Intake, digestibility, ingestive behavior and performance of goats fed spineless cactus genotypes resistant to carmine cochineal / Consumo, digestibilidade, comportamento ingestivo e desempenho de caprinos alimentados com genótipos de palma forrageira resistentes à cochonilha-do-carmim

The objective was to evaluate the intake and digestibility of nutrients, ingestive behavior, and performance of goats fed with spineless cactus genotypes resistant to carmine cochineal (Miúda or Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (OEM). Thirty castrated male goats, without defined breed, aged 12 to 14 months, with an average body weight of 19.0±2.8kg, were distributed in a completely randomized design among three treatments (Control - Tifton hay, Miúda, and OEM) and ten replicates; the initial weight was considered as the covariate. The intake of organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was highest in the control treatment, while the intake of NFC was higher in the OEM diet. Treatments containing forage cactus showed the highest digestibility of DM, OM, and NFC. The animals fed the control diet spent more time on rumination and total chewing, but the time spent feeding or feeding efficiency, and performance did not differ. The use of spineless cactus genotypes resistant to carmine cochineal (Miúda and Orelha de Elefante Mexicana) in a diet for goats, in the amount of 450g/kg of DM does not interfere with the performance of the animals and improves the digestibility of OM and NFC.(AU)

Objetivou-se com o presente estudo avaliar o consumo e a digestibilidade de nutrientes, o comportamento ingestivo e o desempenho de caprinos alimentados com genótipos de palma forrageira resistentes à cochonilha-carmim (miúda ou orelha-de-elefante-mexicana (OEM). Trinta cabritos machos, castrados, sem raça definida, com idades entre 12 e 14 meses e peso corporal médio de 19,0±2,8kg, foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em três tratamentos (controle - feno de tifton; miúda e OEM) e 10 repetições; o peso inicial foi considerado a covariável. O consumo de matéria orgânica (MO) e de fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) foi maior no tratamento controle; enquanto a ingestão de CNF foi maior na dieta OEM. Tratamentos contendo palma forrageira apresentaram as maiores digestibilidades de MS, MO e CNF. Os animais alimentados com a dieta controle gastaram mais tempo em ruminação e em mastigação total, mas o tempo gasto com alimentação ou a eficiência alimentar e o desempenho não diferiram. A utilização de genótipos de palma forrageira resistentes à cochonilha-carmim (miúda e orelha-de-elefante-mexicana) na dieta de caprinos, na quantidade de 450g/kg de MS, não interfere no desempenho dos animais e melhora a digestibilidade de MO e CNF.(AU)

Use of sugar cane to feed lactating dairy goats / [Uso da cana-de-açúcar na alimentação de cabras leiteiras em lactação]

The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of replacing corn silage with sugarcane in the diet of lactating Saanen goats and to determine their intake and digestibility of nutrients, ingestive behavior, milk yield and composition. The experimental diets were composed of increasing levels (0, 33, 66 and 100%) of substitution in dry matter (DM). Twelve multiparous Saanen goats, with an average body weight of 45.2kg, average milk yield of 3.0kg day-1, distributed in a triple latin square experimental design (4 × 4) were used. The dry matter intake (DMI) and other nutrients were estimated through the difference between the total nutrient in the food offered and its total in the leftovers. The DMI, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and total digestible nutrients were not influenced, but the apparent digestibility of DM and NDF decreased. Feeding time and feeding efficiency were not influenced, the rumination and total chewing times increased, and the leisure time decreased, both linearly. Milk yield was not influenced by substitution levels, but corrected milk yield to 3.5% fat decreased. Sugar cane represents a dietary alternative for goats with medium milk yield in critical periods of forage, since it does not change the consumption of DM and milk yield, even with the apparent declining digestibility of some nutrients, influencing the ingestive behavior of the animals.(AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da substituição da silagem de milho por cana-de-açúcar na dieta de cabras Saanen em lactação e determinar a ingestão e a digestibilidade de nutrientes, o comportamento ingestivo, a produção e a composição do leite. As dietas experimentais foram compostas de níveis crescentes (0, 33, 66 e 100%) de substituição na matéria seca (MS). Doze cabras Saanen multíparas, com peso corporal médio de 45,2kg, produção média de leite de 3,0kg dia-1, foram distribuídas em delineamento experimental triplo quadrado latino (4 × 4). A ingestão de matéria seca (IMS) e de outros nutrientes foi estimada por meio da diferença entre o total de nutrientes nos alimentos oferecidos e o total nas sobras. A IMS, a proteína bruta, a fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e os nutrientes digestíveis totais não foram influenciados, mas a digestibilidade aparente da MS e da FDN diminuiu. A produção de leite não foi influenciada pelos níveis de substituição, mas a produção de leite corrigida para 3,5% de gordura diminuiu. A cana-de-açúcar representa uma alternativa alimentar para cabras com produção média de leite em períodos críticos de forragem, pois não altera o consumo de MS e a produção de leite, mesmo diminuindo a digestibilidade aparente de alguns nutrientes e influenciando o comportamento ingestivo dos animais.(AU)

