Effects of minimally invasive surgical and miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MISMARPE) on the nasal cavity and upper airway: a comparative cohort study.

This study was performed to evaluate the impact on the upper airway and nasal cavity of a new minimally invasive surgical and miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MISMARPE) technique for the treatment of adult patients with transverse maxillary deficiency, in comparison to surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE). Computed tomography scans of 21 MISMARPE and 16 SARPE patients were obtained preoperatively (T0) and at the end of the activation period (T1) and analysed. Linear and volumetric measurements were performed in the dental, alveolar, nasal cavity, and oropharynx regions. Generalised estimating equations were used to consider the intervention time and surgery type, and their interaction. In both groups, measurements were increased at T1 (P < 0.001), except for oropharynx volume (P > 0.05). A greater expansion in nasal cavity floor and median palatal suture was shown for MISMARPE when compared to SARPE (P < 0.001), with the same degree of expander activation (P = 0.094). A trapezoidal (coronal plane) and 'V' shape (axial plane) expansion pattern, was observed after MISMARPE. Both surgical techniques were effective for maxillary expansion in adults. However, MISMARPE was performed without osteotomy of the pterygomaxillary suture, in an outpatient setting and with local anaesthesia.

Adipose perforator flaps without skin donor site: "in between" single scar approach for reconstruction of small peripheral breast defects after lumpectomy.

In breast conserving surgery, the reconstruction of defects in small breasts where volume displacement techniques are not feasible can be challenging. In contrast, patients with bigger breasts may not wish to undergo major breast remodeling surgery or breast symmetrization procedures. In such cases, volume replacement techniques can be beneficial, but these leave additional scars and are time consuming. The authors propose an "in between" single scar approach to perform both lumpectomy and reconstruction of small peripheral breast tumors. This approach reduces morbidity and operating time compared with standard volume replacement techniques. The tumors are resected from below, guided by wire, using an incision in the lateral breast crease or inframammary fold, depending on their location. The same incision is used to raise an adipose or adipofascial flap based on perimammary perforators, lateral thoracic artery perforator flap (LTAP), lateral intercostal artery perforator flap (LICAP), or anterior intercostal artery perforator flaps (AICAP) flaps, without skin donor site. Between March and November 2022, eight patients underwent this procedure. In four cases LICAP flap was used; in three-AICAP flap was chosen; and in one-LTAP perforator flap was used. Clear surgical margins were achieved in all cases. The average follow-up time was 9.9 months, during which no local recurrences were detected. All flaps survived. Two patients experienced seromas at the donor site, and an organized hematoma was also reported. This approach represents a viable alternative to volume displacement techniques or no reconstruction for small peripheral lumpectomy defects.

Treatment of painful temporomandibular joint disc displacement without reduction: network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

There is currently no consensus on the best treatment for painful temporomandibular disc displacement without reduction (DDwoR), and no network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing all types of treatments for this condition has been conducted. The objective of this study was to compare and rank all treatments for DDwoR, including conservative treatments, occlusal splints, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), arthrocentesis (Arthro) alone, Arthro plus intra-articular injection (IAI) of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), Arthro plus IAI of hyaluronic acid (HA), Arthro with exercises, Arthro plus occlusal splints, and manipulative therapy. Outcome variables were pain intensity on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and maximum mouth opening (MMO, mm). The mean difference with 95% confidence interval was estimated using Stata software. The GRADE system was used to assess the certainty of the evidence. A total of 742 patients from 16 RCTs were included in the NMA. Both direct meta-analysis and NMA showed that Arthro with IAI of co-adjuvants provided better pain reduction in the short term (≤3 months) than Arthro alone. However, the quality of the evidence was very low. In the intermediate term, Arthro alone or combined with co-adjuvants provided better pain reduction than conservative treatment, but with low-quality evidence. Conservative treatment significantly increased MMO in the short term compared to other treatments. In conclusion, the results of this NMA suggest that arthrocentesis with intra-articular injection of adjuvant medications may be superior to conservative treatments in reducing pain intensity at long-term follow-up, while no significant differences were found for the MMO outcome. However, the quality of evidence was generally low to very low, and further RCTs are needed to confirm these findings.

