Reproducibility of double agar gel immunodiffusion test using stored serum and plasma from paracoccidioidomycosis patients

Background: Serological evaluation performed by double agar gel immunodiffusion test (DID) is used for diagnosis, evaluation of severity, management of paracoccidioidomycosis patients, and development of new clinical studies. For these reasons, the Botucatu Medical School of UNESP maintains a serum bank at the Experimental Research Unit with patient clinical data. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the freeze-thaw cycle and different blood matrices on the titration of circulating antibodies. Methods: The study included 207 patients with confirmed (etiology-demonstrated) or probable (serology-demonstrated) paracoccidioidomycosis, and DID was performed with culture filtrate from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis B339 as antigen. First experiment: the antibody levels were determined in serum samples from 160 patients with the chronic form and 20 with the acute/subacute form, stored at ­80o C for more than six months. Second experiment: titers of 81 samples of serum and plasma with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or heparin, from 27 patients, were compared according to matrix and effect of storage at ­20o C for up to six months. Differences of titers higher than one dilution were considered discordant. Results: First experiment: test and retest presented concordant results in serum stored for up to three years, and discordant titers in low incidence in storage for four to six years but high incidence when stored for more than six years, including conversion from reagent test to non-reagent retest. Second experiment: serum, plasma-EDTA and plasma-heparin samples showed concordant titers, presenting direct correlation, with no interference of storage for up to six months. Conclusions: Storage at ­80o C for up to six years has no or little influence on the serum titers determined by DID, permitting its safe use in studies depending on this parameter. The concordant titrations in different blood matrices demonstrated that the plasma can be used for immunodiffusion test in paracoccidioidomycosis, with stability for at least six months after storage at ­20o C.(AU)

Antifungal activity of liriodenine on clinical strains of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii species complexes

Background: Cryptoccocal meningitis continues to present high incidence among AIDS patients. The treatment of choice is the synergistic combination of flucytosine (5-FC) with amphotericin B deoxycholate (AmBd) or its lipid formulations. However, 5-FC is unavailable in many countries and AmB demands hospitalization. The combination of AmB with the fungistatic fluconazole (FLC) or the use of high FLC daily doses alone became the choice. Nonetheless, sterilization of cerebrospinal fluid is delayed with FLC monotherapy, mainly with high fungal burden. These findings suggest the search for new antifungal compounds, such as liriodenine. Methods: Liriodenine antifungal activity was evaluated by three procedures: determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) on 30 strains of the Cryptococcus neoformans (C. neoformans) complex and 30 of the Cryptococcus gattii (C. gattii) complex, using EUCAST methodology and amphotericin B deoxycholate as control; performing the time-kill methodology in two strains of the C. neoformans complex and one of the C. gattii complex; and injury to cryptococcal cells, evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Liriodenine absorption and safety at 0.75 and 1.50 mg.kg-1 doses were evaluated in BALB/c mice. Results: Liriodenine MICs ranged from 3.9 to 62.5 µg.mL-1 for both species complexes, with no differences between them. Time-kill methodology confirmed its concentration-dependent fungicidal effect, killing all the strains below the limit of detection (33 CFU.mL-1) at the highest liriodenine concentration (32-fold MIC), with predominant activity during the first 48 hours. Liriodenine induced severe Cryptococcus alterations ­ cytoplasm with intense rarefaction and/or degradation, injury of organelles, and presence of vacuoles. Liriodenine was better absorbed at lower doses, with no histopathological alterations on the digestive tract. Conclusion: The fungicidal activity confirmed by time-kill methodology, the intense Cryptococcus injury observed by TEM, the absorption after gavage administration, and the safety at the tested doses indicate that the liriodenine molecule is a promising drug lead for development of anticryptococcal agents.(AU)

Impact of laryngeal sequelae on voice- and swallowing-related outcomes in paracoccidioidomycosis

The present study was carried out aiming to evaluate the impact of laryngeal sequelae on the quality of life of treated paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Otorhinolaryngology Outpatient Clinic of the University Hospital, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Thirty-two PCM patients considered clinically and immunologically cured were included: 16 with laryngeal involvement during the active phase of the disease (laryngeal PCM group) and 16 without laryngeal involvement (control group). They were submitted to structured interview, otorhinolaryngology examination, videolaryngoscopy, videoendoscopic swallowing study, completed two questionnaires for voice self-assessment - Voice-related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) and Voice Handicap Index (VHI) - and were asked to score their voices on a scale from zero to 10 (self-assessment of vocal quality). Results: Dysphonia was present in 50% of the cases. Patients with laryngeal PCM presented worse voice-related quality of life scores on the V-RQOL and poorer vocal quality self-assessment than the control group. No significant differences in the VHI were found between the groups. None of the participants developed dysphagic sequelae, although some minor changes were observed on videoendoscopic examination. Conclusion: There were no dysphagia complaints and only a few mild changes were found on the fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, suggesting that this evaluation should be performed only in specific cases. Patients with laryngeal involvement presented worse V-RQOL and self-assessment voice quality. This study contributes to the current knowledge of the functional assessment of the larynx affected by PCM and the impact of dysphonia on quality of life.(AU)

