Percepción del Aprendizaje Activo Virtual de la Anatomía Humana, por Estudiantes de la Universidad Austral de Chile / Student Perceptions of Active Learning for the Practice of Virtual Human Anatomy, a Study at the Universidad Austral de Chile

Ante la pandemia del coronavirus, hubo que reinventar la forma de hacer las actividades prácticas de laboratorio de anatomía humana, la necesidad de que sean exclusivamente virtual, elevó la exigencia. La imposibilidad de trabajar con material orgánico demandó que al menos las imágenes a utilizar fueran de alta calidad. Para lo anterior, se usaron fotografías de disecciones del laboratorio de anatomía, más digitalizaciones de estructuras humanas de nuestro laboratorio en formato 3D disponibles en la plataforma web https://anatomiahumana3d.com. No obstante lo anterior, se detectó cierto grado de desidia por parte de los estudiantes y escasa participación en las actividades prácticas. Para resolver esto se implementó una modalidad de Aprendizaje Activo, específicamente de Aula Invertida, con el fin de que sea el propio estudiante quien genere su conocimiento. Una vez terminado el proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje bajo la nueva modalidad, se realizó un estudio descriptivo, a fin de detectar falencias y proponer mejoras respecto a la metodología aplicada. Los resultados arrojaron un nivel de satisfacción por sobre el 80 %, en tanto, que solo el 5 % de los estudiantes contestó como aceptable las diferentes dimensiones evaluadas, demostrando como el sistema de aula inversa fue bien recibida por los estudiantes. Sin embargo es prudente generar futuros estudios que ayuden a mejorar este tipo de metodología, como también seguir innovando en las estrategias didácticas que aporten a la comprensión de la anatomía humana.

SUMMARY: In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic it was necessary to reinvent the way of doing practical activities in the human anatomy laboratory and the need for these to be exclusively online, raised the requirement. Due to the impossibility of using organic samples, high-quality images had to be used. Therefore, photographs of dissections from our human anatomy laboratory were used, as well as digitalization of human structures from our laboratory in a three-dimensional (3D) format available on the web platform https://anatomiahumana3d.com. However, a certain degree of laziness on the part of the students and low participation in the practical activities was detected. To solve this problem, an Active Learning modality was implemented, specifically the Flipped Classroom, so that the students themselves generate their knowledge. Once the teaching-learning process was completed under the new modality, a descriptive study was carried out to detect shortcomings and propose improvements to the methodology applied. The results showed a level of satisfaction above 80 % and only 5 % of the students evaluated the different dimensions as acceptable demonstrating how the Flipped Classroom system was well received by the students. To conclude, it is prudent to generate future studies that help to improve this type of methodology, as well as to continue innovating in didactic strategies that contribute to the understanding of human anatomy.

Management of defoliation in Trifolium vesiculosum S. for the production of seeds / [Manejo da desfolha em Trifolium vesiculosum Savi para a produção de sementes]

The present study aims to determine the appropriate defoliation management for the production of seeds and forage in arrowleaf clover via trail analysis. The results obtained demonstrated that defoliation practices have a great influence on the composition of seed yield and germination power. In addition, when the goal is the maximum balance between dry matter production and seed yield, this can be achieved in up to two defoliation practices. These results are confirmed by analyzing the positive association between the weight of a thousand seeds and the seed yield. When the third defoliation practice is performed, it negatively correlates with the weight of a thousand seeds, suggesting that, with the increase in defoliation frequency, there is a lower weight of a thousand seeds, and, therefore, lower seed yield. Therefore, management planning in Trifolium vesiculosum Savi that aims at natural reseeding, maximum yield and seed germination must prioritize one to two defoliation practices, aiming to promote favorable conditions for the perennialization of the species. In this context, the trail analysis proved to be a useful tool as a criterion for obtaining the ideal management aiming at the production of seeds and forage in vesicular clover.(AU)

O presente estudo visa determinar o manejo de desfolha adequado para a produção de sementes e de forragem em trevo-vesiculoso via análise de trilha. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que as práticas de desfolha possuem grande influência na composição do rendimento de sementes e no poder germinativo. Além disso, quando o objetivo for o máximo equilíbrio entre a produção de matéria seca e o rendimento de sementes, esse pode ser alcançado em até duas práticas de desfolha. Esses resultados são confirmados ao se analisar a associação positiva entre o peso de mil sementes e o rendimento de sementes. Quando realizada a terceira prática de desfolha, esta se correlaciona negativamente com o peso de mil sementes, sugerindo que, com o aumento da frequência de desfolha, ocorre menor peso de mil sementes e, por conseguinte, menor rendimento de sementes. Portanto, o planejamento do manejo em T. vesiculosum Savi que objetive a ressemeadura natural, o máximo rendimento e a germinação de sementes deve priorizar até duas práticas de desfolha, visando promover condições favoráveis para a perenização da espécie. Nesse contexto, a análise de trilha demonstrou ser uma ferramenta útil como critério para obtenção do manejo ideal visando à produção de sementes e de forragem em trevo-vesiculoso.(AU)

