Aspectos epidemiológicos e clínico-patológicos de um surto de miopatia nutricional em potros ˗ relato de caso / [Epidemiological and clinical-pathological aspects of an outbreak of nutritional myopathy in young horses ˗ case report]

A miopatia nutricional é uma doença degenerativa que pode afetar os músculos esqueléticos e cardíaco, causada pela deficiência dietética de selênio e/ou vitamina E. Objetivou-se relatar a ocorrência de miopatia nutricional em dois potros Puro Sangue Inglês, criados de forma extensiva, com baixa disponibilidade de forragem e sem suplementação mineral. De um lote de nove animais de diferentes idades (cinco éguas adultas, uma potra lactente de três meses,uma mula e dois potros de 16 e 17 meses), apenas os dois últimos foram afetados. Clinicamente, havia decúbito lateral ou esternal, taquicardia, taquipneia, desidratação e dor à palpação muscular na região dos glúteos.O diagnóstico presuntivo de miopatia nutricional foi realizado por meio da associação dos sinais clínicos aos dados epidemiológicos.O animal 1 foi eutanasiado cinco dias após o atendimento devido à piora gradativa do quadro, e o animal 2 recuperou-se com o tratamento adotado. O diagnóstico foi confirmado com base nos exames complementares, nos achados de necropsia e na dosagem da concentração hepática de selênio. Este relato de caso alerta para o risco da ocorrência de miopatia nutricional em equinos, sobretudo jovens, sem acesso a pastagens ou feno de boa qualidade e sem suplementação mineral adequada.(AU)

Nutritional myopathy is a degenerative disease caused by the dietary deficiency of selenium and/or vitamin E that can affect skeletal and cardiac muscles. The objective of this study was to report the occurrence of nutritional myopathy in two Thoroughbred young horses, raised in pastures with low forage availability and no mineral supplementation. From a herd of nine animals of different ages (five adult mares, one three-month-old nursing foal, one mule and two 16- and 17-month-old horses), only the last two were affected. Clinical signs were lateral or sternal recumbency, tachycardia, tachypnea, dehydration and muscle pain. Presumptive diagnosis of nutritional myopathy was made associating clinical signs and epidemiological data. Animal 1 was euthanized five days after the first evaluation due to clinical signs gets worse, and animal 2 recovered with the established treatment. Diagnosis was confirmed with complementary exams, necropsy findings and levels of hepatic selenium. This paper alerts to the risk of nutritional myopathy occurrence in horses, mainly young animals, which are not ingesting good quality hay or green forage and do not receive appropriate mineral supplementation.(AU)

Structural characterization of SnO nanoparticles synthesized by the hydrothermal and microwave routes.

SnO particles were synthesized by an alkali-assisted hydrothermal and microwave methods. The aqueous-based reactions were carried out at pH ~ 8, under inert atmosphere (Ar). The reactions were taken under different times, and a full XRD structural analysis was made to evaluate the conversion from the Sn6O4(OH)4 intermediate to SnO particles. Williamson-Hall analysis showed that the size and strain of the SnO particles were time and route treatment dependent. Microwave heating yielded a single tetragonal SnO phase after 1 h of thermal treatment, and TEM images revealed spherical-shaped SnO nanoparticles with an average size of 9(1) nm. While by the hydrothermal treatment single SnO phase was obtained only after 4 hours, yielding non-uniform and elongated particles with sub-micrometric size. A dissolution-recrystallization process was taken into account as the mechanism for SnO particles formation, in which hydroxylated complexes, Sn2(OH)6-2, then condense to form the oxide. The time-shorting reaction provided by the microwave-assisted synthesis may be attributed to better heat distribution.

Teriparatide improves microarchitectural characteristics of peri-implant bone in orchiectomized rats.

