Donanemab (LY3002813) Phase 1b Study in Alzheimer's Disease: Rapid and Sustained Reduction of Brain Amyloid Measured by Florbetapir F18 Imaging.

BACKGROUND: Donanemab (LY3002813) is an IgG1 antibody directed at an N­terminal pyroglutamate of amyloid beta epitope that is present only in brain amyloid plaques. OBJECTIVES: To assess effects of donanemab on brain amyloid plaque load after single and multiple intravenous doses, as well as pharmacokinetics, safety/tolerability, and immunogenicity. DESIGN: Phase 1b, investigator- and patient-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. SETTING: Patients recruited at clinical research sites in the United States and Japan. PARTICIPANTS: 61 amyloid plaque-positive patients with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease and mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease dementia. INTERVENTION: Six cohorts were dosed with donanemab: single dose 10-, 20- or 40- mg/kg (N = 18), multiple doses of 10-mg/kg every 2 weeks for 24 weeks (N = 10), and 10- or 20-mg/kg every 4 weeks for 72 weeks (N=18) or placebo (N = 15). MEASUREMENTS: Brain amyloid plaque load, using florbetapir positron emission tomography, was assessed up to 72 weeks. Safety was evaluated by occurrence of adverse events, magnetic resonance imaging, electrocardiogram, vital signs, laboratory testing, neurological monitoring, and immunogenicity. RESULTS: Treatment with donanemab resulted in rapid reduction of amyloid, even after a single dose. By 24 weeks, amyloid positron emission tomography mean changes from baseline for single donanemab doses in Centiloids were: -16.5 (standard error 11.22) 10-mg/kg intravenous; 40.0 (standard error 11.23) 20 mg/kg intravenous; and -49.6 (standard error 15.10) 40-mg/kg intravenous. Mean reduction of amyloid plaque in multiple dose cohorts by 24 weeks in Centiloids were: 55.8 (standard error 9.51) 10-mg/kg every 2 weeks; -50.2 (standard error 10.54) 10-mg/kg every 4 weeks; and -58.4 (standard error 9.66) 20-mg/kg every 4 weeks. Amyloid on average remained below baseline levels up to 72 weeks after a single dose of donanemab. Repeated dosing resulted in continued florbetapir positron emission tomography reductions over time compared to single dosing with 6 out of 28 patients attaining complete amyloid clearance within 24 weeks. Within these, 5 out of 10 patients in the 20 mg/kg every 4 weeks cohort attained complete amyloid clearance within 36 weeks. When dosing with donanemab was stopped after 24 weeks of repeat dosing in the 10 mg every 2 weeks cohort, florbetapir positron emission tomography reductions were sustained up to 72 weeks. For the single dose cohorts on day 1, dose proportional increases in donanemab pharmacokinetics were observed from 10 to 40 mg/kg. Dose proportional increases in pharmacokinetics were also observed at steady state with the multiple dose cohorts. Donanemab clearance was comparable across the dose levels. Mean donanemab elimination-half-life following 20 mg/kg single dose was 9.3 days with range of 5.6 to 16.2 days. Greater than 90% of patients had positive treatment-emergent antidrug antibodies with donanemab. However, overall, the treatment-emergent antidrug antibodies did not have a significant impact on pharmacokinetics. Donanemab was generally well tolerated. Amongst the 46 participants treated with donanemab, the following amyloid-related imaging abnormalities, common to the drug class, were observed: 12 vasogenic cerebral edema events (12 [19.7%] patients), 10 cerebral microhemorrhage events (6 [13.0%] patients), and 2 superficial siderosis events (2 [4.3%] patients). CONCLUSIONS: Single and multiple doses of donanemab demonstrated a rapid, robust, and sustained reduction up to 72 weeks in brain amyloid plaque despite treatment-emergent antidrug antibodies detected in most patients. Amyloid-related imaging abnormalities were the most common treatment-emergent event.

Occurrence of Meloidogyne Arenaria in Black Pepper (Piper Nigrum L.) in the Extreme South of the State of Bahia, Brazil.

