Impacts of intake of trichothecenes (Fusarium sporotrichioides) for dairy calves: Effects on animal growth, oxidative and inflammatory response.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the impacts of trichothecenes (Fusarium sporotrichioides) for dairy calves on animal growth, oxidative and inflammatory responses in the presence or absence of essential oils. Twelve calves weaned at 70 days of age were divided into 2 groups: T-C (control) and T-EO (essential oils - oregano, thyme, basil and rosemary) in the period of 40 days consuming ration contaminated by trichothecenes (500 ppb). The animals in the T-EO group received a mixture of EOs via feed at a dosage of 0.75 mL per/kg of feed. Blood collections were performed on days 1, 20 and 40 for hematological and biochemical analyses; the fecal score was performed every 2 days on a scale of 1-5 and clinical examinations were performed 3 times during the experiment period. The animals were weighed at the beginning and at the end of the experiment; euthanasia of two calves per group for macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of several tissues (spleen, liver, duodenum, jejunum, ilium, cecum and colon) was performed at the end of the experiment. The calves in the T-EO group had a tendency (P = 0.07) of higher body weight when compared to the T-C. Treatment effect and treatment vs day interaction was detected for leukocytes and granulocytes variables, demonstrating a higher count of these cells in the T-EO group on both days (20 and 40), and the same behavior occurred for the distribution amplitude of erythrocytes (RDW). The enzymes alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST) and gamma glutamyl-transferase (GGT) showed higher serum activity in the T-C group (days 20 and 40). The levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were lower in the serum of animals in the T-EO group. For calves in the T-EO group, glutathione S-transferase activity was higher in serum. Haptoglobulin and C-reactive protein levels were lower on days 20 and 40 in T-EO animals when compared to the T-C group. In the macroscopic and microscopic evaluations, which were collected at the end of the experiment after slaughtering the animals, liver and intestine did not show changes for the animals in the T-EO group, unlike the animals in the T-C group, which had moderately firm diffuse consistency of the liver and edema in the mesentery, as well as oxidative stress in tissues (liver, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum and colon). The results concluded that the consumption of a mixture of EOs (essential oils - oregano, thyme, basil and rosemary) minimized the negative effects caused by trichothecenes in dairy calves, thus being an alternative to improving the immunological and antioxidant condition, as well as a possible adsorbent alternative.

Experimental vibration dataset collected of a beam reinforced with masses under different health conditions.

Vibration signals extracted from structures across diverse health conditions have become indispensable for monitoring structural integrity. These datasets represent a resource for real-time condition monitoring, enabling the precise detection and diagnosis of system anomalies. This paper aims to enrich the scientific community's database on structural dynamics and experimental methodologies pertinent to system modelling. Leveraging experimental measurements obtained from mass-reinforced beams, these datasets validate numerical models, refine identification techniques, quantify uncertainties, and continuously foster machine learning algorithms' evolution to monitor structural integrity. Furthermore, the beam dataset is data-driven and can be used to develop and test innovative structural health monitoring strategies, specifically identifying damages and anomalies within intricate structural frameworks. Supplemental datasets like Mass-position and damage index introduce parametric uncertainty into experimental and damage identification metrics. Thereby offering valuable insights to elevate the efficacy of monitoring and control techniques. These comprehensive tests also encapsulate paramedic uncertainty, providing robust support for applications in uncertainty quantification, stochastic modelling, and supervised and unsupervised machine learning methodologies.

Cardiovascular and Gas Exchange Effects of Individualized Positive End-Expiratory Pressures in Cats Anesthetized With Isoflurane.

