Aerobic exercise prevents cardiomyocyte damage caused by oxidative stress in early cardiovascular disease by increasing vascularity while L-arginine supplementation prevents it by increasing activation of the enzyme nitric oxide synthase

L-Arginine and chronic exercise reduce oxidative stress. However, it is unclear how they affect cardiomyocytes during cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. The aim of this research was to investigate the possible effects of L-arginine supplementation and aerobic training on systemic oxidative stress and their consequences on cardiomyocytes during cardiometabolic disease onset caused by excess fructose. Wistar rats were allocated into four groups: control (C), fructose (F, 10% fructose in water), fructose training (FT; moderate running, 50-70% of the maximal velocity), and fructose arginine (FA; 880 mg/kg/day). Fructose was given for two weeks and fructose plus treatments for the subsequent eight weeks. Body composition, blood glucose, insulin, lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, nitrite, metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activity, left ventricle histological changes, microRNA-126, -195, and -146, eNOS, p-eNOS, and TNF-α expressions were analyzed. Higher abdominal fat mass, triacylglycerol level, and insulin level were observed in the F group, and both treatments reversed these alterations. Myocardial vascularization was impaired in fructose-fed groups, except in FT. Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was observed in all fructose-fed groups. TNF-α levels were higher in fructose-fed groups than in the C group, and p-eNOS levels were higher in the FA than in the C and F groups. Lipid peroxidation was higher in the F group than in the FT and C groups. During CVD onset, moderate aerobic exercise reduced lipid peroxidation, and both training and L-arginine prevented metabolic changes caused by excessive fructose. Myocardial vascularization was impaired by fructose, and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy appeared to be influenced by pro-inflammatory and oxidative environments.

Long-term assessment of a modified tibial tuberosity advancement technique in dogs / Avaliação em longo prazo da técnica de avanço da tuberosidade tibial modificada em cães

The purpose of study was to assess long-term clinical and radiographic aspects of dogs' stifle joints which had undergone a modified tibial tuberosity advancement technique (mTTA). A total of 15 stifles that had undergone mTTA for CCL disease of 11 patients were included in this study. Assessments involved patient's gait analysis, cranial drawer and tibial compression tests, stifle goniometry range of articular motion, thigh and leg girth and radiographic evidence of progression of osteoarthrosis. Variables were compared between operated and healthy limbs and among moments (M0) on the early postop; (M1) 120 days postop; and (M2) approximately 5 years following surgery. A questionnaire regarding owner's perceptions after approximately 5 years of surgery was assessed. Most dogs presented positive response to cranial drawer and tibial compression tests on operated knees. There was also decrease on goniometry and thigh girth and increase in leg girth. Radiographic evidence of progression of osteoarthritis was seen especially on the long-term follow-up (M2). On gait analysis, most animals presented some degree of lameness in different conditions, in contrast to owners' perceptions. Osteoarthritis still develops in dogs following mTTA surgery for CCL disease. However, owners were overall satisfied with their recovery and would be willing to accept indication of mTTA for dogs with ruptured CCL.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar, em longo prazo, aspectos clínicos e radiográficos do joelho de cães submetidos à técnica modificada de avanço da tuberosidade da tíbia (mTTA). Um total de 15 joelhos de 11 pacientes foram submetidos à mTTA para correção de doença do ligamento cruzado cranial. A avaliação envolvia análise de marcha do paciente, teste de compressão tibial e de gaveta, goniometria do joelho para amplitude articular, circunferência das pernas e coxas e evidência radiográfica de progressão da osteoartrose. As variáveis foram comparadas entre membros operados e saudáveis e entre os momentos (M0) no pós-operatório imediato; (M1) 120 dias de pós-operatório; e (M2) aproximadamente cinco anos após a cirurgia. Foi avaliado um questionário sobre as percepções do proprietário após aproximadamente cinco anos de cirurgia. A maioria dos cães apresentou resposta positiva aos testes de gavetas e de compressão tibial em joelhos operados. Houve também diminuição na goniometria e na circunferência da coxa e aumento do perímetro das pernas. Evidências radiográficas de progressão da osteoartrite foram observadas especialmente no seguimento de longo prazo (M2). Na análise de marcha, a maioria dos animais apresentou algum grau de claudicação em diferentes condições, em contraste com as percepções dos proprietários. A osteoartrite ainda se desenvolve em cães após a cirurgia de mTTA para doença CCL. No entanto, os proprietários estavam, em geral, satisfeitos com a recuperação dos animais e estavam dispostos a aceitar a indicação de mTTA para cães com doença do ligamento cruzado cranial.(AU)

Fluorescent membrane markers elucidate the association of Borrelia burgdorferi with tick cell lines