Impact of laryngeal sequelae on voice- and swallowing-related outcomes in paracoccidioidomycosis

The present study was carried out aiming to evaluate the impact of laryngeal sequelae on the quality of life of treated paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Otorhinolaryngology Outpatient Clinic of the University Hospital, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Thirty-two PCM patients considered clinically and immunologically cured were included: 16 with laryngeal involvement during the active phase of the disease (laryngeal PCM group) and 16 without laryngeal involvement (control group). They were submitted to structured interview, otorhinolaryngology examination, videolaryngoscopy, videoendoscopic swallowing study, completed two questionnaires for voice self-assessment - Voice-related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) and Voice Handicap Index (VHI) - and were asked to score their voices on a scale from zero to 10 (self-assessment of vocal quality). Results: Dysphonia was present in 50% of the cases. Patients with laryngeal PCM presented worse voice-related quality of life scores on the V-RQOL and poorer vocal quality self-assessment than the control group. No significant differences in the VHI were found between the groups. None of the participants developed dysphagic sequelae, although some minor changes were observed on videoendoscopic examination. Conclusion: There were no dysphagia complaints and only a few mild changes were found on the fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, suggesting that this evaluation should be performed only in specific cases. Patients with laryngeal involvement presented worse V-RQOL and self-assessment voice quality. This study contributes to the current knowledge of the functional assessment of the larynx affected by PCM and the impact of dysphonia on quality of life.(AU)

Cyclosporine A attenuates apoptosis and necrosis after ischemia-reperfusion-induced renal injury in transiently hyperglycemic rats

Purpose: To investigate the effects of cyclosporine A on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury during transient hyperglycemia in rats. Methods: In a model of ischemia-reperfusion-induced renal injury and transiently induced hyperglycemia by intraperitoneal injection of glucose, 2.5 g.kg-1, Wistar rats were anesthetized with either isoflurane or propofol and received intravenous cyclosporine A, 5 mg.kg-1, five minutes before reperfusion. Comparison groups were isoflurane and propofol sham groups and isoflurane and propofol ischemia-reperfusion-induced renal injury. Renal tubular cell viability was quantitatively assessed by flow cytometry after cell culture and classified as early apoptosis, necrotic cells, and intact cells. Results: Early apoptosis was significantly higher in isoflurane and propofol anesthetized animals subjected to renal ischemia-reperfusion injury when compared to both cyclosporine A treated and sham groups. Necrosis percentage was significantly higher in propofol-anesthetized animals subjected to renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. The percentage of intact cells was lower in both, isoflurane and propofol anesthetized animals subjected to renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. Conclusion: In a model of ischemia-reperfusion-induced renal injury, cyclosporine A, 5 m.kg-1, administered five minutes before renal reperfusion in rats with acute-induced hyperglycemia under either isoflurano or propofol anesthesia, attenuated early apoptosis and preserved viability in renal tubular cells, regardless of the anesthetic used.(AU)

Noradrenaline and dobutamine effects on the volume expansion with normal saline in rabbits subjected to hemorrhage

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of dobutamine (DB), noradrenaline (NA), and their combination (NADB), on volume retention in rabbits submitted to hemorrhage. METHODS: Thirty six rabbits were randomly divided into 6 groups: SHAM, Control, Saline, DB, NA, DB+NA. All the animals, except for SHAM, were subjected to hemorrhage of 25% of the calculated blood volume. Control animals were replaced with their own blood. The other groups received NSS 3 times the volume withdrawn. The intravascular retention, hematocrit, diuresis, central venous pressure, mean arterial pressure, NGAL, dry-to-wet lung weight ratio (DTWR) and the lung and kidney histology were analyzed. RESULTS: Replacement with NSS and NA, DB or NA+DB did not produce differences in the intravascular retention. After hemorrhage, the animals presented a significant decrease in the MAP and CVP, which were maintained until volume replacement. Regarding NGAL, dry-to-wet-lung-weight ratio, lung and kidney histology, there were no statistical differences between the groups. CONCLUSION: The use of noradrenaline, dobutamine or their combination did not increase the intravascular retention of volume after normal saline infusion.(AU)

