The use of outdoor gyms is associated with women and low-income people: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence, and the demographic, socio-economic, and health correlates to Outdoor Gyms (OGs) use for adults from a southern Brazilian city. STUDY DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional study. METHODS: A total of 431 adults (66.8% women) aged 18-87 years living in the surroundings of four OGs distributed in different regions of the city were randomly selected. Information about OG use for physical activity (PA) practice, and demographic, socio-economic, and health variables were collected by household interviews. Associations between independent variables and OG use were analyzed with results expressed as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). RESULTS: About one-third of participants (30.4%; 95% CI: 26.1-34.7) informed using OGs for PA practice, and 20.4% (95% CI 16.8-24.4) informed using it twice or more times a week (≥2x/week). Adjusted analysis indicated that the OG use ≥2x/week is higher for women (OR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.11-3.35) and for those with lower family income (OR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.03-4.13) than men and those with higher family income, respectively. CONCLUSION: About 30% of the population uses OGs for PA practice. Women and low-income people are those who more commonly use OGs for PA practice. The installation of these facilities in public spaces may reduce social inequities related to leisure-time PA.

Intake, digestibility, ingestive behavior, production, and composition of goat milk supplemented with detoxified castor bean meal added urea as a replacement of soybean meal.

This study evaluated the castor bean meal detoxified with calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] added urea replacing soybean meal in the diet of lactating goats from milk production and composition, intake, digestibility, and ingestive behavior. Eight Alpine multiparous goats weighting 44.3 ± 5.3 kg and at approximately 60 days of lactation were confined and randomly distributed in 4 × 4 double Latin squares, with four inclusion levels of detoxified castor meal: control (0), 25, 50, and 75 g/kg dry matter (DM) total. Detoxified castor bean meal replacing soybean meal (P > 0.05) in goats diet did not affect intake and digestibility of DM, crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), total carbohydrates, non-fibrous carbohydrates and total digestible nutrients, times spent for eating, and efficiency ratios of rumination and eating. However, the times spent for rumination and idling showed a quadratic trend decrease (P < 0.01) from the level of 50.0-g/kg DM. The milk production, and the milk production correction showed a quadratic trend increase and feeding efficiency a quadratic decrease (P = 0.03) due inclusion of detoxified castor bean meal replacing soybean meal up to the level of 25.0 g/kg. The fat, protein, lactose, total solids, nonfat solids, and milk urea nitrogen content (g/day) presented a quadratic increase (P < 0.05) by detoxified castor meal inclusion. Detoxified castor bean meal added urea in the Alpine goats diet could be included up to the 25.0 g/kg level replacing soybean meal in the diet because improve milk production and composition and feeding efficiency of goats without negatively effect on intake, digestibility and ingestive behavior.

Effect of ultrasonic activation on the reduction of bacteria and endotoxins in root canals: a randomized clinical trial.

AIM: This randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of ultrasonic activation with that of nonactivated irrigation on the removal of bacteria and endotoxin from root canals. METHODOLOGY: Fifty patients with necrotic pulps and asymptomatic apical periodontitis were randomly allocated into two groups according to the final irrigation protocol after root canal preparation: Group UI - ultrasonic irrigation (n = 25) and Group NI - needle irrigation (n = 25). The root canals were medicated with calcium hydroxide for 14 days. Microbiological sampling was performed before (S1) and after the root canal preparation (S2), after the irrigation protocols (S3) and after the removal of the intracanal medication (S4). Total bacteria counts were determined by qPCR and the endotoxin levels by the limulus amebocyte lysate assay. Intragroup analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon test for related samples, whereas intergroup analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney U-test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: All S1 samples were positive for bacteria, with median numbers of 1.49 × 106 and 8.55 × 105 bacterial cells for the UI and NI groups, respectively. This number significantly decreased in S2 samples (UI: 1.41 × 104 ; NI: 3.53 × 104 ; both with P < 0.001). After final irrigation protocols, there was a significant decrease in bacterial load from S2 to S3 samples in both groups (UI: 4.29 × 103 ; NI: 1.08 × 104 ; P < 0.01). Intergroup analysis revealed a significant difference between irrigation methods regarding bacterial counts in S3 samples (P < 0.05). In contrast, no significant differences were observed between groups for endotoxin levels (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonic activation was more effective than nonactivated irrigation for reducing the number of bacteria but not the endotoxin levels in root canals of teeth with apical periodontitis.

