Management of abdominal distension in the preterm infant with noninvasive ventilation: Comparison of cenit versus 2x1 technique for the utilization of feeding tube.

BACKGROUND: Preterm infants are fed by orogastric / nasogastric tube until they reach maturation and coordination of sucking, swallowing and respiration at approximately 32-34 weeks of corrected age. While being on non-invasive ventilation (NIV), they frequently present abdominal distension. Currently at our institution two techniques are used for the management of abdominal distension in preterm infants fed by bolus via orogastric tube: cenit and 2 x 1.The aim of this study was to compare the proportion of preterm infants presenting NIV-associated abdominal distension with each of these techniques. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a randomized clinical trial including infants of <  36.6 weeks of gestation and <  1500 g of birth weight who were admitted to our NICU during the period of April 1, 2016 to April 1, 2018 and received NIV. The presence of abdominal distension >  2 cm was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were presence of reflux, regurgitation, oxygen saturation during feeding and days to reach full feedings. Feeding tube drainage, stool characteristics and the use of prokinetics were confounding variables. RESULTS: A total of 97 patients were included. Forty-six in the cenit group and 51 in the 2 x 1 group. There was no difference in the proportion of infants with abdominal distension >  2 cm between groups. Oxygen saturation during feeding at volume of 150 ml/kg/day was higher in the cenit group with statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The use of cenit or 2 x 1 technique in preterm infants with NIV did not improve abdominal distension or other indicators of feeding tolerance.

Estudo coproparasitológico da espécie Cebus libidinosus (macaco-prego) / Fecal study of the species Cebus libidinosus (capuchin monkey)

Os estudos sobre parasitos gastrintestinais em primatas mantidos em cativeiros são importantes para o manejo da população de macacos e para a manutenção da saúde das pessoas que trabalham com esses animais, pois muitos desses parasitos são potentes causadores de zoonoses. Este trabalho objetivou estudar os parasitas presentes nas fezes da espécie Cebus libidinosus, criada em cativeiro. Foram utilizados 22 animais apreendidos pelo Ibama-PI, Ibama-PB e Cipama (Companhia Independente de Policiamento Ambiental do Piauí), no período de 2007 a 2009, que faziam parte do Projeto de Soltura Experimental em Ilhas Lacustres de Espécies do Gênero Cebus sp., do Ibama-PI. Foram encontrados parasitas do gênero Ancylostoma em 45% (10/22) das amostras e do gênero Strongyloides em 23% (05/22). No método de Willis (1921) e no método de Hoffman, o Ancylostoma sp. estava presente em 41% (09/22) e o Strongyloides sp. em 18% (04/22) das amostras. A coprocultura revelou a presença de larva do gênero Ancylostoma em 50% dos grupos estudados. A espécie Cebus libidinosus revelou-se parasitada por helmintos gastrintestinais dos gêneros Ancylostoma e Strongyloide.(AU)

The studies of gastrointestinal parasites in primates kept in captivity are important for managing the population of monkeys and to maintain the health of people who work with these animals, as many of these parasites are potent causes of zoonosis. The study investigated the parasites present in the feces of Cebus libidinosus species bred in captivity. 22 animals were seized by IBAMA-PI, IBAMA-PB and CIPAMA (Independent Company of Piaui Environmental Policing) from 2007 to 2009. Hookworm parasites of the genus were found in 45% (10/22) of samples and gender Strongiloyde in 23% (22/05) in the Willis method (1921) and Hoffman method Ancylostoma sp. I was present in 41% (09/22) and Strongyloides sp. 18% (04/22) of the samples. A stool culture revealed the presence of hookworm larvae of the genus in 50% of the groups studied. The species Cebus libidinosus proved to be parasitized by gastrointestinal helminths of Ancylostoma and Strongyloides genres.(AU)

In vitro assessment of the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of boiled juice (tucupi) from Manihot esculenta Crantz roots.