Samples of black pepper root with the presence of galls from the most southern region of the State of Bahia, Brazil, were characterized biochemically and morphologically using three criteria: i) observation of the anterior region of the males; ii) analysis of female perineal configuration and iii) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis technique. Meloidogyne arenaria was found. This is the first report of this pathosystem in the State.

Impact of A1 Asymmetry on the Woven EndoBridge Device in Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Woven EndoBridge (WEB) devices are increasingly used to treat intracranial aneurysms. A1 asymmetry contributes to anterior communicating artery aneurysm formation and to treatment instability after coiling. We sought to evaluate whether A1 asymmetry had an impact on angiographic outcome in anterior communicating artery aneurysms treated with the WEB. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anterior communicating artery aneurysms treated between July 2012 and July 2020 with the WEB from an institutional review board-approved database were reviewed. A1 asymmetry was categorized as the following: absence of the A1 segment on 1 side (unilateral A1) versus bilateral A1. Univariate and multivariable analyses assessed independent predictors of adequate (WEB Occlusion Scale A, B, and C) and complete occlusion (WEB Occlusion Scale A and B). RESULTS: Forty-eight individual aneurysms (47 patients) were included in the final analysis, of which 16 (33%) were acutely ruptured. The mean size was 6.5 (SD, 2.2) mm. Adequate and complete occlusion was achieved in 33 (69%) and 30 (63%) cases, respectively. Unilateral A1 was associated with significantly higher rates of adequate (92% versus 60% for bilateral A1; P = .03) and complete occlusion (92% versus 50% for bilateral A1; P < .01). Multivariable logistic regression confirmed unilateral A1 as an independent predictor of both adequate (OR = 10.6; 95% CI, 1.6-220.7; P = .04) and complete occlusion (OR = 9.5, 95% CI, 1.5-190.2; P = .04. A sensitivity analysis comparing unilateral "functional" A1 with bilateral "functional" A1 showed similar results. WEB shape modification was not influenced by the unilateral A1 configuration (P = .70). CONCLUSIONS: Anterior communicating artery aneurysms with a unilateral A1 configuration treated with WEB devices are associated with better angiographic outcome than those with bilateral A1. This finding supports the hypothesis that WEB devices are resistant to unilateral flow in the aneurysm as opposed to coils.

Endovascular Treatment of Small and Very Small Intracranial Aneurysms with the Woven EndoBridge Device.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The Woven EndoBridge has proved to be a safe and effective treatment, especially for wide-neck intracranial aneurysms. The recent fifth-generation Woven EndoBridge came with smaller devices. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficiency of Woven EndoBridge treatment of small and very small aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 2017 and March 2020, all consecutive patients treated with a 3- or 3.5 mm-width Woven EndoBridge device were included in this retrospective intention-to-treat study. Clinical and radiologic findings were evaluated at immediate and last-available follow-up. Angiographic outcome was assessed by an external expert reader. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-eight aneurysms were treated with a fifth-generation Woven EndoBridge device including 29 with a width of ≤3.5 mm. Ten aneurysms were ruptured (34%). In 3 cases (10%), Woven EndoBridge treatment could not be performed because the aneurysm was still too small for the smallest available Woven EndoBridge device and another endovascular strategy was chosen. The median follow-up time was 11.2 months. Complete and adequate occlusion was obtained in 71% and 90% of the treated aneurysms, respectively. Retreatment was needed in 2 cases (10%). Symptomatic ischemic complications leading to transient neurologic deficits occurred in 2 cases (7%) (1 procedure-related and 1 device-related) but with full spontaneous recovery at discharge. CONCLUSIONS: The fifth-generation Woven EndoBridge device seems to be a safe and technically feasible treatment for both ruptured and unruptured small and very small intracranial aneurysms, with satisfactory occlusion rates on midterm follow-up. However, further study is needed to evaluate longer-term efficiency.

