Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Lauraceae Plant Species and Prediction Models Based on Their Metabolomics Profiling Data.

The Lauraceae is a botanical family known for its anti-inflammatory potential. However, several species have not yet been studied. Thus, this work aimed to screen the anti-inflammatory activity of this plant family and to build statistical prediction models. The methodology was based on the statistical analysis of high-resolution liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry data and the ex vivo anti-inflammatory activity of plant extracts. The ex vivo results demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity for several of these plants for the first time. The sample data were applied to build anti-inflammatory activity prediction models, including the partial least square acquired, artificial neural network, and stochastic gradient descent, which showed adequate fitting and predictive performance. Key anti-inflammatory markers, such as aporphine and benzylisoquinoline alkaloids were annotated with confidence level 2. Additionally, the validated prediction models proved to be useful for predicting active extracts using metabolomics data and studying their most bioactive metabolites.

Early results on canine fetal kidney development: Ultrasonographic evaluation and value in prediction of delivery time.

To date there have been no studies that describe the ultrasonographic evaluation of kidney development in canine fetuses. The aim of this prospective and longitudinal study was to monitor fetal kidney development with ultrasound and use fetal kidney measurements as a complementary biometric index for estimation of gestational age. Ultrasonographic examinations were performed on 15 clinically healthy pregnant bitches every four days from 30th day of pregnancy, until visualization of the fetal renal pelvis was no longer possible. Four distinct periods of ultrasonographic canine fetal kidney development were defined. Kidney length and renal pelvis distention were measured on longitudinal plane images. The fetal kidney ranged from 0.40 cm to 2.30 cm in length, and diameter of the pelvis ranged from 0.06 cm to 0.17 cm, however by the end of gestation the renal pelvis was no longer dilated and so its diameter could not be measured. Statistical analysis confirmed a relationship between gestational age and fetal kidney growth. Ultrasonographic evaluation of fetal kidney development is simple to perform. There is a strong correlation between gestational age and kidney length, which allowed generation of an equation to estimate delivery date with high sensitivity between 48 and 52 days of pregnancy. Fetal organ development can be considered complete when the renal pelvis is no longer dilated, this finding can assist the ultrasonographer in staging the gestation by prompting examination for fetal intestinal motility which begins at the same gestational age. Measurement of fetal kidney length can be used in conjunction with other methods to estimate gestational age and predict delivery time.

Assessment of umbilical artery flow and fetal heart rate to predict delivery time in bitches.

The aim of this study was to quantitatively investigate the oscillation of the fetal heart rate (HR) in advance of normal delivery and whether this index could be used to indicate impending delivery. In addition, fetal HR oscillation and umbilical artery resistive index (RI) were correlated to determine if the combination of these parameters provided a more accurate prediction of the time of delivery. Sonographic evaluation was performed in 11 pregnant bitches to evaluate the fetal HR and umbilical artery RI at the following antepartum times: 120 to 96 hours, 72 to 48 hours, 24 to 12 hours, and 12 to 1 hours. Statistical analysis indicated a correlation between the oscillation of fetal HR and the umbilical artery RI. As delivery approached a considerable reduction in the umbilical artery RI was documented and greater oscillations between maximum and minimum HRs occurred. We conclude that the quantitative analysis of fetal HR oscillations may be used to predict the time of delivery in bitches. The combination of fetal HR and umbilical artery RI together may provide more accurate predictions of time of delivery.

Canine fetal echocardiography: correlations for the analysis of cardiac dimensions.

The aim of this study was to develop regression models for correlation of canine fetal heart development with body size to characterize normal development or suggest cardiac anomalies. Twenty clinically healthy pregnant bitches, either brachycephalic and non-brachycephalic, were examined ultrasonographically. Transabdominal fetal echocardiography was conducted every 4 days from the beginning of cardiac chambers differentiation until parturition. Ten cardiac parameters were measured: length, width and diameter of the heart; heart area; left and right ventricular dimensions; left and right atrial dimensions; and aortic and pulmonary artery diameter. Femoral length, biparietal diameter and abdominal cross-sectional area were also recorded. Regression equations were developed for each parameter of fetal body size, and linear and logarithmic models were compared. The model with the highest correlation coefficient was chosen to produce equations to calculate relative dimensions based on the correlations. Only the left-ventricular chamber differed between the two racial groups. Biparietal diameter was the independent parameter that produced the highest correlation coefficient for the most fetal cardiac dimensions, although good correlations were also observed using femoral length and abdominal cross-sectional area. Heart width and heart diameter were used as surrogates of cardiac development, as these measurements showed the best statistical correlation. Quantitative evaluation of fetal cardiac structures can be used to monitor normal and abnormal cardiac development.

