Influence of two collection frequency intervals on sperm quality of standard and miniature bull Terriers during short breeding periods: A clinical field study.

Background and Aims: The quality of canine sperm can be influenced by many factors, such as breed, body weight, age, ejaculatory frequency, nutrition, and environment. In the UK, it is common practice for standard Bull Terriers (SBT) and miniature Bull Terriers (MBT) to require male donors during a short breeding period. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of semen collection frequency on ejaculate volume and nine sperm parameters in SBT and MBT males, considering age and body condition score (BCS). Materials and Methods: Ejaculates from six adult SBTs and four MBTs were collected 5 times at two consecutive intervals (Time Series [TS]1, 24 h vs. TS2, 48 h), 1 week apart. Ejaculate volume, concentration, total output, viability (live sperm), subjective total motility, vigor, and total morphological defects, including head, midpiece, and tail defects of sperm, were evaluated. A multivariable mixed linear model for repeated measures was used to analyze the effects of semen collection frequency, age, breed, and BCS on ejaculate volume and sperm parameters. Results: Semen collection frequency, age, and, to a lesser extent, breed, and BCS significantly affected sperm parameters. Semen collection frequency affected all sperm parameters (p < 0.05) but not ejaculate volume (p > 0.05). Total sperm output, sperm vigor, total motility, and tail defects decreased (p < 0.05) at the end of TS1. However, sperm parameters remained relatively constant (p > 0.05) in TS2 between semen collection sessions. Overall, poorer sperm parameters were observed in older dogs (aged 5-8 years) than in younger dogs (aged 4 years). MBT produced less (p < 0.001) ejaculate volume (3.2 ± 0.2 mL vs. 4.3 ± 0.2 mL: Least Squares Mean ± Standard Error of Mean), lower total sperm output (221.8 ± 19.2 × 106 vs. 348.6 ± 19.2 × 106) and lower total morphological defects (25.0 ± 1.1% vs. 31.3 ± 0.9%), and a higher percentage of live sperm (77.0 ± 1.4% vs. 71.7 ± 1.1%) than SBT. In addition, a BCS of 4 positively influenced (p < 0.05) viability, vigor, and total sperm motility. Conclusion: Despite differences in age, breed, and BCS, better sperm parameter values were observed in all semen collection sessions. However, intensive semen collection (TS1) appears to be less effective in maintaining good sperm quality. For breeding or artificial insemination purposes, a 48-h interval between collection sessions is recommended for both breeds. The results of this study could be used to further optimize assisted reproductive technologies in both breeds.

Experience and Utility of the Protocol Kidney Biopsy in the First Year of Kidney Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Protocol kidney biopsy (PKB) in kidney transplant is a useful tool for graft monitoring because the subclinical detection of histologic lesions helps to modulate immunosuppression. We analyze our experience. METHODS: We performed a descriptive study that analyzed the PKB results at the fourth to sixth month and the first year post transplant of patients with kidney transplant followed in our hospital between January 2015 and June 2021. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients and 134 biopsy results were included, of which 71 were obtained between the fourth and sixth month and 63 at the first year. The mean age was 57.8 years, and 66% were men. Unknown etiology was the most common underlying kidney disease (31%), followed by diabetes mellitus (15%) and polycystic kidney disease (14%). A total of 80% had panel-reactive antibody < 50%. Induction therapy consisted of thymoglobulin (51%) and basiliximab (49%), and maintenance therapy consisted of corticosteroids and tacrolimus (100%), mycophenolate mofetil (82%), and mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor (18%). Of the total of the PKB results (n = 134), 19 episodes of subclinical rejection (14%) and 10 with borderline changes (7.4%) were observed. Regarding other findings, there were cases of nephrocalcinosis (4.4%), immunoglobulin A nephropathy (2.2%), and BK nephropathy (1.5%). The PKB brought about a change in the therapeutic attitude in 45 cases (33%) of the total number of biopsies, the most frequent change being the administration of boluses of methylprednisolone (12.6%) and the change to mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor (8.9%). CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, PKB is a useful tool for monitoring and evaluating histologic changes without clinical expression in the kidney graft, allowing us to adapt the treatment during the first year of kidney transplant.

