ABSTRACT
Screener, a board game supplemented with online resources, was introduced and distributed by the Brazilian Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics to postgraduate programs as an instructional tool for the process of drug discovery and development (DDD). In this study, we provided a comprehensive analysis of five critical aspects for evaluating the quality of educational games, namely: 1) description of the intervention; 2) underlying pedagogical theory; 3) identification of local educational gaps; 4) impact on diverse stakeholders; and 5) elucidation of iterative quality enhancement processes. We also present qualitative and quantitative assessments of the effectiveness of this game in 11 postgraduate courses. We employed the MEEGA+ online survey, comprising thirty-three close-ended unipolar items with 5-point Likert-type response scales, to assess student perceptions of the quality and utility of Screener. Based on 115 responses, the results indicated a highly positive outlook among students. In addition, we performed a preliminary evaluation of learning outcomes in two courses involving 28 students. Pre- and post-quizzes were applied, each consisting of 20 True/False questions directly aligned with the game's content. The analysis revealed significant improvement in students' performance following engagement with the game, with scores rising from 8.4 to 13.3 (P<0.0001, paired t-test) and 9.7 to 12.7 (P<0.0001, paired t-test). These findings underscore the utility of Screener as an enjoyable and effective tool for facilitating a positive learning experience in the DDD process. Notably, the game can also reduce the educational disparities across different regions of our continental country.
ABSTRACT
Background: Anxiety is a widespread disorder that approximately 18% of the population experience at some stage in their lives. Pain is a common stimulus that induces anxiety in both animals and human beings. Combination of drugs with good anti-anxiety and analgesic effect can be used for the treatment of chronic pain induced anxiety, post-operative, and procedure-related pain-induced anxiety. Aims and Objectives: The study was conducted to evaluate the anxiolytic activity of combination of gabapentin with tramadol, pregabalin with tramadol compared to standard fluoxetine, in elevated plus maze (EPM) and light-dark arena (LDA) models of anxiety in Wistar albino rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four male or female albino Wistar rats from Central Animal House, MRMC, Kalaburagi, were utilized. Fluoxetine 10 mg/kg, gabapentin 30 mg/kg, tramadol 30 mg/kg, and pregabalin 30 mg/kg were used. Eddy’s hot plate method used for inducing anxiety. EPM and LDA models were used to study the effect of drugs in reducing the pain and anxiety. Results: The present study showed that the exposure to hot plate induces pain, creates anxiety, and reduces locomotor and explorative activity among the rats when exposed to hot plate. There was reduction in anxiety after drug administration, in fluoxetine and gabapentin with tramadol groups with >75% increase in entry into the light chamber or open arm at least once or more during the time period of 5 min when compared to hot plate post-exposure readings. Whereas in pregabalin and tramadol group, it was observed that 25% increase in entry of rats into open arm at least once during the time period of 5 min and 25% decrease in entry of rats into light chamber as compared to those rats after exposure to hot plate. Conclusion: Our study has demonstrated that tramadol, pregabalin, and gabapentin have got analgesic as well as anti-anxiety effects in rats when given in combination. All these experimental data, together with the previous experimental studies and the results reported in this work, suggest that combination of these drugs could be more effective in treating anxiety-related disorders such as chronic pain, pain-induced anxiety, post-operative, and procedure-related pain-induced anxiety with minimal side effects. Further dose ranging studies and models might be necessary to better understand the effects of these drugs in combination.
ABSTRACT
Background: Pain is a common stimulus that induces anxiety in both Animals and human beings. Aim and Objective: We have undertaken this study to evaluate the induction of anxiety in Wistar rats using hot plate method. Materials and Methods: 24 Wistar rats of either gender were used. Elevated plus maze (EPM) and light and dark arena (LDA) were used to evaluate the anxiety and hot plate analgesiometer was used to induce anxiety. After baseline reading from EPM and LDA, the Wistar rats were exposed to the hot plate and then evaluated for the induction of the anxiety behavior. Results: After exposing to the hot plate, the ratio of time spent in the open arms to the time spent on the closed arms was decreased from 0.027 to 0.010 and also the ratio of time spent on the light chamber to the time spent on the dark chamber was decreased from 0.093 to 0.012. Hot plate method has shown statistical significant induction of anxiety as evaluated by EPM and also LDA. Conclusion: Hot plate method is a good intervention to induce anxiety in Wistar rats. Instead of injecting drugs that causes anxiety to explore the anxiolytic effects of the drugs the hot plate analgesiometer method is a good alternative.
