Short-term qualitative and quantitative analyses of preseptal injection of hyaluronic acid on the treatment of acquired lower eyelid cicatricial ectropion / Análise preliminar qualitativa e quantitativa da injeção pré-septal de ácido hialurônico para tratamento do ectrópio cicatricial adquirido da pálpebra inferior

ABSTRACT Purpose: Recently, hyaluronic acid (HA) was proposed as a promising option for the treatment of acquired lower eyelid cicatricial ectropion. However, this effect was not confirmed by quantitative assessments. This study aimed to assess the effect of hyaluronic acid on the treatment of acquired lower eyelid cicatricial ectropion. Methods: Eight patients with acquired lower eyelid cicatricial ectropion (13 eyelids) were treated with a single 1 mL injection of hyaluronic acid in the preseptal area of the lower eyelid. Evaluation of symptoms and biomicroscopic exam was performed before and 30 days after hyaluronic acid injection. Quantitative analysis of the lower eyelid position (with and without lid traction) was determined before and 30 days after hyaluronic acid injection through standard photographs analyzed using the ImageJ. Results: All patients experienced partial improvement of symptoms. The lower eyelid position was significantly lifted after hyaluronic acid injection with a significant reduction of medial and lateral angles, reduction of the margin reflex distance, and total and medial ocular fissure area. However, signs of lid margin inflammation and corneal punctate keratitis persisted. Conclusions: Hyaluronic acid injected in the pre-septal area of the lower eyelid improved acquired lower eyelid cicatricial ectropion symptoms and significantly lifted the position of the lower eyelid. Further studies, with a large number of participants and a long-term follow-up period, are needed to better determine the permanency of the effects of hyaluronic acid injections on the treatment of acquired lower eyelid cicatricial ectropion.

RESUMO Objetivo: Recentemente, o ácido hialurônico foi proposto como promissor no tratamento do ectrópio cicatricial adquirido da pálpebra inferior. No entanto, não foram feitas avaliações quantitativas para confirmar este efeito, motivo que levou a realização do presente estudo que visou avaliar o efeito do ácido hialurônico no tratamento do ectrópio cicatricial adquirido da pálpebra inferior. Métodos: Oito portadores de ectrópio cicatricial adquirido da pálpebra inferior (13 pálpebras) foram tratados com uma única dose de 1 mL de ácido hialurônico, injetada na área pré-septal da pálpebra inferior. Os sintomas e o exame biomicroscópico foram realizados antes e 30 dias após a injeção do ácido hialurônico. A análise quantitativa da posição palpebral inferior (com e sem tração palpebral) foi determinada antes e 30 dias após a injeção do ácido hialurônico por meio de fotografias que foram analisadas usando o programa ImageJ. Resultados: Todos os pacientes apresentaram melhora parcial dos sintomas. A posição da pálpebra inferior foi elevada significativamente após a injeção do ácido hialurônico, com redução significativa dos ângulos medial e lateral, da distância entre o reflexo pupilar e a margem da pálpebra inferior, da área de fissura palpebral total e da área medial. No entanto, sinais de inflamação da margem palpebral e ceratite puntata da córnea persistiram. Conclusões: O ácido hialurônico injetado na área pré-septal da pálpebra inferior, melhorou os sintomas do ectrópio cicatricial adquirido da pálpebra inferior e elevou significativamente a posição da pálpebra inferior. Estudos com maior número de participantes e período de acompanhamento mais longo são necessários para melhor determinar os efeitos das injeções de ácido hialurônico a longo prazo no tratamento do ectrópio cicatricial adquirido da pálpebra inferior.

Reliability of simulated combat tasks performed by Brazilian Air Force cadets.

The Brazilian Air Force (BAF) has developed physical evaluations focused on the demands required in combat scenarios, giving rise to the Simulated Tasks (STs). Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine test-retest reliability and investigate learning effects of the five STs established among the BAF. Fifty-six subjects performed five STs three times, after completing a previous familiarisation session. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the occurrence of learning effects, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to identify the reliability of each ST. ANOVA revealed no significant differences in the subject's scores across trials for all the STs, and the ICCs ranged from 0.75 to 0.92 (p < 0.01). In conclusion, this study identified that the five STs showed no learning effects across three successive trials and exhibited high levels of reliability.

Understanding the reliability and learning effects of the STs established among the Brazilian Air Force is crucial for their potential implementation. The subjects performed five STs three times, over the course of seven days. The results highlighted no evidence of learning effects, and high levels of reliability.