Inflection and stability points of diphasic logistic analysis of growth

Growth functions with inflection points following a diphasic model, can be adjusted by two approaches using segmented regression or the sum of two functions. In both cases, there are two functions, one for each phase, with inflection and stability points. However, when they are summed, the result is a new function and the points of inflection and stability are different from those obtained from using each function individually. A method to determine these points in a diphasic logistics sum of functions is suggested and the results obtained from fitting the models to eucalyptus growth data showed a better fit of the logistic diphasic sum as compared with segmented regression and monophasic logistic models.

Inflection and stability points of diphasic logistic analysis of growth

Growth functions with inflection points following a diphasic model, can be adjusted by two approaches using segmented regression or the sum of two functions. In both cases, there are two functions, one for each phase, with inflection and stability points. However, when they are summed, the result is a new function and the points of inflection and stability are different from those obtained from using each function individually. A method to determine these points in a diphasic logistics sum of functions is suggested and the results obtained from fitting the models to eucalyptus growth data showed a better fit of the logistic diphasic sum as compared with segmented regression and monophasic logistic models.(AU)

Métodos eletrocardiográficos em equinos American Miniature Horse / Electrocardiographic methods in equines American Miniature Horse

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar e comparar os registros eletrocardiográficos de 50 equinos American Miniature Horse, clinicamente saudáveis, obtidos pelos métodos convencional e computadorizado, para a padronização do método informatizado. As medidas de duração e amplitude das ondas e intervalos e frequência cardíaca foram analisadas nas derivações do plano frontal e na derivação base-ápice. Diferenças quanto à duração da onda P, foram encontradas nas derivações I e aVL, e do complexo QRS, em todas as derivações do plano frontal. Quanto à derivação base-ápice, houve diferença na duração do intervalo QT e da onda T, assim como na amplitude da onda S. Concluiu-se, portanto, que ocorre superestimação da duração do complexo QRS no método computadorizado e que, devido às diferenças inerentes de cada método, torna-se importante a utilização de valores de referência para o método computadorizado também na espécie equina.(AU)

The aim of this study was to analyze and compare electrocardiographic records of 50 horses American Miniature Horse, clinically healthy, obtained by conventional methods and computerized, to the standardization of the computerized method. The measures of duration and amplitude of waves and intervals and heart rate were analyzed in the leads of the frontal plane and base-apical lead. Differences about the duration of the P wave were found in I and aVL derivations, and QRS complex, in all derivations of the frontal plane. As for basis-apical derivation, there was no difference in the duration of the QT interval and the T wave and the amplitude of the S wave, therefore concluding that overestimation occurs in the duration of the QRS complex in computerized method and that due to inherent differences of each method, it becomes important the use of reference values for the computerized method also in the equine species.(AU)

Índices da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca no domínio do tempo, em cães saudáveis suplementados com ômega n-3 / Heart rate variability indices in the time domain in healthy dogs supplemented with omega n-3

A análise da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) no domínio do tempo, foi realizada por meio da monitorização eletrocardiográfica dinâmica em vinte e quatro horas (Holter), em cães sadios, sem raça definida, sendo dez machos e dez fêmeas, antes e após suplementação oral, por quatro semanas com ácido graxos poliinsaturados de cadeia longa (PUFAS) derivados do ômega n-3 [497 mg ácido docosahexaenóico (DHA) e 780 mg ácido eicosapentanóico (EPA)], resultando em uma dose média de 34,9 mg/kg de EPA e 22,2 mg/kg de DHA em machos e média de 43 mg/kg de EPA e 27 mg/kg em fêmeas. Os índices da VFC calculados no domínio do tempo foram: NN, SDNN, SDANN, SDNN índex, pnn50 e rMSSD e frequência cardíaca, verificando-se o efeito do sexo e da suplementação. Os resultados obtidos não demonstraram efeitos significativos da suplementação ou influência do sexo sobre os índices; a suplementação dietética com PUFAS derivados do ômega n-3 por quatro semanas não diminuiu a frequência cardíaca e não promoveu elevação da VFC em cães saudáveis.

The analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) in the time domain was performed by dynamic electrocardiographic monitoring for twenty-four hours (Holter method) in ten male and ten female healthy mixed-breed dogs before and after four weeks of oral supplementation with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) derived from omega n-3 [497 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and 780 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)]. Males received an average dose of 34.9 mg DHA/kg and 22.2 mg EPA/kg, whereas females received an average of 27 mg DHA/kg and 43 mg EPA/kg. HRV indices calculated in the time domain were the following: NN, SDNN, SDANN, SDNN index, pNN50, rMSSD and heart rate, taking into account the effects of gender and supplementation. The results showed no significant effects of supplementation or gender on the indices; thus, dietary supplementation with omega PUFAs derived from n-3 over four weeks did not decrease heart rate and did not increase heart rate variability in healthy dogs.

Índices da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca no domínio do tempo, em cães saudáveis suplementados com ômega n-3 / Heart rate variability indices in the time domain in healthy dogs supplemented with omega n-3

A análise da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) no domínio do tempo, foi realizada por meio da monitorização eletrocardiográfica dinâmica em vinte e quatro horas (Holter), em cães sadios, sem raça definida, sendo dez machos e dez fêmeas, antes e após suplementação oral, por quatro semanas com ácido graxos poliinsaturados de cadeia longa (PUFAS) derivados do ômega n-3 [497 mg ácido docosahexaenóico (DHA) e 780 mg ácido eicosapentanóico (EPA)], resultando em uma dose média de 34,9 mg/kg de EPA e 22,2 mg/kg de DHA em machos e média de 43 mg/kg de EPA e 27 mg/kg em fêmeas. Os índices da VFC calculados no domínio do tempo foram: NN, SDNN, SDANN, SDNN índex, pnn50 e rMSSD e frequência cardíaca, verificando-se o efeito do sexo e da suplementação. Os resultados obtidos não demonstraram efeitos significativos da suplementação ou influência do sexo sobre os índices; a suplementação dietética com PUFAS derivados do ômega n-3 por quatro semanas não diminuiu a frequência cardíaca e não promoveu elevação da VFC em cães saudáveis.(AU)

The analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) in the time domain was performed by dynamic electrocardiographic monitoring for twenty-four hours (Holter method) in ten male and ten female healthy mixed-breed dogs before and after four weeks of oral supplementation with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) derived from omega n-3 [497 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and 780 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)]. Males received an average dose of 34.9 mg DHA/kg and 22.2 mg EPA/kg, whereas females received an average of 27 mg DHA/kg and 43 mg EPA/kg. HRV indices calculated in the time domain were the following: NN, SDNN, SDANN, SDNN index, pNN50, rMSSD and heart rate, taking into account the effects of gender and supplementation. The results showed no significant effects of supplementation or gender on the indices; thus, dietary supplementation with omega PUFAs derived from n-3 over four weeks did not decrease heart rate and did not increase heart rate variability in healthy dogs.(AU)

Effects of propofol in lipid-based emulsion and in microemulsion on the incidence of endothelial lesion in rabbits

PURPOSE: To compare the incidence of endothelial injury after single-dose or continuous propofol infusion in conventional lipid-based emulsion (LE) versus microemulsion (ME). METHODS: Forty-two rabbits (2.5-4.5 Kg) were randomly allocated into seven groups of six animals each: SHAM- surgical treatment alone; Bolus Control Group - 3 mL-intravenous (IV) bolus of saline; Continuous Infusion Control Group - 3 mL- IV bolus of saline followed by a continuous infusion of 0.2 ml/kg/min for 60 min; Bolus LE Propofol Group - IV bolus of LE propofol (3 mg/kg); Bolus ME Propofol Group - IV ME propofol bolus (3 mg/kg); Continuous LE Propofol Group - IV LE propofol bolus (3 mg/kg) followed by a continuous infusion of 0.2 ml/kg/min for 60 min; Continuous ME Propofol Group - IV ME propofol bolus (3 mg/kg) followed by a continuous infusion of 0.2 ml/kg/min for 60 min. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the studied groups in blood pressure, in central venous pressure and in the biochemical profile. No significant differences were found in inflammatory mediators and in tissue analysis between the two emulsions. CONCLUSION: Microemulsion and lipid-based emulsion propofol had similar inflammatory, biochemical and microscopy profiles. Thus, microemulsion propofol can be used as an alternative to lipid-based emulsion propofol.(AU)

Does propofol and isoflurane protect the kidney against ischemia/reperfusion injury during transient hyperglycemia?

