Histopathological and inflammatory response in multiple organs of rats exposed to crack.

The aim of this study was to investigate histopathological and inflammatory response in liver and kidney of rats after crack exposure. For this purpose, a total of 32 male Wistar rats were distributed into four groups: (G1) and (G2): received 18 mg/kg of body weight (b.w) of crack cocaine, but Group G2 remained 72 h without exposure after the experimental period (5 days). Experimental group 3 (G3): received 36 mg/kg of body weight (b.w) of crack cocaine. Control Group (CTRL): received only the vehicle (DMSO) administered by intraperitoneal (i.p) route for 5 days. The results showed that crack cocaine induced histopathological changes in liver and kidney. Immunohistochemistry data revealed that G2 group showed a higher immunoexpression of Ki-67 in hepatic and renal tissues. Regarding inflammation, the results showed that all groups exposed to crack cocaine decreased the expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 in liver and kidney. In summary, our results showed that the subacute doses of crack cocaine used in this study had cytotoxic, and immunosuppressive effects in liver and kidney of rats, especially at 36 mg/kg dose. Since cellular death and inflammation participates in the multi-step process of chemical carcinogenesis, these data offer new insights into potential ways to understand the pathobiological mechanisms induced by crack cocaine in several tissues and organs.

Novel natural food colourant G8000 benefits LDL- and HDL-cholesterol in humans.

The aim of this study was to investigate the phenolic composition of a natural food colourant (G8000™) as well as its effects on plasma markers after 28-day consumption by healthy individuals at a dietary dose (70 g). Parameters of total cholesterol and its fractions, triglycerides and plasma enzymes biomarkers of muscle injury were measured. Major compounds identified in G8000™ by ESI-MS showed the presence of anthocyanins, organic acids, phenolic acids as well as monosaccharides. HDL levels significantly increased from 43 ± 10.2 mg/dL to 95 ± 16.9 mg/dL. LDL levels significantly decreased from 110 ± 40.9 mg/dL to 69 ± 39 mg/dL (p < 0.001). No significant statistical differences (p > 0.05) were observed for total cholesterol, triglycerides and VLDL. After the intake, plasma enzyme CK-MB decreased from 20 ± 12.1 U/L to 10 ± 1.9 U/L while LDH levels increased from 275 ± 124.4 U/L to 317 ± 114.7 U/L (p < 0.005). No significant differences were observed for CK levels. Taken together, dietary intake of natural colourant G8000™ was able to exert beneficial effects on atherosclerosis biomarkers.

Antioxidant activity of apple extract protects against rat tongue carcinogenesis induced by 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide.

Several studies have shown that apple (Malus sp.) has many components able to exert chemopreventive activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemopreventive potential of apple extract following medium-term oral carcinogenesis assay induced by 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO) by means of histopathological analysis and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes, such as CuZnSOD, MnSOD and catalase. A total of 30 male Wistar rats were distributed into five groups, as follows (n = 6 per group): Group 1 - negative control group (non-treated group); Group 2 - received 4NQO during 8 weeks in drinking water and treated with apple extract by gavage between the 1st and 4th weeks daily (initiation phase); Group 3 - received 4NQO for 8 weeks in drinking water and treated with apple extract by gavage between the 5th and 8th weeks daily (promotion phase); Group 4 - received apple extract by gavage for eight consecutive weeks only; and Group 5 - received 4NQO for 8 weeks in drinking water daily. Histopathological analysis revealed that apple extract protect oral lesions induced by 4NQO at initiation or promotion phase. Higher gene expression of CuZnSOD and MnSOD enzymes were noticed in groups treated with apple extract as well. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the apple extract is able to modulate medium-term oral carcinogenesis assay as a result of antioxidant activity.

Impact of 17ß-estradiol administration at the moment of timed-AI in Nelore cows with small dominant follicle or not showing estrus.

