Lethality associated with snake venom exposure can be predicted by temperature drop in Swiss mice.

Establishing humane endpoints to minimize animal suffering in studies on snake venom toxicity and antivenom potency tests is crucial. Our findings reveal that Swiss mice exhibit early temperature drop following exposure to different snake venoms and combinations of venoms and antivenoms, predicting later mortality. Evaluating temperature we can identify within 3 h post-inoculation, the animals that will not survive in a period of 48 h. Implementing temperature as a criterion would significantly reduce animal suffering in these studies without compromising the outcomes.

Postoperative Delirium Screening Characteristics in Pediatric Intestinal, Liver, and Renal Transplant Recipients: Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: To describe and compare the results of delirium screening in the immediate post-transplant PICU admission for pediatric intestinal, liver, and renal transplant recipients. We also examined associations with known and suspected risk factors for pediatric delirium (PD). DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of a single-center cohort, 2016-2022. SETTING: Twenty-four-bed PICU in a high-volume transplant center. PATIENTS: All intestinal, liver, and renal transplant recipients under 23 years old admitted between July 2016 and August 2022. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We identified 211 pediatric transplant recipients: intestinal (n = 36), liver (n = 78), and renal (n = 97). Results of the Cornell Assessment for PD during the immediate post-transplant PICU admission were reviewed and patients were categorized into screen positive, screen negative, and unscreened. Corresponding data on known and suspected risk factors for PD were also collected. Data on delirium subtypes were not collected. Screens were available for 156 of 211 patients (74%) who were included in the final analysis. The prevalence of a positive screen by transplant category was: intestine 80% (24/30), liver 75% (47/63), and renal 14% (9/63). A positive screen was associated with younger age, greater duration of mechanical ventilation, and greater PICU length of stay (LOS) in bivariate analysis. In multivariable analysis, age and PICU LOS remained strongly correlated with a positive screen (p < 0.05). Deep sedation and agitation as categorized by the State Behavioral Scale was associated with a positive screen, as was significant iatrogenic withdrawal symptoms (p < 0.05). Most patients screened positive by post-transplant days 2 and 3 (58/80 [72%] and 64/80 [80%], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In our 2016 to 2022 experience, we found a high prevalence of positive PD screens in pediatric intestinal and liver transplant recipients in the immediate post-transplant PICU admission. A positive screen was associated with younger age and greater PICU LOS.

Correction: De Jesus et al. Body Temperature Drop as a Humane Endpoint in Snake Venom-Lethality Neutralization Tests. Toxins 2023, 15, 525.

In the original publication [...].

Body Temperature Drop as a Humane Endpoint in Snake Venom-Lethality Neutralization Tests.

Snake venom neutralization potency tests are required for quality control assessment by manufacturers and regulatory authorities. These assays require the use of large numbers of mice that manifest severe signs associated with pain and distress and long periods of suffering. Despite this, many animals make a full recovery; therefore, the observation of clinical signs as a predictor of animal death is highly subjective and could affect the accuracy of the results. The use of a more objective parameter such as body temperature measurement could help establish a humane endpoint that would contribute to significantly reducing the suffering of large numbers of animals. We determined the temperature drop in BALB/c mice exposed to the mixtures of Bothrops asper or Lachesis stenophrys venom and a polyvalent antivenom by using an infrared thermometer. Our data show that, based on the temperature change from baseline, it is possible to predict which animals will survive during the first 3 h after inoculation. The data provided in this study may contribute to future reductions in animal suffering, in concordance with general trends in the use of laboratory animals for the quality control of biologicals.

Evaluation of the in vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial effect of water treated with Photonic Multiphase Modulators (PMM) designed with Advanced Physics System Engineering (APSE™) and BioPhoton-X™ technology.

BACKGROUND: In vitro and in vivo testing of new technology was performed to evaluate the antiplasmodial activity of Photonic Multiphase Modulators (PMM) in cultures and in mice previously infected with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium berghei parasites. METHODS: Cultures of P. falciparum infected-erythrocytes were exposed overnight to two generations of different APSE™ and BioPhoton-X™ PMM (C#1, R#1, R#2, D8 and D9). Growth of parasites was determined through flow cytometry or microscopy. Mice of the strain C57BL/6 were infected and treated with water exposed to second-generation APSE™ and BioPhoton-X™ PMM plus one previously untested first-generation PMM (AGN10). Parasitemia and weight loss were monitored throughout the infection until death or point of euthanasia was reached. After death, necropsy was performed on all animals and the number of days each survived was recorded. RESULTS: In vitro and in vivo testing using different APSE™- and BioPhoton-X™-designed PMM revealed an effect of D8 in lowering the growth of the parasite in vitro, while the best effect in mice was observed with D9 PMM, with a reduced weight loss and an increase in survival, although the results in lowering the parasitemia were inconclusive. D9 PMM did not generate ROS in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: APSE™ and BioPhoton-X™ optic circuit technologies can affect the growth of parasites and show protective effects in mice drinking from water treated with their PMM.

