Measuring the viscoelastic relaxation function of cells with a time-dependent interpretation of the Hertz-Sneddon indentation model.

The Hertz-Sneddon elastic indentation model is widely adopted in the biomechanical investigation of living cells and other soft materials using atomic force microscopy despite the explicit viscoelastic nature of these materials. In this work, we demonstrate that an exact analytical viscoelastic force model for power-law materials, can be interpreted as a time-dependent Hertz-Sneddon-like model. Characterizing fibroblasts (L929) and osteoblasts (OFCOLII) demonstrates the model's accuracy. Our results show that the difference between Young's modulus EY obtained by fitting force curves with the Hertz-Sneddon model and the effective Young's modulus derived from the viscoelastic force model is less than 3%, even when cells are probed at large forces where nonlinear deformation effects become significant. We also propose a measurement protocol that involves probing samples at different indentation speeds and forces, enabling the construction of the average viscoelastic relaxation function of samples by conveniently fitting the force curves with the Hertz-Sneddon model.

Role of collagen and immunostaining for TGF-ß in the clinical and microscopic findings of pyogenic granuloma and peripheral ossifying fibroma.

BACKGROUND: Collagen is a component of Pyogenic Granuloma (PG) and Peripheral Ossifying Fibroma (POF) and performs different functions in these lesions. The objective of this study is to evaluate the role of collagen and immunostaining for Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGF-ß) in the clinical and microscopic findings of PG and POF. MATERIAL AND METHODS: PG (n=20) and POF (n=20) were selected for clinical evaluation (sex, age, localization, size and evolution time) and microscopic analysis (picrosirius red staining for collagen analysis and immunohistochemistry for TGF-ß) performed in the superficial and deep areas of the two lesions. ANOVA/Bonferroni and t-test, Pearson correlation and χ2 were used to compare the sites and parameters analyzed (p<0.05, GraphPad Prism 5.0). RESULTS: The depth of PG presented the highest amount of collagen (p<0.001), and its surface showed the lowest amount of type 1 collagen (yellow-red strong birefringence). Type 1 collagen gradually increased in depth of PG, surface and depth of POF (p<0.001). The number of TGF-ß+ cells was lower on the surface of PG compared with the depth of PG and the two areas of POF (p<0.001). Sex and localization did not affect these parameters, but the profile of collagen and immunostaining for TGF-ß suffered from modifications by the time of evolution and the size of the lesion. CONCLUSIONS: Although PG and POF are reactive gingival lesions, the expression of TGF-ß and its role in collagen showed different biological behaviors in these lesions, suggesting different biological origins for its components.

[The first steps towards advanced practice for radiation therapists]. / Les prémices de la pratique avancée pour le manipulateur en radiothérapie.

The implementation of advanced practice in RT requires evidence regarding the clinical practices of radiation therapists (RTT) in the field. In this context, the goal of this article is to report the roles assigned to RTT in order to meet the demands of patients, RT services, and/or healthcare professionals. As part of the French Society of Oncologic Radiotherapy's congress, the Radiotherapy Committee of the French Association of radiographers presented a scientific program encompassing three main themes: patient follow-up by a RTT, the expertise of an RTT in Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), Adaptive Radiotherapy (ART), and the involvement of a RTT in research. This article presents an overview of five oral presentations that highlight concrete examples of roles assigned to RTTs in these specific domains. The follow-up of patients has been assigned to RTT. Research and development have been recognized as activities in which RTT play a significant role. The establishment of RTT specializing in IGRT has been reported to facilitate decision-making and is essential in ensuring professional expertise. Lastly, there is a need to enhance RTT skills in adaptive RT to support the implementation of this technique. These roles described as advanced practice meet needs and require a specific organisational framework and appropriate education and training (master type). Activities such as post-RT follow-up, validation of positioning imaging, delineation, writing research protocols, and involvement in the development of technological innovations were identified as essential tasks that can be assigned to RTT.

Phase transitions of L-histidinium hydrogen oxalate crystal under high pressures investigated by Raman spectroscopy.

