Activity of biogenic silver nanoparticles against isolates of Prototheca species from bovine mastitis.

Prototheca spp. cause numerous infections in a wide variety of species, including treatment-unresponsive mastitis. Thus, the search for an effective therapy is essential. Silver nanoparticles are compounds with high therapeutic potential. This study aimed to evaluate the susceptibility profile and morphological changes in Prototheca spp. treated with biogenic silver nanoparticles (Bio-AgNP). The algaecide activity was evaluated in microplates by microdilution method, resulting in a MIC50 of 30 µg ml-1 and a MIC90 of 60 µg ml-1 . Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated changes in the surface of Prototheca bovis cells following treatment. The algaecide activity of Bio-AgNP suggests a therapeutic potential as a novel approach for the control of Prototheca spp. in bovine mastitis.

Risk factors related to the appearance of umbilical disorders in dairy calves / [Fatores de risco relacionados ao surgimento de afecções umbilicais em bezerros leiteiros]

The objective of this study was to determine the types of calve housing used in dairy farms, the prevalence of umbilical disorders and related risk factors. The 16 farms studied were visited to characterize the types of installation and possible risk factors, as well as information obtained from a questionnaire applied to the farmers. 806 Holstein calves were physically examined, in addition to collecting blood samples for the evaluation of Failures in Passive Immunity Transfer (FPIT), in animals that manifested inflammatory omphalopathies, and were also submitted to ultrasound examination. The prevalence of omphalopathies was assessed by Fisher's test, and multivariate logistic regression to assess risk factors. Eight types of installation were found: tropical house, suspended cage, collective stall, collective picket, Argentinean type, single-story cage, individual stall, and collective picket with chain. Omphalopathies accounted for 6.45% of the calves. Small size farms (up to 99 lactation cows) had high risk for umbilical disorders, ground floor collective calves, without side protection, with sand floor, in closed sheds and without heatstroke were considered risk factors for omphalopathies. Adequate colostrum and umbilical antisepsis are not associated with disease, its appearance being related to the housing conditions of the animals.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar os tipos de alojamento para bezerros leiteiros, a prevalência de onfalopatias e os fatores de risco relacionados. As 16 fazendas estudadas foram visitadas buscando-se caracterizar os tipos de instalação e os possíveis fatores de risco, além de informações obtidas de um questionário aplicado aos fazendeiros. Foram examinados fisicamente 806 bezerros da raça Holandesa, além da coleta de amostras de sangue, para avaliação da falha de transferência de imunidade passiva (FTIP), nos animais que manifestaram onfalopatias inflamatórias, sendo submetidos também ao exame ultrassonográfico. A prevalência das onfalopatias foi avaliada por teste de Fisher, e foi feita regressão logística multivariada a fim de se avaliarem os fatores de risco. Verificou-se oito tipos de instalação: casinha tropical, gaiola suspensa, baia coletiva, piquete coletivo, bezerreiro tipo argentino, gaiola térrea, baia individual e piquete coletivo com corrente. As onfalopatias corresponderam a 6,45% dos bezerros. Os bezerreiros coletivos térreos, sem proteções laterais, com piso de areia, borracha, concreto ou madeira, em galpões fechados, sem insolação, com alta densidade animal, antissepsia umbilical realizada por três dias e FTIP acima de 50% foram considerados fatores de risco para onfalopatias e possuem relação com o bezerreiro, sendo decisivas para evitar essas condições a colostragem e a antissepsia umbilical adequadas.(AU)

[Digital transformation in urology-opportunity, risk or necessity?] / Digitale Transformation in der Urologie ­ Chance, Risiko oder Notwendigkeit?

Ultimately, new (digital) techniques and artificial intelligence (AI) applications are changing the working environment in urology. This can be an opportunity for further development, but also a change which is not desired. Adjustments to work processes may be necessary. So-called disruptive processes lead to fundamental changes. In the context of the digital transformation, our way of working is changing. Classic hierarchies, working hours, and working environments are dissolving in favor of creative and flexible working models and corporate structures. Clinics and practices in urology must prepare themselves for changing requirements and be able to provide answers.

