Detection of icaA, icaD, and bap genes and biofilm production in Staphylococcus aureus and non-aureus staphylococci isolated from subclinical and clinical bovine mastitis / Detecção dos genes icaA, icaD e bap e produção de biofilme por Staphylococcus aureus e estafilococos não-aureus isolados de mastite clínica e subclínica bovina

Algumas espécies de Staphylococcus causam infecções crônicas intramamárias e podem levar à formação de biofilme. No presente estudo, levantou-se a hipótese de que as espécies de Staphylococcus isolados da mastite bovina são capazes de formar biofilme in vitro associado à presença dos genes icaA, icaD ou bap. Um total de 200 isolados de Staphylococcus, sendo 100 Staphylococcus aureus de casos de mastite subclínica e 100 estafilococos não aureus (ENA) de casos de mastite subclínica e clínica, obtidos em duas fazendas leiteiras, no estado de São Paulo, foram avaliados quanto à capacidade de produzir biofilmes in vitro. A presença de icaA, icaD e bap foi confirmada por PCR, e a produção de biofilme em ágar vermelho congo (Congo Red Agar - CRA) e em teste de microplaca (Microtiter Plate - MtP) foi avaliada nos isolados de S. aureus e ENA. Os resultados mostraram a presença dos genes icaA, icaD e bap em S. aureus, mas não em ENA. A produção de biofilme pode estar associada à presença de outros fatores ou genes que estimulam a produção de biofilme in vitro. O ensaio de MtP serve como um modelo quantitativo para o estudo da aderência de espécies de estafilococos associados à mastite bovina.(AU)

Versión chilena de la Functional Status Score for the Intensive Care Unit: traducción y adaptación transcultural / Chilean version of the Functional Status Score for the Intensive Care Unit: a translation and cross-cultural adaptation

INTRODUCCIÓN: La Functional Status Score for the Intensive Care Unit (FSS-ICU) es un instrumento válido y confiable para medir funcionamiento físico en unida-des de cuidados intensivos. Sin embargo, la traducción y adaptación trans-cultural de la FSS-ICU en Chile no ha sido publicada. OBJETIVO: Traducir y adaptar transculturalmente todos los documentos asociados de la FSS-ICU original para Chile. MÉTODO: Se utilizó como punto de partida la versión en español de la FSS-ICU, disponible en www.ImproveLTO.com. Esta versión se tradujo previamente junto a los desarrolladores originales de la FSS-ICU, siguiendo las recomen-daciones establecidas para este proceso. La versión de bolsillo chilena se desarrolló recientemente en base a la versión original en inglés. Se realizaron entrevistas cognitivas a kinesiólogos de la unidad de cuidados intensivos para evaluar la comprensión de la FSS-ICU y versión de bolsillo. Las adaptaciones se realizaron cuando el acuerdo entre los kinesiólogos fue inferior al 80%. RESULTADOS: Se realizaron las entrevistas cognitivas de la FSS-ICU en español (85 ítems) y versión de bolsillo (18 ítems) en 30 kinesiólogos chilenos provenientes de 18 diferentes hospitales (14 públicos y 4 privados). Durante las entrevistas se realizaron adaptaciones principalmente en las guías generales e instrucciones específicas para tres ítems de la FSS-ICU y dos ítems de la versión de bolsillo. Finalmente, se desarrollaron las preguntas frecuentes, la versión de bolsillo y la versión completa de la FSS-ICU. Todas las adaptaciones fueron aceptadas por los desarrolladores originales. CONCLUSIONES: La versión chilena de la FSS-ICU fue fácil de entender por los kinesiólogos. La FSS-ICU está disponible gratis para uso clínico e investigación no comercial en Chile.

