Perinatal Results and Long-Term Follow-Up of Fetal Cardiac Tumors: A 30-Year Historical Cohort Study. / Resultados Perinatais e Seguimento em Longo Prazo de Tumores Cardíacos Fetais: Estudo de Coorte Histórica de 30 Anos.

BACKGROUND: This was a 30-year retrospective cohort study that approximates closely to the natural history of cardiac tumors diagnosed in the fetus, since there was no case of pregnancy interruption. OBJECTIVE: To assess morbidity and mortality in the perinatal period and at long term in fetuses diagnosed with cardiac tumor. Our secondary objective was to assess the evaluating factors of perinatal and postnatal results. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study with 74 pregnant women with an echocardiographic diagnosis of fetal cardiac tumor at two referral centers between May 1991 and November 2021. A descriptive analysis was performed, and data were expressed as absolute (n) and relative (%) frequencies, median and interquartile range. Fisher's exact test was used to evaluate the association of echocardiographic characteristics and clinical manifestations with perinatal and postnatal results. Global survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and the curves were compared by the log-rank test. The time of follow-up, calculated in months, corresponded to the time elapsed from hospital discharge to current status (survived/ censoring or death). The level of significance was set at 5% (p<0.05). RESULTS: Rhabdomyoma is the most common type of cardiac tumor (85%), with a high morbidity (79.3%) and overall mortality of 17.4%. The presence of fetal hydrops was a predictor of death. CONCLUSION: The presence of fetal hydrops had an impact on mortality, and hence is an important factor in counselling and determining the prognosis. Most deaths occurred before hospital discharge.

FUNDAMENTO: Seguimento de coorte retrospectiva de 30 anos que se aproxima da história natural dos tumores cardíacos diagnosticados no feto uma vez que nenhum caso foi submetido à interrupção da gestação. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a morbidade e mortalidade perinatal e em longo prazo em fetos com diagnóstico de tumor cardíaco. Como objetivo secundário avaliar os fatores que influenciaram os resultados perinatais e pós-natais. MÉTODO: Estudo de coorte retrospectiva envolvendo 74 gestantes com diagnóstico ecocardiográfico fetal de tumor cardíaco acompanhadas em dois serviços de referência no período de maio de 1991 a novembro de 2021. Foi realizada análise descritiva dos dados por meio de frequências absolutas (n) e relativas (%), mediana e intervalos interquartis. Para avaliar a associação entre as características ecocardiográficas e as manifestações clínicas com os resultados perinatais e pós-natais, foi aplicado o teste exato de Fisher. O cálculo da sobrevida global foi realizado pelo método de Kaplan-Meier e a comparação de curvas pelo teste de log-rank. O tempo de seguimento, calculado em meses, foi definido a partir da data de alta do hospital à data do status atual (vivo/censura ou óbito). O nível de significância considerado foi de 5% (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: o rabdomioma é o tipo mais frequente (85%) de tumor cardíaco; apresenta alta morbidade (79,3%) e mortalidade geral de 17,4%; a presença de hidropisia fetal preditiva de óbito. CONCLUSÃO: A presença de hidropisia fetal teve impacto na mortalidade, sendo fator importante para aconselhamento e estabelecimento de prognóstico. A maioria dos óbitos ocorrem antes da alta hospitalar.

Resultados Perinatais e Seguimento em Longo Prazo de Tumores Cardíacos Fetais: Estudo de Coorte Histórica de 30 Anos / Perinatal Results and Long-Term Follow-Up of Fetal Cardiac Tumors: A 30-Year Historical Cohort Study