Metabolic dynamics of native lambs fed with Tifton 85 hay or Maniçoba hay associated with the spineless cactus / Dinâmica metabólica de cordeiros nativos alimentados com feno de capim-tifton 85 ou feno de maniçoba associados à palma forrageira

The objective of this study was to evaluate the metabolic response of native lambs fed Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon dactylon) or Maniçoba hay (Manihot pseudoglaziovii) associated with spineless cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck). Sixteen Morada Nova lambs were used, with a mean initial weight of 19.36±1.48kg, distributed in a randomized block design, with two treatments and eight replications. Dry matter intake was higher for lambs fed Maniçoba hay compared to Tifton hay, while the body weight at slaughter was not influenced by diets. Regarding the blood metabolites, only the serum concentration of urea was influenced, with higher value observed in the lambs that fed the diet containing Tifton hay. When analyzing blood biomarkers, in the different biweekly collections, a linear increase in the blood concentration of urea, glucose, fructosamine, alkaline phosphatase and sodium was observed, as well as a quadratic effect for serum potassium. The other blood metabolites were not influenced in function of the collection days. The replacement of Tifton 85 hay for Maniçoba hay does not cause negative changes in the dynamics of different biomarkers and presents itself as a promising forage resource.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a resposta metabólica de cordeiros nativos alimentados com feno de capim-tifton 85 (Cynodon dactylon) ou feno de maniçoba (Manihot pseudoglaziovii) associados à palma forrageira (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck). Foram utilizados 16 cordeiros Morada Nova, com peso inicial médio de 19,36±1,48kg, distribuídos em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com dois tratamentos e oito repetições. O consumo de matéria seca foi maior nos cordeiros alimentados com feno de maniçoba em comparação ao feno de tifton, enquanto o peso corporal ao abate não foi influenciado pelas dietas. Em relação aos metabólitos sanguíneos, apenas a concentração sérica de ureia foi influenciada, com maior valor observado nos cordeiros que ingeriram a dieta contendo feno de capim-tifton. Quando foi realizada a análise dos biomarcadores sanguíneos nas diferentes coletas quinzenais, foi observado aumento linear nas concentrações sanguíneas de ureia, glicose, frutosamina, fosfatase alcalina e sódio, e efeito quadrático para o potássio sérico. Os demais metabólitos sanguíneos não foram influenciados em função dos dias de coleta. A substituição do feno de tifton 85 por feno de maniçoba influencia positivamente o metabolismo de cordeiros sem causar alterações na dinâmica dos diferentes biomarcadores e se apresenta como um promissor recurso forrageiro.(AU)

Meta-analysis of spineless cactus feeding to meat lambs: performance and development of mathematical models to predict dry matter intake and average daily gain.

