Comparison of four tonometers in the measurement of intraocular pressure in healthy horses.

BACKGROUND: Measurement of the intraocular pressure (IOP) is a useful diagnostic tool in equine ophthalmology. Handheld tonometers, such as Tonovet and Tonovet Plus (rebound), Tono-Pen AVIA Vet (applanation), and Kowa HA-2 (applanation using the Goldmann methodology) are used to obtain IOP measurements in veterinary medicine. OBJECTIVES: To compare and evaluate the accuracy of four handheld tonometers in measuring IOP using different methodologies in healthy horses. STUDY DESIGN: In vivo experiment and cross-sectional survey of healthy horses. METHODS: Intraocular pressure was measured in 72 eyes of 36 horses. An in vivo study was conducted on sedated horses to compare the real IOP values obtained using manometry versus those obtained using tonometry, and a field study was conducted on unsedated healthy horses with normal eyes to measure the IOP values using different tonometers. RESULTS: In the in vivo study, the mean IOP values using ocular manometry was 24.9 ± 4.0 mmHg (range, 20.0-30.0 mmHg). The mean IOP values using tonometry were: Tonovet, 25.7 ± 5.8 mmHg (range 19.5-33.0 mmHg); Tonovet Plus, 24.8 ± 7.1 mmHg (range 13.2-33.2 mmHg); Tono Pen AVIA Vet, 19.2 ± 4.7 mmHg (range 13.1-26.5 mmHg); and Kowa Ha-2, 24.1 ± 1.2 mmHg (range 22.8-25.8 mmHg). In the field study, the IOP values were: Tonovet, 30.7 ± 5.6 mmHg (range 21.7-38.0 mmHg); Tonovet Plus, 29.6 ± 6.7 mmHg (range 16.2-38.6 mmHg); Tono-Pen AVIA Vet, 27.3 ± 5.8 mmHg (range 14.6-37.1 mmHg); and Kowa HA-2, 23.4 ± 2.2 mmHg (range 20.2-28.7 mmHg). MAIN LIMITATIONS: This study included only healthy horses and a limited number of animals in the in vivo study. CONCLUSIONS: There was a strong correlation between the IOP values and manometry for all tonometers. IOP should be estimated using the same tonometer over time, and the bias of the tonometer used, such as overestimation (rebound tonometer) and underestimation (applanation tonometer), should be acknowledged. A normal reference value for each tonometer should be established in horses.

HISTORIAL: La medición de la presión intraocular (IOP) juega un rol crucial en el diagnóstico de oftalmopatías que pueden llevar a la ceguera en caballos. Los tonómetros portátiles, tales como Tonovet y Tonovet Plus (de rebote), Tono-Pen AVIA Vet (aplanación), and Kowa HA-2 (aplanación usando el método Goldmann), son usados para obtener las mediciones de IOP en medicina veterinaria. OBJETIVOS: Comparar y evaluar la precisión de cuatro tonómetros portátiles para medir IOP usando distintas metodologías en caballos sanos. DISEÑO DEL ESTUDIO: Experimento in vivo y estudio transversal de caballos sanos. MÉTODOS: IOP fue medida en 72 ojos de 36 caballos. Un estudio in vivo fue llevado a cabo en caballos sedados para comparar los valores reales de IOP obtenidos usando manometría versus aquellos obtenidos usando tonometría, y un estudio de campo fue llevado a cabo en caballos sanos no sedados con ojos normales para medir los valores de IOP obtenidos con distintos tonómetros. RESULTADOS: En el estudio in vivo, los valores promedio de IOP usando manometría ocular fueron 24.9 ± 4.0 mmHg (rango, 20.0-30.0 mmHg). Los valores de IOP promedio usando tonometría fueron: Tonovet, 25.7 ± 5.8 mmHg (rango 19.5-33.0 mmHg); Tonovet Plus, 24.8 ± 7.1 mmHg (rango 13.2-33.2 mmHg); Tono Pen AVIA Vet, 19.2 ± 4.7 mmHg (rango 13.1-26.5 mmHg); and Kowa Ha-2, 24.1 ± 1.2 mmHg (rango 22.8-25.8 mmHg). En el estudio de campo, los valores de IOP fueron: Tonovet, 30.7 ± 5.6 mmHg (rango 21.7-38.0 mmHg); Tonovet Plus, 29.6 ± 6.7 mmHg (rango 16.2-38.6 mmHg); Tono-Pen AVIA Vet, 27.3 ± 5.8 mmHg (rango 14.6-37.1 mmHg); and Kowa HA-2, 23.4 ± 2.2 mmHg (rango 20.2-28.7 mmHg). LIMITACIONES PRINCIPALES: Este estudio incluyo solo caballos sanos y un número limitado en el estudio in vivo. CONCLUSIONES: Hubo una fuerte correlación entre los valores de IOP por manometría con todos los tonómetros. IOP debería estimarse usando el mismo tonómetro a través de tiempo, y el sesgo del tonómetro usado, como la sobre estimación (tonómetro de rebote) y la baja estimación (tonómetro por aplanación), debería reconocerse. Valores normales para cada tonómetro deberían establecerse para el caballo.

