Social isolation at adolescence: a systematic review on behaviour related to cocaine, amphetamine and nicotine use in rats and mice.

Adolescence is known for its high level of risk-taking, and neurobiological alterations during this period may predispose to psychoactive drug initiation and progression into more severe use patterns. Stress is a risk factor for drug consumption, and post-weaning social isolation increases drug self-administration in rodents. This review aimed to provide an overview of the effects of adolescent social isolation on cocaine, amphetamine and nicotine use-related behaviours, highlighting the specific period when animals were submitted to stress and these drugs. We wondered if there was a specific period during adolescence that isolation stress would increase drug use vulnerability. A total of 323 publications from the Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed (Medline) electronic databases were identified using the words "social isolation" and "adolescence" and "drug" or "cocaine" or "amphetamine" or "nicotine", resulting in 24 articles after analyses criteria following the PRISMA statement. The main points raised were social isolation during adolescence increased cocaine self-administration, amphetamine and nicotine locomotor activity. We did not observe a pattern of a specific moment during the adolescent period that could lead to an increased vulnerability to drug use. The precise conditions under which adolescent social stress alters drug use parameters are complex and likely depend on several factors.

Changes in surface temperature of upper fore and hindlimbs of horses submitted to four beat gait exercise determined by thermography / [Alterações de temperatura superficial dos membros torácicos e pélvicos termograficamente determinados em cavalos submetidos ao exercício de marcha]

No Brasil, Mangalarga Marchador é a raça com o maior número de equinos registrados, um total de 600.000 animais. Devido à falta de estudos termográficos, este estudo buscou avaliar alterações superficiais de temperatura corporal de membros torácicos e pélvicos após o esforço de marcha, usando uma câmera termográfica com infravermelho. O estudo avaliou 25 equinos, com peso médio de 414,9±34,5kg e idade média de 6,5±3 anos. As imagens foram obtidas a cinco metros de distância perpendicular à superfície lateral e caudal do corpo, em uma sala apropriada. Os animais foram submetidos ao exercício de marcha na velocidade de 15km.h-1 por 20 minutos. As imagens foram capturadas imediatamente antes e após o esforço, e repetidas após 30 minutos de repouso. As frequências cardíaca e respiratória aumentaram significativamente (P<0,001), comparando-se antes e após o esforço. Embora tenha sido notado também aumento significativo da temperatura retal (P<0,001), as alterações de temperatura superficial dos membros torácicos e pélvicos entre os termogramas obtidos antes e após o exercício não foram significativas (P>0,05). Dessa forma, mais estudos se fazem necessários para avaliar a relação da duração desse esforço e elevação da temperatura corporal.(AU)

Two levels of the inspired oxygen fraction in propofol-anesthetized dogs with high intracranial pressure: cardiopulmonary function / Dois níveis de fração inspirada de oxigênio em cães anestesiados com propofol e com pressão intracraniana elevada: função cardiopulmonar

In the initial stage of traumatic brain injury, the use of 1.0 inspired oxygen fraction (FiO2) is indicated. However, high FiO2 has been correlated with atelectasis. Thus, the effects of FiO2 = 1.0 and FiO2 = 0.6 on the cardiopulmonary function in propofol-anesthetized dogs with high intracranial pressure (ICP) were evaluated. Eight dogs were anesthetized on two occasions, receiving, during controlled ventilation, an FiO2 = 1 (G100) or an FiO2 = 0.6 (G60). Propofol was used for induction (10mg.kg-1) followed by a continuous rate infusion (0.6mg.kg-1.minute-1). An increase in the ICP was induced by temporary obliteration of the right jugular vein (OJv) 50 minutes after induction of anesthesia. The measurement was taken twenty minutes after OJv (T0) and then at 15-minute intervals (T15 to T60). Alveolar oxygen partial pressure in G60 was lower than in G100 during the whole procedure. Alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient in G100 was greater than in G60 at T0 and at T60. No differences were observed for arterial oxygen partial pressure/inspired oxygen fraction ratio, arterial-to-alveolar oxygen pressure ratio, respiratory index, venous admixture, oxygen delivery, oxygen consumption, oxygen extraction, heart rate, mean pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary arterial occlusion pressure, cardiac index, stroke index and systemic vascular resistance index. In G100, mean arterial pressure at T0 was higher than at T45. In dogs with high ICP, the cardiopulmonary function was not influenced by the different FiO2 used...