BACKGROUND: The Functional Status Score for the Intensive Care Unit (FSS-ICU) is a valid and reliable instrument to measure physical functioning in the intensive care unit setting. Translation and cross-cultural adaptation in Chile has not been published for the FSS-ICU. AIM: To translate and cross-culturally adapt all associated documents of the original FSS-ICU for Chile. METHOD: The Spanish version of FSS-ICU, available at www.ImproveLTO.com, was used as the starting point. This version was previously translated, with the original FSS-ICU developers, following established guidelines for this process. The Chilean pocket card version was newly developed based on the English version at www.ImproveLTO.com. Cognitive interviews were conducted for the adaptation of the FSS-ICU and pocket card version to assess understanding of relevant stakeholders (i.e., Chilean intensive care unit physiotherapists). Adaptations to the translation were made when agreement among the physiotherapists was less than 80%. RESULTS: Cognitive interviews of the Chilean FSS-ICU (85 items) and pocket card version (18 items) were performed with 30 Chilean physiotherapists from 18 hospitals (14 public and 4 private). During the interviews, modest adaptations mainly made in the general guidelines and specific instructions for three items of the FSS-ICU and two items of the pocket card. Finally, the frequently asked questions, pocket card and full version of the FSS-ICU were developed. The original developers accepted all adaptations. CONCLUSIONS: The Chilean version of the FSS-ICU was easy to understand by the physiotherapists. The FSS-ICU is freely available for non-commercial clinical and research use by Chilean Spanish-speakers.

Ocorrência, patógenos e fatores de risco para mastite subclínica em cabras leiteiras / Occurrence, pathogens and risk factors for subclinical mastitis in dairy goats

Milk samples from 257 goats and 513 half udders of 10 dairy goat farms were analyzed by microbiological culture, to evaluate the sanitary management, and epidemiological questionnaire results. Multivariate analysis of risk factors for subclinical mastitis in goats, with the adjusted Odds Ratio for subclinical mastitis was performed. The prevalence of subclinical mastitis in goats by microbiological culture was 43.6%, and clinical mastitis was 5.84%. From 178 positive teats by microbiological culture, the most prevalent pathogens were coagulase-negative staphylococci - CNS (70%), S. aureus (13.5%), S. intermedius (7.9%), and Enterobacteriaceae (4%). The risk factors analysis revealed significant association between the disease and the flock size (OR= 3.33; P= 0.0268), and the farm was a confounding factor, being kept in the final statistical model. Despite the non-identification of all the factors associated with subclinical mastitis in herds and the existence of confounding factors that hinder statistical analyzes, the study of risk factors is important for the improvement of disease control and prevention programs in dairy goat, and it can be used as a tool in the reduction of environmental and contagious pathogens such as staphylococci that were the most identified pathogens causing caprine mastitis in the study.(AU)

Identification of subclinical mastitis caused by Mycoplasma spp. from screenings of bulk tanks / Identificação de mastite subclínica causada por Mycoplasma spp. de triagem de tanques de expansão

Mastitis caused by Mycoplasma spp., regardless of species, are considered highly contagious pathogens and, usually was not responsive to antimicrobial therapy. Five dairy herds, comprising 489 animals and 1,956 mammary glands, were used in this study. Milk samples were obtained from bulk tanks and subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the identification of Mollicutes, Mycoplasma spp., and Mycoplasma bovis. Moreover, individual samples from cases of clinical and subclinical mastitis in quarters of the dairy herds' animals that yielded a positive PCR upon bulk tank analysis were subjected to molecular analysis. Only one bulk tank was positive for class Mollicutes by PCR. All positive samples classified as mastitis teats had their DNA extracted and tested by PCR for both class Mollicutes and M. bovis. Of these, two (2.08%) were positive for Mycoplasma genus, although none was positive for M. bovis. This result suggests that the PCR of bulk tanks is a viable tool in monitoring and preventing mastitis infections caused by Mycoplasma spp.(AU)

Mastites bovinas causadas por Mycoplasma spp., independentemente da espécie causadora, são consideradas de alta contagiosidade e geralmente não responsivas à terapia antimicrobiana. Cinco propriedades leiteiras foram utilizadas neste estudo, totalizando 489 animais e 1956 quartos mamários. As amostras de leite foram obtidas de tanques de expansão e submetidas à reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) para pesquisa de Mollicutes, Mycoplasma spp. e Mycoplasma bovis. Apenas um tanque de uma propriedade foi positivo na PCR para a classe Mollicutes. Amostras individuais de casos de mastite subclínica provenientes de propriedade com tanque positivo também foram submetidas à análise molecular; dessas, duas delas (2,08%) foram positivas para a classe Mollicutes e para o gênero Mycoplasma, entretanto nenhuma foi positiva para a espécie Mycoplasma bovis. Isso sugere que a PCR de tanques de expansão de propriedades leiteiras demonstra ser uma ferramenta viável no monitoramento e na prevenção de infecções por Mycoplasma spp.(AU)