Objectives: To compare the effects of four levels of end-expiratory pressure [zero (ZEEP) and three levels of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP)] on the cardiovascular system and gas exchange of cats anesthetized with isoflurane and mechanically ventilated for 3 h with a tidal volume of 10 ml/kg. Study Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled trial. Animals: Six healthy male neutered purpose-bred cats. Methods: Anesthesia was induced with isoflurane and maintained at 1.3 minimum alveolar concentration. PEEP of maximal respiratory compliance (PEEPmaxCrs) was identified in a decremental PEEP titration, and cats were randomly ventilated for 3 h with one of the following end-expiratory pressures: ZEEP, PEEPmaxCrs minus 2 cmH2O (PEEPmaxCrs-2), PEEPmaxCrs, and PEEPmaxCrs plus 2 cmH2O (PEEPmaxCrs+2). Cardiovascular and gas exchange variables were recorded at 5, 30, 60, 120, and 180 min (T5 to T180, respectively) of ventilation and compared between and within ventilation treatments with mixed-model ANOVA followed by Dunnet's and Tukey's tests (normal distribution) or Friedman test followed by the Dunn's test (non-normal distribution). Significance to reject the null hypothesis was considered p < 0.05. Results: Mean arterial pressure (MAP-mmHg) was lower in PEEPmaxCrs+2 [63 (49-69); median (range)] when compared to ZEEP [71 (67-113)] at T5 and stroke index (ml/beat/kg) was lower in PEEPmaxCrs+2 (0.70 ± 0.20; mean ± SD) than in ZEEP (0.90 ± 0.20) at T60. Cardiac index, oxygen delivery index (DO2I), systemic vascular resistance index, and shunt fraction were not significantly different between treatments. The ratio between arterial partial pressure and inspired concentration of oxygen (PaO2/FIO2) was lower in ZEEP than in the PEEP treatments at various time points. At T180, DO2I was higher when compared to T5 in PEEPmaxCrs. Dopamine was required to maintain MAP higher than 60 mmHg in one cat during PEEPmaxCrs and in three cats during PEEPmaxCrs+2. Conclusion: In cats anesthetized with isoflurane and mechanically ventilated for 3 h, all levels of PEEP mildly improved gas exchange with no significant difference in DO2I when compared to ZEEP. The PEEP levels higher than PEEPmaxCrs-2 caused more cardiovascular depression, and dopamine was an effective treatment. A temporal increase in DO2I was observed in the cats ventilated with PEEPmaxCrs. The effects of these levels of PEEP on respiratory mechanics, ventilation-induced lung injury, as well as in obese and critically ill cats deserve future investigation for a better understanding of the clinical use of PEEP in this species.

Effect of fentanyl, with or without treatment of bradycardia, on the minimum alveolar concentration of isoflurane and cardiovascular function in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of fentanyl on the minimum alveolar concentration of isoflurane (MACISO) and cardiovascular variables in dogs, and how the treatment of bradycardia affects them. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized crossover-controlled trial. ANIMALS: A total of six male Beagle dogs weighing 9.9 ± 0.7 kg (mean ± standard deviation) and aged 13 months. METHODS: To each dog, two treatments were assigned on different days: fentanyl (FENTA) or fentanyl plus glycopyrrolate (FENTAglyco) to maintain heart rate (HR) between 100 and 132 beats minute-1. Determinations of MACISO were performed with 10 plasma fentanyl target concentrations ([Fenta]Target (0, 0.16, 0.32, 0.64, 1.25, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 20.0 and 40.0 ng mL-1) for FENTA and 5 [Fenta]Target (0, 1.25, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 ng mL-1)) for FENTAglyco. During each MACISO determination, cardiovascular variables [mean arterial pressure (MAP), HR and cardiac index (CI)] were measured, and systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) calculated. Pharmacodynamic models were used to describe the plasma fentanyl concentration [Fenta]-response relationship for the effect on MACISO and cardiovascular variables. A mixed-model analysis of variance followed by Dunnett's or Tukey's test, and the Bonferroni adjustment were used for comparisons within and between each treatment, respectively. Significance was set as p < 0.05. RESULTS: Fentanyl decreased MACISO by a maximum of 84%. The [Fenta] producing 50% decrease in MAC, HR and CI were 2.64, 3.65 and 4.30 ng mL-1 (typical values of population model), respectively. The prevention of fentanyl-mediated bradycardia caused no significant effect on MACISO, but increased HR, MAP and CI, and decreased SVRI when compared with isoflurane alone. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Fentanyl caused a plasma concentration-dependent decrease in MACISO, HR and CI and an increase in SVRI. Cardiovascular improvements associated with fentanyl in isoflurane-anesthetized dogs only occurred when the fentanyl-mediated bradycardia was prevented.