The use of Doppler evaluation of the canine umbilical artery in prediction of delivery time and fetal distress.

The aim of this study was to describe changes in umbilical artery blood flow in the later stages of canine pregnancy. Seventeen pregnant bitches were examined sonographically to evaluate umbilical artery blood flow at the following antepartum times: 120-96, 96-72, 72-48, 48-24, 24-12, 12-6 and 6-1h. The peak systolic velocity and end diastolic velocity were measured to calculate the resistive index (RI). Bitches were classified into two groups according to delivery method: normal delivery (Group 1, n=11) and Cesarean section, due to fetal distress, (Group 2, n=6). During the study, the RI of the umbilical artery in bitches in Group 1 significantly declined in the time periods 72-48, 24-12, 12-6 and 6-1h before delivery when compared to the reference RI (120-96h antepartum period), with values ​​below 0.7 in the 12-6 and 6-1h periods. In Group 2, the RI decreased significantly in the antepartum periods 96-72, 72-48, 48-24h with respect to the period 120-96h, and increased in the periods from 24-12, 12-6 and 6-1h (being significantly higher in this last period) until the time of Cesarean section. Therefore monitoring of changes in umbilical artery RI in the pre-partum period may provide information about time of delivery in bitches and also assist in the diagnosis of possible dystocia and fetal distress.

Ultrassonografia abdominal pré-operatória em cães e gatos com suspeita de tumores abdominais / Preoperative Abdominal Ultrasonography in dogs and cats with suspected abdominal tumors

Objetivou-se com este estudo analisar a acurácia do exame ultrassonográfico na definição da origem de neoplasias abdominais e avaliar a eficiência da técnica em sugerir a malignidade do processo. Em 24 pacientes de 113 animais avaliados pelo exame ultrassonográfico, foi observado massa e/ou entremeado nodular em diferentes órgãos da cavidade abdominal, classificados em tipo I, II, II(+) e III. Compararam-se os achados ultrassonográficos com a cirurgia e o exame histopatológico. A determinação da origem da massa foi correta em 20 (83 por cento) animais. Pelos dados estatísticos de acurácia de 91,67 por cento obtidos, acredita-se que o exame ultrassonográfico é interessante para se determinar previamente a malignidade, principalmente naqueles pacientes que apresentam lesões agressivas.

The aim of this study was evaluate efficacy of the ultrassonographic exam in the defining the location of the abdominal neoplasm and to estimate the accuracy of the method in screening the malignant neoplasm process. In 24 patients of 113 animals evaluated by the ultrassonographic exam it was observed a mass and/or a intermingled nodule in different organs in the abdominal cave, classified as type I, II, II(+) e III. It was compared the sonographic findings with surgical and histopathological analysis. The determination of the mass origin was correct in 20 (83 percent) animals and the percentage accuracy of malignant ultrasound determination was 91.67 percent. So, it is believed that the ultrasound is interesting to determine the malignancy in advanced cases, especially in those patients who have aggressive lesions.

Anatomia ultrassonográfica dos linfonodos abdominais de furões europeus hígidos / Ultrasonographic anatomy of abdominal lymph nodes in the normal ferret

Nos últimos anos o furão (Mustela putorius furo) tornou-se um conhecido animal de estimação sendo observada uma população em constante crescimento no Brasil, e por conseqüência cada vez mais presente em clínicas veterinárias. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a anatomia ultrassonográfica dos linfonodos abdominais de furões-europeus hígidos. Foram utilizados 20 animais, dentre os quais nove eram machos e onze fêmeas, com idade média total de três anos. Localizaram-se em 100 por cento dos furões os linfonodos mesentéricos, em 55 por cento dos animais os linfonodos pancreático-duodenal e esplênico, em 20 por cento o linfonodo gástrico e em 5 por cento o linfonodo hepático. Conclui-se que a localização e características ultrassonográfica dos linfonodos abdominais em furões são muito similares aos linfonodos abdominais de gatos, sendo este estudo uma orientação preliminar para a localização dos linfonodos abdominais de furões hígidos.

