Does the use of topical anesthetics reduce the perception of pain during needle puncture and anesthetic infiltration? Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The objective of this systematic review was to assess whether the use of topical anesthetics reduces the perception of pain during puncture and anesthetic infiltration. Twenty-two randomized controlled clinical trials, published in English on or before August 6, 2020, were found in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases. Risk of bias was determined for randomization and other issues. A total of 1029 patients were evaluated using parameters such as type of topical anesthetic, application site, and pain (measured on a scale). Some studies assessed more than one topical anesthetic. Seventeen of them showed a reduction in pain from needle puncture and four from infiltration. Meta-analyses for some results showed considerable statistical heterogeneity. Regarding pain during needle puncture of the maxilla, statistically significant differences were observed in the topical anesthetics group, in both the vestibular (P = 0.0002) and palatal (P = 0.005) region. This was different from the mandible, for which there was no statistically significant difference (P = 0.07). With regard to pain caused by anesthetic infiltration in the maxilla, there was no difference in the use of anesthetic in relation to the control group (P = 0.11). Given these findings, using topical anesthetics only relieves pain during needle puncture and in the maxilla. PROSPERO 2020: CRD42020206362.

Parâmetros fermentativos e composição química de silagem de capim elefante cv. roxo com adição de vagens de faveira / Fermentative parameters and chemical composition of elephant cv. purple grass silage with added faveira pods

Objetivou-se avaliar os parâmetros fermentativos e a composição química de silagens de capim elefante com adição de vagens de faveira. As vagens foram adicionadas à forragem nos níveis 8, 16 e 24% com base no peso verde, junto a tratamento controle (0%) em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Foram quantificados os valores de pH, perdas por efluentes (PE) e perdas por gases (PG), recuperação de matéria seca (RECMS), proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e detergente ácido (FDA), lignina (LIG) e nitrogênio insolúvel em detergente ácido (NIDA) e estimaram-se os valores de celulose (CEL) e hemicelulose (HCEL). Verificou-se aumento linear (P<0,05) para PG e redução de 52,23% na produção de efluente quando do tratamento de 24%, com pH mantendo-se no nível ideal (média de 3,76). Quanto à composição química da silagem, observou-se elevação dos teores de MS e PB (6,53%) quando da inclusão das vagens, com menores proporções de FDN (52,99%) e FDA (36,48%). No entanto, os teores de NIDA aumentaram quando da elevação dos níveis de vagens na silagem. As vagens de faveira são indicadas como aditivos, em até 24%, para ensilagem de capim elefante, por melhorar a qualidade da silagem, quanto à fermentação e composição química.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the fermentative parameters and chemical composition of elephant grass silages with the addition of faveira pods. The pods were added to the forage at levels of 8, 16 and 24% on a dry matter (DM) basis, together with the control treatment (0%), in a completely randomized design. The pH, losses through effluent and gas, dry matter recovery, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent (ADF), lignin and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN) were quantified, and cellulose and hemicellulose were estimated. There was a linear increase (P<0.05) in losses through gas and a reduction in effluent production (1.17 kg/ton DM) at 24%, with pH remaining at the ideal level (3.76). Regarding the chemical composition of silage, an increase in DM and CP (6.53%) was observed at the highest levels of pod inclusion, with lower proportions of NDF (52.99%) and ADF (36.48%). However, ADIN levels increased with increasing pod levels in the silage (+ 6.81%). Faveira pods up to 24% are indicated as additives for elephant grass silage, as they improve silage quality, fermentation and chemical composition.(AU)

Parâmetros fermentativos e composição química de silagem de capim elefante cv. roxo com adição de vagens de faveira / Fermentative parameters and chemical composition of elephant cv. purple grass silage with added faveira pods