Pharmacokinetics of a high-concentration formulation of buprenorphine (Simbadol) in male dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the pharmacokinetics of buprenorphine in dogs following administration of a high-concentration formulation of buprenorphine. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, crossover study. ANIMALS: A total of six healthy male intact Beagle dogs, aged 9-13 months and weighing 10.3 ± 1.4 kg (mean ± standard deviation). METHODS: Dogs were randomized to be administered buprenorphine (0.12 mg kg-1; Simbadol, 1.8 mg mL-1) via the intravenous (lateral saphenous) or subcutaneous (dorsal interscapular) route followed by the alternative route of administration after a 14 day interval. Blood was sampled before administration and at set times up to 72 hours after injection. Plasma buprenorphine concentration was measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS: A three-compartment model with zero or biphasic rapid and slow first-order input in (intravenous or subcutaneous data, respectively) and first-order elimination from the central compartment best fitted the data. The rapid first-order input accounted for 63% of the dosage absorption. Typical values (% interindividual variability) for the three compartment volumes were 900 (33), 2425 (not estimated) and 6360 (28) mL kg-1. The metabolic and two distribution clearances were 25.7 (21), 107.5 (74) and 5.7 (61) mL minute-1 kg-1. The absorption half-life for the fast absorption phase was 8.9 minutes with a 0.7 (103) minute delay. The absorption half-life for the slow absorption phase was 347 minutes with a 226 (42) minute delay. Median (range) bioavailability calculated from noncompartmental analysis was 143 (80-239)%. Calculated terminal half-life was 963 minutes. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The high-concentration formulation of buprenorphine administered subcutaneously had a large volume of distribution and a rapid absorption phase followed by slower, delayed absorption. The high estimate of bioavailability should be interpreted with caution as values above 100% are most commonly related to experimental issues.

Adapted Chester Step Test Can Have Maximal Response Characteristics for the Assessment of Exercise Capacity in Young Women.

Chester step test (CST) estimates the exercise capacity through a submaximal response, which can limit its application in the prescription of exercise. This study aimed to assess whether an adaptation of the CST (with a progressive profile) can have maximal response characteristics in young women and compare it to the incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT). Another aim was to determine its within-day test-retest reliability. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 25 women (20.3 ± 1.5 years) who performed the field tests twice on two different days (48 h apart). The maximal effort attainment was assessed by the heart rate (HR), perception of exertion (Borg scale), and blood lactate concentration. For the performance variables, Pearson's correlation and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1) were used. In the best test, mean values of maximal response were observed in the adapted CST (94.0 ± 6.5% of age-predicted HRmax, 11.3 ± 4.5 mmol/dl of blood lactate, and 18.4 ± 1.5 of Borg rating). The correlations between the adapted CST and the ISWT were weak to moderate (0.38 ≤ r ≤ 0.55; p < 0.05). Fair to good reliability was found for the adapted CST (ICC2,1 = 0.48-0.61). The adapted CST showed mean values of maximal response, weak to moderate association with the ISWT, and low within-day test-retest reliability in young women.

Cardiovascular function, pulmonary gas exchange and tissue oxygenation in isoflurane-anesthetized, mechanically ventilated Beagle dogs with four levels of positive end-expiratory pressure.

OBJECTIVES: To compare pulmonary gas exchange, tissue oxygenation and cardiovascular effects of four levels of end-expiratory pressure: no positive end-expiratory pressure (ZEEP), positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of maximal respiratory system compliance (PEEPmaxCrs), PEEPmaxCrs + 2 cmH2O (PEEPmaxCrs+2), PEEPmaxCrs + 4 cmH2O (PEEPmaxCrs+4), in isoflurane-anesthetized dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized crossover study. ANIMALS: A total of seven healthy male Beagle dogs, aged 1 year and weighing 10.2 ± 0.7 kg (mean ± standard deviation). METHODS: The dogs were administered acepromazine and anesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane. Ventilation was controlled for 4 hours with ZEEP, PEEPmaxCrs, PEEPmaxCrs+2 or PEEPmaxCrs+4. Cardiovascular, pulmonary gas exchange and tissue oxygenation data were evaluated at 5, 60, 120, 180 and 240 minutes of ventilation and compared using a mixed-model anova followed by Bonferroni test. p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Cardiac index (CI) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were lower in all PEEP treatments at 5 minutes when compared with ZEEP. CI persisted lower throughout the 4 hours only in PEEPmaxCrs+4 with the lowest CI at 5 minutes (2.15 ± 0.70 versus 3.45 ± 0.94 L minute-1 m-2). At 180 and 240 minutes, MAP was lower in PEEPmaxCrs+4 than in PEEPmaxCrs, with the lowest value at 180 minutes (58 ± 7 versus 67 ± 7 mmHg). Oxygen delivery index (DO2I) was lower in PEEPmaxCrs+4 than in ZEEP at 5, 60, 120 and 180 minutes. Venous admixture was not different among treatments. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of PEEP caused a transient decrease in MAP and CI in lung-healthy dogs anesthetized with isoflurane, which improved after 60 minutes of ventilation in all levels of PEEP except PEEPmaxCrs+4. A clinically significant improvement in arterial oxygenation and DO2I was not observed with PEEPmaxCrs and PEEPmaxCrs+2 in comparison with ZEEP, whereas PEEPmaxCrs+4 decreased DO2I.