Effects of different doses of estradiol benzoate used in a cervical relaxation protocol on the success of non-surgical embryo recovery and luteal function in superovulated ewes.

This study investigated the effectiveness of different doses of estradiol benzoate (EB) to promote cervical relaxation and their effects on luteal function and outcomes of non-surgical embryo recovery (NSER) in sheep. Multiparous (MULT) and nulliparous (NULL) crossbred Lacaune X Santa Inês ewes were superovulated and naturally bred. Seven days after progesterone withdrawal, females were randomly assigned to one of three distinct cervical relaxation protocols, consisting of i.m. treatment with 37.5 µg d-cloprostenol and different doses of EB: 0.0 mg (0.0EB group; n = 3 NULL and 14 MULT); 0.5 mg (0.5EB group; n = 4 NULL and 12 MULT) or 1.0 mg (1.0EB group, n = 6 NULL and 11 MULT) 16 h before NSER. All ewes received 50 IU of oxytocin 20 min before NSER (D17). Blood samples were collected and ultrasound exams (B-mode and color Doppler) were performed at two timepoints: immediately before d-cloprostenol and EB treatments and prior to NSER. Estrous behavior, corpora lutea count and NSER success outcomes were not affected by EB treatments nor parity (P > 0.05). Embryo recovery rate was greater for ewes in the 0.5EB group and in the NULL ewes (P < 0.05). Ovarian biometrics differed between the two evaluation timepoints in all groups (P < 0.05). Plasma estradiol increased over time, reaching a significant greater level in 1.0EB ewes compared to controls on D17 (P < 0.05), whereas progesterone concentrations decreased over time in all groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, treatments did not affect NSER success but they did affect luteal function by altering P4 and E2 concentrations. Therefore, the NSER technique can be successfully performed in ewes with or without prior treatment with EB.

Single dose of 300 IU hCG in the early luteal phase in superovulated ewes: Effects on corpora lutea, progesterone profile, and embryo recovery.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of hCG treatment during the early luteal phase on ovarian function, progesterone profile, and embryo yield in superovulated ewes. Superovulated sheep were randomly assigned to receive 300 IU hCG i.m. (GhCG, n = 24) or not (GControl, n = 25) at 96 h after the removal of the progesterone (P4) device (D13). Non-surgical embryo recovery (NSER) was performed eight days after P4 withdrawal. Ultrasound evaluations were performed on D13, D14, D16, and D17. Blood samples were collected on D14, D16, and D17. Superovulation scores were recorded based on the number of corpora lutea (CL) as follows: 1 (≤ 2), 2 (3-5), 3 (6-8), and 4 (≥ 9). NSER efficiency, superovulation response, and luteal tissue area were similar in both groups (P > 0.05). Structural luteolysis tended to be higher in GControl (P = 0.07; 47.0 %) while functional luteolysis was similar in both groups (P > 0.05; 0.0 % and 5.9 %). The recovery rate was greater (P < 0.05) in GhCG (89.8 %) compared with GControl (71.0 %), with similar overall ova/embryo numbers observed for both groups (P > 0.05). GhCG showed a higher concentration of animals with a superovulatory response score of 4 (54.5 %; P < 0.05) compared with the lowest scores. Plasma progesterone on D16 was higher (P < 0.05) in GhCG ewes (11.1 ± 1.5 vs 6.9 ± 1.5 ng/mL). In conclusion, the hCG treatment improved circulating P4 and embryo recovery rate, tended to maintain luteal functionality, and thus constitutes an additional tool for improving embryo yield in superovulated ewes.

Milk fermented by Lactobacillus species from Brazilian artisanal cheese protect germ-free-mice against Salmonella Typhimurium infection.