Demanda física y fisiológica de jóvenes futbolistas durante juegos oficiales y reducidos / Physical and physiological demand of youth footballers during match and small-sided game

El presente estudio tiene por objetivo comparar la demanda física y fisiológica en jóvenes jugadores de fútbol en juegos oficiales y juegos reducidos. Participaron 17 jugadores (16,0 ± 0,2 años de edad) siendo evaluados en siete juegos reducidos (3X3+porteros) y dos partidos oficiales. En los juegos reducidos, en 71,9% del tiempo se trabajó al 90% de la FC máx., versus el 44,4% en los juegos oficiales. La FC máx. fue mayor (p <0,01) en la situación oficial del juego y la media de FC no difirió significativamente (p ≥0,05). El número de sprints y la distancia recorrida fueron mayores en los juegos reducidos (p <0,01). Durante ambas situaciones de juego, los jugadores tienen respuestas físicas y fisiológicas intensas. Sin embargo, el modelo 3X3+porteros exige más esfuerzos de alta intensidad y mayores cargas externas por minuto jugado que los juegos oficiales. (AU)

Present study aims to compare the physical and physiological demands of youth football players in official match and small-sided game. 17 players (16.0 ± 0.2 years of age) participated in the study. Seven small-sided games (GK3-3GK) and two official matches were monitored. In small-sided games, 71.9% of the time was spent above 90% of HRmax, against 44.4% in the official matches. The HRmax was higher (p <0.01) in the official match situation and the HRmean did not differ significantly (p ≥0.05). Sprints and total distance were higher in the small-sided game (p <0.01). During both situations, players present intense physical and physiological responses. However, the GK3x3GK elicits more efforts in high intensity and superior external demand per playing minute than official matches. (AU)

Modified dry bean pod waste (Phaseolus vulgaris) as a biosorbent for fluorescein removal from aqueous media: Batch and fixed bed studies.

This study presents the use of dry bean pods as a solid phase for fluorescein removal from water. The non-pretreated solid phase did not display any sorption properties for the chosen dye. However, interesting sorption properties were observed following a chemical derivative treatment with nitric acid. The study was carried out using both batch and column approaches. Regarding the batch study, all parameters that influence sorption capacity, such, as pH, adsorbent mass, ionic strength, temperature and contact time, were evaluated. A sorptive capacity of 36.80 mg g-1 was obtained in the optimized condition. In the fixed column bed study, the influence of particle size, flow rate and initial concentration of the dye were evaluated through breakthrough curves and a sorptive capacity of 4.35 mg g-1 was obtained. Thermodynamic studies revealed that the adsorption is exothermic and spontaneous. Four different models, Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Redlich-Patterson, were employed. The Akaike information criterion (AIC) was employed to rank the best equilibrium model, which was determined as the Freundlich isotherm. The method was applied to a real sample and the same removal rate was obtained, thus indicating its suitability to wastewater treatment.

Bloqueio do plexo braquial em jumento - relato de caso / Brachial plexus block in donkey - case report