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Vishatinduka Tailam is mentioned in context of Vataroga nidhanalakshana chikitshaadhyana of Basavarajiyam text for the treatment of Sarvangasandhiasthigatavata, Amlavata, Sula, Anulomanavayu, Sthambha, Dhanurvata, Kaphajavikaras, severe painful condition of the body, etc., It is prepared with ingredients like Vishatinduka, Jambira, Aranala, Tilataila and Erandataila. It is an attempt made to validate the pharmaceutical and analytical parameters of Vishatinduka taila. Three batches of Vishatindukataila were prepared. Pharmaceutical study of batches and its standardization was done. It took five days for preparation of each batch due to presence of Aranala. Intermittent cooling was done. At the end of Taila preparation, mustard brown coloured oil was obtained and strong odour present. All Sneha siddhi lakhanas were observed and the loss was approximately 10% in all the three batches of Taila. To establish standards of Vishatinduka Taila, physicochemical and chromatographical methods were performed. The results found are acid value 12.344mg/KOH/g, peroxide value 5Meq/kg, Density 0.932g/cm3, Specific gravity 0.932, pH 4.5+/_0.3, Loss on drying 0%, Refractive index 73.5+/_0.2% brix, saponification value 112.22mg KOH/1g and Total fatty matter 95.4%. Physicochemical test was done in first and second month also results obtained. In HPTLC evaluation variable number of spots are visualized. It showed the presence of four phytoconstituents.
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Aims: To study the diversity of fungal pathogens associated with cashew mycoses in Togo. Study Design: This research project was initiated by the Mycology Research and Applications Unit of the Botany and Plant Ecology Laboratory (LBEV) in order to have adequate information on cashew mycoses in Togo. Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of Botany and Plant Ecology (LBEV) of the University of Lome (UL) and of Crop Protection and Biosafety Laboratory of Togolese Institute of Agronomic Research (ITRA), February to August 2020. Methodology: A total of 148 symptomatic samples (leaves, buds, inflorescences, nuts, and apples) were collected from cashew trees in the East Mono prefecture of Togo. Malt-agar medium supplemented with chloramphenicol at 0.5 g/l was used for the isolation of fungal pathogens. The characterization of these fungal pathogens was carried out from the 7th day based on their macroscopic (texture, color, diameter of growth) and microscopic (hypha, spore, fruiting body) characters. Results: This study revealed the presence of five mycoses in cashew orchards in the East Mono prefecture. These are leaf anthracnose, bud’s dieback, black rust, leaf yellowing, and powdery mildew. In total, 12 fungal genera were encountered and 14 species of fungal pathogens were identified on all the samples collected: Rhizopus sp., Penicillium sp., Mucor sp., Sporotrichum sp., Fusarium nivale, Fusarium moliniforme, Fusarium moliniforme var. subglutinans, Curvularia lunata, Curvularia geneculata, Alternaria tenuissima, Alternaria brassicisola, Beltrania rhombica Penz., Thielavia coactilis Nicot, Helminthosporium avenae, Helminthosporium siccans, Phoma eupyrena, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger. Conclusion: It would be of great interest to train cashew producers in the East Mono prefecture on the recognition of the symptoms of these mycoses and their management.
ABSTRACT
Background: The present study aimed to explore the effect of neoadjuvant therapy and tumor regression grade (TRG) on the shrinkage in the distal surgical margin (DSM) induced by formalin fixation in rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, the DSM of resected 61 specimens of rectal and rectosigmoid junction adenocarcinoma were measured following fresh and formalin fixation. The measurements were performed within the first 15 min after resection and at 24 h after formalin fixation without pinning and were compared with regard to neoadjuvant treatment status and TRG. Results: In the patients that received neoadjuvant therapy, the fresh and postfixation DSM values were 32.2 mm and 22.7 mm, respectively, and the mean shrinkage rate was 34.7% (P < 0.001). In the patients that did not receive neoadjuvant therapy, the fresh and postfixation DSM values were 54.03 mm and 41.9 mm, respectively, and the mean shrinkage rate was 23.7% (P < 0.001). The mean shrinkage rate was 41.9% in TRG 1, 29.4% in TRG 2, and 31.9 in TRG 3 specimens. The mean shrinkage rate was higher in specimens with a DSM of ?20 mm compared to specimens with a DSM of >20 mm (46.2% vs. 24.9%). Conclusion: A complete or near-complete tumor regression in patients with rectal cancer undergoing neoadjuvant therapy increases the shrinkage of DSM. Moreover, this shrinkage rate is likely to be higher and the pathological DSM is likely to be closer than expected in cases that present a better clinical response to neoadjuvant therapy, particularly in distal rectal cancer.