PURPOSE: To study the effect of isoflurane (Iso) or propofol (Prop) anesthesia on renal ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) during transient hyperglycemia. METHODS: Thirty six rats were randomly assigned into six groups of six animals each: PHS (Sham-Prop=1mg.kg-1.min-1 + Hyperglycemia=2.5g.kg-1 of glucose solution administered intraperitoneally); HIS (Sham-Iso + Hyperglycemia); PHI (Prop + Hyperglycemia + Ischemia); IHI (Iso + Hyperglycemia + Ischemia); PI (Prop + Ischemia), and II (Iso + Ischemia). After 30 minutes of anesthesia induction, right nephrectomy was performed (all animals) and the left renal artery was clamped during 25 minutes (ischemia). The animals were sacrificed after 24 hours and blood collection (to dose creatinine) and left kidney removal were performed for histological analysis, and flow cytometry (FCM): percentage of initial apoptosis (APTi) and viable cells (VC). RESULTS: Serum creatinine (mg/dL) was statistically different in groups PHI (3.60±0.40) and IHI (3.23±1.08), p<0.05. Histological analysis was statistically different in groups PHI (4.0[4.0;5.0]) and IHI (4.5[4.0;5.0]), p<0.05. APTi percentage was statistically different in groups PHI (73.2±7.1), and IHI (48.1±14). VC percentage was statistically different in groups PHI (25.8±6.9) and IHI (38.5±9.2), p<0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Propofol and isoflurane showed the same level of protection against ischemia/reperfusion injury in the normoglycemic groups. Transient hyperglycemia is associated with an increase in IRI.(AU)

Avaliações sensoriais, bioquímicas e microbiológicas do guacamole, um produto à base de abacate, sob armazenamento a frio e com adição de ácido ascórbico / Sensorial, biochemical and microbiological evaluations of guacamole, an avocado based product, under cold storage and added with ascorbic acid

A elaboração de produtos de abacate para comercialização mantendo suas características de produto fresco é limitada, já que o fruto cortado escurece rapidamente e suas características sensoriais são modificadas com o armazenamento. Na presente pesquisa, avaliaram-se os parâmetros sensoriais, estabilidade microbiológica e atividade de peroxidase (POD, EC 1.11.1.7) e polifenoloxidase (PPO, EC 1.10.3.1) do guacamole adicionado de ácido ascórbico e conservado sob frio elaborado, usando-se abacate da variedade Hass. Produtos acondicionados em embalagens de polietileno+nylon com e sem aplicação de vácuo foram submetidos ao congelamento lento e rápido (-18ºC) e armazenados em freezer (-18ºC). Avaliações foram realizadas no momento da elaboração do produto (t0) e aos 3, 7 e 30 dias após armazenamento, sendo que no t30 as amostras foram mantidas sob refrigeração (4 ±1ºC) e avaliadas após 3, 5 e 7 dias. Após 30 dias de armazenamento, a - 18ºC sob congelamento, seguido de descongelamento e mantendo-se à 4ºC±1 por 7 dias, as notas para os parâmetros sensoriais diminuram. A peroxidase foi totalmente inibida no produto elaborado e a atividade da enzima polifenoloxidase diminuiu consideravelmente no guacamole (20,07 mM de catecol/g massa fresca) em relação ao fruto (58,31 mM de catecol/g massa fresca), porém sem variação significativa durante o armazenamento (à -18ºC). As amostras apresentaram-se microbiologicamente estáveis nas condições do estudo. A adição de acido ascórbico contribuiu para conservação do produto de abacate congelado diminuindo a atividade enzimática. No entanto, os parâmetros sensoriais são prejudicados com o descongelamento e armazenamento à 4±1oC.

The elaboration of avocado products for commercialization keeping their characteristics of fresh product has been limited. The cut avocado darkens quickly and their sensorial characteristics are modified with the storage. In the present research, the sensorial parameters, microbiological stability, and peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase activity were evaluated in guacamole added with ascorbic acid and conserved under low temperature, by using avocado variety Hass. Products were conditioned in polyethylene+nylon packages with and without vacuum application; then, they were subjected to the slow and fast freezing (-18ºC) and stored in freezer (-18ºC). Evaluations were performed at the moment of elaboration of the product (t0) and at 3, 7 and 30 days post-storage. At t30, samples were kept under refrigeration (4 ±1oC) and evaluated at 3, 5 and 7 days. After the 30 days of storage, ­18 ºC under freezing, followed by thawing and keeping at 4±1ºC for 7 days, the notes for the sensorial parameters decreased. The peroxidase activity was totally inhibited in the elaborated product and the polifenol oxidase activity considerably decreased in the guacamole (20.07 mM catechol/g fresh matter) relative to those in the fruit (58.31 mM catechol/g fresh matter), however with no significant variation during storage (at -18ºC). The samples were microbiologically stable under the conditions of the present study. The addition of ascorbic acid contributed to the conservation of the frozen avocado product by decreasing the enzymatic activity. However, the sensorial parameters are prejudiced under thawing and storage at 4 ±1oC.