The population of Pará (a state in Brazil) has a very characteristic food culture, as a majority of the carbohydrates consumed are obtained from cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) derivatives. Tucupi is the boiled juice of cassava roots that plays a major role in the culinary footprint of Pará. Before boiling, this juice is known as manipueira and contains linamarin, a toxic glycoside that can decompose to hydrogen cyanide. In this study, the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of tucupi on cultured human lymphocytes were assessed using the comet assay and detection of apoptosis and necrosis by differential fluorescent staining with acridine orange-ethidium bromide. Tucupi concentrations (v/v) were determined using the methylthiazole tetrazolium biochemical test. Concentrations of tucupi that presented no genotoxic effects (2, 4, 8, and 16%) were used in our experiments. The results showed that under our study conditions, tucupi exerted no genotoxic effects; however, cytotoxic effects were observed with cell death mainly induced by necrosis. These effects may be related to the presence of hydrogen cyanide in the juice.

Crescimento de codornas de diferentes grupos genéticos por meio de modelos não lineares / Growth comparison of different genetic groups using nonlinear models

Objetivou-se com o presente trabalho ajustar modelos não lineares para descrever o padrão de crescimento de genótipos de codornas de corte e de postura do nascimento aos 35 dias de idade. Foram utilizados dados de 1280 codornas machos e fêmeas, provenientes de sete genótipos de codornas de corte (EV1, EV2, UFV1, UFV2, UFV3, LF1, LF2) e um de postura. Todas as codornas foram pesadas a cada sete dias, do nascimento aos 35 dias de idade. Foram ajustados os modelos Brody, Gompertz, Logístico, Richards e von Bertalanffy aos dados de peso corporal de todos os genótipos. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas utilizando-se o PROC NLIN do SAS (Statistical Analysis System, versão 9.0). Os critérios empregados para a escolha do melhor modelo para descrever a curva de crescimento foram o coeficiente de determinação ajustado (R2), o desvio padrão assintótico (DPA), o desvio médio absoluto dos resíduos (DMA), o índice assintótico (IA), o critério de informação bayesiano (BIC), o critério de Akaike (AIC) e o quadrado médio do erro (QME). Todos os modelos não lineares testados convergiram, com exceção do modelo Brody, que não convergiu para nenhum genótipo avaliado. O modelo Richards não convergiu para o genótipo postura. Os parâmetros da curva de crescimento estimados pelos modelos indicaram maior precocidade, em geral, do genótipo postura comparado aos demais genótipos. O modelo Richards apresentou superestimação do ponto de inflexão para todos os genótipos, exceto para o genótipo postura. Os modelos Gompertz, Logístico e von Bertalanffy são recomendados para descrever o crescimento de codornas de corte dos grupos genéticos em estudo. O modelo Brody não convergiu, por isso não é recomendado para descrever o crescimento dos grupos genéticos de codornas em estudo.

This work aimed to adjust nonlinear models to describe the growth pattern of meat type and posture quail genotypes from hatch to 35 days of age. A total of 1280 male and female quails from EV1, EV2, UFV1, UFV2, UFV3, LF1 and LF2 and Posture genotypes were weighed every seven days, from hatch to 35 days of age. Brody, Gompertz, Logistic, von Bertalanffy and Richards models were used to fit the growth of the genetic groups. Statistical analyses were performed using PROC NLIN of SAS (Statistical Analysis System, version 9.0). The criteria used to select the model showing the best goodness of fit to the growth of the genotypes were: Adjusted Coefficient of Determination (R2), Asymptotic Standard Deviation (DPA), Absolut Mean Deviation (DMA), Asymptotic Index (AI), Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Errors Mean Square (MSE). All nonlinear models converged for the studied genotypes, except Richard the model for the Posture genotype. In general, the estimated parameters for the growth curve using nonlinear models suggested higher precocity for the Posture genotype in comparison to meat type genotypes. The Richard model overestimates the inflection point for all genotypes, except for the Posture genotype. The Gompertz, Logistic and von Bertalanffy are recommended to describe the growth patterns of the studied quail genetic groups. The Brody model did not converge and is not recommended to describe the genetic growth of the studied groups.

