Influence of intravenous fentanyl or dexmedetomidine infusions, combined with lidocaine and ketamine, on cardiovascular response, sevoflurane requirement and postoperative pain in dogs anesthetized for unilateral mastectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of constant rate infusions (CRI) of fentanyl or dexmedetomidine, combined with lidocaine and ketamine, on cardiovascular response during surgery, sevoflurane requirement and postoperative pain in dogs undergoing mastectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, blinded, clinical trial. ANIMALS: A total of 29 female dogs with mammary tumors. METHODS: Premedication consisted of intramuscular acepromazine and morphine. General anesthesia was induced with intravenous propofol and maintained with sevoflurane. Dogs were randomized to be administered intravenous DLK [dexmedetomidine 1 µg kg-1 loading dose (LD) and 1 µg kg-1 hour-1; lidocaine 2 mg kg-1 LD and 3 mg kg-1 hour-1; ketamine 1 mg kg-1 LD and 0.6 mg kg-1 hour-1; n = 14] or FLK (fentanyl 5 µg kg-1 LD and 9 µg kg-1 hour-1; same doses of lidocaine and ketamine; n = 15) during anesthesia. Cardiorespiratory variables and end-tidal sevoflurane (Fe'Sevo) were recorded during surgery. The number of dogs administered ephedrine to treat arterial hypotension [mean arterial pressure (MAP) < 60 mmHg] was recorded. Meloxicam was administered to both groups. Postoperative pain and rescue analgesia requirement were assessed for 24 hours using the short form of the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale. Data were compared using a mixed effects model or a Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: More dogs required ephedrine in FLK than in DLK (67% versus 7%). Heart rate was not significantly different between groups, whereas lower values of MAP (p ≤ 0.01) and Fe'Sevo (p = 0.018) were observed in FLK than in DLK. Rescue analgesia was administered to 2/15 dogs in FLK and 0/14 dogs in DLK. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Based on the cardiovascular response during surgery, intraoperative infusions of FLK and DLK provided adequate antinociception. Infusion of DLK provided greater stability of blood pressure. Both protocols resulted in minimal need for additional analgesia within 24 hours postoperatively.

Revealing the Structure Formation on Polyglycerol Citrate Polymers-An Environmentally Friendly Polyester as a Seed-Coating Material.

A detailed structural investigation of a promising bio-based polymer, polyglycerol citrate polyester, obtained by the bulk polycondensation of glycerol (Gly) against citric acid (Cit) under mild reaction was performed. The reaction in conditions with and without catalyst use (sulfuric acid, H2SO4) was investigated, showing evidence that it is possible to modify the polymer solubility according to the ratio and catalyst utilization. 13C and 1H NMR indicated that synthesis catalyzed with Cit excess leads to higher esterification degrees of citrate groups. In contrast, the Gly moieties are more prominent in catalyzed polymers regardless of the excess monomers. Overall, a successful conversion of Gly and Cit into polyesters was attained even without catalysis, enabling a simple route for the large-scale production of this green material to be used as a coating material. This polymer has been shown to be well-suited for coating seeds and might be a promising material for similar agricultural applications. Tests on soybean seed coating with a PGCit solution of 75% indicated that the seed quality and germination rate were not affected by the PGCit coating, concluding that this polymer is suitable for this application.

Agreement between hematocrit values determined by the Cobas b121 blood gas analyzer and the microhematocrit method in dogs, cats, and horses.

BACKGROUND: Packed cell volume (PCV) is important for assessing a patient's health status. Some blood gas analyzers measure hematocrit, and the agreement with PCV varies among different analyzers. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the agreement between PCV measured by microcentrifugation and hematocrit measured by the Cobas b121 blood gas analyzer in dogs, cats, and horses. METHODS: Whole blood samples for PCV and blood gas analysis were collected in lithium-heparin syringes and analyzed within 10 min of collection. Agreement and association between the PCV and Cobas b121 generated hematocrit were assessed by the Bland-Altman method, Pearson's correlation, Deming regression analysis, and paired t tests. A total allowable error of 10% was used for the analysis. RESULTS: This study included 45 dogs, 45 cats, and 33 horses. The respective mean ± SD (minimum-maximum) of PCVs and hematocrits were: dogs, 34.9 ± 9.9% (9.0-55.0) and 32.5 ± 8.8% (10.4-50.6); cats, 29.0 ± 9.6% (11.0-51.0) and 26.9 ± 9.3% (10.2-50.9); horses, 34.2 ± 6.5% (24.0-47.0) and 34.1 ± 6.0% (22.5-46.1). There were no significant differences between the methods. The bias ± SD was: dogs, -2.4 ± 2.6%; cats, -2.2 ± 2.3%; horses, -0.1 ± 2.4%. Pearson's correlation coefficients were > 0.90 for all species (P < 0.0001). In 60%, 49%, and 85% of the samples for dogs, cats, and horses, respectively, the percentage differences between the methods were within 10%. CONCLUSIONS: The Cobas b121 blood gas analyzer provided accurate estimates of PCVs in horses. However, in dogs and cats, there was a large frequency of unacceptable differences between the methods.