Resumo Fundamento: Seguimento de coorte retrospectiva de 30 anos que se aproxima da história natural dos tumores cardíacos diagnosticados no feto uma vez que nenhum caso foi submetido à interrupção da gestação. Objetivo: Avaliar a morbidade e mortalidade perinatal e em longo prazo em fetos com diagnóstico de tumor cardíaco. Como objetivo secundário avaliar os fatores que influenciaram os resultados perinatais e pós-natais. Método: Estudo de coorte retrospectiva envolvendo 74 gestantes com diagnóstico ecocardiográfico fetal de tumor cardíaco acompanhadas em dois serviços de referência no período de maio de 1991 a novembro de 2021. Foi realizada análise descritiva dos dados por meio de frequências absolutas (n) e relativas (%), mediana e intervalos interquartis. Para avaliar a associação entre as características ecocardiográficas e as manifestações clínicas com os resultados perinatais e pós-natais, foi aplicado o teste exato de Fisher. O cálculo da sobrevida global foi realizado pelo método de Kaplan-Meier e a comparação de curvas pelo teste de log-rank. O tempo de seguimento, calculado em meses, foi definido a partir da data de alta do hospital à data do status atual (vivo/censura ou óbito). O nível de significância considerado foi de 5% (p<0,05). Resultados: o rabdomioma é o tipo mais frequente (85%) de tumor cardíaco; apresenta alta morbidade (79,3%) e mortalidade geral de 17,4%; a presença de hidropisia fetal preditiva de óbito. Conclusão: A presença de hidropisia fetal teve impacto na mortalidade, sendo fator importante para aconselhamento e estabelecimento de prognóstico. A maioria dos óbitos ocorrem antes da alta hospitalar.

Abstract Background: This was a 30-year retrospective cohort study that approximates closely to the natural history of cardiac tumors diagnosed in the fetus, since there was no case of pregnancy interruption Objective: To assess morbidity and mortality in the perinatal period and at long term in fetuses diagnosed with cardiac tumor. Our secondary objective was to assess the evaluating factors of perinatal and postnatal results. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study with 74 pregnant women with an echocardiographic diagnosis of fetal cardiac tumor at two referral centers between May 1991 and November 2021. A descriptive analysis was performed, and data were expressed as absolute (n) and relative (%) frequencies, median and interquartile range. Fisher's exact test was used to evaluate the association of echocardiographic characteristics and clinical manifestations with perinatal and postnatal results. Global survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and the curves were compared by the log-rank test. The time of follow-up, calculated in months, corresponded to the time elapsed from hospital discharge to current status (survived/ censoring or death). The level of significance was set at 5% (p<0.05). Results: Rhabdomyoma is the most common type of cardiac tumor (85%), with a high morbidity (79.3%) and overall mortality of 17.4%. The presence of fetal hydrops was a predictor of death. Conclusion: The presence of fetal hydrops had an impact on mortality, and hence is an important factor in counselling and determining the prognosis. Most deaths occurred before hospital discharge.

Comparison between the Mission Plus device and gold standard methods for measuring hemoglobin concentrations and packed cell volumes in cattle.

BACKGROUND: A point-of-care device that can provide immediate and reliable hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations and packed cell volumes (PCVs) would be useful in veterinary medicine. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to compare the use of a human device (Mission Plus; MP) with a gold standard (GS) method for measuring Hb concentrations and PCVs in cattle blood. METHODS: Blood samples from clinically healthy cattle (n = 122) were collected with or without an anticoagulant (K2 EDTA). The GS and MP methods were compared with correlation coefficients. Passing-Bablok regression analyses were also performed, and the acceptability judgment was completed using Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: The CVmax for Hb values obtained using the GS method, the MP device without K2 EDTA, and the MP device with K2 EDTA were approximately 2.70%, 1.70%, and 2.0%, respectively, whereas the CVmax for PCVs was 0.90%, 1.83%, and 2.05%, respectively. A positive correlation (97.5% confidence interval) was observed between the Hb concentrations and PCV values detected using the MP and GS techniques in blood with and without K2 EDTA. Bland-Altman plots showed agreement between the MP and GS methods. For Hb using blood collected with or without the addition of K2 EDTA, the mean differences were -0.87 g/dL (95% CI: 1.35; -3.96) and 0.08 g/dL (95% CI: 2.16, -1.99), respectively. For PCVs using blood collected with or without the addition of K2 EDTA, the mean differences were -3.75% (95% CI: 0.61. -8.12) and -0.88% (95% CI: 2.86, -4.62), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The MP device can be used to analyze Hb concentrations and PCVs in bovine blood to assist in field diagnoses.

Thymol and eugenol microemulsion for Rhiphicephalus sanguineus sensu lato control: Formulation development, field efficacy, and safety on dogs.