Adenocarcinoma pulmonar associado à infecção por Mycobacterium sp. em vaca - relato de caso / [Pulmonary adenocarcinoma associated with infection by Mycobacterium sp. in a cow - case report]

Descrevem-se os aspectos clínicos, anatomopatológicos, imuno-histoquímicos, microbiológicos e moleculares de um caso de adenocarcinoma pulmonar associado à infecção por Mycobacterium sp. em uma vaca. O animal apresentou hiporexia, emagrecimento, vocalizações, postura ortopneica, ingurgitamento da jugular, estase venosa positiva, gemido expiratório e morte. Na necropsia, os pulmões estavam aumentados e apresentavam, na superfície pleural, nódulos branco-amarelados, firmes, multifocais a coalescentes, interpostos por áreas avermelhadas. Ao corte, os nódulos aprofundavam-se ao parênquima e possuíam múltiplos focos de aspecto caseoso e friável e áreas de mineralização. O saco pericárdico e os linfonodos traqueobrônquicos, ilíacos, lombares aórticos e mamários apresentavam lesões semelhantes. Histologicamente, observou-se neoformação carcinomatosa associada a áreas multifocais de necrose e mineralização. As células neoplásicas foram fortemente imunomarcadas pelo anticorpo antipancitoqueratina AE1/AE3. Na cultura microbiológica de fragmentos dos pulmões, houve crescimento de colônias bacterianas compatíveis com micobactérias atípicas. O sequenciamento molecular submetido ao BLASTn identificou o Mycobacterium sp. WCM 7299 (ID: gb|KJ873243.1|).(AU)

The clinical, anatomopathological, immunohistochemical, microbiological and molecular aspects of a case of pulmonary adenocarcinoma associated with infection by Mycobacterium sp. in a cow are described. The animal presented hyporexia, weight loss, vocalizations, orthopneic posture, jugular engorgement, positive venous stasis, expiratory groaning and death. At necropsy, the lungs were enlarged and presented firm, multifocal to coalescent yellowish nodules, interposed by reddish areas on the pleural surface. At cut, the nodules deepened to the parenchyma and had multiple foci of caseous and friable appearance and areas of mineralization. The pericardial sac and tracheobronchial, iliac, aortic lumbar and mammary lymph nodes showed similar lesions. Histologically, a carcinomatous neoformation, associated with multifocal areas of necrosis and mineralization, was observed. Neoplastic cells were strongly immunolabelled by anti-PanCytokeratin antibody AE1/AE3. Microbiological culture of lung fragments showed growth of bacterial colonies compatible with atypical mycobacteria. Molecular sequencing submitted to BLASTn identified the Mycobacterium sp. WCM 7299 (ID: gb|KJ873243.1|).(AU)

Incidence of bifid uvula and its relationship to submucous cleft palate and a family history of oral cleft in the Brazilian population / Incidence of bifid uvula and its relationship to submucous cleft palate and a family history of oral cleft in the Brazilian population

Abstract Introduction: Bifid uvula is a frequently observed anomaly in the general population and can be regarded as a marker for submucous cleft palate. Objective: In this study aimed to determine the frequency of bifid uvula and submucous cleft palate and their relationship with oral clefts in a Brazilian population. Methods: We conducted a transversal, descriptive and quantitative study of 1206 children between August 2014 and December 2015. A clinical examination of the children was conducted by means of inspection of the oral cavity with the aid of a tongue depressor and directed light. After the clinical examination in children, parents answered a questionnaire with questions about basic demographic information and their family history of oral clefts in their first-degree relatives. After application of the questionnaires, the information collected was archived in a database and analyzed by the statistical program SPSS® version 19.0, by applying Chi-Square tests. Values with p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 1206 children included in this study, 608 (50.40%) were female and 598 (49.60%) were male (p = 0.773). The average age of children was 3.75 years (standard deviation ± 3.78 years). Of the 1206 children studied, 6 (0.5%) presented with bifid uvula. Submucosal cleft palate was not found in any child. When the family histories of children were examined for the presence of nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or cleft palate, no first degree relatives presented with the congenital anomaly. Conclusion: This study revealed that the incidence of bifid uvula and submucous cleft palate in this population was quite similar to previously reported incidence rates. Our study suggests an intensification of new reviews, with broader and diverse populations, seeking to associate the occurrence of bifid uvula, submucous cleft palate and oral clefts.