Performance and digestibility of confined lambs fed with Babassu cake (Orbignya speciosa) as a substitute for elephant grass silage / Desempenho e digestibilidade de cordeiros confinados alimentados com torta de babaçu (Orbignya speciosa) em substituição à silagem de capim-elefante

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the partial replacement of elephant grass silage with babassu (Orbignya speciosa) on the performance, intake, digestibility, and carcass weight gain of sheep. Fifty-four castrated male lambs (19.08±2.76kg) were distributed in a completely randomized design and administered one of the following treatments: 0.0, 12.5, 25.0, 37.5 or 50% dry matter (%DM) replacement of elephant grass silage with babassu cake. No difference (P> 0.05) was observed in the dry matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber intake, but the ether extract intake increased (P< 0.05). The digestibility of the dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, and total digestible nutrients were unaffected. The crude protein digestibility decreased (P< 0.05), and the ether extract digestibility increased with the replacement of the elephant grass. There were no changes in mean daily weight gain and carcass weight gain. In the carcasses, a linear increase was observed in the proportion of the ether extract, and the crude protein decreased. The replacement of the silage with the babassu cake by up to 50% did not change the performance of sheep, however it led to an increase in fat deposit in the carcass.

Objetivou-se avaliar a substituição parcial da silagem de capim elefante por torta de babaçu (Orbignya speciosa) sobre o desempenho, consumo, digestibilidade, composição química e ganho em peso de carcaça de ovinos. Cinquenta e quatro machos, castrados (19,08±2,76kg) foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado e administrado um dos seguintes tratamentos: 0.0, 12.5, 25.0, 37.5 e 50% (%MS) de substituição da silagem pela torta de babaçu. Não houve diferença (P> 0.05) na ingestão de matéria seca, proteína bruta e fibra em detergente neutro, porém o consumo de extrato etéreo aumentou (P< 0.05). A digestibilidade da matéria seca, fibra em detergente neutro e nutrientes digestíveis totais não foram alterados, no entanto, os coeficientes de digestibilidade da proteína bruta reduziu (P< 0.05) e do extrato etéreo aumentou (P< 0.05), com a substituição. Não houve alterações no ganho de peso médio diário e ganho de peso em carcaça. Nas carcaças, observou-se aumento linear na proporção do extrato etéreo, no entanto a porcentagem de proteína bruta diminuiu. O aumento no extrato etéreo da carcaça mostrou uma tendência linear. A substituição da silagem pela torta de babaçu em até 50% não alterou o desempenho de ovinos, porém levou a aumento na deposição de gordura na carcaça.

Using thermography as a diagnostic tool for omphalitis on newborn calves.

The objective was to verify if thermography is able to detect inflammatory signs on the skin surface by comparing the umbilical region of healthy calves and calves presenting omphalitis. Twenty healthy calves (control group) had their lateral umbilical region and abdominal region examined with a thermal imaging camera in order to obtain a regional thermograph. The thermographic examination was then performed on 27 calves (Omphalitis group) presenting omphalitis diagnosed by physical examination. The maximum temperature of the lateral umbilical region in calves (aged < 30 days) was 35.7°C ± 1.8 for the control group and 37.0°C ± 1.1 for the omphalitis group and was significantly different (p = 0.002). No difference was found on the temperature of the abdominal umbilical region. In the abdominal and lateral region the highest temperature site was differently positioned between the groups. In conclusion, thermography is able to detect inflammatory signs on the skin of newborn calves and has advantages as a non-invasive, fast and safe method of supporting veterinary diagnosis.

Effect of thermally deposited siloxane-methacrylate coating on bonding to glass fibre posts.