Use of Soft Contact Lens for Esthetic and Functional Rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE: To report the outcomes and complications of colored soft contact lenses (SCLs) to improve esthetic or eye function in visually impaired (VI) or blind patients. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled consecutive patients with unilateral or bilateral VI or blindness who had received colored SCLs to improve appearance or ocular function. Data were collected on demographics, complaints, complete ophthalmological examinations, types of SCL, follow-ups, and complications. RESULTS: The study sample was comprised of 109 patients (ages 4-80 years). Eighty-six patients (78.89%) had unilateral blindness, and 14 patients (12.84%) had functional disorder. Most of the patients presenting for improved esthetic had anterior segment pathology (74/67.88%), mainly secondary to trauma (55/50.5%) resulting in leukoma (73/66.97%). Patients with functional VI (19/17.43%) received filtered SCLs for color blindness (7/6.42%), diplopia (7/6.42%), or photophobia (5/4.58%). No serious complications were observed in any cases, and 94.49% of patients were satisfied with the SCLs. CONCLUSION: Colored SCLs can cover ocular surface imperfections in VI or blind eyes of patients who are seeking better cosmesis or improvement functional VI. Soft contact lenses with only one filter can cover imperfections of the ocular surface and improve vision in functional VI. Appropriate follow-up of these patients can reduce complication rates, resulting in good cosmesis and patient satisfaction with a positive impact on the lives of patients suffering from functional VI or blindness.

Polidocanol Plus Glucose Versus Glucose Alone for the Treatment of Telangiectasias: Triple Blind, Randomised Controlled Trial (PG3T).

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of two sclerosing agents used to treat telangiectasias in the lower limbs: 0.2% polidocanol + 70% hypertonic glucose (HG) vs. 75% HG alone. METHODS: A prospective, randomised, triple blind, controlled, parallel group trial with patients randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio between January and December 2015, with a two month follow up, from a single academic medical centre in Brazil, was carried out. Participants were women aged 18-65 years with telangiectasias on the lateral aspect of one thigh, classified as C1EpAsPn who underwent sclerotherapy in a single session with 0.2% polidocanol + 70% HG or 75% HG alone to treat the telangiectasias on an area limited by a rectangular template. The primary effectiveness endpoint was elimination of 75% of the telangiectasias within 60 days vs. the pre-treatment pattern. The length of vessels was measured on images obtained before and after treatment using ImageJ software. Safety outcomes were analysed immediately, 7 days, and 60 days after the treatment, and included pigmentation. RESULTS: A total of 115 patients were included, 98 of whom completed the study. Sclerotherapy with 0.2% polidocanol + 70% HG was significantly more effective than with 75% HG alone to treat telangiectasias in the target area (82.2% vs. 63.9%; p < .001); considering a minimum improvement of 75%, there was a 0.49 risk reduction (95% confidence interval 0.24-0.98; p = .047). No severe adverse events occurred in either group. Pigmentation was the most common minor adverse event and was significantly shorter in length in the group treated with 0.2% polidocanol + 70% HG (median 0 cm vs. 0.5 cm, respectively; p = .033). CONCLUSION: Polidocanol 0.2% plus 70% HG had better results than 75% HG alone in sclerosing telangiectasias. No severe adverse events occurred. Pigmentation occurred in both groups and was shorter in length in the group treated with 0.2% polidocanol + 70% HG.

Landscape of heart proteome changes in a diet-induced obesity model.

Obesity is a pandemic associated with a high incidence of cardiovascular disease; however, the mechanisms are not fully elucidated. Proteomics may provide a more in-depth understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms and contribute to the identification of potential therapeutic targets. Thus, our study evaluated myocardial protein expression in healthy and obese rats, employing two proteomic approaches. Male Wistar rats were established in two groups (n = 13/group): control diet and Western diet fed for 41 weeks. Obesity was determined by the adipose index, and cardiac function was evaluated in vivo by echocardiogram and in vitro by isolated papillary muscle analysis. Proteomics was based on two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) along with mass spectrometry identification, and shotgun proteomics with label-free quantification. The Western diet was efficient in triggering obesity and impaired contractile function in vitro; however, no cardiac dysfunction was observed in vivo. The combination of two proteomic approaches was able to increase the cardiac proteomic map and to identify 82 differentially expressed proteins involved in different biological processes, mainly metabolism. Furthermore, the data also indicated a cardiac alteration in fatty acids transport, antioxidant defence, cytoskeleton, and proteasome complex, which have not previously been associated with obesity. Thus, we define a robust alteration in the myocardial proteome of diet-induced obese rats, even before functional impairment could be detected in vivo by echocardiogram.