Antiplasmodial activity of Cocos nucifera leaves in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice.

Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) malaria presents serious public health problems worldwide. The parasite´s resistance to antimalarial drugs has proven to be a significant hurdle in the search for effective treatments against the disease. For this reason, the study of natural products to find new antimalarials remains a crucial step in the fight against malaria. In this study, we aimed to study the in vivo performance of the decoction of C. nucifera leaves in P. berghei-infected mice. We analyzed the effectiveness of different routes of administration and the acute toxicity of the extract. Additionally, we determined the suppressive, curative and prophylactic activity of the extract. The results showed that the decoction of leaves of C. nucifera is most effective when administered intramuscularly to mice in comparison to intraperitoneal, subcutaneous and intragastric methods. We also found that organ signs of acute toxicity appear at 2000 mg/kg/day as evidenced by necropsy examination. Additionally, we found that the prophylactic effect of the extract is of 48% inhibition, however, there is no curative effect. Finally, in a 4-day suppressive assay, we found that the extract can inhibit the growth of the parasite by up to 54% at sub-toxic doses when administered intramuscularly.

Motility and Survival of Salmonella Enterica Subspecies Enterica Serovar Enteritidis in Tomato Plants (Solanum lycopersicum L)

The presence of enteropathogens such as Salmonella affects the quality and safety of vegetables that are consumed in a minimally processed state. Worldwide, tomatoes are one of the main vegetables whose raw consumption has caused health alerts. As such, the aim of this study was to determine the motility and survival of Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Enteritidis on greenhouse-grown tomato plants. A completely randomized experimental design was used, and bacteria were inoculated into the substrate at the time of transplanting as well as by puncturing the plant stem, petiole, and peduncle during the vegetative, flowering, and fruiting stages. Survival was monitored throughout the production cycle; motility was evaluated separately in plant organs separated from the point of inoculation. Salmonella enteritidis survived the 120 days of the experiment both at the point of inoculation and in other organs of the tomato plant. For all treatments, there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between bacterial counts in the root (12.45 ± 2.52 to 160 ± 4.01 CFU/g), stem (16.10 ± 2.31 to 90.55 ± 3.62 CFU/g), flower (7.0 ± 2.15 to 51.10 ± 3.80 CFU/g), and fruit (8.75 ± 2.38 to 28.2 ± 3.29 CFU/g). The results of the study indicate that Salmonella enteritidis in contact with tomato plants is a latent danger because its ability to enter, survive, and move within tomato plants until reaching the fruit, limits the effectiveness of commonly used disinfection methods, it would potentiate the risk to human health

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Motility and Survival of Salmonella Enterica Subspecies Enterica Serovar Enteritidis in Tomato Plants (Solanum lycopersicum L).

The presence of enteropathogens such as Salmonella affects the quality and safety of vegetables that are consumed in a minimally processed state. Worldwide, tomatoes are one of the main vegetables whose raw consumption has caused health alerts. As such, the aim of this study was to determine the motility and survival of Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Enteritidis on greenhouse-grown tomato plants. A completely randomized experimental design was used, and bacteria were inoculated into the substrate at the time of transplanting as well as by puncturing the plant stem, petiole, and peduncle during the vegetative, flowering, and fruiting stages. Survival was monitored throughout the production cycle; motility was evaluated separately in plant organs separated from the point of inoculation. Salmonella enteritidis survived the 120 days of the experiment both at the point of inoculation and in other organs of the tomato plant. For all treatments, there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between bacterial counts in the root (12.45 ± 2.52 to 160 ± 4.01 CFU/g), stem (16.10 ± 2.31 to 90.55 ± 3.62 CFU/g), flower (7.0 ± 2.15 to 51.10 ± 3.80 CFU/g), and fruit (8.75 ± 2.38 to 28.2 ± 3.29 CFU/g). The results of the study indicate that Salmonella enteritidis in contact with tomato plants is a latent danger because its ability to enter, survive, and move within tomato plants until reaching the fruit, limits the effectiveness of commonly used disinfection methods, it would potentiate the risk to human health.