Spineless cactus is a useful feed for various animal species in arid and semiarid regions due to its adaptability to dry and harsh soil, high efficiency of water use and carbohydrates storage. This meta-analysis was carried out to assess the effect of spineless cactus on animal performance, and develop and evaluate equations to predict dry matter intake (DMI) and average daily gain (ADG) in meat lambs. Equations for predicting DMI and ADG as a function of animal and diet characteristics were developed using data from eight experiments. The dataset was comprised of 40 treatment means from 289 meat lambs, in which cactus was included from 0 to 75% of the diet dry matter (DM). Accuracy and precision were evaluated by cross-validation using the mean square error of prediction (MSEP), which was decomposed into mean bias, systematic bias and random error; concordance correlation coefficient, which was decomposed into accuracy (Cb) and precision (ρ); and coefficient of determination (R2). In addition, the data set was used to evaluate the predicting accuracy and precision of the main lamb feeding systems (Agricultural and Food Research Council, Small Ruminant Nutritional System, National Research Council and Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique) and also two Brazilian studies. The DMI, CP intake (CPI), metabolizable energy (ME) intake and ADG increased when cactus was included up to 499 g/kg DM (P<0.001). In contrast, animals fed high levels of cactus (>500 g/kg DM) had a decreased DMI, CPI and NDF intake, but increased feed efficiency (P<0.001) and similar ADG compared with those without cactus addition. The DMI was positively correlated with initial BW, final BW, concentrate and ADG, while it was negatively correlated with cactus inclusion and ME of the diet. On other hand, ADG was positively correlated with DMI, initial and mean BW and concentrate, and it was negatively correlated with cactus inclusion. The two developed equations had high accuracy (Cb of 0.95 for DMI and 0.94 for ADG) and the random error of MSEP was 99% for both equations. The precision of both equations was moderate, with R2 values of 0.53 and 0.50 and ρ values of 0.73 and 0.71 for DMI and ADG, respectively. In conclusion, the developed equation to predict DMI had moderate precision and high accuracy, nonetheless, it was more efficient than those reported in the literature. The proposed equations can be a useful alternative to estimate intake and performance of lambs fed cactus.

Cana-de-açúcar em substituição ao feno de capim-tifton 85 em rações para cabras Saanen / Sugar cane replacing grass hay tifton 85 in rations for Saanen goats

Avaliou-se o consumo e digestibilidade dos nutrientes em dietas para cabras da raça Saanen arranjadas em um quadrado latino 5x5, alimentadas com cana-de-açúcar em substituição (0, 25, 50, 75 e 100%) ao feno de capim-tifton 85. O experimento foi constituído de cinco períodos de 15 dias (10 dias para adaptação dos animais às dietas experimentais e 5 dias para coleta de dados e amostras). O consumo voluntário foi calculado pela diferença entre o ofertado e as sobras. Utilizou-se o óxido crômico para estimativa da produção de matéria seca fecal. A digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca, matéria orgânica, extrato etéreo e fibra em detergente neutro foi influenciada negativamente com a substituição, enquanto a digestibilidade da proteína e dos carboidratos não fibrosos não sofreu influência. O baixo consumo de matéria seca de rações com cana-de-açúcar torna-se um fator limitante para cabras de média a alta produção de leite.

The intake and digestibility of nutrients in the diets of Saanen goats arranged in a 5x5 Latin square design, fed with sugar cane replacement (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) hay Tifton 85 were evaluated. The experiment consisted of 5 periods of 15 days (10 days for animal adaptation to experimental diets and 5 days for data collection). The voluntary intake was calculated as the difference between the offered and leftovers. Digestibility chromic oxide was used to estimate the fecal dry matter production. The digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, ether extract and neutral detergent fiber was negatively influenced, whereas the digestibility of protein and non-fiber carbohydrates were not affected. The low dry matter intake of diets with sugar cane becomes a limiting factor for goats medium for high milk production.

Dinâmica da fermentação ruminal de coprodutos do babaçu por meio da técnica in vitro semiautomática de produção de gases / Dynamics of the ruminal fermentation of coproducts of babassu (Orbignya martiniana) through the half-automatic in vitro gas production technique

Avaliou-se a cinética de fermentação ruminal da matéria seca (MS) e da fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) do farelo e da torta de babaçu (Orbignya martiniana), por meio da técnica in vitro semiautomática de produção de gases. As leituras de pressão e volume foram realizadas às três, seis, nove, 12, 15, 21, 27, 33, 39, 48, 60, 72 e 96 horas. Para a degradação da MS e da FDN, quantificou-se o resíduo após 96h de incubação. As curvas de produção cumulativa de gases foram ajustadas utilizando-se o modelo logístico bicompartimental. Para a MS, houve efeito (P<0,05) do alimento sobre o volume de gases da fração solúvel de rápida degradação (Vf1). O volume de gases da fração insolúvel de lenta degradação (Vf2) foi maior para o farelo de babaçu. O farelo apresentou o maior tempo de colonização, e a torta a menor degradação. Quanto ao Vf1 da fração de FDN, não houve diferença (P>0,05) entre os alimentos, e a fração Vf2 foi maior para a torta. A produção cumulativa de gases produzidos até 96h foi alta tanto para o farelo como para a torta, 120 e 140mL, respectivamente. O farelo e a torta de babaçu podem ser utilizados como alimentos alternativos para ruminantes por apresentarem boa qualidade do ponto de vista fermentativo.

