Conventional vs. advanced echocardiographic parameters for predicting fluid responsiveness in healthy dogs

Background: Volume replacement is considered an essential component in the treatment of critically ill patients, but excess f luid administration can be as harmful as the lack of fluid therapy. Therefore, the volume replacement is only beneficial in patients deemed to be fluid responsive, that is, when the individual has an increase in their stroke volume after administration of a volume challenge. This study aim to assess whether conventional and advanced echocardiographic parameters for assessing left ventricular systolic function are able to predict fluid responsiveness in healthy spontaneously breathing dogs. The hypothesis was that some of these parameters would differ between responsive and non-responsive animals and could be used as a complementary measure for assessment of fluid responsiveness. Materials, Methods & Results: A prospective study was carried out in which 22 client-owned healthy dogs over 1 year of age that presented to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital for elective neutering procedure were included. All dogs underwent conventional and advanced echocardiographic examination to obtain the left ventricular internal diameter in diastole normalized (LVIDDn), left ventricular internal diameter in systole normalized (LVIDSn), ejection fraction (EF) and shortening fraction (SF) according to the Teischholz methodology, global longitudinal strain (GLS) and tissue motion annular displacement (TMAD). There parameters were evaluated before and after administration of a volume challenge with 10 mL/kg lactate ringer intravenously for 20 min. Based on the variation in aortic velocity integral time, 31.82% of dogs were considered responsive and 68.18% were non-responsive to the volume challenge. For advanced echocardiography, TMAD indexed by body weight (mm/kg) > 0.89 (P = 0.004) and body surface area (mm/m2) >18.9 (P = 0.004) after volume challenge had the best area...

Cadaver preservation for surgical skill training: comparison of two embalming formulations / Preservação de cadáveres para treinamento cirúrgico: comparação entre duas formulações de embalsamento

At the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Brazil, preliminary surgical training involving live animals has been replaced by the use of embalmed canine cadavers. This study aimed to improve the embalming technique based on the modified Larssen solution by altering the original formulation. Twenty-four canine corpses obtained according to the norms and resolutions described by the animal research ethics committee were used in this study. The cadavers were randomly allocated to two groups, G1 and G2, and treated with modified Larsen solution containing 20% and 10% formalin, respectively. The Larssen solution used in G1 contained a higher volume of distilled water and higher formalin concentration than the one used in G2. Cadavers were used in hands-on surgical training labs for four weeks. The following evaluation criteria were considered: general appearance, muscle tissue color, tissue texture/consistency, joint flexibility, odor development, and skin integrity in the abdominal and other regions involved in surgical training. The cadavers in both groups showed good general appearance and retained satisfactory organoleptic properties for surgical training throughout the experimental period. There was no significant difference between the groups treated with 20% or 10% modified Larssen solution (p > 0.05; chi-square test). The present findings were considered positive, because the dilution of the original formulation exhibited similar efficacy and required smaller amounts of chemicals, thus reducing the formulation cost.

Na Escola de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo, o treinamento cirúrgico inicial em animais vivos foi substituído pelo uso de cadáveres caninos quimicamente preservados. O objetivo deste estudo foi melhorar a técnica de embalsamamento baseada na solução Larssen modificada através de modificações em sua formulação original. Vinte e quatro cadáveres caninos obtidos conforme as normas e resoluções descritas pelo comitê de ética em pesquisa animal foram utilizados neste estudo. Os cadáveres foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos (G1 ou G2) e tratados com solução modificada de Larssen contendo 20% e 10% de formalina, respectivamente. A solução de Larssen usada em G1 continha um maior volume de água destilada e maior concentração de formalina em comparação com o utilizado em G2. Os cadáveres foram utilizados no laboratório de treinamento cirúrgico prático durante quatro semanas. Foram considerados os seguintes critérios de avaliação: aparência geral, cor do tecido muscular, textura/consistência do tecido, flexibilidade das articulações, desenvolvimento de odor e integridade da pele na região abdominal e outras regiões envolvidas no treinamento cirúrgico. Os cadáveres em ambos os grupos apresentaram boa aparência geral e mantiveram as propriedades organolépticas satisfatórias para treinamento cirúrgico ao longo do período experimental. Os cadáveres tratados com 20% ou 10% de solução modificada de Larssen não diferiram significativamente (p> 0,05, teste de qui-quadrado). Os resultados deste estudo foram considerados positivos, visto que a diluição da formulação original produziu eficácia semelhante e, no entanto, exigiu quantidades menores de produtos químicos, diminuindo o custo da formulação.