This study evaluated the peri-implant bone repair in orchiectomized rats receiving intermittently PTH 1-34. The treatment returned the bone quality and quantity of the animals to normal in the computerized microtomography, laser confocal microscopy, and histological analysis. The PTH 1-34 promoted marked bone formation with increased volume, improved quality, and greater bone turnover. INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis can be a problem in implant osseointegration. So this study aimed to evaluate the quantity and quality of peri-implant bone repair in orchiectomized Wistar rats receiving intermittently administered PTH 1-34. METHODS: Animals (n = 24) were divided into 3 groups: healthy control (SHAM), orchiectomized (ORQ), and orchiectomized and treated with 0.5 µg/kg/day PTH 1-34 (TERI), and each received an implant in the right and left tibial metaphysis, which was allowed to repair for 60 days. The resultant bone formation was evaluated through computerized microtomography (micro-CT) to compare the percent bone volume (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular number and separation (Tb.N, Tb.Sp), and bone implant contact (BIC) through the intersection surface (i.S) between groups. Laser confocal microscopy was used to evaluate fluorochrome areas for mineral apposition rate (MAR) and neoformed bone area (NBA). In addition, histological evaluation of calcified tissues with Stevenel blue and alizarin red staining was performed. RESULTS: Treatment with PTH 1-34 returned the bone quality and quantity of the osteoporotic animal to normal, as the TERI group presented statistically significant higher values for BV/TV, Tb.Th, and BIC parameters compared with ORQ (p < 0.05), but when compared with SHAM (p > 0.05), no statistical difference was noted. In addition, in the bone turnover analysis (MAR, NBA) for TERI, the highest results are presented, followed by SHAM, and then ORQ (TERI × ORQ: p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Intermittent treatment with PTH 1-34 on orchiectomized animals promoted marked bone formation with increased volume, improved quality, and greater bone turnover in the peri-implant space, returning the bone quality and quantity to the present standard in healthy animals.

Exploring the mechanism of PPARγ phosphorylation mediated by CDK5.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a nuclear receptor with a key role in metabolic processes and is target of CDK5 kinase phosphorylation at S245 (S273 in PPARγ isoform 2), thereby inducing insulin resistance. A remarkable effort has been addressed to find PPARγ ligands that inhibit S245 phosphorylation, but the poor understanding in this field challenges the design of such ligands. Here, through computational and biophysical methods, we explored an experimentally validated model of PPARγ-CDK5 complex, and we presented K261, K263 or K265, which are conserved in mammals, as important anchor residues for this interaction. In addition, we observed, from structural data analysis, that PPARγ ligands that inhibit S245 phosphorylation are not in direct contact with these residues; but induce structural modifications in PPARγ:CDK5/p25 interface. In summary, our PPARγ and CDK5/p25 interaction analyses open new possibilities for the rational design of novel inhibitors that impair S245 phosphorylation.

Bioactivity and Toxicity of Senna cana and Senna pendula Extracts.

This work investigated the content of total polyphenolic compounds and flavonoids as well as their toxicity and larvicidal and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities. The antioxidant activities of two medicinal Senna species extracts (Senna cana and Senna pendula) were also investigated. The ethanol extract of the leaves of S. cana and the ethanol extract of the branches of S. pendula presented the best performance in the DPPH/FRAP and ABTS/ORAC assays, respectively. For the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, the hexane extract of the flowers of S. pendula presented the lowest IC50 value among the ethanol extracts of the leaves of S. cana and showed the best performance in some assays. The hexane extract of the leaves of S. pendula and the hexane extract of the branches of S. cana were moderate to Artemia salina Leach. In the quantification of phenols and flavonoids, the ethanol extract of the leaves of S. cana presented the best results. The ethanol extracts of the leaves of S. cana were found to be rich in antioxidants, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids. These results indicate the antioxidant potential of the extracts of Senna species and can be responsible for some of the therapeutic uses of these plants.

Gene expression of thyroid-specific transcription factors may help diagnose thyroid lesions but are not determinants of tumor progression.

PURPOSE: The role of thyroid-specific transcription factors in thyroid malignancy is still poorly understood, so we investigate thyroid-specific transcription factors gene expression both in benign and in malignant thyroid nodules, aiming to study a possible clinical utility of these molecules. METHODS: We quantified TTF-1, FOXE1 and PAX8 mRNA levels, relating their expression to diagnostic and prognostic features of thyroid tumors. RNA was extracted from 4 normal thyroid tissues, 101 malignant [99 papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC) and 2 anaplastic thyroid carcinomas] and 99 benign thyroid lesion tissues [49 goiter and 50 follicular adenomas (FA)]. RESULTS: Levels of mRNA of both FOXE1 (P < 0.0001) and PAX8 (P < 0.0001) genes, but not TTF-1 (P = 0.7056), were higher in benign than in malignant thyroid lesions. FOXE1 was able to identify malignant nodules with 75.8 % sensitivity, 76.1 % specificity, 75.8 % positive predictive value, 76.1 % negative predictive value and 75.9 % accuracy. PAX8 was able to identify malignancy with 60.6 % sensitivity, 81.1 % specificity, 76.9 % positive predictive value, 66.4 % negative predictive value and 70.6 % accuracy. Both FOXE1 and PAX8 gene expression patterns were also able to differentiate FA from the follicular variant of PTC-FVPTC. However, the investigated gene expression was neither associated with any clinical feature of tumor aggressiveness nor associated with recurrence or survival. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that FOXE1 and PAX8 gene expression patterns may help to diagnose thyroid nodules, identifying malignancy and characterizing follicular-patterned thyroid lesions, but are not determinants of thyroid tumor progression.