Objetivou-se avaliar os parâmetros fermentativos e a composição química de silagens de capim elefante com adição de vagens de faveira. As vagens foram adicionadas à forragem nos níveis 8, 16 e 24% com base no peso verde, junto a tratamento controle (0%) em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Foram quantificados os valores de pH, perdas por efluentes (PE) e perdas por gases (PG), recuperação de matéria seca (RECMS), proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e detergente ácido (FDA), lignina (LIG) e nitrogênio insolúvel em detergente ácido (NIDA) e estimaram-se os valores de celulose (CEL) e hemicelulose (HCEL). Verificou-se aumento linear (P<0,05) para PG e redução de 52,23% na produção de efluente quando do tratamento de 24%, com pH mantendo-se no nível ideal (média de 3,76). Quanto à composição química da silagem, observou-se elevação dos teores de MS e PB (6,53%) quando da inclusão das vagens, com menores proporções de FDN (52,99%) e FDA (36,48%). No entanto, os teores de NIDA aumentaram quando da elevação dos níveis de vagens na silagem. As vagens de faveira são indicadas como aditivos, em até 24%, para ensilagem de capim elefante, por melhorar a qualidade da silagem, quanto à fermentação e composição química.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the fermentative parameters and chemical composition of elephant grass silages with the addition of faveira pods. The pods were added to the forage at levels of 8, 16 and 24% on a dry matter (DM) basis, together with the control treatment (0%), in a completely randomized design. The pH, losses through effluent and gas, dry matter recovery, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent (ADF), lignin and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN) were quantified, and cellulose and hemicellulose were estimated. There was a linear increase (P<0.05) in losses through gas and a reduction in effluent production (1.17 kg/ton DM) at 24%, with pH remaining at the ideal level (3.76). Regarding the chemical composition of silage, an increase in DM and CP (6.53%) was observed at the highest levels of pod inclusion, with lower proportions of NDF (52.99%) and ADF (36.48%). However, ADIN levels increased with increasing pod levels in the silage (+ 6.81%). Faveira pods up to 24% are indicated as additives for elephant grass silage, as they improve silage quality, fermentation and chemical composition.

Efficacy of new natural biomodification agents from Anacardiaceae extracts on dentin collagen cross-linking.

OBJECTIVES: Several polyphenols from renewable sources were surveyed for dentin biomodification. However, phenols from cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL, Anacardium occidentale) and from Aroeira (Myracrodruon urundeuva) extract have never been evaluated. The present investigation aimed to compare the dentin collagen crosslinking (biomodification) effectiveness of polyphenols from Aroeira stem bark extract, proanthocyanidins (PACs) from grape-seed extract (Vitis vinifera), cardol and cardanol from CNSL after clinically relevant treatment for one minute. METHODS: Three-point bending test was used to obtain the elastic modulus of fully demineralized dentin beams before and after biomodification, whilst color change and mass variation were evaluated after four weeks water biodegradation. Color aspect was assessed by optical images after biodegradation whereas collagen cross-linking was investigated by micro-Raman spectroscopy. Statistical analysis was performed with repeated-measures two way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p<0.05). RESULTS: The increase in elastic modulus after biomodification was in the order cardol>cardanol>aroeira=PACs with cardol solution achieving mean 338.2% increase. The mass increase after biomodification followed the same order aforementioned. Nevertheless, after four weeks aging, more hydrophobic agent (cardanol) induced the highest resistance against water biodegradation. Aroeira and cardol attained intermediate outcomes whereas PACs provided the lower resistance. Tannin-based agents (Aroeira and PACs) stained the specimens in dark brown color. No color alteration was observed with cardol and cardanol treatments. All four agents achieved crosslinking in micro-Raman after one minute application. SIGNIFICANCE: In conclusion, major components of CNSL yield overall best dentin biomodification outcomes when applied for one minute without staining the dentin collagen.

Reproductive phenology of Melastomataceae species with contrasting reproductive systems: contemporary and historical drivers.