No estágio inicial do trauma encefálico, o emprego de fração inspirada de oxigênio (FiO2) de 1,0 é indicado. Todavia, altas FiO2 têm sido correlacionadas com atelectasia. Assim, avaliaram-se os efeitos das FiO2 = 1.0 e FiO2 = 0.6 sobre a função cardiopulmonar em cães com pressão intracraniana (PIC) elevada e anestesiados com propofol. Oito animais foram anestesiados em duas ocasiões e receberam, durante a ventilação controlada, FiO2 = 1(G100) ou FiO2 = 0,6 (G60). Propofol foi usado para indução (10mg.kg-1) e seguido por infusão contínua (0,6mg.kg-1minuto-1). O aumento da PIC foi induzido pela obliteração temporária da veia jugular (OJv). As mensurações foram realizadas 20 minutos após OJv (T0) e em intervalos de 15 minutos (de T15 a T60). A pressão parcial de oxigênio alveolar no G60 foi menor do que no G100 durante todo o procedimento. O gradiente alveolar-arterial no G100 foi maior do que no G60, em T0 e T60. Não foram observadas diferenças para: relação pressão parcial de oxigênio/fração inspirada de oxigênio, relação arterioalveolar, índice respiratório, mistura arteriovenosa, oferta de oxigênio, consumo de oxigênio, taxa de extração de oxigênio, frequência cardíaca, pressão da artéria pulmonar média, pressão de oclusão da artéria pulmonar, índice cardíaco, índice sistólico e índice de resistência vascular sistêmica. No G100, a pressão arterial média em T0 foi maior do que em T45. Em cães com alta PIC, a função cardiopulmonar não foi influenciada pelas diferentes FiO2 empregadas...

Platelet rich plasma associated with heterologous fresh and thawed chondrocytes on osteochondral lesions of rabbits / Associação de plasma rico em plaquetas e condrócitos heterólogos frescos e descongelados em lesão osteocondral de coelhos

Chondrocytes obtained from stifle joint of New Zealand White rabbits were cultivated. Half of cells were maintained in culture for later implantation and the others frozen during six months to evaluate viability. A circular osteochondral defect was created in the right stifle of other twenty seven rabbits. The control group (CG) received no treatment. The thawed (TH) and fresh (FH) heterologous groups received, respectively, an implant of cultivated thawed or fresh heterologous chondrocytes associated with platelet rich plasma (PRP). The CG group showed greatest pain and lameness compared to the other groups seven days after the implantation. Microscopically, at 45 and 90 days, the TH and FH groups showed filling with cartilaginous tissue containing chondrocytes surrounded by a dense matrix of glycosaminoglycans. In the CG group, healing occurred with vascularized fibrous connective tissue without integration to the subchondral bone. Cryopreserved heterologous chondrocytes were viable for implantation and healing of osteochondral lesions; the association with PRP allows the fixation of cells in the lesion and offers growth factors which accelerates repair with tissue similar to articular hyaline cartilage.

Cultivaram-se condrócitos obtidos da articulação do joelho de coelhos. Metade das células foi mantida em cultura para posterior implantação, e a outra metade foi congelada durante seis meses com a finalidade de avaliar a viabilidade. Criou-se um defeito circular osteocondral no joelho direito de outros vinte e sete coelhos. O grupo controle (GC) não recebeu tratamento. Os grupos descongelado (TH) e fresco (FH) receberam, respectivamente, implantes heterólogos de condrócitos cultivados descongelados e frescos, associados com PRP. O grupo GC apresentou maior dor e claudicação em comparação com os outros grupos aos sete dias após o implante. Microscopicamente, aos 45 e 90 dias, os grupos TH e FH mostraram preenchimento da falha com tecido cartilaginoso contendo condrócitos circundados por uma matriz densa de glicosaminoglicanos. Nesse período, no grupo CG, a cura ocorreu com tecido conjuntivo fibroso vascularizado e sem integração com o osso subcondral. Condrócitos heterólogos criopreservados foram viáveis para implantação e tratamento de lesões osteocondrais; a associação com o PRP permitiu a fixação de células na lesão e ofereceu fatores de crescimento que aceleraram a reparação com o tecido semelhante à cartilagem hialina articular.

