Welfare assessment of Thoroughbred horses naturally infected with gastrointestinal parasites in Southern Brazil: Quantifying the host-parasite relationship.

Horse welfare assessment (HWA) does not account for individual or herd parasite infection. This study investigated the connection between HWA and individual parasite fecal egg count (FEC) in 90 Thoroughbred horses. All horses were naturally infected with gastrointestinal parasites and were evaluated for individual welfare indicators and FEC monthly, for 12 months. Horses were divided into three groups of 30 mares, 30 foals aged between 13 and 16 months (G2013), and 30 foals aged between two months and one year (G2014). A horse welfare protocol was developed and 1024 assessments were carried out by five trained assessors. FEC ranged from 0 to 5,760 with 98.8 % showing small strongyle eggs. Body condition scores were ideal in 94.4 % of the evaluations (n = 967), and 95.8 % of all horses had good clinical and behavioral indicators. Despite the variation in FEC, the data found no significant association between FEC and the behavioral indicators. The study suggests that FEC alone should not be used as a determinant of welfare when animals are managed with good nutritional and health management practices.

Stereological comparison of smooth muscle, collagen, and elastic fibers of the clitoris and glans penis in young adults.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the collagen, elastic fibers, and smooth muscle content of the clitoris and the glans penis in young adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clitoris and the glans penis of six women and six men (mean age 25±3) who died as a result of accidents were excised. The samples were placed under a formaldehyde solution and histologically processed. Masson's trichrome and Weigert's resorcin-fuchsin stain was used to highlight the elastic fibers, smooth muscle, and collagen. Stereological analysis was conducted in 5 random fields of 5 slides for each sample. For statistical analysis, the unpaired t-test was used to compare values between groups, and a value of P<0.05 was considered as significant for all analyses. RESULTS: Stereology revealed a mean smooth muscle content of 35.84±6.46% and 31.64±4.74% for the clitoris and glans penis, respectively, while it also revealed collagen content of 26.11±7.41% and 28.44±3.55% and elastic fibers content of 24.12±4.34% and 30.97±6.13% for the clitoris and glans penis, respectively. The statistical analysis showed no significant differences between them. CONCLUSION: Regardless of anatomical differences, the volumetric density of collagen, elastic fibers, and smooth muscle were similar for the clitoris and glans penis in young adults, a feature possibly explained by their embryology.

Radiographic evaluation of the bicipital groove morphology does not predict intraarticular changes in the long head of biceps tendon.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the clinical utility of the radiographic evaluation of the bicipital groove in predicting long head of biceps tendon (LHBT) pathology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted, and sixty consecutive patients proposed to shoulder arthroscopic surgery were selected. Before surgery, a radiographic evaluation was performed with a supine and a Fisk radiograph. Most supine radiographs (>75%) were non-interpretable and were excluded from the study. As some Fisk radiographs (26.7%) were also non-interpretable, that left 44 interpretable radiographs in the study. These were measured for medial opening angle, total opening angle, width and depth of the bicipital groove. The radiographic measurements and the presence of LHBT pathology, as assessed at arthroscopy, were correlated. RESULTS: Radiographic evaluation of the bicipital groove showed a mean medial opening angle of 53 ±â€¯15° (23-90), a mean total opening angle of 80 ±â€¯26° (30-135), a mean width of 10.3 ±â€¯2.5 mm (6-19) and a mean depth of 4.1 ±â€¯1.5 mm (1-8). Men had higher medial opening angle (60 vs 50°, p = 0.044) and wider grooves (11.9 vs 9.7 mm, p = 0.019). Twenty-five patients (56.8%) were found to have an abnormal LHBT. No correlation was found between the radiographic measurements and LHBT pathology. Only age was correlated with a LHBT lesion (61.8 vs 46.3 years, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that there is no correlation between radiographic morphologic evaluation of the bicipital groove and LHBT pathology.

