Performance and metabolic evaluation in primiparous beef cows under grazing at different breeding ages.

We aimed to evaluate the metabolic and performance differences in primiparous Nellore cows, which became pregnant at 14 or 24-mo old. Thirty-eight cows with 202 ± 5 days of gestation were divided into two treatments according to breeding age: 14 or 24-mo. Cows were evaluated for body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), carcass characteristics, milk yield, calves's performance, and blood characteristics. The animals were managed in eight paddocks under continuous grazing and evaluated from 90 d before parturition until 240 d after calving. We observed an interaction between breeding age and time (P < 0.01) for cow BW. Both breeding age categories experienced BW loss during parturition, with a concurrent decrease in BCS. However, following their first calving, the BW of 24-mo cows remained stable (P > 0.05), whereas 14-mo cows exhibited a gradual recovery in BW after parturition (P < 0.05). Milk yield was greater in 24-mo animals (P < 0.01), but decreased with increasing milking days (p < 0.05) for both groups. The weight gain calves from the heifers bred at 24-mo was greater (P < 0.01), which reflected in greater BW at weaning. The beta-hydroxybutyrate (ß-OHB) concentration was greater before calving and a marked decrease after parturition (P < 0.05). The 24-mo cows had greater blood ß-OHB (P < 0.01) at prepartum and 30 days after calving. Blood progesterone was greater in 24-mo cows (P > 0.05). Primiparous beef cows that conceive at either 14 or 24-months of age exhibit distinct nutritional requirements and metabolic profiles. Notably, cows that conceive at 24-months of age have the advantage of weaning heavier calves and displaying a more consistent reproductive cycle following their first calving than cows that conceive at 14-months.

Systematic assessment of template-based genome-scale metabolic models created with the BiGG Integration Tool.

Genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) are essential tools for in silico phenotype prediction and strain optimisation. The most straightforward GEMs reconstruction approach uses published models as templates to generate the initial draft, requiring further curation. Such an approach is used by BiGG Integration Tool (BIT), available for merlin users. This tool uses models from BiGG Models database as templates for the draft models. Moreover, BIT allows the selection between different template combinations. The main objective of this study is to assess the draft models generated using this tool and compare them BIT, comparing these to CarveMe models, both of which use the BiGG database, and curated models. For this, three organisms were selected, namely Streptococcus thermophilus, Xylella fastidiosa and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The models' variability was assessed using reactions and genes' metabolic functions. This study concluded that models generated with BIT for each organism were differentiated, despite sharing a significant portion of metabolic functions. Furthermore, the template seems to influence the content of the models, though to a lower extent. When comparing each draft with curated models, BIT had better performances than CarveMe in all metrics. Hence, BIT can be considered a fast and reliable alternative for draft reconstruction for bacteria models.

Differentiation of myofibroblasts in wounds after topical use of metronidazole: an experimental study. / Diferenciação de miofibroblastos em feridas após uso tópico do metronidazol: estudo experimental.

OBJECTIVE: to assess the effects of topical administration of metronidazole on fibroblast differentiation and on wound contraction during experimental secondary intention wound healing in rats. METHODS: we submitted 108 rats to a circular wound on the back, 2cm in diameter, and divided them into six groups: control group, with application of saline solution on the wound and five experimental groups, divided according to the concentration of metronidazole solution used (4%, 6%, 8%, 10% and 12%). We changed the dressings daily throughout the trial period, which comprised three stages of analysis: three, seven and 14 days. We evaluated wound contraction by digital planimetry, and identified myofibroblasts and protomyofibroblasts using CD34 and α-SMA immunohistochemistry techniques. RESULTS: wound contraction was not different between the experimental and the control groups. Protomyofibroblasts were significantly more numerous at seven days (p=0.022) in the 4%, 6% and 8% metronidazole groups. After 14 days, in the same groups, myofibroblasts predominated significantly (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: the topical administration of metronidazole solution in skin wounds healing by secondary intention was able to improve the differentiation of fibroblasts. The contraction phase of wound healing remained unchanged, without significant reduction of the contraction evaluated by digital planimetry. These results can be used in favor of the wound healing process.

