Encapsulation of B. bassiana in Biopolymers: Improving Microbiology of Insect Pest Control.

The fungus Beauveria bassiana is widely used for pest control; however, biostability and dispersion for broth pulverization are limiting factors for its application in the field. In this context, formulation techniques such as microencapsulation are viable alternatives. The aim of this work is to optimize B. bassiana formulations by spray dryer and evaluate its stability and biological activity against Spodoptera cosmioides compared to ionic gelatinization formulations. The fungus was biocompatible with all evaluated biopolymers (lignin, cellulose, starch, humic substances, and alginate). The encapsulation by spray drying was optimized by factorial design in an inlet and outlet air temperature of 120°C and 68°C, respectively; aspirator rate of 35 m3·h-1, feed flow rate of 12 mL·min-1; and drying gas flow at 35 L·h-1. The ionic gelation capsules were obtained using a 0.5% quantity of conidia in a 1% sodium alginate solution dropped into a 0.5 mol·L-1 CaCl2 solution using a peristaltic pump. Spray drying provided smaller microcapsules than those by ionic gelation. Both techniques produced more stable conidia when exposed to temperature and UV-radiation than non-formulated B. bassiana. The formulations prepared by spray drying showed gains at aqueous dispersion. Biological assays against Spodoptera cosmioides showed a mortality rate of up to 90%. These results demonstrate the suitability of encapsulating B. bassiana conidia stably in aqueous dispersion without loss of viability and virulence.

Retinal and ocular toxicity in ocular application of drugs and chemicals--part II: retinal toxicity of current and new drugs.

AIMS: Retinal pharmacotherapy has gained great importance for the treatment of various retinal diseases. An increasing number of drugs have been constantly released into the market, especially for wet age-related macular disease and diabetic macular edema. In this review, the issues concerning the toxicity of current and new classes of drugs are discussed. METHODS: An extensive search of the literature was performed to review various aspects of drug toxicity in retinal pharmacotherapy. The different major classes of drugs, such as corticosteroids, antibiotics, antimetabolites, antineoplastic agents, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, enzymes, fibrinolytics, miscellaneous anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic agents, as well as toxicity unrelated to the drug were identified and discussed. RESULTS: Corticosteroids like fluocinolone, dexamethasone or triamcinolone at low dose cause little damage to the retina, but at high doses signs of toxicity have been well documented. Complications like cataract and glaucoma are quite common with corticosteroids. Aminoglycosides showed differences in the type and doses associated with toxic reactions, thereby the following order of toxicity can be described (from most toxic to least toxic): gentamicin > netilmicin = tobramycin > amikacin = kanamycin. Vancomycin at the usual dose of 1 mg is not toxic to the retina, while further studies are necessary in order to clarify the safety of new-generation quinolones. 5-Fluorouracil has been shown to be nontoxic to the retina after an injection of 2.5 mg in animals. mAbs like ranibizumab and bevacizumab were demonstrated to be safe to the retina in cell culture, animals and humans at high doses. The exact biocompatibility of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents like diclofenac needs further evaluation. Preservatives like benzyl alcohol and changes in pH or osmolarity exert an influence on the toxic effects of intravitreally applied drugs. CONCLUSIONS: A great number of drugs are now used mainly intravitreally without relevant retinal toxicity.

Intravitreal toxicity of ketorolac tris salt and flurbiprofen.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To determine the retinal toxicity of intravitreal ketorolac tris salt and flurbiprofen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two New Zealand rabbits were injected intravitreally with 125, 250, or 500 microg or 1 mg of ketorolac tris salt or flurbiprofen in one eye and 8 fellow eyes were injected with 5% dextrose as a control. All animals underwent indirect ophthalmoscopy and slit-lamp biomicroscopy before injection and on days 1, 7, and 14 after the intravitreal injection. Electroretinography was performed on all animals before injection and on day 14 after the injection before the animals were killed. The enucleated eyes were prepared for histology. RESULTS: Clinical examination, electroretinography results, and histological evaluation demonstrated no signs of retinal toxicity for either drug at any dose. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal doses up to 1 mg of ketorolac tris salt and 1 mg of flurbiprofen did not cause retinal toxicity in the rabbit eye.

Observational study of intraocular lens tilt in sutureless intrascleral fixation versus standard transscleral suture fixation determined by ultrasound biomicroscopy.