AIM: To evaluate the alterations promoted by a thermally deposited siloxane-methacrylate coating on the surface of glass fibre posts and their effect on the bond strength of resin-core materials to the posts. METHODOLOGY: Fibre post surfaces were treated with experimental thermally deposited siloxane-methacrylate coatings or clinically available treatments (i.e. hydrogen peroxide and methylene chloride); nontreated posts were used as controls. The contact angles formed between the post surface and the water/adhesive were measured with a tensiometer. Scanning electron microscopy and electron dispersive spectroscopy were used to examine the topographies and chemical changes in the post surfaces following treatment. Surface roughness was evaluated with laser interferometry. Core resin was bonded to the fibre posts, and microtensile bond strength testing was subsequently performed. The data were individually submitted to anova and Tukey's tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The water contact angle was reduced significantly (P < 0.05) by the thermally deposited siloxane-methacrylate coating. All treatments significantly increased the adhesive contact angle (P ≤ 0.016) compared to the control as well as the surface roughness (P ≤ 0.006) and the amount of Si on post surfaces. Greater percentages of Si were observed for the thermally deposited coating. The bond strength to the posts was significantly improved by the thermally deposited coating (P < 0.05), whereas the other treatments did not differ from the control. CONCLUSION: Treating the surface of glass fibre posts with a thermally deposited siloxane-methacrylate coating improved the bond strength to resin-based materials. The coating could be performed by manufacturers of glass fibre posts in order to reduce the number of clinical steps required for luting posts into root canals.

Aspectos ultrassonográficos dos componentes umbilicais de bezerros da raça Holandesa durante o processo de involução fisiológica / Ultrasonographic aspects of umbilical components of Holstein calves during the physiological involution process

Afecções umbilicais são comumente encontradas nos bezerros durante o período neonatal, podendo ocasionar graves complicações. Seu diagnóstico muitas vezes não é preciso pela palpação abdominal, sendo a ultrassonografia um valioso exame complementar, pois permite precisão na localização e na extensão das onfalopatias intra-abdominais. Diante disso e da raridade de pesquisas com estabelecimento de padrões ultrassonográficos do umbigo, o presente estudo propôs padronizar os aspectos das imagens ultrassonográficas dos componentes umbilicais em decorrência de sua involução. Foram avaliados 23 bezerros Holandeses, do nascimento até os 30 dias de vida, em cuja região umbilical se usou como antisséptico tintura de iodo em diferentes concentrações. Os resultados evidenciaram que veia e artérias umbilicais perdem suas características de vasos, assumindo aspecto de ligamento por proliferação de tecido fibroso. Nesse processo, o tecido fibroso, inicialmente presente na região interna da parede do vaso, segue, com a involução, em direção à luz, sendo observado mais precocemente em porções dos vasos mais distantes do umbigo externo, não havendo distinção de comportamento determinada pela antissepsia. Para aproveitamento do exame ultrassonográfico, é importante o conhecimento dos aspectos das imagens durante o processo de involução dos componentes umbilicais, de acordo com cada fase, sendo assim possível o diagnóstico das diferentes alterações nessas estruturas.(AU)

Umbilical diseases of calves happen during neonatal period and may lead to severe complications. The diagnosis is usually through abdominal palpation although it is not very accurate, thus ultrasound provides a valuable complementary exam to establish a precise diagnosis of location and extent of intra-abdominal umbilical diseases. Given those facts and the lack of established standards for umbilical ultrasound imaging the present study proposal was to standardize the physiological aspects of umbilical components during involution. Ultrasound images were obtained for 23 Holstein calves, from birth until 30 days of life. Iodine tincture of different concentrations was used for umbilical region antisepsis. Results show that umbilical vein and arteries lose their vessel characteristics, becoming similar to ligament, due to the proliferation of fibrous tissue. The growth pattern of the fibrous tissue was from the vessel walls growing toward vascular lumen. The involution process begins at the most distant part and did not vary with antiseptic concentrations. To obtain a reliable ultrasound exam it's important to know the aspects of imaging patterns according to each phase of umbilical involution, thus leading to an accurate diagnosis of structural variations and umbilical diseases.(AU)

Avaliação da zinco protoporfirina (ZPP) em ruminantes domésticos / Zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) evaluation in domestic ruminants

