Effects of magnesium sulfate and dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate on fecal hydration, output and systemic hydration in healthy horses / [Efeitos do sulfato de magnésio e do dioctil-sulfossuccinato de sódio na hidratação e eliminação fecal e sobre a hidratação sistêmica de cavalos saudáveis]

Magnesium sulphate (MS) and dioctyl sodium sulphosuccinate (DSS) are laxative drugs frequently used for the treatment of impactions. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of MS and DSS in fecal hydration, output and systemic hydration in healthy horses. Five healthy horses received 3 treatments with a 21-day interval. Treatment 1 was performed with administration of 4 liters of warm water; treatment 2: administration of 4 liters of warm water associated with 1g/kg of MS; and treatment 3: administration of 4 liters of warm water associated with 20mg/kg DSS. General and specific physical examination of the digestive system were performed, alongside with packed cell volume and total plasma protein measurement, abdominal ultrasonography and quantification of the amount and hydration of feces, before and 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours after the treatments. No adverse effects were observed. The administration of laxatives promoted greater fecal output and hydration without resulting in systemic dehydration, yet no differences were observed between treatments. The absence of adverse effects of DSS demonstrates the safety of its use as a laxative drug at a dose of 20mg/kg. Studies comparing the effects of the laxative drugs in horses with large colon impaction are needed.(AU)

O sulfato de magnésio (SM) e o dioctil-sulfossuccinato de sódio (DSS) são drogas laxativas frequentemente utilizadas no tratamento da compactação. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os efeitos do SM e do DSS na hidratação e eliminação fecal, e na hidratação sistêmica de cavalos saudáveis. Cinco cavalos receberam três tratamentos, com intervalo de 21 dias. O tratamento 1 consistiu na administração de quatro litros de água morna; o tratamento 2: administração de quatro litros de água morna associada a 1g/kg de SM; e o tratamento 3: administração de quatro litros de água morna associada a 20mg/kg de DSS. Foram realizados exames físicos gerais e específicos do trato digestivo, hematócrito e proteína plasmática total, ultrassonografia abdominal e mensuração da quantidade e hidratação das fezes antes e após seis, 12, 24, 36 e 48 horas dos tratamentos. Não foram observados efeitos adversos. A administração de ambos os laxantes promoveu maior produção fecal e hidratação, sem resultar em desidratação sistêmica, entretanto não houve diferença entre os tratamentos. A ausência de efeitos adversos do DSS demonstra a segurança de seu uso como medicamento laxante na dose de 20mg/kg. São necessários estudos que comparem o efeito dos laxantes em equinos portadores de compactação de cólon.(AU)

Tumor carcinoide na vesícula biliar em cão / Carcinoid gallbladder tumor in a dog

Carcinoid is a neoplasia that arises from dispersed cells of the neuroendocrine system. This tumor is uncommon in animals, and its occurrence in the gallbladder is rare. A male Basset Hound dog's corpse was taken to the Univerdade Federal de Minas Gerais to be analyzed by the Veterinary Pathology sector, without a description of its previous history. Necropsy revealed the presence of pale oral, ocular and penile mucous membranes. The gallbladder had a thickened wall and a dilated lumen, which was filled with dark and lumpy bile. Its mucosa had a whitish-red nodule, with solid and friable areas. Microscopically, there was a focal neoplastic proliferation, which wasn't encapsulated and had imprecise limits, which cells were distributed in a solid pattern and separated by a delicate fibrovascular stroma. The neoplastic cells presented oval or round shaped nucleus, which had a chromatin predominantly loose, and one or two nucleoli. Their cytoplasm was moderately abundant, and in most of the cells it was eosinophilic, granular, and had well-defined limits. Using the Grimelius coloration, neoplastic cells' cytoplasmic granules stained brownish or black, confirming the neuroendocrine origin of the neoplasia. Based on the macroscopic and microscopic findings, the diagnosis of a gallbladder carcinoid was established.(AU)

Achados clínicos, histopatológicos e moleculares da mielopatia degenerativa canina: relato de caso / Clinical, histopathological and molecular findings of canine degenerative myelopathy: case report