Testes cutâneos de leitura tardia para alimentos na dermatite atópica de difícil controle / Food atopy patch test in atopic dermatitis with problematic control

Objetivo: Descrever um caso de dermatite atópica de difícil controle e o uso dos testes cutâneos de leitura tardia para alimentos no intuito de auxiliar o manejo do paciente. Descrição: Lactente do sexo feminino que aos quatro meses de vida iniciou quadro de lesões em rosto e períneo que disseminaram por todo o corpo e não apresentou resposta satisfatória com o uso das medicações habituais. A investigação IgE mediada para alérgenos alimentares foi negativa. Foi realizado o teste cutâneo de leitura tardia para leite, ovo, soja, trigo e milho, que se mostrou positivo para ovo, trigo e milho. Iniciou-se a dieta de exclusão dos alimentos referidos, associada ao tratamento medicamentoso com rápida melhora das lesões. Realizada em seguida a prova de provocação que demonstrou exacerbação das lesões com os alimentos descritos acima. Comentários: A dermatite atópica é considerada uma doença de padrão misto, IgE e não IgE mediada. Nos casos de difícil controle a utilização dos testes cutâneos de leitura tardia podem ajudar no diagnóstico de alergias alimentares não IgE mediadas e no controle da doença.

Objective: To describe a case of atopic dermatitis of difficult control and the use of food atopy patch test in order to assist the management of patients. Description: Female infant who at four months of life developed lesions on her face and perineum that spread throughout the body and did not show a satisfactory response to the use of medications. Search for IgE-mediated food allergens was negative. It was performed the atopy patch test to milk, egg, soy, wheat and corn, which was positive for egg, wheat and corn. She started the food elimination diet mentioned, associated with drug therapy with rapid improvement of the lesions. After that, she accomplished the challenge test which showed exacerbation of lesions with the described foods. Comments: Atopic dermatitis is considered a disease of mixed pattern, IgE and non IgE mediated. The use of food atopy patch test can help diagnose non-IgE mediated food allergies and to control the disease in cases of difficult control.

Bispectral index in dogs with high intracranial pressure, anesthetized with propofol and submitted to two levels of FiO2 / Índice biespectral em cães com pressão intracraniana elevada, anestesiados com propofol e submetidos a dois níveis de FiO2

The effects of inspired oxygen fractions (FiO2) of 1 and 0.6 on bispectral index (BIS) in dogs with high intracranial pressure, submitted to a continuous rate infusion of propofol were evaluated. Eight dogs were anesthetized on two occasions, receiving, during controlled ventilation, an FiO2 = 1 (G100) or an FiO2 = 0.6 (G60). Propofol was used for induction (10mg.kg-1, IV), followed by a continuous rate infusion (0.6mg.kg-1.minute-1). After 20 minutes, a fiber-optic catheter was implanted on the surface of the right cerebral cortex to monitor the intracranial pressure, the baseline measurements of BIS values, signal quality index, suppression ratio number, electromyogram indicator, end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure, mean arterial pressure, intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure were taken. Then, the blood flow from the right jugular vein was interrupted in order to increase intracranial pressure and after 20 minutes additional recordings were performed at 15-minute intervals (T0, T15, T30, T45 and T60). The arterial oxygen partial pressure varied according to the changes in oxygen. For the other parameters, no significant differences were recorded. The BIS monitoring was not influenced by different FiO2.