This study aimed to describe the association of Borrelia burgdorferi s.s. with ixodid tick cell lines by flow cytometry and fluorescence and confocal microscopy. Spirochetes were stained with a fluorescent membrane marker (PKH67 or PKH26), inoculated into 8 different tick cell lines and incubated at 30°C for 24 h. PKH efficiently stained B. burgdorferi without affecting bacterial viability or motility. Among the tick cell lines tested, the Rhipicephalus appendiculatus cell line RA243 achieved the highest percentage of association/internalization, with both high (90%) and low (10%) concentrations of BSK-H medium in tick cell culture medium. Treatment with cytochalasin D dramatically reduced the average percentage of cells with internalized spirochetes, which passed through a dramatic morphological change during their internalization by the host cell as observed in time-lapse photography. Almost all of the fluorescent bacteria were seen to be inside the tick cells. PKH labeling of borreliae proved to be a reliable and valuable tool to analyze the association of spirochetes with host cells by flow cytometry, confocal and fluorescence microscopy.

Surgical time and complications of total transvaginal (total-NOTES), single-port laparoscopic-assisted and conventional ovariohysterectomy in bitches / Tempo cirúrgico e das complicações entre as técnicas de ovário-histerectomia totalmente transvaginal (total-NOTES), videoassistida com único portal e convencional em cadelas

The recently developed minimally invasive techniques of ovariohysterectomy (OVH) have been studied in dogs in order to optimize their benefits and decrease risks to the patients. The purpose of this study was to compare surgical time, complications and technical difficulties of transvaginal total-NOTES, single-port laparoscopic-assisted and conventional OVH in bitches. Twelve bitches were submitted to total-NOTES (NOTES group), while 13 underwent single-port laparoscopic-assisted (SPLA group) and 15 were submitted to conventional OVH (OPEN group). Intra-operative period was divided into 7 stages: (1) access to abdominal cavity; (2) pneumoperitoneum; approach to the right (3) and left (4) ovarian pedicle and uterine body (5); (6) abdominal or vaginal synthesis, performed in 6 out of 12 patients of NOTES; (7) inoperative time. Overall and stages operative times, intra and postoperative complications and technical difficulties were compared among groups. Mean overall surgical time in NOTES (25.7±6.8 minutes) and SPLA (23.1±4.0 minutes) groups were shorter than in the OPEN group (34.0±6.4 minutes) (P<0.05). The intraoperative stage that required the longest time was the approach to the uterine body in the NOTES group and abdominal and cutaneous sutures in the OPEN group. There was no difference regarding the rates of complications. Major complications included postoperative bleeding requiring reoperation in a bitch in the OPEN group, while minor complications included mild vaginal discharge in four patients in the NOTES group and seroma in three bitches in the SPLA group. In conclusion, total-NOTES and SPLA OVH were less time-consuming then conventional OVH in bitches. All techniques presented complications, which were properly managed.

O emprego de novas técnicas minimamente invasivas de ovário-histerectomia (OHE) vem sendo estudado em cães com o intuito de otimizar seus benefícios e reduzir os riscos aos pacientes. O presente estudo objetivou comparar o tempo cirúrgico, as complicações e dificuldades técnicas entre as abordagens por total-NOTES transvaginal, videoassistida com único portal e por celiotomia para ovário-histerectomia (OVH) em cadelas. Foram operados 12 animais por total-NOTES (grupo NOTES), 13 pela técnica videoassistida (grupo SPLA) e 15 pela técnica convencional (grupo OPEN). O período intraoperatório foi dividido em sete etapas: (1) acesso à cavidade abdominal; (2) criação do pneumoperitônio; abordagem ao pedículo ovariano direito (3), esquerdo (4) e ao corpo uterino (5); (6) síntese abdominal ou vaginal, realizado em seis de 12 pacientes do grupo NOTES; (7) tempo inoperante. Os parâmetros avaliados foram o tempo cirúrgico total e de cada etapa intraoperatória, a frequência de complicações intra e pós-operatórias e dificuldades técnicas. O tempo cirúrgico total médio dos grupos NOTES (25,7±6,8 minutos) e SPVA (23,1±4,0 minutos) foram menores que o do grupo OPEN (34,0±6,4 minutos) (P<0.05). A etapa intraoperatória que demandou maior tempo de execução foi a abordagem ao corpo uterino para o grupo NOTES, e síntese abdominal e cutânea para o grupo OPEN. Uma cadela do grupo OPEN necessitou de reintervenção para controle de hemorragia como complicação maior, e três cadelas do grupo SPVA apresentaram seroma de ferida cirúrgica como complicações menores. Concluiu-se que as técnicas de total-NOTES e SPLA apresentaram menor tempo cirúrgico que a abordagem convencional de OVH em cadelas. Todas as técnicas apresentaram complicações que foram adequadamente manejadas.

