Effects of vitrification techniques on the formation of skin cryobank of the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis).

BACKGROUND: Skin cryobanks represent important tools for the conservation of the maximum genetic representation of a population, especially those with a certain degree of threat to extinction, such as the ocelot. A relevant step towards the proper establishment of these banks is the definition of adequate cryopreservation techniques for the conservation of the skin. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effects of two different techniques [direct vitrification in cryovials (DVC) and solid-surface vitrification (SSV)] for the preservation of ear skin derived from ocelot. MATERIALS & METHODS: For both techniques, we vitrified the ear skin using Dulbeccos modified Eagles medium with 3.0 M dimethyl sulfoxide, 0.25 M sucrose, and 10% fetal bovine serum. Non-cryopreserved tissues were used as control (control group). All tissues were analyzed for their morphometric characteristics by conventional histology and morphological / functional analysis by cell ability during the culture. RESULTS: While tissues cryopreserved by DVC showed similar values for dermis thickness and number of perinuclear halos to the control, tissues cryopreserved by SSV showed similarities to the control regarding the number of melanocytes, percentage of collagen fibers, and numbers of viable cells by apoptosis analysis. Additionally, none of the vitrification techniques affected stratum corneum thickness, number of keratinocytes, tissue proliferative activity, cell viability, or metabolism. CONCLUSION: Both vitrification techniques (DVC and SSV) can be used for the conservation of ocelot skin; however, SSV guarantees a higher cellular quality after in vitro tissue culture in most of the parameters evaluated, such as viability, metabolism, and apoptosis analysis. doi.org/10.54680/fr23110110412.

Evaluation of different cryoprotectant solutions for the cryopreservation of somatic tissues of Dasyprocta leporina (Linnaeus, 1758).

BACKGROUND: Somatic tissue banks represent important tools for the conservation of wild mammals, aiming at the immediate maintenance and safeguarding of biological samples. For agouti, Dasyprocta leporina, studies on the formation of these banks are still scarce, especially regarding protocols of the best cryoprotectant solution employed. OBJECTIVE: To optimize the cryoprotectant solution [ethylene glycol (EG), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), sucrose (SUC)] used for the cryopreservation of agouti somatic tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We treated ear tissues with various cryoprotectant solutions: 3.0 M EG (EG group), 3.0 M EG and 0.25 M SUC (EG-SUC group), 3.0 M DMSO (DMSO group), 3.0 M DMSO and 0.25 M SUC (DMSO-SUC group), 1.5 M EG and 1.5 M DMSO (EG-DMSO group) and 1.5 M EG, 1.5 M DMSO and 0.25 M SUC (EG-DMSO-SUC group). Non-cryopreserved tissues were used as controls. All tissues were analyzed for their ultrastructural and morphometric characteristics by scanning electron microscopy and conventional histology. RESULTS: EG-DMSO-SUC was found to be the optimal cryoprotectant solution in terms of the evaluated parameters, such as thickness of the dermis and skin, number of perinuclear halos, proliferative potential, number of empty lacunas and degenerated chondrocytes. CONCLUSION: Agouti somatic tissue cryopreservation may serve for its conservation and as an experimental model for the development of preservation methods for species of the same genus that are either vulnerable or critically endangered.

Cryopreservation of Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu Linnaeus, 1758) Somatic Cells is Improved by Sucrose and High Concentrations of Fetal Bovine Serum.