Cadaver preservation for surgical skill training: comparison of two embalming formulations / Preservação de cadáveres para treinamento cirúrgico: comparação entre duas formulações de embalsamento

At the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Brazil, preliminary surgical training involving live animals has been replaced by the use of embalmed canine cadavers. This study aimed to improve the embalming technique based on the modified Larssen solution by altering the original formulation. Twenty-four canine corpses obtained according to the norms and resolutions described by the animal research ethics committee were used in this study. The cadavers were randomly allocated to two groups, G1 and G2, and treated with modified Larsen solution containing 20% and 10% formalin, respectively. The Larssen solution used in G1 contained a higher volume of distilled water and higher formalin concentration than the one used in G2. Cadavers were used in hands-on surgical training labs for four weeks. The following evaluation criteria were considered: general appearance, muscle tissue color, tissue texture/consistency, joint flexibility, odor development, and skin integrity in the abdominal and other regions involved in surgical training. The cadavers in both groups showed good general appearance and retained satisfactory organoleptic properties for surgical training throughout the experimental period. There was no significant difference between the groups treated with 20% or 10% modified Larssen solution (p > 0.05; chi-square test). The present findings were considered positive, because the dilution of the original formulation exhibited similar efficacy and required smaller amounts of chemicals, thus reducing the formulation cost.(AU)

Na Escola de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo, o treinamento cirúrgico inicial em animais vivos foi substituído pelo uso de cadáveres caninos quimicamente preservados. O objetivo deste estudo foi melhorar a técnica de embalsamamento baseada na solução Larssen modificada através de modificações em sua formulação original. Vinte e quatro cadáveres caninos obtidos conforme as normas e resoluções descritas pelo comitê de ética em pesquisa animal foram utilizados neste estudo. Os cadáveres foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos (G1 ou G2) e tratados com solução modificada de Larssen contendo 20% e 10% de formalina, respectivamente. A solução de Larssen usada em G1 continha um maior volume de água destilada e maior concentração de formalina em comparação com o utilizado em G2. Os cadáveres foram utilizados no laboratório de treinamento cirúrgico prático durante quatro semanas. Foram considerados os seguintes critérios de avaliação: aparência geral, cor do tecido muscular, textura/consistência do tecido, flexibilidade das articulações, desenvolvimento de odor e integridade da pele na região abdominal e outras regiões envolvidas no treinamento cirúrgico. Os cadáveres em ambos os grupos apresentaram boa aparência geral e mantiveram as propriedades organolépticas satisfatórias para treinamento cirúrgico ao longo do período experimental. Os cadáveres tratados com 20% ou 10% de solução modificada de Larssen não diferiram significativamente (p> 0,05, teste de qui-quadrado). Os resultados deste estudo foram considerados positivos, visto que a diluição da formulação original produziu eficácia semelhante e, no entanto, exigiu quantidades menores de produtos químicos, diminuindo o custo da formulação.(AU)

O uso de jogos didáticos no ensino de doenças intestinais causadas por protozoários Entamoeba histolytica e Giardia duodenalis / The use of didactic games in the teaching of intestinal diseases caused by protozoans Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia duodenalis

O ensino das doenças parasitárias tornou-se algo essencial e de extrema relevância na sala de aula, principalmente por se fazerem presentes no cotidiano dos alunos e da comunidade na qual estão inseridos. Geralmente as doenças intestinais exibem sintomas que estão fortemente ligados a quadros de diarreia e desnutrição, fazendo com que o desenvolvimento físico e intelectual da criança e do adolescente seja prejudicado. Neste sentido, foi desenvolvido um trabalho com os escolares no intuito de levar conhecimento sobre os principais protozoários que podem infectar o homem, bem como as medidas de controle. Além dos métodos tradicionais de ensino, também foram utilizados jogos didáticos como uma forma de auxiliar no processo de ensino e aprendizagem sobre o tema abordado. A atividade foi realizada com 20 alunos do 7º ano do ensino fundamental, no qual o tema “seres vivos” é abordado, em especial, os temas protozoários e helmintos. Durante o decorrer das aulas, por meio do uso de metodologias alternativas (jogos didáticos), foi perceptível o quanto os discentes estavam envolvidos na realização das tarefas propostas e faziam indagações além dos conteúdos abordados. Diante dos resultados obtidos, verificou-se que a aplicação de atividades diferenciadas é de extrema importância para as inovações em sala de aula. Neste contexto, foi observada a função educativa do jogo didático durante sua aplicação com os alunos, notando que tais atividades favoreceram a aquisição e retenção de conhecimento bem como a satisfação por parte dos alunos.