Parâmetros de desempenho e carcaça de genótipos de frangos tipo caipira / Performance parameters and carcass of genotypes from alternative strains of broiler chickens

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar as características de desempenho e de carcaça de sete genótipos de frangos tipo caipira da linhagem Redbro. Foram utilizados 840 pintos de um dia, machos, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, dos seguintes genótipos: Caboclo, Carijó, Colorpak, Gigante Negro, Pesadão Vermelho, Pescoço Pelado e Tricolor. Os frangos foram alojados em 28 boxes, sendo 30 frangos por boxe, em galpão de alvenaria com acesso a um piquete de 45m², em quatro repetições. As características de desempenho (conversão alimentar, ganho em peso médio diário, consumo de ração médio diário) foram avaliadas nos períodos: um a 28, um a 56, um a 70 e um a 84 dias de idade. O peso corporal foi avaliado aos 28, 56, 70 e 84 dias de idade. As características de carcaça (peso e rendimento de carcaça, peito e pernas) foram obtidas a partir do abate de dois frangos por boxe, aos 85 dias de idade. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas utilizando-se o "proc glm" do SAS. Verificou-se que, em todos os períodos, os frangos do genótipo Colorpak apresentaram maior peso corporal, consumo de ração médio diário, ganho em peso médio diário e melhor conversão alimentar. Entretanto, os genótipos Caboclo e Gigante Negro apresentaram menores consumo de ração médio diário, ganho de peso médio diário e pior conversão alimentar. Quanto ao rendimento de cortes, observou-se que os genótipos Caboclo e Gigante Negro apresentaram os menores valores, e o Carijó, Colorpak, Pesadão Vermelho, Pescoço Pelado e Tricolor obtiveram os melhores rendimentos de pernas. Para o rendimento de peito, o Carijó e o Pesadão Vermelho obtiveram os maiores valores. A escolha do genótipo deve ser feita de acordo com o interesse do mercado, pois há diferenças no desempenho e no rendimento de carcaça e dos cortes...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance characteristics and carcass of seven genotypes of alternative strains of Redbro broiler chickens. We used 840 day old male chicks, distributed in a completely randomized design, with the following Redbro strain genotypes: Caboclo, Carijó, Colorpak, Gigante Negro, Pesadão Vermelho, Pescoço Pelado and Tricolor. The broilers were housed in 28 boxes, 30 broilers per pen in masonry shed with access to a 45 square meter paddock, with four replications. The performance characteristics (feed conversion, average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake) were evaluated in the following periods: 1 to 28, 1 to 56, 1 to 70 and 1 to 85 days of age. Body weight was measured at 28, 56, 70 and 84 days of age. The carcass traits (weight and carcass yield, breast and leg) were obtained from the slaughter of two broilers per pen, at 84 days old. Statistical analyzes were performed using the "proc glm" SAS. It was found that in all periods, Colorpak genotype broilers had higher body weight, better average daily feed intake, average daily weight gain and feed conversion. However, the genotypes Caboclo and Gigante Negro had lower average daily feed intake, and worse average daily weight gain and feed conversion. As for the cuts yield, it can be observed that the genotypes Caboclo and Gigante Negro presented the lowest values and Carijó, Colorpak, Pesadão Vermelho, Pescoço Pelado and Tricolor had the best yields for legs. For breast meat yield and weight, Carijó and Pesadão Vermelho had the highest values. The genotype choice should be in accordance with the market interest, because there are differences in performance and carcass yield and cuts...

Cellular responses induced in vitro by pestheic acid, a fungal metabolite, in a gastric adenocarcinoma cell line (PG100).

There is a constant search for new cancer treatments that are less aggressive and economically affordable. In this context, natural products extracted from plants, fungi, and microorganisms are of great interest. Pestheic acid, or dihidromaldoxin, is a chlorinated diphenylic ether extracted from the phytopathogenic fungus Pestalotiopsis guepinii (Amphisphaeriaceae). We assessed the cytotoxic, cytostatic, and genotoxic effects of pestheic acid in a gastric adenocarcinoma cell line (PG100). A decrease in clonogenic survival was observed. Pestheic acid also induced significant increases in both micronucleus and nucleoplasmic bridge frequency. However, we did not observe changes in cell cycle kinetics or apoptosis induction. Reactive oxygen species induced by diphenylic ethers may explain the genotoxicity and mutagenicity of pestheic acid. The absence of repair checkpoints that we observed is probably due to the fact that the PG100 cell line lacks the TP53 gene, which is common in gastric cancers. Even though pestheic acid has had a clear cytotoxic effect, the minimal inhibitory concentration was high, which shows that pestheic acid is not an active anticancer compound under these conditions.