Efficacy of a simple dosage scheme to convert from shorter-acting erythropoiesis-stimulating agent to continuous erythropoietin receptor activator in kidney transplantation patients.

INTRODUCTION: Anemia after kidney transplantation (KT) has a negative impact on graft and patient survival. Anemia management includes iron supplements and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). Most ESAs require short frequency of administration and conversion to ESAs with longer half-life are complex. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to assess the efficacy of continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA) in hemoglobin (Hb) maintenance after conversion from shorter-acting ESAs with a simple conversion scheme in kidney transplant recipients. METHOD: This is an open-label, prospective, single-arm, single-center, 12-month follow-up study including 77 anemic KT patients with stable renal function. Baseline and monthly measurements of Hb, iron, and creatinine were performed. The conversion scheme from darbepoetin alfa or epoetin was as follows: <30 µg or 5000 IU/week was switched to 75 µg/mo; between 30-50 or 5000-8000 was switched to 100 µg/mo; >50 µg or 8000 IU was changed to 150 µg/month of CERA. Dose adjustments were performed to maintain Hb levels between 10 g/dL and 12 g/dL. RESULTS: The mean age was 57 ± 19 years. The mean time of conversion after KT was 61 ± 49 months. Before conversion, 62.9% of patients were administered epoetin and 37.1% with darbepoetin alfa. Baseline Hb is noted at 10.6 ± 1.3 g/dL. Thirteen percent of patients started receiving CERA at doses of 50 µg/mo, 66% at 75 µg/mo, 13% at 100 µg/mo, and 8% at 150 µg/mo. During the first month, 21% required dose adjustment (6% were increased, 15% were decreased). The final Hb was 11.2 ± 0.8 g/dL. Iron and creatinine levels remained stable during the follow-up examination. CONCLUSION: We propose a simple scheme of conversion from short-acting ESAs to a once-monthly dose of CERA that provides sustained Hb levels within the recommended target with small dose adjustments and low CERA doses.

Biohydrogen production through dark fermentation by a microbial consortium using whey permeate as substrate.

Nowadays, hydrogen produced globally has been synthesized from fossil fuel with limited source. Therefore, research has been developed in order to explore biological H2 production by dark fermentation. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effect of initial pH and ferrous sulfate and ammonium sulfate concentrations on the production of biohydrogen by dark fermentation. The process was carried out in batch mode under anaerobic conditions, in the absence of light, and at standard room temperature and pressure. A microbial consortium provided by the effluent treatment plant of a local dairy company was inoculated into a synthetic medium supplemented with cheese whey permeate (20 g/L of lactose) as a carbon source. The influence of three variables was analyzed by a central composite design 2((3)), and the optimum results of hydrogen yield (4.13 mol H2/mol lactose) and productivity (86.31 mmol H2/L/day) were achieved at initial pH 7.0 and FeSO4 and (NH4)2SO4 concentrations of 0.6 and 1.5 g/L, respectively. Under these conditions, the kinetic parameters of fermentation were investigated by analyzing the profile of H2 yield and productivity, metabolite concentrations, pH, and concentration of dissolved iron. In the kinetic analysis, the modified Gompertz equation described adequately the fermentative hydrogen production from cheese whey permeate (R (2) = 0.98). The profile of ethanol and volatile organic acids showed that lactic acid and butyric acid were the main metabolites produced, and the sum of both by-products corresponded to about 58 % of the total metabolites.

