Laboratory Studies about Microplastic Aging and Its Effects on the Adsorption of Chlorpyrifos.

The constant change in microplastics (MP) due to exposure to environmental conditions leads to physical and chemical changes that enhance their ability to transport other pollutants, increasing the concern about their widespread presence in the environment. This work aimed to simulate the aging process of six MP (polyamide 6, unplasticized polyvinyl chloride, low-density polyethylene, polystyrene, polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate, polypropylene) in freshwater and seawater ecosystems at laboratory scale and evaluate its effects through optical microscope observation, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR), Raman spectroscopy, and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Through a combined experimental study of aged MP, the degradation by UV interaction was evidenced by the appearance of new infrared bands in the FTIR spectra assigned to ketones and hydroxyl groups. While Raman analysis and microscope images reveal the appearance of pores, wrinkles, and roughness in the MP surfaces. Variations in the temperature of the maximum weight loss of the MP were observed in the TGA analysis. The adsorption of chlorpyrifos (CPF), a common pesticide widely used in agriculture, by the pristine and aged MP was also studied. The highest affinity for CPF was observed for pristine LDPE and the lowest for PP. The batch adsorption studies revealed an increase in adsorption capacity as a consequence of the aging process for both MP. These results proved that the weathering effects caused changes in the behavior of MP, namely in the interaction with other pollutants.

Nanomaterials in cancer: Reviewing the combination of hyperthermia and triggered chemotherapy.

Nanoparticle mediated hyperthermia has been explored as a method to increase cancer treatment efficacy by heating tumours inside-out. With that purpose, nanoparticles have been designed and their properties tailored to respond to external stimuli and convert the supplied energy into heat, therefore inducing damage to tumour cells. Moreover, the combination of hyperthermia with chemotherapy has been described as a more effective strategy due to the synergy between the high temperature and the drug's effects, also associated with a remote controlled and on-demand drug release. In this review, the methods behind nanoparticle mediated hyperthermia, namely material design, external stimuli response and energy conversion will be discussed and critically analysed. We will address the most relevant studies on hyperthermia and temperature triggered drug release for cancer treatment. Finally, the advantages, difficulties and challenges of this therapeutic strategy will be discussed, while giving insight for future developments.

Radiotherapy for oral cavity cancers.

Intensity modulated radiation therapy and brachytherapy are standard techniques of irradiation for the treatment of oral cavity cancers. These techniques are detailed in terms of indication, planning, delineation and selection of the volumes of interest, dosimetry and patients positioning control. This is an update of the guidelines of the French Society of Radiotherapy Correspondence.

Dielectric spectroscopy of melt-extruded polypropylene and as-grown carbon nanofiber composites.

In this work, different weight contents of as-grown carbon nanofibers (CNFs), produced by chemical vapor deposition, were melt-extruded with polypropylene (PP) and their morphologic, structure and dielectric properties examined. The morphologic analysis reveals that the CNFs are randomly distributed in the form of agglomerates within the PP matrix, whereas the structural results depicted by Raman analysis suggest that the degree of disorder of the as-received CNFs was not affected in the PP/CNF composites. The AC conductivity of PP/CNF composites at room temperature evidenced an insulator-conductor transition in the vicinity of 2 wt.%, corresponding to a remarkable rise of the dielectric permittivity up to [Formula: see text] 12 at 400 Hz, with respect to the neat PP ([Formula: see text] 2.5). Accordingly, the AC conductivity and dielectric permittivity of PP/CNF 2 wt.% composites were evaluated by using power laws and discussed in the framework of the intercluster polarization model. Finally, the complex impedance and Nyquist plots of the PP/CNF composites are analyzed by using equivalent circuit models, consisting of a constant phase element (CPE). The analysis gathered in here aims at contributing to the better understanding of the enhanced dielectric properties of low-conducting polymer composites filled with carbon nanofibers.

Effect of glucosamine sulphate on the temporomandibular joint of ovariectomised rats.