Objetivou-se descrever os achados clínicos, histopatológicos e moleculares associados à MDC em um cão da raça Pastor-Suiço. O cão possuía uma paraparesia progressiva em membros pélvicos e foi submetido a avaliações clínicas, pelas quais se obteve, entre outros diferenciais, o diagnóstico presuntivo de MDC. Com a evolução dos sinais, o tutor optou pela eutanásia. Os achados histopatológicos da medula espinhal foram compatíveis com uma degeneração segmentar axonal e mielínica. O diagnóstico molecular foi realizado por meio da extração do DNA obtido por swab oral. Uma PCR foi otimizada utilizando-se primers descritos em literatura para amplificar a região do gene SOD1. A amostra foi, então, submetida a sequenciamento unidirecional, que revelou que o animal em questão era homozigoto para o alelo A para a mutação c.118G>A no éxon 2 do gene SOD1. O diagnóstico clínico presuntivo da MDC no presente caso foi esclarecido por meio dos achados histopatológicos, associados aos achados clínicos, e da sua caracterização molecular. Ressalta-se a contribuição deste relato, que traz aspectos clínicos, histopatológicos e moleculares associados à MDC na raça Pastor-Suíço, para a qual, até o presente momento, na literatura consultada, não há relato dessa enfermidade.(AU)

The objective of this study was to describe the clinical, histopathological and molecular findings associated with MDC in a Swiss Shepherd dog. The dog had a progressive paraparesis in pelvic limbs and was submitted to clinical evaluations where, among other differentials, the presumptive diagnosis of MDC was obtained. With the progression of the nervous deficits tutor opted for euthanasia. The histopathological findings of the spinal cord were compatible with axonal and myelinic segmental degeneration. Molecular diagnosis was performed by extracting the DNA obtained by oral swab. PCR was optimized using primers described in the literature to amplify the SOD1 gene region. The sample was then subjected to one-way sequencing which revealed that the animal in question was homozygous for the A allele for the c.118G>A mutation in exon 2 of the SOD1 gene. The presumptive diagnosis of MDC in the present case was clarified by histopathological findings, as well as by its molecular characterization. The contribution of this report brings clinical, histopathological and molecular aspects associated with canine degenerative myelopathy in the Swiss Shepherd breed, that until this moment, in the literature consulted, there is no report of this disease in the breed mentioned.(AU)

Modelo de indução de osteoporose em coelhas - avaliação radiográfica / Rabbit osteoporosis induction model - radiographic evaluation

In order to establish a bone loss induction model in rabbits to study osteoporosis, 18 rabbits underwent ovariectomy and received methylprednisolone 1mg/kg intramuscularly on alternate days for two weeks. Immediately before ovariectomy up to 42 days after methylprednisolone administration, radiographs of the right olecranon were taken in the mediolateral position to evaluate the radiographic optical density. Before the induction of osteoporosis, rabbits presented mean values of radiographic density of 2.305mm Al and at 42 days of 1.575mm Al. The values obtained were submitted to ANOVA for repeated measures that revealed a significant drop (P< 0.001) in the density over time, proving that the induction was able to trigger bone loss of these animals. With this, it can be affirmed that the adopted protocol was enough to provoke a significant bone loss, characterizing a valid model for the study of new treatments for osteoporosis.(AU)

Humane endpoint in mice by Brazilian researchers in the vaccine sector / Ponto final humanitário em camundongos aplicado por pesquisadores brasileiros da área de vacinas

The application of a humane endpoint (HE) for mice in vaccine trials and further challenging tasks with lethal samples is necessary to reduce or prevent pain and suffering in these animals, and is a refinement of the 3R policy enforced for animal testing in both national and international scenarios. In order to investigate the application of HE in Brazil, researchers from the vaccine sector have answered a questionnaire about their research profile, their usage of HE and their knowledge of its defining criteria, monitoring of animals, staff training, and euthanasia methods employed. The main results revealed that researchers failed to recognise the very concept of HE as well as when to apply it. In addition, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) failed upon giving their approval to the trials. HE is an important refinament of animal testing policy, and these results highlight the need for a clear pre-established definition of when and how it should be implemented in order to ensure more effective application. Furthermore, it is important to clarify the ethics involved and the commitment of both the research teams and IACUCs to animal welfare.(AU)