Anatole-Felix Le Double (1848-1913): 110 years of his death.

Anatole-Félix Le Double was a prominent figure associated with the concept of anatomical variations also including the comprehension of their anthropological and zoological aspects. As an anatomist, Le Double contributed significantly with his major treatise regarding muscles and bony variants. Furthermore, Le Double influenced and popularized paleoanthropology and its relation to anatomy not only in France but in several parts of the world - promoting the idea that anatomical variations are not only surgically and clinically relevant but also have an evolutionary significance. To celebrate 110 years of his passing, this paper aims to explain his trajectory as a young physician to one of the most important figures in how anatomical variants are perceived today.

The acetylcholinesterase as indicative of intoxication for pesticide in farmers of conventional and organic cultivation / A acetilcolinesterase como indicativo de intoxicação por pesticidas em agricultores de cultivo convencional e orgânico

Abstract In this sense the objective of assessing the levels of pesticide poisoning in rural farmers of San Sebastian and take AL, using acetylcholinesterase enzymes Erythrocyte and plasma as biological indicator of intoxication. This is a prospective, transversal and descriptive variables analyzed were: year whose, sex, age group, education, location, condition, route of exposure. The data were acquired by collecting blood samples and socio demographic information of farmers. Was put as the determining factor the type of conventional and organic farming, and periods of drought and rainy. 56 volunteers were analyzed. The analyses were performed in the automatic biochemical Analyzer Cobas Integra 400 plus®. According to the results of the analyses, it was the largest number of individuals with reduced values of cholinesterase, specifically the Group of conventional farming, the period of greatest change index was in the rainy season, where the activity of AChE, expressive values presented in the city of São Sebastião, with 80% result of intoxicated, in the city of the foot - take, 21.73% over the same period. On analysis of the AChP, São Sebastião has obtained the highest number of contaminated with 18.75% and 30% respectively, in the District Take Foot stood between 10 and 21.73% of reduced levels of cholinesterase. This sets the organic system of cultivation, as the best alternative for prevention of future diseases, in addition to bringing quality of life for rural workers, as well as for consumers.

Resumo Nesse sentido objetivou-se avaliar os níveis de intoxicação por agrotóxicos em agricultores rurais de São Sebastião e Pé Leve - AL, utilizando as enzimas acetilcolinesterase Eritrocitária e Plasmática, como indicador biológico de intoxicação. Trata - se de um estudo prospectivo, transversal e descritivo cujas variáveis analisadas foram: ano, sexo, faixa etária, escolaridade, local, circunstância, via de exposição. Os dados foram adquiridos através da coleta das amostras de sangue e das informações sócio demográficas dos agricultores. Foi posto como fator determinante o tipo de cultivo convencional e orgânico, e os períodos de estiagem e chuvoso. Foram analisados 56 voluntários. As análises foram realizadas no analisador automático de bioquímica Cobas Integra® 400 plus. De acordo com os resultados das análises, percebeu-se maior número de indivíduos com valores diminuídos da colinesterase, especificamente no grupo de cultivo convencional, o período de maior índice de alteração foi na época chuvosa, onde a atividade da AChE, apresentou valores expressivos na cidade de São Sebastião, com resultado de 80% de intoxicados, na cidade do Pé - Leve, obteve-se 21,73% no mesmo período. Na análise da AChP, São Sebastião obteve maior número de contaminados com 18,75% e 30% respectivamente, já no Distrito Pé Leve ficou entre 10 e 21,73% de níveis diminuídos da colinesterase. Isso define o sistema orgânico de cultivo, como a melhor alternativa para prevenção de futuras patologias, além de trazer qualidade de vida para os trabalhadores rurais, como também para os consumidores.