OBJETIVO: avaliar os efeitos da administração tópica do metronidazol na diferenciação de fibroblastos e na contração da ferida durante cicatrização experimental por segunda intenção em ratos. MÉTODOS: cento e oito animais foram submetidos a uma ferida circular no dorso, com 2cm de diâmetro e divididos em seis grupos: grupo controle, com aplicação de solução salina sobre a ferida e cinco grupos experimentais divididos de acordo com a concentração da solução do metronidazol utilizada (4%, 6%, 8%,10% e 12%). Curativos foram realizados diariamente durante todo o período do experimento, que foi subdividido em três momentos de análise: três, sete e 14 dias. A contração da ferida foi avaliada por planimetria digital e os miofibroblastos e protomiofibroblastos foram identificados usando técnicas de imuno-histoquímica CD34 e a-SMA. RESULTADOS: a contração da ferida não apresentou diferença entre os grupos e o controle. Os protomiofibroblastos foram significativamente mais numerosos aos sete dias (p=0,022) nos grupos metronidazol de 4%, 6% e 8%. Após 14 dias, nos mesmos grupos, os miofibroblastos predominaram significativamente (p=0,01). CONCLUSÃO: a administração tópica de solução de metronidazol em feridas de pele com cicatrização por segunda intenção foi capaz de melhorar a diferenciação de fibroblastos. A fase de contração da cicatrização de feridas permaneceu inalterada, sem redução significativa da contração avaliada pela planimetria digital. Estes resultados podem ser utilizados em favor do processo de cicatrização de feridas.

Metronidazole concentration in the bloodstream following its topical application, at different concentration levels, on experimental skin wounds during healing by secondary intention1.

PURPOSE: To characterize qualitatively and quantitatively the absorption of metronidazole solution, in greater concentrations and for longer periods, when applied topically to an experimental open skin wound model. METHODS: An open skin wound, 2 cm in diameter and total skin thickness was prepared, under anesthetic, in the dorsal region of 108 Wistar rats weighing between 300 and 350 grams. The animals were allocated to groups of 18 animals in accordance with the concentration of metronidazole in the solution to be applied daily to the wound. In the control group (CG), 0.9% sodium chloride solution was used for application, and in the experimental groups (GI, GII, GIII, GIV and GV) metronidazole solution at 4%, 6%, 8%, 10% and 12%, respectively, was applied. After 3, 7 and 14 days of treatment. Blood samples collected through cardiac puncture were examined for the existence or non-existence of metronidazole, using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Detected metronidazole values were compared statistically within each group (temporal analysis 3 days X 7 days X 14 days) and between the groups that used topical metronidazole (4% X 6% X 8% X 10% and 12%) using the Kruskal-Wallis test, considering a statistical significance of 95% (p<0.05). RESULTS: Metronidazole was detected in all the samples at all times in all the groups in which topical metronidazole was applied to the wounds. Characteristically, there was no significant difference between the doses obtained within each group over time (3 days X 7 days X 14 days) GI=0.461; GII=0.154; GIII=0.888; GIV= 0.264 and GV=0.152. In the evaluation between groups, a similar degree of absorption was found after 3 days (p=0.829) and 14 days (p=0.751). CONCLUSION: The serum concentration of metronidazole that was achieved was not influenced by the concentration of the solution applied to the skin wound, with similar extend, or by the duration of the application.