Struvite-based composites for slow-release fertilization: a case study in sand.

Struvite (St) recovered from wastewaters is a sustainable option for phosphorus (P) recovery and fertilization, whose solubility is low in water and high in environments characterized by a low pH, such as acidic soils. To broaden the use of struvite in the field, its application as granules is recommended, and thus the way of application should be optimized to control the solubility. In this study struvite slow-release fertilizers were designed by dispersing St particles (25, 50, and 75 wt%) in a biodegradable and hydrophilic matrix of thermoplastic starch (TPS). It was shown that, in citric acid solution (pH = 2), TPS promoted a steadier P-release from St compared to the pure St pattern. In a pH neutral sand, P-diffusion from St-TPS fertilizers was slower than from the positive control of triple superphosphate (TSP). Nevertheless, St-TPS featured comparable maize growth (i.e. plant height, leaf area, and biomass) and similar available P as TSP in sand after 42 days of cultivation. These results indicated that St-TPS slow P release could provide enough P for maize in sand, achieving a desirable agronomic efficiency while also reducing P runoff losses in highly permeable soils.

Zinc loading in urea-formaldehyde nanocomposites increases nitrogen and zinc micronutrient fertilization efficiencies in poor sand substrate.

Agricultural output needs significant increases to feed the growing population. Fertilizers are essential for plant production systems, with nitrogen (N) being the most limiting nutrient for plant growth. It is commonly supplied to crops as urea. Still, due to volatilization, up to 50 % of the total N application is lost. Slow or controlled release fertilizers are being developed to reduce these losses. The co-application of zinc (Zn) as a micronutrient can increase N absorption. Thus, we hypothesize that the controlled delivery of both nutrients (N and Zn) in an integrated system can improve uptake efficiency. Here we demonstrate an optimized fertilizer nanocomposite based on urea:urea-formaldehyde matrix loaded with ZnSO4 or ZnO. This nanocomposite effectively stimulates maize development, with consequent adequate N uptake, in an extreme condition - a very nutrient-poor sand substrate. Our results indicate that the Zn co-application is beneficial for plant development. However, there were advantages for ZnO due to its high Zn content. We discuss that the dispersion favors the Zn delivery as the nanoparticulated oxide in the matrix. Concerning maize development, we found that root morphology is altered in the presence of the fertilizer nanocomposite. Increased root length and surface area may improve soil nutrient uptake, potentially accompanied by increased root exudation of essential compounds for N release from the composite structure.

Co-fertilization of Sulfur and Struvite-Phosphorus in a Slow-Release Fertilizer Improves Soybean Cultivation.

In face of the alarming world population growth predictions and its threat to food security, the development of sustainable fertilizer alternatives is urgent. Moreover, fertilizer performance should be assessed not only in terms of yield but also in root system development, as it impacts soil fertility and crop productivity. Fertilizers containing a polysulfide matrix (PS) with dispersed struvite (St) were studied for S and P nutrition due to their controlled-release behavior. Soybean cultivation in a closed system with St/PS composites provided superior biomass compared to a reference of triple superphosphate (TSP) with ammonium sulfate (AS), with up to 3 and 10 times higher mass of shoots and roots, respectively. Root system architectural changes may explain these results, with a higher proliferation of second order lateral roots in response to struvite ongoing P delivery. The total root length was between 1,942 and 4,291 cm for plants under St/PS composites and only 982 cm with TSP/AS. While phosphorus uptake efficiency was similar in all fertilized treatments (11-14%), St/PS achieved a 22% sulfur uptake efficiency against only 8% from TSP/AS. Overall, the composites showed great potential as efficient slow-release fertilizers for enhanced soybean productivity.