A aplicação de um ponto final humanitário (PFH) em experimentos com vacinação e posterior desafio com amostras letais em camundongos é necessária para diminuir ou impedir a dor e o sofrimento desses animais, constituindo refinamento de acordo com a política dos 3Rs, vigente em âmbito nacional e internacional, no cenário da experimentação animal. A fim de investigar a aplicação de PFH no Brasil, foi enviado um questionário para pesquisadores da área de vacinas, com perguntas sobre perfil do pesquisador, aplicação de PFH e critérios para sua definição, monitoramento dos animais, treinamento da equipe e métodos de eutanásia empregados. Os principais resultados revelaram que há falhas tanto em reconhecer o conceito quanto em aplicar o PFH, por parte dos pesquisadores, e que as CEUAs também falharam ao aprovar tais experimentos. Chama-se atenção para o fato de que o PFH é um importante refinamento e para a necessidade de definição prévia de PFH e sua aplicação, assim como para a importância do esclarecimento da questão ética envolvida e do necessário compromisso das equipes de pesquisa e das CEUAs com o bem-estar animal.(AU)

Biomarkers and bioindicators of the environmental condition using a fish species (Pimelodus maculatus Lacepède, 1803) in a tropical reservoir in Southeastern Brazil / Biomarcadores e bioindicadores da condição ambiental usando uma espécie de peixe (Pimelodus maculatus Lacepède, 1803) em um reservatório tropical no Sudeste do Brasil

Abstract The Funil Reservoir receives a large amount of xenobiotics from the Paraíba do Sul River (PSR) from large number of industries and municipalities in the watershed. This study aimed to assess environmental quality along the longitudinal profile of the Paraíba do Sul River-Funil Reservoir system, by using biomarkers and bioindicators in a selected fish species. The raised hypothesis is that Funil Reservoir acts as a filter for the xenobiotics of the PSR waters, improving river water quality downstream the dam. Two biomarkers, the ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity (EROD), measured as fluorimetricly in S9 hepatic fraction, and the micronuclei frequency (MN), observed in erythrocytes of the cytoplasm, and three bioindicators, the hepatosomatic index (HSI), gonadosomatic index (GSI) and condition factor (CF) were used in Pimelodus maculatus, a fish species widely distributed in the system. Four zones were searched through a longitudinal gradient: 1, river upstream from the reservoir; 2, upper reservoir; 3, lower reservoir; 4, river downstream of the reservoir. EROD activity and HSI and GSI had significant differences among the zones (P<0.05). The upper reservoir had the lowest EROD activity and HSI, whereas the river downstream of the reservoir had the highest EROD and lowest GSI. The river upstream from the reservoir showed the highest HSI and GSI. It is suggested that the lowest environmental condition occur at the river downstream of the reservoir, where it seems to occur more influence of xenobiotics, which could be associated with hydroelectric plant operation. The hypothesis that Funil reservoir acts as a filter decanting pollution from the Paraíba do Sul River waters was rejected. These results are novel information on this subject for a native fish species and could be useful for future comparisons with other environments.