Efficacy of a high free iodine barrier teat disinfectant for the prevention of naturally occurring new intramammary infections and clinical mastitis in dairy cows.

Using a natural exposure trial design, the goal of our study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of an iodine teat disinfectant with barrier properties and a high level of free iodine relative to a conventional iodine teat disinfectant with no barrier properties and low levels of free iodine. During the 18 wk of the trial, quarter milk samples were collected every 2 wk from 385 dairy cows from 2 herds. Cows on both farms were assigned in a balanced way according to milk yield, number of lactation, days in milk, somatic cell count (SCC) and microbiology culture pretrial into one of following groups: nonbarrier post milking teat disinfectant (NBAR; n = 195 cows; 747 quarters) or barrier postmilking teat disinfectant (BAR; n = 190 cows; 728 quarters). Afterward, at each scoring date every 2 wk, milk SCC was quantified in samples from all mammary quarters and microbiologic culture was only performed on milk samples with SCC >200,000 cells/mL for multiparous cows and SCC >100,000 cells/mL for primiparous cows. A new intramammary infection (NIMI) was defined when a quarter had milk SCC <200,000 cells/mL for multiparous cows and <100,000 cells/mL for primiparous without microorganism isolation, and in a subsequent sampling visit had milk SCC >200,000 cells/mL for multiparous cows and >100,000 cells/mL for primiparous cows, and positive microorganism isolation. A quarter could have several NIMI, but only 1 case per specific pathogen was considered. The most frequently isolated microorganism group on both farms was Streptococcus spp. (6.25% of total mammary quarters), followed by coagulase-negative staphylococci (3.6%) and Corynebacterium spp. (1.5%). In the present study, an interaction occurred between treatment and week of trial on the incidence risk of NIMI. Quarters disinfected with BAR had 54 and 37% lower odds of NIMI than quarters disinfected with NBAR at 8 and 16 wk of the trial, respectively; whereas at other weeks of the study both products had similar incidence risks of NIMI. Overall, teats disinfected with BAR had 46% lower odds of acquiring a clinical mastitis than those disinfected with NBAR. We concluded that the postmilking teat disinfectant with barrier properties and higher free iodine content reduced the risk of clinical mastitis, although differences in new infections were detected at only weekly time points.

Evaluating the Impact of Ultrasonic Irrigation on Bacterial Levels and Activity Following Chemomechanical Procedures.

AIM: This single-arm interventional trial aimed to investigate the efficacy of ultrasonic irrigation as a supplementary disinfection approach after chemomechanical procedures using molecular techniques based on ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and rRNA genes (referred to as DNA). METHODOLOGY: Samples were collected from 35 single-rooted teeth with radiographic evidence of apical periodontitis. Samples were taken after gaining root canal access (S1), chemomechanical procedures (CMP, S2), and ultrasonic irrigation (S3). DNA-targeted qPCR using universal primers was used to estimate total bacterial levels, while rRNA-targeted qPCR was used to assess bacterial activity. Ratios between rRNA and DNA levels were calculated to search for active bacteria in the samples (rRNA/ DNA ≥ 1). Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test was used to compare the differences in DNA levels between samples and DNA and rRNA levels within samples (P <.05). RESULTS: DNA-based methods revealed a significant decrease in bacterial levels from S1 to S2 and S2 to S3 (both P <.05). Notably, 11 out of 35 (31.4%) root canals did not harbor bacterial DNA after CMP, whereas ultrasonic activation increased DNA-negative samples to 17 (48.6%). However, all DNA-positive samples were also positive for rRNA, with significantly higher rRNA than DNA levels (P <.05), indicating bacterial activity at the sampling time. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonic irrigation improved the disinfection of root canals after chemomechanical procedures by reducing bacterial levels. However, persisting bacteria remained active in the root canals after CMP and ultrasonic irrigation.