Genetic parameters and genetic trends of conformation and management traits in Dairy Gir cattle / [Parâmetros genéticos e tendências genéticas de características de conformação e manejo de bovinos Gir Leiteiro]

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters and genetic trends of different conformation and management traits regularly measured within the context of the National Dairy Gir Breeding Program (PNMGL). The estimation of genetic and residual variances for each trait was performed using average information restricted maximum likelihood (AI-REML) procedure in AIREMLF90 program software. The population was divided into three subpopulations constituted by measured females (with phenotype records), all females, and males. Linear regressions were applied for each trait, considering two periods of birth (1st period: 1938-1996; 2nd period: 1997-2012). The estimated heritability of conformation and management traits varied from 0.01 to 0.53, denoting a perspective of genetic improvement through selection and corrective matings for purebred Dairy Gir populations. The average genetic changes in conformation and management traits were, in general, variable and inexpressive, showing that the selection of Dairy Gir may have had been directed essentially to increase milk yield. The analysis of the two periods of birth indicated that some linear traits present progress (although inexpressive) in the 2nd period (more recent period).(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar os parâmetros genéticos e as tendências genéticas para diferentes características de conformação e manejo de animais puros da raça Gir Leiteiro, pertencentes ao Programa Nacional de Melhoramento do Gir Leiteiro (PNMGL). A estimativa das variâncias genéticas e residuais para cada característica foi realizada usando-se o procedimento de máxima verossimilhança restrita (AI-REML), por meio do programa AIREMLF90. A população foi dividida em três subpopulações, constituídas por fêmeas mensuradas (com registros de fenótipo), todas fêmeas e machos. As regressões lineares para cada característica foram ainda divididas em dois períodos de anos de nascimento (1º período: 1938 a 1996; 2º período: 1997 a 2012). As herdabilidades estimadas variaram de 0,01 a 0,53 para as características de conformação e manejo, possibilitando a perspectiva de melhoramento mediante seleção e acasalamentos corretivos na população pura da raça Gir Leiteiro. As mudanças genéticas nas características conformação e manejo foram, em geral, variáveis e inexpressivas, sugerindo que a seleção no Gir Leiteiro possa ter sido direcionada essencialmente para maior produção de leite. Ao serem observados os dois períodos distintos de anos de nascimento, infere-se que algumas características lineares apresentaram progresso (embora inexpressivo) no 2º período analisado.(AU)

Experiencia en el tratamiento quirúrgico del angiofibroma nasal juvenil en Hospital de Especialidades No 2 Lic. Luis Donaldo Colosio Murrieta. Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social de Ciudad Obregón, Sonora / Experience in the surgical treatment of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma at the Hospital de Especialidades No. 2 "Lic. Luis Donaldo Colosio Murrieta", Mexican Social Security Institute, Ciudad Obregón, Sonora

Objetivo: Exponer nuestra experiencia y evaluar la recurrencia en el manejo quirúrgico del angiofibroma nasal juvenil, abordaje abierto contra endoscópico, en el servicio de otorrinolaringología del noroeste del país. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo, analítico. Se revisaron los expedientes clínicos de los pacientes con diagnóstico de angiofibroma nasal juvenil de 2014 a 2017, atendidos en el Servicio de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello de esta institución. Resultados: Un total de 19 pacientes con diagnóstico de angiofibroma nasal juvenil, fueron sometidos a un procedimiento quirúrgico, 14 abiertos y 5 endoscópicos, la recurrencia fue de 50 % y 40 % respectivamente, lo cual no fue estadísticamente significativo (p=0.88). No obstante, se contrastaron otras variables, como la necesidad de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) para ambos grupos, 71 % en abordaje abierto y 20 % para el endoscópico, en lo cual si encontramos diferencia significativa (p=0.04). Conclusiones: El estudio no muestra una ventaja estadísticamente significativa del abordaje endoscópico frente al abordaje abierto, pero sí una menor necesidad de hospitalización en UCI, lo que reduciría los costos de atención.

Objective: To present our experience and assess the recurrence of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma after a surgical treatment (open versus endoscopic approach) in the country's northwestern Department of Otorhinolaryngology. Materials and methods: An observational, retrospective, analytical study. The medical records of patients diagnosed with juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma, who were treated at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery of this institution from 2014 to 2017, were reviewed. Results: A total of 19 patients diagnosed with juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma underwent a surgical procedure, out of which 14 had an open surgery and 5 an endoscopic one. Recurrence accounted for 50 % and 40 %, respectively, which was not statistically significant (p = 0.88). However, other variables were compared, such as the need for admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), which was represented by 71 % in the case of the open approach and 20 % for the endoscopic approach, where a significant difference was found (p = 0.04). Conclusions: The study shows no statistically significant advantage of the endoscopic approach versus the open approach, but demonstrates less need for ICU admissions, which would reduce healthcare costs.