Phytochemical characterization, antioxidant potential and antimicrobial activity of Averrhoa carambola L. (Oxalidaceae) against multiresistant pathogens / Caracterização fitoquímica, potencial antioxidante e atividade antimicrobiana de Averrhoa carambola L. (Oxalidaceae) frente a patógenos multirresistentes

Abstract The objective of this work was to perform the phytochemical characterization, to determine total phenols, antioxidant (AAO%) and antimicrobial potential of the ethanolic extracts of carambola. The phytochemical study was carried out through a qualitative analysis of the chemical constituents and quantitative determination of the phenol content By the Folin-Ciocalteu test. Qualitative and quantitative antioxidant tests were performed using the DPPH method (2,2 diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazila) and iron reduction (FRAP). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by microdilution in 96-well plates. The presence of pyrogallic tannins, steroids and saponins has been identified. The highest total phenol content, quantified in the samples, was found in the stem bark (0.0866 mgEAG/g) and in the fruit (0.0734 mgEAG/g). In the antioxidant evaluation, the extracts of the green fruit bagasse (AAO% 71.9%,) and stem bark at 50 μg/mL (AAO% 94%) with CE50 23.7 μg/mL. Leaf extracts, stem bark, ripe fruit bagasse and green fruit bagasse presented MICs of 100 μg/mL against multiresistant pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

Resumo O objetivo desse trabalho foi realizar a caracterização fitoquímica, determinar fenóis totais, potencial antioxidante (AAO%) e antimicrobiano dos extratos etanólicos de carambola O estudo fitoquímico foi realizado por meio de análise qualitativa dos constituintes químicos e determinação quantitativa do teor de fenóis totais pelo teste de Folin-Ciocalteu. Os testes antioxidantes qualitativos e quantitativos foram realizados pelo método do DPPH (2,2 difenil-1- picril-hidrazila) e redução do ferro (FRAP). A concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) foi determinada por microdiluição em placas de 96 poços. Foi identificada a presença de taninos pirogálicos, esteroides e saponinas. O maior teor de fenóis totais, quantificado nas amostras, foi encontrado na casca do caule (0,0866 mg EAG/g) e no fruto (0,0734 mg EAG/g). Na avaliação antioxidante destacaram-se a 500 µg/mL os extratos do bagaço do fruto verde (AAO% 71,9%,), e casca do caule a 50 µg/mL (AAO% 94%) com CE50 23,7 µg/mL. Os extratos das folhas, casca do caule, bagaço do fruto maduro e bagaço do fruto verde apresentaram CIM de 100 µg/mL contra bactérias e fungos patogênicos multirresistentes.

Behavior of rat bone marrow stem cells on titanium surfaces modified by laser-beam and deposition of calcium phosphate.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the behavior of rat bone marrow stem cells seeded on a Ti-15Mo alloy surface modified by laser-beam irradiation followed by calcium phosphate deposition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of four groups were evaluated: polished commercially pure titanium (cpTi): Ti-P; laser irradiation + calcium phosphate deposition on cpTi: Ti-LCP; polished Ti-15Mo alloy: Ti15Mo-P; and laser irradiation + calcium phosphate deposition on Ti-15Mo alloy: Ti15Mo-LCP. Before and after laser irradiation and calcium phosphate deposition on the surfaces, physicochemical and morphological analyses were performed: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDX). The wettability of the samples was evaluated by contact angle measurement. In addition, the behavior of osteoblast-like cells to these surfaces was evaluated for cell morphology, adhesion, proliferation and viability, evaluation of alkaline phosphatase formation and gene expression of osteogenesis markers. RESULTS: Surfaces wet-abrade with grit paper (P) showed oriented groves, while the laser irradiation and calcium phosphate deposition (LCP) produced porosity on both cpTi and Ti15Mo alloy groups with deposits of hydroxyapatite (HA) crystals (SEM). EDX showed no contamination after surface modification in both metal samples. A complete wetting was observed for both LCP groups, whereas P surfaces exhibited high degree of hydrophobicity. There was a statistical difference in the intragroup comparison of proliferation and viability (p < 0.05). The ALP activity showed higher values in the Ti15Mo alloy at 10 days of culture. The gene expression of bone related molecules did not present significant differences at 7 and 14 days among different metals and surface treatments. CONCLUSION: Ti15-Mo seems to be an alternative alloy to cpTi for dental implants. Surface treatment by laser irradiation followed by phosphate deposition seems to positively interact with bone cells. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ti-15Mo alloy surface modified by laser-beam irradiation followed by calcium phosphate deposition may improve and accelerate the osseointegration process of dental implants.