Future research tendencies for solar energy management using a bibliometric analysis, 2000-2019.

Using the Scopus database between the years of 2000 and 2019, a bibliometric study was done to analyze the scientific publications in the area of photovoltaic solar energy management. From the preliminary analysis of future research tendencies, ten possibilities of study topics were developed; and due to that it was possible to assume that even though many studies of technological development are found, some insights can still be approached in a way that the practical implementation of solar systems photovoltaic is better used. This data was validated by the analysis performed with the Scimat scientific mapping software under a longitudinal structure, verifying the future tendencies researches mentioned previously.

Evidence for a contribution of the APOE (but not the ACE) gene to the sleep profile of non-demented elderly adults.

This study aims to investigate alleles of the human apolipoprotein E (APOE) and of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) genes as risk factors for poor quality of sleep in elderly individuals with no major cognitive decline. This cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted with 163 participants aged 75 years in average and 85% female. Sociodemographic, anthropometric and clinical data were gathered, and sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Epworth scale, with patient followed for years prior to these evaluations to rule out onset of major mental disorders. Genotyping of classic polymorphic sites for the ApoE (rs429358 and rs7412) and the ACE (rs4646994) genes used peripheral DNA. A total of 63% of the subjects reported poor quality of sleep assessed by the PSQI whereas 54 (33%) reported daytime sleepiness through the Epworth scale. A significant correlation was observed between APOE and PSQI, with a greater frequency of the poor nighttime sleep quality phenotype among ε2 carriers, whereas no correlation was found among any of the sleep scores and the ACE genotypes. Thus, we suggest a correlation between APOE alleles and scale-assessed sleep quality scores in older adults, with no implications for ACE alleles, in a context devoid of cognitive impairment.

Effect of heart rate on the pharmacokinetics of fentanyl in dogs anesthetized with isoflurane and hydromorphone.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the pharmacokinetics of fentanyl at lower (LHR) or higher heart rate (HHR) in dogs anesthetized with isoflurane. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, crossover controlled trial. ANIMALS: A group of six healthy 13-month-old male Beagle dogs weighing 9.9 ± 0.7 kg (mean ± standard deviation). METHODS: Dogs were allocated to two treatments: LHR (HR: 45-75 beats minute-1) and HHR (HR: 100-130 beats minute-1). Anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane and hydromorphone (0.1 mg kg-1 followed by 0.02-0.10 mg kg-1 hour-1) for both treatments. Glycopyrrolate was administered in HHR to maintain HR within the desired range. Afterwards, fentanyl (20 µg kg-1) was intravenously administered over 5 minutes. Arterial blood samples were collected for plasma fentanyl concentration measurement by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. The pharmacokinetics of fentanyl were compared between treatments and the differences were considered significant at p < 0.05. RESULTS: A three-compartment model best fitted the changes in plasma fentanyl concentration. Clearance (CL; mL minute-1 kg-1) was 33.2 (24.0-48.0) and 61.3 (44.5-72.7), maximum concentration (ng mL-1) 33.6 (23.4-36.6) and 20.0 (16.7-28.0), apparent volume of the rapid peripheral compartment (mL kg-1) 436 (352-723) and 925 (499-1887), apparent volume at steady state (mL kg-1) 4064 (3453-6546) and 7195 (5077-8601), cardiac index (CI; mL minute-1 m-2) 2.83 (1.98-3.67) and 4.91 (3.22-6.09) and HR (beats minute-1) 68 (49-72) and 120 (102-129) for LHR and HHR, respectively, with significant differences between treatments. Significant correlations (0.92 and 0.90) were found between CI and CL, and between HR and CL, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The increase in HR and the resultant improvement in cardiac output increased fentanyl CL and volume of distribution, which resulted in a decrease in plasma fentanyl concentration in isoflurane-anesthetized dogs.