Metronidazole concentration in the bloodstream following its topical application, at different concentration levels, on experimental skin wounds during healing by secondary intention

Abstract Purpose: To characterize qualitatively and quantitatively the absorption of metronidazole solution, in greater concentrations and for longer periods, when applied topically to an experimental open skin wound model. Methods: An open skin wound, 2 cm in diameter and total skin thickness was prepared, under anesthetic, in the dorsal region of 108 Wistar rats weighing between 300 and 350 grams. The animals were allocated to groups of 18 animals in accordance with the concentration of metronidazole in the solution to be applied daily to the wound. In the control group (CG), 0.9% sodium chloride solution was used for application, and in the experimental groups (GI, GII, GIII, GIV and GV) metronidazole solution at 4%, 6%, 8%, 10% and 12%, respectively, was applied. After 3, 7 and 14 days of treatment. Blood samples collected through cardiac puncture were examined for the existence or non-existence of metronidazole, using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Detected metronidazole values were compared statistically within each group (temporal analysis 3 days X 7 days X 14 days) and between the groups that used topical metronidazole (4% X 6% X 8% X 10% and 12%) using the Kruskal-Wallis test, considering a statistical significance of 95% (p<0.05). Results: Metronidazole was detected in all the samples at all times in all the groups in which topical metronidazole was applied to the wounds. Characteristically, there was no significant difference between the doses obtained within each group over time (3 days X 7 days X 14 days) GI=0.461; GII=0.154; GIII=0.888; GIV= 0.264 and GV=0.152. In the evaluation between groups, a similar degree of absorption was found after 3 days (p=0.829) and 14 days (p=0.751). Conclusion: The serum concentration of metronidazole that was achieved was not influenced by the concentration of the solution applied to the skin wound, with similar extend, or by the duration of the application.

Diferenciação de miofibroblastos em feridas após uso tópico do metronidazol: estudo experimental / Differentiation of myofibroblasts in wounds after topical use of metronidazole: an experimental study

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar os efeitos da administração tópica do metronidazol na diferenciação de fibroblastos e na contração da ferida durante cicatrização experimental por segunda intenção em ratos. Métodos: cento e oito animais foram submetidos a uma ferida circular no dorso, com 2cm de diâmetro e divididos em seis grupos: grupo controle, com aplicação de solução salina sobre a ferida e cinco grupos experimentais divididos de acordo com a concentração da solução do metronidazol utilizada (4%, 6%, 8%,10% e 12%). Curativos foram realizados diariamente durante todo o período do experimento, que foi subdividido em três momentos de análise: três, sete e 14 dias. A contração da ferida foi avaliada por planimetria digital e os miofibroblastos e protomiofibroblastos foram identificados usando técnicas de imuno-histoquímica CD34 e a-SMA. Resultados: a contração da ferida não apresentou diferença entre os grupos e o controle. Os protomiofibroblastos foram significativamente mais numerosos aos sete dias (p=0,022) nos grupos metronidazol de 4%, 6% e 8%. Após 14 dias, nos mesmos grupos, os miofibroblastos predominaram significativamente (p=0,01). Conclusão: a administração tópica de solução de metronidazol em feridas de pele com cicatrização por segunda intenção foi capaz de melhorar a diferenciação de fibroblastos. A fase de contração da cicatrização de feridas permaneceu inalterada, sem redução significativa da contração avaliada pela planimetria digital. Estes resultados podem ser utilizados em favor do processo de cicatrização de feridas.

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess the effects of topical administration of metronidazole on fibroblast differentiation and on wound contraction during experimental secondary intention wound healing in rats. Methods: we submitted 108 rats to a circular wound on the back, 2cm in diameter, and divided them into six groups: control group, with application of saline solution on the wound and five experimental groups, divided according to the concentration of metronidazole solution used (4%, 6%, 8%, 10% and 12%). We changed the dressings daily throughout the trial period, which comprised three stages of analysis: three, seven and 14 days. We evaluated wound contraction by digital planimetry, and identified myofibroblasts and protomyofibroblasts using CD34 and α-SMA immunohistochemistry techniques. Results: wound contraction was not different between the experimental and the control groups. Protomyofibroblasts were significantly more numerous at seven days (p=0.022) in the 4%, 6% and 8% metronidazole groups. After 14 days, in the same groups, myofibroblasts predominated significantly (p=0.01). Conclusion: the topical administration of metronidazole solution in skin wounds healing by secondary intention was able to improve the differentiation of fibroblasts. The contraction phase of wound healing remained unchanged, without significant reduction of the contraction evaluated by digital planimetry. These results can be used in favor of the wound healing process.

