Sow and litter performance after cross-fostering one surplus piglet and co-mingling the litters at early lactation.

The number of piglets born alive is frequently greater than the functional teats, and some farms are equalizing litters with surplus piglets, limiting piglet udder access. Removing the barrier among farrowing crates may allow piglets to socialize and seek other sows. Thus, we evaluated the effects litter size at cross-fostering and socialization on the sow and piglet performance during lactation. Two factors were included in a 2 × 2 factorial design: socialization and litter size relative to sow functional teat number at cross-fostering. Litters (n = 189) were then assigned to one of four groups: CONT+0 (litters not co-mingled with no additional piglet), CONT+1 (not co-mingled with one additional piglet), Co-M+0 (co-mingled with no additional piglet), Co-M+1 (co-mingled with one additional piglet). Piglets were cross-fostered from 12-16 h after birth, and 24 h later, Co-M groups were socialized by removing the barrier between two adjacent pens. During lactation, sows lost more caliper units in the + 1 group than in the + 0 group (P = 0.04). The number of functional teats did not differ among groups, but Co-M sows had a higher udder lesion score at weaning than CONT (6.55 vs 4.83; P < 0.01). Furthermore, +1 sows had fewer vacant teats throughout lactation (P < 0.01). Milk yield did not differ among the groups (P ≥ 0.13). Regarding the number of weaned piglets, no difference was observed for socialization (P = 0.84), but + 1 sows weaned 0.67 more piglets than + 0 (P < 0.01). Although CONT+0 had the heaviest piglets at weaning (P < 0.01), litter weight did not differ among the groups (P ≥ 0.08). Facial and joint lesions were frequently observed in Co-M (P < 0.01) than CONT. Piglet loss rate did not differ among treatments (overall rate = 12.6%; P ≥ 0.26). The removal rate, however, was more frequent in + 1 litters than in  + 0 (P < 0.01). Death due to starvation was higher in CONT+1 than CONT+0 (P < 0.01) but did not differ between the Co-M groups (P = 0.99). Litters formed with one additional piglet relative to functional teat number weaned more piglets, albeit with lower individual weight. Litter socialization may alleviate the impact of high litter size but shows greater percentages of udder injuries and facial and joint lesions in weaned piglets.

Tuning Electronic and Structural Properties of Lead-Free Metal Halide Perovskites: A Comparative Study of 2D Ruddlesden-Popper and 3D Compositions.

In recent decades, two-dimensional (2D) perovskites have emerged as promising semiconductors for next-generation photovoltaics, showing notable advancements in solar energy conversion. Herein, we explore the impact of alternative inorganic lattice BX-based compositions (B=Ge or Sn, X=Br or I) on the energy gap and stability. Our investigation encompasses BA2Man-1BnX3n+1 2D Ruddlesden-Popper perovskites (for n=1-5 layers) and 3D bulk (MA)BX3 systems, employing first-principles calculations with spin-orbit coupling (SOC), DFT-1/2 quasiparticle, and D3 dispersion corrections. The study unveils how atoms with smaller ionic radii induce anisotropic internal and external distortions within the inorganic and organic lattices. Introducing the spacers in the low-layer regime reduces local distortions but widens band gaps. Our calculation protocol provides deeper insights into the physics and chemistry underlying 2D perovskite materials, paving the way for optimizing environmentally friendly alternatives that can efficiently replace with sustainable materials.

Teleconsultations in oral medicine: dentist perception during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to describe the perception of dentists from the North macroregion of Minas Gerais, Brazil, users of telediagnosis in Oral Medicine, during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study. Data collection was carried out online, between May and October 2022. The information was transferred to the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences for Windows (SPPS)® version 24. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 255 dentists, predominantly female. Regarding perception, a significant percentage (47.8%) of respondents agreed that they would like to use telediagnosis frequently, more than half (60.6%) agreed that the technology is easy to use, only a small percentage (8.8%) needed technical support to use it and almost half (48.2%) mentioned the desire to continue using it after the pandemic. When asked if patients felt confident and comfortable when passing on information, more than half disagreed or remained neutral (58.4%), a similar result was found in relation to confidence in the application of the instrument by professionals. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that, during the pandemic, telediagnosis in Oral Medicine was an easy and adequate tool. However, professionals must be trained and prepared to be comfortable and ready for use.