Persistencia, internalización y translocación de Escherichia coli O157:H7, O157:H16 y O105ab en plantas y frutos de tomate (Solanum lycopersicum L.) / Persistence, internalization and translocation of Escherichia coli O157:H7, O157:H16 and O105ab in plants and tomato fruits (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

La presencia de bacterias patógenas, como Escherichia coli, afecta la calidad e inocuidad de las hortalizas que se consumen en fresco y se relaciona con graves problemas de salud. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar si 3 cepas diferentes de E. coli tienen la capacidad de penetrar y permanecer en plantas y frutos de tomate. Se siguió un diseño experimental completamente al azar, para lo cual se estableció un cultivo de tomate (variedad «Cid¼) en condiciones de invernadero y se evaluaron 3 tratamientos, T1 (E. coli O157: H7), T2 (E. coli de cultivo de tomate -#91;EcT-#93; O157: H16), T3 (E. coli de cultivo de espinaca -#91;EcH-#93; EcH O105ab) y un testigo T4, con 100 plantas cada uno y 4 formas de inoculación: en el sustrato, en el tallo, en el pecíolo y en el pedúnculo. Se realizaron muestreos en etapa vegetativa, floración, fructificación y madurez fisiológica para cuantificar en placa las UFC/g y saber si las bacterias lograban moverse y recuperarse en la raíz, el tallo, la flor y el fruto. Los grupos filogenéticos a los que correspondieron las bacterias recuperadas fueron confirmados mediante pruebas bioquímicas, serotipificación y PCR. A los 120 días la recuperación de bacterias en la planta fue del 23% (E. coli O157: H7), 28% (EcT O157: H16) y 55% (EcH O105ab) con la inoculación al sustrato, mientras que con la inoculación por punción la recuperación fue (en igual orden) del 5%, 3% y 4% a los 30 días; del 37%, 35% y 30% a los 90 días; y del 42%, 39% y 13% a los 65 días. Las cepas utilizadas mostraron la capacidad de entrar en la planta de tomate y de permanecer en ella y transportarse hasta llegar al fruto, sin producir síntomas que indiquen su presencia.

The presence of pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia coli affects the quality and safety of vegetables that are consumed fresh and is associated with serious health problems. The objective of this study was to determine if three different strains of E. coli can penetrate and remain in plants and tomato fruits. A completely randomized experimental design was followed for which a tomato crop ("Cid" variety) was established under greenhouse conditions and three treatments were evaluated, T1 (E. coli O157: H7), T2 (E. coli from tomato cultivation -#91;EcT-#93; O157: H16), T3 (E. coli from spinach cultivation -#91;EcH-#93; O105ab) and a T4 control, with 100 plants each and four forms of inoculation: in the substrate, steam, petiole and the peduncle. Samples were carried out in vegetative stage, flowering, fruiting and physiological maturity to quantify in petri dish CFU/g and know if the bacteria managed to move around and recover in root, stem, flower and fruit. The phylogenetic groups that corresponded to the bacteria recovered were confirmed by biochemical tests, serotyping and PCR. At 120 days the recovery of bacteria in the plant was 23% (E. coli O157: H7), 28% (EcT O157: H16) and 55% (EcH O105ab) whit inoculation to the substrate while the inoculation by puncture the recovery was (in the same order) of 5%, 3%, and 4% at 30 days; 37%, 35% and 30% at 90 days; and 42%, 39% and 13% at 65 days. The strains submit the ability to enter the tomato plant and to stay in it and transported to the fruit, without producing that indicate their presence.

[Persistence, internalization and translocation of Escherichia coli O157:H7, O157:H16 and O105ab in plants and tomato fruits (Solanum lycopersicum L.)]. / Persistencia, internalización y translocación de Escherichia coli O157:H7, O157:H16 y O105ab en plantas y frutos de tomate (Solanum lycopersicum L.).