Nutritional evaluation and ruminal fermentation patterns of kochia compared with alfalfa and orchardgrass hays and ephedra and cheatgrass compared with orchardgrass hay as alternative arid-land forages for beef cattle in two dual-flow continuous culture system experiments.

The objective was to evaluate the ruminal fermentation patterns of forage kochia (FK) compared with alfalfa hay (AH) and orchardgrass hay (OH) (Exp. 1), and ephedra (EPH) and immature cheatgrass (CG) compared with OH (Exp. 2), using a dual-flow continuous culture system. Two in vitro experiments were conducted, and in each experiment, treatments were randomly assigned to six dual-flow fermenters (1,223 ± 21 mL) in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design, with three consecutive periods of 10 d each, consisting of 7 d for diet adaptation and 3 d for sample collection. Each fermenter was fed a total of 72 g/d (DM basis) and treatments were as follows: Exp. 1: 1) 100% OH, 2) 100% AH, and 3) 100% dried FK. Exp. 2: 1) 100% OH, 2) 100% dried CG, and 3) 100% dried EPH. On day 8, 9, and 10, samples of solid and liquid effluent from each fermenter were taken for digestibility analysis, and subsamples were collected for NH3-N, VFA, and bacterial N determinations. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. In Exp. 1, treatments did not affect DM, OM, and NDF digestibilities, total VFA and molar proportions of acetate, propionate, butyrate, and branched-chain VFA. True CP digestibility, ruminal NH3-N concentration, and total N, NH3-N, NAN, and dietary N flows (g/d) were greater (P < 0.05) for FK compared with the other forages. However, treatments did not affect bacterial efficiency. In Exp. 2, DM, OM, and CP digestibilities were greater (P = 0.01) for EPH, and NDF digestibility was greater (P < 0.05) for EPH and CG compared with OH. Ephedra had the highest (P < 0.05) pH and acetate:propionate ratio and the lowest (P < 0.05) total VFA concentration. Total VFA, ruminal NH3-N concentration, and NH3-N flow (g/d) were highest (P < 0.05) for CG. Total N flow and bacterial efficiency were highest (P < 0.05) for OH and CG, while the flows (g/d) of NAN, bacterial N, and dietary N were greater (P < 0.05) for OH compared with the other forages. Results indicate that when compared with AH and OH (Exp. 1), FK has similar ruminal fermentation patterns and may be an adequate alternative for beef cattle producers. Furthermore, when compared with OH (Exp. 2), immature CG may also be an adequate forage alternative. This is especially important for areas in which conventional forages may not grow well such as the U.S. arid-land. However, EPH should not be used as the sole forage due to its poor ruminal fermentation as evidenced by the lowest total VFA concentration and propionate molar proportion.

Evaluation of the Effects of Bismuth Subgallate on Wound Healing in Rats. Histological Findings

Abstract Introduction Bismuth subgallate (BS) is a yellow and odorless powder that has hemostatic astringent properties. Some otorhinolaryngologists and dentists currently use this substance to enhance wound healing. Objective The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of bismuth subgallate on wound healing, through the analysis of inflammatory process, collagen production, and angiogenesis. Method A standard wound was made on the back of 60 male Wistar rats, using a biopsy punch. We created two groups: the experimental group, which underwent daily application of 0.5mg BS over the entire wound, and the control group, which underwent daily application of sodium chloride 0.9%. We performed a qualitative evaluation of the tissue on the third, seventh, and fourteenth day. We assessed inflammatory markers using Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) stain, used Picrosirius stain for collagen analysis, and immunohistochemistry was used for angiogenesis analysis through evaluation of smooth muscle proliferation. Results Statistically, we found no significant differences between groups regarding inflammatory response on the third (p= 1), seventh (p= 0.474), and fourteenth day (p= 0.303). Also, collagen type I and III production showed no statistical differences between groups on the third (p= 0.436), seventh (p= 0.853), and fourteenth day (p= 0.436) of analysis. Immunohistochemistry did not present differences on angiogenesis between experimental and control group on the third (p= 0.280), seventh (p= 0.971), and fourteenth day (p= 0.218). Conclusion BS does not promote significant changes in inflammatory response, collagen, and angiogenesis. Thus, it does not influence healing on skin wounds on rats.