L-histidinium hydrogen oxalate (L-HisH)(HC2O4) crystal is formed from amino acid. L-histidine with oxalic acid whose vibrational high pressures behavior have not yet been investigated in the literature. Here we synthesized (L-HisH)(HC2O4) crystal by slow solvent evaporation method in a 1:1 ratio of L-histidine and oxalic acid. In addition, a vibrational study of (L-HisH)(HC2O4) crystal as a function of pressure was performed via Raman spectroscopy in the pressure range of 0.0-7.3 GPa. From analysis of the behavior of the bands within 1.5-2.8 GPa, characterized by the disappearance of lattice modes, the occurrence of a conformational phase transition was noted. A second phase transition, now from structural type, close to 5.1 GPa was observed due to the incidence of considerable changes in lattice and internal modes, mainly in vibrational modes related to imidazole ring motions.

Pressure-dependence Raman spectroscopy and the lattice dynamic calculations of Bi2(MoO4)3 crystal.

This work reports a pressure-dependent Raman spectroscopic study and the theoretical lattice dynamics calculations of a Bi2(MoO4)3 crystal. The lattice dynamics calculations were performed, based on a rigid ion model, to understand the vibrational properties of the Bi2(MoO4)3 system and to assign the experimental Raman modes under ambient conditions. The calculated vibrational properties were helpful to support pressure-dependent Raman results, including eventual structural changes induced by pressure changes. Raman spectra were measured in the spectral region between 20 and 1000 cm-1 and the evolution of the pressures values was recorded in the range of 0.1-14.7 GPa. Pressure-dependent Raman spectra showed changes observed at 2.6, 4.9 and 9.2 GPa, these changes being associated with structural phase transformations. Finally, principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were performed to infer the critical pressure of phase transformations undergone by the Bi2(MoO4)3 crystal.

Identification of reference genes for studies of quantitative gene expression in male and female quail tissues.

In industrial poultry, quail production has gained increasing prominence over the years. It is known that the intensification of genetic studies has contributed greatly to this growth, through techniques, such as analysis of gene expression by PCR, for example. This study aimed to evaluate stability and recommend reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR in different tissues from male and female broiler quails. The stability of 10 housekeeping genes (GAPDH, RPL5, MRPS27, MRPS30, TFRC, HMBS, EEF1, LDHA, B2M, and UBC) by means Bestkeeper, NormFinder, GeNorm softwares with ΔCq method. The tissues analyzed were: heart, thigh muscle, brain, and spleen, considering that they are tissues commonly used in nutrigenomic, immunological, and poultry performance research. As expected, the reference genes tested showed varying stability depending on the tissue evaluated. According to the present study, the most stable housekeeping genes were MRPS30, TFRC, and HMBS in heart; MRPS30, EEF1, and HMBS in thigh muscle; B2M, GAPDH, and UBC in brain; and EEF1, LDHA, and HMBS in spleen. Therefore, it is recommended to be used as reference genes for gene expression studies of male and female quails.

Mechanical properties of platelet-rich fibrin from patients on warfarin.

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has been used increasingly in oral and maxillofacial surgery in recent years. The aim of this experimental study was to perform a mechanical evaluation of PRF from patients on warfarin. PRF samples were obtained from 21 patients on warfarin (mean INR 2.30 ± 0.89) and 21 non-anticoagulated patients (control; mean INR 1.08 ± 0.07). For the patients on warfarin, two experimental groups were formed based on the PRF centrifugation time: group A, 10 min (21 samples); group B, 18 min (20 samples). Control group samples (21 samples) were centrifuged for 10 min. Mechanical properties were evaluated by axial tensile test and suture retention test with an Instron 3345 universal testing machine. Mechanical parameters were compared between the groups using the Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn's post-hoc test. Axial tensile values were similar in all groups. In the suture retention test, significantly lower values of deformation at maximum force were observed in the experimental group: group A (107.07 ± 25.05%) and group B (104.81 ± 16.79%) versus control (118.01 ± 17.61%) (P = 0.033). Moreover, maximum force was significantly lower in group A (0.17 ± 0.05 N) than in the control group (0.20 ± 0.06 N), while it was significantly higher in group B (0.22 ± 0.07 N) than in group A (P = 0.026). In conclusion, for patients on warfarin, the centrifugation time should be increased to 18 min in order to obtain PRF with superior performance.