Pharmacological and toxicological effects of Amaryllidaceae.

The Amaryllidaceae family is widely distributed in the tropics, presenting biological activity attributed mostly to alkaloids, such as an important inhibitory activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), antifungal, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activities. The present study aims to review the spectrum of action of the main biological activities and toxicity of secondary metabolites found in Amaryllidaceae through a literature review, using Prisma and the descriptors "Pharmacological effects of Amaryllidaceae" and "Amaryllidaceae family" and "Pharmacological actions of Amaryllidaceae", used in English and Portuguese. The literature search was done in March and May 2023. Original works published from 2012 to 2023, available in full, and presenting experimental and clinical studies were included. After the selection considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 60 articles fulfilled the defined criteria. From a pharmacological point of view, the highlight is due to the alkaloid galantamine, which has the potential- and is already used - for treating Alzheimer's. The toxicological aspect must be considered and evaluated carefully, as alkaloids have been associated with adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cardiovascular, neurological, and respiratory changes. Furthermore, some studies indicate that consuming these plants in significant quantities can lead to hepatic and renal toxicity. Therefore, the therapeutical use of this family's plant drugs and derivatives requires further studies to elucidate its effects and point out metabolites with therapeutic potential.

Structural and functional spatial dynamics of microbial communities in aerated and non-aerated horizontal flow treatment wetlands.

A multiphasic study using structural and functional analyses was employed to investigate the spatial dynamics of the microbial community within five horizontal subsurface flow treatment wetlands (TWs) of differing designs in Germany. The TWs differed in terms of the depth of media saturation, presence of plants (Phragmites australis), and aeration. In addition to influent and effluent water samples, internal samples were taken at different locations (12.5 %, 25 %, 50 %, and 75 % of the fractional distance along the flow path) within each system. 16S rRNA sequencing was used for the investigation of microbial community structure and was compared to microbial community function and enumeration data. The microbial community structure in the unaerated systems was similar, but different from the aerated TW profiles. Spatial positioning along the flow path explained the majority of microbial community dynamics/differences within this study. This was mainly attributed to the availability of nutrients closer to the inlet which also regulated the fixed biofilm/biomass densities. As the amount of fixed biofilm decreased from the inlet to the TW outlets, structural diversity increased, suggesting different microbial communities were present to handle the more easily utilized/degraded pollutants near the inlet vs. the more difficult to degrade and recalcitrant pollutants closer to the outlets. This study also confirmed that effluent water samples do not accurately describe the microbial communities responsible for water treatment inside a TW, highlighting the importance of using internal samples for investigating microbial communities in TWs. The results of this study reinforce an existing knowledge gap regarding the potential for TW design modifications which incorporate microbial community spatial dynamics (heterogeneity). It is suggested that utilizing step-feeding could allow for improved water treatment within the same areal footprint, and modifications enhancing co-metabolic processes could assist in improving the treatment of more difficult to degrade or recalcitrant compounds such as micropollutants.

Management of defoliation in Trifolium vesiculosum S. for the production of seeds / [Manejo da desfolha em Trifolium vesiculosum Savi para a produção de sementes]

The present study aims to determine the appropriate defoliation management for the production of seeds and forage in arrowleaf clover via trail analysis. The results obtained demonstrated that defoliation practices have a great influence on the composition of seed yield and germination power. In addition, when the goal is the maximum balance between dry matter production and seed yield, this can be achieved in up to two defoliation practices. These results are confirmed by analyzing the positive association between the weight of a thousand seeds and the seed yield. When the third defoliation practice is performed, it negatively correlates with the weight of a thousand seeds, suggesting that, with the increase in defoliation frequency, there is a lower weight of a thousand seeds, and, therefore, lower seed yield. Therefore, management planning in Trifolium vesiculosum Savi that aims at natural reseeding, maximum yield and seed germination must prioritize one to two defoliation practices, aiming to promote favorable conditions for the perennialization of the species. In this context, the trail analysis proved to be a useful tool as a criterion for obtaining the ideal management aiming at the production of seeds and forage in vesicular clover.(AU)