Resumo O reservatório do Funil recebe uma grande quantidade de contaminantes xenobióticos do Rio Paraíba do Sul (RPS) provenientes de grandes indústrias e municípios situados na bacia hidrográfica. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a qualidade ambiental ao longo de um perfil longitudinal do sistema rio Paraíba do Sul-reservatório do Funil, através de biomarcadores e bioindicadores em uma espécie de peixe selecionada. A hipótese a ser testada é de que o reservatório do Funil funciona como filtro para poluentes xenobioticos de águas do rio Paraíba do Sul, melhorando a qualidade da água à jusante da represa. Foram usados dois biomarcadores: a atividade de etoxiresorufina-O-desetilase (EROD), medida fluorimetricamente na fração S9 hepática, e a Freqüência de Micronúcleos (MN), observada no citoplasma dos eritrócitos; e também três bioindicadores: Índice hepato-somático (IHS), Índice gonado-somático (IGS) e Fator de Condição (FC) em Pimelodus maculatus, uma espécie de peixe amplamente distribuída no sistema. Quatro zonas foram amostrados ao longo do gradiente longitudinal: 1, rio a montante do reservatório; 2, parte superior do reservatório; 3, parte inferior do reservatório; 4, rio à jusante do reservatório. A atividade de EROD, o IHS e o IGS apresentaram diferenças significativas (P<0.05) entre as zonas. A atividade EROD e o IHS foram mais baixos na parte superior do reservatório, enquanto que no rio à jusante do reservatório, a atividade de EROD foi mais alta e o IGS foi mais baixo. O rio acima do reservatório apresentou maiores IHS e IGS. É sugerido que a pior condição ambiental ocorreu no rio abaixo do reservatório, o que poderia ser associado às influências das operações da usina hidroelétrica. A hipótese de que o reservatório do Funil atue como filtro decantando a poluição do rio Paraíba do Sul foi rejeitada. Estes dados são novas informações sobre este tema para uma espécie nativa e podem ser úteis para futuras comparações outros ambientes.

Effect of odontoplasty on apparent digestibility and consumption time of diet for equines / Efeito da odontoplastia sobre a digestibilidade aparente e o tempo de consumo de dieta para equinos

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of odontoplasty on apparent digestibility of diet for horses, consumption time, and particle size of feces. Nine horses were used, aged 14.5±3.3 years and weightng 531±38.7kg. The diet consisted of 1.5% of live weight (LW) in Tifton 85 hay and 0.75% of LW in concentrate for both assays. The experiment consisted of two tests of apparent digestibility using the method of total collection, before and after the odontoplasty, where the consumption time of hay and concentrate was also evaluated and the particle size of the feces was analyzed. An effect (P<0.05) of odontoplasty on the apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber was observed. Effect of the consumption time for the concentrate (P<0.05) was observed, but not for the forage (P<0.05). There was more retention (P<0.05) of the fecal particles in the sieves of bigger granulometry. The odontoplasty increases the digestibility of dietary nutrients and feces particle size, without changing feces quality. Animals after the procedure have shorter concentrate consumption time.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o efeito da odontoplastia sobre a digestibilidade aparente de dieta para equinos, o tempo de consumo e o tamanho de partícula das fezes. Foram utilizados nove equinos, com idade de 14,5±3,3 anos e peso de 531±38,7kg. A dieta consistiu do oferecimento de 1,5% do peso vivo (PV) em feno de Tifton 85 e 0,75% do PV em concentrado para ambos os ensaios. O experimento compôs-se de dois ensaios de digestibilidade aparente pelo método de coleta total, antes e após a odontoplastia, em que também foi avaliado o tempo de consumo do feno e do concentrado e analisado o tamanho de partícula das fezes. Foi observado efeito (P<0,05) da odontoplastia sobre os coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca, matéria orgânica, proteína bruta, fibra em detergente neutro e fibra em detergente ácido. Verificou-se efeito do tempo de consumo para o concentrado (P<0,05), porém não se observou para o volumoso (P<0,05). Houve maior retenção (P<0,05) das partículas das fezes nas peneiras de maior granulometria. A odontoplastia aumenta a digestibilidade dos nutrientes da dieta e o tamanho de partículas nas fezes, sem alterar a qualidade destas. Animais após o procedimento apresentam menor tempo de consumo de concentrado.(AU)

Increased expression of ID2, PRELP and SMOC2 genes in patients with endometriosis

Endometriosis is a benign, estrogen-dependent disease with symptoms such as pelvic pain and infertility, and it is characterized by the ectopic distribution of endometrial tissue. The expression of the ID2, PRELP and SMOC2 genes was compared between the endometrium of women without endometriosis in the proliferative phase of their menstrual cycle and the eutopic and ectopic endometrium of women with endometriosis in the proliferative phase. Paired tissue samples from 20 women were analyzed: 10 from endometrial and peritoneal endometriotic lesions and 10 from endometrial and ovarian endometriotic lesions. As controls, 16 endometrium samples were collected from women without endometriosis in the proliferative phase of menstrual cycle. Analysis was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). There was no significant difference between gene expression in the endometrium of women with and without endometriosis. The ID2 gene expression was increased in the most advanced stage of endometriosis and in ovarian endometriomas, the PRELP was more expressed in peritoneal lesions, and the SMOC2 was highly expressed in both peritoneal and endometrioma lesions. Considering that the genes studied participate either directly or indirectly in cellular processes that can lead to cell migration, angiogenesis, and inappropriate invasion, it is possible that the deregulation of these genes caused the development and maintenance of ectopic tissue.