A novel orchiectomy surgical procedure in donkeys ( Equus asinus africanus) with parascrotal access.

Donkeys are a public health concern in the Northeast region of Brazil, with thousands of stray animals. Orchiectomy is an important population control measure; however, the long postoperative period with daily treatment of open wounds in the scrotum makes it difficult to perform a large number of castrations in sheltering centers. We evaluate a novel surgical procedure for orchiectomy in donkeys using parascrotal access. Twelve donkeys were used, divided into two groups: I - submitted to orchiectomy through parascrotal surgical access (novel procedure), and II - submitted to orchiectomy through scrotal access (conventional). Postoperative evaluations consisted of a macroscopic evaluation of the surgical wound (bleeding and intensity of edema), hematological parameters, and peritoneal fluid, which occurred in both groups at the moments (M): M0 - before the surgical procedure. The others moments occurred after surgery: M12 (twelve hours); M24 (twenty-four hours); M48 (forty-eight hours); M72 (seventy-two hours); M8D (eight days); and M16D (sixteen days). The surgical techniques did not generate an important systemic inflammatory response to the point detected by the leukogram, fibrinogen dosage, and peritoneal fluid. The parascrotal technique required long surgery but promoted less bleeding, less edema, and faster healing. The techniques used did not promote sufficient systemic inflammation to alter the number of leukocytes and the fibrinogen concentration; however, evaluation of the peritoneal fluid proved to be important for evaluating inflammatory processes involving the scrotum and inguinal canal. We describe a novel surgical procedure for orchiectomy in Donkeys using a parascrotal access that promoted less risk of bleeding, shorter period of edema, and healing time, but required longer surgery time.

In vitro- and in vivo-derived early antral follicles have comparable in vitro follicular growth and oocyte maturation rates in goats.

Recent in vitro follicle culture (IVFC) studies in caprine have yielded lower maturation rates using late preantral follicles compared to early antral follicles. Thus, research focusing on developing stage-specific customized culture systems able to improve the efficiency of IVFC for late preantral follicles are warranted. This study aimed to compare the morphometric features, estradiol production, and gene expression between early antral caprine follicles produced in vitro and in vivo. In vitro-derived early antral follicles were produced after a 6-day in vitro culture of late preantral follicles, while in vivo-derived early antral follicles were yielded immediately after isolation from the ovaries; antral follicles were, thereafter, cultured for 18 days. In vitro-derived antral follicles were cultured either in a medium developed for preantral follicles (PF medium) or in a medium developed for antral follicles (AF medium). In vivo-derived early antral follicles, on the other hand, were cultured in AF medium (Control treatment). Results demonstrated that in vitro-derived antral follicles cultured in PF medium produced higher estradiol concentration, and m-RNA expression for matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and insulin receptor when compared to both in vitro- and in vivo-derived antral follicles cultured in AF medium. Remarkably, in vitro-derived antral follicles cultured in PF medium had similar MII and oocytes ≥110 µm rates compared with in vivo-derived antral follicles (Control treatment). In conclusion, when cultured in a single and appropriate medium (i.e., PF medium), in vitro-derived early antral follicles had comparable oocyte maturation rates to the in vivo-derived early antral follicles.

Patients' perspectives of healthcare-associated infection: 'you don't know what impacts it will have on your life'.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are not present on admission but are contracted while a patient is undergoing hospital treatment. While the prevalence of HAIs, and their causes and treatments have been researched in various contexts to date, patients' perspectives of contracting and living with the consequences of an HAI remain under-researched. OBJECTIVE: To explore patients' experiences of having an HAI. METHODS: A qualitative phenomenological study that drew on data from semi-structured interviews was conducted in order to explore the lived experiences of patients who had recently contracted an HAI while in hospital. Participants were recruited from two Australian hospitals in 2019 and 2021. Telephone interviews were conducted with 10 participants by two research team members, and transcripts from these interviews were analysed qualitatively using a thematic coding process to identify the patients' perspectives of contracting an HAI. RESULTS: The participants had a range of different HAIs. The participants described how the experience of having an HAI can be very isolating and distressing from the patient's perspective, with life-long implications. This contributes to understanding of the way in which patients are impacted emotionally and mentally as a result of contracting an HAI. CONCLUSION: There is a need for improved, person-centred communication about the source, treatment and prognosis of HAIs. The findings from this study indicate the importance of considering patients' voices in their own health care.