Cellular responses induced in vitro by iron (Fe) in a central nervous system cell line (U343MGa).

Iron is the most important metallic chemical element on Earth. Poisoning caused by excessive iron in humans has been associated with pulmonary diseases including neoplasms caused by inhalation of iron oxides. The involvement of iron in neurodegenerative processes has already been described. DNA alterations are induced by iron and other chemical compounds containing this metal; however, the data are controversial and the mechanism by which iron induces mutagenesis remains unknown. This study assessed in vitro iron-induced cytotoxic and genotoxic responses in an astrocytic cell line. Short- and long-term cytotoxicity and genotoxicity were evaluated with the Cell Proliferation Kit II and micronucleus test, respectively. Results indicated that the highest concentration of iron sulfate tested was cytotoxic in long-term cytotoxic assays and increased micronucleus frequency in comparison to controls. The significant cytotoxicity observed here might be due to the intrinsic ability of iron to induce apoptosis and possible changes in cell cycle kinetics; the genotoxic effects are probably due to the oxidant properties of iron itself. This was the first study to investigate the induction of micronuclei by iron in central nervous system cells.

Cytogenetic characterization and evaluation of c-MYC gene amplification in PG100, a new Brazilian gastric cancer cell line

Gastric cancer is the fourth most frequent type of cancer and the second cause of cancer mortality worldwide. The genetic alterations described so far for gastric carcinomas include amplifications and mutations of the c-ERBB2, KRAS, MET, TP53, and c-MYC genes. Chromosomal instability described for gastric cancer includes gains and losses of whole chromosomes or parts of them and these events might lead to oncogene overexpression, showing the need for a better understanding of the cytogenetic aspects of this neoplasia. Very few gastric carcinoma cell lines have been isolated. The establishment and characterization of the biological properties of gastric cancer cell lines is a powerful tool to gather information about the evolution of this malignancy, and also to test new therapeutic approaches. The present study characterized cytogenetically PG-100, the first commercially available gastric cancer cell line derived from a Brazilian patient who had a gastric adenocarcinoma, using GTG banding and fluorescent in situ hybridization to determine MYC amplification. Twenty metaphases were karyotyped; 19 (95 percent) of them presented chromosome 8 trisomy, where the MYC gene is located, and 17 (85 percent) presented a deletion in the 17p region, where the TP53 is located. These are common findings for gastric carcinomas, validating PG100 as an experimental model for this neoplasia. Eighty-six percent of 200 cells analyzed by fluorescent in situ hybridization presented MYC overexpression. Less frequent findings, such as 5p deletions and trisomy 16, open new perspectives for the study of this tumor.

Cytogenetic characterization and evaluation of c-MYC gene amplification in PG100, a new Brazilian gastric cancer cell line.

Gastric cancer is the fourth most frequent type of cancer and the second cause of cancer mortality worldwide. The genetic alterations described so far for gastric carcinomas include amplifications and mutations of the c-ERBB2, KRAS, MET, TP53, and c-MYC genes. Chromosomal instability described for gastric cancer includes gains and losses of whole chromosomes or parts of them and these events might lead to oncogene overexpression, showing the need for a better understanding of the cytogenetic aspects of this neoplasia. Very few gastric carcinoma cell lines have been isolated. The establishment and characterization of the biological properties of gastric cancer cell lines is a powerful tool to gather information about the evolution of this malignancy, and also to test new therapeutic approaches. The present study characterized cytogenetically PG-100, the first commercially available gastric cancer cell line derived from a Brazilian patient who had a gastric adenocarcinoma, using GTG banding and fluorescent in situ hybridization to determine MYC amplification. Twenty metaphases were karyotyped; 19 (95%) of them presented chromosome 8 trisomy, where the MYC gene is located, and 17 (85%) presented a deletion in the 17p region, where the TP53 is located. These are common findings for gastric carcinomas, validating PG100 as an experimental model for this neoplasia. Eighty-six percent of 200 cells analyzed by fluorescent in situ hybridization presented MYC overexpression. Less frequent findings, such as 5p deletions and trisomy 16, open new perspectives for the study of this tumor.