Biomarkers and bioindicators of the environmental condition using a fish species (Pimelodus maculatus Lacepède, 1803) in a tropical reservoir in Southeastern Brazil

Abstract The Funil Reservoir receives a large amount of xenobiotics from the Paraíba do Sul River (PSR) from large number of industries and municipalities in the watershed. This study aimed to assess environmental quality along the longitudinal profile of the Paraíba do Sul RiverFunil Reservoir system, by using biomarkers and bioindicators in a selected fish species. The raised hypothesis is that Funil Reservoir acts as a filter for the xenobiotics of the PSR waters, improving river water quality downstream the dam. Two biomarkers, the ethoxyresorufinOdeethylase activity (EROD), measured as fluorimetricly in S9 hepatic fraction, and the micronuclei frequency (MN), observed in erythrocytes of the cytoplasm, and three bioindicators, the hepatosomatic index (HSI), gonadosomatic index (GSI) and condition factor (CF) were used in Pimelodus maculatus, a fish species widely distributed in the system. Four zones were searched through a longitudinal gradient: 1, river upstream from the reservoir; 2, upper reservoir; 3, lower reservoir; 4, river downstream of the reservoir. EROD activity and HSI and GSI had significant differences among the zones (P 0.05). The upper reservoir had the lowest EROD activity and HSI, whereas the river downstream of the reservoir had the highest EROD and lowest GSI. The river upstream from the reservoir showed the highest HSI and GSI. It is suggested that the lowest environmental condition occur at the river downstream of the reservoir, where it seems to occur more influence of xenobiotics, which could be associated with hydroelectric plant operation. The hypothesis that Funil reservoir acts as a filter decanting pollution from the Paraíba do Sul River waters was rejected. These results are novel information on this subject for a native fish species and could be useful for future comparisons with other environments.

Resumo O reservatório do Funil recebe uma grande quantidade de contaminantes xenobióticos do Rio Paraíba do Sul (RPS) provenientes de grandes indústrias e municípios situados na bacia hidrográfica. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a qualidade ambiental ao longo de um perfil longitudinal do sistema rio Paraíba do Sul-reservatório do Funil, através de biomarcadores e bioindicadores em uma espécie de peixe selecionada. A hipótese a ser testada é de que o reservatório do Funil funciona como filtro para poluentes xenobioticos de águas do rio Paraíba do Sul, melhorando a qualidade da água à jusante da represa. Foram usados dois biomarcadores: a atividade de etoxiresorufinaOdesetilase (EROD), medida fluorimetricamente na fração S9 hepática, e a Freqüência de Micronúcleos (MN), observada no citoplasma dos eritrócitos; e também três bioindicadores: Índice hepato-somático (IHS), Índice gonado-somático (IGS) e Fator de Condição (FC) em Pimelodus maculatus, uma espécie de peixe amplamente distribuída no sistema. Quatro zonas foram amostrados ao longo do gradiente longitudinal: 1, rio a montante do reservatório; 2, parte superior do reservatório; 3, parte inferior do reservatório; 4, rio à jusante do reservatório. A atividade de EROD, o IHS e o IGS apresentaram diferenças significativas (P 0.05) entre as zonas. A atividade EROD e o IHS foram mais baixos na parte superior do reservatório, enquanto que no rio à jusante do reservatório, a atividade de EROD foi mais alta e o IGS foi mais baixo. O rio acima do reservatório apresentou maiores IHS e IGS. É sugerido que a pior condição ambiental ocorreu no rio abaixo do reservatório, o que poderia ser associado às influências das operações da usina hidroelétrica. A hipótese de que o reservatório do Funil atue como filtro decantando a poluição do rio Paraíba do Sul foi rejeitada. Estes dados são novas informações sobre este tema para uma espécie nativa e podem ser úteis para futuras comparações outros ambientes.