Diagnosis and phylogenetic analysis of bovine viral diarrhea virus in cattle (Bos taurus) and buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) from the Amazon region and Southeast Brazil / Diagnóstico e análise filogenética do vírus da diarreia viral bovina em bovinos (Bos taurus) e búfalos (Bubalus bubalis) da região amazônica e Sudeste do Brasil

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a highly infectious pathogen that affects bovines worldwide leading to great economic impact. Although Brazil has the largest commercial cattle population throughout the world and an increasing buffalo breeding industry, the country has no control or eradication program for BVDV. In this perspective, the aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of BVDV in cattle and buffaloes from two Brazilian states. Four different ELISA tests were performed and confirmed by virus neutralization testing (VNT). The presence of BVDV antibodies in the serum or plasma from 77 cattle from six herds (ELISA-1 and ELISA-4) and from 89 buffaloes from three herds (ELISA-1 through ELISA-4) was detected. Extraction of viral RNA was performed from the serum or plasma samples for the detection of BVDV by RT-PCR analysis. Amplified nucleotide sequences were used to construct a phylogenetic tree. In cattle, ELISA-1 detected 49.4% of seropositive animals, while ELISA-4 detected 37.7%. In buffaloes, ELISA-1 failed to detect any seropositive animals, while ELISA-2 and ELISA-3 detected 20.2% of seropositive animals, and ELISA-4 detected 21.3%. Eight of the nine herds tested had seropositive animals. The rate of PCR positive animals was 6.5% in cattle and 9% in buffaloes. Subtype 1d was found in cattle, and subtypes 1d and 1f were found in buffaloes. This is the first-time subtype 1f has been reported in Brazil. The absence of a control and eradication program seems to be favoring the spread of BVDV in the Brazilian herds. In addition, the improvement of diagnostic strategies for BVDV in buffaloes are required.

Diarreia viral bovina (BVDV) é um patógeno altamente infeccioso que afeta bovinos em todo o mundo elevando o impacto econômico. Apesar de o Brasil possuir a maior população bovina comercial em todo o mundo e uma indústria de criação bubalina em ascendência, o país não tem programa de controle e erradicação para BVDV. Nessa perspectiva, o objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a ocorrência do BVDV em bovinos e bubalinos de dois estados brasileiros. Quatro testes de ELISA foram realizados e confirmados por teste de vírus neutralização (VNT). A presença de anticorpos contra BVDV no soro ou plasma de 77 bovinos de seis rebanhos (ELISA-1 e ELISA-4) e de 89 búfalos de três rebanhos (ELISA-1 ao ELISA-4) foi detectada. Extração de RNA viral foi realizada em amostras de soro ou plasma para detecção de BVDV por análise de RT-PCR. Sequências de nucleotídeos amplificadas foram utilizadas para construção de uma árvore filogenética. Em bovinos, o ELISA-1 detectou 49.4% dos animais soropositivos, enquanto ELISA-4 detectou 37.7%. Em búfalos, o ELISA-1 falhou em detectar animais soropositivos, enquanto o ELISA-2 e o ELISA-3 detectaram 20.2% dos animais soropositivos e o ELISA-4 detectou 21.3%. Oito de nove rebanhos continham animais soropositivos. A frequência de animais PCR positivos foi de 6.5% em bovinos e 9% em búfalos. Os subtipos 1d foi encontrado em bovinos e os subtipos 1d e 1f foram encontrados em búfalos. Este é o primeiro relato da presença do subtipo 1f no Brasil. A ausência de um programa de controle e erradicação parece favorecer a disseminação de BVDV nos rebanhos brasileiros. Além disso, a melhora de estratégias de diagnóstico para BVDV em búfalos é necessária.

Hematologic and biochemical reference intervals and blood cell morphology in South American pit vipers (Bothrops pubescens).

BACKGROUND: The maintenance of snakes in captivity for venom extraction and antivenom production is essential due to the high incidence of snake envenomation in Latin America and the Caribbean. Hematology and biochemistry are valuable in the laboratory evaluation of these animals, which indirectly improves their health and welfare. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the reference intervals for hematologic and plasma biochemistry variables in Bothrops pubescens snakes kept in captivity and to examine sex variation. METHODS: Blood samples from 20 healthy B pubescens snakes were collected for hematologic and biochemistry evaluations and compared between sexes. The sample analysis consisted of a complete blood count using manual methods previously described, and blood cell morphology evaluation. Plasma biochemistry consisted of albumin, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, and total plasma protein measurements. RESULTS: Hematologic and biochemical variables were demonstrated to be different when compared with previously published values. A difference between the sexes was not observed for B pubescens. CONCLUSIONS: Given that many illnesses can lead to laboratory alterations, knowledge about the reference intervals of healthy captive animals is essential to evaluate the health status and correct management of these snakes.

Relationship between metalloproteinase-2 and -9 levels in plasma and vaginal secretion with preterm birth.