The presence of pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia coli affects the quality and safety of vegetables that are consumed fresh and is associated with serious health problems. The objective of this study was to determine if three different strains of E. coli can penetrate and remain in plants and tomato fruits. A completely randomized experimental design was followed for which a tomato crop ("Cid" variety) was established under greenhouse conditions and three treatments were evaluated, T1 (E. coli O157:H7), T2 (E. coli from tomato cultivation [EcT] O157:H16), T3 (E. coli from spinach cultivation [EcH] O105ab) and a T4 control, with 100 plants each and four forms of inoculation: in the substrate, steam, petiole and the peduncle. Samples were carried out in vegetative stage, flowering, fruiting and physiological maturity to quantify in petri dish CFU/g and know if the bacteria managed to move around and recover in root, stem, flower and fruit. The phylogenetic groups that corresponded to the bacteria recovered were confirmed by biochemical tests, serotyping and PCR. At 120 days the recovery of bacteria in the plant was 23% (E. coli O157:H7), 28% (EcT O157:H16) and 55% (EcH O105ab) whit inoculation to the substrate while the inoculation by puncture the recovery was (in the same order) of 5%, 3%, and 4% at 30 days; 37%, 35% and 30% at 90 days; and 42%, 39% and 13% at 65 days. The strains submit the ability to enter the tomato plant and to stay in it and transported to the fruit, without producing that indicate their presence.

Ecocardiografia Padrão, com Strain e Strain Rate com Speckle Tracking Bidimensional em Macaco-Capuchinho (Cebus Apella, Linnaeus, 1758) / Standard Echocardiography, Strain and Strain Rate by Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking in Capuchin Monkey (Cebus Apella, Linnaeus, 1758)

Introdução: O macaco-capuchinho é uma espécie de primata não humano que demonstra grande potencial para estudos pré-clínicos devido às semelhanças anatômicas e fisiológicas com os seres humanos. Objetivo: Estudar os índices de deformação miocárdica em macacos-capuchinhos anestesiados utilizando speckle tracking. Métodos: Foram utilizados dezesseis animais do Parque Zoobotânico, em Teresina, Piauí, Brasil, com restrição química, utilizando uma combinação de cetamina e midazolam. Os estudos ecocardiográficos foram obtidos nos modos B, M e Doppler, medindo-se strain e strain rate através de speckle tracking. Resultados: As variáveis que apresentaram coeficientes de correlação estatisticamente significativos em relação ao peso foram a parede livre do ventrículo esquerdo em diástole (PLVEd), diâmetro interno do ventrículo esquerdo em diástole (DIVEd), diâmetro interno do ventrículo esquerdo em sístole (DIVEs), onda E, A'VD, movimento do anel mitral (MAM) e excursão sistólica do plano do anel tricúspide (TAPSE). A frequência cardíaca (FC) mostrou correlação positiva com a onda E e a onda A e correlação negativa com o tempo de relaxamento isovolumétrico (TRIV). A fração de encurtamento (FS) apresentou correlação positiva com a razão entre as ondas E e A (r = 0,61). TAPSE mostrou correlações positivas com E'VD e A'VD. Os valores obtidos para o strain circunferencial (-18,17 ± 4,68%), radial (47,13 ± 5,24%) e longitudinal (-26,46 ± 5,155%) para os macacos-capuchinhos estavam dentro dos intervalos normais para machos e fêmeas. Conclusão: O presente estudo fornece os primeiros valores de referência para medidas ecocardiográficas em modos B, M e Doppler para macacos-capuchinhos anestesiados com cetamina e midazolam. Os valores de strain e strain rate obtidos utilizando a técnica de speckle tracking mostraram-se semelhantes aos obtidos em seres humanos, sugerindo que esta ferramenta pode ser explorada em estudos pré-clínicos utilizando o modelo do macaco-capuchinho

Introduction: The capuchin monkey is a type of nonhuman primate that has shown great potential for preclinical studies because of its anatomical and physiological similarities to humans. Objective: To study the indices of myocardial deformation in anesthetized capuchin monkeys using speckle tracking. Methods: Sixteen animals from the Zoobotanical Park, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil, were used and chemically restrained using a combination of ketamine and midazolam. Echocardiography recordings were obtained in B, M and Doppler modes, and strain and strain rate were measured using speckle tracking. Results: The variables that showed statistically significant correlation coefficients in relation to weight were LVFWd, LVIDd, LVIDs, E wave, A'RV, MAM and TAPSE. HR showed a positive correlation with the E wave and A wave and a negative correlation with IVRT. FS presented a positive correlation with the E/A wave relationship (r = 0.61). TAPSE showed positive correlations with E'RV and A'RV. The values obtained for circumferential (-18.17 ± 4.68%), radial (47.13 ± 5.24%) and longitudinal (- 26.46 ± 5.15%) strain for the capuchin monkeys were within the normal ranges for males and females. Conclusion: The present study provides the first reference values for echocardiographic measurements in B, M and Doppler modes for capuchin monkeys anesthetized with ketamine and midazolam. The strain and strain rate values obtained using speckle tracking showed similarities with those obtained in humans, suggesting that this tool has the potential to be exploited in preclinical studies using the capuchin monkey model

Comparative B-mode and Doppler renal ultrasonography with histopathological findings in dogs positive for canine visceral leishmaniasis.