ABSTRACT
Background: The present study aimed to explore the effect of neoadjuvant therapy and tumor regression grade (TRG) on the shrinkage in the distal surgical margin (DSM) induced by formalin fixation in rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, the DSM of resected 61 specimens of rectal and rectosigmoid junction adenocarcinoma were measured following fresh and formalin fixation. The measurements were performed within the first 15 min after resection and at 24 h after formalin fixation without pinning and were compared with regard to neoadjuvant treatment status and TRG. Results: In the patients that received neoadjuvant therapy, the fresh and postfixation DSM values were 32.2 mm and 22.7 mm, respectively, and the mean shrinkage rate was 34.7% (P < 0.001). In the patients that did not receive neoadjuvant therapy, the fresh and postfixation DSM values were 54.03 mm and 41.9 mm, respectively, and the mean shrinkage rate was 23.7% (P < 0.001). The mean shrinkage rate was 41.9% in TRG 1, 29.4% in TRG 2, and 31.9 in TRG 3 specimens. The mean shrinkage rate was higher in specimens with a DSM of ?20 mm compared to specimens with a DSM of >20 mm (46.2% vs. 24.9%). Conclusion: A complete or near-complete tumor regression in patients with rectal cancer undergoing neoadjuvant therapy increases the shrinkage of DSM. Moreover, this shrinkage rate is likely to be higher and the pathological DSM is likely to be closer than expected in cases that present a better clinical response to neoadjuvant therapy, particularly in distal rectal cancer.
ABSTRACT
BioProtein® (BP) is a trademark for single cell (bacteria) protein, based on conversion of methane, with the addition of ammonia and oxygen, to a protein source. BP is produced by Norferm AS in Norway, and has been authorized by the EU as a protein source in animal feeds since 1995, for fattening pigs (8%), calves (8%) and salmon (19-33%). Significant immune effects were revealed in a toxicity study performed in rats fed a nucleic acid reduced BP product (NABP) and thereafter, similar, but less severe effects were also found after feeding with untreated BP. Additional studies confirmed increased mesenteric lymph node weights in cats and foxes. Due to the undesirable effects and also due to applications for extended use, BP has been assessed by the Scientific Committee on Animal Nutrition (SCAN) and EU’s Scientific Committee on Food (SCF) in 1995, by SCAN in 2001 and 2003 and by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in 2005. The EU memberstates United Kingdom, France and Finland have also conducted assessments. The EU approval from 1995 remains unchanged. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority requested the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM) to assess the risk of using BP as a protein source in feedingstuffs, both for the animal categories already authorized and for extended use to pet animals, chickens and pigs from weaning to slaughter. The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety was asked to consider all existing documentation. Based on all documentation enclosed with the request from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority and published scientific articels, an opinion on the safety of BP assessed by the VKM panel on Animal Feed was published on 20 March 2006 (05/608-final-rev1). The Producer made a complaint regarding this opinion and claimed that not all documents on BP had been evaluated. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority then requested VKM to revise its opinion on the risk of using BP as a protein source in feedingstuffs, based on 17 documents previously not available to VKM, in addition to the 20 documents included in the opinion published on 20 March 2006. BP is composed of a protein with a somewhat different amino acid compostion compared with fish meal, but BP and fish meal have more similarities in amino acid content than soybean meal. BP has relatively high level of nucleic acids, phospholipids, lipopolysaccarides and minerals. Effect studies with BP have been conducted in rats/mice, pigs, chicken, cats, foxes, and salmon. Most of the concern regarding the side effects of BP in feed is related to the immune response. The main findings include changes in weight and morphology of mesenteric lymph nodes, followed by induction of specific antibodies. Histopathological examination after feeding with NABP also revealed changes in the intestines and several internal organs indicating systemic effects. The Producer claims that the immune response seen in BP-fed mice/rats is most likely a normal response to ingestion of large doses of a foreign antigen, and further, that oral tolerance towards this protein is induced over time. However, these interpretations are not adequately supported by the supplied documentation. A tendency towards adaption might be indicated in some of the studies, other results argue against tolerance induction. It is unclear whether the content of phospholipids, lipopolysaccarides, nucleic acids or the protein structure, or the combination of these compounds is responsible for the immunological changes observed. However, the particulate structure of BP has been shown to influence the