Ingestion of milks fermented by Lactobacillus strains showing probiotic properties is an important tool to maintain gastrointestinal health. In this study, Lactobacillus rhamnosus D1 and Lactobacillus plantarum B7, isolated from Brazilian artisanal cheese, were used as starters for the functional fermented milks to assess their probiotic properties in a gnotobiotic animal model. Male germ-free Swiss mice received a single oral dose of milk fermented by each sample, and were challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium five days afterwards. Milk fermented by both Lactobacillus strains maintained counts above 108 cfu/ml during cold storage. Lactobacillus strains colonised the gut of the germ-free-mice, maintaining their antagonistic effect. This colonisation led to a protective effect against Salmonella challenge, as demonstrated by reduced pathogen translocation and histological lesions, when compared to control group, especially for Lactobacillus rhamnosus D1. Additionally, mRNA expression of inflammatory (interferon gamma, interleukin (IL)-6, tumour necrosis factor alpha) and anti-inflammatory (transforming growth factor ß1) cytokines was augmented in animals previously colonised and then challenged, when compared to other experimental groups. Lactobacillus plantarum B7 colonisation also promoted higher expression of IL-17, showing a proper maturation of colonised germ-free-mice immune system. IL-5 was stimulated by both strains' colonisation and not by S. Typhimurium challenge.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFMG A-905 treatment reduces intestinal damage in a murine model of irinotecan-induced mucositis.

Indigenous microbiota plays a crucial role in the development of several intestinal diseases, including mucositis. Gastrointestinal mucositis is a major and serious side effect of cancer therapy, and there is no effective therapy for this clinical condition. However, some probiotics have been shown to attenuate such conditions. To evaluate the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFMG A-905 (Sc-905), a potential probiotic yeast, we investigated whether pre- or post-treatment with viable or inactivated Sc-905 could prevent weight loss and intestinal lesions, and maintain integrity of the mucosal barrier in a mucositis model induced by irinotecan in mice. Only post-treatment with viable Sc-905 was able to protect mice against the damage caused by chemotherapy, reducing the weight loss, increase of intestinal permeability and jejunal lesions (villous shortening). Besides, this treatment reduced oxidative stress, prevented the decrease of goblet cells and stimulated the replication of cells in the intestinal crypts of mice with experimental mucositis. In conclusion, Sc-905 protects animals against irinotecan-induced mucositis when administered as a post-treatment with viable cells, and this effect seems to be related with the reduction of oxidative stress and preservation of intestinal mucosa.

Oral health-related quality of life before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: This study was planned to evaluate the impact of oral health on the quality of life (QoL) of patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We assessed 200 patients divided into two paired groups: 100 patients prior to HSCT (SG) and 100 healthy volunteers (CG). We applied the Oral Health Impact Profile instrument, which is based on the biopsychosocial problem gradation of World Health Organization (WHO) and relates oral health problems with QoL according to seven dimensions. RESULTS: Fourteen patients in SG were referred for extraction of one to eight teeth, mostly due to deep caries with risk of pulpal infection and possible spread of infection via blood (r = 0.59, p = 0.000). The presence of severely compromised teeth by extensive decay correlated with Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). The Mann-Whitney test showed a significant difference between SG and CG in the following dimensions: functional limitation (p < 0.001), physical pain (p = 0.025), physical disability (p = 0.016), and social disability (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The impact of oral health on QoL of onco-hematologic patients is weak but is greater as compared to healthy ones. Nevertheless, a significant impact is seen in patients with severely compromised teeth. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The negligence of oral care, proper hygiene, and the search for dental care may increase the risk for local and systemic infections.

Sensor de variabilidade da frequência cardíaca como preditor de descompensação da insuficiência cardíaca e terapia de ressincronização cardíaca / Heart rate variability sensor as a predictor of heart failure decompensation and cardiac resynchronization therapy