Avaliaram-se os efeitos das frações inspiradas de oxigênio (FiO2) de 1 e 0,6 sobre o índice biespectral (BIS) em cães com pressão intracraniana elevada e submetidos a infusão contínua de propofol. Oito animais foram anestesiados em duas ocasiões, recebendo durante a ventilação controlada FiO2 = 1(G100) ou FiO2 = 0,6 (G60). Propofol foi usado para indução (10mg.kg-1) e seguido por infusão contínua (0,6mg.kg-1minuto-1). Após vinte minutos da implantação do cateter de fibra óptica do monitor de pressão intracraniana, na superfície do córtex cerebral direito, realizaram-se as mensurações basais de BIS, índice de qualidade de sinal, taxa de supressão, eletromiografia, pressão parcial de dióxido de carbono ao final da expiração, pressão arterial média, pressão intracraniana e pressão de perfusão cerebral. Em seguida, interrompeu-se o fluxo sanguíneo da veia jugular direita, para o aumento da pressão intracraniana e depois de 20 minutos, novas mensurações foram realizadas em intervalos de 15 minutos (T0, T15, T30, T45 e T60). A pressão parcial de oxigênio no sangue arterial variou conforme a FiO2. Para os outros parâmetros não foram registradas diferenças significativas. Conclui-se que o monitoramento pelo BIS não foi afetado pelo emprego de diferentes FiO2.

Evaluation of 3D nano-macro porous bioactive glass scaffold for hard tissue engineering.

Recently, nano-macro dual-porous, three-dimensional (3D) glass structures were developed for use as bioscaffolds for hard tissue regeneration, but there have been concerns regarding the interconnectivity and homogeneity of nanopores in the scaffolds, as well as the cytotoxicity of the environment deep inside due to limited fluid access. Therefore, mercury porosimetry, nitrogen absorption, and TEM have been used to characterize nanopore network of the scaffolds. In parallel, viability of MG 63 human osteosarcoma cells seeded on scaffold surface was investigated by fluorescence, confocal and electron microscopy methods. The results show that cells attach, migrate and penetrate inside the glass scaffold with high proliferation and viability rate. Additionally, scaffolds were implanted under the skin of a male New Zealand rabbit for in vivo animal test. Initial observations show the formation of new tissue with blood vessels and collagen fibers deep inside the implanted scaffolds with no obvious inflammatory reaction. Thus, the new nano-macro dual-porous glass structure could be a promising bioscaffold for use in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering for bone regeneration.

Intraobserver interpretation of breast ultrasonography following the BI-RADS classification.

PURPOSE: To use the BI-RADS ultrasound classification in an intraobserver retrospective study of the interpretation of breast images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study used 40 breast ultrasound images recorded in orthogonal planes, obtained from patients with an indication for surgery. Eight professionals experienced in breast imaging analysis retrospectively reviewed these lesions, in three rounds of image interpretation (with a 3-6 months interval between rounds). Observers had no access to information from medical records or histopathological results, and, without their knowledge, in each new round were assigned the same images previously interpreted by them. Fleiss-modified Kappa measures were the study main concordance index. Besides the BI-RADS, a scale grouping its categories 2-3 and 4-5 was also used. The statistical analysis concerned the intraobserver agreement. RESULTS: Kappa values ranged from 0.37 to 0.75 (original categories) and from 0.73 to 0.87 (grouped categories). Overall, out of the 8 observers, 7 presented moderate to substantial concordance (Kappa values 0.51 to 0.74). CONCLUSION: The BI-RADS is a reporting tool that provides a standardized terminology for US exams. In this study, moderate to substantial concordance in Kappa values was found, in agreement with other studies of the literature.