Characterization of microsatellite markers in the coding regions of the Penaeus vannamei genome.

In this study, an extensive analysis of microsatellite markers (Single Tandem Repeats-STRs) in Penaeus vannamei was conducted at an advanced level. The markers were thoroughly examined, characterized, and specific markers located within coding regions were identified. Out of a total of 306 STRs, 117 were classified as perfect markers based on their single repeat motif. Among these perfect markers, 62 were found to be associated with predicted coding genes (mRNA), which were involved in various functions such as binding, catalytic activity, ATP-dependent activity, transcription, structural and molecular regulation. To validate the accuracy of the findings, a sample of nine markers was subjected to in vitro testing, which confirmed the presence of polymorphisms within the population. These results suggest the existence of different protein isoforms within the population, indicating the potential of these markers for application in both population and phenotype-genotype association studies. This innovative approach opens up new possibilities for investigating the impact of genomic plasticity in populations of P. vannamei.

Excretion of Brucella abortus vaccine B19 strain during a reproductive cycle in dairy cows.

This paper aimed to determine the excretion period of B19 vaccine strain during a complete reproductive cycle (from estrus synchronization, artificial insemination, pregnancy and until 30 days after parturition) of dairy cows from 3 to 9 years old that were previously vaccinated from 3 to 8 months. Three groups were monitored with monthly milk and urine collection during 12 months: G1 with seven cows from 3 to 4 years old; G2 with three cows from 5 to 6 years old; and G3 with four cows from 7 to 9 years old. Urine and milk samples were submitted to bacteriological culture and urine and PCR reactions for detection of Brucella spp. and PCR-multiplex for B19 strain identification. Ring test (RT) was also performed in the milk samples, and serum samples were tested by buffered acidified plate antigen test (BAPA). All animals were serologically negative at BAPA and Brucella spp. was not isolated from both urine and milk samples. RT revealed 13/210 (6.2%) positive milk samples. PCR reactions detected DNA of Brucella spp. in 86/420 (20.5%) samples. In urine it was found a significantly higher frequency (35.2%; 74/210) than in milk (5.7%; 12/210), more frequently from the estrus to 150 days of pregnancy and after parturition (6.7%; 10/150), and from 150 days of pregnancy to parturition (3.4%; 2/60), and they were all identified as B19 strain. In three groups, intermittent excretion of B19 strain was detected mainly in urine samples, which confirmed its multiplication and persistence in cows for until 9 years.

Analysis of genotypic variation in genes associated with virulence in Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans clinical isolates.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Although certain serotypes of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans are associated more with aggressive periodontitis than are other serotypes, the correlation between distinct lineages and virulence traits in this species is poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the polymorphism of genes encoding putative virulence factors of clinical isolates, and to correlate these findings with A. actinomycetemcomitans serotypes, genotypes and periodontal status of the hosts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-six clinical isolates from diverse geographic populations with different periodontal conditions were evaluated. Genotyping was performed using pulse-field gel electrophoresis. Polymorphisms in the genes encoding leukotoxin, Aae, ApaH and determinants for serotype-specific O polysaccharide were investigated. RESULTS: The isolates were classified into serotypes a-f, and exhibited three apaH genotypes, five aae alleles and 25 macrorestriction profiles. Two serotype b isolates (7.7%), obtained from Brazilian patients with aggressive periodontitis, were associated with the highly leukotoxic genotype; these isolates showed identical fingerprint patterns and aae and apaH genotypes. Serotype c, obtained from various periodontal conditions, was the most prevalent among Brazilian isolates, and isolates were distributed in two aae alleles, but formed a genetically distinct group based on apaH analysis. Cluster analysis showed a close relationship between fingerprinting genotypes and serotypes/apaH genotypes, but not with aae genotypes. CONCLUSION: Apart from the deletion in the ltx promoter region, no disease-associated markers were identified. Non-JP2-like strains recovered from individuals with periodontal disease exhibited considerable genetic variation regarding aae/apaH genotypes, serotypes and XhoI DNA fingerprints.

HIV-1 vertical transmission in Rio Grande, Southern Brazil.