Phytoplankton composition of the water and gastrointestinal tract of the mussel Diplodon enno (Ortmann, 1921) from São Francisco river (Bahia, Brazil) / Composição fitoplanctônica da água e do trato gastrointestinal do molusco Diplodon enno (Ortmann) do rio São Francisco (BA - Brasil)

Abstract The knowledge on diet composition of the freshwater mussel Diplodon enno (Ortmann) would aid in its culture and propagation allowing, this way, the replacement of natural endangered populations in Brazil. Microalgae are the main food source for captive mussels and unionids have displayed an ability to sort algae based on the cellular characteristics prior to ingestion. The main objective of the present work is to analyze the phytoplankton composition of the water from and of the gastrointestinal contents of the mussel D. enno, as an initial step for development of a suitable rearing diet. Therefore, water samples and bivalve specimens were collected from S. Francisco River, city of Paulo Afonso, Bahia, Brazil. The microalgal composition found in water and stomach/gut content samples was very diverse being represented by the following divisions: Cyanophyta, Chlorophyta, Dinophyta and Heterokontophyta (Diatoms). Concerning the relative abundance of microalgae divisions, it is possible to state, for the water and gastrointestinal contents, that Cyanophyta represents 15% and 14%, Chlorophyta 54% in both, Heterokontophyta 31% and 27% and Dinophyta 0% and 5%, respectively. According to the Brazilian CETESB criteria for phytoplankton species classification, 50% of Cyanophyta and 15% of Chlorophyta species observed in the water samples were classified as “very frequent”, as were 68% of Heterokontophyta and 33% of Chlorophyta species in the gut/stomach tract samples. Focusing at a species level, although in the water only Coelastrum sp. and Chroococcus sp. were observed in 100% and 75% of the samples, respectively, in the gastrointestinal tract the species Staurastrum sp., Aulacoseira sp., Scenedesmus sp. and Fragilaria crotonensis occurred in 80% to 100% of the samples. The present results showed that D. enno feeds not only on small chlorophytes microalgae, due to their convenient size that facilitates higher feeding rates, but also on large size diatoms, due to a possible nutritional advantage for the bivalves. Thus, a diet composed by large diatoms and small chlorophytes microalgae may be considered as the most reasonable for the maintenance of D. enno populations.

Resumo O conhecimento da composição da dieta do molusco de água doce Diplodon enno é de extrema importância para a sua cultura e propagação, permitindo desta forma a recuperação de populações em perigo de extinção no Brasil. As microalgas são a principal fonte de alimento para moluscos filtradores e os uniónidos sendo selecionadas por estes com base nas suas características celulares. O principal objectivo deste trabalho é analisar a composição fitoplanctônica da água e do conteúdo gastrointestinal do molusco D. enno, de forma a desenvolver uma dieta apropriada ao seu cultivo. Para isso, amostras de água e espécimes de bivalves foram recolhidos do rio São Francisco, cidade de Paulo Afonso, Bahia, Brasil. A composição de microalgas encontrada na água e no conteúdo do estômago/intestino foi muito diversa, sendo representada pelas seguintes divisões: Cyanophyta, Chlorophyta, Dinophyta e Heterokontophyta (diatomáceas). Atendendo à abundância relativa de cada divisão de microalgas, podemos afirmar que na água e no trato gastrointestinal Cyanophyta representa 15% e 14%, Chlorophyta 54% em ambos, Heterokontophyta 31% e 27% e Dinophyta 0% and 5%, respectivamente. De acordo com o critério CETESB de classificação de espécies de fitoplâncton, 50% das espécies de Cyanophyta e 15% das de Chlorophyta observadas nas amostras de água foram classificadas como “muito frequentes”, tal como aconteceu para 68% das espécies de Heterokontophyta e 33% das de Chlorophyta nas amostras do conteúdo do trato gastrointestinal. Realçando as espécies presentes, apesar de apenas Coelastrum sp. e Chroococcus sp. terem sido observadas em 100% e 75% das amostras de água, respectivamente, nas amostras de trato gastrointestinal Staurastrum sp., Aulacoseira sp., Scenedesmus sp. e Fragilaria crotonensis foram identificadas em entre 80% e 100% das amostras. Os resultados deste estudo mostram que D. enno se alimenta não apenas de pequenas microalgas clorófitas, devido ao seu pequeno tamanho que possibilita maiores taxas de filtração, como também de diatomáceas maiores, devido a uma possível vantagem nutricional para os bivalves. Assim sendo, uma dieta composta por diatomáceas e pequenas clorófitas poderá ser considerada a mais indicada para a manutenção de populações de D. enno.