The present study aimed to develop a microemulsion formulation containing thymol and eugenol for field control of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato on dogs, as well to evaluate its safety and the physical characteristics of the formulation. The microemulsion using thymol and eugenol (5.0 + 5.0 mg/mL) had as vehicles water, propylene glycol, polysorbate 80 and canola oil. On the next day the preparation (formulation freshly prepared) and after 24 months, the size of the microemulsion droplets, polydispersion index (PdI), organoleptic properties (color, viscosity), and presence of precipitate in the microemulsion were evaluated. For the field assay, on day -1, 10 English Cocker Spaniel dogs were experimentally infested with 200 larvae, 100 nymphs and 30 adults of R. sanguineus s.l. On day 0, after tick counts, the animals were divided into two groups: treated with the freshly prepared microemulsion (10 mL/kg), and control, which received the vehicle (10 mL/kg). Tick counts on dogs were performed daily for three more days. Engorged females were recovered from the dogs and their biological and reproductive parameters were monitored. The dogs' clinical parameters (temperature, mucosa color, and general physical condition) were evaluated daily. In addition, blood samples were collected before infestation to verify hematological (packed cell volume) and biochemical parameters (total serum protein, albumin, globulins, creatinine, urea, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase). Freshly prepared and 24-month aged microemulsions had droplets with mean sizes of 30.94 nm and 27.93 nm, and PdI values of 0.214 and 0.161, respectively. In addition, no difference in the organoleptic properties and no precipitation formation were observed, indicating physical stability. Treatment with the microemulsion resulted in reduction of larvae (p < 0.05) parasitizing the dogs on day 1 while the number of nymphs and adults was not reduced (P> 0.05). In the evaluation of the reproductive biology of engorged females, the larval hatchability (%) was compromised (p < 0.05), and the microemulsion had control rate of 85.5 %. The microemulsion and its vehicles did not change the clinical, hematological and biochemical parameters of the dogs. We concluded that the microemulsion was efficient against R. sanguineus s.l. by reducing the number of larvae and affecting the reproductive parameters of engorged females, safe for dogs, and stable (physical stability) during a two-year interval.

Serum biochemistry of the Arrau turtle (Podocnemis expansa): Frozen analyte stability and the effects of long-term storage.

BACKGROUND: Turtles are a major source of protein for riverside human populations in Brazil. The encouragement of commercial breeding meets conservation efforts for these animals, and it is, therefore, crucial to understand the physiologic and behavioral aspects of semi-aquatic species in captive conditions. Serum biochemical tests are ancillary diagnostic tools, and sample storage is a main problem since clinical laboratories are not always available near the habitats of these species. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to provide information about the stability of albumin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), calcium, creatinine kinase (CK), total cholesterol (Chol), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT), total protein (TP), and urea at different storage times. METHODS: In all, 17 Arrau turtles (Podocnemis expansa) were used, and the serum obtained was separated into aliquots and analyzed at 0, 4, 8, 16, and 32 days after being stored at -20°C. RESULTS: The results showed that albumin, AST, CK, GGT, and TP suffered interference due to the long storage times. CONCLUSION: Analytes such as ALP, calcium, Chol, and urea can be evaluated for up to 1 month after freezing. Albumin, AST, and TP can be analyzed up to 1 week after freezing without alterations, and CK GGT are best evaluated on fresh samples.

High-Lard and High-Cholesterol Diet, but not High-Lard Diet, Leads to Metabolic Disorders in a Modified Dyslipidemia Model / Dieta Rica em Banha e Colesterol, mas não Dieta Rica em Banha, Leva a Distúrbios Metabólicos em um Modelo Modificado de Dislipidemia

Abstract Background: In view of the increased global prevalence of cardiovascular and hepatic diseases, the diet lipid content and its relationship with the accumulation of fat in hepatocytes have been investigated as key factors in preventing these diseases. Objective: To evaluate the metabolic effects of a high-lard diet supplemented or not with cholesterol on a modified dyslipidemia model. Methods: We divided 24 adult male Wistar rats into three groups: standard diet (STD - 4% lipids), high-lard diet (HLD - 21% lard), and high-lard and high-cholesterol diet (HL/HCD - 20% lard, 1% cholesterol, 0.1% cholic acid). After six weeks of treatment, blood and liver were collected for biochemical (serum lipid profile and liver enzymes) and morphological analyses. Statistical analysis included one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey test for mean comparisons, and a 5% probability was considered statistically significant. Results: Animals fed HL/HCD showed increased total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, LDL-c, non-HDL-c, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) serum levels compared to those fed STD. In addition, the HL/HCD animals presented higher relative liver weight, with moderate macrovesicular hepatic steatosis and inflammatory infiltrate. Conclusion: A high-fat diet with lard (20%) and cholesterol (1%) triggered dyslipidemia with severe liver damage in rats in a shorter experimental time than the previously reported models. The high-lard diet without supplementation of cholesterol led to body weight gain, but not to dyslipidemia.