Pravastatin induces cell cycle arrest and decreased production of VEGF and bFGF in multiple myeloma cell line / Pravastatina induz parada no ciclo celular e diminuição na produção de VEGF e bFGF em linhagem de Mieloma Multiplo

Abstract Multiple myeloma (MM) is a B cell bone marrow neoplasia characterized by inflammation with an intense secretion of growth factors that promote tumor growth, cell survival, migration and invasion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of pravastatin, a drug used to reduce cholesterol, in a MM cell line.Cell cycle and viability were determinate by Trypan Blue and Propidium Iodide. IL6, VEGF, bFGF and TGFβ were quantified by ELISA and qRT-PCR including here de HMG CoA reductase. It was observed reduction of cell viability, increase of cells in G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle and reducing the factors VEGF and bFGF without influence on 3-Methyl-Glutaryl Coenzyme A reductase expression.The results demonstrated that pravastatin induces cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 and decreased production of growth factors in Multiple Myeloma cell line.

Resumo O Mieloma Múltiplo é uma neoplasia de linfócitos B da medula óssea, caracterizada por inflamação com uma intensa secreção de fatores de crescimento que promovem o aumento do volume do tumor, sobrevivência celular, migração e invasão. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da pravastatina, uma droga usada para reduzir o colesterol, em um linhagem de MM. O ciclo celular e viabilidade foram determinadas por Trypan Blue e iodeto de propídio. IL6, VEGF, bFGF e TGF foram quantificadas por ELISA e qRT-PCR, incluindo aqui de HMG CoA redutase. Observou-se a redução da viabilidade das células, aumento de células na fase G0/G1 do ciclo celular e redução no VEGF e bFGF, sem influência na expressão da enzima 3-Metil-Glutaril Coenzima A redutase. Os resultados demonstraram que a pravastatina induz parada no ciclo celular em G0/G1 e diminuição da produção de fatores de crescimento em várias linhas de células de Mieloma.

Accuracy of dose planning for prostate radiotherapy in the presence of metallic implants evaluated by electron spin resonance dosimetry

Radiotherapy is one of the main approaches to cure prostate cancer, and its success depends on the accuracy of dose planning. A complicating factor is the presence of a metallic prosthesis in the femur and pelvis, which is becoming more common in elderly populations. The goal of this work was to perform dose measurements to check the accuracy of radiotherapy treatment planning under these complicated conditions. To accomplish this, a scale phantom of an adult pelvic region was used with alanine dosimeters inserted in the prostate region. This phantom was irradiated according to the planned treatment under the following three conditions: with two metallic prostheses in the region of the femur head, with only one prosthesis, and without any prostheses. The combined relative standard uncertainty of dose measurement by electron spin resonance (ESR)/alanine was 5.05%, whereas the combined relative standard uncertainty of the applied dose was 3.35%, resulting in a combined relative standard uncertainty of the whole process of 6.06%. The ESR dosimetry indicated that there was no difference (P>0.05, ANOVA) in dosage between the planned dose and treatments. The results are in the range of the planned dose, within the combined relative uncertainty, demonstrating that the treatment-planning system compensates for the effects caused by the presence of femur and hip metal prostheses.

Estudo anatômico do plexo lombossacral de Tamandua tetradactyla / Anatomical study of the lumbosacral plexus of the Tamandua tetradactyla