Influence of gastrointestinal parasitism on biochemical variables in blood of laying hens / Influencia del parasitismo gastrointestinal en las variables bioquímicas en la sangre de las gallinas ponedoras

Objective. This study describes the influence of endoparasites and diet on biochemical variables in sera of brown laying hens. Materials and methods. Biochemical parameters (seric levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, uric acid, albumin, and alanine aminotransferase activity) were assessed in blood samples of poultry. Three populations of laying hens of different properties (n=20 each) represented our experimental design, from which blood (serum) and feces were collected for biochemical and parasitological analyzes, respectively. Results. From 60 feces samples evaluated 49 were positive for the presence of parasites and 11 were negative. Among the positive samples, 23 had infection with Eimeria spp and the other 26 samples had mixed parasitism with Eimeria spp and Heterakis gallinarum, which influenced (increasing) the levels of total protein and globulin. However, when parasites were analyzed separately, it was observed that the infection by Eimeria spp affected parameters such as cholesterol (which increased, p=0.001) and triglycerides, showing lower results than when the hen was parasitized by Eimeria spp. (p=0.01). Significant (p<0.05) difference was observed in all biochemical variables when the three diets were compared. Conclusions. Our results allowed concluding that the parasitic infection and diet in laying hens influenced the results of serum biochemical parameters evaluated. The main conclusion we found that parasitism caused an increase in total protein and globulin (ie immune response), and there was a negative correlation between parasite load and albumin, uric acid and ALT.

Objetivo. Este estudio describe la influencia de la dieta sobre los endoparásitos y variables bioquímicas en el suero de las gallinas ponedoras marrones. Materiales y métodos. Los parámetros bioquímicos (niveles séricos de colesterol, triglicéridos, proteínas totales, ácido úrico, albúmina, y la actividad de la alanina aminotransferasa) se evaluaron en muestras de sangre de las aves de corral. Tres poblaciones de gallinas ponedoras de distintas propiedades (n=20 cada uno) representan nuestro diseño experimental, de la que se recogieron la sangre (suero) y las heces de bioquímica y análisis parasitológico, respectivamente. Resultados. De 60 muestras de heces evaluadas, 49 fueron positivos para la presencia de parásitos y 11 fueron negativos. Entre las muestras positivas, 23 tenían infección con Eimeria spp y las otras 26 muestras tenían parasitismo mezclado con Eimeria spp y Heterakis gallinarum, que influyó (aumentando) los niveles de proteína total y globulina. Sin embargo, cuando se analizaron por separado los parásitos, se observó que la infección por Eimeria spp afectó parámetros tales como el colesterol (el cual se incrementó p=0.001) y los triglicéridos, que mostraron resultados más bajos que cuando las gallinas fueron parasitadas por Eimeria spp. (p=0.01). Se observó diferencia (p<0.05) en todas las variables bioquímicas, cuando se compararon las tres dietas. Conclusiones. Nuestros resultados permitieron concluir que la infección parasitaria y la dieta de las gallinas ponedoras influyeron en los resultados de los parámetros bioquímicos séricos evaluados. La principal conclusión que se encontró es que el parasitismo causó un aumento de la proteína total y la globulina (es decir, la respuesta inmune), y hubo una correlación negativa entre la carga de parásitos y albúmina, ácido úrico y ALT.

Chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine in the cartilage and subchondral bone repair of dogs - Histological findings / Sulfato de condroitina e glucosamina na reparação da cartilagem e do osso subcondral de cães - Achados histológicos

Chondroitin and glucosamine sulfate nutraceuticals are commonly used in the management of degenerative articular disease in veterinary routine. However, there are controversies on the contribution of these substances to articular cartilage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of a chondroitin and glucosamine sulfate-based veterinary nutraceutical on the repair of an induced osteochondral defect in a dog femoral condyle, by macroscopic, histological and histomorphometric analyses. The nutraceutical was orally administered the day following injury induction, every 24 hours (treated group, TG, n=24), compared with animals that did not receive the product (control group, CG, n=24). Six animals per group were anaesthetized for sample collection at 15, 30, 60 and 90 days after surgery. At 15 days, defects were macroscopically filled with red-pinkish tissue. After 30 days, whitish color tissue was observed, both in TG and CG animals, with firmer consistency to touch at 60 and 90 postoperative days. Histological analysis demonstrated that, in both groups, there was initial blood clot formation, which was subsequently substituted by a fibrin net, with capillary proliferation from the adjacent bone marrow and infiltration of mesenchymal cells in clot periphery. As cellular differentiation developed, repair tissue presented a fibrocartilage aspect most of the time, and new subchondral bone formation occurred in the deepest area corresponding to the defect. Histomorphometry suggested that the nutraceutical did not favor the articular cartilage repair process. It was concluded that nutraceutical did not significantly influence chondrocytes proliferation or hyaline architecture restoration.(AU)