Flowering and fruiting are key events in the life history of plants, and both are critical to their reproductive success. Besides the role of evolutionary history, plant reproductive phenology is regulated by abiotic factors and shaped by biotic interactions with pollinators and seed dispersers. In Melastomataceae, a dominant Neotropical family, the reproductive systems vary from allogamous with biotic pollination to apomictic, and seed dispersal varies from dry (self-dispersed) to fleshy (animal-dispersed) fruits. Such variety in reproductive strategies is likely to affect flowering and fruiting phenologies. In this study, we described the reproductive phenology of 81 Melastomataceae species occurring in two biodiversity hotspots: the Atlantic rain forest and the campo rupestre. We aim to disentangle the role of abiotic and biotic factors defining flowering and fruiting times of Melastomataceae species, considering the contrasting breeding and seed dispersal systems, and their evolutionary history. In both vegetation types, pollinator-dependent species had higher flowering seasonality than pollinator-independent ones. Flowering patterns presented phylogenetic signal regardless of vegetation type. Fruiting of fleshy-fruited species was seasonal in campo rupestre but not in Atlantic rain forest; the fruiting of dry-fruited species was also not seasonal in both vegetation types. Fruiting showed a low phylogenetic signal, probably because the influence of environment and dispersal agents on fruiting time is stronger than the phylogenetic affinity. Considering these ecophylogenetic patterns, our results indicate that flowering may be shaped by the different reproductive strategies of Melastomataceae lineages, while fruiting patterns may be governed mainly by the seed dispersal strategy and flowering time, with less phylogenetic influence.

Head-shaking tilt suppression: a clinical test to discern central from peripheral causes of vertigo.

Tilt suppression refers to both tilting the head away from an Earth vertical axis and a reduction of an induced horizontal nystagmus. This phenomenon of reducing an induced horizontal nystagmus involves a circuitry of neurons within the vestibular nuclei and the cerebellum (collectively referred to as velocity storage) and signals from the otolith end organs. Lesions involving this circuitry can disrupt tilt suppression of induced horizontal nystagmus. We investigated the clinical value of combining the horizontal head-shaking nystagmus test with tilt suppression in 28 patients with unilateral peripheral vestibular hypofunction and 11 patients with lesions affecting the central nervous system. Each of the subjects with peripheral vestibular lesions generated an appropriately directed horizontal nystagmus after head shaking that then suppressed the induced angular slow phase velocity on average 52 ± 17.6% following tilt down of the head. In contrast, patients with central lesions had very little ability to suppress post-head-shaking nystagmus (mean 3.4 ± 56%). We recommend tilting the head after head shaking as a useful clinical test to assist in the differential diagnosis of vertiginous patients. In the case of unilateral peripheral vestibular hypofunction, head tilt suppresses the induced nystagmus via influence of the otolith organ. In the case of central pathology, the inability to suppress the nystagmus is from lesions impairing the otolith mediation on the velocity storage circuitry.

Stroke in systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome: risk factors, clinical manifestations, neuroimaging, and treatment.

Neurologic disorders are among the most common and important clinical manifestations associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), mainly those that affect the central nervous system (CNS). Risk of cerebrovascular events in both conditions is increased, and stroke represents one of the most severe complications, with an incidence rate between 3% and 20%, especially in the first five years of diagnosis. This article updates the data regarding the risk factors, clinical manifestations, neuroimaging, and treatment of stroke in SLE and APS.

In vitro susceptibility of nematophagous fungi to antiparasitic drugs: interactions and implications for biological control.

The fast anthelmintic resistance development has shown a limited efficiency in the control of animal's endoparasitosis and has promoted research using alternative control methods. The use of chemicals in animal anthelmintic treatment, in association with nematophagous fungi used for biological control, is a strategy that has proven to be effective in reducing the nematode population density in farm animals. This study aims to verify the in vitro susceptibility of the nematophagous fungi Arthrobotrys oligospora, Duddingtonia flagrans and Paecilomyces lilacinus against the antiparasitic drugs albendazole, thiabendazole, ivermectin, levamisole and closantel by using the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). MICs ranged between 4.0 and 0.031 µg/mL for albendazole, thiabendazole and ivermectin, between 0.937 and 0.117 µg/mL for levamisole, and between 0.625 and 0.034 µg/mL for closantel. The results showed that all antiparasitic drugs had an in vitro inhibitory effect on nematophagous fungi, which could compromise their action as agents of biological control. D. flagrans was the most susceptible species to all drugs.