OBJECTIVE: To study the association of plasma and vaginal levels of matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP-2) and 9 (MMP-9), determined between 20+0 and 25+6 weeks of gestation, with preterm birth and its predictive value. STUDY DESIGN: All 129 cases of preterm birth (cases) and 258 randomly selected term patients (control group) were included in a cohort study with a nested case-control design. Inclusion criteria were living in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, and gestational age 20+0 to 25+6 at enrollment. Exclusion criteria were multiple fetuses, congenital malformations or chromosome syndromes, and loss to follow-up. Maternal age, parity, smoking, and previous preterm birth were included as covariates. A blood sample and vaginal secretion were obtained for the determination of MMP-2 and MMP-9; the patients were screened for urinary tract infection and bacterial vaginosis, and cervical length was measured by ultrasound. The cut-off values for matrix metalloproteinases were calculated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for logistic regression analysis (crude and adjusted odds ratios). RESULTS: According to the WHO, in this study, preterm subtypes included 3.8 % extremely preterm, 6.9 % very preterm, and 89.2 % late preterm births. The plasma MMP-9 cut-off was 63.25 ng/mL and the area under the ROC curve was 0.725 (standard error 0.03; 95 % confidence interval, 0.677-0.769). The cut-off for plasma MMP-2 was 239.4 ng/mL and the area under the ROC curve was 0.585 (standard error 0.03, 95 % confidence interval, 0.521-0.649). Crude odds ratios showed an increased risk of preterm birth associated with plasma MMP-2 (odds ratio, 1.75; 95 % confidence interval, 1.14-2.68) and plasma MMP-9 (odds ratio, 3.26, 95 % confidence interval, 2.09-5.07); no association was detected for vaginal MMP-2 or 9. For plasma, adjusted odds ratios were 1.42 (95 % confidence interval, 0.80-2.53) for MMP-2 and 2.71 (95 % confidence interval, 1 .52-4.83) for MMP-9, along with an increased risk in other covariates. CONCLUSION: Elevated plasma MMP-9 levels and decreased MMP-2 levels were positively associated with preterm birth. Plasma MMP-9 level increased nearly three times the preterm risk.

Different Zn loading in Urea-Formaldehyde influences the N controlled release by structure modification.

Nitrogen fertilization has been a critical factor for high crop productivity, where urea is currently the most used N source due to its high concentration and affordability. Nevertheless, urea fast solubilization leads to frequent losses and lower agronomic efficiency. The modification of urea structure by condensation with formaldehyde has been proposed to improve nutrient uptake by plants and to reduce environmental losses. Herein we show that the co-formulation with Zn strongly modifies the N release (in lab conditions) and, more important, the Zn source-ZnSO4 or ZnO-has a critical role. Urea-formaldehyde (UF) served as a matrix for the zinc sources, and chemical characterizations revealed that Zn particles influenced the length of the polymeric chain formation. Release tests in an aqueous medium showed that the UF matrix favors ZnO release and, on the other hand, delays ZnSO4 delivery. Soil incubation with the fertilizer composites proved the slow-release of N from UF, is ideal for optimizing nutritional efficiency. Our results indicated that the ZnO-UF system has beneficial effects for both nutrients, i.e., reduces N volatilization and increases Zn release.

Sedative effects of acepromazine in combination with nalbuphine or butorphanol, intramuscularly or intravenously, in healthy cats: a randomized, blinded clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the sedative effects in cats administered acepromazine-nalbuphine and acepromazine-butorphanol, intramuscularly (IM) and intravenously (IV), and the occurrence of adverse cardiorespiratory effects. METHODS: Forty-six cats were randomly divided into four groups and administered acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg) combined with nalbuphine (0.5 mg/kg) or butorphanol (0.4 mg/kg), IV (ACP-NALIV and ACP-BUTIV groups, respectively) or IM (ACP-NALIM and ACP-BUTIM groups, respectively). Sedation scores, ease of intravenous catheter placement (simple descriptive scale [SDS] scores), physiologic variables, venous blood gases and the propofol dose required for anesthetic induction were recorded. RESULTS: Mild sedation was observed in all groups approximately 30 mins after treatment administration (timepoint T1, prior to propofol administration). Sedation scores at T1 increased above baseline in all groups (P <0.05), but no significant difference was observed among groups. Dynamic interactive visual analogue scale sedation scores (range 0-100 mm) recorded at T1 were (median [interquartile range]): ACP-NALIM, 12 (10-12); ACP-NALIV, 11 (6-16); ACP-BUTIM, 11 (7-14); and ACP-BUTIV, 12 (7-19). Overall, SDS scores did not change from baseline at T1 and there was no significant difference among groups. The propofol dose did not differ among groups. Blood gases remained within the reference intervals for cats. Significant decreases from baseline were detected for all groups in systolic arterial pressure (SAP). Mean ± SD values at T1 were (mmHg): ACP-NALIM, 108 ± 13; ACP-NALIV, 102 ± 10; ACP-BUTIM, 97 ± 13; and ACP-BUTIV, 98 ± 21. Arterial hypotension (SAP <90 mmHg) was recorded at T1 in 0/11, 1/13, 4/11 and 5/11 cats in groups ACP-NALIM, ACP-NALIV, ACP-BUTIM and ACP-BUTIV, respectively, and was further exacerbated after the induction of anesthesia with propofol. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In healthy cats administered acepromazine-nalbuphine and acepromazine-butorphanol, IM and IV, the degree of sedation was mild regardless of the protocol and the route of administration. The main adverse effect observed was a reduction in arterial blood pressure.