The acetylcholinesterase as indicative of intoxication for pesticide in farmers of conventional and organic cultivation.

In this sense the objective of assessing the levels of pesticide poisoning in rural farmers of San Sebastian and take AL, using acetylcholinesterase enzymes Erythrocyte and plasma as biological indicator of intoxication. This is a prospective, transversal and descriptive variables analyzed were: year whose, sex, age group, education, location, condition, route of exposure. The data were acquired by collecting blood samples and socio demographic information of farmers. Was put as the determining factor the type of conventional and organic farming, and periods of drought and rainy. 56 volunteers were analyzed. The analyses were performed in the automatic biochemical Analyzer Cobas Integra 400 plus®. According to the results of the analyses, it was the largest number of individuals with reduced values of cholinesterase, specifically the Group of conventional farming, the period of greatest change index was in the rainy season, where the activity of AChE, expressive values presented in the city of São Sebastião, with 80% result of intoxicated, in the city of the foot - take, 21.73% over the same period. On analysis of the AChP, São Sebastião has obtained the highest number of contaminated with 18.75% and 30% respectively, in the District Take Foot stood between 10 and 21.73% of reduced levels of cholinesterase. This sets the organic system of cultivation, as the best alternative for prevention of future diseases, in addition to bringing quality of life for rural workers, as well as for consumers.

Phytochemical characterization, antioxidant potential and antimicrobial activity of Averrhoa carambola L. (Oxalidaceae) against multiresistant pathogens.

The objective of this work was to perform the phytochemical characterization, to determine total phenols, antioxidant (AAO%) and antimicrobial potential of the ethanolic extracts of carambola. The phytochemical study was carried out through a qualitative analysis of the chemical constituents and quantitative determination of the phenol content By the Folin-Ciocalteu test. Qualitative and quantitative antioxidant tests were performed using the DPPH method (2,2 diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazila) and iron reduction (FRAP). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by microdilution in 96-well plates. The presence of pyrogallic tannins, steroids and saponins has been identified. The highest total phenol content, quantified in the samples, was found in the stem bark (0.0866 mgEAG/g) and in the fruit (0.0734 mgEAG/g). In the antioxidant evaluation, the extracts of the green fruit bagasse (AAO% 71.9%,) and stem bark at 50 µg/mL (AAO% 94%) with CE50 23.7 µg/mL. Leaf extracts, stem bark, ripe fruit bagasse and green fruit bagasse presented MICs of 100 µg/mL against multiresistant pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

Radiographic evaluation of the bicipital groove morphology does not predict intraarticular changes in the long head of biceps tendon. / La evaluación radiográfica de la morfología del surco intertubercular no pronostica cambios intraarticulares en el tendón de la porción larga del bíceps.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the clinical utility of the radiographic evaluation of the bicipital groove in predicting long head of biceps tendon (LHBT) pathology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted, and sixty consecutive patients proposed to shoulder arthroscopic surgery were selected. Before surgery, a radiographic evaluation was performed with a supine and a Fisk radiograph. Most supine radiographs (>75%) were non-interpretable and were excluded from the study. As some Fisk radiographs (26.7%) were also non-interpretable, that left 44 interpretable radiographs in the study. These were measured for medial opening angle, total opening angle, width and depth of the bicipital groove. The radiographic measurements and the presence of LHBT pathology, as assessed at arthroscopy, were correlated. RESULTS: Radiographic evaluation of the bicipital groove showed a mean medial opening angle of 53±15o (23 - 90), a mean total opening angle of 80±26o (30 - 135), a mean width of 10.3±2.5mm (6 - 19) and a mean depth of 4.1±1.5mm (1 - 8). Men had higher medial opening angle (60 vs 50o, p=0.044) and wider grooves (11.9 vs 9.7mm, p=0.019). Twenty-five patients (56.8%) were found to have an abnormal LHBT. No correlation was found between the radiographic measurements and LHBT pathology. Only age was correlated with a LHBT lesion (61.8 vs 46.3 years, p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that there is no correlation between radiographic morphologic evaluation of the bicipital groove and LHBT pathology.