The aim of this study was to determine the rate and risk factors of HIV-1 mother-to-child transmission (MTCT), the timing of transmission and the transmitted subtype in a population where subtypes B and C co-circulate. One hundred and forty-four babies born to HIV-1-infected mothers were studied. Subtype and timing of transmission were determined by a nested polymerase chain reaction of the gp41 gene. Seven children were infected (4.9%): four were infected intrautero and one intrapartum. The higher frequency of intrautero transmission was statistically significant (P = 0.001). Use of antiretrovirals (ARVs) in the three stages of gestation was a protective risk factor for MTCT (PR = 0.42; CI: 0.21-0.83; P = 0.013). A higher HIV viral load at delivery was the only independent risk factor for MTCT. Early and universal access to ARVs during pregnancy are the most important measures to decrease vertical HIV-1 transmission even in areas where HIV clade distribution differs.

Insulin and glucose sensitivity, insulin secretion and beta-cell distribution in endocrine pancreas of the fruit bat Artibeus lituratus.

The fruit bat Artibeus lituratus absorbs large amounts of glucose in short periods of time and maintains normoglycemia even after a prolonged starvation period. Based on these data, we aimed to investigate various aspects related with glucose homeostasis analyzing: blood glucose and insulin levels, intraperitoneal glucose and insulin tolerance tests (ipGTT and ipITT), glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (2.8, 5.6 or 8.3 mmol/L glucose) in pancreas fragments, cellular distribution of beta cells, and the amount of pAkt/Akt in the pectoral muscle and liver. Blood glucose levels were higher in fed bats (6.88+/-0.5 mmol/L) than fasted bats (4.0+/-0.8 mmol/L), whereas insulin levels were similar in both conditions. The values of the area-under-the curve obtained from ipGTT were significantly higher when bats received 2 (5.5-fold) or 3g/kg glucose (7.5-fold) b.w compared to control (saline). These bats also exhibited a significant decrease of blood glucose values after insulin administration during the ipITT. Insulin secretion from fragments of pancreas under physiological concentrations of glucose (5.6 or 8.3 mmol/L) was similar but higher than in 2.8 mmol/L glucose 1.8- and 2.0-fold, respectively. These bats showed a marked beta-cell distribution along the pancreas, and the pancreatic beta cells are not exclusively located at the central part of the islet. The insulin-induced Akt phosphorylation was more pronounced in the pectoral muscle, compared to liver. The high sensitivity to glucose and insulin, the proper insulin response to glucose, and the presence of an apparent large beta-cell population could represent benefits for the management of high influx of glucose from a carbohydrate-rich meal, which permits appropriate glucose utilization.

Thickness of dentine in mesial roots of mandibular molars with different lengths.

AIM: To measure the minimum thickness of the distal (furcal) root dentine associated with the buccal and lingual canals of the mesial roots of mandibular first molars with different lengths. METHODOLOGY: The mesial roots of 285 mandibular first molars were allocated into three groups according to their length: group I - long (24.14 mm +/- 0.85), group II - medium (22.10 mm +/- 0.65) and group III - short (19.97 mm +/- 0.75). The minimum thickness of the distal (furcal) root dentine associated with the buccal and lingual canals of the mesial roots 2 mm below the furcation was measured. The distance between the buccal and lingual canals, and the depth of concavity in the distal surface of the mesial roots were also measured. anova and Tukey-Kramer were used to test for significant differences among the groups. RESULTS: The minimum thickness of the distal wall of the mesiobuccal canal was significantly different (P < 0.05) between group I (long) and III (short), with long teeth having the smallest mean values. No significant difference was found in the thickness of the distal wall of the mesiolingual canal among the groups studied (P > 0.05). The shortest distance between the mesiobuccal and the mesiolingual canals was observed in group III (P < 0.05). The distal (furcal) concavity was deeper in group I (P < 0.05) when compared with the other groups. CONCLUSION: There was a significant difference in the minimum thickness of the distal (furcal) root wall of the mesiobuccal canal of mandibular first molars 2 mm below the furcation between group I (long) and group III (short) teeth. The thinnest walls were found in the longest teeth. The deepest concavities in the distal (furcal) walls of the mesial roots were found in the longest roots.