observed immune response as the systemic immune response was avoided by ingestion of BP free of whole cells. The studies conducted in target species have not included adequate examinations of the immune effects from ingestion of BP. Concerning terrestrial species, no histopathological effects were revealed in the pig, chicken, cat or fox studies. However, increased mesenteric lymph nodes were reported in cats and foxes fed BP. In the remaining studies the main focus has been on production parameters; weight gain, feed intake, feed efficiency, metabolism of nutrients, observation of clinical health, and product quality. When the contents of amino acids were balanced, the inclusion of low levels of BP (9%) tended to stimulate growth in pigs and the same tendency was found in chicken with 6% BP. Higher feed levels of BP tended to cause a reduction in growth. In salmon, a dose dependent improvement of growth was reported in a short term experiment (8 weeks). However, in longer term experiments with salmon, depressed growth and increased liver weight were observed in freshwater at 19% BP with no-effect-level at 10%. In seawater studies, a tendency of reduced growth was found in salmon fed with 20% BP in the diet, and BP levels of 27% and higher levels resulted in significantly reduced body weight. Furthermore, levels of 27% BP and above in fish feed reduced specific immune responses, but increased lymphocyte response, and also tended to improve the survival after bacterial and viral infections. At 37% BP in the diet histopathological changes in the distal intestine, and reduced storage of glycogen and increased lipid deposition and liver weight were observed. No negative effects were seen in salmon in seawater at a feed level of 13.5% BP. The results indicate negative effects in salmon at BP levels in fish feed considerably lower than those currently approved (19 and 33%, in feed for salmon in fresh and sea water, respectively). To conclude, in terrestrial target species documented effects of BP include reduced weight gain and increased weight of mesenteric lymph nodes. In the more thoroughly studied species the rat, findings incluse histopathologic effects in mesenteric lymph nodes, changed humoral immune responses, increased weight of other lymphoid tissue (spleen), increased level of neutrophile granulocytes, and slight leakage of hepatic and renal tubuli enzymes. In terrestrial target species, 6% BP in the feed is considered to be the highest inclusion level not to cause such effects. The results from the rat studies show a similar no-effect-level. In salmon, reduced weight gain, liver storage effects, changed humoral and celluar immune responses and histopathological effects in the intestine are documented. A 10% level of BP in fish feed is the highest level tested without causing such effects. There are relatively few valid studies for the risk assessment of BP in target species, and the designs of the assessed studies are very variable. Thus, there are qualitative and quantitative uncertainties concerning the effects of BP in target species. The Panel on Animal Feed is of the opinion that an inclusion level of BP of 6% in the diets to terrestrial target animals and a 10% maximum inclusion level in salmon feed (both for fresh- and seawater stages) would reduce the risk of potentially adverse effects in the animals. The risk associated with the human consumption of products from animals fed on BP is considered negligible. However, the production of single cell protein for feed production represents a relatively new scientific approach which implies precautionary handling.
ABSTRACT
Background/Aims: In this study, we investigated the Golgi protein 73 (GP73) level in Hepatitis B and determined the correlation between Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, and liver histopathology. Materials and Methods: GP73 levels were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in serum samples from patients. Liver biopsy specimens were examined by the same pathologist. Results: This study included a total of 127 patients who underwent liver biopsy. Of patients, 85% were HBeAg negative. HBV DNA level was median 134667 IU/mL (2247–170000000 IU/mL), Liver biopsy results revealed a mean Histological Activity Index (HAI) grade of 7.7 ± 3.4 and a mean fibrosis stage of 2.25 ± 1.06 gr/dL. GP73 was as follows: a mean of 14.8 ± 7.9 ng/mL and a median of 12.9 (4.8–50.1) ng/mL. A weak correlation between GP73 level and AST (r = 0.236, P = 0.11), fibrosis stage (r = 0.287, P = 0.002), and HAI grade (r = 0.218, P = 0.016) was noted. No statistically significant correlation was detected between GP73 and ALT (r = 0.16, P = 0.08), HBV DNA (r = 0.13, P = 0.08). Conclusion: Although recent studies revealed a strong correlation and increased GP73 levels in accordance with HAI scores and the fibrosis grade of liver, we detected a weak correlation between serum GP73 levels and HAI scores, fibrosis stage, and AST. This may be due to the insufficient number of patients with higher HAI grading and fibrosis staging in our study. Therefore, we concluded that, in cases of low-moderate fibrosis and HAI grading, GP73 seemed not to be useful and a reliable marker to replace liver biopsy.