Expression of Mcl-1 and Ki-67 in Papillary Thyroid Carcinomas.

UNLABELLED: Studying molecules that are differentially expressed in cancers as well as benign and normal tissues is crucial for identifying novel biomarkers for cancer immunotherapy. This study aimed to investigate the clinical utility of the immunochemical expression of the proliferative cell marker Ki-67 and the apoptotic blocker Mcl-1 in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). METHODS: We built a tissue microarray with 282 thyroid specimens. There were 59 PTCs including 35 classic (CPTC), 3 tall cell (TCPTC) and 21 follicular variants (FVPTC); 79 benign thyroid diseases (22 follicular adenomas; 57 adenomatoid hyperplasia); 33 Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) specimens; and 111 normal thyroid tissues. Clinical history and ultrasound data were retrospectively obtained by chart review. RESULTS: Mcl-1 overexpression was evident in 66.7% of the PTC tissues compared to 32% of the benign thyroid diseases. Mcl-1 strong staining distinguished benign from malignant thyroid lesions (sensitivity=61.3%; specificity=72.8%; negative predictive value, NPV=68%; positive predictive value, PPV=66.7% and 67.5% accuracy). Positive nuclear Ki-67 staining was observed in 34% of PTCs vs. 19% of thyroid adenomas (P=0.031). Strong Mcl-1 and Ki-67 co-expression was identified in 57.5% of PTCs with a higher PPV (75.8%). Mcl-1 and Ki-67 expression was not associated with any clinicopathological feature of malignancy. No deaths occurred during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Mcl-1 immunochemical overexpression allowed differentiating low-risk PTC from the benign thyroid lesions. We suggest that Mcl-1 expression may help differentiate follicular patterned thyroid lesions. The influence of the Mcl-1 expression on several features of tumor aggressiveness has to be studied in large series of high-risk thyroid carcinomas.

Apomixis does not affect visitation to flowers of Melastomataceae, but pollen sterility does.

Apomixis is an asexual seed reproduction mechanism thorough which embryos are originated from material tissues inside the ovules, without precedent fertilisation. It allows plants to colonise new habitats, even in places where flower visitors are scarce or where plants are isolate. Apomixis seems to be related to pollen sterility and, in species with flowers that offer pollen as a reward for pollinators, the amount or quality of the pollen offered by these species may influence the amount of the visits and specific composition of the visitors. In order to test this hypothesis, we studied breeding systems of 16 species of Melastomataceae and their flower visitors, evaluating composition and abundance of the visits to apomictic and sexual species. Apomictic plants with no viable pollen or with pollen with low viability did not receive visits from pollinators, and consequently probably produce strictly apomictic fruits. On the other hand, apomictic and sexual plants with high pollen viability do receive visits; in this case, apomictic plants may produce fruits and seeds through both sexual and apomictic methods. The species composition of insects visiting Melastomataceae with high pollen viability was similar, regardless of whether the plants were apomictic or not. It seems that pollen viability levels are important to determine visits to the flowers irrespective of breeding system.

Cuticular signature in the development of Polistes versicolor.