Effect of lipophilization of hydroxytyrosol on its antioxidant activity in fish oils and fish oil-in-water emulsions.

The effect of lipophilization of the antioxidant efficiency of hydroxytyrosol on fish oil enriched systems was studied. Hydroxytyrosol fatty acid esters with increasing size of the alkyl chain and different lipophilicity were tested in bulk fish oils and fish oil-in-water emulsions. Results showed a significant antioxidant activity of hydroxytyrosol esters in both systems especially in emulsions. The introduction of a lipophilic chain decreased the antioxidant effectiveness of hydroxytyrosol in homogeneous systems as fish oils. In emulsion systems, the presence of a short-medium lipophilic chain (acetate, butyrate or octanoate) improved the antioxidant efficiency of hydroxytyrosol favoring the physical location of the antioxidant in the interface, but longer alkyl chain (laurate) maintained or even decreased their antioxidant activity. A maximum of antioxidant efficiency seems to appear when the chain length of the hydroxytyrosol derivative is that of eight carbons which is probably associated with a preferential location of the diorthophenolic moiety in the right geometry. These results are of high importance for the optimum design of effective antioxidants for omega 3 enriched foods, which are very susceptible to suffer oxidation and, then, rancidity.

Antibacterial behavior of silver-modified clinoptilolite-heulandite rich tuff on coliform microorganisms from wastewater in a column system.

The water disinfecting behavior of silver-modified clinoptilolite-heulandite rich tuff (ZSAg) as an antibacterial agent against coliform microorganisms from water in a continuous mode was investigated. Silver recovery from the disinfected effluents by the sodium-modified clinoptilolite-heulandite rich tuff (ZSNa) was also considered. Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739) and total coliform microorganisms, as indicators of microbiological contamination of water, were chosen to achieve the disinfection of synthetic wastewater or municipal wastewater. Ammonium (NH(4)(+)) and chloride (Cl(-)) ions were added to the synthetic wastewater as an interfering chemical species on the disinfection processes. The antibacterial activity of the ZSAg as a bactericide was measured by the coliform concentration as evaluated by the APHA method. The amount of silver in the disinfected effluents was determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The inactivation of the ZSAg was calculated from the breakthrough curves based on the model reported by Gupta et al. It was found that when the silver concentration in the effluent is less than 0.6 microg/mL, the bacterial survival percentage increased and the volume of disinfected water diminished. The total silver amounts found in the effluent at the end of the disinfection processes varied depending on the water treated (synthetic or municipal wastewater). The presence of NH(4)(+) ions in synthetic wastewater influent notably improved the disinfected water volume (zero NVC/100mL), in comparison to the disinfection of the same influent without NH(4)(+) ions. A contrary water disinfection behavior was observed in the presence of Cl(-) ions. The silver recovery does not depend on the mass of the sodium zeolitic bed according with the wastewater to be treated (synthetic or municipal wastewater) and the presence of NH(4)(+) or Cl(-) ions in the influent also influenced the silver recovery from wastewater. The ZSNa did not have antibacterial activity. Therefore the amount of bactericide agent (silver-modified natural zeolite), coliform microorganisms from water (E. coli or consort of coliform microorganisms) as well as the water quality (synthetic wastewater or municipal wastewater) influenced both the disinfection process and the silver recovery in a column system.