Detection of enteric agents into a cats' shelter with cases of chronic diarrhea in Southern Brazil / Detecção de agentes enteropatogênicos associados à diarreia crônica em um gatil no Sul do Brasil

This study carried out a survey about enteropathogenic agents in domestic cats' shelter as a stage of investigation for the intermittent chronic diarrhea. Individual fecal samples from 39 cats with free access to the external environment were submitted to parasitological examination, parvovirus, and coronavirus by PCR, and Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp. and Tritrichomonas foetus by real-time PCR. From the cats evaluated, 30 (76.9%) were positive for one or more enteric agents, and coinfections were observed in 11 cats samples (28.2%). Helminth eggs were observed in 48.7% of cats (19/30), 16 (41%) were positive for parvovirus or coronavirus and 25.6% (10/30) were infected by protozoa. From the positives for protozoa, five cats were positive to T. foetus (12.82%). The first finding of this protozoan through PCR was in the southern Brazil, and the second was in the whole country. Chronic diarrhea in cats may be multifactorial in shelter animals where the population density is high and the control of parasitic, and viral infections are deficient. Moreover, it is due to poor hygiene conditions in these shelters. The factors associated with the proliferation of infectious diseases in shelters are correlated with new pathogens infections such as T. foetus.(AU)

Uma pesquisa de agentes enteropatogênicos em gatos domésticos de um abrigo foi realizado como etapa da investigação das causas de diarreias crônicas intermitentes. Amostras fecais individuais de 39 gatos, com livre acesso ao ambiente externo, foram obtidas para pesquisa de helmintos através do exame parasitológico, investigação de parvovírus e coronavírus e de Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp. e Tritrichomonas foetus através de PCR em tempo real. Dos gatos avaliados, 30 (76,9%) foram positivos para algum ou mais de um destes agentes entéricos. Desses, 11 (28,2%) apresentaram co-infecções parasitárias. Ovos de helmintos foram observados em 48,7% dos gatos (19/30), 16 felinos (41%) foram positivos para parvovírus ou coronavírus e 25,6% (10/30) estavam infectados por protozoários. Dos positivos para protozoários, cinco apresentaram Tritrichomonas foetus (12,82%), um organismo pouco relatado no Brasil, sendo este o primeiro relato de detecção deste protozoário através de PCR em fezes de gatos no Sul do Brasil e o segundo no país. A diarreia crônica em gatos pode ser multifatorial em animais de abrigo onde a densidade populacional é elevada e os meios de controle parasitário e viral são deficitários, além das condições de higiene precárias. Os fatores associados à proliferação de doenças infecciosas em abrigos promovem o surgimento de infecções por novos patógenos como o Tritrichomonas foetus, até então pouco relatado no Brasil.(AU)

Detection of enteric agents into a cats' shelter with cases of chronic diarrhea in Southern Brazil / Detecção de agentes enteropatogênicos associados à diarreia crônica em um gatil no Sul do Brasil

This study carried out a survey about enteropathogenic agents in domestic cats' shelter as a stage of investigation for the intermittent chronic diarrhea. Individual fecal samples from 39 cats with free access to the external environment were submitted to parasitological examination, parvovirus, and coronavirus by PCR, and Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp. and Tritrichomonas foetus by real-time PCR. From the cats evaluated, 30 (76.9%) were positive for one or more enteric agents, and coinfections were observed in 11 cats samples (28.2%). Helminth eggs were observed in 48.7% of cats (19/30), 16 (41%) were positive for parvovirus or coronavirus and 25.6% (10/30) were infected by protozoa. From the positives for protozoa, five cats were positive to T. foetus (12.82%). The first finding of this protozoan through PCR was in the southern Brazil, and the second was in the whole country. Chronic diarrhea in cats may be multifactorial in shelter animals where the population density is high and the control of parasitic, and viral infections are deficient. Moreover, it is due to poor hygiene conditions in these shelters. The factors associated with the proliferation of infectious diseases in shelters are correlated with new pathogens infections such as T. foetus.(AU)