The kinetic ruminal fermentation of the dry substance (MS) and the fraction in neutral detergent (FDN) of the meal and the palm cake of babassu was evaluated through the half-automatic in vitro gas production technique. The pressure readings and measurements of volume were been carried through at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 21, 27, 33, 39, 48, 60, 72 and 96h. For the degradation of the MS and FDN residue was quantified after 96h of incubation. The curves of cumulative production of gases had been adjusted using the bicompartimental logistic model. For the MS it had the effect (P<0,05) of food for the volume of gases of the soluble fraction of fast degradation (Vf1). The volume of gases in the insoluble fraction of slow degradation (Vf2) was superior (P<0,05) for the babassu meal. The "Lag time" of the meal was bigger (P<0,05) that that of the palm babassu cake. The palm babassu cake presented minor degradation. The Vf1 of the FDN fraction did not have difference (P>0,05) between foods. The Vf2 fraction was bigger for the palm babassu cake. The cumulative production of gases produced up to 96h was high for the meal and for the palm babassu cake, 120 and 140mL, respectively. The babassu meal and cake can be used as alternative foods for ruminants to present good quality from the fermentation point of view.

Avaliação dos modelos logístico bicompartimental e de Gompertz na estimativa da dinâmica de fermentação ruminal in vitro do farelo e da torta de babaçu (Orbignya martiana) / Avaliation of bicompartimental logistic and Gompertz mathematical models to estimate gas production from babassu (Orbignya martiana) meal and pie using the semi-automated in vitro technique

Utilizaram-se dois modelos matemáticos para avaliar a produção de gases do farelo e da torta de babaçu, pela técnica in vitro semiautomática de produção de gases. Foram utilizados o modelo logístico e o de Gompertz. Os parâmetros de validação usados foram o quadrado médio do erro (QME), o coeficiente de determinação (R²), o desvio médio absoluto dos resíduos (DMA) e a análise gráfica dos resíduos. O modelo logístico bicompartimental apresentou menores valores (P<0,05) para o QME e o DMA em relação ao de Gompertz, e não houve diferença (P>0,05) quanto ao R². Os gráficos de dispersão mostraram semelhanças nos ajustes dos dois modelos. Na análise gráfica dos resíduos, os dois modelos descreveram bem cinética de produção de gases da matéria seca. No entanto, o modelo logístico apresentou melhor valor de QME. Para avaliação da cinética de fermentação ruminal do farelo e da torta de babaçu pela técnica in vitro semiautomática de produção de gases, recomenda-se adotar o modelo logístico.

Two mathematical models were used to evaluate gas production from the meal and pie of babassu using the semi-automated gas production technique. The logistic and Gompertz models were used and the validation parameters for both models were the residual mean square (RMS), the coefficient of determination (R 2 ), the absolute average residual (AAR), and the graphical analysis of residues. The logistic model showed lower RMS (P<0.05) and AAR in comparison to Gompertz model. Both Gompertz and logistic models showed similar R 2 . The dispersion graphics showed similarity for both models and graphics analyses demonstrated that both models describe well the kinetic of gas production of dry matter. However, the bicompartimental logistic model showed the best RMS value. Logistic models are recommended to describe the kinetic of gas production from babassu foods using the semi-automated in vitro technique.

Automatic localization and segmentation of colelithiasis crystals in ultrasound images.

This paper presents a new method of localization and segmentation of colelithiasis crystals. This disease is characterized by crystals which are composed by irregular substances in the bile that appear in the gallbladder and can cause pain to the individual. Since the actual evaluation is done by radiologists and lacks precise, objective and quantitative assert, we present an algorithm which locates and segments the crystals using RunningHills algorithm, giving a quantitative approach to the diagnostic of this disease.

Performance of dairy goats fed whole sugarcane.

Five lactating goats were used in a 5x5 Latin square experiment to determine the effects of feeding whole sugarcane (WSC) on intake, total tract nutrient digestibilities, milk yield and milk composition. Goats were fed diets containing 0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 g kg(-1) WSC and 400, 300, 200, 100, and 0 g kg(-1) tifton hay (TH). Intake of dry matter and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) decreased linearly (p<0.05) as the level of WSC in the diet increased. Total tract nutrient digestibilities were not influenced by WSC inclusion except for the digestibility of NDF which decreased linearly (p<0.05) as the level of WSC in the diet increased. Inclusion of WSC linearly (p<0.05) decreased milk yield without affecting milk composition. It was concluded that WSC had a lower feeding values than TH for lactating goats.