A anestesia locorregional reduz o requerimento de agentes inalatórios e diminui as respostas autonômicas a estímulos cirúrgicos nocivos. Objetiva-se descrever um bloqueio anestésico do plexo braquial guiado por neuroestimulador em jumento, submetido à amputação do membro anterior direito. Foi realizada medicação pré-anestésica com detomidina 0,01mg.kg-1, indução com diazepam 0,05mg.kg-1 e cetamina 2mg.kg-1, todos pela via intravenosa (IV), e a manutenção da anestesia com isoflurano. O plexo braquial foi bloqueado por acesso subescapular, sendo usado neuroestimulador. Utilizou-se 1mg.kg-1 de bupivacaína 0,5% sem vasoconstritor, associada a 1mg.kg-1 de lidocaína 2% sem vasoconstrictor. Os valores de FC e ƒ durante o procedimento cirúrgico variaram de 62 a 78bpm e de 24 a 32rpm, respectivamente. Foram coletadas quatro amostras de sangue para dosagem de cortisol. Este, antes da aplicação da medicação pré-anestésica, foi de 6,4µg/dL e, 30 minutos após a MPA, foi de 2,8µg/dL. A recuperação anestésica foi rápida e sem complicações. O bloqueio do plexo braquial guiado por neuroestimulador mostrou-se eficaz em jumentos, fornecendo analgesia e anestesia satisfatória.(AU)

Locoregional anesthesia reduces the requirement for inhaled agents and reduces the autonomic responses to noxious surgical stimuli. The aim of this study was to describe an anesthetic block of the brachial plexus guided by a neurostimulator in a donkey submitted to right limb amputation. Preanesthetic medication was performed with detomidine 0.01mg.kg-1 induction with diazepam 0.05mg.kg-1 and ketamine 2mg.kg-1 all intravenously, and maintenance of anesthesia with isoflurane. The brachial plexus was blocked by subscapular access, using a neurostimulator. For this purpose, 1mg.kg -1 of bupivacaine 0.5%, without vasoconstrictor, and 1mg.kg- 1 of lidocaine 2%, without vasoconstrictor were used. The values of HR and ƒ during the surgical procedure ranged from 62 to 78bpm, and 24 to 32bpm, respectively. Four blood samples were collected for cortisol dosing. This, prior to the application of the pre-anesthetic medication was 6.4µg/dL and 30 minutes was 2.8µg/dL. Anesthesia recovery was rapid and uncomplicated. Neurostimulator-guided brachial plexus blockade proved to be effective in donkeys, providing satisfactory analgesia and anesthesia.(AU)

Effect of biotin supplementation on milk yield of Girolando cows reared in a tropical climate.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of biotin supplementation on milk yield and the reproductive efficiency in Girolando cows. The study was conducted on a dairy farm located in central Brazil, between April 2012 and December 2016. Thirty-six Girolando cows in their first lactation were used. The cows were distributed in two treatment groups, each with equivalent weight distributions. Control treatment (CT) cows (n = 18) received a diet without any supplemental biotin, whereas biotin treatment (BT) cows (n = 18) received a diet supplemented with 20 mg/day of biotin during lactation. Biotin supplementation caused a significant increase (p = 0.001) in milk yield in the second lactation, and a trend (p = 0.09) toward higher average production during the three lactations was evaluated. There was no statistically significant difference between the treatments in terms of reproductive efficiency. In conclusion, biotin supplementation (20 mg/day) during lactation for Girolando cows reared in a tropical climate is able to increase milk yield, but does not improve reproductive efficiency.

Adsorption of Dicamba herbicide onto a carbon replica obtained from a layered double hydroxide.

In this work, a carbon replica derived from a vinylbenzenesulfonate-intercalated layered double hydroxide (CR-LDH) was applied to remove the Dicamba organochlorine herbicide from aqueous solution. The samples were characterized by several experimental techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis coupled with differential scanning calorimetry and mass spectrometry (TGA-DSC-MS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, N2 adsorption/desorption and zeta potential analysis. The CR-LDH sample presents a very high specific surface area (2345 m2 g-1). The adsorption experiment typically followed the Langmuir isotherm model and the adsorption kinetics was best fitted with a pseudo second-order model. The maximum adsorption capacity of Dicamba herbicide onto CR-LDH was 279 mg g-1. CR-LDH presented a higher adsorption capacity than other carbon adsorbent materials reported in the literature.

The Comet assay for detection of DNA damage in canine sperm.

