Transition period produces changes in blood and body composition in mares / Período de transição produz alterações na composição do sangue e do corpo em éguas

Clinical and metabolic evaluation is necessary for the monitoring of pregnant and lactating mares, as they reflect the health of the animal. The body condition of the mare is an indicator of reproductive efficiency. The study aimed to determine the possible variations in body and metabolic condition in Mangalarga Marchador mares during the transition period. Forty-eight mares distributed in two groups were used: Maintenance Group (MG), composed of non-pregnant and non-lactating mares, and Transition Group (TG), formed by pregnant mares and who after delivery became lactating. Analyzes were performed in the times T-60, T-30 and T-15 before delivery, first six hours (T0) after delivery and T15, T30 and T60 days after delivery. MG was evaluated only at one time (T-60). Body weight and fat-free mass differed (P<0.05) between the groups. The percentage of fat was lower in MG. Mares had a higher fat percentage in TG at T-60 and T-30 times. There was a difference (P<0.05) in the amount of cholesterol between MG and TG (T0, T15 and T30). Triglycerides were different between the groups. TG showed higher concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (P<0.05). There was a higher amount of glucose in TG (delivery and lactation) when compared to mares in MG. Changes in body condition and metabolic constituents occurred in the animals resulting from physiological adaptations of the transition period. The energetic components are the most affected from the transition period, with intense fat mobilization to supply the body demands.(AU)

Avaliações clínicas e metabólicas são necessárias para o monitoramento de éguas gestantes e lactantes, pois refletem a saúde do animal. A condição corporal da égua pode ser um indicador da eficiência reprodutiva. O estudo objetivou determinar as possíveis variações na condição corporal e metabólica em éguas Mangalarga Marchador durante o período de transição. Foram utilizadas 48 éguas distribuídas em dois grupos: Grupo em Manutenção (GM) composto por éguas não gestantes e não lactantes; Grupo em Transição (GT) formado por éguas gestantes e que após o parto tornaram-se lactantes. As análises foram realizadas nos tempos T-60, T-30 e T-15 antes do parto, primeiras seis horas (T0) após o parto e T15, T30 e T60 dias após o parto. O GM foi avaliado apenas uma vez (T-60). O peso corporal e a massa livre de gordura diferiram (P<0,05) entre os grupos. O percentual de gordura foi menor em GM. As éguas apresentaram maior porcentagem de gordura no GT no T-60 e no T-30. Houve diferença (P<0,05) na quantidade de colesterol entre GM e GT (T0, T15 e T30). Triglicérides foram diferentes entre os grupos. GT apresentou maiores concentrações de ácidos graxos não esterificados (P<0,05). Houve maior quantidade de glicose no GT (parto e lactação) quando comparada às éguas no GM. Mudanças na condição corporal e nos constituintes metabólicos ocorreram nos animais resultantes de adaptações fisiológicas do período de transição. Os componentes energéticos são os mais afetados neste período, existindo intensa mobilização de gordura para suprir demandas corporais.(AU)

A Pilot Examination of Oxidative Stress in Trichotillomania

OBJECTIVE: Trichotillomania is a relatively common illness whose neurobiology is poorly understood. One treatment for adult trichotillomania, n-acetyl cysteine (NAC), has antioxidative properties, as well as effects on central glutamatergic transmission. Preclinical models suggest that excessive oxidative stress may be involved in its pathophysiology. METHODS: Adults with trichotillomania provided a blood sample for analysis of compounds that may be influenced by oxidative stress [glutathione, angiotensin II, ferritin, iron, glucose, insulin and insulin growth factor 1 (IGF1), and hepcidin]. Participants were examined on symptom severity, disability, and impulsivity. The number of participants with out-of-reference range oxidative stress measures were compared against the null distribution. Correlations between oxidative stress markers and clinical measures were examined. RESULTS: Of 14 participants (mean age 31.2 years; 92.9% female), 35.7% (n=5) had total glutathione levels below the reference range (p= 0.041). Other oxidative stress measures did not have significant proportions outside the reference ranges. Lower levels of glutathione correlated significantly with higher motor impulsiveness (Barratt Impulsiveness Scale sub-score) (r=0.97, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: A third of patients with trichotillomania had low levels of glutathione, and lower levels of glutathione correlated significantly with higher motor impulsiveness. Because NAC is a precursor for cysteine, and cysteine is a rate limiting step for glutathione production, these results may shed light on the mechanisms through which NAC can have beneficial effects for impulsive symptoms. Confirmation of these results requires a suitable larger follow-up study, including an internal normative control group.