BACKGROUND: The position of the intraocular lens (IOL) is a major factor that affects the final visual acuity after cataract surgery. However, no prospective study has compared the IOL positions associated with the sutureless intrascleral technique and the standard transscleral suturing technique. The current study compared the IOL positions in the two techniques using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) in vivo. METHODS: Twenty-one eyes of 21 patients were included in this observational study conducted between February and May 2015. Eleven patients underwent the sutureless intrascleral technique, and 10 patients underwent transscleral fixation with suturing. Ophthalmologic examination and UBM were performed in all patients. Optic tilt was measured in relation to the iris plane. The haptic location was defined. Mann-Whitney test and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the vertical and horizontal gradients. Significant differences were considered when p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: The most common indication for scleral fixation was a complication during phacoemulsification (81.81% in the sutureless group and 60% in the suture group). The mean vertical and horizontal tilts were, respectively, 0.24 ± 0.21 and 0.25 ± 0.19 mm in the sutureless group and 0.14 ± 0.17 and 0.23 ± 0.16 mm in the suture group. No significant differences were seen in the vertical tilt and horizontal tilt (p = 0.888 and p = 0.148, respectively) between the groups. Gender (p = 0.835), age (p = 0.888), follow-up time (p = 0.915), and surgical duration (p = 0.094) were not associated with optic tilt. Of the 22 haptics in the sutureless group, 21 (95.45%) were in the intrascleral tunnel; of the 20 haptics in the suture group, 13 (65%) were posterior to the ciliary body, four (20%) anterior to the ciliary body, and three (15%) in the ciliary sulcus. CONCLUSION: This study showed that there are no significant differences in the IOL positions between the two techniques.

Unilateral acute idiopathic maculopathy secondary to yellow fever disease: a case report.

PURPOSE: To report a case of unilateral acute idiopathic maculopathy (UAIM) associated with yellow fever. OBSERVATIONS: A 59-year-old man presented with acute blurring of his vision 30 days after symptoms of yellow fever virus infection. Findings resembling unilateral acute idiopathic maculopathy of the left eye were noted on ophthalmoscopy, fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography. The right eye exam was normal. He was managed conservatively and recovered complete visual function in 8 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: We describe a case of unilateral acute idiopathic maculopathy disease in a patient infected by yellow fever virus confirmed with reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Safety and pharmokinetics of triamcinolone hexacetonide in rabbit eyes.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether intravitreal triamcinolone hexacetonide (TH) is a safe, longer lasting alternative to intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (TA) in the rabbit eye. METHODS: Three groups, each comprising of 15 Dutch-belted rabbits, received a unilateral injection of 0.1 mL of drug and 0.1 mL of physiologic salt solution in the fellow eye. Group I received TA, group II received commercially available TH, and group III received reformulated iso-osmolar triamcinolone hexacetonide (rTH). Simultaneous bilateral dark-adapted electroretinography was performed following the injection. Retinal morphology was assessed by using histopathology in each group enucleated 12 weeks after injection. High-performance liquid chromatography of vitreous isolated from the enucleated eyes was used to determine drug concentrations. RESULTS: A significant reduction in saturated a-wave and maximal scotopic b-wave was observed in the group II eyes relative to the fellow control eyes at both 2 and 12 weeks postinjection (P < 0.001 for each comparison) but not in the other groups. Histopathology showed no differences between drug-injected eyes and fellow control eyes in groups I and III, but in group II there was severe degeneration of all retina layers. In group I, the drug half-life was 17.7 +/- 1.7 days, group II 44 +/- 13 days, and group III 12.8 +/- 2.3 days. CONCLUSIONS: The half-life of commercially available TH in the vitreous is double that of TA, but the former is toxic to the retina in this rabbit model. Reformulated iso-osmolar TH showed no evidence of deleterious effects to retina function or structure but had a similar half-life to TA.

Lipemia retinalis in a 35-day-old infant with hyperlipoproteinemia: case report.

A rare case of hyperlipropoteinemia in a 35-day-old infant who presented not only high blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides but also an ocular manifestation described as lipemia retinalis. The fundoscopic abnormality cleared as the levels of chilomicrons in plasma dropped. Lipemia retinalis is an important and reliable parameter of high levels of chilomicrons and triglycerides and should be considered as a significant clue while diagnosing.

Inhibition of experimental corneal neovascularisation by bevacizumab (Avastin).