Nos sistemas de criação de ruminantes, a anemia crônica pode levar a grandes prejuízos econômicos, sendo decorrente da deficiência de ferro no organismo. Quando este se torna indisponível para ser incorporado à hemoglobina, forma-se um composto denominado zinco protoporfirina (ZPP), que pode ser um marcador precoce para a anemia, útil, portanto, para seu diagnóstico. Porém, para a utilidade dessa mensuração, é necessário que se conheçam os valores normais de ZPP para cada espécie. Assim, foram utilizados 30 bezerros, 30 caprinos e 30 ovinos, todos saudáveis, nos quais foram mensurados esses valores. Essa mensuração foi determinada em amostras de sangue refrigeradas, coletadas com EDTA, obtendo-se valores em hemácias não lavadas e lavadas. A lavagem visou à eliminação de substâncias interferentes nessas medidas. A média da ZPP nas amostras não lavadas foi de 80,9µmol ZPP/mol de heme nos bezerros; 55,09µmol ZPP/mol de heme nos caprinos e 73,76µmol ZPP/mol de heme nos ovinos. Após a lavagem, os valores foram 61,4µmol ZPP/mol de heme; 43,92µmol ZPP/mol de heme e 59,36µmol ZPP/mol de heme, nos bezerros, caprinos e ovinos, respectivamente. Devido à praticidade da técnica, essa pode ser empregada para a detecção precoce da anemia ferropriva, sendo recomendada a prévia lavagem das hemácias.(AU)

In ruminant breeding systems, chronic anemia can lead to economic losses, resulting from iron deficiency in the organismo. When iron is unavailable for incorporation into hemoglobin, a compound called zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) is formed, may be an early marker for anemia and is useful for its diagnosis. However, for this measurement to be useful, it is necessary to know the normal values for the species. Therefore, 30 calves, 30 goats and 30 sheep, all of them healthy, to standardize the values were used. This measurement was determined on refrigerated blood samples collected with EDTA, obtaining values in red blood cells not washed and washed. The washing aimed at the elimination of interfering substances in these measures. The mean of the ZPP in the unwashed samples was 80,9µmol ZPP/mol of heme in calves; 55,09µmol ZPP/mol of heme in goats and 73,76µmol ZPP/mol of heme in sheep. After washing, the values were 61,4µmol ZPP/mol of heme; 43,92µmol ZPP/mol of heme e 59,36µmol ZPP/mol of heme, in calves, goats and sheep, respectively. Due to its practicality, the techniquecan be used for the early detection of iron deficiency anemia, recommending the previous lavage of the red blood cells.(AU)

Identification and assessment of COPD exacerbations.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exacerbations play a central role in the disease natural history of the disease, affecting its overall severity, decreasing pulmonary function, worsening underlying co-morbidities, impairing quality of life (QoL) and leading to severe morbidity and mortality. Therefore, identification and correct assessment of COPD exacerbations is paramount, given it will strongly influence therapy success. For the identification of exacerbations, several questionnaires exist, with varying degrees of complexity. However, most questionnaires remain of limited clinical utility, and symptom scales seem to be more useful in clinical practice. In the assessment of exacerbations, the type and degree of severity should be ascertained in order to define the management setting and optimize treatment options. Still, a consensual and universal classification system to assess the severity and type of an exacerbation is lacking, and there are no established criteria for less severely ill patients not requiring hospital assessment. This might lead to under-reporting of minor to moderate exacerbations, which has an impact on patients' health status. There is a clear unmet need to develop clinically useful questionnaires and a comprehensive system to evaluate the severity of exacerbations that can be used in all settings, from primary health care to general hospitals.