Meat quality of Moxotó and Canindé goats as affected by two levels of feeding.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of reduced feed intake on Moxotó and Canindé goat, which are native breeds of semi arid area of Brazil, by analyzing the resultant meat quality. Intact male goats of both genotypes (10 animals each), weighing about 15kg, were allocated to two feeding levels (AL: feed ad libitum and FR: feed restricted to 63% of the total feed consumed by AL). Water-holding capacity and a(∗) color parameter were significantly influenced (p<0.05) by genotype. Proximate composition, cholesterol, shear force, pH, cooking loss, and sensory scores did not differ significantly (p>0.05) between genotypes. The redness of the meat of the Canindé breed was much improved in FR goats. Although, feed restriction by 37% did affect the final live weight and mean daily gain weight, it had no effect on chemical, physical, and sensory quality of Moxotó and Canindé meat.

A kinetic model of phosphorus metabolism in growing goats.

The effect of increasing phosphorus (P) intake on P utilization was investigated in balance experiments using 12 Saanen goats, 4 to 5 mo of age and weighing 20 to 30 kg. The goats were given similar diets with various concentrations of P, and 32P was injected to trace the movement of P in the body. A P metabolism model with four pools was developed to compute P exchanges in the system. The results showed that P absorption, bone resorption, and excretion of urinary P and endogenous and fecal P all play a part in the homeostatic control of P. Endogenous fecal output was positively correlated to P intake (P < .01). Bone resorption of P was not influenced by intake of P, and P recycling from tissues to the blood pool was lesser for low P intake. Endogenous P loss occurred even in animals fed an inadequate P diet, resulting in a negative P balance. The extrapolated minimum endogenous loss in feces was .067 g of P/d. The minimum P intake for maintenance in Saanen goats was calculated to be .61 g of P/d or .055 g of P/(kg(.75) x d) at 25 kg BW. Model outputs indicate greater P flow from the blood pool to the gut and vice versa as P intake increased. Intake of P did not significantly affect P flow from bone and soft tissue to blood. The kinetic model and regressions could be used to estimate P requirement and the fate of P in goats and could also be extrapolated to both sheep and cattle.

Neurotoxic effects of three fractions isolated from Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom.

Scorpion venoms contain low molecular weight basic polypeptides, neurotoxins, that are the principal toxic agents. These toxins act on ion channels, promoting a derangement that may result in an abnormal release of neurotransmitters. In the present study we investigated some of the effects of the F, H and J fractions isolated from Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom on the central nervous system of rodents. The venom was partially purified by gel filtration chromatography. The neurotoxic effect of these fractions was studied on convulsive activity after intravenous injection, and on electrographic activity and neuronal integrity of rat hippocampus when injected directly into this brain area. The results showed that intravenous injection of the F and H fractions induced convulsions, and intrahippocampal injection caused electrographic seizures in rats and neuronal damage in specific hippocampal areas. Fraction J injected intravenously reduced the general activity of mice in the open field but induced no changes when injected into the brain. These results suggest that scorpion toxins are able to act directly on the central nervous system promoting behavioural, electrographic and histological modifications.

Convulsive effects of some isolated venom fractions of the Tityus serrulatus scorpion: behavioral, electroencephalographic, and neuropathological aspects

It has been previously shown that the crude venom of Tityus serrulatus can cause convulsions. This study was designed to investigate the neurotoxic effects of B, C, G, and K fractions isolated from this venom. Intravenous injection of these fractions in mice (0.6 - 6.0 mg/kg body weight) showed that the C fraction is a potent convulsant and G fraction decreased the threshold for tonic hand limb extension elicited by transauricular electroshock. Unilateral injection of B, C, and K fractions, but not G fraction, into the spikes and epileptic discharges that began in the hippocampus and evolved to the cortex. The following motor signs were observed: movements of facial muscles, wet dog shake, immobility, myoclonus, wild-running with clonus, and in some cases, loss of postural control. Intrahippocampal injection of B, C, and K fraction, but not G fraction, caused neuronal loss at the injection site as well as in other hippocampal areas. The effect of these fractions on epileptiform activity and on neuronal loss was dose-dependent. The severity of the epileptiform activity in the ipsilateral hippocampus correlated with the severity of the neuronal loss. The electrographic, behavioral, and histological changes induced by b, C, and K fractions were similar to those obtained with other drugs that are commonly used to induce convulsion. The convulsant effects of the crude venom may be caused by the fractions studied in this work.