O tamanduá-mirim (Tamandua tetradactyla) é um xenartro da família Myrmecophagidae, encontrado da Venezuela ao sul do Brasil. Estudos apontam que essa é uma das espécies de animais selvagens mais vitimadas em número de atropelamentos, e, muitas vezes, o atendimento clínico adequado aos indivíduos feridos é dificultado pela carência de informações acerca dos mesmos. Visando contribuir com o conhecimento dessa espécie, este estudo teve como objetivo descrever seu plexo lombossacral. Para tanto, foram utilizados quatro cadáveres de Tamandua tetradactyla adultos e de ambos os sexos. O plexo lombossacral dessa espécie é formado pelos ramos ventrais dos nervos espinhais T18, L1, L2, L3, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5. Os nervos integrantes do plexo lombossacral do T. tetradactyla com suas formações mais frequentes foram os seguintes: genitofemoral (T18), cutâneo femoral lateral (T18-L1), femoral (T18, L1-L3), obturador (T18, L1-L3), glúteo cranial (L3-S1), isquiático (L3-S3), pudendo (S3-S4 ou S4-S5), retal caudal (S4 ou S5) e cutâneo femoral caudal (S4-S5). O plexo lombar e sacral dessa espécie é unido, sendo L3 o ponto de união entre eles. Devido ao pequeno número de vértebras lombares, a composição dos nervos do plexo lombossacral do T. tetradactyla apresenta características peculiares que se diferem das características das demais espécies já estudadas, quais sejam, a ausência dos nervos ílio-hipogástrico e ilioinguinal e participação de nervos torácicos na composição dos nervos do plexo lombar, presença de contribuição sacral na composição do nervo obturador e ausência de contribuição lombar na composição do nervo isquiático e um limite mais caudal na extensão do plexo sacral.

The lesser anteater (Tamandua tetradactyla) is a xenarthra of the Myrmecophagidae family found from Venezuela to southern Brazil. Studies have shown that this is one of the most numerous wildlife species victims of car collisions on roads, and often the appropriate clinical care to injured animals is hindered by the lack of information about them. In order to contribute to the knowledge of this species, this study aimed to describe its lumbosacral plexus. For this purpose, four cadavers of adult specimens of both sexes of T. tetradactyla were used. The lumbosacral plexus of the T. tetradactyla is formed by the ventral rami of spinal nerves T18, L1, L2, L3, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5. The lumbosacral plexus nerves with their most common formations in this species were as follows: genitofemoral (T18), lateral femoral cutaneous (T18-L1), femoral (T18, L1-L3), obturator (T18, L1-L3), cranial gluteal (L3-S1), ischiatic (L3-S3), pudendus (S3-S4 or S4-S5), caudal retal (S4 or S5), and caudal femoral cutaneous (S4-S5). The lumbar and sacral plexus of this species is joined, L3 being the link between them. Due to the small number of lumbar vertebrae, the arrangement of the lumbosacral plexus nerves of the T. tetradactyla showed peculiar characteristics that differ it from that of other previously studied species, such as the absence of iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves and contribution of thoracic nerves in the formation of all the nerves of the lumbar plexus, presence of sacral contribution in the formation of the obturator nerve, and the lack of lumbar contribution for sciatic nerve formation and a most caudal extent of the sacral plexus.

Eficiência nutricional do Nitrogênio e produção de biomassa em Calendula officinalis L. (Asteraceae) em condições de casa de vegetação / Nitrogen nutritional efficiency and biomass production in Calendula officinalis L. (Asteraceae) under greenhouse conditions

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da aplicação de diferentes doses de nitrogênio no solo e de épocas de coleta sobre a eficiência nutricional do nitrogênio e a produção de biomassa em Calendula officinalis L. (Asteraceae) em condições de casa de vegetação. O substrato utilizado foi a camada de 0 - 20 cm de Latossolo Vermelho Distroférrico. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos de quatro doses de N (0, 21, 42 e 84mg dm-3) e cinco épocas de colheita (15, 30, 45, 60 e 90 dias após o transplante). O teor de N na inflorescência de calêndula reduziu com as épocas de coleta, redução essa que ocorreu possivelmente devido à menor eficiência da absorção desse elemento pela planta e menor translocação do N para as inflorescências. Pode se concluir que as épocas de avaliação influenciaram na resposta da planta à eficiência de absorção (EFA), sendo a máxima EFA de N aos 51 dias após o transplante das mudas. Observou-se aumento na translocação de N da parte aérea (folhas e caules) para as inflorescências, tendo como consequência a redução do N na parte aérea. Houve incremento na produção de biomassa de calêndula em função das épocas de coleta , e do aumento das doses de N aplicadas no solo. A eficiência nutricional do N foi influenciada pelas épocas de avaliação e pelo teor de N presente no solo.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of both the application of different nitrogen levels on the soil and the harvest periods on nitrogen nutritional efficiency and biomass production in Calendula officinalis L. (Asteraceae) under greenhouse conditions. The employed substrate was 0-20cm layer of Oxisol. Experimental design was completely randomized, with four replicates. Treatments consisted of four N levels (0, 21, 42 and 84 mg dm-3) and five harvest periods (15, 30, 45, 60 and 90 days after transplanting). N levels in Calendula officinalis inflorescences reduced with the harvest periods, and such a reduction was probably due to the lower efficiency of absorption of this element by the plant and to the lower N translocation to inflorescences. We can conclude that the evaluation periods influenced the response of plants to uptake efficiency (UE), and the maximal UE for N was found at 51 days after transplanting of seedlings. There was an increase in N translocation from the shoot (leaves and stems) to inflorescences, which has as consequence N reduction in the shoot. Calendula officinalis biomass production increased with the harvest periods and with the increase in the N levels applied on the soil. N nutritional efficiency was influenced by both the evaluation periods and the N levels present on the soil.