Endometrial Histomorphometry of Anestrous Mares Under the Influence of Different Embryo Transfer Hormonal Protocols.

Aiming to investigate the effects of different hormonal protocols on the endometrium morphometry of anestrous mares, 26 animals were assigned to four different treatment groups: (1) EB2.5LAP4: single dose of 2.5 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB); (2) EB5LAP4: 5 mg of EB in 2 consecutive days; (3) EB10LAP4: 10 mg of EB in three consecutive days, considering that all EB-treated groups received a single dose of 1,500 mg of long-acting progesterone (LA P4) after the single/last EB dose; and (4) LAP4: only 1,500 mg of LA P4. Results were also compared with those found in cyclic mares (control group). Endometrial biopsies were collected before and after the hormonal treatments in anestrous mares, and during estrus and at 5 days after ovulation in cyclic mares (D5). Samples were prepared for histological and histomorphometric analysis. Tissue sections were examined to determine luminal epithelium height (LEH), glandular epithelium height (GEH), endometrial thickness (ET), and glandular density (GD). Similar morphometric changes were observed after EB and P4 were administered to groups EB5LAP4 and EB10LAP4. Five days after LA P4 administration (D5), all the assessed variables were similar between all EB-treated groups. In addition, all variables of the EB-treated groups were similar to the control group on D5. Although most of the LAP4 group variables on D5 were similar to the EB-treated groups (except GD), reduced GD and GEH were found when compared with the control group, demonstrating the importance of estradiol priming before P4 on glandular activity and density.

Effects of AT1 receptor antagonism on interstitial and ultrastructural remodeling of heart in response to a hypercaloric diet.

Palatable hypercaloric feeding has been associated with angiotensin-II type 1 receptor (AT1R) stimulation and cardiac remodeling. This study analyzed whether AT1R antagonism attenuates cardiac remodeling in rats subjected to a palatable hypercaloric diet. Male Wistar-Kyoto rats were subjected to a commercial standard rat chow (CD) or a palatable hypercaloric diet (HD) for 35 weeks and then allocated into four groups: CD, CL, HD, and HL; L groups received losartan in drinking water (30 mg/kg/day) for 5 weeks. Body weight, adiposity, and glycemia were evaluated. The cardiovascular study included echocardiography, and myocardial morphometric and ultrastructural evaluation. Myocardial collagen isoforms Type I and III were analyzed by Western blot. Both HD and HL had higher adiposity than their respective controls. Cardiomyocyte cross-sectional-area (CD 285 ± 49; HD 344 ± 91; CL 327 ± 49; HL 303 ± 49 µm2 ) and interstitial collagen fractional area were significantly higher in HD than CD and unchanged by losartan. HD showed marked ultrastructural alterations such as myofilament loss, and severe mitochondrial swelling. CL presented higher Type I collagen expression when compared to CD and HL groups. The ultrastructural changes and type I collagen expression were attenuated by losartan in HL. Losartan attenuates systolic dysfunction and ultrastructural abnormalities without changing myocardial interstitial remodeling in rats subjected to a palatable hypercaloric diet.

Anastomosis entre vasos ilíacos y obturadores en la región retropúbica: estudio en cadáveres / Anastomosis among iliac vessels and obturators in the retropubic region: study in cadavers