AIM: To evaluate the effect of topically administered bevacizumab (Avastin) on experimental corneal neovascularisation in rats. METHODS: Silver nitrate sticks (75% silver nitrate, 25% potassium nitrate) were used to perform chemical cauterisation on the corneas of 16 eyes from 16 male Long Evans rats. For the following 7 days, the 10 eyes in the treatment group were instilled with bevacizumab 4 mg/ml drops twice daily, whereas the 6 eyes in the control group received placebo (normal saline drops twice daily). Digital photographs of the cornea were analysed to determine the area of cornea covered by neovascularisation as a percentage of the total corneal area. RESULTS: In the bevacizumab-treated eyes, neovascularisation covered, on average, 38.2% (15.5%) (mean (SD)) of the corneal surface compared with 63.5% (5.0%) in the control group (p<0.02, Mann-Whitney U test). CONCLUSION: Topically administered bevacizumab (Avastin) at a concentration of 4 mg/ml limits corneal neovascularisation following chemical injury in the male Long Evans rat model.

Efetividade de diferentes protocolos e cargas utilizadas no treinamento muscular inspiratório de indivíduos com DPOC: uma revisão sistemática / Eficacia de diferentes protocolos y cargas utilizadas en el entrenamiento muscular inspiratorio de personas con EPOC: una revisión sistemática / Effectiveness of different protocols and loads used in inspiratory muscle training of individuals with COPD: a systematic review

RESUMO A doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) provoca alterações no sistema musculoesquelético, afetando inclusive os músculos respiratórios e levando ao aumento da dispneia e à redução da capacidade funcional. Nesse sentido, o treinamento muscular inspiratório (TMI) deve fazer parte do programa de reabilitação pulmonar. Diversos estudos já demonstraram sua eficácia, contudo, ainda é necessário investigar qual a melhor forma de realizá-lo. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi investigar por meio de uma revisão sistemática a efetividade de diferentes protocolos e cargas de TMI sobre os desfechos de força e resistência dos músculos inspiratórios, bem como de capacidade funcional e redução da dispneia. Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática realizada de acordo com o protocolo PRISMA. A busca foi realizada em fevereiro de 2021, nas seguintes bases de dados: PubMed, SciELO, PEDro. Para a busca dos artigos, os seguintes descritores foram empregados: "COPD"; e "breathing exercises, resistive training, respiratory muscle training". Um total de 398 pacientes foram incluídos nos 10 estudos selecionados, todos previamente diagnosticados com DPOC. Foram utilizados diferentes dispositivos para o TMI, e os protocolos variaram em relação às cargas e progressão. O dispositivo mais utilizado entre os artigos foi o Threshold, com carga estabelecida de acordo com a porcentagem da pressão inspiratória máxima (30-80%), reajustada de acordo com novas medições a cada uma ou duas semanas. Houve semelhança de resultados positivos encontrados tanto em treinamentos com cargas baixas quanto com cargas altas, havendo uma melhora na força muscular inspiratória, capacidade funcional e dispneia. No entanto, mais estudos são necessários para definir o melhor protocolo de TMI para DPOC.

RESUMEN La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) produce cambios en el sistema musculoesquelético, incluidos los músculos respiratorios, lo que provoca un aumento de la disnea y reducción de la capacidad funcional. En este sentido, el entrenamiento de la musculatura inspiratoria (EMI) debe formar parte del programa de rehabilitación pulmonar. Varios estudios ya reportaron su eficacia, pero todavía es necesario investigar la mejor manera de realizarlo. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue investigar, basándose en una revisión sistemática, la efectividad de diferentes protocolos y cargas de EMI en los resultados de fuerza y resistencia de la musculatura inspiratoria, así como en la capacidad funcional y la reducción de la disnea. Esta es una revisión sistemática que siguió el protocolo PRISMA. Se realizó una búsqueda de datos en febrero de 2021 en las siguientes bases de datos: PubMed, SciELO y PEDro. Para estas búsquedas se utilizaron los siguientes descriptores: "COPD" y "breathing exercises, resistive training, respiratory muscle training". Un total de 398 pacientes se incluyeron en los 10 estudios seleccionados, y todos los participantes habían recibido diagnóstico previo de EPOC. Se utilizaron diferentes dispositivos para EMI, y los protocolos variaron con relación a cargas y progresión. Entre los artículos, la herramienta más utilizada fue Threshold, con carga según el porcentaje de presión inspiratoria máxima (30-80%), reajustada conforme nuevas medidas cada una o dos semanas. Se encontraron resultados positivos similares en el entrenamiento con bajas cargas y en el con altas cargas, con mejora de la fuerza de la musculatura inspiratoria, de la capacidad funcional y de la disnea. Sin embargo, se necesitan más estudios para definir el mejor protocolo de EMI para EPOC.