A insuficiência cardíaca é a via final comum à maioria das doenças cardiovasculares, sendo um dosmais importantes desafios clínicos atuais na área da saúde. Em 2007 foi a causa mais frequente de internaçõespor doenças cardiovasculares no Sistema Único de Saúde. Em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca, a atividadeneuro-hormonal previne o resultado cardiovascular. A variabilidade da frequência cardíaca é uma medida indireta do tônus autonômico e serve como forma de predizer a possibilidade de morte súbita cardíaca e não súbita. Avariabilidade da frequência cardíaca tem sido proposta não só para prever a falência cardíaca grave, mas tambémpara conduzir o tratamento e talvez antecipar o diagnóstico da insuficiência cardíaca agudamente descompensada.A melhora clínica do paciente com insuficiência cardíaca após terapia de ressincronização cardíaca demanda algum tempo, independentemente da melhora rápida dos parâmetros ecocardiográficos, sugerindo ser o remodelamento cardíaco reverso um processo dinâmico e que deve ser aguardado após a terapia de ressincronização cardíaca. Nestetrabalho é feita revisão bibliográfica complementada com a análise do prontuário de uma paciente com insuficiência cardíaca submetida a terapia de ressincronização cardíaca, demonstrando que há melhora ecocardiográfica rápida mas que a melhora clínica se dá após algum tempo do implante do ressincronizador cardíaco. Conclui-se que oremodelamento reverso necessita, em alguns casos, de maior espaço de tempo após o implante do ressincronizadorcardíaco para que haja resultados clínicos, os quais podem não ocorrer ainda que haja melhora da fração de ejeção ao ecocardiograma...

Heart failure is the final common pathway for most cardiovascular diseases, being one of the mostimportant current clinical challenges in healthcare. In 2007 it was the most frequent cause of hospital admissionsfor cardiovascular diseases in the Brazilian Public Healthcare System. In patients with heart failure, neuro-hormonal activity prevents cardiovascular outcome. Heart rate variability is an indirect measure of autonomic tone and serves as a way to predict the possibility of sudden and non-sudden cardiac death. Heart rate variability has been proposed not only as a predictor of severe heart failure, but also to conduct treatment and eventually anticipate the diagnosis of acute decompensated heart failure. The clinical improvement of patients with heart failure after cardiacresynchronization therapy takes some time regardless of the rapid improvement in echocardiographic parameters suggesting that reverse cardiac remodeling is a dynamic process that takes time after cardiac resynchronization therapy. This study reviewed the literature and evaluated the records of a patient with heart failure undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy demonstrating that there is rapid echocardiographic improvement but thatclinical improvement occurs sometime after the implantation of a cardiac resynchronizer. In conclusion, in somecases a longer time is required after cardiac resynchronization for the clinical outcomes of reverse remodelling tobe observed, which is not always the case, despite ejection fraction improvements at the echocardiogram...

A multicenter validation of an endoscopic classification with narrow band imaging for gastric precancerous and cancerous lesions.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: The reliability and external validity of narrow band imaging (NBI) in the stomach have not been described consistently. The aim of the current study was to describe and estimate the accuracy and reliability of a simplified classification system for NBI in the diagnosis of gastric lesions. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing NBI endoscopy at two reference centers (n=85, 33% with dysplasia) were included in two studies. In total, 224 different areas were biopsied and recorded onto video. In the derivation study, previously described NBI features were analyzed in order to develop a simplified classification. In the validation study the accuracy and reliability of this classification were estimated among three groups of endoscopists with different levels of expertise in NBI. RESULTS: The reliability/accuracy results from the derivation study allowed the creation of a simplified NBI classification. In the validation study, "regular vessels with circular mucosa" (pattern A) was associated with normal histology (accuracy 83%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 75 %-90%); "tubulo-villous mucosa" (pattern B) was associated with intestinal metaplasia (accuracy 84%; 95CI 77%-91%; positive likelihood ratio [LR+]=4.75); and "irregular vessels and mucosa" (pattern C) was associated with dysplasia (accuracy 95%; 95CI 90%-99%; LR+=44.33). The reproducibility of these patterns was high (k=0.62). "Light-blue crest" was moderately reliable (k=0.49) but specific (87%) for intestinal metaplasia. A variable vascular density (additional pattern+) was the best feature for Helicobacter pylori gastritis (accuracy 70%; 95CI 59%-80%) but showed only fair reliability (k=0.38). Non-experienced endoscopists presented lower agreement (k=0.6 vs. k=0.75) and accuracy (74% vs. 86%) than international experts/experienced endoscopists. CONCLUSION: A simplified NBI classification is accurate and reliable for the diagnosis of intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia. The classification should be further assessed and validated on a per-patient assessment of NBI, and by comparing NBI with other imaging technologies.