Analysis of the prevalence of polymorphisms in the glutathione S transferase gene (GST) in cataract patients from Goiânia.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of polymorphisms in the glutathione S-transferase genes GSTM1 and GSTT1 in patients with lens opacity (cataract). Peripheral blood samples were obtained from male and female patients (N = 23) with cataract. The GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphic regions were amplified by polymerase chain reaction, and the amplification products were electrophoresed on a 2% agarose gel. The obtained bands were by staining with ethidium bromide. The results were compared by a chi-square test using the BioEstat software (v.5.0). The frequencies of the GSTM1- and GSTT1-null genotypes were higher than those of the GSTM1- and GSTT1-present genotypes. The frequency of GSTT1-null genotypes was approximately 1.7 times higher than that of GSTM1, which was a statistically significant difference (P = 0.0019). Although a consensus remains to be reached on the correlation between genetic polymorphisms in GSTs and cataract susceptibility, the observations from most scientific studies are similar to those reported in this study. Thus, we conclude that the absence of these genes, particularly GSTT1, is correlated with the development of lens opacity.

Implications of mitotic and meiotic irregularities in common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

The common bean has great social and economic importance in Brazil and is the subject of a high number of publications, especially in the fields of genetics and breeding. Breeding programs aim to increase grain yield; however, mitosis and meiosis represent under explored research areas that have a direct impact on grain yield. Therefore, the study of cell division could be another tool available to bean geneticists and breeders. The aim of this study was to investigate irregularities occurring during the cell cycle and meiosis in common bean. The common bean cultivar used was BRSMG Talismã, which owing to its high yield and grain quality is recommended for cultivation in Brazil. We classified the interphase nuclei, estimated the mitotic and meiotic index, grain pollen viability, and percentage of abnormalities in both processes. The mitotic index was 4.1%, the interphase nucleus was non-reticulated, and 19% of dividing somatic cells showed abnormal behavior. Meiosis also presented irregularities resulting in a meiotic index of 44.6%. Viability of pollen grains was 94.3%. These results indicate that the common bean cultivar BRSMG Talismã possesses repair mechanisms that compensate for changes by producing a large number of pollen grains. Another important strategy adopted by bean plants to ensure stability is the elimination of abnormal cells by apoptosis. As the common bean cultivar BRSMG Talismã is recommended for cultivation because of its good agronomic performance, it can be concluded that mitotic and meiotic irregularities have no negative influence on its grain quality and yield.

Optimal treatment sequence in COPD: Can a consensus be found?

There is currently no consensus on the treatment sequence in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), although it is recognized that early diagnosis is of paramount importance to start treatment in the early stages of the disease. Although it is fairly consensual that initial treatment should be with an inhaled short-acting beta agonist, a short-acting muscarinic antagonist, a long-acting beta-agonist or a long-acting muscarinic antagonist. As the disease progresses, several therapeutic options are available, and which to choose at each disease stage remains controversial. When and in which patients to use dual bronchodilation? When to use inhaled corticosteroids? And triple therapy? Are the existing non-inhaled therapies, such as mucolytic agents, antibiotics, phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors, methylxanthines and immunostimulating agents, useful? If so, which patients would benefit? Should co-morbidities be taken into account when choosing COPD therapy for a patient? This paper reviews current guidelines and available evidence and proposes a therapeutic scheme for COPD patients. We also propose a treatment algorithm in the hope that it will help physicians to decide the best approach for their patients. The authors conclude that, at present, a full consensus on optimal treatment sequence in COPD cannot be found, mainly due to disease heterogeneity and lack of biomarkers to guide treatment. For the time being, and although some therapeutic approaches are consensual, treatment of COPD should be patient-oriented.

Analysis of the GSTM1-null polymorphism in patients with pterygium from Goiânia, Goiás Brazil.

