose alcançando tratamento n1=4 n14 4 (n1=48 n23 n2=3 3 (n2=30 (g 05 5 0, 0,9 09 9 096 0,96 96 n1= (n1=4 n2= (n2=3 (n1= (n2= (n1 (n2 (n

ABSTRACT. Till present, only a few countries have developed support programs for caregivers and families of patients with dementia aimed to improve knowledge, skills, and strategies to deal with the patient's symptoms. However, prior to offering this special support, it is important to identify beliefs and thoughts shared by informants related to cognition in elderly people. Questionnaires are instruments that allow having this information, such as the Knowledge of Memory Aging Questionnaire (KMAQ), which was designed to assess normal and pathological changes in the aging process. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge about cognition, aging, and dementia as evaluated by the KMAQ in people who are in contact with elderly people, with and without cognitive impairment. Methods: A total of 78 relatives and caregivers of elderly patients were classified into two groups: group 1: relatives of patients with dementia (n1=48), and group 2: relatives of patients without cognitive impairment (n2=30). They were asked to answer some questionnaires about dementia, including the KMAQ. Results: Comparing the questionnaire's scores for normal cognitive changes items (g1: 0.53 vs. g2: 0.53, p-value: 0.99) did not show differences between the knowledge in both groups, nor shows the scores for pathological cognitive changes items (g1: 0.55 vs. g2: 0.55, p-value: 0.969). Conclusions: It seems that being in contact with dementia does not improve knowledge about it. Knowledge of normal changes in cognition could make it possible to recognize “red flags” suggestive of neurodegenerative processes, allowing for earlier diagnosis and more options for treatment. ABSTRACT present skills patient s symptoms However information KMAQ, , (KMAQ) process Objective Methods 7 groups 1 n1=48, n148 n n1=48 n1 48 (n1=48) 2 n2=30. n230 n2=30 . n2 30 (n2=30) Results questionnaire g1 g (g1 053 0 53 0.5 vs g2 pvalue p value p-value 0.99 099 99 055 55 0.969. 0969 0.969 969 0.969) Conclusions red flags processes treatment (KMAQ n14 n1=4 4 (n1=48 n23 n2=3 3 (n2=30 (g 05 5 0. 0.9 09 9 096 0.96 96 n1= (n1=4 n2= (n2=3 (n1= (n2= (n1 (n2 (n

Abstract Leprosy reactions are an acute inflammatory phenomenon that can arise before diagnosis, during treatment, or after cure of leprosy. These reactions are considered one of the main diseases that cause physical disabilities. Immunosuppressive treatment for these immune responses makes these patients susceptible to coinfections, which can trigger new leprosy reactions. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of infection by Bartonella sp. in blood samples from 47 patients who had untreatable episodes of type 2 leprosy reactions for more than six months, comparing them with a control group. Cultures and molecular methods (PCR) were used. Amplicons from species-specific reactions and sequencing showed a higher prevalence of Bartonella henselae infection in patients, 19/47 (40.4 %), compared to control, 9/50 (18.0 %), p= 0.0149. Five patients accepted treatment for coinfection, and all showed improvement in leprosy reactions with treatment for B. henselae infection. We conclude that these bacteria can trigger chronic reactions of type 2 leprosy and should be investigated in these patients. Summary line Patients who have chronic type 2 leprosy reactions are more susceptible to Bartonella henselae infection than controls: 19/47 (40.4 %) compared 9/50 (18.0 %), p= 0.0149. diagnosis disabilities coinfections sp 4 months group PCR (PCR used speciesspecific species specific 1947 19 19/4 40.4 404 40 (40. %, % , 950 9 50 9/5 18.0 180 18 0 (18. p 00149 0149 0.0149 coinfection B controls 194 1 19/ 40. (40 95 5 9/ 18. (18 0014 014 0.014 (4 (1 001 01 0.01 ( 00 0.0 0.

Resumo A Política Nacional de Mobilidade Urbana motiva os municípios brasileiros a desenvolver uma série de ações a favor dos transportes públicos coletivos e não motorizados, mas ainda são escassos os casos bem-sucedidos de promoção de transporte urbano sustentável no Brasil. Este artigo analisa a experiência de Campinas na promoção do transporte cicloviário, que é comparada com um caso de sucesso no mundo, Groningen (Holanda). As análises baseiam-se em entrevistas realizadas com gestores públicos e especialistas nas duas cidades em estudo. Os resultados mostram fatores institucionais essenciais para o sucesso ou fracasso da política de mobilidade cicloviária. Destaca-se, particularmente, que ações de desestímulo ao uso do veículo privado são tão importantes quanto as de promoção do uso de bicicletas.