Resumo: Introdução: A úvula bífida é uma anomalia frequentemente observada na população em geral e pode ser considerada como um marcador de fissura palatina submucosa. Objetivo: Determinar a frequência de úvula bífida e fissura palatina submucosa e sua relação com fissura orais em uma população brasileira. Método: Realizamos um estudo transversal, descritivo e quantitativo de 1.206 crianças entre agosto de 2014 e dezembro de 2015. O exame clínico das crianças foi realizado por meio da inspeção da cavidade oral com auxílio de um abaixador de língua e luz direcionada. Após o exame clínico nas crianças, os pais responderam a um questionário com perguntas sobre informações demográficas básicas e antecedentes de fendas orais em familiares de primeiro grau. As informações coletadas foram arquivadas em um banco de dados e analisadas pelo programa estatístico SPSS® versão 19.0, aplicando testes de Qui-Quadrado. Os valores com p < 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados: Das 1.206 crianças incluídas neste estudo, 608 (50,40%) eram do gênero feminino e 598 (49,60%) do masculino (p = 0,773). A idade média das crianças foi de 3,75 anos (desvio-padrão ± 3,78 anos). Das 1.206 crianças estudadas, seis (0,5%) apresentavam úvula bífida. A fissura palatina submucosa não foi encontrada em nenhuma criança. Quando as histórias familiares de crianças foram examinadas quanto à presença de fissura de lábio e/ou palato não sindrômica, nenhum parente de primeiro grau apresentava esta anomalia congênita. Conclusão: Este estudo revelou que a incidência de úvula bífida e fissura palatina submucosa nesta população é bastante semelhante às taxas de incidência previamente relatadas. Nosso estudo sugere uma intensificação de novas revisões, com populações mais amplas e diversas, buscando associar a ocorrência de úvula bífida, fissura palatina submucosa e fissura orais.

Incidence of bifid uvula and its relationship to submucous cleft palate and a family history of oral cleft in the Brazilian population.

INTRODUCTION: Bifid uvula is a frequently observed anomaly in the general population and can be regarded as a marker for submucous cleft palate. OBJECTIVE: In this study aimed to determine the frequency of bifid uvula and submucous cleft palate and their relationship with oral clefts in a Brazilian population. METHODS: We conducted a transversal, descriptive and quantitative study of 1206 children between August 2014 and December 2015. A clinical examination of the children was conducted by means of inspection of the oral cavity with the aid of a tongue depressor and directed light. After the clinical examination in children, parents answered a questionnaire with questions about basic demographic information and their family history of oral clefts in their first-degree relatives. After application of the questionnaires, the information collected was archived in a database and analyzed by the statistical program SPSS® version 19.0, by applying Chi-Square tests. Values with p<0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the 1206 children included in this study, 608 (50.40%) were female and 598 (49.60%) were male (p=0.773). The average age of children was 3.75 years (standard deviation±3.78 years). Of the 1206 children studied, 6 (0.5%) presented with bifid uvula. Submucosal cleft palate was not found in any child. When the family histories of children were examined for the presence of nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or cleft palate, no first degree relatives presented with the congenital anomaly. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the incidence of bifid uvula and submucous cleft palate in this population was quite similar to previously reported incidence rates. Our study suggests an intensification of new reviews, with broader and diverse populations, seeking to associate the occurrence of bifid uvula, submucous cleft palate and oral clefts.