Kinetic approach for the study of noncovalent interaction between [Ru(NH3)5pz]2+ and gold nanoparticles.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) capped with N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)glycine have been used to study the strength and character of the binding of a cationic metal complex, [Ru(NH3)5pz]2+ (pz = pyrazine), at pH = 8, to these nanoparticles. The strength of the binding has been studied using a kinetic approach consisting of the study of the kinetics of the oxidation of this ruthenium complex by S2O82- at different NaCl concentrations. When the ionic strength increases, the strength of the binding decreases, as a consequence of the partial neutralization of the charge on the AuNPs which, at pH = 8, has the tiopronin residue negatively charged. The increase of the ionic strength also produces a change in the character of the binding, which changes from anticooperative to noncooperative when the ionic strength increases. The nonelectrostatic and electrostatic components of the free energy of binding are determined. From the latter, we have obtained the values of the electrostatic potential differences at the AuNPs/solutions interface.

Fe impurities weaken the ferromagnetic behavior in Au nanoparticles.

In this Letter, we report on a crucial experiment showing that magnetic impurities reduce the ferromagnetic order temperature in thiol-capped Au glyconanoparticles (GNPs). The spontaneous magnetization of AuFe GNPs exhibits a fast decrease with temperature that contrasts with the almost constant value of the magnetization observed in Au NPs. Moreover, hysteresis disappears below 300 K. Both features indicate that Fe impurities reduce the high local anisotropy field responsible for the ferromagnetic behavior in Au GNPs. As a consequence, the amazing ferromagnetism in Au NPs should not be associated with the presence of magnetic impurities.

Microirbe. Aproximación a la epidemiología de la microalbuminuria en las personas con diabetes e hipertensión de España / Microirbe. Approximation to epidemiology of microalbuminuria in patients with diabetes and hypertension in Spain

Objetivos: Análisis epidemiológico de la prevalencia de microalbuminuria en hipertensos y diabéticos tipo 2 de España. Averiguar la accesibilidad a la determinación del índice albúmina/creatinina en Atención Primaria Material y métodos: Estudio transversal epidemiológico anidado en un estudio de intervención. Participación voluntaria de 1.967 médicos de Atención Primaria que aportaron 7.592 pacientes hipertensos y diabéticos. Variables principales: hipertensión arterial, diabetes y excreción urinaria de albúmina (se recomienda el uso del índice albúmina/ creatinina, pero se aceptan otros métodos si no está disponible). Resultados: Muestra con edad media de 63,6 años (± 10,2) y con un 53,6% de mujeres. Las cifras promedio de la presión arterial fueron 155/92 mmHg (± 10,9/6,2) y de la HbA1c de 6,83% (± 1,07). El 34,4% de los hipertensos y el 21,5% de los diabéticos no utilizaban fármacos para éstas patologías. El 48,7% presentaban una hipercolesterolemia asociada. Globalmente el 38,8% de los pacientes presentaron cifras de excreción urinaria de albúmina dentro del rango de “microalbuminuria”. Se analizan modelos multivariados de predicción de la microalbuminuria. Se observó gran variabilidad interprovincial en la accesibilidad al índice albúmina/creatinina desde la Atención Primaria, con una media del 45,7% (rango: 0-84%). La determinación de microalbuminuria en orina matinal aislada fue el método más frecuente (47,1%)

Objectives: The trial main objective was the epidemiological analysis of microalbuminuria prevalence in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus in Spain. The secondary objective was to set the albumin/creatinine rate determination accessibility in Primary Care Centers. Material and methods: This trial was designed as transversal epidemiological study nested in an interventional study. A total number of 1,967 Primary Care physicians participated with a contribution of 7,592 patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Main variables: High blood pressure, diabetes and albumin urinary excretion (the albumin/creatinine rate was recommended, but alternative methods were admitted when that rate was not available). Results: The sample average age was 63.6 years (± 10.2). A 53.6% of patients were female. The average blood pressure was 155/92 mmHg (± 10.9/6.2) and average HbA1c was 6.83% (± 1.07). The 34.4% of high blood pressure patients and a 21.5% of diabetic ones were not taking drugs for those pathologies. The 48.7% were having associated hypercholesterolemia. Globally, the 38.8% of patients presented albumin urinary excretion in the range of microalbuminuria. Multivariant models for microalbuminuria prediction were analyzed. A great interprovincial variability was detected relative to the albumin/creatinine rate accessibility in Primary Care Centers, with an average of 45.7% (range: 0-84%). The microalbuminuria determination in isoalted first-morning urine samples was the most frequent method (47.1%)