Histopathological hoof laminar changes in horses with pituitary pars Intermedia adenoma: cases report / Alterações histopatológicas do tecido laminar do casco em cavalos com adenoma da pars intermedia da hipófise: relato de casos

Laminitis in horses is often associated with endocrine disorders, especially the pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) in older animals. Morphologic exams of the laminar tissue of the hoof were performed in two horses with suspected PPID, with no clinical signs of laminitis. Changes compatible with laminitis of endocrine origin were observed, such as rounding of the nuclei of the basal cells, thinning and stretching of the secondary epidermal laminae and tissue proliferation. PPID horses with no clinical signs of laminitis may be affected by lesions of the laminar tissue of the hoof that compromise the integrity of the dermal-epidermal junction and may develop clinical symptoms of the disease. It has been suggested that the development stage of endocrine laminitis is longer, but further studies should be conducted to confirm it.

A laminite em cavalos está frequentemente associada a distúrbios endócrinos, como a disfunção da pars intermedia da pituitária (PPID) em animais mais velhos. Exames morfológicos do tecido laminar do casco foram realizados em dois cavalos com suspeita de PPID após o óbito, os quais não apresentaram sinais clínicos de laminite. Alterações compatíveis com a laminite de origem endócrina foram observadas, como arredondamento da núcleo das células basais, alongamento e afilamento das lâminas epidérmicas secundárias e proliferação tecidual. Cavalos com PPID sem sinais clínicos de laminite podem estar acometidos por lesões do tecido laminar do casco que comprometam a integridade das interdigitações dérmico-epidérmicas e podem desenvolver a sintomatologia clínica da doença. Sugere-se que o período de desenvolvimento da laminite endócrina seja mais longo, porém estudos adicionais devem ser realizados para confirmar essa hipótese.

Tank bromeliad water: similar or distinct environments for research of bacterial bioactives?

The Atlantic Rainforest does not have a uniform physiognomy, its relief determines different environmental conditions that define the composition of its flora and fauna. Within this ecosystem, bromeliads that form tanks with their leaves hold water reservoirs throughout the year, maintaining complex food chains, based mainly on autotrophic and heterotrophic bacteria. Some works concluded that the water held by tank bromeliads concentrate the microbial diversity of their ecosystem. To investigate the bacterial diversity and the potential biotechnology of these ecosystems, tank bromeliads of the Neoregelia cruenta species from the Atlantic Rainforest in Brazil were used as models for this research. Bacteria isolated from these models were tested for production of bioactive compounds. DGGE of the water held by tank bromeliads was performed in different seasons, locations and sun exposure to verify whether these environmental factors affect bacterial communities. The DGGE bands profile showed no grouping of bacterial community by the environmental factors tested. Most of the isolates demonstrated promising activities in the tests performed. Collectively, these results suggest that tank bromeliads of the N. cruenta species provide important habitats for a diverse microbial community, suggesting that each tank forms a distinct micro-habitat. These tanks can be considered excellent sources for the search for new enzymes and/or new bioactive composites of microbial origin.

Assessing fish assemblages similarity above and below a dam in a Neotropical reservoir with partial blockage / Avaliando a similaridade das assembléias de peixes acima e abaixo de uma barragem de um reservatório Neotropical com obliteração parcial

Damming rivers disrupts the water flow and changes the ichthyofauna organisation. We investigated an impoundment with permanent connection and homogeneous environmental conditions between the zones above and below the dam. Temperature was comparatively higher during wet season irrespective of zone, and both zones had higher dissolved oxygen, conductivity and transparency in the dry season. A total of 1687 individuals comprising 27 species were collected in the downriver zone, while the reservoir had 879 individuals and 23 species. Each zone had different fish assemblage composition and structure, but assemblages were not explained by the examined environmental variables (r2 = 0.08; p = 0.307). Migratory species such as Pimelodus maculatus, Pimelodus fur, Leporinus copelandii and Prochilodus lineatus were the most affected, and probably are prevented to perform upriver migrations. On the other hand, lentic adapted species such as G. brasiliensis, Hoplias malabaricus and Hoplosternum littorale successfully colonised the reservoir. Therefore we conclude that the presence of the lateral hydrological connectivity alone does not guarantee the ecological connectivity since fish assemblage similarity differed between the two zones. Fish passage facilities should be monitored and managed to evaluate and improve their functionality.