Abstract The National Urban Mobility Policy encourages Brazilian cities to develop a series of actions in favor of public and non-motorized transport, but successful cases of promotion of sustainable urban transport are still scarce in Brazil. This article analyzes the experience of Campinas concerning promotion of bicycle transportation, comparing it with a successful international case, namely, the city of Groningen (the Netherlands). The analyses are based on interviews with public managers and specialists in the two assessed cities. The results show fundamental institutional factors for the success or failure of the cycling policy. It is particularly noteworthy that actions to discourage the use of private vehicles are as important as those to promote the use of bicycles.

ABSTRACT We report the case of a 6-year-old boy that presented with enlarged lymph nodes on his neck. He complained of tiredness and discouragement, which worsened during feverish periods. There were no relevant laboratory test abnormalities and serological tests were not reactive. Bartonella henselae DNA was detected by species-specific nested polymerase chain reaction. After treatment, the patient progressed with no fever or lymphadenopathy. Bartonellosis is a group of infectious diseases caused by bacteria of the genus Bartonella. This case report is a useful reminder to clinicians that long-term fever of unknown origin can be related to B. henselae infection, even if the specific serology is not reactive.

ABSTRACT As leprosy and leprosy reactions are the most prevalent infectious cause of physical disability, it is important to commit efforts to better understand these chronic reactions. Infections, even when asymptomatic, can trigger leprosy reactions and Bartonella spp. in turn, can cause chronic infections. We presented a case of a 51-year-old man who was admitted presenting with chronic type 2 leprosy reactions. He had a lepromatous form of leprosy that was histologically diagnosed six months after the onset of signs and symptoms compatible with a chronic type 2 reaction. He reported a history of a previous hepatitis B diagnosis. During a 24-month multidrug therapy (MDT), chronic reactions were partially controlled with prednisone and thalidomide. Thirty-three months following the leprosy treatment, he still experienced chronic reactions, and whole bacilli as well as globi were found on a new skin biopsy. Since coinfections can trigger type 2 reactions and the patient had close contact with animals and ticks, we investigated the presence of a Bartonella sp. infection. Bartonella henselae DNA was detected in a skin fragment obtained before the beginning of the leprosy retreatment. However, even after six months of a second leprosy MDT, he continued to experience type 2 chronic reactions. He was admitted to the hospital to undergo an intravenous antibiotic therapy for 14 days and then complete the treatment per os for ten more weeks. Leprosy reactions improved following the treatment for B. henselae. After completing the MDT treatment, he has been accompanied for sixty months with no signs of leprosy or leprosy reactions. The asymptomatic infection by B. henselaein this patient was considered the putative trigger of chronic leprosy reactions and leprosy relapse.

Abstract A large portion of the bean production in Brazil is carried out by family farmers, who perform the rescue of seeds on their properties. Thus, the objective was to investigate the behavior of bean lines maintained by farmers, considering seed quality and grain yield characteristics. Two tests were performed. One in biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and other in field. Ten treatments were evaluated, formed by eight beans lines and two commercial cultivars. In a controlled environment, a completely randomized design was used, and randomized complete block design for the field. The variables evaluated were germination percentage (GER), radicle length (CPR), stem diameter (DC), thousand grain mass (MMG) and grain yield (REND). Analysis of variance and comparisons of means were performed. The variation analysis indicated significance of the treatments for variables. Significance reflects the presence of variability between lines. Through comparisons of means, it was possible to observe which lines promote increases in the phenotypic mean. The lines differed from the controls for the variables MMG, DC and GER. Thus, two lines maintained by farmers have an agronomic potential similar to commercial cultivars, and thus are alternatives for cultivation in local agriculture.

Resumo Grande parcela da produção de feijão no Brasil é realizada por agricultores familiares que executam o resgate de sementes em suas propriedades. Desse modo, objetivou-se averiguar o comportamento de linhagens de feijão mantidas por agricultores, considerando as características de qualidade de sementes e rendimento de grãos. Assim, foram executados dois ensaios. Um em demanda bioquímica de oxigênio (BOD) e outro a campo. Foram avaliados dez tratamentos, formados por oito linhagens de feijão e duas cultivares comerciais. Em ambiente controlado foi utilizado o delineamento inteiramente casualizado e para o campo o de blocos completos casualizados. As variáveis avaliadas foram: percentual de germinação (GER), comprimento de radícula (CPR), diâmetro de caule (DC), massa de mil grãos (MMG) e rendimento de grãos (REND). Foi realizada a análise de variância e comparações de médias. A análise da variação indicou significância das linhagens para as variáveis. A significância reflete a presença de variabilidade entre as linhagens consideradas. Por meio de comparações de médias, foi possível observar quais linhagens promovem incrementos na média fenotípica. A linhagens diferiram das testemunhas para as variáveis MMG, DC e GER. Desse modo, duas linhagens mantidas por agricultores apresentam potencial agronômico semelhante as cultivares comerciais, e assim são alternativas de cultivo na agricultura local.