Fine-tuning of defensive behaviors in the dorsal periaqueductal gray by atypical neurotransmitters

This paper presents an up-to-date review of the evidence indicating that atypical neurotransmitters such as nitric oxide (NO) and endocannabinoids (eCBs) play an important role in the regulation of aversive responses in the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Among the results supporting this role, several studies have shown that inhibitors of neuronal NO synthase or cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) receptor agonists cause clear anxiolytic responses when injected into this region. The nitrergic and eCB systems can regulate the activity of classical neurotransmitters such as glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) that control PAG activity. We propose that they exert a ‘fine-tuning’ regulatory control of defensive responses in this area. This control, however, is probably complex, which may explain the usually bell-shaped dose-response curves observed with drugs that act on NO- or CB1-mediated neurotransmission. Even if the mechanisms responsible for this complex interaction are still poorly understood, they are beginning to be recognized. For example, activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 channel (TRPV1) receptors by anandamide seems to counteract the anxiolytic effects induced by CB1 receptor activation caused by this compound. Further studies, however, are needed to identify other mechanisms responsible for this fine-tuning effect.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing variables as predictors of long-term outcome in thoracic sarcoidosis

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) plays an important role in the assessment of functional capacity in patients with interstitial lung disease. The aim of this study was to identify CPET measures that might be helpful in predicting the vital capacity and diffusion capacity outcomes of patients with thoracic sarcoidosis. A longitudinal study was conducted on 42 nonsmoking patients with thoracic sarcoidosis (median age = 46.5 years, 22 females). At the first evaluation, spirometry, the measurement of single-breath carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (D LCOsb) and CPET were performed. Five years later, the patients underwent a second evaluation consisting of spirometry and D LCOsb measurement. After 5 years, forced vital capacity (FVC) percent and D LCOsb percent had decreased significantly [95.5 (82-105) vs 87.5 (58-103) and 93.5 (79-103) vs 84.5 (44-102), respectively; P < 0.0001 for both]. In CPET, the peak oxygen uptake, maximum respiratory rate, breathing reserve, alveolar-arterial oxygen pressure gradient at peak exercise (P(A-a)O2), and Δ SpO2 values showed a strong correlation with the relative differences for FVC percent and D LCOsb percent (P < 0.0001 for all). P(A-a)O2 ≥22 mmHg and breathing reserve ≤40 percent were identified as significant independent variables for the decline in pulmonary function. Patients with thoracic sarcoidosis showed a significant reduction in FVC percent and D LCOsb percent after 5 years of follow-up. These data show that the outcome measures of CPET are predictors of the decline of pulmonary function.

Isolation of Staphylococcus epidermidis from inflamed upper respiratory tract of an orange-spined hairy dwarf porcupine (Sphiggurus villosus)

The orange-spined hairy dwarf porcupine (Sphiggurus villosus) is a rodent species common in most parts of South America, and little is known about the pathologies that can afflict it. A specimen was delivered at the Wildlife Research and Medical Center (CEMPAS), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry, UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brazil. The animal showed intense apathy, with purulent secretion in the nasal cavity and fracture of the lumbar spine. Due to the unfavorable prognosis, the porcupine was euthanized and microbiological culture of nasal discharge showed Staphylococcus epidermidis. The antimicrobial resistance test revealed sensitivity to all tested antimicrobials (ampicillin, oxacillin, tetracycline, penicillin G, neomycin, cephalexin, gentamicin, enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, cotrimoxazol, cefoxitin and cephalothin). This bacterium is part of the nasal flora of humans and other animals, and may cause infection under certain conditions. In the present study, the infection and colonization by S. epidermidis was the probable cause of the inflammatory process. The sensitivity to all tested antimicrobials suggests that this strain has not been previously exposed to such drugs.