Total hip arthroplasty for posttraumatic osteoarthritis following acetabular fracture: A systematic review of characteristics, outcomes, and complications / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

<p><b>PURPOSE</b>Posttraumatic arthritis (PTA) may develop years after acetabular fracture, hindering joint function and causing significant chronic musculoskeletal pain. Given the delayed onset of PTA, few studies have assessed outcomes of delayed total hip arthroplasty (THA) in acetabular fracture patients. This study systematically reviewed the literature for outcomes of THA in patients with PTA and prior acetabular fracture.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Pubmed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Cochrane library were searched for articles containing the keywords "acetabular", "fracture", "arthroplasty", and "post traumatic arthritis" published between 1995 and August 2017. Studies with less than 10 patients, less than 2 years of follow-up, conference abstracts, and non-English language articles were excluded. Data on patient demographics, surgical characteristics, and outcomes of delayed THA, including implant survival, complications, need for revision, and functional scores, was collected from eligible studies.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>With 1830 studies were screened and data from 10 studies with 448 patients were included in this review. The median patient age on date of THA was 51.5 years, ranging from 19 to 90 years. The median time from fracture to THA was 37 months, with a range of 27-74 months. Mean follow-up times ranged from 4 to 20 years. The mean Harris hip scores (HHS) improved from 41.5 pre-operatively, to 87.6 post-operatively. The most prevalent postoperative complications were heterotopic ossification (28%-63%), implant loosening (1%-24%), and infection (0%-16%). The minimum 5-year survival of implants ranged from 70% to 100%. Revision rates ranged from 2% to 32%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Despite the difficulties associated with performing THA in patients with PTA from previous acetabular fracture (including soft tissue scarring, existing hardware, and acetabular bone loss) and the relatively high complication rates, THA in patients with PTA following prior acetabular fracture leads to significant improvement in pain and function at 10-year follow-up. Further high quality randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm the outcomes after delayed THA in these patients.</p>

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to assess the effect of an aqueous extract of Triticum aestivum on canine outer ear inflammation / Ensaio clínico, randomizado, duplo cego, para tratamento experimental de otite externa com extrato aquoso de Triticum aestivum

Outer ear otitis is a multifactorial acute or chronic inflammation of the ear canal, and treatment is often hampered by growing antibiotic resistance. Pre-clinical assessments have shown that an aqueous extract of Triticum aestiveum (wheat) can effectively reduce the symptoms associated with the disease. The purpose of this study was to assess, through a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, the use of T. aestivum extract on canine external otitis. Thirty dogs (60 ears) met the criteria to be included in this study, and were randomly assigned a treatment group: placebo, extract, or positive control (C+). Ears were treated every day for seven days, and assessed before treatment (day zero), after treatment (day 7), and again on reassessment (day 14). Clinical assessment included: type of otitis; pinna conformation; presence or absence of itchiness, foul odor, and pain; presence of stenosis, erythema and cerumen. Furthermore, the evaluators assessed the temperature in each ear and the pH of the cerumen, and swabs were collected for bacterial and fungal isolation. All veterinarians treating and assessing the animals were blinded regarding the treatment groups. Results showed little difference in the treatment groups regarding clinical parameters. By day 7 ears treated with the C+ had elevated temperatures, when compared to the others (P<0.05), this was still true on day 14. Bacterial isolation had completely died out by day 7, however, on day fourteen the placebo group had six ears with bacterial infections, unlike the other two groups (P<0.05). The results generated herein show that a 25% wheat extract solution is effective in the reduction of clinical and microbiological parameters of external otitis, with better results when compared to a placebo, and similar results to the traditional, antibiotic/anti-inflammatory treatment.(AU)