Comportamento ingestivo de vacas leiteiras em pastagem de azevém alimentadas com diferentes fontes proteicas / Ingestive behavior of dairy cows in annual ryegrass pasture, fed with different proteic sources

Estudou-se o efeito da substituição do farelo de soja da ração por pastejo controlado de trevo-branco (Trifolium repens L.) sobre o comportamento ingestivo de vacas da raça Holandesa em pastejo de azevém (Lolium multiflorum Lam.). Utilizaram-se dois grupos de animais, com média de 20 vacas agrupadas por produção, período de lactação e peso corporal, em delineamento experimental em blocos ao acaso. Um grupo recebeu, diariamente, 3kg de suplemento energético e teve acesso controlado à pastagem de trevo-branco por aproximadamente duas horas e meia (TB); o outro recebeu o mesmo suplemento, adicionado de quantidade de proteína equivalente ao consumo diário no tratamento anterior via trevo, na forma de farelo de soja (FS). Para a avaliação de comportamento, procedeu-se à observação e ao registro do ritmo de atividade dos animais, no período de pastejo em azevém durante dois dias consecutivos, quinzenalmente. Observou-se maior tempo de pastejo em minutos (min), 212,00 versus 194,24min dia-1, e frequência de bocados (bocado), 67,78 versus 64,09 bocado min-1, entre os animais do tratamento FS, em relação ao TB. Não houve diferença no consumo de azevém entre os tratamentos, com valores de 3,65 e 4,11kg vaca-1 dia-1 de matéria seca para TB e FS, respectivamente, o que sugere adequada adaptação dos animais às duas situações estudadas...

The effect of the replacement of soybean meal in the ration with controlled grazing of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) on the ingestive behavior of cows of the holstein breed grazing on annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) was studied. Two groups of animals with an average of 20 cows grouped by production, lactation period and body weight were used in a randomized block experimental design. One group received 3kg from energy supplement daily and had controlled access to the white clover pasture for approximately 2.5 hours (TB); the other received the same supplement, added of a quantity of protein equivalent to daily intake in previous treatment via white clover, in the form of soybean meal (FS). For behavior assessment the observation and recording of the rhythm of activity of the animals, during the grazing period in ryegrass for two consecutive days, fortnightly was done. The longest grazing time in minutes (min), 212.00 versus 194.24min day-1, and bite frequency (bite), 67.78 versus 64.09 bite min-1, between the animals from treatment FS, when compared to TB was observed. There was no difference in the intake of ryegrass between the treatments, with values of 3.65 and 4.11kg cow-1 day-1 of dry matter for TB and FS, respectively, suggesting adequate adaptation of the animals in the two situations studied...

Transtornos alimentares na infância e na adolescência / Eating disorders in childhood and adolescence / Trastornos alimentares en la infancia y adolescencia y factores de riesgo

OBJETIVO: Discutir os transtornos alimentares em crianças e adolescentes quanto às suas características e fatores de risco. FONTES DE DADOS: A pesquisa de artigos foi realizada nas bases de dados PubMed e SciELO pela combinação dos termos 'crianças', 'adolescentes', 'comportamento alimentar', 'transtorno alimentar', 'bulimia' e 'anorexia', nos idiomas português e inglês. Foram considerados os artigos publicados entre 2007 e 2011, sendo selecionados 49 que analisaram o desenvolvimento do comportamento alimentar e de seus transtornos, a anorexia e a bulimia nervosa e os transtornos alimentares não especificados. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: Os transtornos alimentares, em especial os não especificados, mostraram-se comuns na infância e na adolescência. Sua presença foi atribuída principalmente ao ambiente familiar e à exposição aos meios de comunicação. As comorbidades psicológicas muitas vezes acompanhavam o diagnóstico do transtorno. CONCLUSÕES: Dentre os fatores de risco para os transtornos alimentares, destacaram-se a mídia e os ambientes social e familiar. A influência da mídia e do ambiente social foi associada, principalmente, ao culto à magreza. Já no âmbito familiar, o momento das refeições mostrou-se fundamental na determinação do comportamento alimentar e no desenvolvimento de seus transtornos. Os transtornos alimentares se associaram a problemas nutricionais (déficit no crescimento e ganho de peso), à saúde bucal (queilose, erosão dental, periodontites e hipertrofia das glândulas salivares) e aos prejuízos sociais.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss eating disorders in children and adolescents regarding their characteristics and risk factors. DATA SOURCES: Articles were searched in the PubMed and ScieLO databases, combining the terms 'children', 'adolescents', 'eating behavior', 'eating disorder', 'bulimia', and 'anorexia', both in Portuguese and in English. Studies published between 2007 and 2011 were retrieved and 49 articles that assessed eating behavior and disorders, nervous anorexia and bulimia, and non-specific eating disorders were selected. DATA SYNTHESIS: Eating disorders, especially non-specific ones, were common during childhood and adolescence. The presence of such disorders was attributed mainly to family environment and exposure to the media. Eating disorders were frequently followed by psychological comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: Among the risk factors for eating disorders, social and family environment and the media were the most important ones. The influence of the media and social environment has been related to the worship of thinness. As to family environment, mealtimes appeared to be fundamental in shaping eating behavior and the development of disorders. Eating disorders were associated with nutritional problems (growing impairment and weight gain), oral health (cheilitis, dental erosion, periodontitis, and hypertrophy of salivary glands), and social prejudice.