Evaluation of the Effects of Bismuth Subgallate on Wound Healing in Rats. Histological Findings.

Introduction Bismuth subgallate (BS) is a yellow and odorless powder that has hemostatic astringent properties. Some otorhinolaryngologists and dentists currently use this substance to enhance wound healing. Objective The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of bismuth subgallate on wound healing, through the analysis of inflammatory process, collagen production, and angiogenesis. Method A standard wound was made on the back of 60 male Wistar rats, using a biopsy punch. We created two groups: the experimental group, which underwent daily application of 0.5mg BS over the entire wound, and the control group, which underwent daily application of sodium chloride 0.9%. We performed a qualitative evaluation of the tissue on the third, seventh, and fourteenth day. We assessed inflammatory markers using Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) stain, used Picrosirius stain for collagen analysis, and immunohistochemistry was used for angiogenesis analysis through evaluation of smooth muscle proliferation. Results Statistically, we found no significant differences between groups regarding inflammatory response on the third (p = 1), seventh (p = 0.474), and fourteenth day (p = 0.303). Also, collagen type I and III production showed no statistical differences between groups on the third (p = 0.436), seventh (p = 0.853), and fourteenth day (p = 0.436) of analysis. Immunohistochemistry did not present differences on angiogenesis between experimental and control group on the third (p = 0.280), seventh (p = 0.971), and fourteenth day (p = 0.218). Conclusion BS does not promote significant changes in inflammatory response, collagen, and angiogenesis. Thus, it does not influence healing on skin wounds on rats.

Avaliação dos efeitos do subgalato de bismuto na proliferação de miofibroblastos / Assessment of the effects of bismuth subgallate on proliferation of myofibroblasts: an experimental study in rats

Resumo Contexto O subgalato de bismuto é um metal pesado e insolúvel, utilizado por suas propriedades adstringentes e hemostáticas. Objetivo Avaliar os efeitos do subgalato de bismuto na cicatrização mediante observação de miofibroblastos em pele de ratos. Métodos Foram utilizados 60 ratos da linhagem Wistar, que receberam uma ferida no dorso da pele. Os animais foram divididos em dois grupos: controle (aplicação diária de cloreto de sódio a 0,9%) e experimental (aplicação diária de 0,5 mg de subgalato de bismuto). Cada grupo foi subdividido em três subgrupos, que foram reoperados para retirada da ferida em 3, 7 e 14 dias. Foi realizada coloração de hematoxilina eosina, picrosirius e imuno-histoquímica para avaliar contagem de miofibroblastos, resposta inflamatória e síntese de colágeno. Resultados Não foi encontrada diferença entre os grupos controle e experimento com relação ao processo inflamatório – subgrupos 3 dias (p = 1), 7 dias (p = 0,474) e 14 dias (p = 303). A avaliação dos colágenos tipo I e III no grupo-controle não demonstrou benefícios de cicatrização – 3 dias (p = 0,436), 7 dias (p = 0,853) e 14 dias (p = 0,436); já no grupo experimental, houve aumento dos colágenos tipos I e III nos subgrupos 3 e 14 dias (p = 0,005). A imuno-histoquímica confirmou os resultados encontrados na coloração hematoxilina eosina, na qual a área de miofibroblastos entre os subgrupos, nos grupos experimental (p = 0,4) e controle (p = 0,336), foi indiferente. Conclusão A utilização do subgalato de bismuto em ferida de pele de ratos não evidenciou benefícios na cicatrização, ou seja, não houve diferença na fibroplasia quando comparados os grupos experimental e controle.