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@#Coccidiosis is a major recurring problem in the poultry industry and is caused by infection of one or more of the seven Eimeria species known to infect chickens, with Eimeria tenella among the best studied and economically important. Studies on the genetic diversity of E. tenella strains is essential for the development of universally acceptable diagnostic markers and vaccines against the disease. Eimeria tenella internal transcribed spacer-1 (ITS-1) and apical membrane antigen-1 (AMA-1) sequences from different parts of the world are available in the public domain and therefore provide suitable comparative markers for genetic diversity study. In this study, the ITS-1 and AMA-1 sequence diversity of two local E. tenella strains, namely EtNSN6 and EtSGR6 were characterized. Both ITS-1 and AMA-1 sequences for EtNSN6 and EtSGR6 were retrieved by mapping to their respective genome sequences generated using next generation sequencing. Multiple sequence alignment of the ITS-1 and AMA-1 sequences with selected homologous sequences revealed the presence of a total of five and 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) respectively. All SNPs appeared to occur at random and did not show any unique pattern based on geographical regions while no insertions and deletions (indels) was found to occur in the aligned sequences. However, unique bases that defined certain strains were detected. Phylogenetics analyses performed with Maximum Parsimony (MP) and Maximum Likelihood (ML) methods revealed similar topology for the internal groups with all the E. tenella ITS-1 and AMA-1 sequences grouped in the same clade supported by high bootstrap confidence. This confirmed that both EtNSN6 and EtSGR6 samples are E. tenella strains. Sequence comparison and phylogenetics analyses further suggest the possibility of low genetic diversity among E. tenella strains.
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Background@# Diabetes is a risk factor for postoperative complications. Previous meta-analyses have shown that elevated glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels are associated with postoperative complications in various surgical populations. However, this is the first meta-analysis to investigate the association between preoperative HbA1c levels and postoperative complications in patients undergoing elective major abdominal surgery. @*Methods@# PRISMA guidelines were adhered to for this study. Six databases were searched up to April 1, 2020. Primary studies investigating the effect of HbA1c levels on postoperative complications after elective major abdominal surgery were included. Risk of bias and quality of evidence assessments were performed. Data were pooled using a random effects model. Meta-regression was performed to evaluate different HbA1c cut-off values. @*Results@# Twelve observational studies (25,036 patients) were included. Most studies received a ‘good’ and ‘moderate quality’ score using the NOS and GRADE, respectively. Patients with a high HbA1c had a greater risk of anastomotic leaks (odds ratio [OR]: 2.80, 95% CI [1.63, 4.83], P 7% may be putting pre-optimized patients at risk. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to explore causation before policy changes are made.
ABSTRACT
We report two outbreaks of nitrate and nitrite poisoning in Paraíba, Northeast Brazil. The first, due to Pennisetum purpureum (elephant grass), and the second, due to P. purpureum and Brachiaria spp. (brachiaria grass), both occurred during a prolonged drought. In the first outbreak, the irrigation of the pastures with wastewater and sewage contributed to nitrate accumulation. The second outbreak occurred in pastures cultivated in the border of a dam, that had been submerged for long time accumulating large amounts of organic matter in the soil. Other probably risk factors for nitrate accumulation included the use of chemical fertilizers and herbicides and burning of the vegetation. In the first outbreak, four calves out of a total of 42 cattle died, and in the second outbreak 49 out of 243 cattle, including adults, yearlings, and a 2-day-old calf died. The clinical signs included dyspnea, cyanosis, ataxia, and falls, leading to death. The presence of nitrates was detected in both outbreaks using the diphenylamine test. Quantitative tests were performed in the second outbreak using a portable nitrate meter, and high nitrate concentrations were found. The characteristic macroscopic findings and absence of microscopic lesions and response to treatment with methylene blue were key to the diagnosis of poisoning by nitrates and nitrites. We conclude that poisoning by nitrates and nitrites in ruminants in the semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil is frequent due to the cultivation of grasses in the border of dams that had been covered by water for long periods or in areas irrigated by wastewater and/or sewage. In addition, the use of a portable measuring device is an effective alternative for the quantification of nitrates in pastures.