Uma pesquisa de agentes enteropatogênicos em gatos domésticos de um abrigo foi realizado como etapa da investigação das causas de diarreias crônicas intermitentes. Amostras fecais individuais de 39 gatos, com livre acesso ao ambiente externo, foram obtidas para pesquisa de helmintos através do exame parasitológico, investigação de parvovírus e coronavírus e de Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp. e Tritrichomonas foetus através de PCR em tempo real. Dos gatos avaliados, 30 (76,9%) foram positivos para algum ou mais de um destes agentes entéricos. Desses, 11 (28,2%) apresentaram co-infecções parasitárias. Ovos de helmintos foram observados em 48,7% dos gatos (19/30), 16 felinos (41%) foram positivos para parvovírus ou coronavírus e 25,6% (10/30) estavam infectados por protozoários. Dos positivos para protozoários, cinco apresentaram Tritrichomonas foetus (12,82%), um organismo pouco relatado no Brasil, sendo este o primeiro relato de detecção deste protozoário através de PCR em fezes de gatos no Sul do Brasil e o segundo no país. A diarreia crônica em gatos pode ser multifatorial em animais de abrigo onde a densidade populacional é elevada e os meios de controle parasitário e viral são deficitários, além das condições de higiene precárias. Os fatores associados à proliferação de doenças infecciosas em abrigos promovem o surgimento de infecções por novos patógenos como o Tritrichomonas foetus, até então pouco relatado no Brasil.(AU)

Detection of enteric agents into a cats shelter with cases of chronic diarrhea in Southern Brazil

ABSTRACT: This study carried out a survey about enteropathogenic agents in domestic cats shelter as a stage of investigation for the intermittent chronic diarrhea. Individual fecal samples from 39 cats with free access to the external environment were submitted to parasitological examination, parvovirus, and coronavirus by PCR, and Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp. and Tritrichomonas foetus by real-time PCR. From the cats evaluated, 30 (76.9%) were positive for one or more enteric agents, and coinfections were observed in 11 cats samples (28.2%). Helminth eggs were observed in 48.7% of cats (19/30), 16 (41%) were positive for parvovirus or coronavirus and 25.6% (10/30) were infected by protozoa. From the positives for protozoa, five cats were positive to T. foetus (12.82%). The first finding of this protozoan through PCR was in the southern Brazil, and the second was in the whole country. Chronic diarrhea in cats may be multifactorial in shelter animals where the population density is high and the control of parasitic, and viral infections are deficient. Moreover, it is due to poor hygiene conditions in these shelters. The factors associated with the proliferation of infectious diseases in shelters are correlated with new pathogens infections such as T. foetus.

RESUMO: Uma pesquisa de agentes enteropatogênicos em gatos domésticos de um abrigo foi realizado como etapa da investigação das causas de diarreias crônicas intermitentes. Amostras fecais individuais de 39 gatos, com livre acesso ao ambiente externo, foram obtidas para pesquisa de helmintos através do exame parasitológico, investigação de parvovírus e coronavírus e de Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp. e Tritrichomonas foetus através de PCR em tempo real. Dos gatos avaliados, 30 (76,9%) foram positivos para algum ou mais de um destes agentes entéricos. Desses, 11 (28,2%) apresentaram co-infecções parasitárias. Ovos de helmintos foram observados em 48,7% dos gatos (19/30), 16 felinos (41%) foram positivos para parvovírus ou coronavírus e 25,6% (10/30) estavam infectados por protozoários. Dos positivos para protozoários, cinco apresentaram Tritrichomonas foetus (12,82%), um organismo pouco relatado no Brasil, sendo este o primeiro relato de detecção deste protozoário através de PCR em fezes de gatos no Sul do Brasil e o segundo no país. A diarreia crônica em gatos pode ser multifatorial em animais de abrigo onde a densidade populacional é elevada e os meios de controle parasitário e viral são deficitários, além das condições de higiene precárias. Os fatores associados à proliferação de doenças infecciosas em abrigos promovem o surgimento de infecções por novos patógenos como o Tritrichomonas foetus, até então pouco relatado no Brasil.

Dynamic Influence of pH on Metalloproteinase Activity in Human Coronal and Radicular Dentin.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pH on the activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) of human coronal (CD) and radicular dentin (RD). CD and RD were pulverized to powder, and proteins were extracted with 1% phosphoric acid. The extracted proteins and the demineralized powder were separately incubated in the following solutions: 4-aminophenylmercuric acetate (control) or a buffer solution at different pHs (2.5, 4.5, 5.0, 6.0, and 7.0). After incubation, proteins were separated by electrophoresis to measure MMP activities by zymography. To assess the solubilized dentin collagen, the demineralized dentin powder was sustained in incubation buffer, and the amount of hydroxyproline (HYP) released was measured. Zymography revealed MMP-2 gelatinolytic activities for CD and RD in all experimental groups. For both substrates, the lowest pH solutions (2.5, 4.5, and 5.0) yielded higher gelatinolytic activity than those obtained by the highest pH solutions (6.0 and 7.0). For HYP analysis, no detectable absorbance values were observed for pHs of 2.5 and 4.5. The amount of HYP was higher for pH 7.0 than those of all other groups (p < 0.05), except for pH 6.0. No statistical differences were found between pHs 6.0 and 5.0 and control (p > 0.05). The MMP-2 enzyme from human CD and RD is dynamically influenced by pH: at low pH, the extracted enzyme activates this latent form, whereas collagen degradation by the matrix-bound enzyme is only observed when pHs are close to neutral.