O presente estudo visa determinar o manejo de desfolha adequado para a produção de sementes e de forragem em trevo-vesiculoso via análise de trilha. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que as práticas de desfolha possuem grande influência na composição do rendimento de sementes e no poder germinativo. Além disso, quando o objetivo for o máximo equilíbrio entre a produção de matéria seca e o rendimento de sementes, esse pode ser alcançado em até duas práticas de desfolha. Esses resultados são confirmados ao se analisar a associação positiva entre o peso de mil sementes e o rendimento de sementes. Quando realizada a terceira prática de desfolha, esta se correlaciona negativamente com o peso de mil sementes, sugerindo que, com o aumento da frequência de desfolha, ocorre menor peso de mil sementes e, por conseguinte, menor rendimento de sementes. Portanto, o planejamento do manejo em T. vesiculosum Savi que objetive a ressemeadura natural, o máximo rendimento e a germinação de sementes deve priorizar até duas práticas de desfolha, visando promover condições favoráveis para a perenização da espécie. Nesse contexto, a análise de trilha demonstrou ser uma ferramenta útil como critério para obtenção do manejo ideal visando à produção de sementes e de forragem em trevo-vesiculoso.(AU)

Pharmacological approaches to induce follicular growth and ovulation for fixed-time artificial insemination treatment regimens in ewes.

In Experiment I, during the non-breeding season, after intravaginal devices containing progesterone (P4) were withdrawn (n = 28), estrous rates were greater with treatment with 400 IU eCG (P < 0.05) than with FSH (10 and 15 mg) and no treatment. During the breeding season (n = 147), estrous and pregnancy rates after fixed-time artificial inseminations (FTAI) were similar among groups: 300 IU eCG; 10 mg FSH; and control (P > 0.05). In Experiment II (non-breeding season), ewes of one group were treated with 300 IU eCG (n = 8) and of two groups were treated with 10 mg FSH. In one FSH group, 250 µg estradiol benzoate (EB) were administered after 24 h (n = 9); in the other, 4 µg GnRH were administered after 36 h (n = 10). Serum P4 concentrations were greater in eCG-treated ewes (P < 0.05). Estrous rates were similar for the eCG- and FSH plus EB-treated ewes (P > 0.05). In Experiment III (breeding season), the treatments were: 300 IU eCG; 250 µg estradiol cypionate; 250 µg EB; or control (n = 22). Follicular growth was greater for eCG-treated ewes within 0-24 h and for control ewes within 48-72 h (P = 0.001). Although estrous and ovulation rates did not differ (P > 0.05), all eCG-treated ewes had ovulations. During the non-breeding season, FSH treatment promoted follicular growth but did not induce ovulations. For FTAI regimens, eCG was more effective than FSH plus GnRH and estradiol esters in inducing estrus and ovulation.

In-depth assessment of microbial communities in the full-scale vertical flow treatment wetlands fed with raw domestic wastewater.

A multiphase study was proposed to examine microbial communities linked to the nitrogen cycle in the first stage of four full-scale French vertical flow treatment systems. To this end, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) was performed for structural assessment and quantitative PCR (qPCR) to enumerate the abundance of ammonia-oxidizing (AOB). 16S rRNA sequencing was used to assess the taxonomic profile followed by putative assessment of functional genes. The samples were collected under different conditions, such as operational time (presence/absence of sludge layer on the surface of the filters), season (winter and summer), sampling depth (0, 15 and 30 cm) and operation cycle (rest and feed periods). A structural disparity was noted in the upper layers, whereas higher similarity at 30 cm was observed highlighting the effect of organic matter on bacterial diversity. The 7th rest day was highlighted by an apparent decline in the microbial community abundance. Additionally, qPCR indicated that the largest amount of AOB was found at 30 cm depth and during the feeding period. From the taxonomic profile, Mycobacterium, Acinetobacter, Flavobacterium, and Nitrospira were the most abundant genre found in all systems. The functional prediction results showed predicted genes linked to the denitrification process. The results suggested that operating time and season were responsible for the pattern of the microbial community behavior. This study allowed us to further understand the bacterial dynamics and to advance the idea of design modifications made in the first stage of the classical French system to improve nitrogen removal are promising.