Sperm DNA integrity is a fundamental prerequisite in fertilization and embryo development. Among DNA integrity tests, the Comet assay is an accurate and sensitive test for the detection of sperm oxidative damage. The aim of this work was to evaluate sperm oxidative damage using the Comet assay and to study the correlation between Comet and routine assays for the evaluation of semen quality. Dogs were divided in two groups: group A (n = 6), comprising dogs with abnormal spermiogram, that is astheno-, terato- or oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (OAT); and group B (n = 8), comprising normospermic dogs. The distribution of sperm oxidative damage was significantly different between the two groups (p = .001): group A-median: 31.55%, interquartile range (IQR): 30.18-38.01; group B-median: 0.90%, IQR: 0.65-1.96. The correlation between oxidative damage and abnormal morphology was high (r = .846; p < .001). There was a negative correlation between progressive motility and oxidative damage (r = -.792; p = .001). Basal and oxidative DNA damage of spermatozoa are increased in dogs with non-normospermic semen. In conclusion, and considering the elevated correlation with classical tests of sperm quality, the Comet assay has ample potential for clinical and research purposes in dogs.

First 1500 Kidney Transplants at the Institute of Nephrology and Urology in Uruguay: Analysis of the Results.

BACKGROUND: The Institute of Nephrology and Urology (INU) has performed 75% of kidney transplantations (KT) in Uruguay during its 35 years of activity, with 90.6% from cadaveric donors. We investigated the risk factors (RF) for delayed graft function (DGF) and patient and graft survival (SV). METHODS: We analyzed retrospectively the characteristics and evolution of 1500 KT performed by INU until December 2014. The incidence of DGF and RF for patient and graft SV were analyzed in 4 eras, according to the year that KT was performed. RESULTS: The number of KT per year has progressively increased until reaching 40 KT per million population in 2006, with a decrease of the living donor KT (LDKT) rate. The age of the donors (D) and recipients (R) as well as the time on dialysis (TOD) have progressively increased over the different eras. Five hundred twenty-five R (35%) presented with DGF. The RF for DGF were the age of the R and the D, the TOD, the DDKT, and the warm ischemia time (WIT). In the DDKT group, the cold ischemia time and "died of stroke" were added factors. The death-censored graft SV at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years were 90%, 76%, 62%, and 49%, respectively. They improved as from era I, the patient SV being 92%, 83%, and 75% at 1, 5, and 10 years, in era I; 98%, 93%, and 86% in era II; 98%, 92%, and 83% in era III; and 95% and 90% at 1 and 5 years in era IV (P < .001). The graft SV over the same periods was 76%, 58%, and 40% in era I; 88%, 68%, and 52% in era II; 93%, 81%, and 70% in era III; and 93% and 85% at 1 and 5 years in era IV (P < .0001). The RF for patient SV were diabetes mellitus, era I, lower albuminemia, older age or TOD, and DGF. For kidney SV, the era, the age of the R, TOD, DGF, and D older than 60 years were RF associated with a worse evolution. In DDKT, the RF for the graft SV were the era, younger age of the R, and DGF. The group with the worst graft SV was the one made up of children and adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Our results relating to patient and graft SV are acceptable and comparable to those mentioned on large records such as the OPNT/SRTR and the Collaborative Transplant Study. This has been the case, even though we have transplanted increasingly aged patients, with increasingly aged donors, or donors with associated pathology. The risk factors that we found both for DGF and SV have also been pointed out by other authors. The validity of some findings has the limitation of being from a retrospective analysis; hence, they should be corroborated by a prospective study.