Morphological parameters and renal flow were assessed and measured in six clinically healthy dogs with negative serological and parasitological examinations for canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) and six dogs with CVL-positive serological and parasitological tests and asymptomatic condition of the disease. Kidney length and diameter were measured and compared with the aorta/kidney ratio. Alterations in flow were measured using the flow velocity (cm/s) and resistance index (RI). Renal function was assessed by serum biochemical examination (urea, creatine, total proteins, albumin, and globulin) and urinalysis. CVL-positive animals presented heterogeneous kidney echotexture, reduced vascular flow, hypoperfusion, lesser visualization of the arcuate arteries, high RI values (1.06 ± 0.28 for the right kidney and 1.10 ± 0.30 for the left kidney), reduced diastolic flow, and high systolic peak. They also presented positive creatine/RI correlation and between the renal artery vascular flow and kidney diameter. Histopathological analysis of CVL-positive animals was compatible and confirmed hemodynamic changes observed by Doppler ultrasound. The findings in the present study showed that Doppler ultrasonography is a valid method to assess and detect alterations in flow in renal pathological processes with kidney vascular damage, as in the case of leishmaniasis, and can help in the diagnosis of animals with this infection. Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:637-645, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Características anatômicas e funcionais do assoalho pélvico em nulíparas submetidas a ultrassonografia endovaginal tridimensional e avaliação da concordância inter-observador

Entender a patogênese das disfunções do assoalho pélvico (AP) exige amplo conhecimento da anatomia. Os recentes avanços em tecnologias de imagem abriram novas possibilidades de investigação. No entanto, 30% das cirurgias são falhas e a principal causa é o desconhecimento da anatomia complexa e dificuldade no diagnóstico das doençasdessa região.O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a anatomia do AP de nulíparas assintomáticas durante o repouso e a manobra de Valsalva, usando ultrassonografia endovaginal tridimensional (UTV-3D). Voluntárias nulíparas assintomáticas foram submetidas à ecodefecografia para identificar alterações dinâmicas no Compartimento Posterior (CP), incluindo as anatômicas (retocele, intussuscepção, entero/sigmoidocele e descenso perineal) e funcionais (ausência de relaxamento ou contração paradoxal do puborretal) e avaliadas com UTV3Dpara determinar índices biométricos do hiato urogenital (HU)do ânus, espessura do músculo pubovisceral (MPV), comprimento da uretra, ângulo anorretal, posição da junção anorretal e posição do colo da bexiga. Todas as medidas foram comparadas em repouso e durante Valsalva; e determinado descenso perineal e do colo da bexiga. A variabilidade inter observador foi avaliada utilizando o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse. Foram avaliadas 34 voluntárias com a ecodefecografia e a UTV. Dessas, 20 foram incluídas no estudo. As 14 excluídas apresentavam alterações dinâmicas no CP...

Understanding the pathogenesis of pelvic floor dysfunction (AP) requires extensive knowledge of anatomy. Recent advances in imaging technologies have opened new possibilities for research. However, 30% of surgeries are failures and the main cause is the lack of knowledge of the complex anatomy and the difficulty in diagnosing diseases of this region. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anatomy of the AP nulliparous asymptomatic at rest and Valsalva maneuver, using transvaginal ultrasonography three-dimensional (UTV-3D). Nulliparous asymptomatic volunteers underwent echodefecography to identify dynamic changes in the Posterior Compartment (CP), including anatomical (rectocele, intussusceptions, entero/sigmoidocele and perineal descent) and functional (no relaxation or paradoxical contractionof puborectalis) and evaluated with 3D UTV biometric indexes to determine the urogenital gap (HU) of the anus, the thickness of the pubovisceral muscle (PVM), urethral length, anorectal angle position of the anorectal junction and position of the bladder neck. All measurements were compared at rest and during Valsalva, and determined perineal and bladder neck descent. The interobserver variability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Thirty four volunteers were evaluated with echodefecography and TVU-3D. From these, 20 were included in the study...