Giardia spp. e Cryptosporidium spp. em água de manancial superficial de abastecimento contaminada por dejetos humano e animal / Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. in a fresh water supply source contaminated with human and animal excreta and waste water

Estudou-se ocorrência de cistos de Giardia spp. e oocistos de Cryptosporidium spp. - (oo)cistos - na bacia hidrográfica do Ribeirão São Bartolomeu, localizada no município de Viçosa, MG. O estudo incluiu as populações humana e animal existentes na área da bacia, bem como no efluente de uma estação de tratamento de esgoto (ETE) e de duas instalações para suínos. Os resultados indicam presença de (oo)cistos no manancial (médias geométricas: 3,92 e 3,62 (oo)cistos/l para Giardia spp. e Cryptosporidium spp., respectivamente). Propriedades com exploração bovina foram positivas ao longo de todo período (prevalência média de propriedades positivas 36,4 por cento para Giardia spp. e 18,0 por cento para Cryptosporidium spp.). O efluente da ETE apresentou elevada concentração de cistos de Giardia spp. (média geométrica na ordem de 10(4)/l), mas não foram encontrados oocistos de Cryptosporidium spp. A ocorrência de (oo)cistos apresentou comportamento sazonal, sendo que os valores médios de (oo)cistos e de pluviosidade do trimestre de coleta revelaram bom ajuste de correlação (R²=98,3 por cento; P=0,0087 para Giardia spp. e R²=91,8 por cento; P=0,0421 para Cryptosporidium spp.). A significativa ocorrência de (oo)cistos no manancial sugere que a forma de ocupação do solo interfere na qualidade parasitológica da água bruta. Os resultados apontam para a importância de adoção de medidas preventivas, como proteção de áreas de mananciais, objetivando reduzir riscos de transmissão de protozoários via água de consumo humano.

The occurrence of Giardia spp. cysts and Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts - (oo)cysts - was studied in a watershed (São Bartolomeu Stream-SB), at Viçosa city, MG. In the studied area, characterization of animal farms and identification of sewage and animal wastes discharges were undertaken. In addition, a sewage treatment plant (STP) and effluents of two swine farms were sampled. The results presented protozoan contamination (geometric averages: 3.92 and 3.62 (oo)cysts/l for Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp., respectively). Positive cattle farms were detected during all the period, and the correspondent mean prevalences were: 36.4 percent for Giardia spp. and 18.0 percent for Cryptosporidium spp. STP effluent presented high concentration of Giardia spp. (geometric average of cysts in the order of 10(4)/l). However, Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts were not detected. The results showed that (oo)cysts concentration were influenced by climate factors. Precipitation and (oo)cysts concentration data were well correlated (R²=98.3 percent; P=0.0087 for Giardia spp. and R²=91.8 percent; P=0.0421 for Cryptosporidium spp.). Cysts and oocysts levels were remarkably high in the raw water source, pointing out the role of land use in an unprotected watershed as a source of protozoa. The results demonstrate the importance of preventive measures rather than relying on, sometimes unreliable, corrective measures such as water treatment, in order to minimize human health risks.

Bovine NK cells acquire cytotoxic activity and produce IFN-gamma after stimulation by Mycobacterium bovis BCG- or Babesia bovis-exposed splenic dendritic cells.