O represamento de rios interrompe o fluxo de água e altera a organização da ictiofauna. Nós investigamos um represamento com conexão hidrológica permanente e homogêneas condições ambientais entre as zonas acima e abaixo da barragem. A temperatura foi comparativamente mais elevada na estação chuvosa independente da zona, e ambas as zonas apresentaram maior oxigênio dissolvido, condutividade e transparência na estação seca. Um total de 1687 indivíduos compreendendo 27 espécies foi coletado na zona de rio abaixo da barragem, enquanto 879 indivíduos e 23 espécies foram registrados no reservatório. Cada zona teve assembléias de peixes com diferente composição e estrutura, mas as assembléias não foram explicadas pelas variáveis ambientais examinadas (r2 = 0.08; p = 0.307). Espécies de peixes migratórias, como Pimelodus maculatus, Pimelodus fur e Prochilodus lineatus foram as mais afetadas, e, provavelmente, são impedidas de realizar migrações rio acima. Por outro lado, espécies adaptadas a ambientes lênticos tais como G. brasiliensis, Hoplias malabaricus e Hoplosternum littorale colonizaram o reservatório com sucesso. Portanto, concluímos que a presença da conectividade hidrológica lateral sozinha não garante a conectividade ecológica já que a similaridade da assembleia de peixes diferiu entre as duas zonas. A passagem de peixes deve ser monitorada e gerenciada para avaliar e melhorar a sua funcionalidade.

Cardiovascular and respiratory alterations in dogs during cervical myelography using ioversol / Alterações cardiovasculares e respiratórias durante a mielografia cervical com ioversol em cães

Subarachnoid infusion of most contrast mediums and the steps involved in performing a cervical myelography have adverse affects that can discourage its use in the radiographic diagnosis of spinal cord diseases. Thus, the cardiovascular and respiratory alterations associated with neck flexion, subarachnoid puncture, and cerebrospinal fluid drainage during subarachnoid infusion of ioversol (320mgI/mL) in dogs under general anesthesia using isoflurane were evaluated. The dogs received subarachnoid infusion of autologous cerebrospinal fluid kept at 38°C - control group (GC); ioversol 0.3mL/kg at 25°C (GI25) and ioversol 0.3mL/kg heated to 38°C (GI38). Each dog had its heart rate (HR), systolic arterial pressure (SAP), diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), respiratory rate (RR), oxyhemoglobin saturation (SaO2) and electrocardiography readings (PR and QT intervals) recorded. Group comparisons showed no statistical difference regarding neck positioning, subarachnoid puncture, and subarachnoid infusion of contrast medium on HR, RR and SaO2, cardiac rhythm or conduction. However, isoflurane significantly increased PR and QT intervals. Based on these findings, it is concluded that the steps involved in cervical myelography and the use of ioversol 320mgI/mL at 0.3mL/kg (25ºC and 38ºC) during cervical myelography did not result in relevant cardiovascular and respiratory alterations, except for an elevation in arterial pressure after injection of ioversol.