We aimed to evaluate the effects of administering estradiol (E-17ß) at the moment of timed-AI (TAI) on uterine gene expression, estrous expression rate (EER), and pregnancy rate (P/TAI) in Nelore cows with a small dominant follicle (DF) or not showing estrus at TAI. In Experiments 1 and 2 (Exp1, Exp2) cows were submitted to a P4/E-17ß-based protocol (day 0) for synchronization of ovulation. On day 7, devices were removed, cows received 1 mg E-17ß cypionate and 12.5 mg dinoprost. On day 9, cows with DF < 11.5 mm in diameter were split into different groups. In Exp1 (n = 16/group): Control (no treatment), E-2 (2 mg E-17ß) and E-4 (4 mg E-17ß). In Exp2: Control (n = 12); E-2 (n = 14); GnRH (0.1 mg gonadorelin acetate, n = 13); and E-2+GnRH (association of GnRH and E-17ß, n = 13). Between days 9 and 11, endometrial thickness (ET), time of ovulation detection, and EER were recorded. In Exp1, a uterine cytological sample was collected 4 h after treatment to evaluate the transcript expression of receptors for E-17ß (ESR1 and ESR2), oxytocin (OXTR), and P4 (PGR). In Experiment 3 (Exp3), 3829 suckled cows were submitted to a P4/E-17ß-based protocol for TAI. On day 9, devices were removed and cows received 1 mg E-17ß cypionate and 0.4 mg sodium cloprostenol. On day 11, TAI was performed and cows that did not demonstrate estrus received 0.1 mg gonadorelin acetate, and were allocated into two groups: GnRH (n = 368) and E-2+GnRH (2 mg E-17ß; n = 363). In Exp1, plasma E-17ß concentrations increased at 4 h after treatment in a dose-dependent manner but reduced at 12 h. The E-17ß-treated cows had greater transcript abundance for OXTR and lesser for ESR1 and ESR2, and the ET was reduced 12 h after treatment (P < 0.05). No significant difference (P > 0.1) was observed between the E-17ß doses in estrus or ovulation rate. In Exp2, the interval from treatment to ovulation was longer (P < 0.05) in the E-17ß group. GnRH-treated cows showed higher ovulation rates (89 vs. 35 %) compared to cows not treated with GnRH, as E-17ß-treated cows (P < 0.01) had a lower ovulation rate compared to those not receiving E-17ß (44 vs. 78 %). In Exp3, P/TAI was 55 % for cows in estrus. For those not showing estrus, no difference (P > 0.1) in P/TAI was observed between GnRH (34 %) and E-2+GnRH (31 %) groups. Cows with a DF ≥ 11 mm (n = 192) had a greater (P < 0.05) P/TAI (49 %) than those with DF < 11 mm (n = 377; 29 %). In conclusion, E-17ß administration in the moment of TAI modulates the mRNA expression of uterine receptors in cows with a small DF but does not impact the P/TAI compared with GnRH treatment in suckled Nelore not showing estrus previous to TAI.

Implications of ketogenic diet on weight gain, motor activity and cicatrization in Wistar rats.

The ketogenic diet (KD) was initially developed for the treatment of pharmacoresistant epilepsy and a possible alternative for the obesity treatment, dyslipidemia, resistance to insulin, and nonalcoholic steatosis. However, few studies evaluate the diet effects in rats behavior or cicatrization. The objective of this work was to analyze the influence of the ketogenic diet on the weight gain, emotional behavior of the rats submitted to experimental models such as elevated plus maze (EPM) and open field (OF). The cicatrization time and leukocyte differentiations were also observed. Twenty male Wistar rats of two months age were divided into two groups. One was submitted to ketogenic diet (KD), and the control group (Co) was fed on commercial rations. After 7 days, the animals were weighed and submitted to EPM and OF. A small surgical incision was made and their blood was collected to a leukocyte count. It was verified that the rats from the KD presented less weight gain as compared with the rats from the Co (p < 0.05). The KD did not reveal differences on the behavior measures in the EPM model, but in the OF presented an ambulatory activity significantly bigger. The animals from the KD presented a cicatrization significantly better than Co after 72 h (p = 0.0035) and 96 h (p < 0.1). There was no difference between the groups for leukocyte count. Our results suggest that the KD can interfere on rats deambulation in animal models and improve the cicatrization response.

The role of fluoride on the process of titanium corrosion in oral cavity.

Titanium is known to possess excellent biocompatibility as a result of corrosion resistance, lack of allergenicity when compared with many other metals. Fluoride is well known as a specific and effective caries prophylactic agent and its systemic application has been recommended widely over recent decades. Nevertheless, high fluoride concentrations impair the corrosion resistance of titanium. The purpose of this article is to summarize the current data regarding the influence of fluoride on titanium corrosion process in the last 5 years. These data demonstrate noxious effects induced by high fluoride concentration as well as low pH in the oral cavity. Therefore, such conditions should be considered when prophylactic actions are administrated in patients containing titanium implants or other dental devices.