Mercado de trabalho da enfermagem: aspectos gerais / Nursing work market: general aspects

O artigo tem como objetivo analisar os aspectos gerais do mercado de trabalho da equipe de enfermagem, quanto a forma que se insere nos setores estruturantes do setor da saúde, seja, público, privado, filantrópico e ensino.É um estudo transversal cuja população alvo é constituída por todos os enfermeiros, técnicos e auxiliares de enfermagem do Brasil, que possuem registro ativo no Conselho Federal de Enfermagem (COFEN). O estudo tem representatividade nacional, sendo capaz de gerar resultados para cada unidade da federação. Os resultados apontam para hegemônica empregabilidade do setor público; concentração da Força de trabalho da Enfermagem (FTEn) nos grandes centros urbanos; escassez de enfermeiros nos interiores do país; nova composição intra-categorias, entre outros. Sinalizam ainda para uma extensa jornada de trabalho, vínculos precários, rendimentos mensais aquém do básico para um trabalho decente, ou seja, subjornadas, subsalários e subempregos. Uma equipe que soma 1,8 milhão de profissionais, sendo 414 mil enfermeiros e 1,4 milhão de técnicos e auxiliares, ou seja, 65% da equipe de saúde que atua no sistema, traz uma diversidade e complexidade de análises. Os dados da pesquisa permite subsidiar a construção de políticas públicas adequadas com a realidade desse imenso contingente de trabalhadores, fundamentais para o Sistema Único de Saúde. (AU)

The article aims to analyze the general aspects of the nursing staff labor market, as the way they operate in structuring sectors of the health sector, that is, (public, private, philanthropic and education). It is a cross-sectional study whose target population consists of all nurses, technicians and nursing assistants from Brazil, which have active registration with the Federal Nursing Council (COFEN). The study has a national presence, being able to generate results for each state. The results point to the hegemonic employment in the public sector; concentration of the Nursing Workforce (FTEn) in large urban centers; shortage of nurses in the country's interior; intra-composition new categories. Signal yet for an extensive working hours, precarious links, monthly income below the basics for a decent job, sub journeys, sub wages and underemployment. A team that sum 1.8 million professionals, 414,000 nurses and 1.4 million technicians and assistants, namely 65% of the health team working in the system, brings a diversity and complexity analysis. The survey data may subsidize the construction of public policies adequate to the reality of the huge number of workers, essential for the Health System.(AU)

El artículo tiene como objetivo analizar los aspectos generales del mercado de trabajo del personal de enfermería, ya que la forma en que operan en los sectores de estructuración del sector de la salud, es decir, (públicas, privadas, filantrópicas y la educación). Se trata de un estudio transversal cuya población objetivo consta de todas las enfermeras, técnicos y auxiliares de enfermería de Brasil, que tienen el registro activo con el Consejo Federal de Enfermería (COFEN). El estudio tiene una presencia nacional, siendo capaz de generar resultados para cada estado. Los resultados apuntan a la hegemónica de empleo en el sector público; concentración de la Fuerza Laboral de Enfermería (FTEn) en los grandes centros urbanos; escasez de enfermeras en el interior del país; intra-composición nuevas categorías. Señal sin embargo, para una extensa jornada de trabajo, vínculos precarios, ingresos mensuales por debajo de lo básico para un trabajo decente, es decir subjornadas, subsalários y subempleo. Un equipo que suma 1,8 millones profesionales, 414.000 enfermeras y 1,4 millones de técnicos y auxiliares, es decir, 65% del equipo de salud que trabajan en el sistema, trae una diversidad y complejidad de análisis. Los datos de la encuesta pueden subsidiar la construcción de políticas públicas adecuadas a la realidad de la gran cantidad de trabajadores, esenciales para el Sistema de Salud.(AU)

Fertility in Adult Bitches Previously Treated with a 4.7 mg Subcutaneous Deslorelin Implant.