Relatamos dois surtos de intoxicação por nitrato e nitrito na Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil. O primeiro por Pennisetum purpureum (capim-elefante), e o segundo por P. purpureum e Brachiaria spp. (capim braquiária); ambos ocorreram durante uma estiagem prolongada. No primeiro surto, a irrigação das pastagens com água poluída e esgoto contribuiu para o acúmulo de nitrato. O segundo surto ocorreu em pastagens cultivadas na borda de uma barragem, que há muito tempo ficavam submersas, acumulando grande quantidade de matéria orgânica no solo. Outros prováveis fatores de risco para o acúmulo de nitrato incluíram o uso de fertilizantes químicos e herbicidas e a queima da vegetação. No primeiro surto, quatro bezerros de um total de 42 bovinos morreram, e no segundo surto 49 de 243 bovinos, incluindo adultos, jovens de um ano e um bezerro de 2 dias de idade morreram. Os sinais clínicos incluíram dispneia, cianose, ataxia e quedas, levando à morte. A presença de nitratos foi detectada em ambos os surtos pelo teste de difenilamina. Testes quantitativos foram realizados no segundo surto usando um medidor portátil de nitrato, e altas concentrações de nitrato foram encontradas. Os achados macroscópicos característicos e a ausência de lesões microscópicas e a resposta ao tratamento com azul de metileno foram fundamentais para o diagnóstico de intoxicação por nitratos e nitritos. Concluímos que a intoxicação por nitratos e nitritos em ruminantes na região semiárida do Nordeste do Brasil é frequente devido ao cultivo de gramíneas nas bordas de barragens que estiveram cobertas por água por longos períodos ou em áreas irrigadas por água poluída e/ou esgoto. Além disso, o uso de medidor portátil é uma alternativa eficaz para a quantificação de nitratos em pastagens.
Subject(s)
Animals , Cattle , Brachiaria/poisoning , Plant Poisoning/epidemiology , Plant Poisoning/etiology , Nitrates/poisoning , Nitrites/poisoning , Pennisetum/poisoning , Agricultural Irrigation , Pasture , Water Pollution, Chemical/adverse effectsABSTRACT
We report two outbreaks of nitrate and nitrite poisoning in Paraíba, Northeast Brazil. The first, due to Pennisetum purpureum (elephant grass), and the second, due to P. purpureum and Brachiaria spp. (brachiaria grass), both occurred during a prolonged drought. In the first outbreak, the irrigation of the pastures with wastewater and sewage contributed to nitrate accumulation. The second outbreak occurred in pastures cultivated in the border of a dam, that had been submerged for long time accumulating large amounts of organic matter in the soil. Other probably risk factors for nitrate accumulation included the use of chemical fertilizers and herbicides and burning of the vegetation. In the first outbreak, four calves out of a total of 42 cattle died, and in the second outbreak 49 out of 243 cattle, including adults, yearlings, and a 2-day-old calf died. The clinical signs included dyspnea, cyanosis, ataxia, and falls, leading to death. The presence of nitrates was detected in both outbreaks using the diphenylamine test. Quantitative tests were performed in the second outbreak using a portable nitrate meter, and high nitrate concentrations were found. The characteristic macroscopic findings and absence of microscopic lesions and response to treatment with methylene blue were key to the diagnosis of poisoning by nitrates and nitrites. We conclude that poisoning by nitrates and nitrites in ruminants in the semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil is frequent due to the cultivation of grasses in the border of dams that had been covered by water for long periods or in areas irrigated by wastewater and/or sewage. In addition, the use of a portable measuring device is an effective alternative for the quantification of nitrates in pastures.(AU)
Relatamos dois surtos de intoxicação por nitrato e nitrito na Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil. O primeiro por Pennisetum purpureum (capim-elefante), e o segundo por P. purpureum e Brachiaria spp. (capim braquiária); ambos ocorreram durante uma estiagem prolongada. No primeiro surto, a irrigação das pastagens com água poluída e esgoto contribuiu para o acúmulo de nitrato. O segundo surto ocorreu em pastagens cultivadas na borda de uma barragem, que há muito tempo ficavam submersas, acumulando grande quantidade de matéria orgânica no solo. Outros prováveis fatores de risco para o acúmulo de nitrato incluíram o uso de fertilizantes químicos e herbicidas e a queima da vegetação. No primeiro surto, quatro bezerros de um total de 42 bovinos morreram, e no segundo surto 49 de 243 bovinos, incluindo adultos, jovens de um ano e um bezerro de 2 dias de idade morreram. Os sinais clínicos incluíram dispneia, cianose, ataxia e quedas, levando à morte. A presença de nitratos foi detectada em ambos os surtos pelo teste de difenilamina. Testes quantitativos foram realizados no segundo surto usando um medidor portátil de nitrato, e altas concentrações de nitrato foram encontradas. Os achados macroscópicos característicos e a ausência de lesões microscópicas e a resposta ao tratamento com azul de metileno foram fundamentais para o diagnóstico de intoxicação por nitratos e nitritos. Concluímos que a intoxicação por nitratos e nitritos em ruminantes na região semiárida do Nordeste do Brasil é frequente devido ao cultivo de gramíneas nas bordas de barragens que estiveram cobertas por água por longos períodos ou em áreas irrigadas por água poluída e/ou esgoto. Além disso, o uso de medidor portátil é uma alternativa eficaz para a quantificação de nitratos em pastagens.(AU)