Administration of PGF2α at the moment of timed-AI using sex-sorted or conventional semen in suckled nelore cows with different intensity of estrus behavior.

The aim of this work was to evaluate pregnancy rates (PR) and ovulatory characteristics of Nelore cows receiving PGF2α at the time of AI (artificial insemination) in a progesterone(P4)/estradiol-based timed-AI protocol. We also compared the effects of PGF2α treatment at AI in cows inseminated with conventional or sex-sorted semen, with the absence or expression of estrus. In experiment 1, a total of 701 suckled, multiparous Nelore cows from two commercial beef farms were submitted to the same protocol. All cows received a 12.5 mg (IM) injection of dinoprost tromethamine (Dinoprost; Lutalyse®; PGF treatment) at days 7 and 9 of a timed-AI protocol. Following P4 device removal (day 11; D11), AI was performed 48 h later with conventional or sex-sorted semen from two different sires. At AI, cows received an additional dose of 12.5 mg (IM) of Dinoprost (PGF treatment) or 2.5 mL (IM) of sterile saline (Control). Estrus behavior was determined at D11 by activation of an estrus detection device (Estrotect®). The overall PR was 32.8% (n = 348) at Farm 1 and 42.3% (n = 353) at Farm 2 (P = 0.01). Despite PR differences between farms, the same factors affected PR at Farms 1 and 2. Body condition score (P = 0.02), estrus behavior (P = 0.01), and type of semen (P < 0.001) were factors affecting PR. Conventional semen had a 2.73x greater chance of successful pregnancy than sex-sorted semen. Cows displaying estrus had a 2.5x greater chance of successful pregnancy than cows that did not display estrus. No treatment effect (P = 0.67) was detected in cows receiving conventional or sex-sorted semen. However, there was a tendency (P = 0.08) for an interaction between treatment (PGF or control) and estrus behavior (estrus or no estrus). PGF2α at the time of AI tended to increase PR of cows that did not display estrus (P < 0.10). In experiment 2, 29 suckled, multiparous Nelore cows were compared using B-mode and Doppler ultrasongraphy to assess the ovulatory characteristics of cows receiving the 12.5 mg (IM) injection of Dinoprost (PGF treatment) or saline solution (control) at D11. No significant effects of PGF2α treatment at D11 were observed in follicular characteristics and/or ovulation performance. It was concluded that fertility of sex-sorted semen was lower than conventional semen, regardless of the PGF2α treatment. The 12.5 mg treatment of Dinoprost at AI did not accelerate the occurrence of ovulation; however, it was interesting to note that PGF2α treatment at timed-AI appeared to increase the fertility of cows that did not display estrus, independent of semen type.

Genomic Instability in Peripheral Blood and Buccal Mucosal Cells of Marijuana Smokers: The Impact of Tobacco Smoke.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate cytotoxic, mutagenic and genotoxic effects on buccal mucosa and peripheral blood cells from marijuana and tobacco smokers. METHODS: For this purpose, a total of 45 volunteers were distributed into four groups: CTRL group (control): individuals who did not smoke marijuana or tobacco (n = 11); Group M: Marijuana smokers (n = 13); Group T: Tobacco smokers (n = 13); Group M + T: Smokers of both marijuana and tobacco (n = 08). RESULTS: Smokers of both marijuana and tobacco led an increase of micronucleated cells on buccal mucosa when compared to control group. The occurrence of karyolysis showed significant changes in this group as well. The comet assay data revealed genetic damage in peripheral blood cells for all groups of smokers. CONCLUSION: In summary, our results showed that marijuana and /or tobacco are able to induce genetic damage and cytotoxicity in oral and peripheral blood cells.

Sire contribution to pregnancy loss and pregnancy-associated glycoprotein production in Nelore cows.