Mandibular movements and bite force in Alzheimer's disease before and after new denture insertion.

Chewing impairment has been observed in elders with Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, it is unknown whether oral rehabilitation can improve their masticatory function. This study evaluated the influence of new removable prostheses on chewing function of patients with AD. Participants using removable dentures were divided into two groups: patients with mild AD (77·2 ± 5·8 years, n = 16) and controls (76·0 ± 4·4, n = 16). All participants received general dental treatment and new total and/or partial removable prostheses. After 2 months of adaptation to the new dentures, chewing was evaluated by the following parameters: masticatory cycle time (CT), cycle velocity (CV), and opening (OA) and closing mandibular angles (CA), registered by a kinesiographic device. Maximum bite force (MBF) was assessed using a strain sensor. Evaluations were performed at baseline and after insertion of the new prostheses. A mixed model (α = 5%) was used for within- and between-subject analyses. After insertion of new prostheses, CT was reduced, and CV and MBF were increased in both groups (P < 0·05). There were no changes in OA or CA (P > 0·05). Compared to controls, elders with AD showed higher CT and reduced MBF and CV both at baseline and after insertion of new prostheses (P < 0·05). However, OA and CA did not differ between groups (P > 0·05). Insertion of new removable prostheses improved masticatory function in elders with and without AD, but patients with mild AD still had reduced chewing parameters compared to controls.

Evaluating the acute contributions of dopaminergic replacement to gait with obstacles in Parkinson's disease.

The influence of dopaminergic replacement (DR) on gait in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) is well documented. However, little is known about the acute effects of dopamine on more complex locomotor tasks that require visual guidance to avoid obstacles during gait. The authors investigated the influence of DR on locomotor behavior in a task where movement planning and control might be challenged by the height of the obstacle. The PD group included patients diagnosed with idiopathic PD (n = 12), as well as healthy controls (n = 12). Patients walked and stepped over obstacles of different heights before (OFF) and after (ON) levodopa intake. Spatial adjustments were not modulated by DR, but the step time to perform these anticipatory gait adjustments was longer only in PD-OFF (compared with healthy controls) when approaching the highest obstacle, but not PD-ON. During the crossing phase, trail limb toe clearance of PD patients was shorter than healthy controls only during the OFF state. ON-OFF comparisons were significantly different only for the time to reach the lead foot clearance over the highest obstacle. In summary, DR partially improved movement slowness but did not directly affect movement amplitude of lower limb regulation in this gait task.

New recurrent chromosome alterations in patients with multiple myeloma and plasma cell leukemia.

Chromosome abnormalities detected in metaphases from multiple myeloma (MM) cells have a clear impact on prognosis and response to therapy. Thirteen out of 50 (26%) patients with plasma cell disorders and abnormal karyotypes (11 with MM and 2 with plasma cell leukemia (PCL)) were selected for inclusion in the present report based on the presence of karyotypes with new and/or infrequent structural aberrations. Thirty-three new rearrangements, including a novel recurrent aberration: psu dic(5;1)(q35;q10), were detected. Chromosome 1 was the most frequently involved. Gains of genetic material (57%) were noted more frequently than losses (43%). Three rearrangements that were observed only once in the literature appear to be recurrent from our data: del(16)(q13), del(5)(p13) and i(3)(q10), the latter being a single structural aberration in the karyotype. Clinical parameters from our series were compared with 2 control groups: 20 MM cases with recurrent aberrations in MM/PCL with a similar distribution of abnormalities associated with poor prognosis (group 1), and 40 with normal karyotypes and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis (group 2). Significantly increased serum calcium levels (p = 0.022) in patients with new and/or infrequent chromosome changes with respect to both control groups, and a higher percentage of bone marrow plasma cell infiltration (p = 0.005), ß(2) microglobulin, and lactate dehydrogenase levels (p < 0.0001) compared to group 2 were observed. Our results suggest that some of these novel rearrangements may be capable to deregulate genetic mechanisms related to the development and/or progression of the disease. The finding of new recurrent aberrations supports this hypothesis.