Evidence that high temperatures and intermediate relative humidity might favor the spread of COVID-19 in tropical climate: A case study for the most affected Brazilian cities.

This study aimed to analyze how meteorological conditions such as temperature, humidity and rainfall can affect the spread of COVID-19 in five Brazilian (São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Manaus and Fortaleza) cities. The cities selected were those with the largest number of confirmed cases considering data of April 13. Variables such as number of cumulative cases, new daily cases and contamination rate were employed for this study. Our results showed that higher mean temperatures and average relative humidity favored the COVID-19 transmission, differently from reports from coldest countries or periods of time under cool temperatures. Thus, considering the results obtained, intersectoral policies and actions are necessary, mainly in cities where the contamination rate is increasing rapidly. Thus, prevention and protection measures should be adopted in these cities aiming to reduce transmission and the possible collapse of the health system.

Maturação in vitro de oócitos de cutias (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, Wagler 1831) seguida de fertilização in vitro e ativação partenogenética / In vitro maturation of agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) oocytes followed by in vitro fertilization and parthenogenetic activation

O objetivo foi avaliar protocolos de maturação in vitro (MIV) para oócitos de cutias, seguida de fertilização in vitro (FIV) e ativação partenogenética (AP). Os oócitos imaturos (CCOs) foram obtidos por fatiamento do ovário, após OSH, e submetidos a três grupos: MAT - 16 (16 horas de maturação), MAT - 20 (20 horas de maturação) e MAT - 24 (24 horas de maturação), em incubadora de cultivo a 38,8°C, com atmosfera de 5% de CO2 e 95% de umidade relativa. A maturação foi analisada pela presença do primeiro corpúsculo polar. Em seguida, os CCOs maduros foram submetidos à FIV, com período de coincubação dos CCOs e dos espermatozoides de 15h, a 38,8ºC e 5% de CO2, e AP com ionomicina. Os grupos de MIV foram analisados utilizando-se o teste qui-quadrado e, nos experimentos de FIV e AP, foram analisadas a taxa de clivagem e a proporção de desenvolvimento embrionário. A análise estatística foi realizada utilizando-se o programa SAS. Houve diferença significativa entre os grupos de maturação, tendo os grupos MAT - 20 e MAT - 24 apresentado maior porcentagem de oócitos maturados in vitro. As taxas de clivagem e de desenvolvimento embrionário foram de 8,6% e 2,9%, respectivamente, na FIV, e de 63,6% e 15,1%, na AP. Entretanto, nos dois casos, o embrião não passou do estágio de mórula.(AU)