Lighting programs for male and female meat quails (Coturnix coturnix) raised in equatorial region.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of lighting programs for male and female meat quails raised in an equatorial region on performance and carcass traits. A total of 1,500 sexed quails (Coturnix coturnix) was distributed in a completely randomized design in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, with 2 sexes (male and female) and 3 lighting programs (natural, intermittent, and continuous) with 5 replicates of 50 birds. The lighting programs were applied in the period from 7 to 49 d of age, being natural (12 h and 30 min of natural light and 11 h and 30 min of dark), intermittent (12 h and 30 min of natural light and 5 h and 30 min of artificial light, alternating lighting periods with one h and 06 min and periods of darkness with one h and 12 min), and continuous (23 h of natural + artificial light and one h of dark). Regardless of lighting program, female quails were heavier than males, and birds subjected to natural light weighed less than those exposed to continuous and intermittent lighting programs. Quails exposed to intermittent and continuous light presented higher weight gain and feed intake, and worse feed conversion ratio compared to birds under a natural light regimen. It is concluded that in an equatorial region, it is possible to use a lighting program with only natural light for raising male and female meat quails from 7 to 49 d of age.

Glycaemic variability in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock admitted to an Intensive Care Unit.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is associated with morbidity and mortality, which implies high costs to the global health system. Metabolic alterations that increase glycaemia and glycaemic variability occur during sepsis. OBJECTIVE: To verify mean body glucose levels and glycaemic variability in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. METHOD: Retrospective and exploratory study that involved collection of patients' sociodemographic and clinical data and calculation of severity scores. Glycaemia measurements helped to determine glycaemic variability through standard deviation and mean amplitude of glycaemic excursions. RESULTS: Analysis of 116 medical charts and 6730 glycaemia measurements revealed that the majority of patients were male and aged over 60 years. Surgical treatment was the main reason for ICU admission. High blood pressure and diabetes mellitus were the most usual comorbidities. Patients that died during the ICU stay presented the highest SOFA scores and mean glycaemia; they also experienced more hypoglycaemia events. Patients with diabetes had higher mean glycaemia, evaluated through standard deviation and mean amplitude of glycaemia excursions. CONCLUSION: Organic impairment at ICU admission may underlie glycaemic variability and lead to a less favourable outcome. High glycaemic variability in patients with diabetes indicates that monitoring of these individuals is crucial to ensure better outcomes.

Teratogenic Effect of Usnic Acid from Cladonia substellata Vainio during Organogenesis.

Studies about toxicological potential of usnic acid are limited. This way, the vast majority of data available in the literature are related only to biological activities. This is the first study that aimed to evaluate the oral toxicity of usnic acid during the period of organogenesis. Females rats were distributed in the control groups, treated I and II, at doses of 15 and 25 mg/kg, administered by gavage during the 6° to 15° days of pregnancy. After 20 days the fetuses were removed and analyzed. A reduction in weight gain during pregnancy, increased resorption, reduction in the number of viable fetuses, and their body weight were observed. Morphological changes in the litter were visualized as exposure of the eye and atrophy of the limbs at the dose of 25 mg/kg. Histological analysis of the liver of the fetus showed reduction in the number of megakaryocytes between experimental groups and increase in the number of hepatocytes in a dose of 25 mg/kg. The experimental model used in this study reveals teratogenic effect of usnic acid in the period of organogenesis. Since this achievement, the importance of evaluating the toxic effects of natural substances is imperative, in order to elucidate the care in their indication as drug.

Genotoxic effect and rat hepatocyte death occurred after oxidative stress induction and antioxidant gene downregulation caused by long term fluoride exposure.

Studies focusing on possible genotoxic effects of excess fluoride are contradictory and inconclusive. Currently, studies have reported a probable link to oxidative stress, DNA damage and apoptosis induced by fluoride in rat hepatocytes. We developed an in vivo study administering three doses of fluoride by gavage given to rats for 60 day. Micronucleus test was applied to investigate genotoxic potential of fluoride. The TUNEL method determined DNA fragmentation and apoptosis. Biochemical parameters to investigate mitochondrial swelling and oxidative stress. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR and immunostaining to determine mRNA and protein expression of antioxidant enzymes. Analyses of the hepatic function and morphology were performed. Our results revealed the genotoxic potential of fluoride but did not confirm mitochondrial swelling nor an increase of positive TUNEL labelling induced by fluoride, indicating absence of apoptosis. Oxidative stress induction was confirmed and is probably associated to DNA damage. Cell death events such as empty nuclear spaces, cytoplasm degeneration, nuclear pyknosis, karyorrhexis and karyorrhexis followed by karyolysis were observed. Hepatic function did not appear to be significantly modified makes no evidence of necrosis and suggesting other cell death pathway, the autophagic. In conclusion, prolonged fluoride intake at chosen concentrations caused imbalance of the cellular oxidative state, affected DNA and disrupted cellular homeostasis. It is recommended that fluoride supplementation requires a fresh consideration in light of the current study.