Wasps belong to societies that are highly complex and diverse, especially considering social organization and parental care. They use chemicals in their daily communication, and act incisively in recognition of mates and non-nest mates, and can even identify individuals of different castes. In this study, cuticle composition was examined during the development of Polistes versicolor from the egg stage to adulthood, with the aim to assess changes in the chemical signature of the species, using gas chromatography. Linear alkanes and branched alkanes were identified that were important to distinguish the various developmental stages of P. versicolor. The variation in the linear alkanes and branched alkanes was quantitative, since most of them are present in all stages, with the exception of some linear alkanes that uniquely characterized the egg stage. At the egg stage, differences were predominant for linear alkanes C8, C24, C27, and C29. For the larval instars, there was a predominance of linear alkanes C8, C22 and C24 to C30. In the pre-pupae, pupae and adult stages, C8, C22, C24, and C26 to C30 showed a higher abundance during later developmental stages. The addition to branched alkanes increased their abundance from the egg (13.52%) to adult (22.96%) stages.

Comparative analysis of a distal protection system and the newstent M-Guard for the treatment of complex lesions in saphenousvein grafts

Aims: Percutaneous coronary intervention in saphenous vein grafts remain amajor challenge due to the high complication rates associated to the procedure.The new balloon-expandable MGuard™ stent was developed with an ultra-thinmesh sleeve attached to its outer surface, designed to reduce distal embolisationduring the procedure. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of the new deviceto prevent periprocedural embolic complications compared with a standardtreatment using a distal protection system.Methods and results: A consecutive cohort of patients with complex saphenousvein graft lesions treated with the MGuard™ stent were compared to patientstreated with bare metal stents and distal filter protection. The primary objectiveincluded the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (composite ofdeath, non-fatal myocardial infarction and target lesion revascularisation) up to 30days of the procedure. Thirty-eight patients were evaluated, 16 in the MGuard™group and 22 patients in the distal filter protection group. Most patients were male(81.6%) and the mean age of the treated grafts was 10.4±5.6 years. Distal filterprotection group patients had longer lesions (17.4±6.3 mm vs. 26±16.2 mm;p=0.052) and higher thrombus burden (6.3% vs. 50%; p=0.005). There were nomajor adverse cardiac events in any of the groups up to 30 days of the procedure.Conclusions: The MGuard™ stent proved to be effective in the treatment ofcomplex saphenous vein graft lesions in our series of patients. Randomisedcomparisons with a larger number of patients must be carried out in the future toconfirm these preliminary results.

Effect of pentoxifylline on the regeneration of rat testicular germ cells after heat shock

High temperature is an important factor for reproduction and can induce testicular degeneration. Pentoxifylline is a methylxanthine phosphodiesterase inhibitor with anti - inflammatory and anti - apoptotic properties. Considering the protective propert ies of pentoxifylline and the harmful effects of heat, the present study aimed to use pentoxifylline to reduce the damage induced by heat to the testis. Adult mal e Wistar rats were exposed to testicular heat shock (43ºC for 15 min) , treated with 50 or 100 mg/ k g of pentoxifylline and evaluated at 3, 7, 15, 30 and 60 days after heat shock. Pentoxifylline treatment did not change testicular weight, histomorphometrical parameters or plasma testosterone concentration. However, pentoxifylline inhibited germ cell apoptosis and reduced the severity of pathological lesions at 30 and 60 days after testicular heat shock. In conclusion, pentoxifylline treatment seem ed to inhibit pro - inflammatory and apoptotic mechanisms triggered by testicular heat shock, improving sper matogenesis regeneration.(AU)

Effect of pentoxifylline on the regeneration of rat testicular germ cells after heat shock

High temperature is an important factor for reproduction and can induce testicular degeneration. Pentoxifylline is a methylxanthine phosphodiesterase inhibitor with anti - inflammatory and anti - apoptotic properties. Considering the protective propert ies of pentoxifylline and the harmful effects of heat, the present study aimed to use pentoxifylline to reduce the damage induced by heat to the testis. Adult mal e Wistar rats were exposed to testicular heat shock (43ºC for 15 min) , treated with 50 or 100 mg/ k g of pentoxifylline and evaluated at 3, 7, 15, 30 and 60 days after heat shock. Pentoxifylline treatment did not change testicular weight, histomorphometrical parameters or plasma testosterone concentration. However, pentoxifylline inhibited germ cell apoptosis and reduced the severity of pathological lesions at 30 and 60 days after testicular heat shock. In conclusion, pentoxifylline treatment seem ed to inhibit pro - inflammatory and apoptotic mechanisms triggered by testicular heat shock, improving sper matogenesis regeneration.