The objective was to evaluate IVM protocols for agouti oocytes, followed by in vitro fertilization (IVF) and parthenogenetic activation (PA). The immature oocytes (CCOs) were obtained by slicing the ovary after OSH and submitted to three groups: MAT - 16 (16 hours maturation), MAT - 20 (20 hours maturation) and MAT - (24 hours maturation), in a culture incubator at 38.8°C, with an atmosphere of 5% CO2 and 95% relative humidity. The maturation was analyzed by the presence of the first polar corpuscle. Then, mature CCOs were submitted to IVF, with co-incubation period of CCOs and spermatozoa from 15h to 38.8°C and 5% of CO2, and PA with inomycin. The IVM groups were analyzed using the chi-square test and in the FIV and PA experiment the rate of cleavage and the rate of embryonic development were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using the SAS program. There was a significant difference between the maturation groups, and the MAT - 20 and MAT - 24 groups showed a higher percentage of matured oocytes in vitro. The rates of cleavage and embryonic development were 8.6% and 2.9%, respectively in FIV and 63.6% and 15.1% in PA. However, in both cases the embryo did not pass beyond the morula stage.(AU)

Brachiaria species influence nitrate transport in soil by modifying soil structure with their root system.

Leaching of nitrate from fertilisers diminishes nitrogen use efficiency (the portion of nitrogen used by a plant) and is a major source of agricultural pollution. To improve nitrogen capture, grasses such as brachiaria are increasingly used, especially in South America and Africa, as a cover crop, either via intercropping or in rotation. However, the complex interactions between soil structure, nitrogen and the root systems of maize and different species of forage grasses remain poorly understood. This study explored how soil structure modification by the roots of maize (Zea maize), palisade grass (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu) and ruzigrass (Brachiaria ruziziensis) affected nitrate leaching and retention, measured via chemical breakthrough curves. All plants were found to increase the rate of nitrate transport suggesting root systems increase the tendency for preferential flow. The greater density of fine roots produced by palisade grass, subtly decreased nitrate leaching potential through increased complexity of the soil pore network assessed with X-ray Computed Tomography. A dominance of larger roots in ruzigrass and maize increased nitrate loss through enhanced solute flow bypassing the soil matrix. These results suggest palisade grass could be a more efficient nitrate catch crop than ruzigrass (the most extensively used currently in countries such as Brazil) due to retardation in solute flow associated with the fine root system and the complex pore network.

Optical coherence angiography for pre-treatment assessment and treatment monitoring following photodynamic therapy: a basal cell carcinoma patient study.

Microvascular networks of human basal cell carcinomas (BCC) and surrounding skin were assessed with optical coherence angiography (OCA) in conjunction with photodynamic therapy (PDT). OCA images were collected and analyzed in 31 lesions pre-treatment, and immediately/24 hours/3-12 months post-treatment. Pre-treatment OCA enabled differentiation between prevalent subtypes of BCC (nodular and superficial) and nodular-with-necrotic-core BCC subtypes with a diagnostic accuracy of 78%; this can facilitate more accurate biopsy reducing sampling error and better therapy regimen selection. Post-treatment OCA images at 24 hours were 98% predictive of eventual outcome. Additional findings highlight the importance of pre-treatment necrotic core, vascular metrics associated with hypertrophic scar formation, and early microvascular changes necessary in both tumorous and peri-tumorous regions to ensure treatment success.

Negative optical torque on a microsphere in optical tweezers.

We show that the optical force field in optical tweezers with elliptically polarized beams has the opposite handedness for a wide range of particle sizes and for the most common configurations. Our method is based on the direct observation of the particle equilibrium position under the effect of a transverse Stokes drag force, and its rotation around the optical axis by the mechanical effect of the optical torque. We find overall agreement with theory, with no fitting, provided that astigmatism, which is characterized separately, is included in the theoretical description. Our work opens the way for characterization of the trapping parameters, such as the microsphere complex refractive index and the astigmatism of the optical system, from measurements of the microsphere rotation angle.

Assessing the long-term effects of zero-tillage on the macroporosity of Brazilian soils using X-ray Computed Tomography.