A Otite Externa (OE) é uma inflamação aguda ou crônica do conduto auditivo dos cães apresentando várias etiologias e o uso de antimicrobianos vem apresentando resistência por inúmeras causas. O objetivo do presente estudo clínico, randomizado e duplo cego foi avaliar a utilização de Triticum aestivum no tratamento da otite externa em cães. Trinta cães com sintomas de otite externa foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em três grupos para tratamento (grupo placebo, grupo solução teste e grupo controle positivo), sendo tratados uma vez ao dia, durante sete dias e avaliados nos dias 0 (zero), sete, e 14 pós o tratamento, sendo submetidos a exame otológico, coleta de secreção auricular para cultura bacteriana e medição do pH do canal auditivo, sendo também realizada a aferição da temperatura do conduto auditivo. Como resultados foi observado que no dia sete houve um aumento da temperatura auricular do grupo controle positivo e manteve-se com a temperatura maior no dia 14 em relação aos demais grupos. Em relação a cultura bacteriana não houve diferença estatística nos grupos entre os dias zero e sete, porém na avaliação com 14 dias, percebeu-se crescimento bacteriano somente no grupo placebo. A solução com extrato aquoso de trigo 25% é eficaz na redução dos parâmetros clínicos e microbiológicos da otite externa, sendo uma nova opção para o tratamento dessa enfermidade em cães.(AU)

Tendon Transfer Increases Passive Tension of the Entire Muscle, Fiber Bundle and Single Fiber / The Japanese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine

Skeletal muscle is known to be set at an over-stretched length in clinical tendon transfer. Such chronic stretching of skeletal muscle increases the serial sarcomere number required for muscle adaptation. Passive tension of the muscle must be affected during the adaptation. Thus, the objective of this study was to clarify the origin of increased passive tension after stretched tendon transfer in an animal model. The distal tendon of the extensor digitorum of the second toe was transposed to the extensor retinaculum at 3.7 mm of muscle sarcomere length. The contralateral muscle served as control. Muscle passive length-tension curves were measured at 1 week and 4 weeks after the transfer to the bilateral muscles. After functional measurements were taken, the muscles were dissected into fiber bundles and single muscle fibers to measure their passive mechanical properties with a micro force transducer. Passive tension was increased in the transferred muscle with a steeper inclination and leftward shift of muscle length-tension curve. Elastic modulus of the transferred fiber bundle increased at both time points, while those of the transferred single fibers increased only at 1 week. Results of the study suggest that the transferred muscle increased passive tension mainly due to proliferation of extracellular connective tissue within the muscle. Increased passive tension was a characteristic feature for the transferred muscle, which may ultimately represent a target for therapeutic intervention to optimize muscle function.

Novel antiviral activity of dialdehyde starch

A significant effort worldwide is being directed toward development of novel biocides against drug-resistant bacterial and viruses because of the significant potential human infection risks in the general population. We report here the discovery of a strong antiviral biocide, dialdheyde starch (DAS). Antiviral tests were carried out against three non-envelop viruses, including two bacterial viruses MS2 and PRD1, and one human virus Poliovirus. Dialdehyde starch aqueous suspensions were effective biocides against these three test viruses in a 1 hr exposure test. The antiviral activity was significantly enhanced in a four-hour exposure test, with maximum seven orders of magnitude reductions against MS2 and PRD1, and four-order reduction against Poliovirus. The antiviral activity of dialdehyde starch was found to be pH dependent, being more active in alkaline and acidic conditions than in neutral conditions.

Contagem de plaquetas: avaliação de metodologias manuais e aplicação na rotina laboratorial / Platelet count: evaluation of manual methodologies and application in the laboratory routine

A contagem de plaquetas por microscopia é uma ferramenta fundamental na avaliação dos pacientes com doenças que acometem as plaquetas, na medida em que complementa e corrobora as informações fornecidas pelos analisadores hematológicos, além de servir de ferramenta de controle interno da qualidade das contagens automatizadas de plaquetas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar quatro métodos manuais de estimativa microscópica da contagem de plaquetas, considerando a correlação com a contagem automatizada de plaquetas e a correlação entre um método e outro, além de fornecer subsídios para a validação dos mesmos nos laboratórios de hematologia. Foram avaliados, neste trabalho, o método de Fonio modificado, o de Bárbara H. O'Connor, o de Nosanchuk, Chang & Bennett e um método alternativo baseado em um cálculo envolvendo a hemoglobina do paciente. Todos obtiveram boa correlação estatística quando comparados com a contagem automatizada de plaquetas e entre um e outro, sugerindo que o seu uso pode ser recomendado na avaliação plaquetária de pacientes com os mais diversos valores de contagem de plaquetas.