OBJETIVO: Discutir los trastornos alimentares en niños y adolescentes respecto a sus características y factores de riesgo. FUENTES DE DATOS: La investigación de artículos se realizó en las bases de datos PubMed y SciELO por la combinación de los términos "niños", "adolescentes", "comportamiento alimentar", "trastorno alimentar", "bulimia" y "anorexia", en los idiomas portugués e inglés. Se consideraron los artículos publicados entre 2007 y 2011, siendo seleccionados 49 que analizaron el desarrollo del comportamiento alimentar y de sus trastornos, la anorexia y la bulimia nerviosa y los trastornos alimentares no especificados. SÍNTESIS DE LOS DATOS: Los trastornos alimentares, en especial los no especificados, se mostraron comunes en la infancia y en la adolescencia. Su presencia fue asignada principalmente al ambiente familiar y a la exposición a los medios de comunicación. Las comorbilidades psicológicas muchas veces acompañan el diagnóstico del trastorno. CONCLUSIONES: Entre los factores de riesgo para los trastornos alimentares, se destacan los medios y los ambientes social y familiar. La influencia de los medios y del ambiente social fue asociada, principalmente, al culto a la delgadez. En el ámbito familiar, a su vez, el momento de la comida se mostró fundamental en la determinación del comportamiento alimentar y en el desarrollo de sus trastornos. Los trastornos alimentares se asociaron a problemas nutricionales (déficit en el crecimiento y ganancia de peso), a la salud oral (queilosis, erosión dental, periodontitis e hipertrofia de las glándulas salivares) y a los perjuicios sociales.

Composição do leite de vacas Holandesas em pastejo de azevém com a utilização do trevo branco como fonte proteica / Milk composition of Holstein cows grazing ryegrass with the use of white clover as a protein source

Avaliou-se a composição do leite de animais em pastejo de azevém (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) alimentados com trevo branco (Trifolium repens L.) como substituição ao componente proteico da ração (farelo de soja), em porcentagens de proteína, lactose, sólidos totais e contagem de células somáticas. Utilizaram-se dois grupos com oito vacas da raça Holandesa, agrupados por produção, período de lactação e peso corporal, em delineamento em blocos ao acaso. Um grupo recebeu, diariamente, 3kg de suplemento energético subtraído de farelo de soja e teve acesso à pastagem de trevo branco por, aproximadamente, 2,5 horas (TB); o outro recebeu o mesmo suplemento, adicionado de quantidade de proteína equivalente ao consumo diário no tratamento anterior via trevo, na forma de farelo de soja (FS). Foram observadas diferenças significativas para teor de proteína e lactose, sendo os maiores valores encontrados de proteína em TB (3,02%) e de lactose em FS (4,64%). Para as demais variáveis não houve diferença, com valores de 10,40 e 10,39% de sólidos totais e 182,88 e 153,53 (x1000) células somáticas em TB e FS, respectivamente, mostrando que a utilização dessa fonte alternativa de proteína foi eficiente.

Was evaluated the composition of milk from animals grazing annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) fed with white clover (Trifolium repens L.), as a replacement for the protein component of the ration (soybean meal), in percentages of protein, lactose, total solids and somatic cell counts. Were used two groups with eight Holstein cows, grouped by production, lactation period and body weight, in a randomized block design. One group received 3kg of energetic supplement subtracted of soybean meal daily and had access to the white clover pasture for approximately 2.5 hours (TB); the other received the same supplement, added of a quantity of protein equivalent to daily intake in previous treatment via white clover, in the form of soybean meal (FS). Significant differences were observed for protein and lactose content, with the highest values found for protein on TB (3.02%) and lactose on FS (4.64%). For the other variables there was no difference, with values from 10.40 and 10.39% of total solids and 182.88 and 153.53 (x1000) somatic cells on TB and FS respectively, showing that the use of this alternative source of protein was efficient.