Pregnancy loss is a major contributing factor to reproductive inefficiency in both the beef and dairy industries. Sires can have a significant influence on the amount of pregnancy loss; however, this relationship is still poorly investigated. The primary objective of this study was to identify sires associated with high or low incidence of pregnancy loss (between d 30 and 100 of gestation) and investigate their effect on concentration of circulating pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs). Postpartum multiparous Nelore cows were inseminated artificially at a fixed time (FTAI, d 0) after synchronization of ovulation. A total of 736 cows were assigned randomly to be inseminated with semen from either of 6 Angus sires, whereas a separate subset of 492 cows were inseminated randomly with semen from either of 3 Nelore (n = 235) or either of 2 Angus sires (n = 257). Estrus expression was evaluated on d 0 using Estrotect Heat Detector patches. Blood samples were collected on d 30 of gestation for quantification of PAGs and pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasound on d 30 and 100 after FTAI. Cows diagnosed pregnant at the first examination but not pregnant at the second were defined to have pregnancy loss. Overall pregnancy rate at d 30 was 54% (660/1,228) and pregnancy loss was 6.21% (41/660). Cows receiving semen from Nelore sires had greater (P < 0.001) pregnancy rate, greater (P = 0.014) pregnancy loss, and lesser (P = 0.002) PAG concentrations at d 30 of gestation compared with cows receiving Angus semen. Circulating PAG concentrations were lower (P = 0.008) in cows that had pregnancy loss (9.76 ± 0.25 vs. 7.41 ± 1.02 ng/mL). Angus sires were retrospectively classified according to percentage of pregnancy loss as either high pregnancy loss (mean of 7.25% or 67% of total) or low pregnancy loss (mean of 3.93% or 33% of total). Cows receiving semen from high pregnancy loss sires had 1.9 times greater (P = 0.123) rate of pregnancy loss and had lower (P = 0.059) PAG concentrations at d 30 of gestation compared with cows mated to low pregnancy loss sires. In summary, PAG concentrations reflected probability of pregnancy maintenance and were influenced by both sire and sire breed used at FTAI. Variation in the incidence of pregnancy loss was detected among sires that could not be predicted with standard semen fertility evaluations. Exploring the relationship of sire and PAG production might be promising to improve sire selection with regard to pregnancy loss.

The value of percutaneous transhepatic treatment of biliary strictures following pediatric liver transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the percutaneous transhepatic approach to the treatment of biliary strictures in pediatric patients undergoing liver transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of data obtained from the medical records, laboratory reports, and imaging examination reports of pediatric liver transplant recipients who underwent percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography, because of clinical suspicion of biliary strictures, between 1st September 2012 and 31 May 2015. Data were collected for 12 patients, 7 of whom were found to have biliary strictures. RESULTS: In the 7 patients with biliary strictures, a total of 21 procedures were carried out: 2 patients (28.6%) underwent the procedure twice; 3 (42.8%) underwent the procedure three times; and 2 (28.6%) underwent the procedure four times. Therefore, the mean number of procedures per patient was 3 (range, 2-4), and the average interval between them was 2.9 months (range, 0.8-9.1 months). The drainage tube remained in place for a mean of 5.8 months (range, 3.1-12.6 months). One patient presented with a major complication, hemobilia, which was treated with endovascular embolization. Clinical success was achieved in all 7 patients, and the mean follow-up after drain removal was 15.4 months (range, 5.3-26.7 months). CONCLUSION: The percutaneous transhepatic approach to treating biliary strictures in pediatric liver transplant recipients proved safe, with high rates of technical and clinical success, as well as a low rate of complications.

OBJETIVO: Demonstrar o valor da abordagem transparieto-hepática no tratamento de estenoses biliares em pacientes pediátricos submetidos a transplante de fígado. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo com revisão de prontuários, exames laboratoriais e de imagem dos pacientes pediá­tricos submetidos a transplante hepático. Foram incluídos pacientes com suspeita de estenose de vias biliares que realizaram colangiografia transparieto-hepática para diagnóstico, entre 1º de setembro de 2012 e 31 maio de 2015. Os dados de 12 pacientes foram coletados, dos quais 7 apresentaram estenose de vias biliares. RESULTADOS: No total foram realizados 21 procedimentos: 2 pacientes realizaram dois procedimentos (28,6%), 3 pacientes realizaram três procedimentos (42,8%) e 2 pacientes realizaram quatro procedimentos (28,6%). A média de procedimentos por paciente foi 3 (variação: 2­4) e o intervalo médio entre os procedimentos foi 2,9 meses (variação: 0,8­9,1 meses). A permanência média do dreno foi 5,8 meses (variação: 3,1­12,6 meses). Uma paciente apresentou hemobilia com instabilidade hemodinâmica, tratada com sucesso por via endovascular. O sucesso clínico foi alcançado nos 7 pacientes e o seguimento médio após retirada do dreno foi 15,4 meses (variação: 5,3­26,7 meses). CONCLUSÃO: A abordagem transparieto-hepática das estenoses biliares em crianças submetidas a transplante de fígado demonstrou ser tratamento eficaz, com baixo índice de complicações.