In recent years the ferret (Mustela putorius furo) has become popular pet featuring a ever growing population in Brazil, and being increasingly found in veterinary clinics. This study aimed to evaluate the ultrasound anatomy of abdominal lymph nodes of healthy ferrets. We used 20 animals, nine of which males and eleven females, with overall mean age of three years. We located the mesenteric lymph nodes in 100 percent of the ferrets, the pancreatic-duodenal lymph nodes and the splenic ones in 55 percent, the gastric lymph node in 20 percent, and the hepatic lymph node in 5 percent. We measured their lengths. It is concluded that the location and sonographic characteristics of the abdominal lymph nodes in ferrets are very similar to the abdominal lymph nodes of cats. This is a preliminary orientation for the location of abdominal lymph nodes of healthy ferrets.

Caloric density of Loricariichthys platymetopon (Osteichthyes, Loricariidae) in the Upper Paraná River floodplain, Brazil

This study analyzed the muscle energy content (caloric density) of L. platymetopon captured at different sites of the Upper Paraná River floodplain, and potential relationships between the content and various environmental variables (water temperature, oxygen dissolved in water, food availability, relative numeric abundance) and biological variables (body size and reproductive cycle). Quarterly samplings from September 2006 to June 2007 in the lakes and rivers resulted in a sample of 739 specimens, whose muscle caloric density was determined using a calorimeter. Differences between the caloric averages of the males and females and among the different stages of gonadal development were not significant. Caloric density varied over time and space, with two seasonal variation trends. The intensity of the correlation between the caloric density and each environmental variable, as well as the type of correlation, varied according to the sampled site. Body size and reproductive cycle were not correlated with caloric density.

Este estudo analisou o conteúdo de energia (densidade calórica) de L. platymetopon capturados em diferentes locais da planície alagável do Alto Rio Paraná, e potenciais relações entre este conteúdo e várias variáveis ambientais (temperatura da água, oxigênio dissolvido na água, disponibilidade de alimento, abundância relativa numérica) e variáveis biológicas (tamanho corpóreo e ciclo reprodutivo). Coletas trimestrais, de setembro/2006 a junho/2007, em lagos e rios, resultaram em uma amostra de 739 espécimes, cuja densidade calórica muscular foi determinada através de calorímetro. Diferenças entre as médias calóricas de machos e fêmeas e entre os estádios de desenvolvimento gonadal não foram significativas Densidade calórica variou sazonal e espacialmente, com duas tendências de variação sazonal. A intensidade da correlação entre densidade calórica e cada variável e cada variável ambiental, assim como, a forma de correlação, variou de acordo com o local amostrado. Tamanho corpóreo e ciclo reprodutivo não estiveram correlacionados à densidade calórica.

Avaliação ultrassonográfica do meato acústico em cães / Ultrasonographic evaluation of the external ear in dogs

O propósito deste trabalho foi determinar a viabilidade da ultrassonografia para avaliar o canal auditivo externo de cães, aferindo a espessura e arquitetura da parede do conduto auditivo e bula timpânica. Foram avaliados 10 cães da raça Retriever do Labrador não portadores de otite externa. O exame foi realizado com o aparelho de ultrassonografia bidimensional e transdutor linear de 14 MHz, com todos os animais sob efeito de anestesia geral. O exame foi efetivado antes e depois do conduto ser preenchido com solução salina, promovendo uma janela acústica anecóica. A artéria maxilar foi identificada com o Doppler colorido o que facilitou a localização da bula timpânica em todos os cães. A definição da imagem da parede proximal ao transdutor foi pior quando comparada à parede distal em todos os animais, isto devido à proximidade da parede com a face de leitura do transdutor. Nos cães que apresentavam uma maior quantidade de cerúmen a superfície do epitélio estava com uma camada hiperecóica mais evidente. A membrana timpânica não foi identificada em nenhum animal. Conclui-se que ultrassonografia é viável e deve ser mais pesquisada na contribuição diagnóstica das doenças óticas em cães.