The calcium sensing receptor modulates H+-ATPase activity in intercalated cells.

Previous studies found that calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) it's expressed in intercalated cells of the collecting duct and that its activation by calcium in the luminal membrane promotes acidification of urine. Therefore, the aim of the study was to analyze the effects of CaSR stimulus on the biochemical activity of the vacuolar H+-ATPase in a cellular model of intercalated cells, MDCK-C11 cells. Biochemical activity of H+-ATPase was performed using cell homogenates and the inorganic phosphate released was determined by a colorimetric method. Changes in cytosolic ionized calcium ([Ca2+]i) were also determined using Fluo-4. A significant increase of vacuolar H+-ATPase activity was observed when the CaSR was stimulated with agonists such as Gd3+ (300 µM), neomycin (200 µM) and by the calcimimetic R-568 (1 µM). This activity was also stimulated in a dose-dependent fashion by changes in extracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]o) between 10-2 and 2 mM. The calciolytic NPS 2143 (150 nM) significantly reduced the vacuolar H+-ATPase activity observed with 2 mM [Ca2+]o. Inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) activity with U73122 (5 x 10-7 M) reversed the increase in pump activity observed in the presence of Gd3+. Activation of CaSR by the specific CaSR agonist R-568 produced a sustained rise of [Ca2+]i, an effect that disappears when extracellular calcium was removed in the presence of thapsigargin. In summary, CaSR stimulation induces an increase in the vacuolar H+-ATPase activity of MDCK-C11 cells, an effect that involves an increase in [Ca2+]i and require PLC activity. The consequent decrease in intratubular pH could lead to increase ionization of luminal calcium, potentially reducing the formation of calcium phosphate stones.