Introducción: En las cirugías de la región retropúbica, la sección o ruptura de la anastomosis puede causar graves hemorragias de difícil control. Nuestro objetivo fue verificar la presencia o no de anastomosis arterial o venosa entre los vasos ilíacos y obturadores en la región retropúbica. Materiales y Métodos: Treinta cadáveres (14 hombres/16 mujeres; 60% de raza blanca y 40%, no blanca). Después de la disección, se verificó si había anastomosis y su distancia de la sínfisis púbica. Resultados: El 13,3% no tenía comunicación y el 86,6% tenía algún tipo de anastomosis (p <0,01), la anastomosis venosa fue la más frecuente (p <0,05). La distancia promedio entre la anastomosis y la sínfisis púbica fue de 5,7 cm. Al comparar el sexo, la anastomosis y el lado, el 57% de los hombres presentaba anastomosis en ambos lados, y el 81% y 88% de las mujeres la tenían en el lado derecho e izquierdo, respectivamente (p <0,05). Cuando se comparó la presencia de anastomosis con el lado, el 70% estaba en el derecho y el 73%, en el izquierdo (p >0,05). El 72% de los blancos y el 67% de raza no blanca tenían anastomosis (p >0,05). Conclusiones: La presencia de anastomosis es más frecuente que la ausencia y no existe diferencia significativa en cuanto al lado. Está localizada, en promedio, a 5,7 cm de la sínfisis púbica y la venosa es significativamente más frecuente. Es significativamente más frecuente en las mujeres. No hay diferencia estadística en cuanto a la presencia de anastomosis entre la raza blanca y no blanca. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: During surgical interventions, section or rupture of the anastomosis may cause severe difficult-to-control bleeding. The aim of this study was to verify the presence or absence of arterial or venous anastomosis among iliac and obturator vessels in the retropubic region. Methods: Thirty cadavers (14 men/16 women; 60% white and 40% non-white). After dissection, the presence of anastomosis and its distance from the pubic symphysis were verified. Results: The 13.3% presented no communication and 86.6% presented some type of anastomosis (p<0.01). Venous anastomosis was more frequent (p<0.05). The mean distance from anastomosis to pubic symphysis was 5.7 cm. Regarding sex and side, 57% of male specimens presented anastomosis on both sides, while 81% and 88% of women had on the right and left side, respectively (p<0.05). Seventy percent of specimens had anastomosis on the right side and 73% on the left (p>0.05). Anastomosis was observed in 72% of whites and 67% of non-whites. Conclusions: Presence of anastomosis is more frequent than its absence, and there is no significant difference regarding side. It is located at 5.7 cm from the pubic symphysis and venous anastomosis is significantly more frequent. Anastomosis is significantly more frequent in females. There is no statistically significant difference between white and non-white races. Level of Evidence: IV

Autologous and homologous skin grafts treated with platelet-rich plasma (PRP): experimental study in rabbits / Enxertos cutâneos autólogos e homólogos tratados com plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP): estudo experimental em coelhos

The aim of the present study was to compare tissue repair of skin defects in rabbits submitted to autologous and homologous grafts treated or not with platelet-rich plasma (PRP). We selected nine rabbits and constituted four groups, designated as G1, in which were performed autologous graft treated with PRP; G2, autologous graft only; G3, homologous graft treated with PRP; and G4, homologous graft only. Macroscopic and histomorphometric evaluation was realized. The histomorphometric evaluation was performed by Hematoxylin/Eosin and Masson´s Trichrome staining with quantification of collagen fibers, macrophages, fibroblasts and vessels. The autologous graft treated with PRP showed positive influence on the early stage of the tissue repair process at the macroscopic evaluation, characterized by rosy color and cosmetic appearance. At the histomorphometric evaluation, there was no statistical difference in the number of macrophages and fibroblasts between the treated grafts or not with the PRP, as well as the quantification of vessels and collagen fibers. It can be concluded that PRP promotes a positive influence on the initial phase or "take" of the graft.(AU)

Objetiva-se com o presente estudo comparar a reparação tecidual de defeitos cutâneos em coelhos, submetidos a enxertos autólogos e homólogos, tratados ou não com plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP). Para isso, foram selecionados nove coelhos e constituídos quatro grupos experimentais, designados como G1, no qual foi realizado enxerto autólogo tratado com PRP; G2, enxerto autólogo; G3, enxerto homólogo tratado com PRP; e G4, enxerto homólogo. Foram realizadas avaliações macroscópica e histomorfométrica, por meio das colorações de Hematoxilina/Eosina e Tricômio de Masson, incluindo quantificação de fibras colágenas, contagem de macrófagos, fibroblastos e vasos. O uso do enxerto autólogo com PRP influenciou positivamente na fase inicial do processo de reparação tecidual à avaliação macroscópica, caracterizada por coloração rósea e de aspecto cosmético. À avaliação histomorfométrica, não houve diferença estatística quanto ao número de macrófagos e fibroblastos entre os enxertos tratados ou não com o PRP, bem como quanto às contagens de vasos e a quantificação das fibras colágenas. Conclui-se que o PRP sob a promoveu influência positiva na fase inicial ou de "pega" do enxerto autólogo.(AU)

Cohesive silicone gel implants with smooth, textured or polyurethane-coated surface to restore volume in eviscerated sockets.