Aberrant right subclavian artery in a dog - case report / [Ectopia de artéria subclávia direita em cão - relato de caso]

The brachiocephalic trunk and the left subclavian artery originate from the aortic arch, and both supply blood to the head, neck, and thoracic limbs. Anatomical variations, such as an aberrant right subclavian artery, are congenital conditions rarely observed in dogs, Thus, the objective of the present report was to describe a case of aberrant right subclavian artery in a 9-year-old Dalmatian. However, this anomaly was a finding in which the patient was asymptomatic during its 9 years of life and only at this age did he exhibit signs including sialorrhea, vomiting, hyporexia, and noisy deglutition. Blood count, biochemical profile, and thoracic radiography led to a diagnosis of megaesophagus and aspiration pneumonia. Despite the recommended treatment, the patient did not respond well; as such, the owner elected to euthanize the animal. On necropsy, the right subclavian artery originated directly from the aortic arch, followed a route from left to right dorsally to the esophagus, and then formed an impression of the vascular path over the muscular wall of the esophagus. The esophagus, in turn, exhibited a flaccid wall and dilation in the caudal portion to the vascular path made by the ectopic position of the right subclavian artery.(AU)

O tronco braquiocefálico e a artéria subclávia esquerda emergem do arco aórtico e são responsáveis por fazerem o suprimento sanguíneo para cabeça, pescoço e membros torácicos. Variações anatômicas, como a ectopia da artéria subclávia direita, são alterações congênitas raramente encontradas em cães, cujas alterações do sistema digestivo acontecem em pacientes recém-desmamados e não em adultos. Assim, o objetivo deste relato é descrever um caso de ectopia da artéria subclávia direita em uma cadela, Dálmata, de nove anos de idade. No entanto, essa anomalia foi um achado do qual o paciente foi assintomático durante os nove anos de vida e somente com essa idade apresentou sinais como sialorreia, vômito, hiporexia e deglutição ruidosa. O hemograma e os perfis bioquímicos, associados à radiografia torácica, levaram a um diagnóstico de megaesôfago e pneumonia aspirativa. Mesmo seguindo o tratamento recomendado, houve piora clínica do quadro e o animal foi submetido à eutanásia. À macroscopia, a artéria subclávia direita originava-se direto do arco aórtico, fazia um percurso da esquerda para a direita dorsalmente ao esôfago e, então, formava uma impressão do trajeto vascular sobre a parede muscular do esôfago. O esôfago, por sua vez, apresentava parede flácida e dilatação na porção caudal ao trajeto vascular feito pela posição ectópica da artéria subclávia direita.(AU)

Age-related changes and effects of regular low-intensity exercise on gait, balance, and oxidative biomarkers in the spinal cord of Wistar rats.

The present study aimed to analyze age-related changes to motor coordination, balance, spinal cord oxidative biomarkers in 3-, 6-, 18-, 24-, and 30-month-old rats. The effects of low-intensity exercise on these parameters were also analyzed in 6-, 18-, and 24-month-old rats. Body weight, blood glucose, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were assessed for all rats. The soleus muscle weight/body weight ratio was used to estimate skeletal muscle mass loss. Body weight increased until 24 months; only 30-month-old rats exhibited decreased blood glucose and increased total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. The soleus muscle weight/body weight ratio increased until 18 months, followed by a small decrease in old rats. Exercise did not change any of these parameters. Stride length and step length increased from adult to middle age, but decreased at old age. Stride width increased while the sciatic functional index decreased in old rats. Performance in the balance beam test declined with age. While gait did not change, balance improved after exercise. Aging increased superoxide anion generation, hydrogen peroxide levels, total antioxidant capacity, and superoxide dismutase activity while total thiol decreased and lipid hydroperoxides did not change. Exercise did not significantly change this scenario. Thus, aging increased oxidative stress in the spinal cord, which may be associated with age-induced changes in gait and balance. Regular low-intensity exercise is a good alternative for improving age-induced changes in balance, while beneficial effects on gait and spinal cord oxidative biomarkers cannot be ruled out because of the small number of rats investigated (n=5 or 6/group).