Purple carrot extract protects against cadmium intoxication in multiple organs of rats: Genotoxicity, oxidative stress and tissue morphology analyses.

The aim of this study was to investigate if purple carrot extract is able to protect against the noxious activities induced by cadmium exposure in multiple organs of rats. For this purpose, histopathological analysis, genotoxicity and oxidative status were investigated in this setting. A total of twenty Wistar rats weighing 250g on the average, and 8 weeks age were distributed into four groups (n=5), as follows: Control group (non-treated group, CTRL); Cadmium group (Cd) and Purple carrot extract groups at 400mg/L or 800mg/L. Histopathological analysis revealed that liver from animals treated with purple carrot extract improved tissue degeneration induced by cadmium intoxication. Genetic damage was reduced in blood and hepatocytes as depicted by comet and micronucleus assays in animals treated with purple carrot extract. SOD-CuZn and cytocrome C gene expression increased in groups treated with purple carrot extract. Purple carrot extract also reduced the 8OHdG levels in liver cells when compared to cadmium group. Taken together, our results demonstrate that purple carrot extract is able to protect against cadmium intoxication by means of reducing tissue regeneration, genotoxicity and oxidative stress in multiple organs of Wistar rats.

Polyphenols: a nutraceutical approach against diseases.

Polyphenols are abundant in red grapes and in their derived products, amongst other natural food sources. These compounds are associated with the prevention of diseases caused by oxidative stress. The present review discusses the action of grape polyphenols against diseases and the new polyphenol-rich products developed to be used as nutraceuticals. Grape polyphenols demonstrated effects such as maintenance of endothelial function, increase in antioxidant capacity and protection against LDL oxidation. Recent patents regarding polyphenols show a tendency to use a right-on-target approach and the new patented products are aiming at preventing and treating specific diseases.

Assessment of in vitro sperm characteristics and their importance in the prediction of conception rate in a bovine timed-AI program.

The aims of this study were to assess in vivo fertility and in vitro sperm characteristics of different sires and to identify sperm variables important for the prediction of conception rate. Multiparous Nelore cows (n = 191) from a commercial farm underwent the same timed artificial insemination (timed-AI) protocol. Three batches of frozen semen from three Angus bulls were used (n = 9). A routine semen thawing protocol was performed in the laboratory to mimic field conditions. The following in vitro sperm analyses were performed: Computer Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA), Thermal Resistance Test (TRT), Hyposmotic Swelling Test (HOST), assessment of plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity, assessment of sperm plasma membrane stability and of lipid peroxidation by flow cytometry and assessment of sperm morphometry and chromatin structure by Toluidine Blue staining. For statistical analyses, Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression was used to explore the importance of various sperm variables in the prediction of conception rate. The following in vitro sperm variables were determined to be important predictors of conception rate: total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM), TM after 2 h of thermal incubation (TM_2 h), PM after 2 h of thermal incubation (PM_2 h), Beat Cross Frequency after 2 h of thermal incubation (BCF_2 h), percentage of rapidly moving cells after 2 h of thermal incubation (RAP_2 h), intact plasma membrane evaluated by HOST, intact plasma and acrosomal membranes evaluated by flow cytometry, intact plasma membrane suffering lipid peroxidation, major defects, total defects, morphometric width/length ratio, Fourier_0 and Fourier_2 and Chromatin Heterogeneity. We concluded that PLS regression is a suitable statistical method to identify in vitro sperm characteristics that have an important relationship with in vivo bull fertility.

The value of percutaneous transhepatic treatment of biliary strictures following pediatric liver transplantation / O valor do tratamento das estenoses biliares por via transparietal pós-transplante hepático pediátrico

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the percutaneous transhepatic approach to the treatment of biliary strictures in pediatric patients undergoing liver transplantation. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of data obtained from the medical records, laboratory reports, and imaging examination reports of pediatric liver transplant recipients who underwent percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography, because of clinical suspicion of biliary strictures, between 1st September 2012 and 31 May 2015. Data were collected for 12 patients, 7 of whom were found to have biliary strictures. Results: In the 7 patients with biliary strictures, a total of 21 procedures were carried out: 2 patients (28.6%) underwent the procedure twice; 3 (42.8%) underwent the procedure three times; and 2 (28.6%) underwent the procedure four times. Therefore, the mean number of procedures per patient was 3 (range, 2-4), and the average interval between them was 2.9 months (range, 0.8-9.1 months). The drainage tube remained in place for a mean of 5.8 months (range, 3.1-12.6 months). One patient presented with a major complication, hemobilia, which was treated with endovascular embolization. Clinical success was achieved in all 7 patients, and the mean follow-up after drain removal was 15.4 months (range, 5.3-26.7 months). Conclusion: The percutaneous transhepatic approach to treating biliary strictures in pediatric liver transplant recipients proved safe, with high rates of technical and clinical success, as well as a low rate of complications.