Do changes in anal sphincter anatomy correlate with anal function in women with a history of vaginal delivery?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate anal sphincter anatomy using three-dimensional ultrasonography (3-DAUS) in incontinent women with vaginal delivery, correlate anatomical findings with symptoms of fecal incontinence and determine the effect of vaginal delivery on anal canal anatomy and function. METHODS: Female with fecal incontinence and vaginal delivery were assessed with Wexner's score, manometry, and 3DAUS. A control group comprising asymptomatic nulliparous was included. Anal pressure, the angle of the defect and length of the external anal sphincter (EAS), the anterior and posterior internal anal sphincter (IAS), the EAS + puborectal and the gap were measured and correlated with score. RESULTS: Of the 62, 49 had fecal incontinence and 13 were asymptomatic. Twenty five had EAS defects, 8 had combined EAS+IAS defects, 16 had intact sphincters and continence scores were similar. Subjects with sphincter defects had a shorter anterior EAS, IAS and longer gap than women without defects. Those with a vaginal delivery and intact sphincters had a shorter anterior EAS and longer gap than nulliparous. We found correlations between resting pressure and anterior EAS and IAS length in patients with defects. CONCLUSIONS: Fecal incontinence symptoms did not correlate with anal pressures and anal sphincter anatomy changes, but women with sphincter defects have shorter anterior EAS and IAS and a longer gap.

Clinical, functional and morphologic evaluation of patients undergoing lateral sphincterotomy for chronic anal fissure treatment. Identification of factors that can interfere with fecal continence / Avaliação clínica, funcional e morfológica de pacientes submetidas à esfincterotomia para tratamento da fissura anal. Identificação dos fatores que podem interferir na continência fecal

Objective: Evaluate clinical, functional and morphologic outcomes of lateral sphincterotomy for chronic anal fissure treatment, and correlate the findings with factors that influence in the anal continence. Method: In a prospective study, female patients treated by lateral sphincterotomy for chronic anal fissure were assessed using Wexner's incontinence score and grouped according to score: group I (score = 0) and group 2 (score ≥1) and evaluated with anal manometry and anorectal 3D ultrasonography. Results: Thirty-six womens were included, 33% had vaginal delivery. Seventeen patients were included in group I and 19 in group II. We found no difference in age, parity and mode of delivery between groups. A significant difference with respect to percentage reduction in resting pressures was noted, when comparing group 1 versus group 2. The anal sphincter muscle length was similar in both groups. However, the length and percentage of transected internal anal sphincter was significantly greater in group II. Conclusion: There was a correlation between fecal incontinence symptoms after sphincterotomy with the percentage of resting pressure reduction, length and percentage of transected internal anal sphincter. .

Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados clínicos, funcionais e morfológicos de pacientes submetidas à esfincterotomia para tratamento de fissura anal, correlacionando os resultados com os fatores que podem interferir com a continência fecal. Método: Foram avaliadas prospectivamente pacientes do sexo feminino submetidas à esfincterotomia lateral interna devido à presença de fissura anal crônica utilizando o escore de incontinência de Wexner e distribuídas em dois grupos. Grupo 1- Escore igual a zero e Grupo 2 - maior ou igual a 1. As pacientes foram submetidas à avaliação funcional e anatômica do canal anal utilizando manometria anorretal e ultrassonografia tridimensional anorretal. Resultados: Das 36 pacientes incluídas, 33% tinham história de parto vaginal. Dezessete pacientes foram incluídas no Grupo 1 e 19 no Grupo 2. Não houve diferença quanto à idade, paridade e tipo de parto entre grupos. Houve diferença significante em relação ao percentual de redução na pressão de repouso quando comparado o grupo 1 com grupo 2. Não houve diferença no comprimento da musculatura esfincteriana entre grupos. No entanto, o comprimento e o percentual de esfíncter anal interno seccionado foram significativamente maiores no grupo 2. Conclusão: Há correlação entre os sintomas de incontinência fecal pós esfincterotomia com o percentual de reducão das pressões de repouso, tamanho e percentual do esfíncter anal interno seccionado. .

Do changes in aaal sphincter anatomy correlate ith anal function in women withh a history of vaginal delivery? / Alterações na anatomia do esfíncter anal se correlacionam com a função anal em mulheres com história de parto vaginal?