ABSTRACT Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) changes the musculoskeletal system, including the respiratory muscles, which are responsible for increasing dyspnea and reducing functional capacity. Several studies have already showed the effectiveness of inspiratory muscle training (IMT); therefore, it should be part of the pulmonary rehabilitation program. However, assessing the best way to do it is still necessary. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate, by a systematic review, the effectiveness of different IMT protocols and loads on the outcomes of inspiratory muscle strength and endurance, functional capacity, and dyspnea reduction. This systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA protocol. Studies were searched in February 2021 in the PubMed, SciELO, PEDro. For the search, the following keywords were used: "COPD" and "breathing exercises, resistive training, respiratory muscle training." A total of 398 individuals previously diagnosed with COPD were included in the 10 selected studies. Different IMT devices were used and protocols varied in relation to loads and progression. Threshold was the most used IMT device. Its load was established according to the percentage of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) (30-80%) and readjusted according to new measurements taken every one or two weeks. Respiratory muscle training with both low loads and high loads presented positive results, however, establishing which is the best IMT protocol for individuals with COPD is not possible yet. Inspiratory muscle strength, functional capacity, and dyspnea get better with IMT.

Antibacterial analysis in vitro of ethyl-cyanoacrylate against ocular pathogens.

PURPOSE: To analyze the antimicrobial properties of ethyl-cyanoacrylate (Superbonder, Loctite, Brazil) in vitro in different microorganisms related to corneal infections. METHODS: We analyzed the following microorganisms: (1) Staphylococcus aureus (multiresistant); (2) S. aureus (ATCC 25923); (3) coagulase-negative Staphylococcus; (4) Streptococcus pyogenes; (5) Streptococcus pneumoniae; (6) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (multiresistant); (7) P. aeruginosa (ATCC 27853); (8) Escherichia coli (ATCC25922); and (9) Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212). One drop of the glue was dropped directly into the nutrient broth. The plates were incubated at 35 +/- 2 degrees C and its growth examined after 24 hours. Bactericidal activity of the glue was verified by sampling inhibition zones when present. The samples were plated in blood agar an analyzed after 24 and 48 hours. RESULTS: The ethyl-cyanoacrylate inhibited the growth of every gram-positive microorganism tested and showed bactericidal effect over 70% for all of them. Among the gram-negative microorganisms, only the E. coli and the E. faecalis had its growth inhibited, and the bactericidal effect was 60% and 40%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The ethyl-cyanoacrylate has bacteriostatic and bactericidal action in vitro, mainly against gram-positive microorganisms.

Choroidal thickness using EDI-OCT in adult-onset vitelliform macular dystrophy.

BACKGROUND: To compare choroidal thickness in patients with adult-onset foveomacular vitelliform dystrophy (AOFVD) with healthy subjects and to correlate choroidal thickness with age, gender and spherical equivalent. METHODS: A prospective, observational study of 37 eyes (15 eyes in AOFVD group and 22 eyes in control group) was conducted. Images were acquired by enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT). Choroidal thickness measurements were performed in the subfoveal region and at 500, 1000 and 1500 µm intervals from the foveal center to nasal and to temporal regions for subsequent averaging of values. RESULTS: The AOFVD group consisted of four male eyes (28.6 %) and 10 female eyes (71.4 %); age was 33-62 years; spherical equivalent (SE) ranged from -1.50 to 1.50 spherical diopters (SD); mean subfoveal thickness was 325.6 µm, ranging from 186 to 420 µm; and the average of thicknesses was 309.4 µm, ranging from 188 to 413 µm. The control group consisted of 12 male eyes (54.5 %) and 10 female eyes (45.5 %); age was 27-62 years; SE ranged from -2.50 to 0.50 SD; subfoveal thickness was 294.8 µm, ranging from 213 to 481 µm; and the average of thicknesses was 279.4 µm, ranging from 201 to 458 µm. CONCLUSIONS: The AOFVD group and the control group showed similar choroidal thickness by correcting for age, SE and gender. Not yet known, completely, which biochemical and vascular flow alterations of the choroid, and which functional RPE changes may play a role in the pathogenesis of this disease. EDI-OCT, incorporated in some SD-OCT devices, allows higher quality assessment of the choroid. In this article, choroidal thickness of patients with AOFVD, a rare disease with a not fully understood pathogenesis, was assessed.

A hyperoxic lung injury model in premature rabbits: the influence of different gestational ages and oxygen concentrations.