Avaliação dos níveis de frutosamina em gatos sob estresse agudo e crônico / Assessment of fructosamine concentrations in cats with acute and chronic-stress

Frutosaminas são proteínas séricas glicadas formadas continuamente resultantes da ligação entre a glicose e proteínas circulantes, e correspondem à avaliação glicêmica de aproximadamente uma a duas semanas em gatos. A concentração de frutosamina tem sido utilizada para a diferenciação entre a hiperglicemia persistente e transitória induzida pelo estresse, sendo considerado o teste padrão ouro para o controle da glicemia em gatos diabéticos. O objetivo deste trabalho consistiu em avaliar a influência dos estados de estresse agudo e crônico em gatos sobre os níveis séricos de frutosamina. Foram selecionados 62 felinos provenientes do atendimento no Hospital Veterinário da FMVZ - UNESP Botucatu, distribuídos em três grupos: felinos com histórico de qualquer doença ou condições de estresse, excluindose o diabetes mellitus (DM), por um período máximo de 48 horas (Grupo A, n = 21) ou por um período superior a 120 horas (Grupo B, n = 27). O terceiro grupo (Grupo C = controle) foi formado por 14 felinos saudáveis. Os grupos foram avaliados quanto às dosagens séricas de frutosamina, glicose, proteína e albumina. Foi constatado um aumento significativo nos valores de frutosamina tanto nos animais submetidos ao estresse agudo quanto crônico, porém os níveis mantiveram-se dentro do intervalo de referência. Da mesma forma, os animais, em média, também se encontravam em normoglicemia, apesar da correlação positiva entre as concentrações de glicose e frutosamina. Conclui-se que a concentração de frutosamina sofre influência dos estados de estresse agudo e crônico em gatos, mantendo-se, porém, dentro dos limites de referência, sendo, portanto, útil no diagnóstico do DM.(AU)

circulating proteins, and corresponding to the blood glucose control assessment over the last one to two weeks in cats. The fructosamine concentration has been used for differentiation between persistent and transient hyperglycemia. Therefore, the determination of fructosamine is considered the gold standard for monitoring glycemia into control in diabetic cats. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of acute and chronic stress of cats on serum fructosamine. 62 cats were selected from the Veterinary Hospital of FMVZ - UNESP, Botucatu campus. They were distributed into three groups: cats with a history of any illness or stress condition, excluding Diabetes Mellitus (DM), for a maximum of 48 hours (Group A, n = 21) or for a period exceeding 120 hours (Group B n = 27). The third group (Group C = control) was formed by 14 health cats. The groups were evaluated for serum fructosamine, glucose, protein and albumin. In this study, there was a significant increase in the values of fructosamine in animals subjected to acute and chronic stress, but these values remained within the reference range. The animals were, on average, normoglycemic, despite the positive correlation between fructosamine and glucose concentrations. We conclude that the fructosamine concentration is influenced by acute and chronic stress in cats, remaining, however, within the reference range, and therefore, still useful in the diagnosis of DM.(AU)

Accuracy of six minute walk test, stair test and spirometry using maximal oxygen uptake as gold standard / Acurácia do teste de caminhada de seis minutos, teste de escada e espirometria usando o consumo máximo de oxigênio como padrão ouro

Purpuse: To assess the accuracy of the variables stair climbing time (SCt), stair climbing power (SCP), six-minute walk test distance (6MWT), and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) using maximal oxygen uptake on exercise (VO2max) as the gold standard. Methods: Tests were performed in 51 patients. FEV1 was measured by spirometry and 6MWT was performed in a flat 120-m corridor. Stair climbing test was performed on a 6-flight stairway to obtain SCt and SCP. VO2max was measured by ergospirometry, using the Balke protocol. Pearson's linear correlation and p values were calculated between VO2max and the other variables tested. For accuracy calculations, variable cutoff points were obtained through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, dividing individuals into normal or unhealthy. Kappa statistic was used to calculate concordance. RESULTS: Accuracy was: SCt - 86 percent, 6MWT - 80 percent, SCP - 71 percent, FEV1(L) - 67 percent, FEV1( percent) - 63 percent. SCt and 6MWT showed 93.5 percent sensitivity when combined in parallel, and 96.4 percent specificity in series. Conclusion: SCt presented the best accuracy. SCt and 6MWT combined showed nearly 100 percent sensitivity or specificity. Thus, these simple exercise tests should be more routinely used, especially when an ergospirometer is not available to measure VO2max.(AU)