Abstract Background Bismuth subgallate is an insoluble heavy metal that is used for its astringent and hemostatic properties. Objective To evaluate the effects of bismuth subgallate on the healing process by observation of myofibroblasts in the skin of rats. Methods A sample of 60 Wistar rats was used. Each rat was subjected to a dorsal skin wound and allocated to one of two groups: a control group, in which 0.9% sodium chloride was administered daily, or an experimental group, in which 0.5 mg of bismuth subgallate was administered daily. Each of these groups was further subdivided into three subsets, which were reoperated after 3, 7 and 14 days respectively for excision and collection of the skin wound specimens. Samples were treated with hematoxylin eosin, picrosirius, and immunohistochemical staining to enable assessment of myofibroblast counts, inflammatory response phase, and collagen synthesis. Results No inflammatory process differences were detected between the control and experimental groups at 3 days (p = 1), 7 days (p = 0.474), or 14 days (p = 303). Evaluation of types I and III collagen in the control group did not demonstrate healing benefits at 3 days (p = 0.436), 7 days (p = 0.853), or 14 days (p = 0.436); whereas in the experimental group there were increases in types I and III collagen at 3 and 14 days (p = 0.005). Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the results of hematoxylin eosin staining, since there were no differences between subsets in terms of area of myofibroblasts, in the experimental (p = 0.4) or the control (p = 0.336) groups. Conclusions Administration of bismuth subgallate to skin wounds in rats did not result in any evidence of benefits to healing, i.e., no difference in fibroplasia was detected when experimental and control groups were compared.

Experimental study on the effects of bismuth subgallate on the inflammatory process and angiogenesis of the oral mucosa / Estudo experimental sobre os efeitos do subgalato de bismuto no processo inflamatório e de angiogênese em mucosa bucal

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Bismuth subgallate is a salt derived from heavy metal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of this salt on some phases of healing. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of subgallate on mucosa and to evaluate the association between the use of bismuth subgallate and neogenesis of vessels in oral mucosal wounds. METHODS: This was a prospective and experimental study. This study used sixty rats, which were divided into control and experimental groups. The animals were submitted to a surgical procedure, which caused oral mucosal injury. A saline solution was applied on the wound of the control group, and in the experimental group, a solution of bismuth subgallate was administrated. RESULTS: The experimental group showed greater inflammatory reaction with increasing monomorphic proliferation. There was increased vessel proliferation in the control group. CONCLUSION: Bismuth subgallate had a negative influence on the healing process, delaying the rate of new vessel formation and optimal wound healing.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: O subgalato de bismuto é um sal derivado de metal pesado. A ideia desta pesquisa é avaliar sua interferência em alguma das fases da cicatrização. OBJETIVO: Delinear a ação do subgalato em mucosas. Avaliar a relação entre a utilização do subgalato de bismuto e a neoformação de vasos nas feridas em mucosa oral, para evidenciar o possível benefício resultante do seu uso. MÉTODO: Estudo experimental, prospectivo. Utilizou-se sessenta ratos, que foram divididos igualmente em grupo controle e experimento. Foram submetidos a um procedimento cirúrgico onde foi feito uma lesão na mucosa oral dos animais, após, uma solução de soro fisiológico foi aplicada sobre a lesão do grupo controle e sobre a ferida do grupo experimento foi aplicada uma solução de subgalato de bismuto. RESULTADOS: o grupo experimento apresentou maior reação inflamatória com crescente proliferação monomórfica. Vasos: houve maior proliferação no grupo controle. CONCLUSÕES: concluiu-se que o subgalato de bismuto teve uma ação negativa no processo de cicatrização, atrasando a velocidade de formação dos neovasos e a cicatrização ideal da ferida operatória.