Controversies in using urine samples for prostate cancer detection: PSA and PCA3 expression analysis

PURPOSE: Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies in the world. Although PSA utilization as a serum marker has improved prostate cancer detection it still presents some limitations, mainly regarding its specificity. The expression of this marker, along with the detection of PCA3 mRNA in urine samples, has been suggested as a new approach for PCa detection. The goal of this work was to evaluate the efficacy of the urinary detection of PCA3 mRNA and PSA mRNA without performing the somewhat embarrassing prostate massage. It was also intended to optimize and implement a methodological protocol for this kind of sampling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Urine samples from 57 patients with suspected prostate disease were collected, without undergoing prostate massage. Increased serum PSA levels were confirmed by medical records review. RNA was extracted by different methods and a preamplification step was included in order to improve gene detection by Real-Time PCR. RESULTS: An increase in RNA concentration with the use of TriPure Isolation Reagent. Despite this optimization, only 15.8 percent of the cases showed expression of PSA mRNA and only 3.8 percent of prostate cancer patients presented detectable levels of PCA3 mRNA. The use of a preamplification step revealed no improvement in the results obtained. CONCLUSION: This work confirms that prostate massage is important before urine collection for gene expression analysis. Since PSA and PCA3 are prostate specific, it is necessary to promote the passage of cells from prostate to urinary tract, in order to detect these genetic markers in urine samples.

Estudo prospectivo das complicações da Doença de Kawasaki: análise de 115 casos / Prospective study of Kawasaki Disease complications: review of 115 cases

OBJETIVO: Chamar a atenção para as complicações, que podem surgir em qualquer fase da Doença de Kawasaki (DK), para os fatores de risco que contribuem para o aparecimento dessas complicações e para as possíveis sequelas da doença, sejam elas transitórias ou permanentes. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo (coorte clínica) realizado entre abril de 2002 e abril de 2009 de 115 pacientes com DK internados no serviço de Reumatologia Pediátrica do Hospital Geral do Distrito Federal. Todos os pacientes foram sequencialmente avaliados com exames clínicos e laboratoriais, ecocardiogramas com Doppler, imitanciometria, potenciais evocados auditivos, avaliação psicológica, exame oftalmológico e, em um paciente com coreia, angiorressonância magnética cerebral. Em todos os pacientes foram aplicados questionários avaliando a possível presença de dificuldades cognitivas, emocionais, comportamentais e sociais. RESULTADOS: Vinte e cinco pacientes (21,7 por cento) apresentaram aneurismas de coronárias. Trinta e oito pacientes (33 por cento) apresentaram perda auditiva neurossensorial durante a doença aguda e subaguda, e 13 pacientes (11,3 por cento) mantiveram a perda auditiva seis meses após a primeira avaliação. Outras complicações observadas foram: paralisia facial em um paciente (0,9 por cento), ataxia na fase aguda e subaguda em 11 pacientes (9,5 por cento), complicações oftalmológicas em 15 pacientes (13,2 por cento), constatando-se uveíte em 13, edema de papila em um paciente e hemorragia conjuntival em outro. Um paciente apresentou coreia (0,9 por cento) sendo que a angioressonância magnética evidenciou alterações compatíveis com isquemia cerebral. Em um paciente constatou-se a presença de aneurisma de aorta torácica (0,9 por cento), e outro apresentou vasculite necrosante que evoluiu com gangrena periférica e perda da ponta da língua (0,9 por cento). Alterações de comportamento durante a convalescença (20 por cento) foi observada em 23 crianças. CONCLUSÃO: A DK pode evoluir com complicações diversas, mesmo meses após a fase aguda da doença, eventualmente resultando em sequelas permanentes. Quanto mais precoce forem o diagnóstico e a intervenção terapêutica com a administração de IgG IV, menor será a ocorrência de complicações. Presença de trombocitose, anemia e de atividade inflamatória elevada e por tempo prolongado são fatores de risco para o aparecimento de complicações.

OBJECTIVE: To draw attention to complications that might arise in any Kawasaki disease (KD) stage, risk factors contributing to the onset of complications and possible transient or permanent disease sequelae. METHODS: Prospective study (clinical cohort) conducted between April 2002 and April 2009 of 115 patients with KD admitted to the Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic of the General Hospital of the Federal District, Brazil. All patients were sequentially assessed with clinical and laboratory examinations, Doppler echocardiography, imitanciometry, auditory evoked potentials, psychological evaluation, ophthalmologic examination and, in one patient with chorea, cerebral magnetic resonance angiography. In all patients, a questionnaire assessing the possible presence of cognitive, emotional, behavioral and social disorders was applied. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (21.7 percent) had coronary aneurisms. Thirty eight patients (33 percent) had a sensorineural auditory loss during the acute and subacute phases of the disease and 13 patients (11.3 percent) maintained the auditory loss six months after the first assessment. Other complications observed were as follows: facial palsy in one patient (0.9 percent), ataxia in acute and subacute phases in 11 (9.5 percent); 15 patients had ophthalmologic complications (13.2 percent), with uveitis in 13, papilledema in one patient, and conjunctival hemorrhage in another patient. One patient experienced chorea (0.9 percent), with a magnetic resonance angiography showing changes consistent with cerebral ischemia. In one patient, a thoracic aorta aneurism was found (0.9 percent) and another patient had a necrotizing vasculitis progressing to peripheral gangrene and tongue tip loss (0.9 percent). Behavioral changes over convalescence were observed in 23 children. CONCLUSION: KD may progress with several complications even within months of the disease acute phase, eventually resulting in permanent sequelae. The earlier the diagnosis and therapeutic intervention with IV IgG administration are, the lower will be the occurrence of complications; the presence of thrombocytosis, anemia and elevated and extended inflammatory activity are risk factors for complication arising.