Objetivo: Determinar a acurácia das variáveis: tempo de escada (tTE), potência de escada (PTE), teste de caminhada (TC6) e volume expiratório forçado (VEF1) utilizando o consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2máx) como padrão-ouro. Métodos: Os testes foram realizados em 51 pacientes. O VEF1 foi obtido através da espirometria. O TC6 foi realizado em corredor plano de 120m. O TE foi realizado em escada de 6 lances obtendo-se tTE e PTE. O VO2máx foi obtido por ergoespirometria, utilizando o protocolo de Balke. Foram calculados a correlação linear de Pearson (r) e os valores de p, entre VO2máx e variáveis. Para o cálculo da acurácia, foram obtidos os pontos de corte, através da curva característica operacional (ROC). A estatística Kappa (k) foi utilizada para cálculo da concordância. Resultados: Obteve-se as acurácias: tTE - 86 por cento, TC6 - 80 por cento, PTE - 71 por cento, VEF1(L) - 67 por cento, VEF1 por cento - 63 por cento. Para o tTE e TC6 combinados em paralelo, obteve-se sensibilidade de 93,5 por cento e em série, especificidade de 96,4 por cento. Conclusão: O tTE foi a variável que apresentou a melhor acurácia. Quando combinados o tTE e TC6 podem ter especificidade e sensibilidade próxima de 100 por cento. Estes testes deveriam ser mais usados rotineiramente, especialmente quando a ergoespirometria para a medida de VO2máx não é disponível.(AU)

Fatores de risco para zoonoses em alunos do curso de medicina veterinária, residentes e pós-graduandos / Risk factors to zoonosis in students of veterinary medicine course, residents and post-graduation students / Factores de riesgo para zoonosis en estudiantes del curso de medicina veterinaria, residentes y postgraduandos

Avaliaram-se os hábitos e comportamentos pessoais, no que se refere à brucelose, toxoplasmose e leptospirose, relacionando-se com os resultados obtidos no inquérito sorológico realizado, em alunos e residentes da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária da FMVZ, UNESP-Botucatu-SP. Foram entrevistados 174 alunos da graduação, 21 residentes e 13 pós-graduandos. Os dados dos entrevistados foram trabalhados em programa estatístico (EpiInfo®2002). Paralelamente, coletou-se sangue dos alunos, para a realização da pesquisa de anticorpos para leptospirose, toxoplasmose e brucelose. Verificou-se que o contato frequente com cães mostrou associação estatisticamente significante com a presença de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii. A correlação dos resultados sorológicos, com as variáveis consideradas como fatores de risco, mostrou que, para a brucelose, somente 20,0% dos reagentes consideraram a urina do cão uma via de eliminação do agente, 40,0% os alimentos crus ou mal cozidos uma via de transmissão, 33,4% e 20,0% a presença de animais no domicílio e o fato de dormir com eles, como risco de infecção. Em relação à toxoplasmose, verificou-se, para algumas situações, o mesmo conhecimento equivocado, pois os alimentos crus ou mal cozidos foram considerados via de transmissão por somente 26,3% dos soropositivos, e 56,2% a manutenção de animais de estimação no domicílio, e o fato de dormir com eles, como fatores de risco. Os resultados obtidos sugerem a conscientização, no que concerne aos aspectos de saúde pública.(AU)

The habits and personal behaviors to brucellosis, toxoplasmosis and leptospirosis were evaluated for the relation with the obtained results in the serological inquiry realized in classmates of the Veterinary Medicine course, FMVZ, UNESP-Botucatu-SP. 174 classmates, 21 residents and 13 postgraduating were interviewed. Data of the interviewed persons were analyzed in statistical program (EpiInfo®2002). Paralleling, the blood of all persons was harvested to realize the research of antibodies to leptospirosis, toxoplasmosis and brucellosis. The frequent contact with dogs showed a significant statistically association with the presence of antibodies anti-Toxoplasma gondii. The correlation of the serological results with the variables considered as risk factors, show that to brucellosis, only 20.0% of the reagents considered the urine of dog a potent route of elimination of the agent, 40.0% the raw or undercooked food a route of transmission, 33.4% and 20.0% the presence of animal at home and the fact of sleeping with it, as risk of infection. In relation to toxoplasmosis, the same mistaken knowledge was verified, because the raw or undercooked food were incriminated as route of transmission only for 26.3% positives serologically, and 56.2% the maintenance of pet animals at home, and the fact of to sleeping with it, as risk factor. The obtained results suggest the conscientization in relation to the aspects of public health.(AU)