Behavioral, electroencephalographic, and histopathologic effects of a neuropeptide isolated from Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom in rats.

The effects of intrahippocampal administration of a neuropeptide (TS-8F toxin) isolated from Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom have been determined on behavior, limbic seizures, and neuronal degeneration in rats. Behavioral observation showed orofacial automatism, wet dog shakes, and myoclonus. Concomitantly, the electroencephalographic record showed high-frequency and high-voltage spikes that evolved to seizure activity in the hippocampus and cortex. Seven days after TS-8F toxin microinjection, neuronal damage was observed in CA1 and CA2 pyramidal cells and in granular cells of the dentate gyrus. The results suggest that TS-8F toxin may be responsible, at least in part, by the epileptic effects observed with the crude venom. Thus, this toxin may be a useful tool in the study of some neurobiological process.

Nickel contact dermatitis in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil (1993-1994).

This work consists in an evaluation of the occurrence of nickel contact dermatitis, its distribution between sexes and in which parts of the body the dermatitis usually occurs. It was accomplished a two year (1994-1995) retrospective study of 404 patch-tested patients which had previous clinical diagnosis of contact dermatitis. The occurrence of nickel sensitization was 19.8%, 88.8% of these 19.8% were women and the rest, 11.2%, were men. The lesions were present predominantly on hands, forearms, earlobes and feet. The authors comment about possible variations of occurrence of nickel contact dermatitis in rural areas and/or tropical countries.

Morbidade dos aneurismas intracranianos. / Morbidity of intracranial aneurysms

Os autores fazem revisao sobre a morbidade dos aneurismas, baseando-se na experiencia pessoal e na literatura.Apresentam uma sugestao de modalidade de estudo, a fim de possibilitar a analise uniforme dos fatores relacionados com a morbidade. Dividem estes fatores em 3 grupos: os decorrentes da hemorragia subaracnoidea, os inerentes ao proprio aneurisma e, finalmente, os decorrentes da tecnica utilizada para tratamento. Por ultimo, mostram sua experiencia pessoal (3 anos) com a morbidade de aneurismas supratentoriais. Os autores salientam a necessidade de uma padronizacao na classificacao dos graus de morbidade

Cisticerco cerebral macrocistico. Relato de caso. / Cerebral macrocystic Cysticercus. Report of a case

Os autores relatam 1 caso de neurocisticercose sob forma de cisto gigante.Paciente de 22 anos de idade apresentava sindrome convulsiva de aparecimento em epoca tardia da vida. A tomografia computadorizada demonstrou grande imagem de baixa densidade, com caracteristica de conteudo liquido, localizada na regiao temporal direita. No ato cirurgico o cisto de capsula espessa foi facilmente destacado das circunvolucoes e vasos da cisura silviana. O exame histopatologico de capsula revelou Cisticercus cellulosae. Os autores dao enfase aos aspectos tomograficos desse tipo de vesiculas cisticercoticas gigantes. Sao conhecidos como Cisticercus racemosus e aparecem na tomografia como grandes cistos sem massa tumoral visivel, mas provocando efeito de massa. O diagnostico diferencial deve ser feito com cistos aracnoides e tumores cisticos

Balloon tamponade of the pharynx in transnasophenoidal operations: technical note.

The authors present a new technique for tamponade of the nasopharynx after the performance of a transnasophenoidal approach to the hypophysis. This technique consists of placing a Foley balloon catheter in each nasal cavity, extending to the nasopharynx. The position of the balloons and the adequacy of the amount of radiopaque substance used to fill them is determined with x-ray films or a television image intensifier. Among the advantages of the method over tamponade with Vaseline-covered gauze are: (a) better tamponade; (b) the possibility of testing the position and volume of tamponade; (c) the absence of trauma to the nasopharyngeal mucosa upon removal of the catheters after deflation of the balloons; (d) the availability of two airways for respiration in addition to the mouth; and (e) the absence of blood gas alterations and infections.