The platelet blood smear is an important tool in the evaluation of platelet disorders because it adds useful information to data provided by hematology analyzers. Furthermore, it serves as a tool for the internal quality control of automated counts. The aim of this work was to compare four manual methods of estimating platelets and to correlate the results with automated platelet counts. This study may also assist in the validation of these methods. The methodologies evaluated in this work were the modified Fonio method, the Barbara H. O'Connor method, the Nosanchuk Chang & Bennett method and an alternative method based on the patient's hemoglobin. All methodologies had good correlation coefficients both when compared with the other methods tested and with automated platelet counts suggesting that their use can be recommended for the evaluation of the platelet status of any patient.

Operational feasibility of establishing community reporting systems.

BACKGROUND: In developing countries the absence ofa credible disease surveillance system results in an inappropriate response to an outbreak. Since a functioning and responsive disease surveillance system cannot be provided immediately, some interim surveillance system for early detection of outbreaks is needed to institute a prompt response. This operational research study was conducted to assess the feasibility of establishing community reporting systems involving women self-help groups and members of Panchayati raj institutions through syndromic surveillance at the community level. METHODS: Reporting was initiated from 8 villages in 4 gram panchayats of Begunia block of Khurda district in Orissa during May and June 2005. Members of women self-help groups and Panchayati raj institutions were trained on structured reporting guidelines. In congruence with the state disease surveillance system, weekly reporting was started for comparison where feasible. RESULTS: Completeness of reporting was better achieved by women self-help groups (91.6%) than members of Panchayati raj institutions (66.6%). Data capture was more complete as compared with the existing disease surveillance system. Illnesses among women were better captured and greater ownership of the public health service was noted. CONCLUSION: Establishing community reporting systems using women self-help groups and members of Panchayat raj institutions for disease surveillance in India is a feasible option.

Multiple infections and associated risk factors among non-injecting cocaine users in Argentina

El propósito de este estudio era estimar los índices de seroprevalencia del virus de inmunodeficiencia humano (VIH), virus de la hepatitis B (VHB, anticuerpo core), virus de la hepatitis C (VHC) e infecciones de sífilis y analizar factores de riesgo asociados entre 504 usuarios de cocaína no inyectable (UCNI) en la ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Se entrevistó a los participantes en sesiones cara a cara a través de un cuestionario estructurado corto. Usando el método de la venipunción se recogieron 10mL de sangre. Las tasas de seroprevalencia fueron: VIH (6,3 por ciento), VHB (9 por ciento), VHC (7,5 por ciento), y VDRL (4,2 por ciento). El riesgo de infección por VIH, VHB, y VHC se asoció significativamente a mantener relaciones sexuales con un compañero/a que era consumidor de la droga inyectada o que era conocido por ser VIH positivo. Las infecciones de VIH y de VHC se asociaron a haber estado encarcelado anteriormente, y la de VHC se asoció también a haber sido tatuado. Debido al número creciente de UCNI y a las infecciones múltiples detectadas, es esencial implementar estrategias de prevención centradas en esta población.

The aim of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV, core antibody), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and syphilis infections and analyze associated risk factors among 504 non-injecting cocaine users (NICU) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Participants were interviewed in face-to-face sessions through a short structured questionnaire. Using venipuncture, 10mL of blood was collected. Seroprevalence rates were: HIV (6.3 percent), HBV (9 percent), HCV (7.5 percent), and VDRL (4.2 percent). The risk of being infected with HIV, HBV, and HCV was significantly associated with having had a sex partner who was either a drug injector or who was known to be HIV positive. HIV and HCV infections were associated with former imprisonment, and HCV was associated with having been tattooed. Because of the rising number of NICU and the multiple infections detected, it is essential to implement prevention strategies focused on this population.