The first reports about pterygium date back to Hippocrates, and this disease still threatens vision health around the world. Pterygium is a formation of fibrous tissue consisting of highly vascularized epithelial and subepithelial tissue that grows excessively and with an abnormal shape on the cornea. Many physical and biological factors are associated with the pathogenesis of pterygium, including heat, dust, and other particles in the atmosphere, and immunological mechanisms, mechanisms involving extracellular matrix reorganization, growth factors, cytokines, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to further investigate the association between polymorphisms in GSTM1 and the formation of pterygium. We collected peripheral blood samples from 90 patients diagnosed with pterygium and from 23 subjects with-out the disease in order to perform molecular analysis of the GSTM1 gene. Subjects with one or two copies of the GSTM1 allele had a normal genotype while those without any copies of the allele had a null geno-type. The chi-square test or the Fisher exact test was performed in order to investigate possible associations between the molecular analysis and the risk of pterygium. A significant difference between the frequency of the GSTM1-null genotype in patient and control groups was identified. However, sub-group analysis found that the GSTM1-null genotype was statistically significant in men, but not in women, and in Caucasians, but not in Brown or Black groups. Furthermore, the GSTM1-null geno-type was not related to any of the risk factors analyzed: cases in family, occupational exposure, smoking, hypertension, and diabetes.

Pterygium in patients from Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.

Pterygium is an inflammatory and degenerative ocular surface disease in which the conjunctiva on the cornea grows to form a fibrous tissue in the shape of a triangle. The disorder may be characterized by cell proliferation, inflammatory processes, fibrosis, angiogenesis, and destruction of the extracellular matrix. The anomaly is considered a degenerative eye disease and is erroneously confused with cataract. It displays similar features to those of tumors, such as local invasion, metaplasia of epithelial cells, presence of oncogenic viruses (human papilloma virus), inactivation of tumor suppressor genes (e.g., p53), and loss of heterozygosity. The treatment of pterygium is based on factors such as the evolution and progression of the disease, risk factors, symptoms, and patient age. Considerations about the best technique for the surgical removal of pterygium remain controversial, and complications and recurrence are very common. The development of new surgical techniques and adjuvant drugs is thus necessary. This study aims to analyze and compare the frequency of the GSTT1 genotypes in relation to pterygium through statistical analyzes in order to build a genotypic profile for the Replicon patients. The genotypic profile of the GSTT1-null polymorphism in Goiânia showed no significant difference when the frequency of the null genotype was compared between the control and experimental groups. The null genotype was more frequent in the population studied. Furthermore, the GSTT1 genotype was not related to the analyzed risk factors for pterygium, namely gender, ethnicity, family history, occupational exposure, smoking, hypertension, and diabetes.

Effects of sensory motor training of lower limb in sedentary elderly as part of functional autonomy / / Efectos del entrenamiento sensorio motriz del miembro inferior en ancianos sedentarios como parte de su autonomía funcional / / Efeitos do treinamento sensório-motor de membros inferiores em idosos sedentários como parte de sua autonomia funcional

Objective: Assess the effects of sensorimotor training on the functional autonomy levels of sedentary elderly people. Methods: The sample was composed of 30 women (sedentary, functionally independent, = 65.03 ± 4.93 year), divided randomly into two groups: control (CG, n = 15) and experimental (EG, n = 15). Tests developed by the Latin American Development for the Elderly Group (GDLAM) were used to evaluate autonomy. The EG was submitted to a sensorimotor program three times a week, involving 24 thirty minute sessions. Data were processed using the SPSS program, with a 5% significance level. Results: The EG showed a significant reduction in execution time in all the tasks, while the CG only obtained a significantly better score on the 10-M walk test. Although the EG improved in the GDLAM index (% = −30, 3%, p = 0.0001), it remained at a “weak” level (GDLAM index >27.42). Conclusion: The results demonstrate that sensorimotor training reduces the execution time of tasks, as well as improving functional performance in activities of daily living (AU)