Experimental study on the effects of bismuth subgallate on the inflammatory process and angiogenesis of the oral mucosa.

INTRODUCTION: Bismuth subgallate is a salt derived from heavy metal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of this salt on some phases of healing. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of subgallate on mucosa and to evaluate the association between the use of bismuth subgallate and neogenesis of vessels in oral mucosal wounds. METHODS: This was a prospective and experimental study. This study used sixty rats, which were divided into control and experimental groups. The animals were submitted to a surgical procedure, which caused oral mucosal injury. A saline solution was applied on the wound of the control group, and in the experimental group, a solution of bismuth subgallate was administrated. RESULTS: The experimental group showed greater inflammatory reaction with increasing monomorphic proliferation. There was increased vessel proliferation in the control group. CONCLUSION: Bismuth subgallate had a negative influence on the healing process, delaying the rate of new vessel formation and optimal wound healing.

Otoscopia: exame da orelha / Otoscopy: examination of ear

Otoscopia é o exame que permite ao médico avaliar o conduto auditivo e a membrana timpânica, além de diagnosticar enfermidades da orelha externa e da orelha média. A otoscopia, uma boa anamnese e um exame físico completo são fundamentais para o estudo das doenças da orelha. O presente trabalho faz uma revisão da otoscopia e de suas principais afecções.

Otoscopy is the examination of the external auditory meatus and the tympa nic membrane. It is used for the purpose of diagnosing diseases of the external and middle ear. The anmanesis and the clinical examination associated with ear examination (otoscopy) are essential in ear diaseases. The purpose of this study is to review the examination of the ear (otoscopy) and principal disease of the ear.

Evaluation of topical metronidazole in the healing wounds process: an experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of a topical 4% metronidazole solution in wound healing by secondary intention in rats. METHODS: We made circular wounds two inches in diameter at the back of rats and studied healing at 3, 7, 14 and 21 days. The wound contraction and epithelialization were assessed by peripheral digital planimetry and myofibroblasts by immunohistochemistry with a-SMA. RESULTS: There was no difference between groups regarding wound contraction. In wounds treated with metronidazole peripheral epithelialization was evident early on day 3 (p <0.001) and there were no differences in other periods. In the control group, the number of myofibroblasts was higher on day 7 (p = 0.003) and day 14 (p = 0.001) and in the experimental group it was suggestively higher on day 3 (p = 0.06). CONCLUSION: Metronidazole 4% solution at a dose of 50 mg/kg applied topically to wounds healing by secondary intention facilitates early peripheral epithelialization, does not interfere with wound contraction and delays the appearance of myofibroblasts.

Avaliação do uso tópico do metronidazol no processo de cicatrização de feridas: um estudo experimental / Evaluation of topical metronidazole in the healing wounds process: an experimental study

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a ação do metronidazol em solução a 4 por cento, tópico, em feridas com cicatrização por segunda intenção em ratos. MÉTODOS: Fez-se feridas circulares com dois centímetros de diâmetro no dorso de ratos e estudou-se a cicatrização em 3, 7, 14 e 21 dias. A contração da ferida e a epitelização periférica foram avaliadas por planimetria digital e os miofibroblastos pela imunoistoquímica com a-SMA. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença entre os grupos em relação à contração ferida. Nas feridas tratadas com metronidazol a epitelização periférica precoce foi evidente no 3°dia (p<0,001) e não houve diferenças nos demais períodos. No grupo controle, o número de miofibroblastos foi maior no 7° dia (p=0,003) e no 14° dia (p=0,001), e no grupo experimento, foi sugestivamente maior no 3° dia (p=0,06). CONCLUSÃO: O metronidazol, solução a 4 por cento, na dose de 50mg/kg/dia, aplicado de forma tópica nas feridas com cicatrização por segunda intenção, facilita a epitelização periférica precoce, não interfere na contração da ferida e atrasa o aparecimento dos miofibroblastos.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of topical a 4 percent metronidazole solution in wounds healing by secondary intention in rats. METHODS: We made circular wounds two inches in diameter at the back of rats and studied healing at 3, 7, 14 and 21 days. The wound contraction and epithelialization were assessed by peripheral digital planimetry and myofibroblasts by immunohistochemistry with a-SMA. RESULTS: There was no difference between groups regarding wound contraction. In wounds treated with metronidazole peripheral epithelialization was evident early on day 3 (p <0.001) and there were no differences in other periods. In the control group, the number of myofibroblasts was higher on day 7 (p = 0.003) and day 14 (p = 0.001) and in the experimental group it was suggestively higher on day 3 (p = 0.06). CONCLUSION: Metronidazole 4 percent solution at a dose of 50 mg/kg applied topically to wounds healing by secondary intention facilitates early peripheral epithelialization, does not interfere with wound contraction and delays the appearance of myofibroblasts.