BACKGROUND: The formation of somatic cell banks is affected by, amongst other factors, the cryoprotectant solution used. The selection of an effective solution, therefore, is a primary parameter. OBJECTIVE: We optimized the cryoprotectant used for collared peccary somatic cell cryopreservation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We categorized cells into different groups based on their cryopreservation and evaluated the morphology, viability, proliferative activity, metabolism, and oxidative stress. One group was cryopreserved in 10% DMSO with 10% fetal bovine serum (DMSO-10FBS), and another with 50% FBS (DMSO-50FBS). The cryopreservation of both groups included the presence of 0.2 M sucrose (DMSO-SUC-10FBS and DMSO-SUC-50FBS). Non-cryopreserved cells and cells cryopreserved with 10% DMSO (DMSO) supplemented with 0.2 M sucrose (DMSO-SUC) were used as controls. RESULTS: There was no difference observed in morphology or viability among the groups. Proliferative activity was reduced in DMSO-10FBS when compared to controls. Although cryopreservation reduced metabolism, no difference was observed among solutions. A lower level of reactive oxygen species was observed in cells of DMSO-SUC-50FBS when compared to other cryoprotectants. Only cells of DMSO-SUC-50FBS had mitochondrial potential similar to non-cryopreserved cells. CONCLUSION: 10% DMSO supplemented with 50% FBS and 0.2 M SUC was observed to be the most efficient cryoprotectant for preserving collared peccary somatic cells.

Relationship between -889 C/T polymorphism in interleukin-1A gene and risk of chronic periodontitis: Evidence from a meta-analysis with new published findings.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis results from an inflammatory response caused by accumulative microorganisms in periodontal sites. Several factors are involved in pathogenesis of periodontitis, for example the -889 C/T polymorphism in interleukin-1A gene. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between this polymorphism and risk of development of chronic periodontitis by a meta-analysis based in new published findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thereunto a review in literature was performed in the electronic biomedical and education databases (Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, MEDLINE and PubMed) to studies published before August 2, 2015, the abstracts were evaluated and the data extraction performed by two calibrated examiners. The calculations of the meta-analysis were obtained through statistical software Review Manager version 5.2 with calculation of Odds Ratio (OR), heterogeneity (I²) and Funnel plots with P < 0.05. RESULTS: In overall, twenty-one case/control studies were selected with 2,174 patients with chronic periodontitis and 1, 756 controls. The meta-analysis showed T allele was associated with chronic periodontitis (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.36, P = 0.0004) with decreased value to heterogeneity (I² = 15%, P = 0.28). TT genotype was associated to patients with chronic periodontitis (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.83, P = 0.01). No publication bias was found in this meta-analysis by asymmetry in Funnel plots. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis with 2,174 patients with chronic periodontitis and 1, 756 controls evidenced the -889 C/T polymorphism is associated to risk of development of chronic periodontitis with no significant value to heterogeneity to allelic evaluation.

Microbiological contamination in peanut confectionery processing plants.

AIMS: In order to investigate Enterobacteriaceae, coliforms, Escherichia coli and Salmonella contamination, a survey was conducted at three peanut confectionery processing companies (A, B and C) in Brazil. METHODS AND RESULTS: Samples of different peanut confectionery products (n = 59), peanut raw material (n = 30), manufacturing environment (n = 116) and workers' hand surfaces (n = 12) were analysed. Salmonella and E. coli were not detected in any final product or raw material analysed. Enterobacteriaceae was isolated from 15% of final products. Coliforms were detected in only one sample. Referring to the raw material, six samples showed contamination by Enterobacteriaceae and three samples by coliforms. For the process environment, 19% and 11% of samples presented Enterobacteriaceae and coliforms. Escherichia coli was detected in 5% of samples, and one of these samples tested positive for Salmonella; this strain was serotyping as S. Heidelberg. All food handlers surveyed in Company C showed Enterobacteriaceae and coliforms on their hands. Escherichia coli was isolated from one food worker's hand. CONCLUSION: The results showed that the manufacturing environment, including food handlers were considered the main sources for possible contamination of peanut confectionery products. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This has been the first study to investigate the occurrence of Salmonella and other Enterobacteriaceae throughout peanut confectionery processing lines. The results might be used to assist risk assessment studies and to establish more effective control measures.

A single nucleotide polymorphism in NEUROD1 is associated with production traits in Nelore beef cattle.