Resumo Objetivo: Demonstrar o valor da abordagem transparieto-hepática no tratamento de estenoses biliares em pacientes pediátricos submetidos a transplante de fígado. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo com revisão de prontuários, exames laboratoriais e de imagem dos pacientes pediá­tricos submetidos a transplante hepático. Foram incluídos pacientes com suspeita de estenose de vias biliares que realizaram colangiografia transparieto-hepática para diagnóstico, entre 1º de setembro de 2012 e 31 maio de 2015. Os dados de 12 pacientes foram coletados, dos quais 7 apresentaram estenose de vias biliares. Resultados: No total foram realizados 21 procedimentos: 2 pacientes realizaram dois procedimentos (28,6%), 3 pacientes realizaram três procedimentos (42,8%) e 2 pacientes realizaram quatro procedimentos (28,6%). A média de procedimentos por paciente foi 3 (variação: 2-4) e o intervalo médio entre os procedimentos foi 2,9 meses (variação: 0,8-9,1 meses). A permanência média do dreno foi 5,8 meses (variação: 3,1-12,6 meses). Uma paciente apresentou hemobilia com instabilidade hemodinâmica, tratada com sucesso por via endovascular. O sucesso clínico foi alcançado nos 7 pacientes e o seguimento médio após retirada do dreno foi 15,4 meses (variação: 5,3-26,7 meses). Conclusão: A abordagem transparieto-hepática das estenoses biliares em crianças submetidas a transplante de fígado demonstrou ser tratamento eficaz, com baixo índice de complicações.

Origens e distribuição das artérias mesentéricas cranial e caudal em aves (Gallus gallus, Linnaeus 1758) da linhagem Arbor Acres / Origins and distributions of cranial and caudal mesenteric arteries in fowl (Gallus gallus, Linnaeus 1758) Arbor Acres lineage

As artérias mesentéricas são importantes vasos responsáveis pela nutrição de grande parte do aparelho digestório. Estudou-se as origens e distribuições das artérias mesentéricas cranial e caudal em 30 aves da linhagem Arbor Acres, com idades variando de 7 a 8 semanas. Após a injeção dos sistemas arteriais das aves, via artéria isquiática direita, com solução aquosa corada de Neoprene Látex 450 à 50 por cento e fixação em solução aquosa de formol à 10 por cento por no mínimo 48 horas, iniciou-se a dissecação, obtendo os seguintes resultados: a artéria mesentérica cranial emite as artérias ileocecal, 7 a 15 jejunais e de 2 a 7 ileais. A artéria mesentérica caudal emite um ramo cranial que envia de 5 a 9 ramos e outro caudal que emite de 2 a 5 ramos. O ramo cranial da artéria mesentérica caudal em todos os casos anastomosou-se com a artéria ileocecal. A maior parte do intestino delgado e cecos são irrigados pela artéria mesentérica cranial, enquanto que o reto e a cloaca são irrigados pela artéria mesentérica caudal. Esta artéria, pode também, emitir ramos à parte final do ceco.

Origem e distribuição da artéria celíaca em aves (Gallus gallus, Linnaeus 1758) da linhagem Arbor Acres / Origin and distribution of celiac artery in fowl (Gallus gallus, Linnaeus 1758) of Arbor Acres Lineage

Estudou-se em 30 exemplares de frangos de corte Gallus gallus da linhagem Arbor Acres, com aproximadamente 7 a 8 semanas de idade, a origem e distribuição da artéria celíaca. Foi injetada solução aquosa corada, a 50 por cento, de Neoprene látex 450, para marcar o sistema arterial dos exemplares, via artéria isquiática direita, sendo em seguida as aves fixadas em solução aquosa de formol a 10 por cento. Após as dissecações e análises dos resultados pode-se concluir que a artéria celíaca origina-se como primeiro ramo ventral da artéria aorta abdominal, e depois envia ramos para o esôfago, saco pericárdio, proventrículo, ventrículo, baço, fígado, vesícula biliar, duodeno, pâncreas, jejuno, íleo e cecos.