Distribuição do metal mercúrio em atum (Thunnus albacares) e pescada bicuda (Cynoscion microlepidotus) capturados no litoral do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / Distribution of metal mercury in tuna (Thunnus albacares) and weaker fish (Cynoscion microlepidotus) captured in Rio de Janeiro coast, Brazil

O presente estudo verificou a cinética mercurial em órgãos, tecido muscular e conteúdo estomacal de duas espécies de peixes marinhos predadores, identificando os locais de maior acumulação desse metal. Para o processo analítico, foi utilizada a técnica de espectrofotometria de absorção atômica por arraste de vapor a frio. A distribuição de Hg nas porções analisadas apresenta ampla dispersão. Para o atum, a variação foi de 0,004 µg.g-1 no fígado, nas brânquias e baço, e 0,172µg.g-1 no tecido muscular. Para a pescada bicuda, a variação foi entre 0,013µg.g-1 nas brânquias a 0,250µg.g-1 no tecido muscular. Este último demonstrou ser, nas duas espécies, a porção de maior concentração do metal, atum = 0,080±0,050µg.g-1 e pescada bicuda = 0,187±0,030µg.g-1. Os locais de menor concentração na pescada foram as brânquias 0,029±0,031µg.g-1, e no atum os olhos (0,013±0,008µg.g-1).

The mercuric kinetic in organs, muscular tissue, and stomach contents of two species of marine fish predators was evaluated by the identification of the places showing higher accumulation of the metal. For the analytical process, the used technique was cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry. The results demonstrated that the distribution of Hg in the analyzed portions presented wiede dispersion. For Thunnus albacares, the variation was of 0.004µg.g-1 in the liver, gills and spleen, and 0.172µg.g-1 in the muscular tissue. For Cynoscion microlepidotus, the variation was between 0.013µg.g-1 in gills and 0.250µg.g-1 in muscular tissue. The latter was the portion of higher concentration of this metal in both species, T. albacares = 0.080±0.050µg.g-1 and C. microlepidotus = 0.187±0.030µg.g-1, while less concentrations were found in the gills (0.029±0.031µg.g-1) in C. microlepidotus and in the eyes (0.013±0.008µg.g-1) in T. albacares.

Effect of sub-lethal concentrations of permethrin on ovary activation in the predator Supputius cincticeps (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)

Inseticidas podem causar mortalidade e efeitos deletérios em percevejos predadores. Por isso investigou-se o efeito de cinco concentrações de permetrina aplicadas em ninfas de terceiro estádio de Supputius cincticeps (Stål) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) em sua ativação ovariana. Essas ninfas receberam aplicação tópica de permetrina nas seguintes concentrações (mg i.a./ml): 10ù7, 10ù6, 10ù5, 10ù4, 10ù3. O comprimento dos ovários e o número de ovócitos foram quantificados após a primeira postura. O comprimento do ovário variou de 5,7 mm na concentração de 10ù4 mg i.a./ml a 6,4 mm na concentração de 10ù7 mg i.a./ml, com valores semelhantes para as outras concentrações de permetrina e controle. O número de ovócitos por fêmea variou de 13,5 (10ù3 mg i.a./ml) a 29,2 no controle, com diferenças significativas entre concentrações. O número de ovócitos por fêmea, proveniente de ninfas expostas a concentração de 10ù5 mg i.a./ml, foi semelhante àquele do controle. No entanto, o menor número de ovócitos por fêmea, provenientes de ninfas expostas a outras concentrações de permetrina, sugere que esse inseticida pode afetar a capacidade reprodutiva. Esses resultados são discutidos em relação à tolerância de Heteroptera predador aos inseticidas e a possível ocorrência de hormese.