The use of didactic games in the teaching of intestinal diseases caused by protozoans Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia duodenalis. The teaching of parasitic diseases has become essential and extremely relevant in the classroom, mainly because they are present in the daily lives of students and community in which they are inserted. In general, intestinal diseases exhibit symptoms that are strongly linked to diarrhea and malnutrition, causing prejudices to the physical and intellectual development of children and adolescents. In this sense, a work was developed with the students in order to bring knowledge about the main protozoa that can infect man as well as the control measures. In addition to traditional teaching methods, didactic games were also used as a way to aid in the teaching and learning process on the subject. The activity was carried out with 20 students from the 7th year of elementary school, in which the theme "living beings" is approached, in particular, the protozoan and helminth themes. During the course of the classes, with the use of alternative methodologies (didactic games), it was noticeable how much the students were involved in the accomplishment of the proposed tasks and made inquiries beyond the contents approached. In view of the obtained results, it was verified that the application of differentiated activities is important to innovations in the classroom. In this context, it was observed the educational function of the didactic game during its application with the students, noting that such activities favored the acquisition and retention of knowledge as well as the satisfaction of the students.

O uso de jogos didáticos no ensino de doenças intestinais causadas por protozoários Entamoeba histolytica e Giardia duodenalis / The use of didactic games in the teaching of intestinal diseases caused by protozoans Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia duodenalis

O ensino das doenças parasitárias tornou-se algo essencial e de extrema relevância na sala de aula, principalmente por se fazerem presentes no cotidiano dos alunos e da comunidade na qual estão inseridos. Geralmente as doenças intestinais exibem sintomas que estão fortemente ligados a quadros de diarreia e desnutrição, fazendo com que o desenvolvimento físico e intelectual da criança e do adolescente seja prejudicado. Neste sentido, foi desenvolvido um trabalho com os escolares no intuito de levar conhecimento sobre os principais protozoários que podem infectar o homem, bem como as medidas de controle. Além dos métodos tradicionais de ensino, também foram utilizados jogos didáticos como uma forma de auxiliar no processo de ensino e aprendizagem sobre o tema abordado. A atividade foi realizada com 20 alunos do 7º ano do ensino fundamental, no qual o tema “seres vivos” é abordado, em especial, os temas protozoários e helmintos. Durante o decorrer das aulas, por meio do uso de metodologias alternativas (jogos didáticos), foi perceptível o quanto os discentes estavam envolvidos na realização das tarefas propostas e faziam indagações além dos conteúdos abordados. Diante dos resultados obtidos, verificou-se que a aplicação de atividades diferenciadas é de extrema importância para as inovações em sala de aula. Neste contexto, foi observada a função educativa do jogo didático durante sua aplicação com os alunos, notando que tais atividades favoreceram a aquisição e retenção de conhecimento bem como a satisfação por parte dos alunos.(AU)

The use of didactic games in the teaching of intestinal diseases caused by protozoans Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia duodenalis. The teaching of parasitic diseases has become essential and extremely relevant in the classroom, mainly because they are present in the daily lives of students and community in which they are inserted. In general, intestinal diseases exhibit symptoms that are strongly linked to diarrhea and malnutrition, causing prejudices to the physical and intellectual development of children and adolescents. In this sense, a work was developed with the students in order to bring knowledge about the main protozoa that can infect man as well as the control measures. In addition to traditional teaching methods, didactic games were also used as a way to aid in the teaching and learning process on the subject. The activity was carried out with 20 students from the 7th year of elementary school, in which the theme "living beings" is approached, in particular, the protozoan and helminth themes. During the course of the classes, with the use of alternative methodologies (didactic games), it was noticeable how much the students were involved in the accomplishment of the proposed tasks and made inquiries beyond the contents approached. In view of the obtained results, it was verified that the application of differentiated activities is important to innovations in the classroom. In this context, it was observed the educational function of the didactic game during its application with the students, noting that such activities favored the acquisition and retention of knowledge as well as the satisfaction of the students.(AU)