Los hábitos y comportamientos personales fueron evaluados, en lo que se refiere a la brucelosis, toxoplasmosis y leptospirosis, relacionándose con los resultados obtenidos en las pruebas serológicas realizadas, en alumnos y residentes de la Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria FMVZ, UNESP-Botucatu-SP. Fueron entrevistados 174 alumnos de graduación, 21 residentes y 13 postgraduandos. Los datos de los entrevistados fueron estudiados en programa estadístico (EpiInfo®2002). Paralelamente, se colectó sangre de alumnos para la realización de la investigación de anticuerpos para leptospirosis, toxoplasmosis y brucelosis. Se verificó que el contacto frecuente con perros presentó asociación estadísticamente significante con la presencia de anticuerpos anti- Toxoplasma gondii. La correlación de los resultados serológicos, con las variables consideradas como factores de riesgo, evidenció que para la brucelosis, solamente 20,0% de los reactivos consideraron la orina del perro una vía de eliminación del agente, 40,0% los alimentos crudos o mal cocidos, 33,4% una vía de transmisión y 20,0% la presencia de animales en el domicilio y el hecho de dormir con los mismos, como riesgo de infección. En relación a la toxoplasmosis, se verificó, para algunas situaciones, el mismo conocimiento equivocado, pues los alimentos crudos o mal cocidos fueron considerados vía de transmisión por solamente 26,3% de los seropositivos, y 56,2% la manutención de mascotas en el domicilio, y el hecho de dormir con ellos, como factores de riesgo. Los resultados obtenidos sugieren concienciar cuanto a los aspectos de salud pública.(AU)

Compensatory lung growth: protein, DNA and RNA lung contents in undernourished trilobectomized rats / Crescimento pulmonar compensatório: conteúdos pulmonares de proteína, DNA e RNA em ratos subnutridos trilobectomizados

OBJETIVO: demonstrar se ocorre crescimento pulmonar compensatório (CPC) representado pelos conteúdos de proteínas, DNA e RNA no rato adulto jovem, subnutrido, submetido à trilobectomia pulmonar. MÉTODOS: Utilizamos 137 ratos "Wistar", machos, distribuídos por sorteio, em 9 grupos, submetidos a três tratamentos (controle, toracotomia, trilobectomia), sacrificados em três momentos (7, 30 e 90 dias). Na trilobectomia foram extirpados os lobos médio, acessório e caudal direitos. Variáveis estudadas: conteúdos pulmonares de proteínas, DNA e RNA. RESULTADOS: No lobo cranial e pulmão esquerdo o conteúdo protéico foi maior nos trilobectomizados. Ocorreu CPC insuficiente para suprir a perda desta variável, sendo menor nos pulmões dos trilobectomizados. O incremento nos conteúdos de DNA do lobo cranial e pulmão esquerdo dos trilobectomizados foram suficientes para compensar a perda desta variável, resultando num conteúdo de DNA dos pulmões semelhante aos controle. O conteúdo de RNA, nos trilobectomizados, foi maior no lobo cranial e pulmão esquerdo, com maior eficiência no primeiro, insuficiente para que se aproximassem aos obtidos nos demais grupos, ficando menores. CONCLUSAO: Nos trilobectomizados ocorreu CPC, provavelmente com hiperplasia celular e pouca hipertrofia, devido a grande compensação do DNA e pequena do RNA. Esta foi a grande diferença quando comparamos este resultado ao obtido com animais nutridos, que apresentavam hipertrofia pronunciada. (AU)

PURPOSE: To demonstrate compensatory lung growth (CLG) by lung contents of proteins, DNA, and RNA in undernourished young adult rats, submitted to pulmonary trilobectomy.METHODS: We used 137 male Wistar rats, randomly distributed into 9 groups; they were submitted to three treatments (control, thoracotomy, and trilobectomy), and sacrificed at three different times (7, 30, and 90 days). In trilobectomy we removed the right median, accessory, and caudal lobes. We studied lung proteins, DNA, and RNA contents.RESULTS: In the cranial lobe and left lung, protein content was higher in trilobectomized rats however there was insufficient CLG to make up for the loss. The increase of DNA in the cranial lobe and left lung of trilobectomized rats was sufficient to compensate for this loss, resulting in a similar content to controls. RNA content in trilobectomized rats, was higher in the cranial lobe and left lung, more efficient in the cranial lobe, but less than in the other groups.CONCLUSION: CLG occurred in trilobectomized rats, probably with cell hyperplasia and little hypertrophy, due to the large DNA compensation and small RNA compensation. This was markedly different to well-nourished animals, who had pronounced hypertrophy.