Miller Fisher Syndrome in Patients With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection: A Systematic Review

Martins-Filho Paulo Ricardo,Pereira de Andrade Ana Luiza,Pereira de Andrade Ana Júlia,Moura da Silva Maria Daniella,de Souza Araújo Adriano Antunes,Nunes Paula Santos,Santos Victor Santana,Ferreira Li 대한신경과학회 2021 Journal of Clinical Neurology Vol.17 No.4

Background and Purpose Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) is a subtype of Guillain-Barré syndrome characterized by the triad of ophthalmoparesis, areflexia, and ataxia. Although cases of MFS have been associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV- 2) infection, no studies have synthesized the clinical characteristics of patients with this condition. Methods In this rapid systematic review, we searched the PubMed database to identify studies on MFS associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results This review identified 11 cases, of whom 3 were hospitalized with motor and/or sensory polyneuropathy as the first sign of SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was not detected in analyses of cerebrospinal fluid, suggesting a mechanism of immune-mediated injury rather than direct viral neurotropism. However, antiganglioside antibodies were found in only two of the nine patients tested. It is possible that target antigens other than gangliosides are involved in MFS associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusions The present patients exhibited clinical improvement after being treated with intravenous immunoglobulin. Although rare, patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection may present neurological symptoms suggestive of MFS. Early recognition of the MFS clinical triad is essential for the timely initiation of treatment.

Spatial and temporal dynamics of the abundance of crustose calcareous algae on the southernmost coral reefs of the western Atlantic (Abrolhos Bank, Brazil)

Amado-Filho, Gilberto M.,Bahia, Ricardo G.,Mariath, Rodrigo,Jesionek, Michel B.,Moura, Rodrigo Leao,Bastos, Alex C.,Pereira-Filho, Guilherme Henrique,Francini-Filho, Ronaldo Bastos The Korean Society of Phycology 2018 ALGAE Vol.33 No.1

Crustose calcareous algae (CCA) constitute one of the main reef builders on the Abrolhos Bank, Brazil. Once CCA taxonomy is locally understood, differences in growth-forms may be useful for the delimitation of taxa using characteristics such as the presence or absence of surface protuberances. Here, growth-forms were used to identify and quantify the most common CCA taxa on the shallow reefs (3-10 m) of the Abrolhos Bank to determine possible changes in the CCA community over a period of 10 years, and the ecological significance of CCA to local reefs was interpreted. The CCA assemblages were surveyed from 2006-2015 by using fixed photoquadrats at four sites in the inner (10-20 km from the mainland) and mid-shelf reefs (40-75 km from the mainland). The five most common CCA taxa were Pneophyllum conicum, the Lithophyllum kaiserii / Lithophyllum sp. complex, Melyvonnea erubescens, the Hydrolithon boergesenii / Porolithon onkodes complex and Peyssonelia sp. The overall mean CCA cover on the reefs was 20%. A comparison with a previous monitoring study in the same region indicated that the CCA cover nearly doubled from 2003-2008 to 2006-2015. This study reveals that the coral-killing species P. conicum dominated CCA flora on the shallow Abrolhos reefs in the last decade, and the local specific abundance of CCA slightly fluctuated over time and was species- and site-specific. The information obtained in this study contributes to the understanding of the ecology of the key calcifying components of the Abrolhos reefs and provides a useful baseline for exploring the responses of CCA to future environmental changes.

Spatial and temporal dynamics of the abundance of crustose calcareous algae on the southernmost coral reefs of the western Atlantic (Abrolhos Bank, Brazil)

Gilberto M. Amado-Filho,Ricardo G. Bahia,Rodrigo Mariath,Michel B. Jesionek,Rodrigo Leão Moura,Alex C. Bastos,Guilherme Henrique Pereira-Filho,Ronaldo Bastos Francini-Filho 한국조류학회I 2018 ALGAE Vol.33 No.1

Crustose calcareous algae (CCA) constitute one of the main reef builders on the Abrolhos Bank, Brazil. Once CCA taxonomy is locally understood, differences in growth-forms may be useful for the delimitation of taxa using characteristics such as the presence or absence of surface protuberances. Here, growth-forms were used to identify and quantify the most common CCA taxa on the shallow reefs (3-10 m) of the Abrolhos Bank to determine possible changes in the CCA community over a period of 10 years, and the ecological significance of CCA to local reefs was interpreted. The CCA assemblages were surveyed from 2006-2015 by using fixed photoquadrats at four sites in the inner (10-20 km from the mainland) and mid-shelf reefs (40-75 km from the mainland). The five most common CCA taxa were Pneophyllum conicum, the Lithophyllum kaiserii / Lithophyllum sp. complex, Melyvonnea erubescens, the Hydrolithon boergesenii / Porolithon onkodes complex and Peyssonelia sp. The overall mean CCA cover on the reefs was 20%. A comparison with a previous monitoring study in the same region indicated that the CCA cover nearly doubled from 2003-2008 to 2006-2015. This study reveals that the coral-killing species P. conicum dominated CCA flora on the shallow Abrolhos reefs in the last decade, and the local specific abundance of CCA slightly fluctuated over time and was species- and site-specific. The information obtained in this study contributes to the understanding of the ecology of the key calcifying components of the Abrolhos reefs and provides a useful baseline for exploring the responses of CCA to future environmental changes.