Objectives To evaluate anal sphincter anatomy using three-dimensional ultrasonography (3-DAUS) in incontinent women with vaginal delivery, correlate anatomical findings with symptoms of fecal incontinence and determine the effect of vaginal delivery on anal canal anatomy and function. Methods Female with fecal incontinence and vaginal delivery were assessed with Wexner’s score, manometry, and 3DAUS. A control group comprising asymptomatic nulliparous was included. Anal pressure, the angle of the defect and length of the external anal sphincter (EAS), the anterior and posterior internal anal sphincter (IAS), the EAS + puborectal and the gap were measured and correlated with score. Results Of the 62, 49 had fecal incontinence and 13 were asymptomatic. Twenty five had EAS defects, 8 had combined EAS+IAS defects, 16 had intact sphincters and continence scores were similar. Subjects with sphincter defects had a shorter anterior EAS, IAS and longer gap than women without defects. Those with a vaginal delivery and intact sphincters had a shorter anterior EAS and longer gap than nulliparous. We found correlations between resting pressure and anterior EAS and IAS length in patients with defects. Conclusions Avaliar a anatomia do esfíncter anal usando ultra-sonografia tridimensional (3D-US) em mulheres incontinentes com parto vaginal, correlacionar os achados anatômicos com sintomas de incontinência fecal e, determinar o efeito do parto vaginal sobre a anatomia e função do canal anal. .

Objetivos Avaliar a anatomia do esfíncter anal usando ultra-sonografia tridimensional (3D-US) em mulheres incontinentes com parto vaginal, correlacionar os achados anatômicos com sintomas de incontinência fecal e, determinar o efeito do parto vaginal sobre a anatomia e função do canal anal. Métodos Mulheres com sintomas de incontinência fecal e história de parto vaginal foram avaliadas com escore de Wexner, manometria e 3D-US. Um grupo controle constituído por nulíparas assintomáticas foi incluído. Pressão de repouso, o ângulo radial do defeito e o comprimento do esfíncter anal externo (EAE), o esfíncter anal interno anterior e posterior (EAI), o EAE + músculo puborretal e o gap foram medidos e correlacionados com escore. Resultados Das 62 mulheres, 49 apresentaram sintomas de incontinência fecal e 13 eram nulíparas assintomáticas. Vinte e cinco tinham defeitos EAE, 8 haviam defeito combinado EAS e IAS, 16 tinham esfíncteres intactos e escores de continência foram semelhantes. Indivíduos com defeitos do esfíncter tinha um menor EAE e EAI anterior em relação as mulheres sem defeitos. Aquelas com um parto vaginal e esfíncteres intactos tinham um menor EAE anterior em relação as mulheres nulíparas. Evidenciou-se correlações entre a pressão de repouso e a medida do EAS anterior e IAS em pacientes com defeitos do esfíncter. Conclusões Sintomas de incontinência fecal não se correlacionou com as pressões anais e alterações anatômicas do esfíncter anal, mas as mulheres com defeitos do esfíncter têm menor EAS anterior e IAS e uma gap maior e houve correlações com menor pressão de repouso. .

Isolation and characterization of mesenchymal progenitors derived from the bone marrow of goats native from northeastern Brazil.

PURPOSE: To characterize bone marrow progenitors cells grown in vitro, using native goats from northeastern Brazil as animal model. METHODS: Ten northeastern Brazil native goats of both genders were used from the Piauí Federal University Agricultural Science Center's (UFPI) - Goat Farming Sector. Bone marrow aspirates where taken from the tibial ridge and seeded on culture plates for isolation, expansion and Flow Cytometry (expression markers - Oct-3/4, PCNA, Ck-Pan, Vimentina, Nanog). RESULTS: Progenitor cells showed colonies characterized by the presence of cell pellets with fibroblastoid morphology. Cell confluence was taken after 14 days culture and the non-adherent mononuclear cell progressive reduction. After the first passage, 94.36% cell viability was observed, starting from 4.6 x 106 cell/mL initially seeded. Cells that went through flow cytometry showed positive expression for Oct-3/4, PCNA, Ck-Pan, Vimentina, and Nanog. CONCLUSIONS: Bone marrow progenitor isolated of native goats from northeastern Brazil showed expression markers also seen in embryonic stem cells (Oct-3/4, Nanog), markers of cell proliferation (PCNA) and markers for mesenchymal cells (Vimentina and Ck-pan), which associated to morphological and culture growth features, suggest the existence of a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) population in the goat bone marrow stromal cells studied.