Management of a Low-Energy Penetrating Brain Injury Caused by a Nail.

Low-energy penetrating nail injury to the brain is an extremely rare neurosurgical emergency. The most common cause of nail gun injury is work related accidents; other causes result from accidental firing of a nail gun, suicide attempts by firing nail guns into the brain, and bomb blasts containing pieces of nails. Neurosurgical treatment performed by craniotomy still seems to be the safest one; there are reports of complications such as subdural hematoma and intraparenchymal hemorrhages following the blind removal of foreign bodies leading to suggestions that all penetrating foreign bodies should be removed under direct vision. We report a rarely described neurosurgical approach for removal of a penetrating nail from the brain and skull without evidence of associated hematoma and other brain lesions.

Ecological Aspects of Phlebotomine Sand Flies (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) in Areas of American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, in the Municipality of Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I-Index of Abundance by Location and Type of Capture.

The description of the first and autochthonous case of diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis in the municipality of Paraty, State of Rio de Janeiro, brought the interest of this study. Sand flies were captured over a 3-yr period. Using manual suction tubes, sand flies were collected from the inner and outer walls of homes, in the living spaces of domestic animals, and in Shannon light traps, which were set up outside homes and in the forest. CDC light traps were installed inside homes, around the exterior of the houses, and along the divide and within the forest. A total of 102,937 sand flies were collected, representing 23 species--three from the genus Brumptomyia and 20 from the genus Lutzomyia. Of these, six species, Lutzomyia intermedia, Lutzomyia fischeri, Lutzomyia migonei, Lutzomyia whitmani, and Lutzomyia pessoai have already been recorded as being naturally infected by Leishmania braziliensis, and one species, Lutzomyia ayrozai, by Leishmania naiffi. Lu. intermedia is the vector of Le. braziliensis in the study area, particularly inside the homes and on the exterior of the houses. Lu. fischeri can also act as vector of Le. braziliensis in domestic environments and particularly in the wild. The third-ranked Lu. migonei was the most abundant in kennels, suggesting its canine affinity. Lu. whitmani, ranked fourth, still has characteristics indicative of the wild, but with a significant number located on the edge of the forest, suggesting a selection process of adaptation to the anthropic environment.

Leydig cell number and sperm production decrease induced by chronic ametryn exposure: a negative impact on animal reproductive health.

Ametryn is an herbicide used to control broadleaf and grass weeds and its acute and chronic toxicity is expected to be low. Since toxicological data on ametryn is scarce, the aim of this study was to evaluate rat reproductive toxicity. Thirty-six adult male Wistar rats (90 days) were divided into three groups: Co (control) and T1 and T2 exposed to 15 and 30 mg/kg/day of ametryn, respectively, for 56 days. Testicular analysis demonstrated that ametryn decreased sperm number per testis, daily sperm production, and Leydig cell number in both treated groups, although little perceptible morphological change has been observed in seminiferous tubule structure. Lipid peroxidation was higher in group T2, catalase activity decreased in T1 group, superoxide dismutase activity diminished, and a smaller number of sulphydryl groups of total proteins were verified in both exposed groups, suggesting oxidative stress. These results showed negative ametryn influence on the testes and can compromise animal reproductive performance and survival.