Age-related changes and effects of regular low-intensity exercise on gait, balance, and oxidative biomarkers in the spinal cord of Wistar rats

The present study aimed to analyze age-related changes to motor coordination, balance, spinal cord oxidative biomarkers in 3-, 6-, 18-, 24-, and 30-month-old rats. The effects of low-intensity exercise on these parameters were also analyzed in 6-, 18-, and 24-month-old rats. Body weight, blood glucose, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were assessed for all rats. The soleus muscle weight/body weight ratio was used to estimate skeletal muscle mass loss. Body weight increased until 24 months; only 30-month-old rats exhibited decreased blood glucose and increased total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. The soleus muscle weight/body weight ratio increased until 18 months, followed by a small decrease in old rats. Exercise did not change any of these parameters. Stride length and step length increased from adult to middle age, but decreased at old age. Stride width increased while the sciatic functional index decreased in old rats. Performance in the balance beam test declined with age. While gait did not change, balance improved after exercise. Aging increased superoxide anion generation, hydrogen peroxide levels, total antioxidant capacity, and superoxide dismutase activity while total thiol decreased and lipid hydroperoxides did not change. Exercise did not significantly change this scenario. Thus, aging increased oxidative stress in the spinal cord, which may be associated with age-induced changes in gait and balance. Regular low-intensity exercise is a good alternative for improving age-induced changes in balance, while beneficial effects on gait and spinal cord oxidative biomarkers cannot be ruled out because of the small number of rats investigated (n=5 or 6/group).

Determinação de ácido rosmarínico em Cordia verbenacea por cromatografia líquida: aplicabilidade em estudo sazonal / Determination of rosmarinic acid in Cordia verbenacea by liquid chromatography: applicability in seasonal study

RESUMO Neste estudo, uma técnica de cromatografia líquida de alta resolução em fase reversa (CLAE-FR) para a determinação de ácido rosmarínico em Cordia verbenacea foi desenvolvida e validada. A análise de regressão foi avaliada, com observação de uma boa linearidade (r = 0,9997). Os valores obtidos para a precisão e exatidão estão de acordo com as diretrizes do ICH e com a legislação brasileira. Os valores de repetibilidade e precisão intermediária foram 2,79% e 4,76%, respectivamente. Os limites de detecção e de quantificação de ácido rosmarínico foram de 1,92 µg/mL e 5,81 µg/mL, respectivamente. Os resultados mostraram que o método desenvolvido é uma técnica por CLAE-FR de confiança para a determinação de ácido rosmarínico em tintura de C. verbenacea. Além disso, essa metodologia foi aplicada em estudo sazonal, que revela uma correlação positiva relativamente forte entre o período de chuvas e o teor de ácido rosmarínico.

ABSTRACT In this study, a reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) technique for determination of rosmarinic acid in the Cordia verbenacea was developed and validated. A regression analysis was performed, with the observation of good linearity (r =0.999949). The values obtained for precision and accuracy determination are in agreement with ICH guidelines and the Brazilian legislation. The values of repeatability and intermediate precision were 2.79% and 4.76%, respectively. The detection and the quantitation limits of the rosmarinic acid were 1.92 µg/mL and 5.81 µg/mL, respectively. The results demonstrated that the developed method is a reliable RP-HPLC technique for the determination of rosmarinic acid in C. verbenacea tincture. In addition, this methodology was applied at a seasonal study indicating relatively strong positive correlation between the rain period and the rosmarinic acid content.