Isolation and characterization of mesenchymal progenitors derived from the bone marrow of goats native from northeastern Brazil

PURPOSE: To characterize bone marrow progenitors cells grown in vitro, using native goats from northeastern Brazil as animal model. METHODS: Ten northeastern Brazil native goats of both genders were used from the Piauí Federal University Agricultural Science Center's (UFPI) - Goat Farming Sector. Bone marrow aspirates where taken from the tibial ridge and seeded on culture plates for isolation, expansion and Flow Cytometry (expression markers - Oct-3/4, PCNA, Ck-Pan, Vimentina, Nanog). RESULTS: Progenitor cells showed colonies characterized by the presence of cell pellets with fibroblastoid morphology. Cell confluence was taken after 14 days culture and the non-adherent mononuclear cell progressive reduction. After the first passage, 94.36% cell viability was observed, starting from 4.6 x 106 cell/mL initially seeded. Cells that went through flow cytometry showed positive expression for Oct-3/4, PCNA, Ck-Pan, Vimentina, and Nanog. CONCLUSIONS: Bone marrow progenitor isolated of native goats from northeastern Brazil showed expression markers also seen in embryonic stem cells (Oct-3/4, Nanog), markers of cell proliferation (PCNA) and markers for mesenchymal cells (Vimentina and Ck-pan), which associated to morphological and culture growth features, suggest the existence of a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) population in the goat bone marrow stromal cells studied. .

Comparative study by computed radiography, histology, and scanning electron microscopy of the articular cartilage of normal goats and in chronic infection with caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus.

In the northeast of Brazil, caprine arthritis-encephalitis (CAE) is one of the key reasons for herd productivity decreasing that result in considerable economic losses. A comparative study was carried out using computed radiography (CR), histological analysis (HA), and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) of the joints of CAE infected and normal goats. Humerus head surface of positive animals presented reduced joint space, increased bone density, and signs of degenerative joint disease (DJD). The carpal joint presented no morphological alterations in CR in any of the animals studied. Tarsus joint was the most affected, characterized by severe DJD, absence of joint space, increased periarticular soft tissue density, edema, and bone sclerosis. Histological analysis showed chronic tissue lesions, complete loss of the surface zone, absence of proteoglycans in the transition and radial zones and destruction of the cartilage surface in the CAE positive animals. Analysis by SEM showed ulcerated lesions with irregular and folded patterns on the joint surface that distinguished the limits between areas of normal and affected cartilage. The morphological study of the joints of normal and CAE positive goats deepened understanding of the alteration in the tissue bioarchitecture of the most affected joints. The SEM finding sustained previous histological reports, similar to those found for rheumatoid arthritis, suggesting that the goat infected with CAE can be considered as a potential model for research in this area.

How much of the internal sphincter may be divided during lateral sphincterotomy for chronic anal fissure in women? Morphologic and functional evaluation after sphincterotomy.

BACKGROUND: Sphincterotomy is used to treat chronic anal fissure, but the length of the sphincterotomy is associated with incontinence. OBJECTIVE: We used 3-dimensional anal ultrasonography to determine the proportion of the internal anal sphincter that may be divided during lateral internal sphincterotomy in women without predisposing them to a high risk of fecal incontinence. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a prospective, observational cohort study conducted at a tertiary-care hospital. PATIENTS: Women treated for chronic anal fissure with high anal resting pressure and no symptoms of fecal incontinence were selected. Asymptomatic women recruited from different departments of the same hospital served as controls to provide reference values for anal canal measurements. INTERVENTION: Patients underwent a standardized technique of lateral internal sphincterotomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Three-dimensional ultrasonography was used to measure sphincter lengths. Continence was assessed with the Cleveland Clinic Florida (Wexner) score. The relationship between the extent of the surgically divided portion of the internal anal sphincter and the continence score was evaluated. RESULTS: Successful healing was achieved in all patients within 2 months. Follow-up continence scores were significantly correlated with the extent of sphincter division. The proportion of patients with a continence score of 0 was significantly greater in patients in whom sphincter division was less than 25% in comparison with patients with a division of 25% or more. Anal canal and sphincter lengths in patients after sphincterotomy did not significantly differ from those in asymptomatic women. LIMITATIONS: The study is limited by its nonrandomized nature and the lack of preoperative ultrasound assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Based on data from this study, the safe extent of division is less than 25% of the total sphincter length, which in women corresponds to less than 1 cm.