Cardiovascular and respiratory effects of lumbosacral epidural bupivacaine in isoflurane-anesthetized dogs: The effects of two volumes of 0.25% solution.

The purpose of this study was to compare cardiovascular and respiratory effects of two volumes of bupivacaine 0.25% (0.2 mL kg-1-treatment BUP02-and 0.4 mL kg-1 -treatment BUP04) administered epidurally at the lumbosacral intervertebral space in dogs anesthetized with isoflurane. This experimental prospective randomized crossover design trial used six mixed breed adult dogs, four neutered males and two spayed females. Each dog was anesthetized on three different occasions: the first for isoflurane minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) measurement, and the following two assigned treatments (BUP02 or BUP04). On the two treatment days, anesthesia was induced and maintained with isoflurane at 1.3 MAC during the experiments. Cardiovascular and respiratory measurements were recorded before (T0) and 5, 15, 30, 60 and 90 minutes after the epidural administration of bupivacaine. Comparisons between and within groups were performed by a mixed-model ANOVA and Friedman's test when appropriate followed by Bonferroni post-hoc test or Dunnet's test to compare time points within each treatment with T0 (p < 0.05). Mean arterial pressure decreased significantly from 15 to 90 minutes after the administration of BUP02 and from 5 to 60 minutes in BUP04, with lower values in BUP04 than in BUP02 lasting up to 30 minutes after bupivacaine administration. No significant changes in cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance were observed in either treatment. Hypoventilation was only detected in BUP04. Hemoglobin concentration and arterial oxygen content decreased after both treatment of bupivacaine with no significant decrease in oxygen delivery. Two dogs in BUP04 developed Horner's syndrome. The epidural administration of 0.4 mL.kg-1 of bupivacaine to dogs in sternal recumbency anesthetized with isoflurane 1.3 MAC caused more cardiovascular and respiratory depression than 0.2 mL.kg-1.

Dose-finding study comparing three treatments of remifentanil in cats anesthetized with isoflurane undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

Objectives Three infusion rates of remifentanil were used in isoflurane-anesthetized cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. The aim of this study was to identify a dosage regimen that would provide optimal anesthetic and surgical conditions, as well as to compare cardiovascular response to surgical stimulation, postoperative analgesia, anesthetic duration and quality of recovery among the tested remifentanil infusion rates. Methods Twenty-seven client-owned, mixed-breed adult healthy female cats were randomized to receive remifentanil 0.1 µg/kg/min (REMI01), remifentanil 0.2 µg/kg/min (REMI02) or remifentanil 0.4 µg/kg/min (REMI04). After premedication with acepromazine and induction of anesthesia with propofol, cats were mechanically ventilated and anesthesia was maintained at approximately 1.0 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of isoflurane (1.63% end-tidal isoflurane [ETISO]). Remifentanil infusion rate was increased or decreased by 20% if blood pressure had increased or decreased by 20% from previous values. Pulse rate (PR), systolic arterial pressure (SAP), esophageal temperature, pulse oximetry, end-tidal partial pressure of CO2 and ETISO were recorded at different time points during surgery. Meloxicam was administered before the end of surgery. Data within each treatment group were analyzed using a mixed-model ANOVA and Friedman's test followed by the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Bonferroni or Dunnett's post-hoc tests were used. The Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn's post-hoc test were used to compare data between groups; significance was set at P <0.05. Results Time to sternal recumbency and time to standing were significantly longer in REMI04 than in the other groups. SAP was higher when compared with baseline in REMI01 and REMI02 groups than in REMI04. No significant difference in PR among groups was observed. One cat in REMI01 and another in REMI02 required postoperative rescue analgesia. Conclusion and relevance The dosage regimen of 0.4 µg/kg/min seemed to be the most appropriate to be used in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy and anesthetized with 1.0 MAC of isoflurane.