Long-term follow-up after conversion from tacrolimus to cyclosporin in renal transplant patients with new-onset diabetes mellitus after transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: The relationship between anticalcineurin (CNI) drugs and the development new-onset diabetes mellitus after kidney transplantation (NODAT) is well established. Among these agents cyclosporine shows lesser diabetogenicity than tacrolimus. It has been described that conversion from tacrolimus to cyclosporine improves glycemic control; however, there are no studies showing whether this reduced risk is maintained upon long-term follow-up. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether CNI drugs conversion from tacrolimus to cyclosporine helps to maintain better glycemic control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the evolution of glucose metabolism at 5 years after conversion from tacrolimus to cyclosporine in eight patients (six men) with NODAT. Mean age was 42.8 ± 15 years, and time after transplantation to conversion 128 ± 40 months. We analyzed fasting serum glucose, lipid metabolism, renal function, and cyclosporine levels at 0, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months after conversion. RESULTS: At 6 months after conversion, improved glucose metabolism was observed (268 ± 161 versus 121 ± 31 mg/dL; P < .01) although it was minimal in one case with persistent high blood glycemic levels. Only two patients maintained a normal glucose at the end of follow-up. Five subjects showed increased glycemia at 12 to 24 months after conversion requiring antidiabetic therapy: three patients, insulin and two oral antidiabetic agents. Two patients lost their allografts due to chronic rejection at 32 and 50 months respectively. Among the other six patients, renal function remained stable (1.9 ± 0.6 versus 2.11 ± 0.97 mg/dL; P = NS). There was no significant differences among the other variables. Cyclosporine levels remained stable during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: Conversion of renal transplant patients with NODAT from tacrolimus to cyclosporine improves glucose metabolism in the short term but glycemia increases thereafter.

Resultados hospitalares da intervenção coronária percutânea primária no infarto agudo do miocárdio em pacientes com mais de 80 anos / In-hospital results of primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients above 80 years of age

INTRODUÇÃO: O aumento da expectativa de vida da população e o risco de sangramento com o uso de trombolíticos têm permitido que pacientes casa vez mais idosos com infarto agudo do miocárdio sejam tratados pela intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP) primária. Analisamos os resultados hospitalares da ICP primária em pacientes com idade >ou igual a 80 anos. Métodos: No período de janeiro de 2002 a outubro de 2008, foram realizadas 4.788 ICPs, sendo 428 ICPs primárias. Destas, 34 foram em pacientes com idade > igual a 80 anos. Resultados: O sexo feminino (47,1 por cento vs. 27,7 por cento = 0,017), a classe funcional Killip IV (11,8 por cento vs. 4,1; P = 0,002) e o fluxo coronário TIMI 2/3 pré-ICP (60 por cento vs. 44,4 por cento; P = 0,032) foram mais frequentes nos idosos. Tabagismo (44,9 por cento vs. 8 por cento; P = 0,001)e uso de inibidores...

BACKGROUND: Improvements in life expectancy of the overall population and the risk of bleeding with thrombolytics have enabled very elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction to be treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We analyzed the primary PCI in-hospital results in patients > 80 years of age. METHOD: From January 2002 to October 2008, 4,788 PCIs were performed, of which 428 were primary PCIs. Of these, 34 were performed in patients > 80 years of age and 394 in patients < 80 years of age. RESULTS: Females (47.1% vs. 27.7%; P = 0.017), Killip IV functional class (11.8% vs. 4.1%; P = 0.002) and pre-procedure TIMI 2/3 flow (60% vs. 44.4%; P = 0.032) were more frequent in elderly patients. Smoking (44.9% vs. 8%; P < 0.001) and use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (32.5% vs. 11.7%; P = 0.04) were prevalent in the group < 80 years of age. There were no significant differences for door-to-balloon time (117.4 ± 125.7 minutes vs. 179.3 ± 169.8 minutes; P = 0.095), use of stents (91.2% vs. 98.2%; P = 0.78), or drug-eluting stents (0 vs. 2.8%; P = 0.067) and thrombus aspiration devices (11.7% vs. 12.2%; P = 0.65). Angiographic success rate was equal between the groups (97.1% vs. 96.5%; P > 0.99), but patients > 80 years old had a higher mortality rate (11.8% vs. 2.3%; P = 0.014). Reinfarction, stroke, major vascular complications and acute renal failure were similar between groups. CONCLUSION: PCI usually presents high angiographic success and low complication rates, reinforcing its role as a method of choice for reperfusion in the acute phase of myocardial infarction. Very elderly patients (> 80 years of age) have higher mortality rates, possibly due to the greater comorbidity in this group.

The relaxation induced by uroguanylin and the expression of natriuretic peptide receptors in human corpora cavernosa.