Phylogeography and RAPD-PCR variation in Hoplias malabaricus (Bloch, 1794) (Pisces, Teleostei) in southeastern Brazil

In the Rio Doce basin of southeastern Brazil, the freshwater fish Hoplias malabaricus (trahira) is a widespread predatory characin and one of the few resilient native fishes in a highly impacted lake system. In order to test for genetic differentiation in populations within this basin and for biogeographic relationships among populations of this species in other basins, a study was conducted using RAPD-PCR analysis of Rio Doce samples (N = 63) and phylogeographic analyses with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotypes, including the Rio Grande and Macacu river basins. In the Rio Doce basin, the patterns of genetic similarity of RAPD-PCR markers (individual fingerprinting and NeiÆs genetic distance) suggest the existence of two genetically different groups, one composed of the lacustrine populations Carioca and Dom Helvécio, and the other of riverine and the remaining lacustrine populations. The differences in the RAPD-PCR patterns may be explained by the existence of sub-basins within this lacustrine system. A maximum parsimony tree of cytochrome b fragment (383 base pairs) supports the view that trahiras of the Rio Doce share a complex biogeographic history with those of neighboring basins. The phylogeographic patterns may be explained by a common history of the watersheds of the Rio Doce, Paraíba do Sul, and Rio Grande basins, corroborating the hypothesis of a Plio-Pleistocene separation of these drainage systems, forming the Mantiqueira ôdivortium aquariumö

Estabelecimento dos valores normais do RDW para a populaçäo de Curitiba / Corpuscular constant (RDW) as reference value for eritogram

O RDW (red cell distribution width) é uma constante que, atualmente, está incorporada ao eritrograma de muitos contadores automatizados e que se reveste de uma importância muito grande na interpretaçäo laboratorial das anemias. O valor de referência utilizado para a interpretaçäo do RDW é o que acompanha os aparelhos e näo o da nossa populaçäo. O presente trabalho estabelece o valor de referência para o RDW em nossa populaçäo

Influência do tipo de material de sutura na perviedade de anastomoses arteriovenosas / Influence of type of suture material on the patency of arteriovenous anastomosis

O conceito de fios inabsorvíveis em anastomoses vasculares tem mudado. Investigações recentes mostraram algumas vantagens dos materiais absorvíveis. O presente estudo comparou a perviedade e a resistência tênsil de anastomoses arteriovenosas, usando fios absorvíveis e inabsorvíveis, em artérias femorais superficiais de cão. Foram encontrados melhores resultados com as suturas utilizando fios absorvíveis. Concluindo, o material utilizado nos fios de sutura está relacionado à perviedade anastomótica a longo prazo.

The concept of using nonabsorbable sutures for vascular anastomoses has been changing. Recent investigations have shown some advantages of absorbable materials. This study compared the patency rate and tensile strength of arteriovenous anastomoses using absorbable and nonabsorbable sutures in canine superficial femoral artery. The results were better results with absorbable stitches. In conclusion, the nature of the suture material is related to long term patency.

Influence of atropine and ketanserin on canine jejunal secretory and contractile effects of serotonin

A serotonina é um importante mediador da secreçao hidroeletrolítica e da motilidade intestinais. Diversas substâncias têm sido estudadas no sentido de controlar os efeitos hipersecretórios e motores, com conseqüênte diarréia severa, induzidos pela hiperserotoninemia. Este trabalho investiga a influência da atropina e da quetaserina sobre a secreçao hidroeletrolítia e a motilidade jejunais induzidas pela serotonina, en alças de Thiry-Vella de cao. Ambas as substâncias reduziram a secreçao de água, sódio, potássio e cloreto, bem como diminuíram a atividade motora de segmento jejunal isolado. Esses resultados sugerem uma possível açao benéfica da atropina e da quetanserina no tratamento de efeitos prejudiciais da serotonina sobre o intestino, como por exemplo a diarréia