BACKGROUND: Many animal models have been developed to study bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The preterm rabbit is a low-cost, easy-to-handle model, but it has a high mortality rate in response to the high oxygen concentrations used to induce lung injury. The aim of this study was to compare the mortality rates of two models of hyperoxia-induced lung injury in preterm rabbits. METHODS: Pregnant New Zealand white rabbits were subjected to caesarean section on gestational day 28 or 29 (full term  = 31 days). The premature rabbits in the 28-day gestation group were exposed to room air or FiO2 ≥95%, and the rabbits in the 29-day gestation group were exposed to room air or FiO2  = 80% for 11 days. The mean linear intercept (Lm), internal surface area (ISA), number of alveoli, septal thickness and proportion of elastic and collagen fibers were quantified. RESULTS: The survival rates in the 29-day groups were improved compared with the 28-day groups. Hyperoxia impaired the normal development of the lung, as demonstrated by an increase in the Lm, the septal thickness and the proportion of elastic fibers. Hyperoxia also decreased the ISA, the number of alveoli and the proportion of collagen fibers in the 28-day oxygen-exposed group compared with the control 28-day group. A reduced number of alveoli was found in the 29-day oxygen exposed animals compared with the control 29-day group. CONCLUSIONS: The 29-day preterm rabbits had a reduced mortality rate compared with the 28-day preterm rabbits and maintained a reduction in the alveoli number, which is comparable to BPD in humans.

Emotional aspects and self-care of patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Renal Replacement Therapy / Aspectos emocionais e autocuidado de pacientes com Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2 em Terapia Renal Substitutiva

Abstract Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is considered to be an important public health problem, both due to the number of people affected, the disabilities and mortality, and the costs involved in controlling and treating its complications. Objective: To evaluate the emotional aspects and self-care of patients with T2DM undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and to correlate these variables with the time of dialysis and the time of diagnosis of DM. Method: Individuals over 40 years of age, with Type 2 DM in HD for at least 3 months at the State Hospital of Bauru. Sociodemographic information was collected, and the participants answered the B-PAID questionnaires (perspective of the impact of DM on quality of life and emotional aspects) and the QAD (self-care). The data were presented descriptively and used Spearman's Correlation and the Chi-square Association Test (p <0.05). Results: Fifty-four individuals, aged 62 ± 9 years, predominance of white skin color and incomplete elementary school were studied. In the B-PAID the mean score was 23 (7-43) points, demonstrating low emotional distress, and in the QAD the lowest adherence was in the "Physical Activity" domain and greater "Foot care and medication use". There was a positive correlation between DM time and HD time (p = 0.04, r = 0.27) and association between heart disease and B-PAID (p = 0.02). Conclusion: The individuals studied presented low emotional distress, good foot care and those with a lower incidence of heart disease suffer less from DM.

Resumo Introdução: O Diabetes Mellitus (DM) é um problema de saúde pública de grande impacto, tanto pelo número de pessoas afetadas, pelas incapacitações e mortalidade, quanto pelos custos envolvidos no controle e tratamento das suas complicações. Objetivo: Avaliar os aspectos emocionais e o autocuidado de pacientes com DM tipo 2 submetidos à hemodiálise (HD) e correlacionar estas variáveis com o tempo de tratamento dialítico e tempo de diagnóstico de DM. Método: Participaram indivíduos acima de 40 anos com DM tipo 2 em HD há pelo menos 3 meses no Hospital Estadual de Bauru. Foram coletadas informações sociodemográficas e os participantes responderam aos questionários B-PAID (perspectiva do impacto do DM na qualidade de vida e aspectos emocionais) e ao QAD (autocuidado). Os dados foram apresentados de forma descritiva e analisados através da Correlação de Spearman e o Teste de associação Qui-quadrado (p<0,05). Resultados: Foram estudados 54 indivíduos, com idade 62 ± 9 anos, predominância da cor de pele branca e ensino fundamental incompleto. No B-PAID o escore médio foi 23 (7-43) pontos, demonstrando baixo sofrimento emocional, e no QAD a menor aderência foi no domínio "Atividade Física" e maior "Cuidado com os pés e uso de medicamentos". Houve correlação positiva entre o tempo de DM e tempo de HD (p=0,04; r=0,27) e associação entre as doenças cardíacas e o B-PAID (p=0,02). Conclusão: Os indivíduos estudados apresentaram baixo sofrimento emocional, bom cuidado com pés e aqueles com menor incidência de doença cardíaca sofrem menos com o DM.