Early interactions of innate immune cell populations, such as dendritic cells (DC) and natural killer (NK) cells, can affect the ability of the acquired immune response to control infection of intracellular microorganisms. In this study, we investigated the activation of bovine NK cells by CD13(+) splenic DC stimulated with either Mycobacterium bovis BCG or Babesia bovis merozoites. Splenic DC were used either immediately after selection (cytokine(-)) or after exposure to GM-CSF, IL-4 and Flt3L for 72 h (cytokine(+)). Phenotypic analyses showed up-regulation of MHCII, CD80 and CD86 on cytokine(+) DC when compared to cytokine(-) DC. Purified NK cells (CD335(+)CD3(-)CD2(+/-)CD8alpha(+/-)) were co-cultured with microbial-exposed cytokine(-) DC or cytokine(+) DC in either transwell or cell-to-cell format and NK cell IFN-gamma production and cytotoxicity were assessed. NK cell IFN-gamma production was dependent on cell-to-cell contact. Microbial-stimulated cytokine(+) DC induced significantly more IFN-gamma production from NK cells than cytokine(-) cells. In contrast, cytotoxicity and perforin up-regulation were more pronounced in NK cells cultured with cytokine(-) DC than cytokine(+) DC. Therefore, activation of bovine NK cells by microbial-stimulated CD13(+) splenic DC is influenced by the maturation state of the DC suggesting different roles for the splenic DC during disease-induced maturation.

Mitochondrial dysfunction in COPD patients with low body mass index.

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) show abnormal adaptations of skeletal muscle redox status after exercise training. Increased skeletal muscle oxidative stress in COPD patients may prompt mitochondrial dysfunction. The present study explores the association between body composition and mitochondrial respiration in seven COPD patients with low body mass index (BMI(L)), eight COPD patients with normal body mass index (BMI(N)) and seven healthy controls. All of them underwent a vastus lateralis biopsy in which muscle structure, in vitro mitochondrial respiratory function, uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) mRNA expression and glutathione levels in both isolated mitochondria and the whole muscle were determined. Mitochondrial respiratory function (assessed by acceptor control ratio (ACR)) was impaired in BMI(L) (2.2+/-0.6) compared with both BMI(N) (5.3+/-1.3) and controls (8.2+/-1.3). ACR significantly correlated with arterial oxygen tension and with muscle endurance but it showed a negative association with exercise-induced increase in blood lactate levels. UCP3 mRNA expression was reduced in BMI(L) patients. In conclusion, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with low body mass index show electron transport chain dysfunction, which may contribute to low muscle endurance in the current subgroup of patients.

Fatores de risco associados à alta contagem de células somáticas do leite do tanque em rebanhos leiteiros da Zona da Mata de Minas Gerais / Risk factors associated with high bulk milk somatic cell count in dairy herds from Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Características do rebanho e práticas de manejo associadas à contagem de células somáticas do leite do tanque (CCSLT) foram estudadas em 175 rebanhos envolvidos em programas de acompanhamento entre junho de 2000 e dezembro de 2001. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de aplicação de questionários. Os rebanhos foram classificados em dois grupos de acordo com a média geométrica de seis CCSL T mensais, consecutivas, tendo como referência o valor de 500.000 células/ml. Os métodos estatísticos utilizados foram a análise exploratória dos dados e os modelos logísticos de regressão. Procedimentos relacionados ao controle e à prevenção de mastite foram adotados por pequeno número de rebanhos. O tipo de ordenha (manual, mecânica canalizada e balde-ao-pé), a idade média dos rebanhos, o local de ordenha e a realização de exames dos primeiros jatos de leite não foram associados à alta CCSLT. Os fatores associados à alta CCSLT foram a não adoção de linha de ordenha, a alimentação durante a ordenha e a ausência de anti-sepsia dos tetos após a ordenha.

Priority areas for anuran conservation using biogeographical data: a comparison of greedy, rarity, and simulated annealing algorithms to define reserve networks in Cerrado