Chemical and statistical analyses of blotter paper matrix drugs seized in the State of Rio de Janeiro.

Drugs of abuse are psychoactive substances illicitly distributed and used worldwide. In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, they represent a public health issue and are directly related to several social problems. The recent increase in appearances of new psychoactive substances (NPS), derived from structural modifications of existing psychoactive substances, poses a threat to public health and forensic laboratories worldwide, as little is known about these substances. This study aimed to chemically and geographically map drugs of abuse from blotter papers seized by the Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro State (PCERJ) between 2006 and 2019. High-performance analytical techniques, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Orbitrap mass spectrometry (Orbitrap-MS), combined with statistical analyses, were employed to characterize the seized samples. The most common chemical compounds in NPS found in this study were synthetic phenethylamines, i.e., molecules from the 25I-NBOH (2-(((4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethyl)amino)methyl)phenol) and 25I-NBOMe (2-(4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethanamine) families. Prior to 2014, the majority of seized blotter papers contained lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and were concentrated in the Metropolitan region. An upsurge in blotter paper seizures was observed from 2014 to 2017; the most common substances during this time were from the NBOMe family. NBOH compounds emerged in 2016 in coastal regions with high tourism, reaching over 1300 items only in 2017. Only one synthetic cannabinoid was found among the blotter papers seized in Rio de Janeiro between 2006 and 2019. The assembled chemical data and statistical analyses allowed the mapping and monitoring of the chemical profiles of the seized blotter papers, providing a strong foundation for the understanding of the origins and movement of these drugs around the RJ State.

On-Flow LC-MS/MS method for screening of xanthine oxidase inhibitors.

The screening of compounds is the initial step in research for the development of new drugs. For this reason, the availability of fast and reliable tools for the screening of a large number of compounds becomes essential. Among the therapeutic targets, the enzyme xanthine oxidase (XO) is of great interest for its importance as a biological source of superoxide radicals, which contribute to the oxidative stress on organisms and are involved in many pathological processes. In the present study, we validated a new method using an immobilized capillary enzyme reactor in an LC system directly coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry to screen for XO ligands. The use of mass spectrometry provided selectivity and speed to the system, eliminating the analytical separation step. The Michaelis-Menten constant (KM) value determined for the immobilized enzyme was 14.5 ±â€¯0.4 µmol L-1, which is consistent with the value previously reported for the XO-ICER with UV detection in a 2D LC method. The on-line approach was successfully applied to assay the XO inhibitory activities of thirty isolated compounds from different classes of natural products and provided greater productivity (288 analysis/day) than 2D LC method (84 analysis/day) of screened samples.

Seasonal variation of the essential oil from two Brazilian native Aldama La Llave (Asteraceae) species.

Aldama arenaria and A. robusta are morphologically similar aromatic species that have seasonal development. The yield and chemical composition of essential oils from aerial and underground vegetative organs of these species were compared to verify the production of volatile metabolites in flowering and dormant phases of development and to identify if there are unique compounds for either species. The major compound in the essential oils from A. arenaria leaves was palustrol (16.22%) and for aerial stems was limonene (15.3%), whereas limonene (11.16%) and α-pinene (19.64%) were the major compounds for leaves and aerial stems from A. robusta, respectively. The major compound for the underground organs was α-pinene, in both species and phenological stages. High amounts of diterpenes were found especially for A. arenaria essential oils. Each analyzed species presented unique compounds, which can provide a characteristic chemical profile for both species helping to solve their taxonomic problems. This study characterized for the first time the yield and essential oil composition of A. arenaria and A. robusta, which have medicinal potential, and some of the compounds in their essential oils are unique to each one and may be useful in helping the correct identification of them.

Schistosoma mansoni: in vitro schistosomicidal activity of essential oil of Baccharis trimera (less) DC.