Efeitos do instrumento Pulsar® e da vibrocompressão em crianças no ambiente hospitalar / Effects of tool Pulsar® and vibrocompression in children in the hospital setting

Introdução: Manobras de Higiene Brônquica são técnicas que visam auxiliar na mobilização e remoção das secreções retidas, prevenir ou reduzir obstruções por secreção e suas consequências. Objetivo: avaliar os efeitos cardíacos, respiratórios e sobre a remoção de secreção brônquica do Pulsar® e da manobra de vibrocompressão em pacientes pediátricos. Método: Pacientes foram submetidos a 12 minutos das técnicas de manobra de vibrocompressão e aspiração, e do Pulsar® numa frequência de 15 Hz e aspiração, com intervalo entre as técnicas de quatro horas, nas primeiras 48 horas de internação. Resultado: Foram avaliados 25 pacientes com idade média de 24,44±14,22 semanas. As técnicas de vibrocompressão e Pulsar® não produziram efeitos significativos na FC e FR, porém houve aumento na SpO2 após a aplicação da técnica de vibrocompressão. Conclusão: Condições cardíacas e pulmonares estiveram dentro da normalidade, sendo que houve aumento na oxigenação após a técnica da vibrocompressão. Sobre a remoção de secreção brônquica, ambas as técnicas se mostraram eficazes em pacientes pediátricos.

Introduction: Bronchial hygiene therapy are techniques that aim to assist in mobilization and removal of retained secretions, prevent or reduce obstructions by secretion and its consequences. Objective: To evaluate cardiac, respiratory and bronchial secretion removal effects of Pulsar® and vibrocompression maneuver in pediatric patients. Method: All patients underwent 12 minutes of the vibrocompression maneuver and aspiration, and the Pulsar® at a frequency of 15 Hz and Aspiration, with four hours interval between the techniques during the first 48 hours of hospitalization. Result: 25 patients were evaluated, with a mean age of 24.44 ± 14.22 weeks. The vibrocompression and the Pulsar® techniques applied in the pediatric patients of this study didn't produce significant effects on the HR and RR, while there was increase in SpO2 after application of the vibrocompression technique. Conclusion: Cardiac and pulmonary conditions were within normal limits, while oxygenation had increased after the vibrocompression technique. Regarding the bronchial secretion removal, the two techniques proved to be effective in pediatric patients.

Evaluation of silicon oil on bacterial growth.

PURPOSE: To analyze the antimicrobial properties of silicon oil (Óleo de Silicone®, Ophthalmos, Brazil) on in vitro bacterial growth of different microorganisms related to endophthalmitis. METHODS: The following microorganisms were analyzed: (1) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27583); (2) Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922); (3) Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923); (4) Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 12228); (5) Candida albicans (ATCC 10231); (6) Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 13883); and (7) Streptococcus pneumoniae (ATCC 49619). The plates were incubated at 35 ± 2ºC and its growth examined after 24 hours. An empty disk was placed in the center of each plate as a control. RESULTS: No inhibition halos were verified in any of the plates containing the four different concentrations of the bacterial inocula. CONCLUSIONS: The silicon oil 1000 cps does not have any effect on bacterial growth of any of the studied microorganisms.

Improvement in ARDS experimental model installation: low mortality rate and maintenance of hemodynamic stability.

INTRODUCTION: Many experimental models using lung lavage have been developed for the study of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The original technique has been modified by many authors, resulting in difficulties with reproducibility. There is insufficient detail on the lung injury models used, including hemodynamic stability during animal preparation and drawbacks encountered such as mortality. The authors studied the effects of the pulmonary recruitment and the use of fixed tidal volume (Vt) or fixed inspiratory pressure in the experimental ARDS model installation. METHODS: Adult rabbits were submitted to repeated lung lavages with 30 ml/kg warm saline until the ARDS definition (PaO2/FiO2 ≤ 100) was reached. The animals were divided into three groups, according to the technique used for mechanical ventilation: 1) fixed Vt of 10 ml/kg; 2) fixed inspiratory pressure (IP) with a tidal volume of 10 ml/kg prior to the first lung lavage; and 3) fixed Vt of 10 ml/kg with pulmonary recruitment before the first lavage. RESULTS: The use of alveolar recruitment maneuvers, and the use of a fixed Vt or IP between the lung lavages did not change the number of lung lavages necessary to obtain the experimental model of ARDS or the hemodynamic stability of the animals during the procedure. A trend was observed toward an increased mortality rate with the recruitment maneuver and with the use of a fixed IP. DISCUSSION: There were no differences between the three study groups, with no disadvantage in method of lung recruitment, either fixed tidal volume or fixed inspiratory pressure, regarding the number of lung lavages necessary to obtain the ARDS animal model. Furthermore, the three different procedures resulted in good hemodynamic stability of the animals, and low mortality rate.