Uso da glicerina para a substituição do formaldeído na conservação de peças anatômicas / Gliceryn can replace formaldehyde for anatomic conservation

A formalização é a principal forma de conservação de corpos e peças anatômicas, devido principalmente ao seu baixo custo. A técnica baseia-se na utilização do formaldeído (5-20%) como fixador e conservador. Entretanto existem vários fatores negativos à sua utilização, como odor desagradável, escurecimento, aumento de peso e rigidez das peças e sérios problemas ambientais quando descartada de forma incorreta, além de ser um produto classificado pela Agência Internacional de Pesquisas em Câncer como altamente cancerígeno. Existem várias opções para substituir o formaldeído, a glicerinação é uma delas, cujo será tratada neste trabalho. A glicerina atua como antifúngico e bactericida, além de ter muitas vantagens em relação ao formol, tratando-se de odor, textura e coloração, além de não ser prejudicial a saúde. Porém o seu custo ainda é elevado e isso explica sua pouca utilização em laboratórios de anatomia. Este trabalho tem como objetivo mostrar as vantagens do uso da glicerina em relação ao formol e propor uma possível substituição deste produto cancerígeno para preservar a saúde dos alunos, funcionários e professores dentro do laboratório, além de permitir um ambiente mais agradável para o aprendizado.(AU)

The formalization is the main form of body and anatomic conservation, mainly due to its low cost. The technique is based on the use of formaldehyde (5-20%) as fixative and preservative. However there are several negative factors on their use, unpleasant smell, browning, weight gain and stiffness of parts and serious environmental problems if disposed of incorrectly, and is a product classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as highly carcinogenic. There are several options to replace formaldehyde and glicerinação is one of them, whose which will be treated in this work. Glycerin dehydrates the cell and acts as antifungal and antibacterial, and has many advantages compared to formaldehyde. But its cost is still high and this explains their limited use in the anatomy lab. This work aims to show the advantages of using glycerin in relation to formaldehyde and propose a possible replacement of this carcinogen to preserve the health of students, staff and teachers within the laboratory, and allows a more pleasant environment for learning.(AU)

Uso da glicerina para a substituição do formaldeído na conservação de peças anatômicas / Gliceryn can replace formaldehyde for anatomic conservation

A formalização é a principal forma de conservação de corpos e peças anatômicas, devido principalmente ao seu baixo custo. A técnica baseia-se na utilização do formaldeído (5-20%) como fixador e conservador. Entretanto existem vários fatores negativos à sua utilização, como odor desagradável, escurecimento, aumento de peso e rigidez das peças e sérios problemas ambientais quando descartada de forma incorreta, além de ser um produto classificado pela Agência Internacional de Pesquisas em Câncer como altamente cancerígeno. Existem várias opções para substituir o formaldeído, a glicerinação é uma delas, cujo será tratada neste trabalho. A glicerina atua como antifúngico e bactericida, além de ter muitas vantagens em relação ao formol, tratando-se de odor, textura e coloração, além de não ser prejudicial a saúde. Porém o seu custo ainda é elevado e isso explica sua pouca utilização em laboratórios de anatomia. Este trabalho tem como objetivo mostrar as vantagens do uso da glicerina em relação ao formol e propor uma possível substituição deste produto cancerígeno para preservar a saúde dos alunos, funcionários e professores dentro do laboratório, além de permitir um ambiente mais agradável para o aprendizado.(AU)

The formalization is the main form of body and anatomic conservation, mainly due to its low cost. The technique is based on the use of formaldehyde (5-20%) as fixative and preservative. However there are several negative factors on their use, unpleasant smell, browning, weight gain and stiffness of parts and serious environmental problems if disposed of incorrectly, and is a product classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as highly carcinogenic. There are several options to replace formaldehyde and glicerinação is one of them, whose which will be treated in this work. Glycerin dehydrates the cell and acts as antifungal and antibacterial, and has many advantages compared to formaldehyde. But its cost is still high and this explains their limited use in the anatomy lab. This work aims to show the advantages of using glycerin in relation to formaldehyde and propose a possible replacement of this carcinogen to preserve the health of students, staff and teachers within the laboratory, and allows a more pleasant environment for learning.(AU)