Glycosamine is an amino-monosaccharide present in connective and cartilage tissues that contribute to the maintenance, resistance, flexibility, and elasticity of these tissues. This study aimed to determine the in vivo effects of glucosamine sulphate (GS) on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of ovariectomised rats (OVX).Thirty-two rats were distributed into four groups as follows: G1, sham-OVX+saline solution; G2, sham-OVX+glucosamine sulphate (80mg/kg) - oral administration; G3, OVX+saline solution; G4, OVX+glucosamine sulphate (80mg/kg) - oral administration. Animals were treated for seven days. The TMJ was removed and stained with toluidine blue. The thickness of the cartilage layers and cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were determined by histomorphometry and immunoassay, respectively. The administration of GS to OVX females did not change the thickness of condylar cartilage when compared with the other groups (p>0.05). There was an increase in the total cartilage thickness in sham-OVX females. IL-1ß and TNF-α levels were significantly lower in sham-OVX females than in OVX females, indicating that ovariectomy acts as potent cytokine inducer. IL-6 levels were significantly higher in sham-OVX females. GS did not affect cytokine production in OVX females (p>0.05). In conclusion, the administration of GS did not affect cytokine levels, but did induce an increase in the total thickness of the TMJ condylar cartilage in sham-OVX rats.

Incidental finding of cornea verticillata or lamellar inclusions in kidney biopsy: measurement of lyso-Gb3 in plasma defines between Fabry disease and drug-induced phospholipidosis.

INTRODUCTION: Therapy with cationic amphiphilic drugs (Amiodarone or hydroxychloroquine) may result in biochemically and ultrastructurally similar lipid inclusions in many cells also affected by Fabry disease (FD). In addition, it often results in similar clinical manifestations such as cornea verticillata. This may lead to a FD misdiagnosis, especially when a complete medical history is not available to the ophthalmologist confronted with cornea verticillata or to the pathologist examining a kidney biopsy. When enzymatic/genetic test or pathological studies are not conclusive, a specific biomarker may help clarify this dilemma. The plasma globotriaosylsphingosine (lyso-Gb3) assay has high sensitivity and specificity and is elevated above normal levels in FD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We measured plasma lyso-Gb3 levels in male patients receiving Amiodarone or hydroxychloroquine and compared it with male patients with classic and late onset variant of FD. RESULTS: In all Fabry patients (classic and late onset variant) α-GalA activity was deficient in dried blood spot and plasma lyso-Gb3 was above normal levels. Patients on treatment with Amiodarone or hydroxychloroquine had normal values for α-GalA activity and lyso-Gb3 in plasma. CONCLUSIONS: Even when Amiodarone or hydroxychloroquine may decrease α-GalA activity in vitro or in cell culture, our results showed that in all patients lyso-Gb3 plasma levels remain normal with no evidence of reduction in α-GalA activity, confirming the specificity of this biomarker for the diagnosis of FD.

Discrimination of Benign and Malignant Lesions in Canine Mammary Tissue Samples Using Raman Spectroscopy: A Pilot Study.

Breast cancer is a health problem that affects individual life quality and the family system. It is the most frequent type of cancer in women, but men are also affected. As an integrative approach, comparative oncology offers an opportunity to learn more about natural cancers in different species. Methods based on Raman spectroscopy have shown significant potential in the study of the human breast through the fingerprinting of biological tissue, which provides valuable information that can be used to identify, characterize and discriminate structures in breast tissue, in both healthy and carcinogenic environments. One of the most important applications of Raman spectroscopy in medical diagnosis is the characterization of microcalcifications, which are highly important diagnostic indicators of breast tissue diseases. Raman spectroscopy has been used to analyze the chemical composition of microcalcifications. These occur in benign and malignant lesions in the human breast, and Raman helps to discriminate microcalcifications as type I and type II according to their composition. This paper demonstrates the recent progress in understanding how this vibrational technique can discriminate through the fingerprint regions of lesions in unstained histology sections from canine mammary glands.

Combined effects of caloric restriction and fish oil attenuated anti-depressant and anxiolytic-like effects of fish oil: association with hippocampal BDNF concentrations.