Estudo radiográfico do posicionamento da falange distal e suas possíveis correlações com obesidade em equinos de patrulhamento da Polícia Militar do Estado de Minas Gerais / Radiographic study of the distal phalanx position and their possible correlation with obesity in patrol horses from the Military Police of Minas Gerais

Com o objetivo de se verificarem possíveis correlações entre a falange distal, o estojo córneo e a obesidade, 55 equinos de patrulhamento provenientes do Regimento de Cavalaria Alferes Tiradentes do Estado de Minas Gerais - RCAT tiveram seus dígitos torácicos radiografados. Posteriormente, os animais foram classificados quanto ao acúmulo de tecido adiposo regional por métodos subjetivos (escore corporal e escore de pescoço) e objetivos (índice de massa corporal, circunferência do pescoço e determinação de espessura do tecido adiposo por meio de ultrassonografia na inserção da cauda e do abdômen). Na população estudada, o índice de massa corporal evidenciou que 52,6 por cento dos equinos se encontravam acima do peso. A circunferência do pescoço a 50 por cento de seu comprimento dorsal e a medida ultrassonográfica na inserção da cauda se mostraram os melhores métodos objetivos para quantificar o acúmulo de tecido adiposo. Foram identificadas particularidades radiográficas características da população estudada que diferem de parâmetros internacionais. Observaram-se correlações significantes entre sinais de obesidade e medidas radiográficas indicadoras de laminite, sugerindo associação entre essas duas condições na população estudada...

With the aim to verify possible correlations between the spatial relationship between the distal phalanx and the hoof and signs of obesity, 55 horses from the Cavalry Regiment Alferes Tiradentes of Minas Gerais State Police - RCAT had x-rays taken from their thoracic hoofs. After that, horses were classified based on their subjective (body condition and neck scores) and objective (body mass index, neck circumferences, ultrasound measurement of fat tissue of the tail and on abdomen) methods for adiposity. Within the population, the body mass index showed that 52.6 percent of horses were overweight. Neck circumference at 50 percent of its dorsal length and ultrasound measurement of fat thickness on the insertion of the tail were the best objective methods. We identified specific radiographic characteristics of the population that were different from international parameters. Significant correlations among signs of obesity and measurements that indicate lamintis were found, suggesting association between these conditions in this horse population...

Estudo radiográfico do posicionamento da falange distal e suas possíveis correlações com obesidade em equinos de patrulhamento da Polícia Militar do Estado de Minas Gerais / Radiographic study of the distal phalanx position and their possible correlation with obesity in patrol horses from the Military Police of Minas Gerais

Com o objetivo de se verificarem possíveis correlações entre a falange distal, o estojo córneo e a obesidade, 55 equinos de patrulhamento provenientes do Regimento de Cavalaria Alferes Tiradentes do Estado de Minas Gerais - RCAT tiveram seus dígitos torácicos radiografados. Posteriormente, os animais foram classificados quanto ao acúmulo de tecido adiposo regional por métodos subjetivos (escore corporal e escore de pescoço) e objetivos (índice de massa corporal, circunferência do pescoço e determinação de espessura do tecido adiposo por meio de ultrassonografia na inserção da cauda e do abdômen). Na população estudada, o índice de massa corporal evidenciou que 52,6 por cento dos equinos se encontravam acima do peso. A circunferência do pescoço a 50 por cento de seu comprimento dorsal e a medida ultrassonográfica na inserção da cauda se mostraram os melhores métodos objetivos para quantificar o acúmulo de tecido adiposo. Foram identificadas particularidades radiográficas características da população estudada que diferem de parâmetros internacionais. Observaram-se correlações significantes entre sinais de obesidade e medidas radiográficas indicadoras de laminite, sugerindo associação entre essas duas condições na população estudada.(AU)