Zero-tillage (ZT) is being increasingly adopted globally as a conservationist management system due to the environmental and agronomic benefits it provides. However, there remains little information on the tillage effect on soil pore characteristics such as shape, size and distribution, which in turn affect soil physical, chemical and biological processes. X-ray micro Computed Tomography (µCT) facilitates a non-destructive method to assess soil structural properties in three-dimensions. We used X-ray µCT at a resolution of 70 µm to assess and calculate the shape, size and connectivity of the pore network in undisturbed soil samples collected from a long-term experiment (~30 years) under zero tillage (ZT) and conventional tillage (CT) systems in Botucatu, Southeastern Brazil. In both systems, a single, large pore (>1000 mm3) typically contributed to a large proportion of macroporosity, 91% in CT and 97% in ZT. Macroporosity was higher in ZT (19.7%) compared to CT (14.3%). However the average number of pores was almost twice in CT than ZT. The largest contribution in both treatments was from very complex shaped pores, followed by triaxial and acircular shaped. Pore connectivity analysis indicated that the soil under ZT was more connected that the soil under CT. Soil under CT had larger values of tortuosity than ZT in line with the connectivity results. The results from this study indicate that long-term adoption of ZT leads to higher macroporosity and connectivity of pores which is likely to have positive implications for nutrient cycling, root growth, soil gas fluxes and water dynamics.

Right circumcaval ureter and double right renal vein in the Brazilian shorthair cat (Felis catus): two case reports.

Variations of the renal veins are well described in the literature, although variations concerning the ureter are considered a rare finding in cats. The circumcaval ureter is one of the rarest variations of the ureter and is characterised by a loop of the ureter posterior to the caudal vena cava. This variant is also known as preureteral vena cava and retrocaval ureter. It is thought to be caused by a deviation during embryonic development of the aforementioned vein. Due to its rarity, there are scarce reports of the circumcaval ureter in cats, and its association with two renal veins makes it less common as well. These variations should be preoperatively identified in order to avoid complications in kidney transplants, ureteral surgeries and cystoscopies, for instance. The present work aims to report two cases of a circumcaval ureter with two renal veins in two different Brazilian shorthair cats (Felis catus).

The venous patterns of the cubital fossa in subjects from Brazil.

Venous punctures are among the most common procedures performed by healthcare professionals. In particular, the cubital fossa is the site where the venous accesses are frequently made due to the number of superficial veins and the numerous anastomoses in this region. The arrangement of these venous connections is of particular interest for clinical application in several areas, thus, the healthcare professional must possess knowledge about these vessels and their anatomical relationships. The present study aims to analyze the venous pattern of the cubital fossa among individuals from Brazil. This study was approved by a Research Ethics Committee. The sample had 100 healthy individuals (50 men and 50 women). The superficial veins of the cubital fossa were analyzed with the aid of a sphygmomanometer. When inflated, the pressure in the forearm increased and the veins became prominent. It was observed that in the selected sample the types with the highest prevalence were the Type I and Type VII, both with 22% in 200 limbs studied. The chi2 test showed a significant statistical difference between the anastomosis pattern and the sex of the studied sample. The anastomotic pattern of the superficial veins of the studies sample is similar to African, European and Asian populations. The study of these variations is necessary to provide scientific basis for the healthcare professional during a venipuncture in order to avoid iatrogenic errors and damages in cutaneous nerves or neighboring arteries.

Double-layer force suppression between charged microspheres.

In this paper we propose a protocol to suppress double-layer forces between two microspheres immersed in a dielectric medium, being one microsphere metallic at a controlled potential ψ_{M} and the other a charged one either metallic or dielectric. The approach is valid for a wide range of distances between them. We show that, for a given distance between the two microspheres, the double-layer force can be totally suppressed by simply tuning ψ_{M} up to values dictated by the linearized Poisson-Boltzmann equation. Our key finding is that such values can be substantially different from the ones predicted by the commonly used proximity force approximation, also known as the Derjaguin approximation, even in situations where the latter is expected to be accurate. The proposed procedure can be used to suppress the double-layer interaction in force spectroscopy experiments, thus paving the way for measurements of other surface interactions, such as Casimir dispersion forces.