Feed efficiency and carcass characteristics are late-measured traits. The detection of molecular markers associated with them can help breeding programs to select animals early in life, and to predict breeding values with high accuracy. The objective of this study was to identify polymorphisms in the functional and positional candidate gene NEUROD1 (neurogenic differentiation 1), and investigate their associations with production traits in reference families of Nelore cattle. A total of 585 steers were used, from 34 sires chosen to represent the variability of this breed. By sequencing 14 animals with extreme residual feed intake (RFI) values, seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in NEUROD1 were identified. The investigation of marker effects on the target traits RFI, backfat thickness (BFT), ribeye area (REA), average body weight (ABW), and metabolic body weight (MBW) was performed with a mixed model using the restricted maximum likelihood method. SNP1062, which changes cytosine for guanine, had no significant association with RFI or REA. However, we found an additive effect on ABW (P ≤ 0.05) and MBW (P ≤ 0.05), with an estimated allele substitution effect of -1.59 and -0.93 kg0.75, respectively. A dominant effect of this SNP for BFT was also found (P ≤ 0.010). Our results are the first that identify NEUROD1 as a candidate that affects BFT, ABW, and MBW. Once confirmed, the inclusion of this SNP in dense panels may improve the accuracy of genomic selection for these traits in Nelore beef cattle as this SNP is not currently represented on SNP chips.

Drug administration through feeding tubes; an integrated qualification program.

INTRODUCTION: The literature documents numerous inconveniences of drug administration through feeding tubes. Actions to improve the quality of this practice are of great importance. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to describe the implementation process and results of an Integrated Program to improve drug administration through feeding tubes in a Brazilian general hospital. METHODS: This is a descriptive study of a clinic quality improvement program which proceeded in four steps: (1) design of a data base with technical characteristics of oral drugs; (2) application of an identification label on non-crushable tablets; (3) evaluation, through focal groups, of nursing technicians' knowledge of drug administration through feeding tubes, and formal training; (4) prescription review of patients prescribed enteral nutrition and subsequent pharmaceutical intervention. RESULTS: A list with 131 oral drugs used within the hospital was compiled with recommendations for their administration through feeding tubes. Seven non-crushable drugs were identified with "do not crush" labels. Formal training regarding drug administration through feeding tubes was elaborated incorporating findings from the focal groups and applied to the nursing team. Over eight months, we analyzed 888 prescriptions written for 185 patients and addressed 263 pharmaceutical interventions to the medical team (which they accepted in 100% of the cases), and 105 interventions to the nursing team. CONCLUSIONS: Qualification programs with multiple strategies, as the one described here, may directly improve drug administration through feeding tubes and help to solve and prevent problems related to this practice.

Drug administration through feeding tubes; an integrated qualification program / Administración de fármacos a través de las sondas de alimentación: un programa integrado de cualificación

Introduction: The literature documents numerous inconveniences of drug administration through feeding tubes. Actions to improve the quality of this practice are of great importance. Objective: The objective of this study is to describe the implementation process and results of an Integrated Program to improve drug administration through feeding tubes in a Brazilian general hospital. Methods: This is a descriptive study of a clinic quality improvement program which proceeded in four steps: (1) design of a data base with technical characteristics of oral drugs; (2) application of an identification label on non-crushable tablets; (3) evaluation, through focal groups, of nursing technicians' knowledge of drug administration through feeding tubes, and formal training; (4) prescription review of patients prescribed enteral nutrition and subsequent pharmaceutical intervention. Results: A list with 131 oral drugs used within the hospital was compiled with recommendations for their administration through feeding tubes. Seven non-crushable drugs were identified with "do not crush" labels. Formal training regarding drug administration through feeding tubes was elaborated incorporating findings from the focal groups and applied to the nursing team. Over eight months, we analyzed 888 prescriptions written for 185 patients and addressed 263 pharmaceutical interventions to the medical team (which they accepted in 100% of the cases), and 105 interventions to the nursing team. Conclusions: Qualification programs with multiple strategies, as the one described here, may directly improve drug administration through feeding tubes and help to solve and prevent problems related to this practice (AU)