DESENVOLVIMENTO DE MODELO VISANDO AO ENSINO E PESQUISA DA RADIOLOGIA TORÁCICA EM CADÁVERES DE CÃES QUIMICAMENTE PREPARADOS

Deve-se ter muito cuidado e ser muito criterioso quando à utilização de animais vivos no ensino na medicina veterinária. Novas técnicas e modelos sintéticos podem ser usados, desde que não haja grande prejuízo no aprendizado dos alunos. Este trabalho descreve algo inédito ao desenvolver o primeiro modelo visando ao ensino e pesquisa da radiologia torácica em cadáveres de cães quimicamente preparados. No capítulo 1, são feitas considerações gerais, incluindo introdução e foi realizada revisão de literatura sobre o uso de animais em pesquisa e ensino, sobre fixadores e conservantes em anatomia e seus efeitos nos tecidos, e sobre as alterações radiográficas do tórax que foram simulados nesse trabalho (megaesôfago, pneumotórax e efusão pleural), além de broncografia e insuflação pulmonar. O capítulo 2 se refere a um artigo no molde da Revista Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, contendo os tópicos de Introdução, com uma breve revisão de literatura, Material e Métodos, Resultados e Discussão. Nesse estudo, foram utilizados 32 cadáveres de cães (8 cadáveres por grupo), que receberam 150mL/kg de solução de álcool etílico puro com 5% de glicerina seguido de injeção de 120mL/kg de solução contendo 20% de cloreto de sódio, 1% de nitrito de sódio e 1% de nitrato de sódio, mantidos sob refrigeração entre 2 e 6 graus, por 30, 60, 90 ou 120 dias (G30, G60, G90, G120). Pode-se observar que em todos os grupos a técnica anatômica foi eficiente na conservação dos cadáveres e foi possível realizar insuflação pulmonar e os procedimentos radiográficos e as afecções puderam ser mimetizadas, além da broncografia. A técnica anatômica empregada possibilitou o desenvolvimento de um modelo visando ao ensino e pesquisa da radiologia em cadáveres de cães quimicamente preparados, a custo baixo e sem utilização de produtos tóxicos, com durabilidade de até 120 dias, apenas em refrigeração.

Nowadays, it is necessary to be careful and present discerning as for the use of live animals in the veterinary medicine teaching. New techniques and synthetic models can be used, as long as there is no major impairment in student learning. This study describes something new by developing the first model aiming the teaching and research of the thoracic radiology in chemically prepared dogs. In Chapter 1, general considerations were made, including introduction and literature review on the use of animals in research and teaching, about fixative and preservative substances used in anatomy and their effects on tissues and also on radiographic changes of the thorax that were simulated (megaesophagus, pneumothorax and pleural effusion), bronchography and pulmonary insufflation. Chapter 2 was about an article in The Brazilian Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, containing Introduction, with a brief review of literature, Materials and Methods, Results and Discussion. In this study, 32 dog cadavers (8 cadavers for group) were used, which received 150mL / kg of pure ethyl alcohol solution with 5% glycerin followed by injection of 120mL / kg of solution containing 20% sodium chloride, 1 % sodium nitrite and 1% sodium nitrate, and kept refrigerated between 2 and 6°C, for 30, 60, 90 or 120 days (G30, G60, G90, G120). It could be seen that in all groups the anatomical technique was efficient in the cadavers preservation and it was possible to perform pulmonary insufflation and radiographic procedures, and affections could be simulated, in addition to bronchography. The anatomical technique applied enabled the development of a model aiming the radiology teaching and research in cadavers of chemically prepared dogs, at a low cost and without using toxic products, with a durability up to 120 days, only in refrigeration.