5-HT1A autoreceptor modulation of locomotor activity induced by nitric oxide in the rat dorsal raphe nucleus

The dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) is the origin of ascending serotonergic projections and is considered to be an important component of the brain circuit that mediates anxiety- and depression-related behaviors. A large fraction of DRN serotonin-positive neurons contain nitric oxide (NO). Disruption of NO-mediated neurotransmission in the DRN by NO synthase inhibitors produces anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects in rats and also induces nonspecific interference with locomotor activity. We investigated the involvement of the 5-HT1A autoreceptor in the locomotor effects induced by NO in the DRN of male Wistar rats (280-310 g, N = 9-10 per group). The NO donor 3-morpholinosylnomine hydrochloride (SIN-1, 150, and 300 nmol) and the NO scavenger S-3-carboxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycine (carboxy-PTIO, 0.1-3.0 nmol) were injected into the DRN of rats immediately before they were exposed to the open field for 10 min. To evaluate the involvement of the 5-HT1A receptor and the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor in the locomotor effects of NO, animals were pretreated with the 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT, 8 nmol), the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist N-(2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl)-N-2-pyridinyl-cyclohexanecarboxamide maleate (WAY-100635, 0.37 nmol), and the NMDA receptor antagonist DL-2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid (AP7, 1 nmol), followed by microinjection of SIN-1 into the DRN. SIN-1 increased the distance traveled (mean ± SEM) in the open-field test (4431 ± 306.1 cm; F7,63 = 2.44, P = 0.028) and this effect was blocked by previous 8-OH-DPAT (2885 ± 490.4 cm) or AP7 (3335 ± 283.5 cm) administration (P < 0.05, Duncan test). These results indicate that 5-HT1A receptor activation and/or facilitation of glutamate neurotransmission can modulate the locomotor effects induced by NO in the DRN.

Anticorpos para Leptospira spp., Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora caninum em cães errantes albergados em canil privado / Antibodies to Leptospira spp., Toxoplasma gondii, and Neospora caninum in mongrel dogs kept in private kennel

The serological profile of 300 mongrel dogs of various ages and gender were investigated. Animals were captured in the streets and afterwards directed to a private kennel in Avaré city (SP) to search for leptospirosis, toxoplasmosis, and neosporosis. Blood samples were obtained from jugular or cephalic vein for the obtention of sera. The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was used to leptospirosis. MAT detect the prevalence of 9.3%. The most frequent reactant serovars were Bratislava (35.7%), Cynopteri (17.9%), Autumnalis (14.3%), and Copenhageni (10.7%), besides 7.1% to others serovars: Icterohaemorrhagiae, Canicola, and Hardjo. The modified agglutination test used for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis showed 26% of positive animals, with titers varying from 16 to 256, with 16 in 3.3%, 64 in 13.7%, and 256 in 9% of the samples. To canine neosporosis, it was used the indirect fluorescent antibody test, and two animals (0.7%) demonstrated antibodies with titers 25 and 100. The results show the participation of the animals in the epidemiological chain of the researched diseases.

Expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the hippocampal formation in affective disorders