Propofol-cetamina racêmica e propofol-cetamina levógira em cadelas: parâmetros eletrocardiográficos e outras variáveis fisiológicas / Propofol-racemic ketamine or propofol-levogire ketamine in dogs: effects on electrocardiography and other physiological parameters

Estudaram-se os efeitos da infusão contínua da associação propofol e cetamina sobre variáveis fisiológicas e eletrocardiográficas e sua possível analgesia em 12 cadelas. Após indução com propofol, os animais receberam 0,4mg/kg/min de propofol + 0,2mg/kg/min de cetamina racêmica (n = 6, grupo PC) ou 0,4mg/kg/min de propofol + 0,1mg/kg/min de cetamina S+ (n = 6, grupo PCS). Avaliaram-se: teste álgico, freqüência cardíaca (FC), parâmetros eletrocardiográficos, freqüência respiratória (FR), pressão arterial sistólica, média e diastólica (PAS, PAM, PAD), saturação da oxiemoglobina (SpO2) e temperatura retal (TR). Houve elevação da FC sem alterações eletrocardiográficas, com exceção de aumento na amplitude da onda T em um animal de cada grupo. A FR diminuiu, e os valores de SpO2 ficaram abaixo de 90 por cento em alguns momentos nos dois grupos. PAS, PAM e PAD diminuíram, mas não houve diferença entre os protocolos. Não se observou analgesia em sete animais, três cadelas apresentaram analgesia discreta, e apenas duas demonstraram analgesia favorável. Conclui-se que os protocolos são seguros em cadelas, contudo não há analgesia suficiente para procedimento cirúrgico. As alterações eletrocardiográficas foram relacionadas à FC e à amplitude de onda T, sendo esta sugestiva de hipóxia do miocárdio.

The effects of propofol and ketamine on physiological parameters, electrocardiography, and analgesia were evaluated in twelve dogs that received propofol-ketamine (0.4mg/kg/min + 0.2mg/kg/min, n=6, PK group) or propofol-S+ketamine (0.4mg/kg/min + 0.1mg/kg/min, n=6, PKS group) after induction of anesthesia with propofol (8.0mg/kg). Assessments of pain; heart rate (HR); electrocardiography (ECG); respiratory rate (RR); systolic, medium, and diastolic arterial pressures (SAP, MAP, DAP); saturation of hemoglobin (SpO2); and rectal temperature (RT) were conducted. There was a rise in HR with no electrocardiographically changes, but an increase in amplitude of T wave in one animal of each group. RR decreased and SpO2 were lower than 90 percent in two moments of both groups. SAP, MAP, and DAP were reduced during the experimental period, but with no statistical difference between the protocols. There was no analgesia in seven bitches, mild analgesia was observed in three, and satisfactory analgesia in only two animals tested. It was concluded that the protocols are safe for dogs, but there is no analgesia for surgical procedures. The changes in ECG are related to HR and amplitude of T wave, which may be due to myocardial hypoxia.

Dimethyl sulfoxide effects on the febrile response to lipopolysaccharide injection in rabbits / Efeitos do dimetil sulfóxido sobre a resposta febril induzida pela injeção de lipopolissacarídeo em coelhos

The present study was designed to determine whether DMSO causes an inhibition on the development of fever in rabbits. The intravenous administration of LPS (1.5µg.kg-1 body weight) caused fever in both saline+LPS and DMSO+LPS group, but the onset and magnitude of the induced fever were significantly different. The saline+LPS group presented a prototypic biphasic fever whereas the DMSO+LPS group presented an attenuated febrile response, but it was not abolished. These results suggest that DMSO may provide a protective mechanism against pyrogen LPS, probably through the modulation of NF-kB mediated events, such as fever.

Estudaram-se os efeitos do DMSO na resposta febril induzida pela administração intravenosa de LPS em coelhos. A administração intravenosa de LPS (1,5µg.kg-1 peso vivo) causou febre mesmo na presença do DMSO. No entanto, o início e a magnitude da febre induzida foram significativamente menores no grupo tratado com DMSO enquanto o LPS isolado induziu resposta febril bifásica. Estes resultados sugerem que o DMSO pode exercer um mecanismo protetor contra a ação pirogênica do LPS, provavelmente por meio da modulação dos eventos mediados pelo NF-kB, entre eles, a febre.

On the absence of mutations in nucleotide excision repair genes in sporadic solid tumors.