Níveis de inclusão do farelo de arroz parboilizado em rações para leitões na fase de creche / Inclusion levels of parboiled rice bran in piglet diets in the nursery phase

Foram conduzidos dois ensaios para avaliar a utilização do farelo do farelo integral de arroz parboilizado (FIAP) em rações para leitões na fase de creche. No primeiro, foram utilizados 14 suínos machos castrados para a avaliação nutricional do ingrediente em ensaio de digestibilidade. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente ao acaso, com dois tratamentos e sete repetições por tratamento. O FIAP apresenta 17,15% de PB, elevado teor em fibras (33,75% de FDN e 15,91% de FDA) e teor reduzido de energia metabolizável, próximo a 2320kcal/kg. No segundo experimento, foram utilizados 60 leitões machos castrados, com o objetivo de avaliar o desempenho zootécnico, a ocorrência de diarreia e a viabilidade econômica do farelo de arroz parboilizado. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos (0, 4, 8, 12 e 16% de inclusão) e seis repetições. Não houve diferença significativa entre o tratamento controle e os tratamentos teste (P>0,05), assim como para a análise de regressão, em que os crescentes níveis de inclusão do ingrediente não resultaram em piora no desempenho (P>0,05). O FIAP pode ser incluído até o nível de 16% em rações para leitões na fase de creche...

Two assays were conducted to evaluate the parboiled rice bran in piglet's diets in the nursery phase. In the first, 14 male castrated piglets were allotted to determine the nutritional value of parboiled rice bran in a digestibility assay. A completely randomized design, with 2 treatments and 7 replicates per treatment were used. The parboiled rice bran presents 17.15% of CP and high fiber content (33.75% of NDF and 15.91% of ADF) and low metabolizable energy (2320kcal/kg). In the second assay, 60 male castrated piglets were used to evaluate the effect of inclusion on productive performance, diarrhea incidence and economic viability of parboiled rice bran. A randomized block design was used, with 5 treatments (0, 4, 8, 12 and 16%) and 6 replicates. There was no difference between treatments and control treatment as well as in regression analysis, and the increasing levels of parboiled rice bran did not reduce the performance of animals. In conclusion, parboiled rice bran can be included up to 16% in diets for piglets in the nursery phase...

Spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage from rupture of an anterior communicating artery aneurysm in a patient with pituitary macroadenoma.

The presence of a cerebral aneurysm in patients with pituitary adenoma is a rare event. Diagnostic suspicion may stem from magnetic resonance imaging, which should lead to complementary investigation. As for treatment, even in conditions in which there has been no previous bleeding, the simultaneous approach should be considered, prioritising the aneurysm most of the time. The present report describes the case of a patient with a history of pituitary macroadenoma, who had undergone a partial transsphenoidal resection ten years earlier. Admission to our service occurred after a sudden headache followed by mental confusion. A cranial computed tomography showed subarachnoid haemorrhage and expansive suprasellar lesion. Cerebral angiography showed a saccular aneurysm of the anterior communicating complex. The patient underwent a surgical procedure for microsurgical clipping of the aneurysm and partial resection of the pituitary tumour. We have also included a brief review of the literature on this subject.

Sperm parameters and biochemical components of goat seminal plasma in the rainy and dry seasons in the Brazilian Northeast: the season's influence on the cooling of semen / Caracrterísticas espermáticas e bioquímicas do plasma seminal de caprinos nas estações chuvosa e seca do Nordeste brasileiro: influência da estação no resfriamento do sêmen

The present study aimed to verify the caprine semen characteristics during dry and rainy seasons in the Brazilian Northeast, and the influence of these seasons on cooled semen. Seminal volume, concentration, percentage of motile cells, vigor and spermatic morphology, as well as biochemical profile (fructose, citric acid, P, Ca2+, Mg, total proteins and phospholipase A2 activity) were analyzed. It was observed a reduction (P<0.05) in normal sperm morphology, fructose, citric acid, P, Mg and total protein concentration during the dry season, which did not affect the motility, vigor, volume and sperm concentration. Phospholipase A2 activity was increased during the dry season (P<0.05). The analysis of the semen cooled at 4ºC during 48 hours showed reduction in total motility and vigor sperm during the dry season (P<0.05). Based on these results, we conclude that the best period of year for caprine semen cooling is the rainy season.