Retrospective assessment of the treatment of sporotrichosis in cats and dogs using itraconazole / Retrospective assessment of the treatment of sporotrichosis in cats and dogs using itraconazole

Background: Cases of sporotrichosis in male and female cats and dogs of different ages with cutaneous sporotrichosis that were treated at the dermatology service of a teaching veterinary hospital and orally administered itraconazole (ITC) were retrospectively characterized by reviewing the clinical records corresponding to a 19-year period (1993-2011). The aim of the present study was to analyze regarding clinical cure, side effects, length of treatment and relapse using ITC in the treatment of cutaneous sporotrichosis in cats and dogs. Materials, Methods & Results: From the assessed case series, 20 animals were selected, of which 17 (85.0%) were cats and three (15.0%) were dogs; the animals were mostly males (80.0%) and of ill-defined breeds (75.0%). Cases of sporotrichosis in male and female cats and dogs of different ages that were treated at the dermatology service of a teaching veterinary hospital and orally administered ITC (10 mg/kg) once a day. The percentage of full remission of the treated cases, regardless of their clinical form, was 100%, and no systemic or tegumentary side effects were found in the assessed animals. The average duration of treatment was 3.4 months in cats and 11.3 months in dogs, whereas the maximum duration of treatment required to resolve the clinical condition in the assessed case series of cats and dogs was 16 months, regardless of the anim

Background: Cases of sporotrichosis in male and female cats and dogs of different ages with cutaneous sporotrichosis that were treated at the dermatology service of a teaching veterinary hospital and orally administered itraconazole (ITC) were retrospectively characterized by reviewing the clinical records corresponding to a 19-year period (1993-2011). The aim of the present study was to analyze regarding clinical cure, side effects, length of treatment and relapse using ITC in the treatment of cutaneous sporotrichosis in cats and dogs. Materials, Methods & Results: From the assessed case series, 20 animals were selected, of which 17 (85.0%) were cats and three (15.0%) were dogs; the animals were mostly males (80.0%) and of ill-defined breeds (75.0%). Cases of sporotrichosis in male and female cats and dogs of different ages that were treated at the dermatology service of a teaching veterinary hospital and orally administered ITC (10 mg/kg) once a day. The percentage of full remission of the treated cases, regardless of their clinical form, was 100%, and no systemic or tegumentary side effects were found in the assessed animals. The average duration of treatment was 3.4 months in cats and 11.3 months in dogs, whereas the maximum duration of treatment required to resolve the clinical condition in the assessed case series of cats and dogs was 16 months, regardless of the anim

Rapid prototyping of three-dimensional biomodels as an adjuvant in the surgical planning for intracranial aneurysms

PURPOSE: To fabricate a three-dimensional biomodels of intracranial aneurysms, using rapid prototyping technology, to facilitate optimal anatomical visualization of aneurysms prior to and during surgery. METHODS: Four intracranial aneurysms cases were selected for this study. Using CT angiography images, the rapid prototyping process was completed using a PolyJet technology machine. The size and morphology of the prototypes were compared to brain digital subtraction arteriography of the same patients. RESULTS: The biomodels reproduced the exact location and morphology of the intracranial aneurysms, particularly the necks, in life-size dimensions and exactly the same as measured by digital subtraction arteriography. The arterial segments adjacent to the aneurysm and arteries anatomically known by the surgeon were also shown, which could guide the surgeon to the aneurysmal segment. The models showed an average unit cost of US$ 130 and each one took an average of 20 hours to be fabricated. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to fabricate 3D physical biomodels of intracranial aneurysms from CT angiography images. These prototypes may be useful in the surgical planning for intracranial aneurysms to clarify the anatomy, define surgical techniques and facilitate the choice of suitable materials, such as clips and clip appliers.(AU)

Retrospective assessment of the treatment of sporotrichosis in cats and dogs using itraconazole