Reproducibility of respiratory mechanics measurements in patients on invasive mechanical ventilation. / Reprodutibilidade das mensurações da mecânica respiratória em pacientes sob ventilação mecânica invasiva.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the intra- and interexaminer reproducibility of measurements of the resistance and static and dynamic compliance of the respiratory system in patients on mechanical ventilation. METHODS: This was an analytical study conducted with individuals aged ≥ 18 years who were on invasive mechanical ventilation and had no clinical diagnosis of respiratory system disease and/or chest abnormality. Three measurements of respiratory mechanics were performed with a 1-minute interval between them. The first and third measurements were performed by examiner A, the second by examiner B. The values for the resistance and static and dynamic compliance of the respiratory system were compared using the intraclass correlation coefficient. RESULTS: A total of 198 measurements of respiratory mechanics were performed for 66 patients on mechanical ventilation. The patients had a mean age of 52.6 ± 18.6 years and a mean body mass index of 21.6 ± 2.1kg/m2; a surgical profile (61.5%) and female sex (53.8%) were predominant. Mean values were obtained for the three measurements of respiratory system resistance (A1: 15.7 ± 6.8cmH2O/L/s; B1: 15.7 ± 6.4cmH2O/L/s and A2: 15.9 ± 6.2cmH2O/L/s), respiratory system static compliance (A1: 42.1 ± 13.7mL/cmH2O; B1: 42.4 ± 14.6mL/cmH2O and A2: 42.2 ± 14.5mL/cmH2O) and respiratory system dynamic compliance (A1: 21.3 ± 7.3mL/cmH2O; B1: 21.4 ± 7.5mL/cmH2O and A2: 21.3 ± 6.2mL/cmH2O). The intraclass correlation coefficient was also calculated for respiratory system resistance (R = 0.882 and p = 0.001; R = 0.949 and p = 0.001 - interexaminer A1 versus B and B versus A2, respectively; R = 0.932 and p = 0.001 - intraexaminer); respiratory system static compliance (R = 0.951 and p = 0.001; R = 0.958 and p = 0.001 - interexaminer A1 versus B and B versus A2, respectively; R = 0.965 and p = 0.001 - intraexaminer) and respiratory system dynamic compliance (R = 0.957 and p = 0.001; R = 0.946 and p = 0.001 - interexaminer A1 versus B and B versus A2, respectively; R = 0.926 and p = 0.001 - intraexaminer). CONCLUSION: The measurements of resistance and static and dynamic compliance of the respiratory system show good intra- and interexaminer reproducibility for ventilated patients.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a reprodutibilidade intra e interexaminador das mensurações da resistência e das complacências estática e dinâmica do sistema respiratório em pacientes sob ventilação mecânica. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo analítico realizado com indivíduos com idade ≥ 18 anos, em ventilação mecânica invasiva, que não tinham diagnóstico clínico de doença do aparelho respiratório e/ou anormalidade de caixa torácica. Foram realizadas três aferições da mecânica respiratória com intervalo de 1 minuto entre elas. A primeira e a terceira aferições foram realizadas pelo avaliador A e a segunda aferição, pelo avaliador B. A comparação dos valores de resistência e complacências estática e dinâmica do sistema respiratório foi calculada por meio do coeficiente de correlação intraclasse. RESULTADOS: Foram realizadas 198 aferições da mecânica respiratória em 66 pacientes sob ventilação mecânica, com idade média de 52,6 ± 18,6 anos, índice de massa corporal médio de 21,6 ± 2,1kg/m2, predomínio do perfil cirúrgico (61,5%) e sexo feminino (53,8%). Foram obtidos valores médios das três aferições para resistência do sistema respiratório (A1: 15,7 ± 6,8cmH2O/L/s; B1: 15,7 ± 6,4cmH2O/L/s e A2: 15,9 ± 6,2cmH2O/L/s), para complacência estática do sistema respiratório (A1: 42,1 ± 13,7mL/cmH2O; B1: 42,4 ± 14,6mL/cmH2O e A2: 42,2 ± 14,5mL/cmH2O) e para complacência dinâmica do sistema respiratório (A1: 21,3 ± 7,3mL/cmH2O; B1: 21,4 ± 7,5mL/cmH2O e A2: 21,3 ± 6,2mL/cmH2O). Também foram encontrados valores do coeficiente de correlação intraclasse para resistência do sistema respiratório (R = 0,882 e p = 0,001; R = 0,949 e p = 0,001 - interexaminadores A1 versus B e B versus A2, respectivamente; R = 0,932 e p = 0,001 - intraexaminador); complacência estática do sistema respiratório (R = 0,951 e p = 0,001; R = 0,958 e p = 0,001 - interexaminadores A1 versus B e B versus A2, respectivamente; R = 0,965 e p = 0,001 - intraexaminador) e complacência dinâmica do sistema respiratório (R = 0,957 e p = 0,001; R = 0,946 e p = 0,001 - interexaminadores A1 versus B e B versus A2 respectivamente; R = 0,926 e p = 0,001 - intraexaminador). CONCLUSÃO: A mensuração de mecânica respiratória apresenta boa reprodutibilidade intra e interexaminador para as aferições de resistência e complacências estática e dinâmica do sistema respiratório em pacientes ventilados.

Low energy reserves are associated with fasting susceptibility in Neotropical nectar bats Glossophaga soricina.

Neotropical nectar-feeding bats consume large amounts of sugar and use most of their energy-rich diet directly from the bloodstream, suggesting an adaptation towards lower body energy reserves. Here we tested the hypothesis that bats Glossophaga soricina spare the energy costs of storing energy reserves, even if this would represent a risky susceptibility during fasting. Blood glucose concentrations in 18 h fasted bats showed a 40% decrease. Breast muscle and adipose tissue lipids, as well as carcass fatty acids and liver glycogen, were also decreased following fasting. The inability to keep normoglycemia following a short-term fasting (i.e. 28 h) confirm that nectar bats invest little on storing energy reserves and show a severe fasting susceptibility associated to this pattern. Our study also support the general hypothesis that evolutionary specializations towards nectar diets involve adaptations to allow a decreased body mass, which reduces the energy costs of flight while increases foraging time.

Seasonal variation and food deprivation in common vampire bats (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae).