Mortalidade de mulheres em idade fértil entre 1998 e 2012 na microrregião de Barbacena / Women mortality in fertile age between 1998 and 2012 in the Barbacena microregion

Objetivos: O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar as causas de mortes de mulheres entre 10 e 49 anos na microrregião de Barbacena, Minas Gerais, no período de 1998 a 2012, focalizando também a mortalidade materna. Método: Estudo transversal. Os dados foram coletados utilizando o Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade (SIM) e o Sistema de Informações de Nascidos Vivos (SINASC) do DATASUS. Foram selecionadas as seguintes variáveis: ano, idade, raça/ cor, estado civil, escolaridade, causa básica do óbito e nascidos vivos. Os dados foram processados nos programas Excel e SPSS 17.0 e apresentados em gráficos e tabelas. Resultados: O coeficiente médio de mortalidade de mulheres em idade fértil no período foi de 130 óbitos por 100 mil mulheres. Morreram mais mulheres no período estudado na faixa de 40 a 49 anos, por doenças cardiovasculares, seguidas de neoplasias. Foram observadas mais mortes nas solteiras, de menor escolaridade. Quanto à raça, as negras tiveram mais óbitos relacionados ao ciclo gravídico puerperal. Conclusão: Percebeu-se a importância em conhecer o perfil de mortalidade nessa faixa etária, tanto para possíveis intervenções na redução da mortalidade quanto no planejamento e estabelecimento de prioridades das políticas de saúde pública.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to characterize the women death causes between 10 and 49 years old at the micro-region of Barbacena, Minas Gerais between 1998 and 2012, also focusing on maternal mortality. Methods: Cross-sectional study. The datas were colected using "Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade (SIM)" and "Sistema de Informações de Nascidos Vivos (SINASC)" from DATASUS. Year, age, race/color, marital status, education, cause of death and live births were selected as variables. The data were processed in Excel and SPSS 17.0 programs and presented in graphs and tables. Results: The mortality rate of women in fertile age in the period was 130 deaths for 100 thousand women. More women died in the studied period between 40 and 49 years because of cardiovascular diseases, followed by neoplasm diseases. The deaths were bigger in singles and women with less scholarity. Dealing with race, black women had more deaths related with the pregnancy-puerperal cicle. Conclusion: It was realized the importance of knowing the mortality profile in this age group, because with that, it is possible to make interventions in reducing mortality and to plan and prioritize the public health policies.

The effect of homogenization method on the properties of carbamazepine microparticles prepared by spray congealing.

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of ultrasound and high-shear mixing on the properties of microparticles obtained by spray congealing. Dispersions containing 10% carbamazepine and 90% carrier Gelucire® 50/13 (w/w) were prepared using magnetic stirring, high-shear mixing, or ultrasound. Each preparation was made using hot-melt mixing spray congealing to obtain the microparticles. All microparticles presented a spherical shape with high encapsulation efficiency (>99%). High-shear mixing and ultrasound promoted a decrease in the size of microparticles (D90) to 62.8 ± 4.1 µm and 64.9 ± 3.3 µm, respectively, while magnetic stirring produced microparticles with a size of 84.1 ± 1.4 µm. The use of ultrasound led to microparticles with increased moisture content as identified through sorption isotherm studies. In addition, rheograms showed distinct rheological behaviour among different dispersion preparations. Therefore, the technique used to prepare dispersions for spray congealing can affect specific characteristics of the microparticles and should be controlled during the preparation.