Resumo Fundamento: Tendo em vista o aumento da prevalência global de doenças cardiovasculares e hepáticas, o conteúdo lipídico da dieta e sua relação com o acúmulo de gordura nos hepatócitos têm sido investigados como fatores-chave na prevenção dessas doenças. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos metabólicos de uma dieta rica em banha suplementada com colesterol ou não, em um modelo modificado de dislipidemia. Métodos: Foram divididos 24 ratos Wistar machos adultos em três grupos: dieta padrão (DP - 4% de lipídios), dieta rica em banha (DRB - 21% de banha) e dieta rica em banha e colesterol (DRB/RC - 20% de banha, 1% de colesterol e 0,1% de ácido cólico). Após seis semanas de tratamento, o sangue e o fígado foram coletados para análises bioquímicas (perfil lipídico sérico e enzimas hepáticas) e morfológicas. A análise estatística incluiu análise de variância unidirecional (ANOVA), seguida do teste de Tukey para comparações de médias. Uma probabilidade de 5% foi considerada estatisticamente significativa. Resultados: Animais alimentados com DRB/RC apresentaram um aumento nos níveis séricos de colesterol total, triacilglicerol, LDL-c, não-HDL-c, alanina aminotransferase (ALT) e aspartato aminotransferase (AST) em comparação com aqueles alimentados com DP. Além disso, os animais tratados com DRB/RC apresentaram um peso relativo do fígado maior, com esteatose hepática macrovesicular moderada e infiltrado inflamatório. Conclusão: Uma dieta rica em gordura com banha (20%) e colesterol (1%) desencadeou dislipidemia com danos graves ao fígado em ratos em um tempo experimental menor do que os modelos previamente relatados. A dieta rica em banha sem suplementação de colesterol levou ao ganho de peso corporal, mas não à dislipidemia.

High-Lard and High-Cholesterol Diet, but not High-Lard Diet, Leads to Metabolic Disorders in a Modified Dyslipidemia Model.

BACKGROUND: In view of the increased global prevalence of cardiovascular and hepatic diseases, the diet lipid content and its relationship with the accumulation of fat in hepatocytes have been investigated as key factors in preventing these diseases. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the metabolic effects of a high-lard diet supplemented or not with cholesterol on a modified dyslipidemia model. METHODS: We divided 24 adult male Wistar rats into three groups: standard diet (STD - 4% lipids), high-lard diet (HLD - 21% lard), and high-lard and high-cholesterol diet (HL/HCD - 20% lard, 1% cholesterol, 0.1% cholic acid). After six weeks of treatment, blood and liver were collected for biochemical (serum lipid profile and liver enzymes) and morphological analyses. Statistical analysis included one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey test for mean comparisons, and a 5% probability was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Animals fed HL/HCD showed increased total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, LDL-c, non-HDL-c, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) serum levels compared to those fed STD. In addition, the HL/HCD animals presented higher relative liver weight, with moderate macrovesicular hepatic steatosis and inflammatory infiltrate. CONCLUSION: A high-fat diet with lard (20%) and cholesterol (1%) triggered dyslipidemia with severe liver damage in rats in a shorter experimental time than the previously reported models. The high-lard diet without supplementation of cholesterol led to body weight gain, but not to dyslipidemia.

Diagnóstico pré-natal de atresia tricúspide tipo IIC com atresia aórtica / Prenatal diagnosis of tricuspid atresia IIC associated with aortic atresia

Introdução: A atresia tricúspide é uma cardiopatia rara, sendo sua associação com discordância atrioventricular e atresia aórtica ainda mais rara. Objetivo: Relatar caso de associação cardíaca rara, reiterando o papel do ecocardiograma fetal no diagnóstico precoce das malformações cardíacas complexas. Relato: Recém-nascido com diagnóstico pré-natal de ausência de conexão direita, ventrículo direito hipoplásico, via de saída única pulmonar emergindo do ventrículo esquerdo e arco aórtico hipoplásico foi submetido à cirurgia de Norwood-Sano, com 48 horas de vida, com boa evolução. Conclusão: Os achados ecocardiográficos no feto predisseram a necessidade de intervenção neonatal precoce e asseguraram o manejo pós-natal adequado.