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of seasonal variation and fasting on fat reserves of the common vampire bat Desmodus rotundus. Plasma free fatty acids (FFA), along with lipid content of the liver and muscles, and fatty acids from the carcass were obtained from bats fed bovine blood and from whom food was subsequently withheld for 24 and 48 h. Animals were caught during both dry and rainy seasons. In general, fat tissue stores were not significantly influenced by seasonal variation. Lipid content of liver, muscles, and carcass decreased during some food deprivation periods, although the concomitant increase expected in plasma FFA was not observed. Lipid metabolism is hypothesized as being continued by the tissues themselves. In addition, free access to food sources (e.g., domestic livestock) throughout the year is believed to contribute to the low seasonal variations in fat reserves observed in the common vampire bat.

Rationale and design for an investigation to optimize selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment for pregnant women with depression.

The physiological changes of pregnancy can affect the pharmacokinetics of a drug, thereby affecting its dose requirements. Because pharmacokinetic (PK) studies in pregnant women have rarely been conducted, evidence-based dosing adjustments are seldom available. In particular, despite the fact that the use of antidepressants has become increasingly common, pregnancy-associated PK changes of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are largely unknown.

Reprodutibilidade das mensurações da mecânica respiratória em pacientes sob ventilação mecânica invasiva / Reproducibility of respiratory mechanics measurements in patients on invasive mechanical ventilation

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a reprodutibilidade intra e interexaminador das mensurações da resistência e das complacências estática e dinâmica do sistema respiratório em pacientes sob ventilação mecânica. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo analítico realizado com indivíduos com idade ≥ 18 anos, em ventilação mecânica invasiva, que não tinham diagnóstico clínico de doença do aparelho respiratório e/ou anormalidade de caixa torácica. Foram realizadas três aferições da mecânica respiratória com intervalo de 1 minuto entre elas. A primeira e a terceira aferições foram realizadas pelo avaliador A e a segunda aferição, pelo avaliador B. A comparação dos valores de resistência e complacências estática e dinâmica do sistema respiratório foi calculada por meio do coeficiente de correlação intraclasse. Resultados: Foram realizadas 198 aferições da mecânica respiratória em 66 pacientes sob ventilação mecânica, com idade média de 52,6 ± 18,6 anos, índice de massa corporal médio de 21,6 ± 2,1kg/m2, predomínio do perfil cirúrgico (61,5%) e sexo feminino (53,8%). Foram obtidos valores médios das três aferições para resistência do sistema respiratório (A1: 15,7 ± 6,8cmH2O/L/s; B1: 15,7 ± 6,4cmH2O/L/s e A2: 15,9 ± 6,2cmH2O/L/s), para complacência estática do sistema respiratório (A1: 42,1 ± 13,7mL/cmH2O; B1: 42,4 ± 14,6mL/cmH2O e A2: 42,2 ± 14,5mL/cmH2O) e para complacência dinâmica do sistema respiratório (A1: 21,3 ± 7,3mL/cmH2O; B1: 21,4 ± 7,5mL/cmH2O e A2: 21,3 ± 6,2mL/cmH2O). Também foram encontrados valores do coeficiente de correlação intraclasse para resistência do sistema respiratório (R = 0,882 e p = 0,001; R = 0,949 e p = 0,001 - interexaminadores A1 versus B e B versus A2, respectivamente; R = 0,932 e p = 0,001 - intraexaminador); complacência estática do sistema respiratório (R = 0,951 e p = 0,001; R = 0,958 e p = 0,001 - interexaminadores A1 versus B e B versus A2, respectivamente; R = 0,965 e p = 0,001 - intraexaminador) e complacência dinâmica do sistema respiratório (R = 0,957 e p = 0,001; R = 0,946 e p = 0,001 - interexaminadores A1 versus B e B versus A2 respectivamente; R = 0,926 e p = 0,001 - intraexaminador). Conclusão: A mensuração de mecânica respiratória apresenta boa reprodutibilidade intra e interexaminador para as aferições de resistência e complacências estática e dinâmica do sistema respiratório em pacientes ventilados.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the intra- and interexaminer reproducibility of measurements of the resistance and static and dynamic compliance of the respiratory system in patients on mechanical ventilation. Methods: This was an analytical study conducted with individuals aged ≥ 18 years who were on invasive mechanical ventilation and had no clinical diagnosis of respiratory system disease and/or chest abnormality. Three measurements of respiratory mechanics were performed with a 1-minute interval between them. The first and third measurements were performed by examiner A, the second by examiner B. The values for the resistance and static and dynamic compliance of the respiratory system were compared using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Results: A total of 198 measurements of respiratory mechanics were performed for 66 patients on mechanical ventilation. The patients had a mean age of 52.6 ± 18.6 years and a mean body mass index of 21.6 ± 2.1kg/m2; a surgical profile (61.5%) and female sex (53.8%) were predominant. Mean values were obtained for the three measurements of respiratory system resistance (A1: 15.7 ± 6.8cmH2O/L/s; B1: 15.7 ± 6.4cmH2O/L/s and A2: 15.9 ± 6.2cmH2O/L/s), respiratory system static compliance (A1: 42.1 ± 13.7mL/cmH2O; B1: 42.4 ± 14.6mL/cmH2O and A2: 42.2 ± 14.5mL/cmH2O) and respiratory system dynamic compliance (A1: 21.3 ± 7.3mL/cmH2O; B1: 21.4 ± 7.5mL/cmH2O and A2: 21.3 ± 6.2mL/cmH2O). The intraclass correlation coefficient was also calculated for respiratory system resistance (R = 0.882 and p = 0.001; R = 0.949 and p = 0.001 - interexaminer A1 versus B and B versus A2, respectively; R = 0.932 and p = 0.001 - intraexaminer); respiratory system static compliance (R = 0.951 and p = 0.001; R = 0.958 and p = 0.001 - interexaminer A1 versus B and B versus A2, respectively; R = 0.965 and p = 0.001 - intraexaminer) and respiratory system dynamic compliance (R = 0.957 and p = 0.001; R = 0.946 and p = 0.001 - interexaminer A1 versus B and B versus A2, respectively; R = 0.926 and p = 0.001 - intraexaminer). Conclusion: The measurements of resistance and static and dynamic compliance of the respiratory system show good intra- and interexaminer reproducibility for ventilated patients.