With the aim to verify possible correlations between the spatial relationship between the distal phalanx and the hoof and signs of obesity, 55 horses from the Cavalry Regiment Alferes Tiradentes of Minas Gerais State Police - RCAT had x-rays taken from their thoracic hoofs. After that, horses were classified based on their subjective (body condition and neck scores) and objective (body mass index, neck circumferences, ultrasound measurement of fat tissue of the tail and on abdomen) methods for adiposity. Within the population, the body mass index showed that 52.6 percent of horses were overweight. Neck circumference at 50 percent of its dorsal length and ultrasound measurement of fat thickness on the insertion of the tail were the best objective methods. We identified specific radiographic characteristics of the population that were different from international parameters. Significant correlations among signs of obesity and measurements that indicate lamintis were found, suggesting association between these conditions in this horse population.(AU)

Withdrawal induces distinct patterns of FosB/∆FosB expression in outbred Swiss mice classified as susceptible and resistant to ethanol-induced locomotor sensitization.

Chronic drug exposure and drug withdrawal induce expressive neuronal plasticity which could be considered as both functional and pathological responses. It is well established that neuronal plasticity in the limbic system plays a pivotal role in relapse as well as in compulsive characteristics of drug addiction. Although increases in FosB/DeltaFosB expression constitute one of the most important forms of neuronal plasticity in drug addiction, it is unclear whether they represent functional or pathological plasticity. It is of noteworthy importance the individual differences in the transition from recreational use to drug addiction. These differences have been reported in studies involving the ethanol-induced locomotor sensitization paradigm. In the present study we investigated whether sensitized and non-sensitized mice differ in terms of FosB/DeltaFosB expression. Adult male outbred Swiss mice were daily treated with ethanol or saline for 21 days. According to the locomotor activity in the acquisition phase, they were classified as sensitized (EtOH_High) or non-sensitized (EtOH_Low). After 18 h or 5 days, their brains were processed for FosB/DeltaFosB immunohistochemistry. On the 5th day of withdrawal, we could observe increased FosB/DeltaFosB expression in the EtOH_High group (in the motor cortex), in the EtOH_Low group (in the ventral tegmental area), and in both groups (in the striatum). Differences were more consistent in the EtOH_Low group. Therefore, behavioral variability observed in the acquisition phase of ethanol-induced locomotor sensitization was accompanied by differential neuronal plasticity during withdrawal period. Furthermore, distinct patterns of FosB/DeltaFosB expression detected in sensitized and non-sensitized mice seem to be more related to withdrawal period rather than to chronic drug exposure. Finally, increases in FosB/DeltaFosB expression during withdrawal period could be considered as being due to both functional and pathological plasticity.

Avaliação da atividade antibacteriana do óleo essencial de Rosmarinus officinalis L. e tintura de própolis frente à bactéria causadora da acne Propionibacterium acnes / Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Rosmarinus officinalis L. and propolis tincture against the bacterium that causes acne: Propionibacterium acnes

A acne é uma doença de pele extremamente comum. Sua patogênese é multifatorial, incluindo hiperqueratinização folicular, hiperplasia sebácea, hipercolonização bacteriana. A Propionibacterium acnes possui um papel relevante na resposta inflamatória da patogênese da acne. Os antibióticos representam uma das classes de medicamentos utilizadas no tratamento da acne. No entanto, as reações adversas causadas por esses fármacos tornam o tratamento desagradável, além de casos relatados de resistência bacteriana. Por esse motivo, o uso de produtos naturais tem sido destaque na área de dermatologia. O presente trabalho visou avaliar "in vitro" os possíveis efeitos antimicrobianos do óleo essencial de Rosmarinus officinalis e da tintura de própolis sobre cepa de Propionibacterium acnes (ATCC 1969). O óleo essencial foi extraído pela técnica de hidrodestilação e obteve-se a tintura de própolis por maceração. O ensaio antimicrobiano foi realizado pela técnica da diluição em tubos. O óleo foi testado em diferentes concentrações, variando de 16% a 0,0625% e a tintura de 10% a 0,072312%. Pode-se verificar que o óleo essencial de Rosmarinus officinalis L. não apresentou atividade antibacteriana contra a cepa de Propionibacterium acnes. A tintura de própolis teve ação em várias concentrações, sendo a concentração inibitória mínima de 0,625%.