Os nutracêuticos compostos de sulfato de condroitina e glucosamina são comumente utilizados no manejo da doença articular degenerativa na rotina veterinária. Entretanto, existem controvérsias sobre a contribuição dessas substâncias à cartilagem articular. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficácia de um nutracêutico veterinário à base de sulfato de condroitina e glucosamina na reparação de defeitos osteocondrais induzidos no côndilo femoral de cães, através de análises macroscópica, histológica e histomorfométrica. O nutracêutico foi administrado no dia seguinte à indução da lesão, pela via oral, a cada 24 horas (grupo tratado - GT, 24 animais), sendo comparado a animais que não receberam o produto (grupo controle - GC, de igual número de animais). Aos 15, 30, 60 e 90 dias após a cirurgia, seis animais por grupo foram anestesiados para ser realizada a coleta das amostras. Aos 15 dias, os defeitos eram macroscopicamente preenchidos por tecido de coloração rósea a avermelhada. Já a partir dos 30 dias, observou-se preenchimento por tecido de coloração esbranquiçada, tanto nos animais do GT quanto nos do GC, com consistência mais firme ao toque digital aos 60 e 90 dias de pós-operatório. A análise histológica revelou que, em ambos os grupos, houve inicialmente formação de coágulo sanguíneo que, posteriormente, foi substituído por uma rede de fibrina, com proliferação de capilares a partir da medula óssea adjacente e infiltração de células mesenquimais na periferia do coágulo. À medida que se processou a diferenciação celular, o tecido de reparação se apresentou na maioria das vezes com aspecto de fibrocartilagem e, na região mais profunda da área correspondente ao defeito, ocorreu formação de osso novo subcondral. A histomorfometria sugeriu que o nutracêutico não favoreceu o processo de reparação da cartilagem articular. Concluiu-se que o nutracêutico não influenciou consideravelmente na proliferação de condrócitos nem na restauração da arquitetura hialina.(AU)

Stretch-induced nerve injury: a proposed technique for the study of nerve regeneration and evaluation of the influence of gabapentin on this model

The rat models currently employed for studies of nerve regeneration present distinct disadvantages. We propose a new technique of stretch-induced nerve injury, used here to evaluate the influence of gabapentin (GBP) on nerve regeneration. Male Wistar rats (300 g; n=36) underwent surgery and exposure of the median nerve in the right forelimbs, either with or without nerve injury. The technique was performed using distal and proximal clamps separated by a distance of 2 cm and a sliding distance of 3 mm. The nerve was compressed and stretched for 5 s until the bands of Fontana disappeared. The animals were evaluated in relation to functional, biochemical and histological parameters. Stretching of the median nerve led to complete loss of motor function up to 12 days after the lesion (P<0.001), compared to non-injured nerves, as assessed in the grasping test. Grasping force in the nerve-injured animals did not return to control values up to 30 days after surgery (P<0.05). Nerve injury also caused an increase in the time of sensory recovery, as well as in the electrical and mechanical stimulation tests. Treatment of the animals with GBP promoted an improvement in the morphometric analysis of median nerve cross-sections compared with the operated vehicle group, as observed in the area of myelinated fibers or connective tissue (P<0.001), in the density of myelinated fibers/mm2 (P<0.05) and in the degeneration fragments (P<0.01). Stretch-induced nerve injury seems to be a simple and relevant model for evaluating nerve regeneration.

Validação do questionário crenças acerca da medicação em pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 / Validation of the questionnaire on beliefs about medication with type 2 diabetic patients

O presente trabalho teve como objectivo validar o Questionário Crenças sobre a Medicação, que avalia Crenças Gerais e Crenças Específicas, estudando suas propriedades psicométricas em uma amostra de 387 pacientes diabéticos tipo 2. O estudo de validade para as Crenças Gerais revelou uma solução de um factor, com um alfa de 0,76, e para as Crenças Específicas, dois factores - Necessidades e Preocupações -, com um alfa de 0,77 e 0,69 respectivamente. Quanto à validade de constructo, verificou-se uma relação entre as Crenças Gerais e a subescala Necessidades das Crenças Específicas com Adesão à Medicação, avaliada pela Escala de Avaliação de Aderência Médica. O instrumento apresenta boas qualidades psicométricas para ser utilizado em pacientes diabéticos tipo 2.

The present paper focused on the validation of the Questionnaire on Beliefs about Medication, which assesses both General Beliefs and Specific Beliefs. The psychometric properties of the instrument were analyzed on a sample of 387 type 2 diabetic patients. The validity study for General Beliefs found a unifactorial solution, with an alpha of .76, and for Specific Beliefs, a two-factor solution - Necessities and Concern -, with an alpha of .77 and .69, respectively. In terms of construct validity, a relationship between General Beliefs, subscale Necessities from Specific Beliefs, and adherence to medication, as evaluated by Medical Adherence Rating Scale, was found. The instrument presents good psychometric qualities to be used in type 2 diabetic patients.