The absence of fertility problems in male dogs after a single treatment with deslorelin acetate (Suprelorin(®)) is well acknowledged. However, reports on the application of deslorelin in the bitch and information concerning fertility after implant treatment are still limited. In this retrospective study, data concerning induced and spontaneous oestruses of 39 bitches from 17 breeds, treated with deslorelin acetate implants (4.7 mg Suprelorin(®), Virbac, France), were retrieved to assess post-treatment fertility (ovulation rate, pregnancy rate and litter size). Animals were grouped according to treatment characteristics: group 1 (Gr1) - females submitted to oestrus induction, showing natural oestruses afterwards (n = 19); group 2 (Gr2) - females re-implanted with 4.7 mg deslorelin acetate to re-induce oestrus, showing subsequent spontaneous post-implant oestruses (n = 7); and group 3 (Gr3) - females submitted to a 4.7 mg deslorelin acetate implant for oestrus suppression, evaluated at subsequent spontaneous post-implant oestruses (n = 13). Comparison of fertility traits between induced and post-treatment spontaneous oestruses in Gr1 and Gr2 (short treatments), or between spontaneous oestruses after long-treatment schedules (Gr 3) revealed a slightly better performance in spontaneous cycles compared with induced cycles: ovulation rate post-treatment was 97.1%, 94.1% and 94.4% and the pregnancy rate post-treatment was 91.2%, 88.9% and 84.6% for groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Nevertheless, fertility in induced and post-treatment oestruses was considered normal. Moreover, the individual litter size did not differ within groups between induced and spontaneous cycles. From these findings, we concluded that treatment with 4.7 mg deslorelin implants did not compromise the bitches' fertility in subsequent oestruses.

Brazilian scientific production on phytoplankton studies: national determinants and international comparisons.

In this study, we determined the temporal trends of publications by Brazilian authors on phytoplankton and compared these trends to those of other Latin American countries as well as to the 14 countries ranking ahead of Brazil in terms of scientific publication. To do this, we investigated phytoplankton studies published in an international database (Thomson-ISI). The data showed that Brazil plays an important role among other Latin American countries in the publication of these studies. Moreover, the trend of studies published on phytoplankton in Brazil was similar to trends recorded in the developed countries of the world. We conclude that studies can be more deliberately targeted to reduce national and international asymmetries by focusing on projects with large spatial scales and projects that concentrate on less-studied geographic regions, thus encouraging increased productivity in remote areas of the country. Associated with this is a necessary increase in high-impact journal publications, increasing the quantity and quality of Brazilian scientific studies on phytoplankton and, consequently, their global visibility.

Preemptive kidney transplantation--a team experience in Uruguay.

Kidney transplantation is the best treatment for end-stage chronic renal disease. In Uruguay, the prevalence of patients on dialysis is 757 patients per millon inhabitants, plus 316 alive with a functioning renal graft. We install a preemptive renal transplantation program. Twenty-five patients received grafts without dialysis from 2004 to 2013, 5 receiving their 2nd transplantation and 17 from cadaveric donors, with 7.4 ± 7.7 months in the waiting list. At 24 months, patients' survival rate was 100% and the grafts' 97%, with a serum creatinine of 1.4 ± 0.6 mg%. The developed programs of dialysis and renal health care contributed install our preemptive kidney transplantation. Kidney transplantation should be proposed to selected patients with chronic renal failure as primary therapy of substitution of renal function.

Clinical spectrum of cutaneous manifestations in renal and renopancreatic recipients in two centers in Uruguay.

Uruguay, with a total population of 3,345,000 inhabitants, is the Latin American country with the second highest number of renal replacement therapies. Long-term immunosuppressant therapy is essential for graft survival but results in reduced immunosurveillance, leading to an increased risk of complications. A variety of dermatological manifestations and a large increase in nonmelanoma skin cancers have been reported in this population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency and clinical spectrum of cutaneous manifestations in renal and renopancreatic recipients in 2 reference centers in Uruguay. Two hundred and six renal or renopancreatic recipients between 21 and 77 years old were evaluated between September 2009 and September 2011. A total of 206 dermatoses were observed; 60% of the patients had at least 1 cutaneous manifestation. The most frequent dermatoses were cutaneous side effects due to immunosuppressive treatment (40.6%), followed by infections (26.1%), miscellaneous causes (18.9%), and malignant and premalignant lesions (14.4%). Transplant recipients represent a high-risk dermatological population. Physicians in transplant units should be aware of the importance of dermatological screening in order to promote early detection of skin cancer.