Clastogenic effect of cisplatin on Wistar rat bone marrow cells.

The clastogenic effect of the drug cis-diamminedichloroplatinum II (cisplatin, CDDP) was investigated in Wistar rat bone marrow cells. Male rats, 3 per treatment time, aged 4 months and weighing 250-350 g were injected intraperitoneally with 6.0 mg/kg CDDP solution, and the control group received isotonic saline. The animals were sacrificed 6, 12, 18, 24 and 48 h after the injection. The chromosome preparation was obtained from bone marrow cells. Chromatid and chromosome aberrations were investigated in 300 metaphases per animal. A significant increase in number of chromosome aberrations was observed from 6 to 24 h, the majority being of the break and gap type. After 48 h a progressive reduction was observed, without differences from the negative control. These data confirm the mutagenic effect of CDDP in rats demonstrated for mice bone marrow by micronuclei assay, for murine ovary cells and mice spermatocytes.

[Serologic screening of infectious diseases in blood banks as an indicator of morbidity in the population]. / Rastreamento sorológico para doenças infecciosas em banco de sangue como indicador de morbidade populacional.

Screening tests of 62,814 blood donations carried out between October 85 and October 87 in all five blood banks of Goiânia, Central Brazil, were analysed. The private institutions (3 blood banks) collected 80% of all donations and the remaining were collected by public blood banks. Seroprevalence of HIV, HBsAg, Chagas' disease and syphilis were compared with data obtained in the surveillance system and from previous surveys in an attempt to validate this source of health information. A seroprevalence of 0.07% for AIDS (one ELISA test) was calculated, which may suggest the presence of 1900 infected individuals, in the population of the State of Goiás as a whole. This figure seems reasonably close to the official data obtained by compulsory notification. For Chagas' disease, hepatitis B and syphilis seroprevalence of 3.3%, 1.3% and 4.1% were obtained, respectively. The potential usefulness and the limitations of screening in blood banks as a source of reliable morbidity indicator is discussed.