In general, stochastic tumors show genomic instability associated with the proliferation of DNA point mutations, that is, a mutator phenotype. This feature cannot be explained by a dysfunctional mismatch repair alone, and indicates that nucleotide excision repair (NER) and/or base excision repair should be suppressed. However, mutations in NER genes are not causally implicated in the oncogenesis of sporadic solid tumors, according to the Cancer Gene Census at http://www.sanger.ac.uk/genetics/CGP/Census/. This brings up an apparent paradox: how to explain the recurrent non-existence in NER genes of somatic mutations causally related to cancer? In a recent study, we have shown that the origin of point mutations in cancer cell genomes can be explained by a structurally conserved NER with a functional disorder generated from its entanglement with a disabled apoptosis gene network. In the present study, we further characterize NER gene network properties and show that it has a highly connected architecture. This feature suggests that the absence of mutations in NER genes in sporadic solid tumors is a result of their participation in many essential cellular functions.

On the absence of mutations in nucleotide excision repair genes in sporadic solid tumors

In general, stochastic tumors show genomic instability associated with the proliferation of DNA point mutations, that is, a mutator phenotype. This feature cannot be explained by a dysfunctional mismatch repair alone, and indicates that nucleotide excision repair (NER) and/or base excision repair should be suppressed. However, mutations in NER genes are not causally implicated in the oncogenesis of sporadic solid tumors, according to the Cancer Gene Census at http://www.sanger.ac.uk/genetics/CGP/Census/. This brings up an apparent paradox: how to explain the recurrent non-existence in NER genes of somatic mutations causally related to cancer? In a recent study, we have shown that the origin of point mutations in cancer cell genomes can be explained by a structurally conserved NER with a functional disorder generated from its entanglement with a disabled apoptosis gene network. In the present study, we further characterize NER gene network properties and show that it has a highly connected architecture. This feature suggests that the absence of mutations in NER genes in sporadic solid tumors is a result of their participation in many essential cellular functions.

Effect of 5-HT1B receptor agonists injected into the prefrontal cortex on maternal aggression in rats

Serotonin (5-HT1B) receptors play an essential role in the inhibition of aggressive behavior in rodents. CP-94,253, a 5-HT1B receptor agonist, can reduce aggression in male mice when administered directly into the ventro-orbitofrontal (VO) prefrontal cortex (PFC). The objective of the current study was to assess the effects of two selective 5-HT1B receptor agonists (CP-94,253 and CP-93,129), microinjected into the VO PFC, on maternal aggressive behavior after social instigation in rats. CP-94,253 (0.56 µg/0.2 µL, N = 8, and 1.0 µg/0.2 µL, N = 8) or CP-93,129 (1.0 µg/0.2 µL, N = 9) was microinjected into the VO PFC of Wistar rats on the 9th day postpartum and 15 min thereafter the aggressive behavior by the resident female against a male intruder was recorded for 10 min. The frequency and duration of aggressive and non-aggressive behaviors were analyzed using ANOVA and post hoc tests. CP-93,129 significantly decreased maternal aggression. The frequency of lateral attacks, bites and pinnings was reduced compared to control, while the non-aggressive behaviors and maternal care were largely unaffected by this treatment. CP-94,253 had no significant effects on aggressive or non-aggressive behaviors when microinjected into the same area of female rats. CP-93,129, a specific 5-HT1B receptor agonist, administered into the VO PFC reduced maternal aggressive behavior, while the CP-94,253 agonist did not significantly affect this behavior after social instigation in female rats. We conclude that only the 5-HT1B receptor agonist CP-93,129 administered into the VO PFC decreased aggression in female rats postpartum after social instigation.

5-HT(1B) receptors, ventral orbitofrontal cortex, and aggressive behavior in mice.