Toxicity of high-dose intravitreal adalimumab (Humira) in the rabbit.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the ocular toxicity of escalating doses of intravitreous adalimumab (Humira®) in the rabbit eye. METHODS: Thirty New Zealand albino rabbits received intravitreous injections of 0.5 mg (6 eyes), 1.0 mg (6 eyes), 2.5 mg (6 eyes), 5 mg (6 eyes), and 10 mg (6 eyes) adalimumab. Slit lamp biomicroscopy and fundoscopy were carried out at baseline, day 7, and day 14 after intravitreous injection, whereas electroretinography (ERG) was carried out at baseline and day 14. Animals were euthanized on day 14, and histopathological examination of the eyes was performed. RESULTS: Slit lamp biomicroscopy and fundoscopy were normal in all eyes receiving doses up to 5 mg. In the 10 mg group, 3 of 6 eyes showed mild anterior chamber inflammatory reaction on day 7. Similarly, scotopic and photopic a- and b-wave ERG amplitudes at baseline and day 14 were similar in all groups up to 5 mg, but there was a significant decrease in the photopic-wave ERG response in the 10 mg group (P=0.046). Finally, histopathology demonstrated no differences among eyes receiving balanced salt solution, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, or 10 mg of adalimumab. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreous adalimumab exhibited no associated ocular short-term toxicity in rabbit eyes up to the 5 mg dose. In the 10 mg group mild clinical findings and ERG amplitude reduction could reflect early toxicity.

Testing intravitreal toxicity of rapamycin in rabbit eyes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate retinal toxicity of varying doses of rapamycin when injected intravitreally in rabbits. Rapamycin is a potent immunosuppressive agent with significant antitumor and antiangiogenic properties, clinically approved for prevention of organ transplant rejection. METHODS: Twelve New Zealand albino rabbits were divided into four groups. Four different doses of rapamycin were prepared in 0.1 ml: 20 microg, 50 microg, 200 microg, and 1000 microg. Each concentration was injected in one eye of three rabbits, and 0.1 ml volume of sterile BSS was injected into the contralateral eye of the three rabbits. Slit-lamp and fundoscopic examinations were performed and the animals were observed for 2 weeks for signs of infection, inflammation, and toxicity. A baseline ERG was performed before drug treatment and at day 14, after which the rabbits were euthanized. Histology of the enucleated eyes was studied to look for retinal toxicity. RESULTS: ERG results showed some decrease in scotopic response; however this was not dose related. ERG results were normal at 20 microg. Histological results showed no retinal toxicity in all groups. CONCLUSION: Although ERG changes were identified at dosages between 50-1000 microg, the histology of all groups up to 1000 microg did not show any discernable abnormalities.

Analysis of acoustic frequency and wave amplitude generated by the Oscillatory Thoracic Thixotropic Device (Diottix(r)) in human chest / Análisis de la frecuencia acústica y amplitud de las ondas sonoras generadas por el Dispositivo Oscilatorio Torácico Tixotrópico (Diottix(r)) en el tórax humano / Análise da frequência acústica e amplitude das ondas sonoras geradas pelo Dispositivo Oscilatório Torácico Tixotrópico (Diottix(r)) no tórax humano

Diottix(r) was calibrated at 25 Hz to achieve the frequency indicated in literature as being effective to mobilize the airways secretions. However, the amplitude and frequency of the waves generated by the equipment in different regions of the chest still need to be investigated. The objective of this study was to analyze the frequency and amplitude of waves generated by Diottix(r) in chests of healthy subjects. Diottix(r) was used in the anterior and posterior regions of the chest. The mechanical waves were captured using stethoscopes connected to electret microphones, which were connected to a digital oscilloscope. Frequency and amplitude data were recorded by the stethoscope, positioned in six points in the anterior region and six in the posterior region of the chest, following the positions commonly used in pulmonary auscultation. Signals were recorded and transferred to a computer with software for their analysis. The frequency of waves did not present a significant change (from 24.9 to 26.4 Hz). The wave amplitude in the anterior versus the posterior region in each area of the lung, the upper, middle and lower, had differences. Diottix(r) produces frequencies in the chest according to the calibrated; thus, it can be a complementary resource to bronchial hygiene maneuvers. The amplitudes of waves seem to be affected by other structures like bone parts and heart.