Ingestive Behavior of Lambs Confined in Individual and Group Stalls

Filho, A. Eustaquio,Carvalho, G.G.P.,Pires, A.J.V.,Silva, R.R.,Santos, P.E.F.,Murta, R.M.,Pereira, F.M. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2014 Animal Bioscience Vol.27 No.2

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the ingestive behavior of lambs confined in individual and group stalls. We used thirty-four lambs in their growing phase, aged an average of three months, with mean initial live weight of $17.8{\pm}5.2$ kg. They were allotted in a completely randomized design with 24 animals kept in individual stalls and 10 animals confined as a group. The experiment lasted for a total of 74 days, and the first 14 days were dedicated to the animals' adaption to the management, facilities and diets. The data collection period lasted 60 days, divided into three 20-d periods for the behavior evaluation. The animals were subjected to five days of visual observation during the experiment period, by the quantification of 24 h a day, with evaluations on the 15th day of each period and an interim evaluation consisting of two consecutive days on the 30th and 31st day of the experiment. The animals confined as a group consumed less (p<0.05) fiber. However, the animals confined individually spent less (p<0.05) time on feeding, rumination and chewing activities and longer in idleness. Therefore, the lower capacity of lambs confined in groups to select their food negatively affects their feeding behavior.

A laminated composite plate finite element a-priori corrected for locking

Filho, Joao Elias Abdalla,Belo, Ivan Moura,Pereira, Michele Schunemann Techno-Press 2008 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.28 No.5

A four-node plate finite element for the analysis of laminated composites which is developed using strain gradient notation is presented. The element is based on a first-order shear deformation theory and on the equivalent lamina assumption. Strains and stresses can be calculated at different points through the thickness of the plate. They are averaged values due to the equivalent lamina assumption. A shear correction factor is used as the transverse shear strain is taken to be constant over the plate thickness while its actual variation is parabolic. Strain gradient notation, which is physically interpretable, allows for the detailed a-priori analysis of the finite element model. The polynomial expansions are inspected and spurious terms responsible for modeling errors are identified in the shear strains polynomial expansions. The element is corrected by simply removing the spurious terms from the shear strains expansions. The element is implemented into a FORTRAN finite element code in two versions; namely, with and without spurious terms. Results are compared to show the effects of the spurious terms on the solutions. It is also shown that a refined mesh composed of corrected elements provides solutions which approximate very well the analytical solutions, validating the procedure.

Genetic parameters for marbling and body score in Anglonubian goats using Bayesian inference via threshold and linear models

Figueiredo Filho, Luiz Antonio Silva,Sarmento, Jose Lindenberg Rocha,Campelo, Jose Elivalto Guimaraes,de Oliveira Almeida, Marcos Jacob,de Sousa, Antonio Junior,da Silva Santos, Natanael Pereira,da Si Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2018 Animal Bioscience Vol.31 No.9

Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate (co) variance components and genetic parameters for categorical carcass traits using Bayesian inference via mixed linear and threshold animal models in Anglonubian goats. Methods: Data were obtained from Anglonubian goats reared in the Brazilian Mid-North region. The traits in study were body condition score, marbling in the rib eye, ribeye area, fat thickness of the sternum, hip height, leg perimeter, and body weight. The numerator relationship matrix contained information from 793 animals. The single- and two-trait analyses were performed to estimate (co) variance components and genetic parameters via linear and threshold animal models. For estimation of genetic parameters, chains with 2 and 4 million cycles were tested. An 1,000,000-cycle initial burn-in was considered with values taken every 250 cycles, in a total of 4,000 samples. Convergence was monitored by Geweke criteria and Monte Carlo error chain. Results: Threshold model best fits categorical data since it is more efficient to detect genetic variability. In two-trait analysis the contribution of the increase in information and the correlations between traits contributed to increase the estimated values for (co) variance components and heritability, in comparison to single-trait analysis. Heritability estimates for the study traits were from low to moderate magnitude. Conclusion: Direct selection of the continuous distribution of traits such as thickness sternal fat and hip height allows obtaining the indirect selection for marbling of ribeye.