Características da ingestão de forragem por cordeiras nos estádios fenológicos da pastagem de azevém / Characteristics of forage intake of lambs at phenological stages of Italian ryegrass pasture

Foram estudadas as características do processo de ingestão de forragem por cordeiras em azevém (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) nos estádios fenológicos vegetativo, pré-florescimento e florescimento, por meio de testes de pastejo e da técnica da dupla pesagem. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente ao acaso, com três tratamentos e cinco repetições no estádio vegetativo e seis nos demais estádios. Os diferentes estádios fenológicos não influenciam a taxa de ingestão, a massa do bocado e a profundidade de bocado quando a oferta de forragem não é limitante ao consumo. O aumento na taxa de bocados é o mecanismo utilizado por cordeiras para manter a taxa de ingestão constante. Os modelos de regressão múltipla indicam que, dentre os atributos do pasto, sua altura é o de maior importância para determinar mudanças no comportamento ingestivo de cordeiras.

Utilizing grazing tests and the double weighing technique, the characteristics of the forage intake process of lambs grazing Italian Ryegrass pasture at vegetative, pre-flowering and flowering phenological stages were studied. A completely randomized design with three treatments and five replicates in the vegetative stage and six replicates in the other phenological stages was used. The intake rate, bite mass and bite depth were not influenced by the phenological stages when the intake was not limited by the forage allowance. By increasing bite rate lambs maintained a constant rate of intake. The multiple regression models indicate that among the herbage attributes, the sward height is the most important to determine changes in the grazing behavior of lambs on Italian Ryegrass pasture.

Organ tropism during the acute and chronic phases of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in BALB/c mice

The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of Trypanosoma cruzi in the heart, liver, lung, and kidneys, using hemoculture and PCR analysis, of mice infected with different parasite strains during the acute and chronic phases of infection. Parasitemia curves revealed strain-specific biological behaviors. For the Y and JLP strains, the acute phase of infection started at days six and ten post-infection, parasitemia peaked at days seven and 15 post-infection, the chronic phase started at days nine and 28 post-infection, and animals started dying at days 19 and 120 post-infection, respectively. When the two strains were compared, the JLP strain exhibited reduced and slower replication rates associated with a delayed peak of parasitism and reduced parasite burdens. However, parasites were detected in all studied organs using PCR analysis. The capacity of both strains to infect different organs likely influences disease pathogenesis.

Efeito da associação de furosemida e fenilbutazona sobre variáveis hidroeletrolíticas de cavalos antes e após a corrida / The effect of furosemide and phenylbutazone association on the fluid and electrolyte characteristics of horses before and after a race

Verificaram-se os efeitos da associação de furosemida e fenilbutazona sobre variáveis hidroeletrolíticas de cavalos antes e após a corrida. Dezenove equinos foram distribuídos em três grupos, de acordo com os protocolos de tratamento. O primeiro grupo, de cinco animais, não recebeu medicação (grupo-controle); o segundo grupo, de sete animais, foi tratado com furosemida, na dose de 1mg/kg, por via intramuscular, até quatro horas antes do páreo; o terceiro, de sete animais, recebeu furosemida, por via intramuscular, e fenilbutazona, por via intravenosa, nas doses de 1,0 e 4,4mg/kg, respectivamente, até quatro horas antes da corrida. Amostras de sangue foram colhidas antes, imediatamente após e duas horas após o páreo, para avaliação da osmolalidade plasmática e das concentrações plasmáticas de sódio, potássio e cloreto. A utilização de furosemida e da associação furosemida e fenilbutazona até 4h antes dos páreos nas dosagens descritas alterou (P<0,05) a osmolalidade plasmática dos equinos, mas não alterou (P>0,05) as concentrações de sódio, potássio e cloreto. Os páreos alteraram de forma fisiológica a osmolalidade plasmática e a concentração sanguínea de K+ devido ao exercício de alta intensidade.

The objective of this study was to verify the effects of furosemide and phenylbutazone association on fluid and electrolyte balance characteristics of horses before and after a race. Nineteen horses were divided into three groups according to treatment protocols. The first group (five animals - control) was not medicated. A second group (seven animals) was treated with furosemide (1mg/kg, intramuscular up to four hours before the race). A third group (seven animals) received furosemide (1mg/kg) and phenylbutazone (4.4mg/kg), both intramuscular, up to four hours before race. Blood samples were collected before, immediately after and two hours after a race to evaluate the plasma osmolality and sodium, potassium and chloride concentrations. The use of furosemide and furosemide plus phenylbutazone up to four hours before the race altered (P<0.05) the plasma osmolality but did not change (P>0.05) the sodium, potassium and chloride concentrations. It was not possible to determine an antagonist effect of phenylbutazone on furosemide, based on fluid and electrolyte balance. Due to the high intensity exercise, the increase in plasma osmolality and potassium concentration was attributed to the race effect.