Verificou-se as características seminais de caprinos durante a época seca e a chuvosa no Nordeste brasileiro e a influência da época no resfriamento do sêmen. Foram mensurados volume, concentração espermática, porcentagem de espermatozoides móveis, vigor, morfologia espermática e características bioquímicas (frutose, ácido cítrico, fósforo, magnésio, proteínas totais e atividade da fosfolipase A2). Observou-se redução (P<0,05) no número de espermatozóides morfologicamente normais, frutose, ácido cítrico, fósforo, magnésio e proteínas totais durante a época seca que não influenciaram na motilidade, vigor, volume e concentração do sêmen. Entretanto, a atividade da fosfolipase A2 foi maior na época seca. Quando o sêmen foi submetido ao resfriamento a 4ºC durante 48 horas, houve redução (P<0,05) na motilidade total e no vigor espermático durante a época seca. Com base nesses resultados, conclui-se que o período chuvoso é melhor para resfriar sêmen de caprinos no Nordeste brasileiro.

Chemical composition and in vitro schistosomicidal activity of the essential oil from the flowers of Bidens sulphurea (Asteraceae).

In this study, the chemical composition and the in vitro schistosomicidal properties of the essential oil obtained from Bidens sulphurea flowers (Bs-EO) were investigated. Its major constituents were identified as being 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol (44.98%), germacrene D (33.70%) and ß-caryophyllene (10.23%). Bs-EO at 100 µg mL(-1) caused death of all the adult worms and promoted separation of the couple pairs into individual male and female within 48 h, besides leading to a significant decrease in the motility of the parasites. This oil was also responsible for a remarkable reduction in the number of eggs and the percentage of developed eggs produced by adult worms. These results suggest that the Bs-EO can be considered a promising source for the development of new schistosomicidal agents.

Antimicrobial activity of selected essential oils against cariogenic bacteria.

The antibacterial activity of nine selected essential oils (EOs) against a panel of oral pathogens was investigated in terms of their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) by using the broth microdilution method. Most of the EOs displayed weak activity or were inactive against the selected oral pathogens, with MIC values ranging from 500 to 4000 µg/mL. However, the EO obtained from the leaves of Bidens sulphurea (Asteraceae) was found to display moderate activity against Streptococcus mutans (MIC = 250 µg/mL) and significant activity against Streptococcus mitis (MIC = 31.25 µg/mL). Germacrene D (38.3%), trans-caryophyllene (18.0%), ß-elemene (13.9%) and bicyclogermacrene (13.1%) were identified as the main chemical components of this oil. 2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol, previously described as the major constituent in the EO from the flowers of B. sulphurea, was not detected in this study.

Determination of trace elements in bovine semen samples by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and data mining techniques for identification of bovine class.

The reproductive performance of cattle may be influenced by several factors, but mineral imbalances are crucial in terms of direct effects on reproduction. Several studies have shown that elements such as calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, selenium, and zinc are essential for reproduction and can prevent oxidative stress. However, toxic elements such as lead, nickel, and arsenic can have adverse effects on reproduction. In this paper, we applied a simple and fast method of multi-element analysis to bovine semen samples from Zebu and European classes used in reproduction programs and artificial insemination. Samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP-MS) using aqueous medium calibration and the samples were diluted in a proportion of 1:50 in a solution containing 0.01% (vol/vol) Triton X-100 and 0.5% (vol/vol) nitric acid. Rhodium, iridium, and yttrium were used as the internal standards for ICP-MS analysis. To develop a reliable method of tracing the class of bovine semen, we used data mining techniques that make it possible to classify unknown samples after checking the differentiation of known-class samples. Based on the determination of 15 elements in 41 samples of bovine semen, 3 machine-learning tools for classification were applied to determine cattle class. Our results demonstrate the potential of support vector machine (SVM), multilayer perceptron (MLP), and random forest (RF) chemometric tools to identify cattle class. Moreover, the selection tools made it possible to reduce the number of chemical elements needed from 15 to just 8.