Comparação entre dois protocolos para obtenção de plasma rico em plaquetas, em cães / Comparison between two protocols to obtain platelet-rich plasma in dogs

Avaliaram-se dois protocolos para a produção de plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) com o sangue de 20 cães adultos. Foram coletados três frascos de sangue em que um deles foi usado para produção do PRP por meio do protocolo A - centrifugação única a 1200rpm/10min -, o outro para fabricação do PRP pelo protocolo B - primeira centrifugação a 1200rpm/10min e a segunda centrifugação a 1600rpm/10min - e o terceiro para realização da contagem plaquetária no sangue total, que serviu de parâmetro para os valores alcançados no PRP. O protocolo no qual foi possível alcançar maior concentração plaquetária foi testado em outros 20 cães para avaliar sua reprodutibilidade. Constatou-se que o protocolo B resultou em maior plaquetometria em 100 por cento das amostras e concluiu-se ser ele eficiente para a produção do PRP em cães.

The objective of this paper was to analyze two protocols for the production of platelet rich plasma (PRP) in dogs. Peripheral blood of 20 adult dogs was collected into three tubes. The first was processed through protocol A - single centrifugation at 1200rpm for 10min - , the second was submitted to protocol B - a first centrifugation at 1200rpm for 10min and a second centrifugation at 1600rpm for 10min - and the third was used to perform platelet count in whole blood, which served as a parameter for values obtained in PRP. The protocol in which it was possible to achieve a higher platelet count was tested in other 20 dogs to evaluate its reproducibility. Protocol B resulted in a superior platelet count in 100 percent of the samples, concluding that the referred protocol is effective for PRP production in dogs.

Comparação entre dois protocolos para obtenção de plasma rico em plaquetas, em cães / Comparison between two protocols to obtain platelet-rich plasma in dogs

Avaliaram-se dois protocolos para a produção de plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) com o sangue de 20 cães adultos. Foram coletados três frascos de sangue em que um deles foi usado para produção do PRP por meio do protocolo A - centrifugação única a 1200rpm/10min -, o outro para fabricação do PRP pelo protocolo B - primeira centrifugação a 1200rpm/10min e a segunda centrifugação a 1600rpm/10min - e o terceiro para realização da contagem plaquetária no sangue total, que serviu de parâmetro para os valores alcançados no PRP. O protocolo no qual foi possível alcançar maior concentração plaquetária foi testado em outros 20 cães para avaliar sua reprodutibilidade. Constatou-se que o protocolo B resultou em maior plaquetometria em 100 por cento das amostras e concluiu-se ser ele eficiente para a produção do PRP em cães.(AU)

The objective of this paper was to analyze two protocols for the production of platelet rich plasma (PRP) in dogs. Peripheral blood of 20 adult dogs was collected into three tubes. The first was processed through protocol A - single centrifugation at 1200rpm for 10min - , the second was submitted to protocol B - a first centrifugation at 1200rpm for 10min and a second centrifugation at 1600rpm for 10min - and the third was used to perform platelet count in whole blood, which served as a parameter for values obtained in PRP. The protocol in which it was possible to achieve a higher platelet count was tested in other 20 dogs to evaluate its reproducibility. Protocol B resulted in a superior platelet count in 100 percent of the samples, concluding that the referred protocol is effective for PRP production in dogs.(AU)

Anhydrous crystals of DNA bases are wide gap semiconductors.