Introducción: En la bibliografía se documentan muchos inconvenientes de la administración de fármacos a través de las sondas de alimentación. Las acciones para mejorar la calidad de esta práctica son de gran importancia. Objetivo: El propósito de este estudio es describir el proceso de implantación de un Programa Integrado para mejorar la administración de fármacos a través de las sondas de alimentación y sus resultados en un hospital general de Brasil. Métodos: Este es un estudio descriptivo de un programa de mejora de la calidad clínica que consta de cuatro pasos: (1) diseño de la base de datos con las características técnicas de los fármacos orales; (2) aplicación de una etiqueta de identificación de las tabletas no machacables; (3) evaluación, a través de grupos focales, del conocimiento de los técnicos de enfermería sobre la administración de fármacos a través de sondas de alimentación, y entrenamiento formal; (4) revisión de la prescripción de los pacientes con nutrición enteral y la intervención farmacéutica subsiguiente. Resultados: Se compiló una lista de 131 fármacos orales empleados en el hospital con las recomendaciones de su administración a través de las sondas de alimentación. Se identificaron siete fármacos no machacables con las etiquetas de "no machacar". Se elaboró el entrenamiento formal relativo a la administración de fármacos a través de las sondas de alimentación incorporando los hallazgos de los grupos focales y que fueron aceptadas en el 100% de los casos) y 105 intervenciones al equipo enfermero. Conclusiones: Los programas de cualificación con estrategias múltiples, como el descrito aquí, pueden mejorar directamente la administración de fármacos a través de las sondas de alimentación y ayudar a resolver y evitar los problemas relacionados con esta práctica (AU)

Treatment of chronic mandibular dislocations using a new miniplate.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation is defined as an excessive forward movement of the condyle beyond the articular eminence with complete separation of the articular surfaces and fixation in that position. The aim of this study was to describe a modified miniplate designed for treating chronic mandibular dislocations and evaluate the results of its placement in one patient, who was followed for 18 months. The treatment of chronic mandibular dislocation using this modified miniplate was shown to be efficient in relation to the postoperative maximal mouth opening, recurrence and articular function.

Effects of the herbicide Roundup on freshwater microbial communities: a mesocosm study.

The impact of the widely used herbicide glyphosate has been mainly studied in terrestrial weed control, laboratory bioassays, and field studies focusing on invertebrates, amphibians, and fishes. Despite the importance of phytoplankton and periphyton communities at the base of the aquatic food webs, fewer studies have investigated the effects of glyphosate on freshwater microbial assemblages. We assessed the effect of the commercial formulation Roundup using artificial earthen mesocosms. The herbicide was added at three doses: a control (without Roundup) and two treatments of 6 and 12 mg/L of the active ingredient (glyphosate). Estimates of the dissipation rate (k) were similar in the two treatments (half-lives of 5.77 and 7.37 d, respectively). The only two physicochemical parameters showing statistically significant differences between treatments and controls were the downward vertical spectral attenuation coefficient kd(lambda), where lambda is wavelength, and total phosphorus concentration (TP). At the end of the experiment, the treated mesocosms showed a significant increase in the ratio kd(490 nm)/k(d)(550 nm) and an eightfold increase in TP. Roundup affected the structure of phytoplankton and periphyton assemblages. Total micro- and nano-phytoplankton decreased in abundance in treated mesocosms. In contrast, the abundance of picocyanobacteria increased by a factor of about 40. Primary production also increased in treated mesocosms (roughly by a factor of two). Similar patterns were observed in the periphytic assemblages, which showed an increased proportion of dead: live individuals and increased abundances of cyanobacteria (about 4.5-fold). Interestingly, the observed changes in the microbial assemblages were captured by the analysis of the pigment composition of the phytoplankton, the phytoplankton absorption spectra, and the analysis of the optical properties of the water. The observed changes in the structure of the microbial assemblages are more consistent with a direct toxicological effect of glyphosate rather than an indirect effect mediated by phosphorus enrichment.