Rapid, automated imaging of mouse articular cartilage by microCT for early detection of osteoarthritis and finite element modelling of joint mechanics.

OBJECTIVE: Mouse articular cartilage (AC) is mostly assessed by histopathology and its mechanics is poorly characterised. In this study: (1) we developed non-destructive imaging for quantitative assessment of AC morphology and (2) evaluated the mechanical implications of AC structural changes. METHODS: Knee joints obtained from naïve mice and from mice with osteoarthritis (OA) induced by destabilization of medial meniscus (DMM) for 4 and 12 weeks, were imaged by phosphotungstic acid (PTA) contrast enhanced micro-computed tomography (PTA-CT) and scored by conventional histopathology. Our software (Matlab) automatically segmented tibial AC, drew two regions centred on each tibial condyle and evaluated the volumes included. A finite element (FE) model of the whole mouse joint was implemented to evaluate AC mechanics. RESULTS: Our method achieved rapid, automated analysis of mouse AC (structural parameters in <10 h from knee dissection) and was able to localise AC loss in the central region of the medial tibial condyle. AC thickness decreased by 15% at 4 weeks and 25% at 12 weeks post DMM surgery, whereas histopathology scores were significantly increased only at 12 weeks. FE simulations estimated that AC thinning at early-stages in the DMM model (4 weeks) increases contact pressures (+39%) and Tresca stresses (+43%) in AC. CONCLUSION: PTA-CT imaging is a fast and simple method to assess OA in murine models. Once applied more extensively to confirm its robustness, our approach will be useful for rapidly phenotyping genetically modified mice used for OA research and to improve the current understanding of mouse cartilage mechanics.

Potential distribution and cost estimation of the damage caused by Cryptotermes brevis (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae) in the Azores.

In the Azores archipelago, a significant proportion of buildings are infested with the urban exotic drywood termite Cryptotermes brevis (Walker), causing major economical and patrimonial losses. This work aims to understand the potential spread of this termite species in the Azores and estimate the costs for both treatment and reconstruction of infested buildings in the entire archipelago. A maximum entropy niche modeling process was used to determine the potential occurrence of the species on each island. Different scenarios were built using independent global and regional incidence and environmental data. Both projections reveal the same pattern. Generally, the probability of occurrence is higher near the coast line, where, in Azores, the majority of the towns and villages are located. We also predict that the infestation has potential to spread to yet unaffected towns and islands. It is estimated that the cost of treating all currently infested buildings in the archipelago is Euro 51 million, while reconstruction of the same buildings would rise the costs to Euro 175 million. We predict that the absence of a control strategy will cause a further expansion of the pest to more localities in the Azores. An estimate to future scenarios implies higher costs, with treatment and rebuilding values rising up to eight times the current values.

Maintaining a way of life for São Miguel Island (the Azores archipelago, Portugal): an assessment of coastal processes and protection.