We present the structural, electronic, and optical properties of anhydrous crystals of DNA nucleobases (guanine, adenine, cytosine, and thymine) found after DFT (Density Functional Theory) calculations within the local density approximation, as well as experimental measurements of optical absorption for powders of these crystals. Guanine and cytosine (adenine and thymine) anhydrous crystals are predicted from the DFT simulations to be direct (indirect) band gap semiconductors, with values 2.68 eV and 3.30 eV (2.83 eV and 3.22 eV), respectively, while the experimentally estimated band gaps we have measured are 3.83 eV and 3.84 eV (3.89 eV and 4.07 eV), in the same order. The electronic effective masses we have obtained at band extremes show that, at low temperatures, these crystals behave like wide gap semiconductors for electrons moving along the nucleobases stacking direction, while the hole transport are somewhat limited. Lastly, the calculated electronic dielectric functions of DNA nucleobases crystals in the parallel and perpendicular directions to the stacking planes exhibit a high degree of anisotropy (except cytosine), in agreement with published experimental results.

Farmacodermia em um cão após administração de antibióticos do grupo betalactâmico: relato de caso / Pharmacodermia in a dog after administration of beta-lactam antibiotics: case report

A severe cutaneous reaction in a female dog after administration of penicillin and cephalexin is described, in which the main signs presented by the patient were fever, lack of appetite, and detachment of epidermis in the dorsal region of body.The established treatment was surgical debridement of the region, topical application of Aloe Vera with sugar, and systemic antibiotic therapy with ciprofloxacin, resulting in the recovery and wound closure in approximately 45 days.

Farmacodermia em um cão após administração de antibióticos do grupo betalactâmico: relato de caso / Pharmacodermia in a dog after administration of beta-lactam antibiotics: case report

A severe cutaneous reaction in a female dog after administration of penicillin and cephalexin is described, in which the main signs presented by the patient were fever, lack of appetite, and detachment of epidermis in the dorsal region of body.The established treatment was surgical debridement of the region, topical application of Aloe Vera with sugar, and systemic antibiotic therapy with ciprofloxacin, resulting in the recovery and wound closure in approximately 45 days.(AU)

Purinergic modulation in the development of the rat uncrossed retinotectal pathway.

Adenosine is a neuromodulator implicated in nervous system development and plasticity and its effects are mediated by inhibitory (A(1), A(3)) and excitatory (A(2a), A(2b)) receptors. The role of adenosine in the synaptic activity depends mainly on a balanced activation of A(1) and A(2a) receptors which are activated by various ranges of adenosine concentrations. Herein, we investigated the expression of A(1) and A(2a) receptors and also the accumulation of cAMP in the superior colliculus at different stages of development. Furthermore, we examined the effects of an acute in vivo blockade of adenosine deaminase during the critical period when the elimination of misplaced axons/terminals takes place with a simultaneous fine tuning of terminal arbors into appropriate terminal zones. Lister Hooded rats ranging from postnatal days (PND) 0-70 were used for ontogeny studies. Our results indicate that A(1) expression in the visual layers of the superior colliculus is higher until PND 28, while A(2a) expression increases after PND 28 in a complementary developmental pattern. Accordingly, the incubation of collicular slices with 5'-N-ethylcarboxamido-adenosine, a non-specific adenosine receptor agonist, showed a significant reduction in cAMP accumulation at PND 14 and an increase in adults. For the anatomical studies, the uncrossed retinotectal projections were traced after the intraocular injection of horseradish peroxidase. One group received daily injections of an adenosine deaminase inhibitor (erythro-9(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl adenine), 10 mg/kg i.p.) between PND 10 and 13, while control groups were treated with vehicle injections (NaCl 0.9%, i.p.). We found that a short-term blockade of adenosine deaminase during the second postnatal week induced an expansion of retinotectal terminal fields in the rostrocaudal axis of the tectum. Taken together, the results suggest that a balance of purinergic A(1) and A(2a) receptors through cAMP signaling plays a pivotal role during the development of topographic order in the retinotectal pathway.