Os padrões espaciais da variação da biodiversidade em escalas regionais raramente são considerados na escolha de uma reserva (unidades de conservação), a despeito dos diversos métodos disponíveis para esse fim. Neste trabalho, usamos dados da extensão de ocorrência de 105 espécies de Anura (Amphibia) na região de Cerrado, no Brasil Central, para estabelecer um sistema regional de áreas potenciais que preserve toda a diversidade da região. Para tanto, três algoritmos de seleção de redes de reservas foram testados: "greedy", raridade e "annealing" simulado. Com base na complementação, esses algoritmos geraram redes com 10, 12 e 8 regiões, respectivamente, sendo estas amplamente distribuídas no bioma e contemplando diferentes Estados da União. Esses algoritmos buscam o menor número de regiões que representem todas as espécies pelo menos uma vez. No entanto, 67,6%, 76,2% e 69,5% das espécies foram representadas ("preservadas") em duas ou mais regiões nas três redes de reservas selecionadas pelos métodos citados. O algoritmo "annealing" simulado resultou na menor rede, no entanto, não incluiu áreas para a preservação de três espécies (sendo uma delas endêmica). Por outro lado, embora o algoritmo de "greedy" tenha resultado em menor solução, o método baseado na raridade garante que mais espécies sejam representadas mais de uma vez, o que pode ser vantajoso considerando a elevada taxa de perda de habitat no Cerrado. Embora imprecisas, as abordagens em grandes escalas espaciais podem indicar estratégias gerais para a conservação e definir esforços de conservação locais e mais efetivos. Isto é especialmente importante quando se trata de um grupo taxonômico como os anuros, com declínios populacionais acentuados registrados mundialmente.

Anurans from a local assemblage in Central Brazil: linking local processes with macroecological patterns

Variáveis macroecológicas de uma assembléia local de espécies de anfíbios anuros do Brasil Central (Silvânia, Estado de Goiás) foram relacionadas com estatísticas de dinâmica de população dessas espécies. A extensão de ocorrência (GRS), o tamanho de corpo e o centro de distribuição das espécies foram as variáveis macroecológicas investigadas para as espécies da assembléia local e para todas as outras espécies (105 no total) encontradas no bioma de Cerrado. Também foram obtidos dados de abundância para 15 espécies da assembléia local. Usando esses dados, a variabilidade populacional foi estimada pelo coeficiente de variação. A distribuição de médias, medianas, máximos, assimetrias e curtoses, para GRS e tamanho de corpo, da assembléia local foi comparada, por intermédio de modelos nulos, com os dados do conjunto de espécies do Cerrado. Os resultados indicaram clara relação macroecológica entre a GRS e o tamanho do corpo, bem como diminuição da abundância local com o aumento da distância entre os centros de distribuição das espécies e a localidade analisada. De acordo com os modelos nulos, os valores do tamanho de corpo e da GRS das espécies da assembléia local podem ser considerados uma amostra aleatória proveniente da composição regional de todo o Cerrado. Finalmente, uma análise tridimensional considerando o tamanho do corpo, a GRS, a abundância local e a variabilidade populacional indicou que espécies menos abundantes, com maior variabilidade populacional, estão próximas ao limite inferior da relação poligonal entre GRS e tamanho de corpo. Assim, os resultados macroecológicos, quando relacionados a dados obtidos em pequenas escalas espaciais, corroboraram o modelo de população mínima viável.

Tratamento de carcinoma de células transicionais em cão tratado por cistectomia parcial associada com betaterapia com estrôncio-90

O artigo não apresenta resumo.

Avaliaçäo de associaçöes e similaridades em epidemiologia veterinária por meio da análise de correspondência / Evaluation of associations and similarities in veterinary epidemiology by correspondence analysis

Chi-square test and correspondence analysis were used to evaluate the relationship between class of milk somatic cells count (0-300,000; 301,000-600,000; and >600,000 cells/ml) and type of milking in data from 87 herds that comprised manual and machine milking. Chi-square test showed no relationship between process of milking and class of milk somatic cells count but the correspondence analysis showed higher relationship between manual milking and class of somatic cells count >600,000 cells/ml in comparison to the other classes of somatic cells count (0-300,000 and 301,000-600,000 cells/ml). The graphic representation of the correspondence analysis (dimension 1) showed similarity of somatic cells count for manual and pipeline milking systems

Remission of heart failure through endoluminal repair of femoral arteriovenous fistula with the use of a covered stent.

We report the case of a 21-year-old male with high-output heart failure due to a femoral arteriovenous fistula caused by a firearm wound. A new balloon expandable stent covered with polytetrafluorethylene was implanted in the artery to occlude the arteriovenous fistula. The fistula was immediately occluded and the artery remained patent. On the following day, the patient felt much better, with no symptoms of heart failure. Additional follow-up is required to assure the usefulness of this less invasive procedure in the treatment of arteriovenous fistulas.