Traditional hard engineering structures and recently emerging soft engineering alternatives have been employed to protect vulnerable coastlines. Despite negative publicity, they have ensured community survival where socio-economic benefits outweigh adverse impacts. This is especially true for Small Islands (SI) where increasing sea levels and storm intensities threaten already limited land availability. This paper presents coastal vulnerability in São Miguel Island (the Azores SI archipelago) and considers SI issues with regard to coastal land loss. Regional wave statistics using 1998 to 2011 wind record showed: periods ranging from 7 to 13s (circa 83%); wave heights between 1 and 3m (circa 60%); and increasing trends in westerly (p=0.473), easterly (p=0.632) and southeasterly (p=0.932) waves. Sea level analyses between 1978 and 2007 indicated a statistically significant rising trend (2.5 ± 0.4 mm yr(-1); p=0.000), while between 1996 and 2007 it was 3.3 ± 1.5 mm yr(-1) (p=0.025), agreeing with other global sea level studies. Based on 2001 and 2008 population data and using zonal statistics, circa 60% of the Island's population was found to reside within 1 km of the sea and the percentage of total population was linearly correlated with distance from the shoreline (r(2)=99%). Three case studies show hard coastal engineering solutions preserved Azorean coastal lifestyle and had little or no observed negative impacts on their environs. Although hard engineering is likely to remain a valuable and feasible coastal protection option, an inventory of São Miguel's population distribution, surf breaks, bathymetry and coastal erosion rates showed the potential of using multifunctional artificial reefs as a soft engineering solution. These offshore submerged breakwaters offer coastal protection while providing additional benefits such as surfing amenity and beach widening. Consequently, findings of this work can inform other SI communities.

Comienzo con diplopía y parálisis descendente: un Guillain-Barré atípico / First onset of diplopia and descending paralysis: Atypical Guillain-Barré

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Efeitos cardiorrespiratórios da metadona, pelas vias intramuscular e intravenosa, em cadelas submetidas à ovariossalpingo-histerectomia / Cardiorespiratory effects of methadone, by intramuscular or intravenous injection, in female dogs submitted to ovariohysterectomy

A metadona é um opioide pouco utilizado na medicina veterinária, e há, ainda, questionamentos quanto ao seu uso. Desse modo, comparou-se o emprego da metadona, administrada pelas vias IM e IV, e avaliaram-se seus efeitos sobre as características cardiorrespiratórias e os tempos de extubação e recuperação em cadelas submetidas à ovariossalpingo-histerectomia. Utilizaram-se 16 cadelas, pré-medicadas com levomepromazina, 0.6mg/kg, IM. Após 20 minutos, a indução anestésica foi feita com propofol, 5mg/kg, IV, e a manutenção com isoflurano. Transcorridos 10 minutos, os animais receberam metadona, 0.3mg/kg, pelas vias IM - grupo GIM - e IV - grupo GIV. As mensurações das frequências cardíaca (FC) e respiratória (FR), pressão arterial média (PAM), temperatura esofágica (TE), pressão parcial de dióxido de carbono (EtCO2) e saturação de oxi-hemoglobina (SpO2) foram registradas antes da administração do opioide (T0), após 20 minutos (T1) e a cada 10 minutos da administração até 60 minutos (T2 a T5). Usou-se a análise de perfil (5%). Com relação à FC, PAM, FR, EtCO2, TE e SpO2, não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre grupos e momentos. Observaram-se tempos de extubação e recuperação maiores no GIV. É possível concluir que a administração IV e a IM da metadona não produzem alterações nas características cardiorrespiratórias em cadelas.

Methadone is a little used opioid in veterinary practice, and there are still questions about its use. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) administration of methadone on cardiopulmonary parameters and times of extubation and recovery in female dogs submitted to ovariohysterectomy. Sixteen adult female dogs were used and premedicated with levomepromazine (0.6mg/kg, IM). After 20 minutes, propofol (5mg/kg, IV) was used for induction and anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane. After 10 minutes, methadone at 0.3mg/kg was administered intravenously in IVG and intramuscularly in IMG. The measurement of heart (HR) and respiratory rates (RR), median arterial pressure (MAP), esophagic temperature (ET) and concentration of end-tidal carbon dioxide (PE'CO2) was performed immediately before the administration of the opioid (T0), after 20 minutes (T1) and then at 10-minute intervals (T2, T3, T4 and T5). The statistical analysis used was profile (5%). HR, APM, RR, PE'CO2, BT and SpO2 did not differ significantly among times or between groups at any time. Times of extubation and recovery were higher in IVG. It is possible to conclude that IV and IM administration of methadone did not produce changes in the cardiorespiratory parameters of that specie.