Background: Cases of sporotrichosis in male and female cats and dogs of different ages with cutaneous sporotrichosis that were treated at the dermatology service of a teaching veterinary hospital and orally administered itraconazole (ITC) were retrospectively characterized by reviewing the clinical records corresponding to a 19-year period (1993-2011). The aim of the present study was to analyze regarding clinical cure, side effects, length of treatment and relapse using ITC in the treatment of cutaneous sporotrichosis in cats and dogs. Materials, Methods & Results: From the assessed case series, 20 animals were selected, of which 17 (85.0%) were cats and three (15.0%) were dogs; the animals were mostly males (80.0%) and of ill-defined breeds (75.0%). Cases of sporotrichosis in male and female cats and dogs of different ages that were treated at the dermatology service of a teaching veterinary hospital and orally administered ITC (10 mg/kg) once a day. The percentage of full remission of the treated cases, regardless of their clinical form, was 100%, and no systemic or tegumentary side effects were found in the assessed animals. The average duration of treatment was 3.4 months in cats and 11.3 months in dogs, whereas the maximum duration of treatment required to resolve the clinical condition in the assessed case series of cats and dogs was 16 months, regardless of the animal species. Relapses occurred in 15.0% (one cat and two dogs) of the cases treated with the investigated antifungal agent. Discussion: The remarkable difference in the average duration of therapy required to achieve clinical cure between cats and dogs might be related to the fact that most of the cases of feline sporotrichosis were of the localized cutaneous form (82.3%). Conversely, the three cases of canine sporotrichosis were of the disseminated cutaneous form, which may have delayed the success of treatment. Clinically manifested systemic or tegumentary side effects were not reported by the pet owners or were detected by clinical examination of the animals that were subjected to treatment with ITC in the present study, which agrees with previous reports. However, given the retrospective character of this research complementary laboratory exams are lacking and thus it cannot be asserted that alterations do not exist. Therapeutic failure was not observed with the use of ITC in the investigated cases of canine and feline sporotrichosis. Clinical relapse occurred in two dogs and one cat, all of which exhibited the disseminated cutaneous form, which might have predisposed them to clinical recrudescence. In addition, the evident difference in the percentage of relapse between the two species might be correlated with the higher prevalence of the disseminated cutaneous form among the investigated dogs (100%) compared with the cats (40%). Of the animals that exhibited relapse, one dog had been treated with topical corticoids for the previous three months. According to the literature, glucocorticoids and other immunosuppressants are contraindicated in dogs and cats with sporotrichosis. The cat, in turn, exhibited respiratory disease complex in addition to sporotrichosis, which might be related to the clinical relapse. In conclusion, ITC is efficacious in the treatment of sporotrichosis in cats and dogs and does not induce apparent side effects.

Desenvolvimento de material educativo digital para divulgação científica da nutrigenômica / Development of digital learning material for scientific dissemination of nutrigenomics

Nutrigenômica representa disciplina cientifica recente que surgiu na era do pós-genoma humano, sendo seu foco de estudo a interação gene - nutriente. Profissionais com educação universitária que atuam na área da alimentação e nutrição e da saúde relatam ter dificuldades no entendimento dos princípios dessa disciplina. Recursos digitais como animações representam ferramentas interessantes para o processo de ensino-aprendizagem da nutrigenômica. Dessa forma o objetivo do presente trabalho foi o de desenvolver material educativo digital intitulado \"Fundamentos da Nutrigenômica\", baseado nas animações \"Modulação da expressão gênica por nutrientes e compostos bioativos dos alimentos\" e \"Nutrigenômica e redução do risco de câncer\", para divulgação científica da nutrigenômica para profissionais da área da alimentação e nutrição e da saúde. Para desenvolver o material educativo digital, utilizou-se esquema que se divide nas seguintes etapas: análise e planejamento; modelagem; implementação; avaliação e manutenção. As animações foram produzidas nos programas PowerPoint 2007 e E.M PowerPoint Vídeo Converter. Avaliou-se o material educativo digital por meio de questionário junto a 20 profissionais (nutricionistas, farmacêuticos, engenheiros de alimentos, biólogos, químico, dentista e zootecnista) matriculados ou não em Programas de Pós-Graduação da Universidade de São Paulo nas áreas da alimentação e nutrição e da saúde. Mais de 80% dos participantes concordaram fortemente ou concordaram com as seguintes afirmações: \"O material educativo digital é de fácil manuseio\"; \"A utilização desse tipo de recurso tem vantagens sobre textos\"; \"O material educativo digital trouxe conhecimentos novos sobre Nutrigenômica\"; \"Os conceitos estão expostos de forma clara\"; \"Meus conhecimentos anteriores foram suficientes para aprender com o material educativo digital\"; \"Os textos estão redigidos com clareza\"; \"As animações auxiliam a compreender os fenômenos exibidos\"; \"Aprendi bastante sobre os fundamentos da nutrigenômica com o material educativo digital\". Conclui-se que o material educativo digital \"Fundamentos da nutrigenômica\" representa ferramenta útil para divulgação científica da nutrigenômica junto a profissionais da área da alimentação e nutrição e da saúde