The UASB reactor as an alternative for the septic tank for on-site sewage treatment.

Although septic tanks are amply used for on site sewage treatment, these units have serious drawbacks: the removal efficiency of organic material and suspended solids is low, the units are costly and occupy a large area and operational cost is high due to the need for periodic desludging. In this paper an innovative variant of the UASB reactor is proposed as an alternative for the septic tank. This alternative has several important advantages in comparison with the conventional septic tank: (1) Although the volume of the UASB reactor was about 4 times smaller than the septic tank, its effluent quality was superior, even though small sludge particles were present, (2) desludging of the UASB reactor is unnecessary and even counterproductive, as the sludge mass guarantees proper performance, (3) the UASB reactor is easily transportable (compact and light) and therefore can be produced in series, strongly reducing construction costs and (4) since the concentration of colloids in the UASB effluent is much smaller than in the ST effluent, it is expected that the infiltration of the effluent will be much less problematic.

[Safe maternity: experience with a new practice in natal/newborn care -- Brazil]. / Maternidade segura: relato de experiência de uma nova prática em natal/RN-Brasil.

This is a descriptive work of the experience report type developed in the Januário Cicco School Maternity/UFRN in Natal/Rn since 1996, when five nurses gegun changes in her professional practices, through of the Project of "Especialization of Obstetric Nursing: Nursing Midwifery Skills for a Safe Maternity." The objectives of the study are to reduce or to eliminate risks for the women that wish to stay pregnant and/or to have kids and to guarantee na humaning assistance during pregnant, delivery, pos-natal and childbirth that will be obtain through of conscious professionals that works with value complex, decisions and actions, involving the health/ill, process related of the woman in the pregnant pos-natal cycle. Were created Standards of Quality in the Admission Assistance, Labour, Delivery, Pos-Natal, childbirth and Domiciliare Visit until one month of life. Since it implantation, the Project already shows some changes in the service the active participation of the nurse in the childbirth process, offering, essencially, satisfaction at the parturient and to the professionals involves in the Project.

Detection and direct typing of herpes simplex virus in perianal ulcers of patients with AIDS by PCR.

The presence of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2 in perianal ulcerations of 41 AIDS patients was assessed by virus culture and a type-specific PCR-based assay. HSV was isolated from the lesion site in 24 of 41 (58.5%) patients, and HSV DNA was detected by PCR in all 24 (100%) of these specimens. Additionally, PCR was used to detect HSV DNA in 12 of 17 (70.5%) HSV culture-negative samples. Thus, HSV genomic sequences could be demonstrated in 36 of 41 (87.8%) perianal ulcers in this series. Full agreement in HSV typing by either immunodot assay or PCR was seen in 24 samples that were positive by both virus culture and PCR. HSV-2 was demonstrated in 35 of 36 (97.2%) HSV-positive samples.

[From mystical panacea to medical specialization: acupuncture as portrayed by the written press]. / De panacéia mística a especialidade médica: a acupuntura na visão da imprensa escrita.

Based on articles from major newspapers in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, the text examines the written press's discourse on acupuncture and the process of its legitimization, institutionalization, and legalization in Brazil. The topic is analyzed from a sociological perspective, focusing on three different periods: the 1970s, the 1980s, and the first half of the 1990s.

An improved method for the recovery of mycoplasmas from the external ear canal of goats.

The efficacy of ear canal flushing and ear canal and mouth swabbing methods for the isolation of mycoplasmas was investigated in 39 goats. Of the 19 goats positive for Mycoplasma spp., 14 (73.7%) were positive with the ear canal flushing method, 4 (21.0%) were positive with both ear canal flushing and mouth swabbing methods, and 1 (5.3%) was positive by the mouth swabbing method. Mycoplasma arginini, M. mycoides subsp. mycoides, and M. mycoides subsp. capri were identified by direct immunofluorescence and growth inhibition tests. Previous reports on the isolation of M. arginini from the ear canal of goats were not found in the literature.