Omega-3-enriched fish oil (FO) and caloric restriction (CR) are nutritional therapeutic approaches that exert an important impact on brain function, behavior, memory, and neuroprotection. Here, we investigate the synergic effects of both therapeutic approaches combined (CR + FO) on behavior (memory, anxiety-like behavior, antidepressant-like behavior), as well as its association with hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into four dietary groups: Control group (C) - chow ad libitum; CR group - 30 % CR, considering C group food intake; FO group - FO-enriched chow ad libitum; and CR + FO group - FO-enriched 30 % CR chow. After 12 weeks of dietary treatment, behavioural analysis set was conducted, and hippocampal BDNF concentrations were measured. FO group presented anxiolytic-like and antidepressant-like behaviors as well as improved memory in the Morris' water maze. These effects were attenuated by the combined CR + FO treatment. FO group also presented higher BDNF concentrations. There was a positive association between the number of entries in the platform quadrant in the MWM and hippocampal BDNF concentrations (ß = 0.39; R² = 0.15; p = 0.042) and an inverse association between forced swim immobility time and BDNF concentrations (ß = -0.39; R² = 0.15; p = 0.041). Taken together, our data showed that the 12-week FO dietary treatment promoted anxiolytic-like and antidepressant-like behaviors as well as memory improvement, and these effects were associated with BDNF concentrations. Synergic effects of interventions attenuated FO-related behavioral responses and BDNF concentrations and probably reduced hippocampal neuroplasticity.

Enrichment diets of pigs with oil blends and its effects on performance, carcass characteristics and fatty acid profile / Dietas enriquecidas com blends de óleos para suínos em terminação e seus efeitos sobre o desempenho, as características de carcaça e o perfil de ácidos graxos

The addition of different oil blends in the feed of finishing pigs was evaluated. Twenty-four castrated male finishing pigs were used in a randomized block design containing four treatments and six replicates. The treatments consisted of: Reference ration (RR) - 100% soybean oil feed; and the combination of the different oils: Blend1 - 50.0% soybean oil (SO), 25.0% flaxseed oil (FO), 12.5% olive oil (OO) and 12.5% canola oil (CO); Blend2 - 25.0% SO, 50.0% FO, 12.5% OO and 12.5% CO; and Blend3 - 25.0% SO, 12.5% FO, 12.5% OO and 50.0% CO. The performance, quantitative and qualitative carcass parameters, fatty acids profile and economic feasibility of the diets were evaluated. The use of blends in the diets did not influence the performance or carcass quality, but increased marbling and carcass yield. The fatty acid profile of the loin presented greater amounts of stearic acid in Blend3 and higher percentage of unsaturated fatty acids in animals fed with Blend1. The fatty tissue presented greater amounts of myristic acid in Blend1 and oleic acid in Blend3. The reference ration was the most economic. The Blends did not affect performance or carcass characteristics and improved the fatty acid profile.(AU)

Foi avaliada a utilização de diferentes blends de óleo em dietas de suínos em terminação. Foram utilizados 24 suínos, machos, castrados, distribuídos em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos e seis repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram de: ração referência (RR) - 100% de ração com utilização de óleo de soja; e a combinação de diferentes óleos: Blend1 - 50,0% de óleo de soja (OS), 25,0% de óleo de linhaça (OL), 12,5% de óleo de oliva (OO) e 12,5% de óleo de canola (OC); Blend2 - 25,0% OS; 50,0% OL; 12,5% OO e 12,5% OC; e Blend3 - 25,0% OS; 12,5% OL; 12,5% OO e 50,0% OC. Foram avaliados os parâmetros de desempenho, a qualidade de carcaça, o perfil de ácidos graxos e a viabilidade econômica. O uso de blends nas dietas não influenciou o desempenho ou a qualidade da carcaça, mas aumentou o marmoreio e o rendimento de carcaça. O perfil de ácidos graxos do lombo apresentou maiores quantidades de ácido esteárico com a utilização do Blend3 e maior porcentagem de ácidos graxos insaturados nos animais alimentados com o Blend1. O tecido adiposo apresentou maiores quantidades de ácido mirístico quando se forneceu o Blend1 e de ácido oleico com o Blend3. A ração testemunha foi a mais econômica. As misturas não afetaram o desempenho e as características de carcaça e melhoraram o perfil de ácidos graxos da carne.(AU)

Características do trato digestivo, metabolizabilidade e retenção de nutrientes em frangos de corte alimentados com complexo enzimático / Characteristics of the digestive tract, metabolizability and nutrient retention in broilers fed enzymatic complex