Barriers in education and professional development of Belgian medical imaging technologists and nurses working in radiotherapy: A qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: Radiotherapy (RT) professionals are not officially recognised or have formal education in many countries, with RT being often a very short component of a broader programme. This study aims to investigate Belgian stakeholders' perpectives regarding existing barriers and solutions for the education and professional development of Radiation therapists (RTT) which regroups medical imaging technologists (MIT) and nurses working in RT. METHODS: Nine experts with vast experience in RT were invited to be interviewed; eight participated (4 heads of the RT departments, 2 school representatives, 2 national society's representatives). A semi-structured questionnaire was used. The first two authors open-coded all interviews using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Five themes and eleven sub-themes were drawn from the analysis. Belgian MIT and nurses in RT perform the same roles, but have different educational backgrounds. The barriers in education and professional development are related to law, education landscape, economics, social-cultural context, politics and professional identity. The main difference between the French and Dutch-speaking parts of the country were at the education level. The proposed solutions included modifying the legislative framework surrounding the RTT profession, setting up financial support, formalizing the educational requirements and increasing professional awareness. Future strategies might include the development of advanced roles and responsibilities. CONCLUSIONS: Current law, educational landscape and lack of economic support were the main barriers identified. Except for the educational background, no fundamental differences were found between nurses and MIT in the French and Dutch-speaking parts. Perspectives for both professional groups are linked to future legislative and financial actions, the stakeholders involved and a clear strategic vision. In the upcoming years, increased responsibilities and the creation of a master's degree should be foreseen. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Regulation of RTT profession and education and an increase in RT-specific training must be implemented in Belgium to ensure professional development and optimized treatment delivery.

Is immunohistochemistry more sensitive than hematoxylin-eosin staining for identifying perineural or lymphovascular invasion in oral squamous cell carcinoma? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze whether immunohistochemistry (IHC) is more sensitive than hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining for identifying perineural invasion (PNI) or lymphovascular invasion (LVI) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this systematic review and meta-analysis (Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews - CRD 42021256515), data were obtained from six databases (PubMed, Scopus, LILACS, Web of Science, EBSCO, LIVIVO, Embase) and the grey literature. Cross-sectional observational studies of the diagnostic sensitivity of IHC for PNI and LVI were included. Studies were selected in two phases: first collection and reference retrieval. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool assessed study quality, while the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach assessed evidence quality. The meta-analysis (random effects model) was performed using MedCalc 18.2.1 software (MedCalc®) (p<0.05). RESULTS: Four studies (560 patients with 295 biopsies) were analyzed. The combined sensitivity was 76% (95% confidence interval [CI], 44.30-97.19%) and specificity was 42% (95% CI, 23.40-62.02%). The positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 61% (95% CI, 49.78-71.53%) and 70% (95% CI, 37.63-94.43%). The overall accuracy was 58% (95% CI, 45.17-70.65%). The risk of bias was low, and GRADE analysis showed a very low certainty of evidence. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that IHC staining to highlight PNI/LVI may be useful in cases in which H&E analysis results in a negative decrease in the prevalence of false-negative cases and underestimated treatment.

Phase changes of tris(glycinato)chromium(III) monohydrate crystal systematically studied by thermal analyses, XRPD, FTIR, and Raman combined with ab initio calculations.

Tris(glycinato)chromium(III) monohydrate [Cr(C2H4NO2)3·H2O] crystals were grown through the slow solvent evaporation method. The crystals were studied by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy at room temperature. The assignments of vibration modes were performed using the Density Functional Theory (DFT). Thermal analyses (TGA, DTA, and DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman were used to study the phase changes on the crystals under high- and low-temperature conditions. Temperature-dependent XRPD measurements were carried out in the interval of 473-12 K. Several changes were observed in the patterns, like the appearance of new peaks and the disappearance of peaks occurring within 373-393 K due to water loss. In addition, the Raman measurements were performed in the 423-10 K interval. Several changes on the inter and intramolecular vibration bands during the cooling, such as decreasing bands' intensities, the appearance of vibration modes, and discontinuities on the modes' behavior, were observed. These spectral modifications occurred at about 370 K and within 120-220 K, thus, confirming that the crystals undergo two phase changes, one being structural and the other one conformational, respectively, at high- temperature and low-temperature conditions. Finally, thermal investigations corroborated the structural and vibrational results under high temperatures.