Objetivo: Evaluar los efectos del entrenamiento sensorio motriz en los niveles de autonomía funcional del anciano sedentario. Método: La muestra se compuso por 30 mujeres (sedentarias, independientes funcionalmente, 65,03 ± 4,93 años) divididas al azar en 2grupos: control (CG, n = 15) y experimental (EG, n = 15). Para la evaluación de la autonomía se utilizaron las pruebas del Grupo del Desarrollo Latinoamericano para la Madurez (GDLAM) antes y después de la intervención. El EG fue sometido a un programa de entrenamiento sensorio motriz, 3veces a la semana, la duración de cada sesión fue de 30 minutos y realizaron 24 sesiones. Los datos se procesaron con el programa SPSS, versión 19, adoptando nivel de significación de la p < 0,05. Resultados: En el grupo experimental se constató una reducción significativa del tiempo de ejecución en todas las tareas, mientras el CG solo obtuvo resultado significativamente mejor en la prueba de caminata de 10 m. En el índice general de GDLAM, el grupo experimental presentó mejora (delta% = -30, 3%, p = 0,0001), pero se mantuvo en un nivel «débil» (Índice GDLAM > 27,42). Conclusión: Los resultados muestran que la práctica del entrenamiento sensorio motriz influye de forma positiva en la reducción del tiempo de ejecución de las tareas, lo que se relaciona con el mejor rendimiento funcional de las actividades cotidianas (AU)

Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos do treinamento sensório-motor sobre os níveis de autonomia funcional de idosos sedentários. Métodos: A amostra foi composta por 50 mulheres (sedentárias, funcionalmente independentes, 65,03 ± 4,93 anos) divididas aleatoriamente em 2grupos: controle (CG, n = 15) e experimental (EG, n = 15). Para a avaliaçãoda autonomia funcionalfoiutilizado o teste Grupode Desenvolvimento Latino-Americano para a Maturidade (GDLAM) antes e após a intervenção. O grupo EG foi submetido a um programa de treinamento sensório-motor, 3vezes por semana, com duração de 30 minutos cada sessão, e foram realizadas durante 24 sessões. Os dados foramprocessados através do programa SPSS, versão 19, adotando nível de significância de p < 0,05. Resultados: No grupo experimental foi constatada uma redução significativa do tempo de execução em todas as tarefas, enquanto que o grupo CG obteve resultados significativamente menores no teste de caminhada de 10 m. No índice geral do GDLAM, o grupo experimental apresentou melhora (D% = -30, 3%, p = 0,0001), porém se manteve em nível «fraco» (índice GDLAM > 27,42). Conclusão: Os resultados mostraram que a prática do treinamento sensório-motor influência de forma positiva na redução do tempo de execução das tarefas, relacionando-se com melhor rendimento funcional das atividades cotidianas (AU)

Systolic cardiac function assessment by feature tracking echocardiography in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate endomyocardial and epimyocardial left ventricular circumferential and longitudinal peak systolic strain and strain rate in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease using two-dimensional feature tracking imaging echocardiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Epimyocardial and endomyocardial global and regional myocardial peak systolic strain and strain rate using two-dimensional feature tracking imaging were evaluated in healthy dogs and those in stages B1, B2 and C of myxomatous mitral valve disease. Strain and strain rate in circumferential and longitudinal aspect were evaluated in 48 small- and medium-sized dogs. RESULTS: Global endomyocardial circumferential strain and global epimyocardial circumferential strain systolic peak were lower in stage C than in stage B2 (P = 0 · 04 and P = 0 · 02) and similar to healthy dogs. Endomyocardial circumferential strain rate in septal and inferior segments were lower in stage C compared to B2 (P = 0 · 0007 and P = 0 · 0056), but not different from healthy dogs. There were no statistical differences in the epimyocardial circumferential strain rate, longitudinal strain and strain rate between healthy and affected dogs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Two-dimensional feature tracking imaging determination of myocardial deformation in epimyocardial and endomyocardial layers allows detection of increased compensatory circumferential left ventricular myocardial systolic performance due to volume overload and absence of this response as disease advances to congestive heart failure.