Subject(s)
Animals , Cattle , Plant Poisoning/etiology , Plant Poisoning/epidemiology , Brachiaria/poisoning , Pennisetum/poisoning , Nitrates/poisoning , Nitrites/poisoning , Water Pollution, Chemical/adverse effects , Pasture , Agricultural IrrigationABSTRACT
El Biodentine es un material biocerámico y bioacti-vo que puede emplearse como sustituto activo de la dentina. Entre sus numerosos usos se incorpora su utilización como sellador del coágulo en los procedi-mientos endodónticos regenerativos, logrando me-jores propiedades con respecto al Gold standard. Se presenta la resolución clínica y radiográfica de tres situaciones clínicas, mediante la aplicación del proto-colo de los procedimientos endodónticos regenerati-vos, en los que se utilizó Biodentine como alternativa para el sellado del coágulo a nivel cérvico-radicular, en la obturación a nivel del límite amelocementario (AU)
Biodentine is a bio-ceramic and bioactive material that can be used as an active substitute for dentin. Its many uses include its use as a clot sealer in regenerative endodontic procedures, achieving better properties compared to the Gold standard. The clinical and radiographic resolution of three clinical situations is presented, by applying the protocol of regenerative endodontic procedures, where Biodentine was used as an alternative for sealing the clot at the cervical-radicular level in the obturation at the level of the cementoenamel limit (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Child , Biocompatible Materials/therapeutic use , Dentin , Regenerative Endodontics , Argentina , Schools, Dental , Ceramics , Dental Care for Children/methods , Dental Pulp Necrosis/therapyABSTRACT
The melanomacrophage centers (MMCs) in the liver of fish are indicators of environmental conditions, as they are involved in xenobiotic biotransformation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the number of MMC in the liver of juveniles and adults of Sciades herzbergii from areas with different levels of contamination. The fish were caught at three points (reference - A1, potentially impacted - A2 and contaminated - A3), in São José bay (Maranhão, Brazil), in four samples. The livers were subjected to the standard histological procedure and 5µm sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin. In livers of A2 adult individuals (260.50±161.50 MMCs / mm²) they presented a greater number of MMCs when compared to A3 adults (60.00 ± 30.10 MMCs / mm²). Juveniles showed considerable values in A1 (100.00 ± 0.00 MMCs/mm²) and A2 (95.33 ± 33.00 MMCs / mm²) compared to juveniles in A3 (49.00±0.00 MMCs/mm²). These high values are unexpected for young people. The average number of MMC correlated with the rainy season in the region. The use of hepatic MMCs as a biomarker of exposure to pollutants, in particular substances from fisheries systems, such as ammonia and nitrite, proved to be adequate to differentiate areas with different levels of impacts.(AU)
Os centros melanomacrófagos (MMCs) no fígado de peixes são indicadores das condições ambientais, pois estão envolvidos na biotransformação xenobiótica. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o número de MMC no fígado de juvenis e adultos de Sciades herzbergii de áreas com diferentes níveis de contaminação. Os peixes foram capturados em três pontos (referência - A1; potencialmente impactado - A2; e contaminado - A3), na baía de São José (Maranhão, Brasil), em quatro amostras. Os fígados foram submetidos ao procedimento histológico padrão e cortes de 5µm foram corados com hematoxilina-eosina. Em fígados de indivíduos adultos A2 (260,50±161,50 MMCs/mm²), eles apresentaram maior número de MMCs quando comparados aos adultos A3 (60,00±30,10 MMCs/mm²). Os juvenis apresentaram valores elevados em A1 (100,00 ± 0,00 MMCs/mm²) e A2 (95,33±33,00 MMCs/mm²) quando comparados aos juvenis em A3 (49,00±0,00 MMCs/mm²). Esses altos valores são inesperados para os jovens. O número médio de MMC correlacionou-se com a época chuvosa na região. A utilização de MMCs hepáticos como biomarcador de exposição a poluentes, em particular substâncias provenientes de sistemas pesqueiros, como amônia e nitrito, mostrou-se adequada para diferenciar áreas com diferentes níveis de impactos.(AU)
Subject(s)
Animals , Catfishes , Environmental Biomarkers , Biological Monitoring/methods , Kupffer Cells , Kupffer Cells/cytology , Environmental Pollution/analysisABSTRACT