Key elements in hypersensitivity reactions to chemotherapy: experience with rapid drug desensitization in gynaecological cancer in a Tertiary Hospital.

Summary: Rapid drug desensitization (RDD) is a procedure performed when no alternative drug is considered equally effective. The aim of our study is to describe the experience with RDD to cytostatics in patients being treated for gynaecological cancer in a tertiary hospital, over a period of 5 years. In this paper, we review 22 cases and 107 episodes of RDD; 86.3% of patients had advanced disease and the mortality rate at the time of data collection was 50.0%. RDD was performed on 81.8% patients for platinum, 13.6% for taxanes, and 4.5% for anthracyclines. The reintroduction of antineoplastic drugs in all patients with a previous history of immediate hypersensitivity reaction demonstrated the safety and efficacy of this procedure. There was serious complication (anaphylaxis) in only one case.

Structural, thermal, electronic, vibrational, magnetic, and cytotoxic properties of chloro(glycinato-N,O)(1,10-phenanthroline-N,N')­copper(II) trihydrate coordination complex.

Chloro(glycinato-N,O)(1,10-phenanthroline-N,N')­copper(II) trihydrate complex was synthesized through the slow evaporation method. The crystal's structural, thermal, magnetic, and vibrational properties were obtained by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), thermal analyses, magnetization, Raman, and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. XRPD results showed that the crystalline complex belongs to a monoclinic system (P21/n). Thermal analyses revealed that around 333 K, the material undergoes a thermodynamically irreversible process. Magnetic data showed a paramagnetic behavior with weak ferromagnetic interactions. Moreover, all the Raman- and infrared-active bands were assigned from computational calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT) to analyze intra-molecular vibrational modes. In addition, the cytotoxic assay on colorectal cancer cells was performed to evaluate the antitumor activity of this ternary compound. Therefore, the antineoplastic activity of [Cu(1,10-phenanthroline)(glycine)Cl]•3H2O complex in HCT-116 cells was confirmed, showing a potent cytotoxic effect.

Modulation of persistent current in graphene quantum rings.

We investigate the effect of long-range impurity potentials on the persistent current of graphene quantum rings in the presence of an uniform perpendicular magnetic field. The impurity potentials are modeled as finite regions of the ring with a definite length. We show that, due to the relativistic and massless character of the charge carriers in graphene, the effect of such non-uniform potentials on the energy spectrum and on the persistent current of the rings can be reliably modeled by assuming a non-perturbed ring and including an additional phase due to the interaction of the charge carriers with the potential. In addition, the results show the presence of localized states in the impurity regions. Moreover, we show that for the case of a potential created by a p-n-p junction, the persistent current can be modulated by controlling the voltage at the junction.

How do presbylarynx and presbycusis affect the Voice Handicap Index and the emotional status of the elderly? A prospective case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of presbylarynx and presbycusis on Voice Handicap Index and emotional status. METHODS: A case-control, prospective, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted of patients aged 65 years or older referred to an otorhinolaryngology department from January to September 2020. Presbycusis was assessed by pure tone and vocal audiometry. Each subject underwent fibre-optic videolaryngoscopy with stroboscopy, and presbylarynx was considered when two or more of the following endoscopic findings were identified: vocal fold bowing, prominence of vocal processes in abduction, and a spindle-shaped glottal gap. Each subject completed two questionnaires: Voice Handicap Index and Geriatric Depression Scale (short-form). RESULTS: The studied population included 174 White European subjects, with a mean age of 73.99 years, of whom 22.8 per cent presented both presbylarynx and presbycusis. Multivariate linear regression revealed that only presence and severity of presbylarynx had an influence on Voice Handicap Index-30 scores. However, both spindle-shaped glottal gap and presbycusis influenced Geriatric Depression Scale scores. CONCLUSION: Presbylarynx has a strong association with the impact of voice on quality of life. Presbylarynx and presbycusis seem to have a cumulative effect on emotional status.