Os efeitos adversos provocados pela infusão subaracnoidea de meios de contraste e da mielografia cervical podem desencorajar sua aplicação como alternativa para o diagnóstico radiológico de doenças da medula espinhal. Assim, avaliaram-se os efeitos cardiovascular e respiratório dos procedimentos técnicos necessários à mielografia cervical e da infusão subaracnoidea do ioversol - 320mgI/mL - em cães anestesiados com isofluorano. Foi realizada infusão do líquido cefalorraquidiano autólogo mantido a 38°C - grupo-controle (GC); infusão do ioversol 0,3mL/kg a 25°C (GI25); e infusão do ioversol 0,3mL/kg aquecido a 38°C (GI38). Estudaram-se: pressões arteriais sistólica (PAS) e diastólica (PAD), frequências cardíaca (FC) e respiratória (FR), saturação de oxi-hemoglobina (SaO2) e medidas eletrocardiográficas (intervalos PR e QT). Não houve influência significativa do posicionamento, da punção ou da infusão subaracnoidea do ioversol sobre FC, FR, SaO2, ritmo e condução cardíaca, entretanto o isofluorano aumentou significativamente os intervalos PR e QT. Concluiu-se que a mielografia cervical com ioversol 320mgI/mL, nas temperaturas de 25ºC e 38ºC e na dose de 0,3mL/kg, não causa arritmias cardíacas nem alterações cardiovasculares e respiratórias relevantes, exceto elevação da pressão arterial após a injeção do contraste.

Action of phosphorylated mannanoligosaccharides on immune and hematological responses and fecal consistency of dogs experimentally infected with enteropathogenic Escherichia coli strains

The therapeutic action of phosphorylated mannanoligosaccharides (MOS) was investigated regarding its prebiotic activity on enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC). Diarrhea was induced in dogs by experimental infection with EPEC strains. Then MOS was supplied once a day, in water for 20 days. Immunological (IgA and IgG), hematological (lymphocytes, neutrophils and monocytes) and bacteriological variables (PCR detection of the eae gene of EPEC recovered from stool culture), as well as occurrence of diarrhea were evaluated. All strains caused diarrhea at 24, 48 and 72 h after infection. PCR results indicated that E. coli isolated from stool culture of all infected animals had the eae gene. There was no significant difference among groups as to number of blood cells in the hemogram and IgA and IgG production. MOS was effective in recovering of EPEC-infected dogs since prebiotic-treated animals recovered more rapidly from infection than untreated ones (p < 0.05). This is an important finding since diarrhea causes intense dehydration and nutrient loss. The use of prebiotics for humans and other animals with diarrhea can be an alternative for the treatment and prophylaxis of EPEC infections.

Cardiovascular fitness and cardiovascular risk factors among obese men and women aged 58 years and older, in Portugal / Asociación entre el test de caminata de seis minutos y factores de riesgo cardiovascular en portugueses obesos

Background: A better physical fitness may have survival advantages in adults. Aim: To analyze the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiovascular risk factors among obese subjects aged 58 years and older. Material and Methods: Cardiorespiratory fitness using the six-minute walk test, body composition by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and blood pressure were measured in a non-representative sample of 76 obese Portuguese subjects aged 58 to 87 years (55 women). Participants were stratified in tertiles of walking capacity according to the six-minute walk test. Results: Six minutes walk test results were negatively correlated with percentage body fat (r = -0.28; p = 0.012) and systolic blood pressure (r = -0.23; p = 0.045). Participants located in the lowest tertile for the six minutes walk test had an odds ratio of4.34 (95% confidence intervals: 1.02-18.43) for elevated blood pressure. Conclusions: A lower six minutes walk test result is associated with a higher risk for high blood pressure.

Antecedentes: Una mejor condición física se asocia a mejor sobrevida en adultos. Objetivos: Estudiar la relación entre condición física y factores de riesgo cardiovascular en obesos mayores de 58 años. Material y Métodos: Se midió la capacidad cardiorrespiratoria mediante la prueba de caminata de seis minutos, composición corporal mediante densitometría de doble fotón y presión arterial en una muestra no representativa de 76 portugueses de 58 a 87 años (55 mujeres). Los participantes se estratificaron en terciles de acuerdo a los resultados de la prueba de seis minutos. Resultados: Los resultados de la prueba de caminata de seis minutos se correlacionaron negativamente con el porcentaje de grasa corporal (r = -0,28; p = 0,012) y presión sistólica (r = -0,23; p = 0,045). Los participantes ubicados en el tercil más bajo de la prueba de caminata de seis minutos tenían una razón de riesgo para hipertensión arterial de 4,34 (intervalos de confianza de 95%: 1,02- 18,43). Conclusiones: Una prueba de caminata de seis minutos con bajos resultados se asocia a un mayor riesgo de hipertensión arterial.