INTRODUCTION: Receptors for natriuretic peptides have been demonstrated as potential targets for the treatment of male erectile dysfunction. AIM: This study investigates the relaxant effects of the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and uroguanylin (UGN), and expression of natriuretic peptide receptors on strips of human corpora cavernosa (HCC). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Quantitative analysis of natriuretic receptor expression and relaxation of precontracted strips were used to assess the membrane-bound guanylate cyclase-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway in HCC strips. METHODS: HCC was obtained from a cadaver donor at the time of collection of organs for transplantation (14-47 years) and strips were mounted in organ baths for isometric studies. RESULTS: ANP and UGN both induced concentration-dependent relaxation on HCC strips with a maximal response attained at 300 nM, corresponding to 45.4±4.0% and 49±4.8%, respectively. The relaxation is not affected by 30 µM 1H-[1,2,4]oxaolodiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) (a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor), but it is significantly blocked by 10 µM isatin, a nonspecific particulate guanylate cyclase (pGC) inhibitor. UGN was unable to potentiate electrical field stimulation (EFS) or acetylcholine-induced relaxations. The potential role of pGC activation and cGMP generation in this effect is reinforced by the potentiation of this effect by phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor vardenafil (55.0±7.5-UGN vs. 98.6±1.4%-UGN+vardenafil; P<0.05). The relaxant effect was also partially (37.6%) blocked by the combination iberitoxin-apamin but was insensitive to glybenclamide. The expression of guanylate cyclase receptors (GC-A, GC-B, GC-C) and the expression of the natriuretic peptide "clearance" receptor (NPR-C) were confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The exposure of HCC strips to ANP (1 µM) and UGN (10 µM) significantly increased cGMP, but not cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels. CONCLUSIONS: UGN relaxes HCC strips by a guanylate cyclase and K(ca)-channel-dependent mechanism. These findings obtained in HCC reveal that the natriuretic peptide receptors are potential targets for the development of new drugs for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Infestation of the cupped oysters Crassostrea angulata, C. gigas and their first-generation hybrids by the copepod Myicola ostreae: differences in susceptibility and host response.

SUMMARY: We studied the prevalence and intensity of the parasitic copepod Myicola ostreae in 2 closely related oysters Crassostrea angulata and C. gigas and their F1 hybrids. The effects on host and host reaction were also analysed to better understand host-parasite relationships between copepods and bivalve molluscs. Full reciprocal crosses were carried out between C. angulata and C. gigas and the progenies were reared in the wild in Ria Formosa Lagoon (Portugal), allowing natural infestation by M. ostreae. Prevalence and intensity were significantly higher in C. angulata than in C. gigas. The parasite level of F1 hybrids was similar to C. angulata and significantly higher than in C. gigas. The results of our study support a hypothesis of dominantly inherited susceptibility to M. ostreae infestation. Moreover, copepods were observed on the gill surface of C. gigas engulfed by a capsule-like structure. Histological analyses revealed that the copepods were surrounded by a massive agglomerate of haemocyte-like cells encircled by a thin layer of fibroblast-like cells. This encapsulation response was not observed in C. angulata or in F1 hybrids. These results suggest that the differential susceptibility to M. ostreae between C. angulata and C. gigas may be ascribed to host defence factors.

Mutações da cultura midiática / Mutations of media culture

A obra Mutações da cultura midiática trata das inovações no âmbito comunicacional em curso, no final do século XX e início do XXI, relacionadas à tecnologia e ao processo comunicativo, e os efeitos dessas mudanças na sociedade, economia e cultura. Reúne as reflexões de diversos pesquisadores acerca das consequências das transformações em curso no conteúdo de produtos midiáticos, ou em sua linguagem, ou ainda em sua relação com o receptor. Também discute a questão da ressignificação, ou seja, a maneira como uma nova mídia modifica e dá novo significado às precedentes, abordando temas como televisão, cinema, música, histórias em quadrinhos e games. Seus estudos mostram como a tecnologia modifica suportes, cria e amplia canais de difusão, e, da mesma forma que as inovações formais ou estéticas, introduz novos conteúdos simbólicos e diferentes maneiras de perceber o mundo e criar sentidos...

The mutations and potential targets of the forkhead transcription factor FOXL2.

Mutations of FOXL2, a gene encoding a forkhead transcription factor, have been shown to cause the blepharophimosis-ptosis-epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES). This genetic disorder is characterized by eyelid and mild craniofacial abnormalities that can appear associated with premature ovarian failure. FOXL2 is one of the earliest ovarian markers and it offers, along with its targets, an excellent model to study ovarian development and function in normal and pathological conditions. In this review we summarize recent data concerning FOXL2, its mutations and its potential targets. Indeed, many mutations have been described in the coding sequence of FOXL2. Among them, polyalanine expansions and premature nonsense mutations have been shown to induce protein aggregation. In the context of the ovary, FOXL2 has been suggested to be involved in the regulation of cholesterol and steroid metabolism, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species detoxification and inflammation processes. The elucidation of the impact of FOXL2 mutations on its function will allow a better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the BPES phenotype.