The purpose of this study was to determine the viability of ultrasonographic evaluation of the external ear in dogs. The thickness and architecture of the ear wall and tympanic bulla of 10 Labrador Retrievers without ear disease was evaluated. The examination was performed with an ultrasound system and a 14 MHz bidimentional linear-array transducer and general anesthesia, before and after the infusion of saline solution into the ear canal. The maxillary artery was identified with color Doppler and helped to establish the location of the tympanic bulla in all dogs. The proximal wall was less well-defined when compared with the distal wall of the ear canal. Dogs with increased ceruminal content within the ear canal showed a hypoechoic epithelium. The tympanic membrane was not identified. It was concluded that ultrasound evaluation is feasible and needs to be explored as clinical diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of ear diseases in dogs.

Variation in energy density of Loricariichthys platymetopon (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) in the upper Paraná River basin

The present study described the variations in energy density from skeletal muscles of Loricariichthys platymetopon in relation to body size, sex, gonadal development stages, sampling site and habitat type (lotic, semi-lotic and lotic). Samplings were performed between June 2002 and August 2006 in points located in the upper Paraná River floodplain, Rosana Reservoir and Diamante Stream. The energy density from each muscle sample of 212 specimens was determined using an adiabatic calorimeter. The correlations between the variables 'muscle energy density' and 'specimen standard length' were not significant. Only in the Rosana Reservoir there was a significant difference in energetic means between 'sex'. Otherwise, due to the gonadal development stage, a significant difference between energetic means was recorded only for males from the upper Paraná River floodplain and for both sexes in Rosana Reservoir. The density of muscle energy ranged from 4,170 to 5,540 cal/g DW (dry weight), with the means (± standard deviation) of 5,140± 0.06 cal/g DW in the Reservoir, 4,950±0.25 cal/g DW in the stream and 4,920 ±0.18 cal/g DW in the floodplain. Furthermore, we also detected a significant difference between the energy means from the different sampled sites, but the same was not registered among the analyzed habitats. In conclusion, the variation in muscle energy density from L. platymetopon may occur. The occurrence of variation between the sexes depends on the site, and the density variation among the stages depends on both the site and 'sex'. In summary, the spatial variation in muscle energy density from this species strengthens the idea that this factor is not a constant parameter, so it should not be applied in bioenergetics modeling and in the quantification of energetic balance as an unique value.

O presente estudo objetivou descrever as variações na densidade de energia dos músculos estriados esqueléticos de Loricariichthys platymetopon em relação aos fatores tamanho, sexo, estádio de desenvolvimento gonadal, local e tipo de habitat (lótico, semi-lótico e lótico). As amostragens foram realizadas entre junho de 2002 e agosto de 2006 em pontos localizados na planície alagável do alto rio Paraná, no reservatório de Rosana e no ribeirão Diamante. A densidade de energia de cada amostra de músculo de 212 espécimes de L. platymetopon foi determinada utilizando-se bomba calorimétrica. As correlações entre as variáveis 'densidade de energia muscular' e 'comprimento padrão do espécime' não foram significativas. Diferença significativa entre as médias energéticas foi registrada entre 'sexo' apenas no reservatório de Rosana. Diferença nas médias energéticas, devido ao estádio de desenvolvimento gonadal, foi significativa somente para machos na planície alagável do alto rio Paraná e para ambos os sexos no reservatório de Rosana. A densidade de energia muscular variou de 4.170 a 5.540 cal/g PS (peso seco), sendo as médias (± desvio-padrão) igual a 5.140± 0,06 cal/g PS no reservatório, 4.950±0,25 cal/g PS no ribeirão e 4.920 ±0,18 cal/ g PS na planície. Foi encontrada diferença significativa entre as médias de energia dos diferentes locais amostrados, entretanto, o mesmo não foi registrado nos habitats analisados. Conclui-se que pode ocorrer variação na densidade de energia muscular de L. platymetopon. A ocorrência de variação entre os sexos depende do local de coleta, e a variação na densidade entre os estádios depende tanto do local quanto do 'sexo'. A variação espacial na densidade de energia muscular desta espécie reforça a idéia de que a mesma não é um parâmetro invariável e que por isso não deve ser aplicada na modelagem bioenergética e na quantificação do balanço energético como um valor único.