Hippocampal output is increased in affective disorders and is mediated by increased glutamatergic input via N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor and moderated by antidepressant treatment. Activation of NMDA receptors by glutamate evokes the release of nitric oxide (NO) by the activation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). The human hippocampus contains a high density of NMDA receptors and nNOS-expressing neurons suggesting the existence of an NMDA-NO transduction pathway which can be involved in the pathogenesis of affective disorders. We tested the hypothesis that nNOS expression is increased in the human hippocampus from affectively ill patients. Immunocytochemistry was used to demonstrate nNOS-expressing neurons in sections obtained from the Stanley Consortium postmortem brain collection from patients with major depression (MD, N = 15), bipolar disorder (BD, N = 15), and schizophrenia (N = 15) and from controls (N = 15). nNOS-immunoreactive (nNOS-IR) and Nissl-stained neurons were counted in entorhinal cortex, hippocampal CA1, CA2, CA3, and CA4 subfields, and subiculum. The numbers of Nissl-stained neurons were very similar in different diagnostic groups and correlated significantly with the number of nNOS-IR neurons. Both the MD and the BD groups had greater number of nNOS-IR neurons/400 µm² in CA1 (mean ± SEM: MD = 9.2 ± 0.6 and BD = 8.4 ± 0.6) and subiculum (BD = 6.7 ± 0.4) when compared to control group (6.6 ± 0.5) and this was significantly more marked in samples from the right hemisphere. These changes were specific to affective disorders since no changes were seen in the schizophrenic group (6.7 ± 0.8). The results support the current view of the NMDA-NO pathway as a target for the pathophysiology of affective disorders and antidepressant drug development.

Inspirometria de incentivo e breath stacking: repercussões sobre a capacidade inspiratória em indivíduos submetidos à cirurgia abdominal / Incentive spirometry and breath stacking: effects on the inspiratory capacity of individuals submitted to abdominal surgery

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: As complicações respiratórias são as principais causas de aumento da morbidade e da mortalidade em indivíduos submetidos à cirurgia de andar superior do abdômen. A eficácia dos procedimentos fisioterapêuticos precisa ser melhor definida, assim como é necessário o conhecimento da melhor estratégia terapêutica a ser implementada. OBJETIVO: Comparar o volume inspiratório mobilizado durante a técnica de breath stacking, com o volume na inspirometria de incentivo em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia abdominal. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Doze pacientes, no primeiro dia de pós-operatório, foram orientados a inspirar profundamente por meio do inspirômetro de incentivo Voldyne® e a realizar esforços inspiratórios sucessivos pela máscara facial adaptada para realização da manobra de breath stacking. Cada técnica foi realizada cinco vezes de acordo com a randomização. No período pré-operatório, os pacientes realizaram prova espirométrica, foram avaliados e instruídos quanto à realização das técnicas. Um ventilômetro de Wright® permitiu o registro da capacidade inspiratória. RESULTADOS: A capacidade inspiratória foi significativamente maior durante o breath stacking do que durante a inspirometria de incentivo, tanto no pré quanto no pós-operatório. Houve redução significativa dos volumes após o procedimento cirúrgico, independentemente da técnica realizada. CONCLUSÕES: A técnica de breath stacking mostrou-se eficaz e superior à inspirometria de incentivo para a geração e sustentação de volumes inspiratórios. Por não haver descrição de efeitos adversos, essa técnica pode, provavelmente, ser utilizada de forma segura e eficaz, principalmente em pacientes pouco cooperativos.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory complications are the main causes of increased morbidity and mortality in individuals who undergo upper abdominal surgery. The efficacy of physical therapy procedures needs clarification, and it is necessary to know which therapeutic approaches are the best ones to implement. OBJECTIVE: To compare the inspiratory volume during the breath stacking maneuver with the volume during incentive spirometry, in abdominal surgery patients. METHODS: Twelve patients, on their first postoperative day, were instructed to take a deep breath through the VoldyneTM incentive spirometer and to make successive inspiratory efforts using a facemask that had been adapted for performing the breath stacking maneuver. Each technique was performed five times according to the randomization. Before the operation, the patients performed a spirometric test. They were also assessed and instructed about the procedures. A WrightTM ventilometer allowed inspiratory capacity to be recorded. RESULTS: The inspiratory capacity during breath stacking was significantly higher than during incentive spirometry, both before and after the operation. There was a significant reduction in volumes after the surgical procedure, independent of the technique performed. CONCLUSIONS: The breath stacking technique was shown to be effective. This technique was better than incentive spirometry for generating and sustaining inspiratory volumes. Since no adverse effects have been described, this technique can probably be used safely and effectively, particularly in uncooperative patients.