No clear trends in expatriation of non-human primate research from -Switzerland between 2004 and 2017.

INTRODUCTION: Animal experimentation is commonly practiced in scientific research worldwide. However, there are no globally accepted standards for regulating the ethical boundaries and accepted practices for animal experimentation. Large differences exist between countries. A report suggested that some researchers, especially from countries with more stringent animal experimentation regulations, may be relocating experimental research to countries with less stringent regulations. We followed a systematic literature review approach to identity publications and determine whether there is an increasing trend in expatriation of non-human primate experimentation by researchers based in Switzerland. We used the Projects People Publications database, which contains projects funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, to identify researchers conducting experiments using non-human primates. This list of names, together with terms referring to non-human primates were used to search the Web of Science. Publications without an author affiliated to a Swiss institution, no living or only with free non-human primates, and non-original research were excluded. For each publication, we recorded the place of experimentation, funding source, number of animals, species and the statement of ethical approval. We retained 120 publications, involving more than 2,429 non-human primates. Macaca mulatta and Macaca fascicularis were the most common species. We could not confirm an increasing trend in expatriation of non-human primate experimentation outside of Switzerland. Over time, publications appeared to report the ethical approval number more consistently. These results should be interpreted with caution because the sample included only studies that were: 1) published and 2) reported in the Web of Science. Consequently, studies with insignificant results may have been excluded because these studies are rarely published, and studies of poor quality may have been excluded because they are often published in lower quality journals, not indexed by the Web of Science.

INTRODUCTION: L'expérimentation animale est couramment pratiquée dans la recherche scientifique dans le monde entier. Cependant, il n'existe pas de normes mondialement acceptées pour réglementer les limites éthiques et les pratiques acceptées pour cette expérimentation. De grandes différences existent entre les pays. Un rapport récent a suggéré que certains chercheurs, en particulier provenant de pays où la réglementation sur l'expérimentation animale est restrictive, pourraient délocaliser la recherche expérimentale vers des pays où les réglementations sont moins strictes. Nous avons suivi une approche de revue systématique de la littérature pour identifier les publications et déterminer s'il y a une tendance croissante à l'expatriation des expérimentations sur les primates non humains par des chercheurs basés en Suisse. Nous avons utilisé la base de données Projects People Publications, qui contient des projets financés par le Fonds national suisse de la recherche scientifique pour identifier des chercheurs conduisant des expériences sur des primates non humains. Cette liste de noms, ainsi que les termes faisant référence à des primates non humains ont été utilisés pour effectuer des recherches sur le Web of Science. Les publications sans auteur affilié à une institution suisse, non vivant ou consacrées uniquement à des primates non humains libres ainsi que les travaux de recherche non originaux ont été exclus. Pour chaque publication, nous avons enregistré le lieu d'expérimentation, la source de financement, le nombre d'animaux, les espèces et la déclaration d'approbation éthique. Nous avons retenu 120 publications, impliquant plus de 2,429 animaux. Macaca mulatta et Macaca fascicularis étaient les espèces les plus communes. Nous n'avons pas pu confirmer une tendance à la hausse de l'expatriation en dehors de la Suisse des expérimentations sur des primates non humains. Au fil du temps, les publications semblent déclarer le numéro d'approbation éthique de manière plus cohérente. Ces résultats doivent être interprétés avec prudence car l'échantillon ne comprenait que des études 1) publiées et 2) rapportées dans le Web de la science. Par conséquent, les études avec des résultats non significatifs peuvent avoir été exclues car ces études sont rarement publiées et les études de mauvaise qualité peuvent avoir été exclues car elles sont souvent publiées dans des revues de moindre qualité, non indexées par le Web of Science.