Avaliação nutricional em crianças com infecçoes por enteroparasitas / Nutritional evaluation of children with enteroparasitosis

PURPOSE: To evaluate the nutritious state in children of low social-economic class in order to look over a possible corelationship among this status and the infections caused by enteroparasites. METHODS: 103 children were submitted to a nutritions evolution and to accomplish a exam of serial samples. The method employed searched protozoan cystos, helmints eggs and larvae and it counted helmint eggs when presented through 4 different methods of diagnosis. RESULTS: The results obtained show that the poor environmental and social-economic conditions helped create a high infectious frequency caused by enteroparasites, mainly by Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides, among the helminthes, and Endolimax nana and Giardia lamblia, among the protozoans. light malnutrition without protein deficit was found in 93.55% and moderate malnutrition in 6.45% of the children malnutrition (30.7%). CONCLUSION: Then, it is possible to suggest that children besides bearing many parasitosis were not weth their nutritional state deeply compromised.

Comparison of the efficacy of biodegradable and non-biodegradable scintillation liquids on the counting of tritium- and [14C]-labeled compounds

The widespread use of H and 14C in research has generated a large volume of waste mixed with scintillation liquid, requiring an effective control and appropriate storage of liquid radioactive waste. In the present study, we compared the efficacy of three commercially available scintillation liquids, Optiphase HiSafe 3, Ultima-GoldÕ AB (biodegradable) and Insta-Gel-XF (non-biodegradable), in terms of [14C]-glucose and [ H]-thymidine counting efficiency. We also analyzed the effect of the relative amount of water (1.6 to 50 percent), radioisotope concentration (0.1 to 100 nCi/ml), pH (2 to 10) and color of the solutions (samples containing 0.1 to 1.0 mg/ml of Trypan blue) on the counting efficiency in the presence of these scintillation liquids. There were few significant differences in the efficiency of 14C and H counting obtained with biodegradable or non-biodegradable scintillation liquids. However, there was an 83 and 94 percent reduction in the efficiency of 14C and H counting, respectively, in samples colored with 1 mg/ml Trypan blue, but not with 0.1 mg/ml, independent of the scintillation liquid used. Considering the low cost of biodegradable scintillation cocktails and their efficacy, these results show that traditional hazardous scintillation fluids may be replaced with the new safe biodegradable fluids without impairment of H and 14C counting efficiency. The use of biodegradable scintillation cocktails minimizes both human and environmental exposure to hazardous solvents. In addition, some biodegradable scintillation liquids can be 40 percent less expensive than the traditional hazardous cocktails.

Estimate of Alabama argillacea (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) development with nonlinear models

The objective of this work was to evaluate which nonlinear model [Davidson (1942, 1944), Stinner et al. (1974), Sharpe & DeMichele (1977), and Lactin et al. (1995)] best describes the relationship between developmental rates of the different instars and stages of Alabama argillacea (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and temperature. A. argillacea larvae were fed with cotton leaves (Gossypium hirsutum L., race latifolium Hutch., cultivar CNPA 7H) at constant temperatures of 20, 23, 25, 28, 30, 33, and 35ºC; relative humidity of 60 ± 10 percent; and photoperiod of 14:10 L:D. Low R² values obtained with Davidson (0.0001 to 0.1179) and Stinner et al. (0.0099 to 0.8296) models indicated a poor fit of their data for A. argillacea. However, high R² values of Sharpe & DeMichele (0.9677 to 0.9997) and Lactin et al. (0.9684 to 0.9997) models indicated a better fit for estimating A. argillacea development.

Effects of milk from goat fed Crotalaria spectabilis seeds on growing rats

Seeds of Crotalaria spectabilis, containing the pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) monocrotaline (MCT), were fed to a lactating dairy goat. Milk from this goat was fed to rats for 8 weeks to determine whether MCT or its toxic metabolites are transferred into the goat's milk. Rats from the experimental group showed significantly higher (p<0.05) serum levels of ALT, AST, GGT and LDH and less weight gains (p<0.05) than control rats. The most significant lesions in rats consuming the experimental ration were mild to moderate interstitial pneumonia and a vacuolar degeneration and occasionally necrosis of periportal hepatocytes. The results of this study indicate that the PA and/or its metabolites are eliminated in milk

Neuroethologic differences in sleep deprivation induced by the single-and multiple-platform methods