Potencial mirmecológico na vetoração mecânica de helmintos em gatos / Myrmecological potential in mechanic vectoring of helminthes in cats rescue center

Vector potential of ants in mechanic dissemination of helminthes in a cat rescue center was analyzed in this study. Ants walking over cat's food and feces were collected and conditioned in distilled water. Cat feces were collected too. Ants were identified and the water where they were conditioned was observed on optic microscope. It was made the simple sedimentation technique to analyze feces. The results show that ants species Pheidole and Paratrechina can be potential vectors of nematode eggs, mainly Ascaridida, Toxocaridae.

Performance of IFAT, ELISA, direct parasitological examination and PCR on lymph node aspirates for canine visceral leishmaniasis diagnosis

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is endemic in numerous Brazilian regions. The greatest difficulty in controlling the disease is the diagnostic limitation. In the present study, the most common tests employed for visceral leishmaniasis diagnosis were compared: immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), immunoenzymatic assay (ELISA), direct parasitological examination and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Samples of lymph node aspirates and blood were collected from 100 dogs that lived in an endemic area (Bauru city, São Paulo state) and from 100 negative controls from a non-endemic area (Botucatu city, São Paulo state). Specificity of both IFAT and PCR was 100 percent whereas ELISA was 99 percent. Sensitivities were 97.77, 93.33 and 91.11 percent respectively for IFAT, ELISA and PCR.

Experimental infection with Leishmania chagasi in immunosuppressed Balb/c mice: cytokines and parasite burdens

The immune response in leishmaniasis may result in a polarization of the T lymphocyte subpopulation, altering cell phenotype and resulting in immune protection or disease exacerbation. Leishmania may persist in the body either during asymptomatic infections or after treatment, which represents high risk under immunosuppression. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of infection with immunosuppression by dexamethasone associated with pentoxifylline on animal weight, spleen weight, spleen and hepatic parasitic load and immunopathology, as well as the IFN-ã and IL-10 production in spleen cell culture of Balb/c mice infected with Leishmania chagasi. The infection did not cause body weight gain in animals, but both the weight and size of the spleen were increased. The immunosuppression using dexamethasone associated with pentoxifylline affected body weight gain and spleen weight and size in both infected and non-infected animals. The immunosuppression did not significantly alter the course of the splenic or hepatic parasite burden. Dexamethasone and pentoxifylline significantly affected cytokine production, but did not influence the Th1/Th2 ratio in infected animals.(AU)

Genetic distance estimates among single cross hybrids and correlation with specific combining ability and yield in corn double cross hybrids

The objective of the present study was to correlate the genetic distances (GD) of single cross hybrids with yield, heterosis and specific combining ability (SCA) in the double cross hybrid synthesis. For this, 10 single cross commercial hybrids were used from different companies, and all the possible double hybrids were synthesized by a complete dialell. The hybrids were assessed in 15 locations in the 2005/2006 agricultural season, using the randomized complete block design with three repetitions. DNA was extracted from the single cross hybrids and 20 simple sequence repeat primers were used, nine of which were linked to the quantitative trait loci. It was ascertained that the single hybrids were superior in general to the double cross hybrids and that yield was highly correlated with heterosis and SCA (r = 0.75 and 0.82, respectively). There was no significant correlation between yield and GD (r = 0.25), but this index was at the limit of significance. There was a medium correlation between GD and heterosis (r = 0.40) and GD and SCA (r = 0.38). The intergroup hybrids placed by genetic grouping were generally more productive than intragroup hybrids, and the hybrids with GD greater than 0.84 had the maximum heterosis and SCA. It was concluded that the markers were efficient in placing hybrids in different heterosis groups and were also useful in eliminating the most negative heterosis and SCA.

Pulmonary tuberculosis: hematology, serum biochemistry and the relation with the disease duration

The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship between hematological and biochemical parameters and tuberculosis process activity time according to clinical complaint duration. It was a retrospective study analyzing medical records from 80 pulmonary tuberculosis patients at Botucatu Medical School University Hospital (Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil), who were divided into 2 groups according to clinical complaint duration: Group 1 (G1) - up to three months; Group 2 (G2) - over three months. Parameters included: age, gender, bacilloscopy, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), platelet count, alpha1-globulin, alpha2-globulin, gamma globulin, mucoprotein, alpha1-acid glycoprotein values, and the presence of risk factors such as smoking, alcoholism, drug addiction, sexual promiscuity, contact with tuberculosis carriers, and previous treatment. Groups were compared by calculating t and p, and Chi-square (X²) and p. Comparisons revealed a tendency towards smoking with a higher frequency of smokers in G1 (0.050.05). A correlation was found between ESR, platelet count, smoking and less than three months clinical duration.