Acne is an extremely common skin disease. The pathogenesis of acne is multifactorial, including follicular hyperkeratinization, sebaceous hyperplasia and hypercolonization of bacteria. The Propionibacterium acnes has an important role in the inflammatory response of the pathogenesis of acne. Antibiotics are one of the drugs used in the treatment of acne. However, the adverse reactions caused by these drugs turn the treatment unpleasant, besides the existence of cases of bacterial resistance. For this reason, the use of natural products has been prominent in the dermatology area. This work intended to perform an in vitro evaluation of the possible antimicrobial effects of the essential oil of Rosmarinus officinalis and propolis tincture on the Propionibacterium acnes (ATCC 1969) strain. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation, and the propolis tincture was obtained by maceration. The antimicrobial test was conducted by the tube dilution technique. The oil was tested in different concentrations varying between 16% and 0.0625%, and the tincture, between 10% and 0.072312%. We verified that the essential oil of Rosmarinus officinalis has no effects against the Propionibacterium acnes strain. The propolis tincture showed some action in several concentrations, being the minimal inhibitory concentration: 0.625%.

Perception of uncontrolled blood pressure and non-adherence to anti-hypertensive agents in diabetic hypertensive patients.

We assessed the association between adherence to antihypertensive drug treatment and patient's perception of uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) in diabetic hypertensive subjects. This was a cross-sectional study that evaluated adherence to antihypertensives (Morisky questionnaire), patients' perception of abnormal BP, office BP, and ambulatory BP monitoring in diabetic hypertensive subjects. We evaluated 323 patients, 65.2% women, aged 56.5 ± 7 years, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) 8.0% (range, 6.9%-9.6%), diabetes duration of 10 years (range, 5-17 years). Adherence to drug treatment was 51.4%. Patients who reported hypertension-related symptoms (60.4%) had a lower level of adherence (P < .001). Non-adherence occurred four times more frequently in patients who reported hypertension-related symptoms (P < .001, adjusted for use of three or more anti-hypertensives, age, and duration of diabetes). Non-adherents had higher office diastolic BP (83.6 ± 11.9 vs. 79.8 ± 9.9; P = .003), but no difference between groups was observed considering systolic, diastolic, and mean BP evaluated by ambulatory BP monitoring. Low rates of adherence to antihypertensive drug treatment were observed in outpatient hypertensive diabetic subjects. Perception of uncontrolled BP levels was strongly and independently associated with non-adherence. Non-adherence determined repercussion on office BP that may have clinical implications in cardiovascular risk.

Clinical Implications caused by the agenesis of the RectusAbdominal Muscle’s (MRA) inferior venter

The rectus abdominal muscle is part of the anterior abdominal wall, having three to six bellies. In only oneof the 106 dissections already made in the “Faculdade de Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais” AnatomyLaboratory was found a male cadaver who did not have inferior venter of this muscle bilaterally. Instead, at theleft side, was found a tendon that measured 5.5 cm laterally and 12 cm medially, and at the right side, therewas the same variation with a 15.5 cm length tendon, rising in the upper branch of the pubis and crest pubis.Despite being a rare variation, individuals who have showed it have increased potential for physiological andsurgical complications, in case they need interventions using inferior rectus abdominis muscle venter’s snips.

Anomalous origin of the Abductor Pollicis Longus (APL): clinical and surgical applications

The Abductor Pollicis Longus (APL) is known to have a big variety in its number of insertion tendons.Because of that, studies about variations in its origin are not frequently achieved like studies about its insertionforms. This study describes an anatomic variation of the Abductor Pollicis Longus, with an anomalous venteroriginated of the inferior portion of the lateral border of the radio. Surgical and clinical implications are inrelation principally with the big number of tendons of insertion of the APL, but there are related cases inthe literature in that additional venter of this muscle also can be involved in the physiopathology of clinicalsyndromes, like the tenosynovitis of de Quervain