It has been proposed that the multiple-platform method (MP) for desynchronized sleep (DS) deprivation eliminates the stress induced by social isolation and by the restriction of locomotion in the single-platform (SP) method. MP, however, induces a higher increase in plasma corticosterone and ACTH levels than SP. Since deprivation is of heuristic value to identify the functional role of this state of sleep, the objective of the present study was to determine the behavioral differences exhibited by rats during sleep deprivation induced by these two methods. All behavioral patterns exhibited by a group of 7 albino male Wistar rats submitted to 4 days of sleep deprivation by the MP method (15 platforms, spaced 150 mm apart) and by 7 other rats submitted to sleep deprivation by the SP method were recorded in order to elaborate an ethogram. The behavioral patterns were quantitated in 10 replications by naive observers using other groups of 7 rats each submitted to the same deprivation schedule. Each quantification session lasted 35 min and the behavioral patterns presented by each rat over a period of 5 min were counted. The results obtained were: a) rats submitted to the MP method changed platforms at a mean rate of 2.62 + 1.17 platforms h(-1) animal(-1); b) the number of episodes of noninteractive waking patterns for the MP animals was significantly higher than that for SP animals (1077 vs 768); c) additional episodes of waking patterns (26.9 + 18.9 episodes/session) were promoted by social interaction in MP animals; d) the cumulative number of sleep episodes observed in the MP test (311) was significantly lower (chi-square test, 1 d.f., P<0.05) than that observed in the SP test (534); e) rats submitted to the MP test did not show the well-known increase in ambulatory activity observed after the end of the SP test; f) comparison of 6MP and 6SP rats showed a significantly shorter latency to the onset of DS in MP rats (7.8 + 4.3 and 29.0 + 25.0 min, respectively; Studentt-test, P<0.05). We conclude that the social interaction occurring in the MP test generates additional stress since it increases the time of forced wakefulness and reduces the time of rest promoted by synchronized sleep.

Criopreservaçäo de medula óssea e células pluripotentes periféricas utilizando um congelador programável: experiência em 86 congelamentos / Cryopreservation of bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cells using a controlled rate freezing system: experience on 86 procedures

A infusao de células hematopoéticas totipotentes criopreservadas permite a recuperaçao da hematopoese após quimioterapia mieolblativa. Objetivo. A formaçao de cristais de gelo durante o processo de congelamento é o fator principal que causa ruptura das estruturas celulares. A criopreservaçao dessas células a uma taxa constante preveniria os danos causados pelo congelamento brusco. Métodos. Vinte e três pacientes com mediana de 25 anos (variaçao 3-57) tiveram a medula óssea e/ou células-tronco periféricas (CTP) coletadas no período de março de 1993 a outubro de 1994, totalizando 86 congelamentos. Os pacientes apresentavam as seguintes neoplasias: linfoma nao-Hodgkin (n=5), leucemia mielóide aguda (n=8), leucemia linfóide aguda (n=6), doença de Hodkin (n=3) e mieloma múltiplo (n=1). O congelamento foicontrolado por um computador, acoplado ao sistema, às seguintes temperaturas: -1 graus Celsius/min até -45 graus Celsius e depois a -10 graus Celsius/min até -80 graus Celsius. Após o congelamento, as células foram mantidas em freezer a -110 graus Celsius até o momento da infusao. Para obtençao das CTP, empregou-se o fator de crescimento estimulante de granulócitos (G-CSF). Resultados. Uma mediana de 3,16 x 10(8) céls./kg (variaçao 0,86-24,22) de CTP e 2,03 x 10(8) céls./kg (variaçao 0,19-12,21) de medula óssea foi congelada. A mediana para atingir granulócitos maior ou igual a 500/muL e plaquetas maior que 20.000/muL foi de 12 dias (variaçao 8-40) e 31 dias (variaçao 8-80), respectivamente. Todos os pacientes tiveram recuperaçao hematopoética após a infusao das células criopreservadas. Conclusao. A criopreservaçao em congelador program vel permite o armazenamento de células hematopoéticas e, potencialmente, pode causar menor dano celular.

Radioaerosol 99mTc-DTPA characterization produced by some nebulizers

1. The radioaerosol 99mTc-DTPA produced by jet and ultrasonic nebulizers was characterized by measuring the median mass diameter (MMD) and geometric standard deviation (sigma g) and these characteristics were interpreted in terms of the aerodynamic principles of inertial impactation. 2. Jet nebulizers of the same model, with different outflows (NSA = 0.14 ml/min; NSB = 0.24 ml/min and NSC = 0.40 ml/min) showed different radioaerosol mass distribution, with MMD (NSC) > MMD (NSA). The ultrasonic nebulizer US-1000 from Narcosul, which is operated with an air flow of 2 l/min and frequency of 1.6 MHz, generated radioaerosol with MMD = 2.40 microns, higher than that obtained with most of the jet nebulizers evaluated (NSA = 1.50 microns; NSB1V = 1.40 microns; NSB2V = 1.20 microns and PITT#1 - 0.80 microns), and the ultrasonic nebulizer presented the highest outflow of the nebulized solution (1.15 ml/min). 3. Connecting one or two impactation reservoirs to the NSB jet nebulizer modified the mass distribution, which became significantly narrower for NSB2V when compared to the other two nebulizers. NSB2V presented a mass percentage with a diameter of 3 microns or less and a sufficient outflow for use in ventilation and pulmonary permeability studies. 4. Comparison of the mass collected in the cascade impactor and the total mass generated by the NSB, NSB1V and NSB2V nebulizers showed, on average, 4.5 efficiency in radioaerosol generation with a diameter of less than 16 microns and 3.2 efficiency for a diameter of 3 microns or less.