Avaliação da pressão inspiratória máxima em pacientes críticos não-cooperativos: comparação entre dois métodos / Maximal inspiratory pressure evaluation among non-cooperative critical patients: comparison between two methods

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: A ventilação mecânica, embora necessária para o tratamento da insuficiência respiratória aguda, pode estar associada ao descondicionamento e à disfunção muscular respiratória. A avaliação da pressão inspiratória máxima (PiMáx) é utilizada para estimar a força muscular inspiratória de pacientes ventilados artificialmente, porém não há uma definição quanto à melhor forma de realizar esta medida. OBJETIVO: Comparar 2 métodos de avaliação da PiMáx, por meio de 4 protocolos diferentes, em pacientes não cooperativos ventilados artificialmente. MÉTODO: Foram avaliados 30 pacientes não cooperativos e em processo de desmame da ventilação mecânica. De acordo com a randomização em blocos, o Método de Oclusão Simples (MO) e o Método da Válvula Unidirecional (VU) foram aplicados com tempo de duração de 20 e 40 segundos para cada paciente. Adicionalmente, durante as medições em 40s, foi anotado o valor da PiMáx em 30s. RESULTADOS: Os valores de PiMáx foram maiores em 40s do que em 20s para MO (48,2 ± 21,7 vs 36 ± 18,7 cmH2O; p< 0,001) e VU (56,6 ± 23,3 vs 43,4 ± 24 cmH2O; p< 0,001). Os valores de PiMáx foram maiores no método VU em 40s (VU40) do que MO em 40s (MO40) (56,6 ± 23,3 vs 48,2 ± 21,7 cmH2O; p< 0,001). Houve diferença entre VU em 30 e 40s (51,5 ± 20,8 vs 56,6 ± 23,3 cmH2O; p< 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Em pacientes não-cooperativos, valores maiores de PiMax são obtidos com o método da válvula unidirecional com oclusão durante 40 segundos em comparação com os outros protocolos avaliados.

BACKGROUND: Although mechanical ventilation is necessary for treating acute respiratory insufficiency, it may be associated with deconditioning and respiratory muscle dysfunction. Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) evaluation is used to estimate inspiratory muscle strength in artificially ventilated patients, but there is no definition as to the best way to make this measurement. OBJECTIVE: To compare two methods for MIP evaluation, using four different protocols, among non-cooperative artificially ventilated patients. METHOD: Thirty non-cooperative patients undergoing the process of weaning off mechanical ventilation were evaluated. In accordance with block randomization, the simple occlusion method (OM) or the unidirectional valve method (UV) was applied to each patient for time periods of 20 and 40 seconds. Additionally, during the 40s measurements, the MIP value at 30s was recorded. RESULTS: The MIP values were higher at 40s than at 20s, both from OM (48.2 ± 21.7 vs. 36 ± 18.7 cmH2O; p< 0.001) and from UV (56.6 ± 23.3 vs. 43.4 ± 24 cmH2O; p< 0.001). The MIP values were higher from UV at 40s (UV40) than from OM at 40s (OM40) (56.6 ± 23.3 vs. 48.2 ± 21.7 cmH2O; p< 0.001). There was a difference between UV at 30 and 40s (51.5 ± 20.8 vs. 56.6 ± 23.3 cmH2O; p< 0.001). CONCLUSION: Among non-cooperative patients, higher MIP values were obtained from the unidirectional valve method with 40s of occlusion than from the other protocols evaluated.

Cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent, as an antipsychotic drug

A high dose of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the main Cannabis sativa (cannabis) component, induces anxiety and psychotic-like symptoms in healthy volunteers. These effects of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol are significantly reduced by cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabis constituent which is devoid of the typical effects of the plant. This observation led us to suspect that CBD could have anxiolytic and/or antipsychotic actions. Studies in animal models and in healthy volunteers clearly suggest an anxiolytic-like effect of CBD. The antipsychotic-like properties of CBD have been investigated in animal models using behavioral and neurochemical techniques which suggested that CBD has a pharmacological profile similar to that of atypical antipsychotic drugs. The results of two studies on healthy volunteers using perception of binocular depth inversion and ketamine-induced psychotic symptoms supported the proposal of the antipsychotic-like properties of CBD. In addition, open case reports of schizophrenic patients treated with CBD and a preliminary report of a controlled clinical trial comparing CBD with an atypical antipsychotic drug have confirmed that this cannabinoid can be a safe and well-tolerated alternative treatment for schizophrenia. Future studies of CBD in other psychotic conditions such as bipolar disorder and comparative studies of its antipsychotic effects with those produced by clozapine in schizophrenic patients are clearly indicated.