Prevalência de resíduos de antibióticos em amostras de leite cru na região do Triângulo Mineiro, MG / Prevalence of residues of antibiotics in samples of raw milk in the region of the Triângulo Mineiro, MG

A cadeia produtiva do leite no Brasil vem enfrentando mudanças rápidas e significativas nos últimos anos. Assim, a qualidade do leite tem recebido crescente atenção por parte dos vários segmentos do setor lácteo. O objetivo da presente pesquisa foi avaliar a qualidade do leite produzido na região do Triângulo Mineiro, observada pela Contagem de Células Somáticas (CCS) e pela presença de resíduos de antibióticos. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida em 21 fazendas, com diferentes tipos de ordenha: manual, mecânica circuito fechado e “balde ao pé”, com sete propriedades cada. As colheitas de leite foram realizadas em cada fazenda, durante a ordenha da tarde, aleatoriamente de 30 animais, na quantidade de 50ml e acondicionadas em frascos, com conservante e identificados com código de barras para cada animal, para análise de CCS. Cerca de 2 ml de leite de cada animal foi colhido para formar uma amostra composta, acondicionada em frasco, sem conservante, para análise de resíduo de antibiótico. O diagnóstico da qualidade do leite foi feito pelo aparelho SOMACOUNT 300*¹ (CCS) e pelo DELVOTEST (“kit” para detecção de resíduos de antibióticos (beta-lactâmicos) foi da ordem de 33,3 por cento, sendo todas essas amostras de leite com CCS acima de 750.000 células/ml. Observou-se que, das amostras que apresentaram resíduos de antibióticos, 23,8 por cento foram da ordenha circuito fechado; as amostras de leite da ordenha manual foram negativas.

Seleçäo de ratos ansiosos e näo ansiosos no labirinto em cruz elevado: avaliaçäo comportamental, farmacológica e neuroquímica / A plus maze selection of anxious and non-anxious rats: a behavioral, pharmacological and neurochemical avaliation

O labirinto em cruz elevado, apesar de ser um dos modelos experimentais mais usados para o estudo da ansiedade, apresenta uma série de problemas que afetam sua utilização, entre eles, a falta de efeito ansiolítico de drogas serotonérgicas usadas com sucesso na clínica. Uma possível explicação estaria no fato que as drogas testadas no modelo são administradas a uma população normal de animais, enquanto na clínica o efeito é observado em pacientes com quadros patológicos de ansiedade. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi promover uma seleção de ratos ansiosos e não ansiosos no labirinto em cruz elevado e verificar se essas populações selecionadas apresentavam características comportamentais e neuroquímicas diferentes que pudessem caracteriza-las como populações distintas. Foram selecionadas 2 populações de ratos, conforme o tempo de permanência dos mesmos nos braços abertos do labirinto: ansiosos e não ansiosos. Os resultados obtidos mostram que os animais ansiosos apresentaram significantemente menores índices de atividade motora do que os não ansiosos, tanto no modelo do labirinto em cruz elevado (medida pelo número total de entrada, e pelo número de entradas nos braços fechados) quanto no campo aberto (ambulação total e periférica e número de rearings). Em relação as medidas de emocionalidade, os ratos ansiosos mostraram maiores medidas de ansiedade, em relação aos ratos não ansiosos, também no campo aberto (avaliado pela ambulação periférica e tempo de freezing) e no teste de interação social. Também foi medida a concentração de 5-HT e 5-HIAA e tumover ([5-HT/5-HIAA]) no hipocampo e córtex pré frontal dos ratos ansiosos e não ansiosos e foi verificada uma diferença estatística no tumover do córtex pré frontal dos ratos ansiosos, o que sugere uma síntese aumentada de 5-HT no córtex pré frontal dos mesmos. Por fim, se verificou que o triptofano, na dose de 200 mg/kg, mostra efeito ansiolítico no labirinto em cruz elevado. Os resultados indicam uma participação do sistema serotonérgico na modulação da ansiedade. De um modo geral, os dados sugerem que a seleção de animais ansiosos e não ansiosos, pode ser uma importante ferramenta para o estudo da ansiedade