Trends in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis: [review]

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is an increasing global problem. The extent and burden of MDR-TB varies significantly from country to country and region to region. Globally, about three per cent of all newly diagnosed patients have MDR-TB and the proportion is higher in patients who had previously received anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) treatment reflecting the failure of programs designed to ensure complete cure of patients with tuberculosis. The management of MDR-TB is a challenge that should be undertaken by experienced clinicians at centers equipped with reliable laboratory services and implementation of DOTS-Plus strategy.

Aspectos epidemiológicos da leishmaniose visceral canina no município de Pedro Leopoldo, Minas Gerais, 2003 / Epidemiologic aspects of canine visceral leishmaniasis in Pedro Leopoldo district, Minas Gerais, 2003

Determinou-se a prevalência da leishmaniose visceral canina (LVC) no município de Pedro Leopoldo, MG, 2003, por meio de inquérito soro-epidemiológico. Coletaram-se amostras de sangue de 2.185 cães e aplicou-se questionário semi-estruturado em cada residência. Os animais foram divididos em quatro grupos, sendo o grupo A constituído de 1240 cães das áreas urbana e rural; o grupo B de 705 cães de áreas em torno dos focos; o grupo C, de 134 cães, cujas amostras foram coletadas durante o dia da vacinação anti-rábica oficial; e o grupo D composto de 111 cães errantes. Os dados foram armazenados em banco de dados EPIINFO 6.04b. Os 36 cães positivos foram localizados espacialmente com auxílio de GPS (Global Positioning System), e o georreferenciamento realizado por meio do programa AUTOCAD 2000. A prevalência global da LVC foi de 1,4 por cento e variou de 1,1 por cento na área urbana e 4,2 por cento na rural. Estes resultados permitiram concluir que Pedro Leopoldo, de acordo com a classificação oficial do Ministério da Saúde, é área silenciosa, receptiva e vulnerável para LVC. A distribuição espacial dos casos é diferenciada e requer medidas sanitárias de acordo com cada área de risco.

The prevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) in Pedro Leopoldo district, 2003 was evaluated. A serum-epidemic inquiry was accomplished by collecting blood samples of dogs and by applying a semi structured questionnaire, according to groups, in each visited residence: group A, constituted of 1240 dogs of the urban and rural areas; group B, constituted of 705 dogs sampled around the focuses; group C, constituted of 134 dogs, wich samples were collected during the canine/feline antirabic vaccination; and group D, constituted of 111 wandering dogs. The data were stored in the EPI INFO 6.04b database. Positive dogs were spatially located using GPS (Global Positioning System) and the geographycal reference was made through the AUTOCAD 2000 program. The district global prevalence for canine visceral leishmaniasis was of 1.4 percent, varying from 1.1 percent to 4.2 percent. These results allowed to conclude that Pedro Leopoldo is a silent area, receptive and vulnerable to CVL, in agreement with the Ministry of Health official classification. The spacial distribution of CVL is not homogeneous and it requires sanitary measures according to each risk area. The obtained knowledge allows to establish effective strategies for the control of CVL in that distric.

Efficacy of synovectomy in haemophilic patients with 153Sm-hydroxyapatite

Introduction - We preconized the use of 153Sm-Hydroxyapatite (HYP) in the synoviorthesis of haemophilic patients (pts) by physical, chemical and biological characteristics. The real efficacy is beeing confirmed by the actual experience over the previous results. These are the first results with 153Sm-HYP in our literature review. Material and Methods - Fiftheen pts. were treated, all males, with ages between 15 and 31 years (average = 22,8 years old), with an intraarticular injection of 185MBq (5mCi) of 153Sm-HYP, totalizing 29 joints: 12 knees, 11 elbows, 4 ankles and 2 shoulders. The 153Sm, produced by IPEN/CNEN - São Paulo, targeted hydroxyapatite particles with a diameter between 1-10µm, radiochemical purity superior to 95 percent and stability of 96,6 percent 1440min after the labeling process. The intraarticular punction was made after local antiseptic, aspirating synovial fluid, injecting 0,5 ml of radioactive solution and flushing the tract with a saline with a total volume no greater than 1,5 ml. The images were obtained 2 and 24h after injection in all pts in a large field of view gamma-camera. The clinical evaluation was made before and one year after it, using objective (range of motion, joint tenderness, degree of joint effusion) and subjective criteria (joint pain by visual scale and joint aspect). The response were graded: 1 - Excellent (E); 2 - Good (G); 3 - Mild (M); 4 - Bad (B); 5 - Worse (W). The reduction in clotting factor use and heamarthroses were others aspects evaluated. Results - The scintigrafies showed homogeneous distribution of the material in joints (2h) and no articular scape (24h). The was a reduction of 34 percent in the clotting factor use and of 51,4 percent in haemarthroses including the poor responses in knees. The results by patients were: 53,3 percent E, 20 percent G, 13,3 percent M, 13,3 percent B, 0 percent W and by joints were 47,75 with excellent and good responses and 84,75 percent when included the mild group. The...