Objective@#To evaluate the utility of a society-based robotic surgery training program for fellows in gynecologic oncology. @*Methods@#All participants underwent a 2-day robotic surgery training course between 2015–2017. The course included interactive didactic sessions with video, dry labs, and robotic cadaver labs. The labs encompassed a wide range of subject matter including troubleshooting, instrument variation, radical hysterectomies, and lymph node dissections.Participants completed a pre- and post-course survey using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from “not confident” to “extremely confident” on various measures. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics v. 24. @*Results@#The response rate was high with 86% of the 70 participants completing the survey.Sixteen (26.7%) of these individuals were attending physicians and 44 (73.3%) were fellows.In general, there was a significant increase in confidence in more complex procedures and concepts such as radical hysterectomy (p=0.01), lymph node dissection (p=0.01), troubleshooting (p=0.001), and managing complications (p=0.004). Faculty comfort and practice patterns were cited as the primary reason (58.9%) for limitations during robotic procedures followed secondarily by surgical resources (34.0%). @*Conclusion@#In both gynecologic oncology fellows and attendings, this educational theorybased curriculum significantly improved confidence in the majority of procedures and concepts taught, emphasizing the value of hands-on skill labs.
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Fournier's gangrene is rare necrotizing soft tissue infection affecting the perianal, perineal, and genital areas. The mean age of the reported cases was found to be at 55 y, predominantly in men. It occurs due to insufficient blood supply to the affected areas, along with the presence of an infection. Delay in the treatment is associated with a higher mortality rate, up to 90%, as the condition might progress to septic shock and other complications. Treatment requires urgent surgical debridement of all the necrotic tissue along with high doses of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Empirical broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy is to be initiated as soon as possible until the results of the culture cause modifications in the therapy.
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Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of nitrogen (NO3-N, NH3-N) and phosphorus (PO4-P) on the growth and microcystin production of two bloom-forming Microcystis species (toxic M. aeruginosa MAHC160824 and non-toxic M. viridis MVHC160824).Methodology: The two Microcystis species were isolated from the lower reaches of the Nakdong river, South Korea. In the culture experiments, the average nutrient concentrations (NH3-N, NO3-N and PO4-P) at which Microcystis appeared (> 15°C) was used as control medium. Different concentrations of NH3-N, NO3-N and PO4-P were then employed in nutrient testing (control, vs. 4 times and 16 times higher than the control). Microcystin levels were measured using a UPLC™ (LC MS/MS) system. Results: Both toxic and non-toxic Microcystis strains exhibited a maximum cell density at 30°C and a maximum growth rate at 25-30°C. In the nutrient addition assays, the maximum growth of two Microcystis species were found at nutrient concentrations 4 to 16 times higher than the control (NH3-N: 0.468 mg l-1, PO4-P: 0.100 mg l-1, NO3-N: 32.5 mg l-1). The highest microcystin production levels were found under optimal growth conditions. The microcystin levels of toxic M. aeruginosa MAHC160824 were below the detection limit despite a higher number of cells (> 300,000 cells ml-1) at the same nutrients concentrations as those found in raw water from the Nakdong river. Interpretation: Higher production of microcystin occurs when there is an increase in NH3-N and PO4-P within a restricted range in toxic species M. aeruginosa MAHC160824, else the production is low
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Objective: To assess the individual’s predicted risk of developing a CVD event in 10 y using risk scores among persons with other disorders/diseases. Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study conducted for a period of 6 mo among 283 subjects. Total risk was estimated individually by using Framingham Risk Scoring Algorithm and ASCVD risk estimator. Results: According to Framingham Risk score the prevalence of low risk (<10%) identified as 67.84% (192), followed by intermediate risk (10%-19%), 19.08% (54), and high risk (≥20%) 13.07% (37). By using ASCVD Risk estimator, risk has reported in our study population was low risk (<5%) is 48.76% (138), borderline risk (5-7.4%) is 13.07% (37), intermediate risk (7.5-19.9%) is about 25.09% (71), high risk (>20%) is about 13.07% (37). Conclusion: In this study burden of CVD risk was relatively low, which was estimated by both the Framingham scale and ASCVD Risk estimator. Risk scoring of individuals helps us to identify the patients at high risk of CV diseases and also helps in providing management strategies.