Intake and digestibility in cattle fed low-quality tropical forage and supplemented with nitrogenous compounds.

The effects of supplementation with nitrogenous compounds on intake, digestibility, and microbial protein synthesis in cattle fed low-quality tropical forage were assessed. Five rumen fistulated crossbred Holstein x Gir heifers were used, with initial average live weight of 180 +/- 21 kg. Signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens) hay (48.6 g kg(-1) of crude protein (CP), on a dry matter (DM) basis) was used as roughage. Five treatments were defined according to nitrogen supplementation level (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 g of CP kg(-1) above the CP level of the hay). A mixture of urea, ammonium sulfate, and albumin at the ratios of 4.5:0.5:1.0, respectively, was used as nitrogen source. The experiment consisted of five experimental periods, according to a 5 x 5 Latin square design. The average CP contents in the diets were 51.9, 71.1, 86.0, 116.7, and 130.2 g kg(-1), on a DM basis. A quadratic effect was detected (P < 0.10) of the CP levels in the diets on DM and neutral detergent fiber intake (kg/day), with maximum response at the levels of 102.4 and 100.5 g CP kg(-1) DM, respectively. The average daily concentration of rumen ammonia nitrogen showed increasing linear pattern (P < 0.01) as function of CP levels in the diet, with estimated value of 9.64 mg dL(-1) equivalent to the maximum DM intake. Microbial nitrogen flow in the intestine was linearly and positively related (P < 0.01) with the CP levels in the diet.

Intake, digestibility and rumen dynamics of neutral detergent fibre in cattle fed low-quality tropical forage and supplemented with nitrogen and/or starch.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of nitrogenous compounds and/or starch supplementation on the intake, digestibility and rumen dynamics of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) in cattle fed low-quality tropical forage. Four crossbred heifers (Holstein x Zebu) with a body weight 231.9 +/- 15.5 kg and fitted with ruminal cannulae were used. The forage fed to the animals consisted of low-quality signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens Stapf.) hay, with an average crude protein (CP) level of 51.6 g/kg, on a dry matter (DM) basis. Four treatments were evaluated: control, without supplementation; supplementation with nitrogenous compounds (CP of the roughage was raised to 100 g/kg), on a DM basis; supplementation with starch at a ratio of 200 g/kg DM of roughage; and supplementation with nitrogenous compounds and starch as described above. A mixture of urea, ammonium sulphate and albumin was used as a source of nitrogenous compounds at a ratio of 4.5:0.5:1.0. The experiment was carried out according to a 4 x 4 Latin square design in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. There was a positive effect of the nitrogenous compound supplementation on the DM and NDF intake (P < 0.01). In contrast, starch supplementation decreased forage intake (P < 0.10). Nitrogen supplementation increased the digestibility coefficient of DM and NDF (P < 0.05). Supplementation with nitrogen and starch together increased the microbial assimilation of nitrogenous compounds in the rumen (P < 0.05). We observed that nitrogen supplementation increased the estimated weighted degradation rate of NDF by 14.8%, whilst starch supplementation decreased this rate by 32.5%.