The objective was to evaluate the digestive tract characteristics, metabolizability and nutrient retention of broilers fed diets supplemented with enzyme complex (EC). To evaluate the characteristics of the digestive tract 600 female Cobb 500 birds were used, distributed in a completely randomized design, with 5 inclusion levels of the EC (0; 100, 200, 300 and 400 g/ton) and 6 replicates of 20 birds each. To evaluate the metabolizability and the retention of nutrients 200 female Cobb 500 birds at 15 days of age were used, distributed in a completely randomized design with 5 levels of supplementation of the EC and 4 replicates of 10 birds each. No significant effects (P>0.05) were observed for the supplementation of the EC in the intestinal pH, digestive organ weight, intestinal length and metabolizable coefficients of dry matter and crude protein. The metabolizable coefficient of ethereal extract was influenced in a quadratic decreasing form (P<0.01). The metabolizable coefficients of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) were influenced in a quadratic increase (P<0.01), resulting in increased Ca retention in 21.39% and P in 9.56%. Supplementation of the EC in broiler diets improves the metabolizability and retention of P and Ca, without affecting the other parameters evaluated.(AU)

ARNIs: balancing "the good and the bad" of neuroendocrine response to HF.

BACKGROUND: A new class of drugs-angiotensin receptor, neprylisin inhibitors, ARNI-has shown to be prognostic superior in HFrEF to the sole inhibition of the renin-angiotensin axes with enalapril. The ultimate mechanism of action of ARNIs is unknown. AIM: We have considered that ARNI exerts a positive modulation of the neuroendocrine balance, with enhancement of the physiological diuresis and dilatation due to neprylisin inhibition by sacubitril. This represents a shift in HF medical therapy always directed to counteract (with inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system, beta blockers or inhibitors of aldosterone) the so-called "bad" neuroendocrine response. Development of ARNI, on the contrary, has led to consider the neuroendocrine response to HFrEF from a different angle, which is to say that the activation is not always deleterious, but it could also be beneficial. This concept is highlighted by the enhancement of the activity of atrial natriuretic peptide, induced by sacubitril/valsartan in the PARADIGM trial, and found as proof from early studies on untreated patients with constrictive pericarditis. The possibility that sacubitril inhibition of neprylisin acts by enhancing substance P and gene-related calcitonin peptide is also considered, as well as the negative effect of neprylisin inhibition. CONCLUSIONS: The beneficial effects of ARNI are related, in part at least, to a positive modulation of the neuroendocrine response to the disease, resulting in an increase of physiological diuresis and dilatation.

Quantificação do colágeno dérmico equino por duas técnicas morfométricas: contagem de pontos e segmentação de cor / Quantification of equine dermal collagen by two morphometric techniques: point counting and color segmentation

Os colágenos tipos I e III apresentam diferentes tonalidades de birrefringência em cortes histológicos corados com Picrosirius red e analisados em microscópio sob luz polarizada. Com base nessa propriedade, os colágenos podem ser quantificados por histomorfometria. Entretanto, são muitas as variáveis que podem afetar a distribuição das cores na imagem histológica, e a escolha adequada dos parâmetros de análise têm grande influência no resultado final. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar a quantificação histomorfométrica de colágeno em pele equina pela morfometria por contagem de pontos e pela segmentação de cor com diversas configurações, a fim de se determinar o melhor método de avaliação. Para a morfometria por contagem de pontos, foram utilizadas três gratículas diferentes (391, 588 e 792 pontos de interseções) e, para a segmentação de cor, seis combinações de hue e brightness no software ImageJ. Os valores foram submetidos ao teste de Friedman, seguido pelo teste de Tukey com 5% de significância. Os resultados demonstraram que a quantificação dos colágenos na gratícula de 792 pontos foi equivalente aos resultados da segmentação de cor com brightness de 1-255 e hue de 0-42 e 43-120 para os colágenos tipos I e III, respectivamente. Dessa forma, conclui-se que a análise automática da segmentação de cor, utilizando configuração adequada para brightness e hue, pode substituir a morfometria por contagem de pontos de forma confiável e segura.(AU)