Prevalence and risk factors for wheezing in Salvador, Brazil: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Wheezing is one of the most frequent causes of visit to emergency rooms among children. However, data on wheezing burden are mostly provided at healthcare setting, and particularly only for infants. AIMS: We sought to estimate the prevalence of wheezing in children under 4 years and to assess potential risk factors in the community. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional analysis of a population-based cohort study. METHODS: The sample comprised children aged <4 years living in Salvador, Brazil. Data were collected via home visits when the parents/guardians were interviewed. Data were recorded on standardized forms. RESULTS: Of 1534 children, mean age was 21 ± 14 months (minimum 3 days; maximum 47 months; 6% <2 months); 780 (51%) were males and 501 [33%; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 30-35%] reported wheezing in the last 12 months. Among wheezers, 321 (64%) had occasional wheezing. Overall, 180 (12%; 95% CI: 10-14%) had recurrent wheezing and 157 (10%; 95% CI: 9-12%) had asthma. For children in the first, second, third and fourth year of life wheezing was reported in 23, 41, 34 and 37%, respectively. Mother atopic-related disease was independently associated with recurrent wheezing (AdjPR[95% CI]: 1.54 [1.12-2.11]) and asthma (AdjPR[95% CI]: 1.54 [1.10-2.16]). Smoker at home (AdjPR[95% CI]: 1.34 [1.07-1.67]) and low birth weight (AdjPR[95%CI]: 1.38 [1.05-1.81]) were independently associated with occasional wheezing. CONCLUSIONS: One-third of under 4 years reported wheezing; history of mother's atopic-related disease was an independent risk factor for recurrent wheezing and asthma; smoker at home and low birth weight were independent risk factors for occasional wheezing.

Evaluation of oxidative stress in the late postoperative stage of liver transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Liver transplant recipients are at an increased oxidative stress risk due to pre-existing hepatic impairment, ischemia-reperfusion injury, immunosuppression, and functional graft rejection. This study compared the oxidative status of healthy control subjects, patients with liver cirrhosis on the list for transplantation, and subjects already transplanted for at least 12 months. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty adult male patients, aged between 27 and 67 years, were subdivided into 3 groups: a control group (15 healthy volunteers), a cirrhosis group (15 volunteers), and a transplant group (30 volunteers). Oxidative stress was evaluated by activity of reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde, and vitamin E. RESULTS: There was a significant difference (P < .01) in the plasma concentration of reduced glutathione in the 3 groups, with the lowest values observed in the transplanted group. The malondialdehyde values differed significantly (P < .01) among the 3 groups, with the transplanted group again having the lowest concentrations. The lowest concentrations of vitamin E were observed in patients with cirrhosis compared with control subjects, and there was a significant correlation (P < .05) among the 3 groups. No correlations were found between reduced glutathione and vitamin E or between vitamin E and malondialdehyde. However, there were strong correlations between plasma malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione in the 3 groups: control group, r = 0.9972 and P < .0001; cirrhotic group, r = 0.9765 and P < .0001; and transplanted group, r = 0.8981 and P < .0001. CONCLUSIONS: In the late postoperative stage of liver transplantation, oxidative stress persists but in attenuated form.

Etching a fiber post surface with high-concentration bleaching agents.

INTRODUCTION: Commonly, resin composites/cements fail to achieve proper bonding to fiber posts when their surfaces have not been previously etched. This study evaluated the effect of the concentration and application mode of hydrogen peroxide on the surface topography and bond strength of resin composite to glass-fiber posts. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Fiber posts were immersed in 24% or 35% solutions (a high-concentration bleaching agent) of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), or these solutions were applied over the post surface using a microbrush (n=10). Posts without any treatment were used as a control. After etching, the posts were silanated and an adhesive was applied. The posts were positioned in a mold, and a resin composite was incrementally inserted and light-cured. The post/resin assembly was serially sectioned into several beams that were subjected to a tensile bond strength test. The data were subjected to the two-way analysis of variance and Tukey test (α=0.05). The Dunnet's test was used to compare the experimental conditions to the control. The surface topography was analyzed using scanning electronic microscopy. RESULTS: The non-etched post presented a relatively smooth surface without fiber exposure. Except for the application of 24% H2O2, the other experimental conditions increased the number of exposed fibers and bond strength in relation to the control. Although immersion resulted in higher values for the 24% H2O2 application, the mode of application did not alter bond strength when 35% H2O2 was used. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of the mode of application of H2O2 depended on its level of concentration. A high-concentration bleaching agent improved the bond strength of the resin composite to the post surface, regardless of which mode was used.