Inhibition of the myotoxic and hemorrhagic activities of crotalid venoms by Eclipta prostrata (Asteraceae) extracts and constituents.

The antimyotoxic and antihemorrhagic effects of Eclipta prostrata (EP) and three of its constituents (wedelolactone, WE; stigmaterol, ST; and sitosterol, SI) were investigated. The myotoxicity of crotalid venoms (Bothrops jararaca, Bothrops jararacussu and Lachesis muta), purified myotoxins (bothropstoxin, BthTX; bothropasin; and crotoxin), and polylysine was quantified in vitro by the release rate of creatine kinase (CK) from rat or mouse extensor digitorum muscles, and in vivo by the plasma CK activity in mice. The in vitro myotoxicity of the crotalid venoms and myotoxins was neutralized by simultaneous exposure of the muscles to an aqueous extract of EP or to WE. ST and SI were less effective than WE, but interacted synergistically with it. Both the EP extract and WE failed to neutralize the in vitro myotoxic effects of polylysine. The in vivo myotoxicity of venoms and myotoxins was neutralized by their preincubation with the EP extract or WE. Intravenous administration of the plant extract or WE attenuated the increase in plasma CK activity induced by subsequent intramuscular injections of the crotalid venoms or the myotoxins. EP and WE inhibited the hemorrhagic effect of B. jararaca venom, as well as the phospholipase A2 activity of crotoxin and the proteolytic activity of B. jararaca venom. The data provide direct evidence for antimyotoxic and antihemorrhagic effects of EP and WE against the crotalid venoms responsible for most cases of envenomation by snakebites in Brazil. These effects are interpreted as consequences of antiproteolytic and antiphospholipase A2 activities of EP and its constituents.

Pharmacological screening of plants recommended by folk medicine as snake venom antidotes; IV. Protection against jararaca venom by isolated constituents.

Fifteen compounds, isolated from plants reputed as snake venom antidotes, belonging to different classes of natural products, were shown to protect mice to a significant degree against the lethal action of the venom of Bothrops jararaca snakes. Administration was by the oral route, one hour prior to envenomation. The substances are nitrogen-free, low-molecular-weight compounds for which some kind of biodynamic activity has previously been reported. The fact that they are mostly trivial, naturally-occurring compounds should explain why plants used as snake-bite antidotes are so widely distributed over the plant kingdom.

[Scientific production in nursing in northeastern Brazil (1988-1992)]. / Produção científica de enfermagem na região nordeste (1988-1992).

Descriptive exploratory study accomplished with the purpose of identifying nurses' scientific productions in the Northeast Region during the period of 1988-1992, checking the rind of papers presented, the predominating theme area and the divulgation used. We observe that there is a sensitive increase in these productions since 1990. Scientific articles and assistentcal area themes predominated, as did the divulgation through national events.

[Influence of migration on the prevalence of serologic hepatitis B markers in a rural community. 2. Comparative analysis of various characteristics of the population studied]. / Influência da migração na prevalência de marcadores sorológicos de hepatite B em comunidade rural. 2-Análise comparativa de algumas caracteristicas das populações estudadas.

The association between prevalence of hepatitis B serological markers and birthplace, in a study carried out in a small rural county of S. Paulo State, Brazil, suggests different risk factors for hepatitis B between migrants and nonmigrant populations. These two groups were compared with regard to the following variables: level of education, professional occupation, number of previous hospitalizations, past history of blood transfusions and type of dental treatment. Migrants, mainly those from other states of Brazil, showed a low-level of education, a high proportion of people employed in agricultural activities, a higher number of past hospitalizations and higher exposure to blood transfusion and to more aggressive dental procedures. Associations were observed between the prevalence of serological markers and the following variables: level of education, professional occupation, number of previous hospitalizations and type of dental procedures, even though the last two associations did not justify the higher prevalences observed among migrants. The different distribution of hepatitis B markers seems to be dependent on the migrants' worse socio-economic condition, demonstrated by their lower level of education and by the predominance of secondary occupations.