Diottix(r) fue calibrado en 25 Hz para alcanzar la frecuencia indicada en la literatura como eficaz para movilizar secreciones de las vías aéreas. La amplitud y frecuencia de ondas generadas por el equipamiento en las diferentes regiones del tórax aun necesitan de más investigaciones. El objetivo de eso estudio fue analizar la frecuencia y amplitud de ondas generadas por el Diottix(r) en el tórax de sujetos saludables. La aplicación del Diottix(r) fue realizada en las regiones anterior y posterior del tórax. Las ondas mecánicas fueron captadas utilizándose estetoscopios ligados a micrófonos de electret, los cuales estaban ligados a uno osciloscopio digital. Los datos de frecuencia y amplitud fueron captados por lo estetoscopio posicionado en seis puntos en la región anterior y seis en la posterior del tórax, siguiendo las posiciones comúnmente utilizadas en la ausculta pulmonar. Los sígnales fueron registrados y transferidos para una computadora a través de un programa para su análisis de datos. La frecuencia de ondas no presentó variación significativa (del 24,9 al 26,4 Hz). La amplitud de onda en la región anterior versus posterior en cada segmento del pulmón, tercio superior, medio e inferior, presentó diferencia. Lo Diottix(r) produce frecuencias en el tórax según el calibrado. Por lo tanto, puede ser uno recurso complementar a las manobras de higiene de los bronquios. Las amplitudes de ondas parecen ser afectadas por otras estructuras, las cuales incluyen partes óseas y el corazón.

O Diottix(r) foi calibrado a 25 Hz para atingir a frequência indicada na literatura como eficaz a fim de mobilizar secreções de vias aéreas. A amplitude e a frequência das ondas geradas pelo equipamento nas diferentes regiões do tórax ainda precisam ser investigadas. O objetivo de estudo foi analisar a frequência e a amplitude das ondas geradas pelo Diottix(r) no tórax de indivíduos saudáveis. A aplicação do Diottix(r) foi realizada nas regiões anterior e posterior do tórax. As ondas mecânicas foram captadas utilizando estetoscópios conectados a microfones de eletreto, os quais estavam ligados a um osciloscópio digital. Os dados de frequência e amplitude foram captados pelo estetoscópio, posicionado em seis pontos na região anterior e seis na posterior do tórax, seguindo as posições comumente utilizadas na ausculta pulmonar. Os sinais foram registrados e transferidos para um computador por meio de um software para análise deles. A frequência das ondas não apresentou variação significativa (24,9 a 26,4 Hz). A amplitude de onda na região anterior versus posterior em cada segmento do pulmão, terço superior, médio e inferior, apresentou diferença. O Diottix(r) produz frequências no tórax de acordo com o calibrado; desta forma, pode ser um recurso complementar às manobras de higiene brônquica. As amplitudes de ondas parecem ser afetadas por outras estruturas, que incluem as partes ósseas e o coração.

Chest physiotherapy during immediate postoperative period among patients undergoing upper abdominal surgery: randomized clinical trial.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Abdominal surgical procedures increase pulmonary complication risks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of chest physiotherapy during the immediate postoperative period among patients undergoing elective upper abdominal surgery. DESIGN AND SETTING: This randomized clinical trial was performed in the post-anesthesia care unit of a public university hospital. METHODS: Thirty-one adults were randomly assigned to control (n = 16) and chest physiotherapy (n = 15) groups. Spirometry, pulse oximetry and anamneses were performed preoperatively and on the second postoperative day. A visual pain scale was applied on the second postoperative day, before and after chest physiotherapy. The chest physiotherapy group received treatment at the post-anesthesia care unit, while the controls did not. Surgery duration, length of hospital stay and postoperative pulmonary complications were gathered from patients' medical records. RESULTS: The control and chest physiotherapy groups presented decreased spirometry values after surgery but without any difference between them (forced vital capacity from 83.5 +/- 17.1% to 62.7 +/- 16.9% and from 95.7 +/- 18.9% to 79.0 +/- 26.9%, respectively). In contrast, the chest physiotherapy group presented improved oxygen-hemoglobin saturation after chest physiotherapy during the immediate postoperative period (p < 0.03) that did not last until the second postoperative day. The medical record data were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Chest physiotherapy during the immediate postoperative period following upper abdominal surgery was effective for improving oxygen-hemoglobin saturation without increased abdominal pain. Breathing exercises could be adopted at post-anesthesia care units with benefits for patients.