Administração experimental de esteróide anabólico androgênico e álcool causa alterações histológicas e morfométricas nos ovários e útero de ratas adultas / Experimental administration of anabolic androgenic steroid and alcohol causes histological and morphometrical alterations in the ovaries and uterus of adult rats

O uso abusivo e indiscriminado de esteróides anabólicos androgênicos é uma prática comum entre jovens e adultos de ambos os sexos. Geralmente estas substâncias são utilizadas simultaneamente com outras drogas, lícitas ou não, que causam prejuízos à saúde. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a influência da administração experimental do esteróide decanoato de nandrolona (DN), associado ou não ao álcool, nos ovários e útero de ratas adultas. Fêmeas com ciclo estral regular (n = 20), foram distribuídas nos grupos: a) controle (solução fisiológica); b) DN (7,5 mg/kg de peso corpóreo; intraperitoneal); c) álcool (AL; 0,2 mL/100g de peso corpóreo; oral); d) DN + AL. Os tratamentos foram realizados através de uma única dose por semana, durante doze semanas consecutivas. Verificou-se que os tratamentos experimentais promoveram alterações no ciclo sexual, na histologia ovariana e uterina, na quantificação folicular e nos parâmetros morfométricos do útero, sendo estes efeitos marcantes nos grupos androgenizados DN e DN + AL. Concluiuse que o uso isolado ou simultâneo de esteróide anabólico e álcool promovem toxicidade ovariana e uterina em ratas adultas.

Homozygotic intronic GAA mutation in three siblings with late-onset Pompe's disease.

UNLABELLED: Pompe's disease (PD) is a metabolic myopathy caused by the accumulation of lysosomal glycogen, secondary to acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) enzyme deficiency. Childhood and late-onset forms are described, differing by the age of onset and symptoms. In this study were analyzed affected siblings with Pompe's disease (PD) and their distinct clinical and pathological presentations. METHOD: Diagnosis was performed by the clinical presentation of limb-girdle dystrophies and respiratory compromise. Confirmatory diagnoses were conducted by muscle biopsy, GAA activity measurement and by GAA gene genotyping. RESULTS: The findings suggested muscular involvement due to GAA deficiency. GAA genotyping showed they are homozygous for the c.-32-3C>A mutation. CONCLUSION: Herein we reported a family where three out of five siblings were diagnosed with late-onset PD, although it is a rare metabolic disease inherited in an autossomal recessive manner. We emphasize the importance of including this presentation within the differential diagnoses of the limb-girdle dystrophies once enzyme replacement therapy is available.

Homozygotic intronic GAA mutation in three siblings with late-onset Pompe's disease / Mutação homozigótica intrônica no gene GAA em três irmãos com doença de Pompe de início tardio

Pompe's disease (PD) is a metabolic myopathy caused by the accumulation of lysosomal glycogen, secondary to acid α-glucosidase (GAA) enzyme deficiency. Childhood and late-onset forms are described, differing by the age of onset and symptoms. In this study were analyzed affected siblings with Pompe's disease (PD) and their distinct clinical and pathological presentations. METHOD: Diagnosis was performed by the clinical presentation of limb-girdle dystrophies and respiratory compromise. Confirmatory diagnoses were conducted by muscle biopsy, GAA activity measurement and by GAA gene genotyping. RESULTS: The findings suggested muscular involvement due to GAA deficiency. GAA genotyping showed they are homozygous for the c.-32-3C>A mutation. CONCLUSION: Herein we reported a family where three out of five siblings were diagnosed with late-onset PD, although it is a rare metabolic disease inherited in an autossomal recessive manner. We emphasize the importance of including this presentation within the differential diagnoses of the limb-girdle dystrophies once enzyme replacement therapy is available.

A doença de Pompe (DP) é uma miopatia originada do acúmulo lisossomal de glicogênio, devido à deficiência da enzima α-glicosidase ácida (GAA), sendo descritas formas de inicio precoce e tardio. Neste estudo analisamos retrospectivamente o perfil clinico e patológico de 3 irmãos portadores de doença de Pompe de inicio tardio. MÉTODO: O diagnóstico foi realizado mediante apresentação clinica de distrofia de cinturas associado a comprometimento respiratório, sendo confirmado por biópsia muscular e análise da atividade e genotipagem da GAA. RESULTADOS: Os exames clínicos e laboratoriais demonstram envolvimento muscular devido à deficiência da GAA, com uma mutação c.-32-3C>A em homozigose. CONCLUSÃO: Relatamos os aspectos clínicos e laboratoriais de 3 irmãos afetados por doença de Pompe de início tardio. Enfatizamos a importância de incluir esta patologia no diagnóstico diferencial das distrofias de cinturas, uma vez que para esta patologia específica existe a possibilidade terapêutica através de reposição enzimática.