Nutrigenomics represents recent scientific discipline that has emerged in the post-human genome era, with focus on gene - nutrient interaction. Professionals with university education working in the field of food and nutrition and health report having difficulties in understanding the principles of this discipline. Digital resources such as animations represent interesting tools for the teaching and learning of nutrigenomics. Thus the objective of this study was to develop digital learning material entitled \"Fundamentals of Nutrigenomics\", based on the animations \"Modulation of gene expression by nutrients and bioactive food compounds\" and \"Nutrigenomics and risk reduction of cancer,\" for scientific dissemination of nutrigenomics for professionals in the food and nutrition and health areas. To develop the digital learning material, we used the scheme that is comprised by the following steps: analysis and planning, modeling, implementation, evaluation and maintenance. The animations were produced with the PowerPoint 2007 and EM Video Converter softwares. We evaluated the digital educational materials through a questionnaire provided to 20 professionals (nutritionists, pharmacists, food engineers, biologists, chemist, dentist and zootechnist) registered or not in Graduate Programs from University of Sao Paulo in the areas of food and nutrition and health. Over 80% of participants strongly agreed or agreed with the following statements: \"The digital educational material is easy to handle\", \"The use of this resource type presents advantages over text\", \"The digital learning material brought new knowledge on Nutrigenomics\" , \"The concepts are clearly exposed\", \"My previous knowledge was sufficient to learn from the digital learning material\", \"The texts are written with clarity\", \"The animations help to understand the exhibited phenomena\", \"I learned a lot about nutrigenomics fundamentals with the digital learning materials\". We conclude that the digital learning material \"Fundamentals of Nutrigenomics\" represents a useful tool for scientific dissemination of nutrigenomics for professionals in the field of food and nutrition and health

Retrospective assessment of the treatment of sporotrichosis in cats and dogs using itraconazole / Retrospective assessment of the treatment of sporotrichosis in cats and dogs using itraconazole

Background: Cases of sporotrichosis in male and female cats and dogs of different ages with cutaneous sporotrichosis that were treated at the dermatology service of a teaching veterinary hospital and orally administered itraconazole (ITC) were retrospectively characterized by reviewing the clinical records corresponding to a 19-year period (1993-2011). The aim of the present study was to analyze regarding clinical cure, side effects, length of treatment and relapse using ITC in the treatment of cutaneous sporotrichosis in cats and dogs. Materials, Methods & Results: From the assessed case series, 20 animals were selected, of which 17 (85.0%) were cats and three (15.0%) were dogs; the animals were mostly males (80.0%) and of ill-defined breeds (75.0%). Cases of sporotrichosis in male and female cats and dogs of different ages that were treated at the dermatology service of a teaching veterinary hospital and orally administered ITC (10 mg/kg) once a day. The percentage of full remission of the treated cases, regardless of their clinical form, was 100%, and no systemic or tegumentary side effects were found in the assessed animals. The average duration of treatment was 3.4 months in cats and 11.3 months in dogs, whereas the maximum duration of treatment required to resolve the clinical condition in the assessed case series of cats and dogs was 16 months, regardless of the anim

Background: Cases of sporotrichosis in male and female cats and dogs of different ages with cutaneous sporotrichosis that were treated at the dermatology service of a teaching veterinary hospital and orally administered itraconazole (ITC) were retrospectively characterized by reviewing the clinical records corresponding to a 19-year period (1993-2011). The aim of the present study was to analyze regarding clinical cure, side effects, length of treatment and relapse using ITC in the treatment of cutaneous sporotrichosis in cats and dogs. Materials, Methods & Results: From the assessed case series, 20 animals were selected, of which 17 (85.0%) were cats and three (15.0%) were dogs; the animals were mostly males (80.0%) and of ill-defined breeds (75.0%). Cases of sporotrichosis in male and female cats and dogs of different ages that were treated at the dermatology service of a teaching veterinary hospital and orally administered ITC (10 mg/kg) once a day. The percentage of full remission of the treated cases, regardless of their clinical form, was 100%, and no systemic or tegumentary side effects were found in the assessed animals. The average duration of treatment was 3.4 months in cats and 11.3 months in dogs, whereas the maximum duration of treatment required to resolve the clinical condition in the assessed case series of cats and dogs was 16 months, regardless of the anim