Preditores espaço-temporais do andar para testes de capacidade funcional em pacientes com doença de Parkinson / Gait spatial and temporal predictors for functional capacity tests in Parkinson's disease patients

OBJETIVOS: Determinar quais parâmetros espaço-temporais são preditores do andar de indivíduos com doença de Parkinson idiopática para os testes de resistência aeróbia e agilidade, propostos pela bateria de testes da American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD). MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados seis homens e seis mulheres com comprometimento e estágio da doença em níveis leve e moderado, que realizaram os testes de agilidade e resistência aeróbia, conforme o protocolo da AAHPERD, e andaram 8m sobre uma passarela. Uma câmera digital registrou uma passada central. Marcadores foram fixados no quinto metatarso e na face lateral do calcâneo do membro inferior direito e no primeiro metatarso e na face medial do calcâneo do membro inferior esquerdo. As variáveis dependentes selecionadas foram: tempo nos testes de agilidade e resistência e as variáveis cinemáticas (comprimento da passada - CP, cadência - CAD, duração da passada - DP, duração da fase de duplo suporte - DDS, duração do suporte simples - SS, duração da fase de balanço - DB e velocidade da passada - VP). RESULTADOS: Para agilidade, o teste de Pearson apontou correlação estatisticamente significativa entre as variáveis CP (r=-0,70; p<0,05), CAD (r=-0,72; p<0,01), VP (r=-0,83; p<0,01), DP (r=0,71; p<0,01) e DDS (r=0,90; p<0,01). Para resistência, houve correlação com as variáveis CP (r=-0,67; p<0,05), CAD (r=-0,72; p<0,01), VP (r=-0,82; p<0,01), DP (r=0,71; p<0,01) e DDS (r=0,90; p<0,01). A análise de regressão múltipla revelou que a DDS foi a única variável preditora dos testes de agilidade (R²=0,82; p<0,01) e resistência (R²=0,81; p<0,01). CONCLUSÕES: Observou-se o uso potencial da DDS como parâmetro espaço-temporal do andar preditor do desempenho dos testes de resistência aeróbia e agilidade em pacientes com doença de Parkinson idiopática.

OBJECTIVE: To determine which spatial and temporal parameters are predictors of the gait pattern of individuals with idiopathic Parkinson's disease, for the aerobic endurance and agility tests included in the battery of tests of the AAHPERD protocol. METHODS: Six men and six women with mild and moderate impairment and disease stage were selected. They performed agility and aerobic endurance test in accordance with the AAHPERD protocol, and walked 8 m on a walkway. A digital video camera recorded one central stride. Markers were attached to the fifth metatarsal and lateral face of the calcaneus of the right leg and to the first metatarsal and medial face of the calcaneus of the left leg. The dependent variables selected were the time taken in the agility and endurance tests and the kinematic variables: stride length (SL), cadence (CAD), stride time (ST), double support time (DS), single support time (SS), swing time (SW) and stride velocity (SV). RESULTS: For agility, Pearson's test showed statistically significant correlations with SL (r=-0.70; p<0.05), CAD (r=-0.72; p<0.01), SV (r=-0.83; p<0.01), ST (r=0.71; p<0.01) and DS (r=0.90; p<0.01). For endurance, there were correlations with SL (r=-0.67; p<0.05), CAD (r=-0.72; p<0.01), SV (r=-0.82; p<0.01), ST (r=0.71; p<0.01), and DS (r=0.90; p<0.01). Multiple regression analysis revealed that DS was the only variable that predicted performance in both the agility (R²=0.82; p<0.01) and the endurance (R²=0.81; p<0.01) tests. CONCLUSIONS: It was observed that DS measure has a potential use as a kinematic parameter of gait that predicts the performance in agility and aerobic endurance tests in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

[Depressive symptoms and motor condition in Parkinson's disease patients]. / Síntomas depresivos y trastorno motor en pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson.

INTRODUCTION: Complex relations between brain and psychopathology have attracted the interest of researchers, aiming to clarify the neurobiological mechanisms of depression in Parkinson's disease, obviously in addiction to mental features. AIMS: The association of motor impairment and decline of personal autonomy with severity of depressive symptoms was the hypothesis of the present study. Aiming to check this hypothesis, the objective of this study consisted in investigating relationships between the severity of depressive symptoms and motor characteristics of Parkinson's disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty patients (53 to 80 year-old) with medical diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease in initial clinic stages were studied. The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, Hoehn-Yahr Scale, and Schwab & England Scale were used to assess the clinic signs and symptoms. The depressive symptoms were identified by complete anamnesis, examination of mental condition, and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and the Anxiety and Depression Scale. Statistical analysis was performed by Pearson's correlation and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: A significant correlation of severity of depression symptoms with disease stage (p < 0.02), with motor signs (p < 0.008), and with functional performance (p < 0.007) was found. CONCLUSION: There was significant association between motor impairment and severity of depressive symptoms, and between depression and early disease onset or prolonged duration of Parkinson's disease.