The types I and III collagens present different tonalities of birefringence in histological sections stained with Picrosirius red, that can be analyzed under a polarized light microscope. Based on this property, collagens can be quantified by histomorphometry. However, many variables can affect the color distribution in the histological image, and the appropriate choice of the analysis parameters have a significant influence on the final result. The objective of this study was to compare the histomorphometric quantification of collagen in the equine skin by counting points planimetry and color segmentation with different configurations to determine the best method of evaluation. For planimetry, three different graticules (391, 588 and 792 intersections) were used and, for color segmentation, six combinations of hue and brightness in ImageJ software. The values were submitted to the Friedman test followed by Tukey with 5% significance. The results showed that the quantification of collagens in the graticule of 792 intersections was equivalent to the results of color segmentation with a brightness of 1-255 and hue of 0-42 and 43-120 for collagens type I and III, respectively. Automatic analysis of the color segmentation, using suitable configuration for brightness and hue can replace the counting points planimetry reliably and safely.(AU)

Continuous erector spinae plane block for analgesia in pediatric thoracic surgery: A case report. / Bloqueo continuo en el plano del músculo erector del espinal para analgesia en cirugía torácica pediátrica: informe de un caso.

Erector spinae plane block has been recently described and it appears as a very promising regional analgesia technique. We report the first continuous erector spinae plane block performed in a pediatric patient for thoracic surgery. A 15-month-old boy, diagnosed with a paracardiac teratoma was scheduled for a tumor resection with a thoracotomy approach. After general anesthesia induction, a continuous erector spinae plane block at T5 level was performed with ropivacaine 0.2%. After surgery, a continuous thoracic interfascial infusion of ropivacaine 0.1% along with multimodal rescue analgesia was initiated. The patient tolerated the procedure well with no complications. It appears that this is a good alternative to thoracic epidural and paravertebral block, given the simple reproducibility and potential greater safety of this technique.

Insulinoma canino: relato de caso / Canine insulinoma: case reports

O insulinoma é um tumor das células ß do pâncreas, que têm a função de produzir e secretar insulina e, geralmente são malignos em cães. O presente trabalho descreve o diagnóstico e o manejo terapêutico de três casos de insulinoma. Os sinais clínicos dos animais relatados variaram de acordo com a severidade e a duração da hipoglicemia. O diagnóstico presuntivo se deu através dos sinais clínicos e da dosagem de insulina sérica no momento de mais intensa hipoglicemia e, o diagnóstico definitivo foi obtido por meio de exame histopatológico nos três casos relatados. O tratamento realizado variou de acordo com a intensidade dos sinais clínicos.(AU)

Insulinoma is a tumor of the ß cells of the pancreas, which have the function to produce and secrete insulin and are usually malignant in dogs. This paper describes the diagnosis and therapeutic management of three cases of insulinoma. The clinical signs reported animals varied according to the severity and duration of hypoglycemia. The presumptive diagnosis was based on clinical signs and serum insulin dosage at the time of hypoglycemia and more intense, the definitive diagnosis was made by histopathological examination in three of the reported cases. The treatment was varied according to the severity of clinical signs.(AU)

High-resolution CT findings of pulmonary tuberculosis in liver transplant patients.

AIM: To assess the high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings in liver transplant patients diagnosed with pulmonary Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The HRCT findings from 19 patients diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis infection after liver transplantation were reviewed. The patients included were 12 men and seven women, age range 23-65 years; mean age 57 years. The diagnosis was established with Mycobacterium tuberculosis detection in bronchoalveolar lavage, sputum, or biopsy. HRCT images were reviewed independently by two observers who reached a consensus decision. The HRCT findings were classified as (1) miliary nodules; (2) cavitation and centrilobular tree-in-bud nodules; (3) ground-glass attenuation and consolidation; and (4) mediastinal lymph node enlargement. RESULTS: The time between the transplantation and the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis ranged from 7 to 153 days with an average of 79 days. The main HRCT pattern was cavitation and centrilobular tree-in-bud nodules (79%) followed by mediastinal lymph node enlargement (10.4%), ground-glass attenuation or consolidation (5.2%) and miliary nodules (5.2%). None of the patients presented pleural effusion. The cavitation and centrilobular tree-in-bud nodules pattern had upper lobe predominance, and ground-glass attenuation and consolidation pattern had middle lobe/lingular segment predominance. CONCLUSION: The main HRCT pattern of pulmonary tuberculosis in liver transplant patients was cavitation and centrilobular tree-in-bud nodules.