RATIONALE: Systemic injections of 5-HT(1B) receptor agonists have been shown to have specific anti-aggressive effects in aggressive individuals. One site of action for these drugs is the 5-HT(1B) receptors in the ventral orbitofrontal cortex (VO PFC), an area that has been implicated in the inhibitory control of behavior and is a terminal region for 5-HT projections. OBJECTIVE: To assess the anti-aggressive effects of the 5-HT(1B) receptor agonist CP-94,253 when microinjected into the VO PFC (0.1, 0.56, and 1.0 microg/0.2 microl) or into the infralimbic prefrontal cortex (IL PFC; 1.0 microg/0.2 microl) in separate groups of aggressive resident male mice. To confirm the 5-HT(1B) receptor as the critical site of action for the anti-aggressive effects, the 5-HT(1B/D) antagonist GR-127,935 was microinjected at 10.0 microg/0.2 microl into the VO PFC. After recovery from surgery, the anti-aggressive effects of microinjected CP-94,253 were studied during 5-min resident-intruder confrontations that were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Microinjections of CP-94,253 (0.56 and 1.0 microg/0.2 microl) dose-dependently reduced the frequency of attack bites and sideways threats. This effect was behaviorally specific because non-aggressive motor activities were not significantly altered by the drug. In the IL vmPFC or in an area lateral to the VO PFC, CP-94,253 (1.0 microg/0.2 microl) did not have significant behavioral effects. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the 5-HT(1B) receptors in the VO PFC as a particularly important site for the inhibition of species-typical aggressive behavior in male mice.

Maternal aggression in Wistar rats: effect of 5-HT2A/2C receptor agonist and antagonist microinjected into the dorsal periaqueductal gray matter and medial septum

The objective of the present study was to assess the role of the 5-HT2A/2C receptor at two specific brain sites, i.e., the dorsal periaqueductal gray matter (DPAG) and the medial septal (MS) area, in maternal aggressive behavior after the microinjection of either a 5-HT2A/2C receptor agonist or antagonist. Female Wistar rats were microinjected on the 7th postpartum day with the selective agonist alpha-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine maleate (5-HT2A/2C) or the antagonist 5-HT2A/2C, ketanserin. The agonist was injected into the DPAG at 0.2 (N = 9), 0.5 (N = 10), and 1.0 æg/0.2 æl (N = 9), and the antagonist was injected at 1.0 æg/0.2 æl (N = 9). The agonist was injected into the medial septal area (MS) at 0.2 (N = 9), 0.5 (N = 7), and 1.0 æg/0.2 æl (N = 6) and the antagonist was injected at 1.0 æg/0.2 æl (N = 5). For the control, saline was injected into the DPAG (N = 7) and the MS (N = 12). Both areas are related to aggressive behavior and contain a high density of 5-HT receptors. Non-aggressive behaviors such as horizontal locomotion (walking) and social investigation and aggressive behaviors such as lateral threat (aggressive posture), attacks (frontal and lateral), and biting the intruder were analyzed when a male intruder was placed into the female resident's cage. For each brain area studied, the frequency of the behaviors was compared among the various treatments by analysis of variance. The results showed a decrease in maternal aggressive behavior (number of bites directed at the intruder) after microinjection of the agonist at 0.2 and 1.0 æg/0.2 æl (1.6 ± 0.7 and 0.9 ± 0.3) into the DPAG compared to the saline group (5.5 ± 1.1). There was no dose-response relationship with the agonist. The present findings suggest that the 5-HT2A/2C receptor agonist has an inhibitory effect on maternal aggressive behavior when microinjected into the DPAG and no effect when microinjected into the MS. Ketanserin (1.0 æg/0.2 æl) decreased locomotion when microinjected into the DPAG and MS, but did not affect aggressive behavior. We interpret these findings as evidence for a specific role of 5-HT2A/2C receptors in the DPAG in the inhibition of female aggressive behavior, dissociated from those on motor activity.