Biochemical and hormonal parameters of goats kept in a controlled environment consuming water with different levels of salinity / [Parâmetros bioquímicos e hormonais de caprinos consumindo água com diferentes níveis de salinidade mantidos em ambiente controlado]

The objective of this work was to evaluate the biochemical and hormonal variables of Moxotó and Canindé goats submitted to two temperatures - 26.0±0.6 (thermoneutral) and 32.0±1.2°C (above thermal comfort zone) - and consuming water with three levels of salinity (1.0, 6.0 and 12.0 dSm-1). Thirty-six animals (18 of each breed) were used, with an average age of 5.0±0.6months and an average weight of 20.0±2.3kg, housed in metabolic cages inside a climate chamber. The animals were distributed in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 × 3 factorial scheme (2 breeds, 2 temperatures and 3 levels of salinity) and three replications. The glucose and urea had a significant effect (P>0.05) according to water salinity. Glucose, cholesterol, protein, albumin, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase and hormones (T4, T3 and cortisol) varied according to temperature (P<0.05). There was a significant effect of time on hormonal variables (P<0.05). Biochemical and hormonal variables changed according to temperature and day shift, so that metabolism was reduced in the animals under thermal stress and accelerated when animals were in the thermal comfort zone.(AU)

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar as variáveis bioquímicas e hormonais de caprinos das raças Moxotó e Canindé, submetidos a duas temperaturas (26,0±0,6ºC e 32,0±1,2ºC), termoneutra e acima da zona de conforto térmico, respectivamente), consumindo água com três níveis de salinidade (1,0, 6,0 e 12,0dSm-1), utilizando-se 36 animais (18 de cada raça), com idade média de 5,0±0,6 meses e peso médio de 20,0±2,3kg, alojados em gaiolas metabólicas no interior de uma câmara climática. Os animais foram distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com esquema fatorial de 2 x 2 x 3 (2 raças, 2 temperaturas e 3 níveis de salinidade) e três repetições. A glicose e a ureia apresentaram efeito significativo (P<0,05) em função da salinidade da água. Glicose, colesterol, proteína, albumina, globulina, AST e hormônios (T4, T3 e cortisol) variaram conforme as temperaturas (P<0,05). Observou-se efeito significativo do horário sobre as variáveis hormonais (P<0,05). As variáveis bioquímicas e hormonais sofrem alterações em função da temperatura e do turno do dia, de modo que o metabolismo é reduzido em animais sob estresse térmico e acelerado quando os animais encontram-se na zona de conforto térmico.(AU)

Anatomical description of the skulls of peccaries (Tayassu tajacu, Linnaeus 1758) by computed tomography / [Descrição anatômica de crânio de catetos (Tayassu tajacu, Linnaeus, 1758) por tomografia computadorizada]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anatomical structures of the skulls of peccaries to establish the basis for their clinical study and future preclinical research. Ten skulls of adult peccaries were subjected to tomographic examination. The data obtained were processed via three-dimensional image reconstruction software (3D images). The reconstructions obtained from the neurocranium of the studied specimens allowed the identification and description of the following structures: nasal bone, frontal bone, parietal bones, incisor bone, maxillary bone, zygomatic bone, temporal bone, palatal bone, occipital bone, vomer bone, pterygoid bone, sphenoid bone, paranasal sinuses and orbit. Computed tomography proved to be an important diagnostic tool in the investigation of the skull of this species, allowing the acquisition of anatomical values not yet documented for the species in the literature.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as estruturas anatômicas dos crânios de catetos, a fim de se estabelecerem as bases para seu estudo clínico e futuras pesquisas pré-clínicas. Dez crânios de catetos adultos foram submetidos a exame tomográfico. Os dados obtidos foram introduzidos em um software de reconstrução de imagens tridimensionais (imagens em 3D). As reconstruções obtidas do neurocrânio dos espécimes estudados permitiram a identificação e a descrição das seguintes estruturas: osso nasal, osso frontal, ossos parietais, osso incisivo, osso maxilar, osso zigomático, osso temporal, osso palatino, osso occipital, osso vômer, osso pterigoide, osso esfenoide, seios paranasais e órbita. A tomografia computadorizada mostrou-se como uma ferramenta diagnóstica importante na investigação do crânio dessa espécie, permitindo a aquisição de valores anatômicos ainda não documentados para a espécie na literatura.(AU)