Schistosomiasis is a chronic parasitic disease caused by the trematode species Schistosoma mansoni. Chemotherapy is the only immediate recourse to minimize the prevalence and incidence of this disease worldwide. At present, praziquantel (PZQ) is the drug of choice for the treatment of all forms of schistosomiasis. However, dependence on a single drug is concern because some strains can become resistant. In this context, medicinal plants become potential candidates as sources of new drug prototypes. This study provides findings on the schistosomicidal activity of the essential oil of Baccharis trimera in in vitro assays. During the assays parameters such as motility of adult worms, oviposition, morphological changes on the tegument and especially the mortality rate of adult worms of the BH strain were evaluated. The assays, which were carried out with four concentrations - 24, 48, 91 and 130 µg/mL - of the essential oil, have shown a promising activity regarding the parameters under study. It was possible to notice a significant decline in the motility of the worms and a mortality rate of 100% 30 h after they had been exposed to the essential oil in the concentration of 130 µg/mL. Male worms were more susceptible, producing a dose-response effect within a smaller exposition period than female worms. In what refers to morphological changes, the essential oil of B. trimera induced a peeling on the tegument surface, as well as the destruction of tubercles and spines, which resulted in smooth areas on the body surface. The essential oil also caused tegument destruction in female worms, in addition to destruction of the oral and acetabular suckers. It is the first time that the schistosomicidal activity has been reported for essential oil of B. trimera (less) DC.

Can tricuspid annuloplasty of the donor heart reduce valve insufficiency following cardiac transplantation with bicaval anastomosis?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of tricuspid valve insufficiency after orthotopic cardiac transplantation with bicaval anastomosis and prophylactic donor heart annuloplasty. METHODS: At present, our cardiac transplantation experience includes 478 cases. After January 2002, we included 30 consecutive patients in this study who had undergone orthotopic cardiac transplantation and survived >6 months. The patients were divided into 2 groups: group I, 15 patients who underwent transplantation with prophylactic tricuspid annuloplasty on the donor heart with the De Vega technique; and group II, 15 patients who underwent transplantation without this procedure. Their preoperative clinical characteristics were the same. During the late postoperative follow-up, the degree of tricuspid insufficiency was evaluated by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography and assessed according to the Simpson scale: 0, absent; 1, mild; 2, moderate; and 3, severe. Hemodynamic parameters were evaluated invasively by means of a Swan-Ganz catheter during routine endomyocardial biopsies. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 26.9 +/- 5.4 months (range, 12-36 months). In group I, 1 patient (6.6%) died from infection in the 18th month after the operation; the death was not related to the annuloplasty. In group II, 1 death (6.6%) occurred after 10 months because of rejection (P > .05). After the 24-month follow-up, the mean degree of tricuspid insufficiency was 0.4 +/- 0.5 in group I and 1.7 +/- 0.9 in group II (P < .05). Similarly, the 2 groups were significantly different with respect to the right atrium pressure, which was higher in group II. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic tricuspid annuloplasty on the donor heart was able to reduce significantly the degree of valvular insufficiency, even in cardiac transplantation with bicaval anastomosis; however, it did not modify significantly the hemodynamic performance of the allograft during the investigation period. It is very important to extend the observation period and casuistics to verify other benefits that this technique may offer.

Grupoterapia em hospital-dia: os grupos das comissöes de atividades / Group therapy in day-hospital: the activities groups

Os grupos das Comissöes de Atividades do Hospital-Dia (HD) do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeiräo Preto, USP - funcionando há 14 anos - organizam, racionalizam e integram atividades sociais, recreacionais, artísticas, culturais e ocupacionais, tanto oferecidas no ambiente do HD, como na comunidade da cidade de Ribeiräo Preto e no campus da USP. Podem ser atividades tanto espontêneas como sugeridas, pelo presumível potencial terapêutico que possam conter. A participaçäo de técnicos e pacientes, neste trabalho grupal, promove a relaçäo interpessoal que é medida e permeada pela tarefa a ser executada, em execuçäo ou em avaliaçäo após execuçäo. O exame disciplinado destas três fases - que tem a tarefa das comissöes como foco - favorece tanto formas mais elaboradas de interaçäo entre pacientes e entre pacientes e técnicos, como a projeçäo e deslocamento da ansiedade grupal compartilhada. A participaçäo mais ativa ou menos ativa é mediada tanto pela psicopatologia de cada paciente, como pela conduçäo da dinâmica destes grupos. Entre os extremos temos uma divisäo entre "bons" pacientes que aderem e colaboram na execuçäop da tarefa, favorecendo um clima grupal de coesäo e aprendizado interpessoal e "maus" pacientes que näo aderem, säo indiferentes ou sabotadores ativos da tarefa, favorecendo um clima de suspeita e hostilidade com fragmentaçäo do grupo e formaçäo de subgrupos de bodes expiatórios. Estes servem como depositários dos impulsos e objetos internos insuportáveis - que säo projetados e deslocados sobre eles - como soluçäo para a ansiedade grupal compartilhada. Na liderançäa dos Grupos das Comissöes, o terapeuta deve ser estruturador, suportivo e explícito para desenvolver a tarefa, que deve ser tomada, sempre, como foco do trabalho grupal