Efeitos da administração epidural de amitraz, xilazina ou dimetil sulfóxido em vacas / Effects of epidural injection of amitraz, xylazine or dimethyl sulfoxide in cows

Avaliaram-se os efeitos da injeção epidural de amitraz (0,4mg/kg), xilazina (0,05mg/kg) ou dimetil sulfóxido 10 por cento (5,0ml) sobre a freqüência cardíaca (FC), pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), freqüência respiratória (FR), motilidade ruminal (MR), temperatura retal (TR), altura de cabeça (AC) e latência das respostas a estímulos nociceptivos nas regiões da coxa (LECC) e coroa do casco (LRRM) de vacas. Houve diminuição da FC e da MR nos grupos xilazina e amitraz. O tratamento com xilazina resultou em alterações na FR, PAS e AC. LECC e LRRM foram maiores nos tratamentos com agonistas alfa-2. Nas doses utilizadas, o amitraz aumentou a latência de resposta a estímulo nociceptivo em menor grau que a xilazina, sem induzir efeitos colaterais sistêmicos severos, em vacas.

Factors associated with overweight and central body fat in the city of Rio de Janeiro: results of a two-stage random sampling survey.

The purpose of the survey was to investigate the association of overweight (body mass index, BMI) and central body fat distribution (waist/hip girth ratio WHR) with socio-economic, demographic, lifestyle and dietary variables in the adult population of Rio de Janeiro City, Brazil, 1995-1996. A two-stage random sample population-based survey was performed, with 1455 males and 1906 females above 20 y old resident in Rio de Janeiro City, Brazil. Data were obtained by direct interview and physical examination of the subjects. The intake of selected nutrients (fat, saturated fat, cholesterol) and energy was obtained from a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Variables with at least a marginal univariate association with the dependent variables (BMI and WHR) were selected as predictors in two logistic regression models, and variables statistically significant (P<0.05) were retained in them. Overweight prevalence was 44.9%, and 39.2% of the subjects had excessive central body fat distribution (elevated WHR). The proportions of subjects with an excessive intake of fat, saturated fat and cholesterol were respectively 31%, 42% and 47%. For the BMI model, the variables retained were age (OR=1.5, 95% CI=1.3-1.7), schooling (OR=1.7, 1.4-1.9) and smoking (OR=0.8; 0.7-0.9); and for WHR, age (OR=1.8, 1.5-2.1), schooling (OR=2.2, 1.9-2.6), occupation (OR=1.8, 1.1-2.0) and gender (OR=3.9, 3.2-4.7). Obesity and excessive central body fat are highly prevalent health problems in the studied population. As suggested by the identified risk factors, they should be urgently addressed through health nutrition education and physical activity programs; particularly those directed to the middle aged and female groups.

Surgical repair of a pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta after aortic valve replacement.

We report the case of a patient with a pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aortic clinically diagnosed 5 months after surgical replacement of the aortic valve. Diagnosis was confirmed with the aid of two-dimensional echocardiography and helicoidal angiotomography. The corrective surgery, which consisted of a reinforced suture of the communication with the ascending aorta after opening and aspiration of the cavity of the pseudoaneurysm, was successfully performed through a complete sternotomy using extracorporeal circulation, femorofemoral cannulation, and moderate hypothermia, with no aortic clamping.

Territorial aggression, body weight, carbohydrate metabolism and testosterone levels of wild rats maintained in laboratory colonies

Aggressive territorial behavior was studied in 15 colonies of wil (Rattus norvegicus), each consisting of 2 males and 1 female. One of the males attacked an intruder rat more frequently and had a higher body weight than the less aggressive one. In another experiment, male and female rats were raised in colonies from weaning to adulthood. Animals were weighed every 7 days until 90 days of age when plasma testosterone was measured in males, and plasma glucose, hepatic and muscle glycogen were measured in both males and females. The heavier (and thus possibly dominant) males in the colonies of 3 males and 1 female also had a bigher body weight than males raised with females, but without any male partner. In this long-term social relationship there were no significant differences in carbohydrate metabolism among the animals.The differential growth rate among males was established around the period of sexual maturity. Moreover, when adult, heavier males had higher plasma testosterone levels compared to the other members of the colony and also to mates that had no other competitive male partner. This higher androgenic hormone level may be one of the causal factors involved in the weight increase of the dominant male in the colony.