A laminated composite plate finite element a-priori corrected for locking

João Elias Abdalla Filho,Ivan Moura Belo,Michele Schunemann Pereira 국제구조공학회 2008 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.28 No.5

A four-node plate finite element for the analysis of laminated composites which is developed using strain gradient notation is presented. The element is based on a first-order shear deformation theory and on the equivalent lamina assumption. Strains and stresses can be calculated at different points through the thickness of the plate. They are averaged values due to the equivalent lamina assumption. A shear correction factor is used as the transverse shear strain is taken to be constant over the plate thickness while its actual variation is parabolic. Strain gradient notation, which is physically interpretable, allows for the detailed a-priori analysis of the finite element model. The polynomial expansions are inspected and spurious terms responsible for modeling errors are identified in the shear strains polynomial expansions. The element is corrected by simply removing the spurious terms from the shear strains expansions. The element is implemented into a FORTRAN finite element code in two versions; namely, with and without spurious terms. Results are compared to show the effects of the spurious terms on the solutions. It is also shown that a refined mesh composed of corrected elements provides solutions which approximate very well the analytical solutions, validating the procedure.

Alveolar ridge augmentation with the perforated and nonperforated bone grafts

de Avila, Erica Dorigatti,Filho, Jose Scarso,de Oliveira Ramalho, Lizete Toledo,Real Gabrielli, Mario Francisco,Pereira Filho, Valfrido Antonio Korean Academy of Periodontology 2014 Journal of Periodontal & Implant Science Vol.44 No.1

Purpose: Autogenous bones are frequently used because of their lack of antigenicity, but good osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties. This study evaluated the biological behavior of perforated and nonperforated cortical block bone grafts. Methods: Ten nonsmoking patients who required treatment due to severe resorption of the alveolar process and subsequent implant installation were included in the study. The inclusion criteria was loss of one or more teeth; the presence of atrophy of the alveolar process with the indication of reconstruction procedures to allow rehabilitation with dental implants; and the absence of systemic disease, local infection, or inflammation. The patients were randomly divided into two groups based on whether they received a perforated (inner surface) or nonperforated graft. After a 6-month healing period, a biopsy was performed and osseointegrated implants were installed in the same procedure. Results: Fibrous connective tissue was evident at the interface in patients who received nonperforated grafts. However, full union between the graft and host bed was visible in those who had received a perforated graft. Conclusions: We found that cortical inner side perforations at donor sites increased the surface area and opened the medullary cavity. Our results indicate an increased rate of graft incorporation in patients who received such perforated grafts.

Application of Response Surface Methodology for Producing Cellulolytic Enzymes by Solid-state Fermentation from the Puple Mombin (Spondias purpurea L.) Residue

Tamires Carvalho dos Santos,George Abreu Filho,Ana Carolina Oliveira,Thiago José Onório Rocha,Fabiano de Paula Pereira Machado,Renata Cristina Ferreira Bonomo,Katia Iro Altides Mota,Marcelo Franco 한국식품과학회 2013 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.22 No.1

This study aimed at demonstrating the effects of fermentation time (24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h) and water activity (0.943, 0.970, and 0.985) on the production of cellulolytic enzymes by solid-state fermentation of purple mombin (Spondias purpurea L.) residue using Aspergillus niger. The fermentation was carried out at 35oC and the enzyme production was measured as endoglucanase and total cellulose activities. The optimum condition for endoglucanase was water activity 0.974 and 93.8 h of fermentation, reaching a production of 3.21 U/g of residue;whereas for total cellulase it was 0.958 and 79.4 h achieving 12.1 U/g of residue. Fermentation time had a greater effect on the endoglucanase activity, while water activity had a more significant influence on the total cellulase activity. Endoglucanase had optimum activity at temperature of 50oC and pH 5.0. Although cellulase total optimum activity was also at pH 5.0, the maximum activity was at 60oC.

Physiological adaptations induced by swimming in mice fed a high fat diet

Pedro Augusto Silva Nogueira,Miriam Pimenta Pereira,Jeferson José Gomes Soares,Anderson Ferraz Norton Filho,Izadora Mayumi Fujinami Tanimoto,Ivana Alice Teixeira Fonseca,Homero Oliveira Avelar,Francoi 한국운동재활학회 2017 JER Vol.13 No.3

This study examined physiological variables of animals fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) or with a normal diet (ND) subjected to swimming at low and moderate level. Over 16 weeks, a group of animals was fed with HFD or ND, and at the 8 weeks, they started swimming with 50% or 80% of the maximum load achieved in the progressive work test. Weekly, body weight and the amount of ingested food were registered. The gly-cemic level was measured at the beginning, middle and at the end of the experiment. Adipose tissue, gastrocnemius muscles and hearts were collected for morphometry. The results showed that the animals fed an HFD had a minor caloric intake; however, the HFD increased body weight and adiposity, likely causing cardiac hypertrophy and an increase in the glycemic level. In this context, swimming with an 80% load contributed positively to weight control, adiposity, glycemic level, to control cardiac hypertrophy and induce hypertrophy in the gastroc-nemius muscle. All parameters assessed showed better results for the ND animals. Therefore, the importance of fat consumption was empha-sized in relation to obesity onset. The practice of swimming with an 80% load produced greater benefits than swimming with a 50% load for overweight treatment.