The purpose of this article is to evaluate the three different surface coating on cohesive silicone gel implants in eviscerated rabbit eye sockets. Forty-five albino rabbits underwent right eye evisceration and received hemisphere-shaped cohesive silicone gel implants with smooth (Group 1), textured (Group 2), or polyurethane-coated surface (Group 3) in the socket. The animals were euthanized at 7, 30, and 90 days postoperatively. Computed tomography of the orbits was performed prior to euthanasia. Subsequently, the orbital contents were removed and underwent histologic and morphometric examination. Data were statistically analyzed. There were no adverse effects throughout the study. The majority of implants in the Group 1 exhibited 180° rotation. The Group 3 experienced an intense inflammatory reaction around the implant and implant deformation probably due to pseudocapsule contraction. Cohesive silicone gel implants had good integration into the scleral socket. Optimal results were obtained with cohesive silicone gel textured implants (Group 2). Smooth implants (Group 1) rotated significantly, whereas polyurethane (Group 3) coated implants precipitated an intense inflammatory reaction and were deformed postoperatively.

Outcomes of two surgical techniques for major trichiasis treatment.

The purpose of this article is to analyze the outcomes of two surgical techniques to treat major trichiasis. A retrospective chart review of 67 patients (89 eyelids) with major trichiasis was performed who underwent surgical treatment using one of two techniques: intermarginal split lamella with graft (ISLG group) or lid lamella resection (LLR group). There were 30 lids in the ISLG group with mean patient age of 71.8 years and 63.3% were females. There were 59 lids in the LLR group with mean patient age of 72.5 years and 52.5% were female. The minimum postoperative follow up was six months. Statistical analysis included descriptive measures, Goodman association test for contrasts between and within multinomial populations and nonparametric Mann-Whitney test for comparison between groups. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The underlying causes of trichiasis were blepharitis (37.07%), chronic meibomitis (21.3%), multiple causes (20.2%), ectropion (11.2%), actinic keratosis (6.7%), or prior ocular surgery (3.3%). Postoperatively, in the ISLG group, there were 20% lids with complete success, 50% underwent laser or electrolysis, 16.7% required further surgery, and 13.3% were unsuccessful. Postoperatively, in the LLR group, there were 47.5% eyelids with complete success, 46.7% underwent laser or electrolysis, 6.8% required further surgery, and 5.1% were unsuccessful. There was a higher statistical chance of complete success with LLR (P < 0.05). LLR is superior to ISLG surgery for the treatment of major trichiasis. There is a greater chance of success with LLR and it is technically simpler.

Randomized controlled clinical trial of ketoanalogues supplementation in dogs with chronic kidney disease / Estudo clínico randomizado controlado da suplementação de cetoanálogos em cães com doença renal crônica

The objective was to verify the effectiveness of ketoanalogues in dogs with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) stage 3. Controlled randomized clinical trial was performed with twenty dogs with CKD stage 3. Animals were subjected to: Group 1 (control): conventional therapy (CT) for CKD; Group 2: CT and 60mg/kg, OA, q48h of keto-supplementa; Group 3, CT and 60mg/kg, OA, q24h of keto-supplementa; and Group 4, CT and 120mg/kg, OA, q12h of keto-supplementa. All dogs received canine renal diet. Animals were evaluated at the beginning of therapy and after 15 and 30 days. Complete blood count (CBC), serum urea, creatinine, phosphorus, calcium, potassium and sodium and urine protein/creatinine (UPC) ratio were analyzed. The use of ketoanalogues in dogs with CKD stage 3 during the period of 30 days showed no efficacy, in any of the studies dosages, to improve signs and symptoms of the disease, improve the values of CBC, reduce serum urea and creatinine, normalize electrolytes or reduce UPC. It is concluded that the use of ketoanalogues does not impact the clinical outcomes in dogs with CKD stage 3.(AU)

O objetivo foi de verificar a eficácia da suplementação com cetoanálogos em cães com Doença Renal Crônica (DRC) grau 3. Um ensaio clínico controlado e randomizado foi realizado com 20 cães com DRC grau 3. Os animais foram divididos em 4 grupos: grupo 1 (controle): terapia convencional (TC) para DRC; grupo 2: TC e 60mg/kg, VO, q48h de cetoanálogoa; grupo 3: TC e 60mg/kg, VO, q24h de cetoanálogoa; e grupo 4, TC e 120mg/kg, VO, q12h de cetoanálogoa. Todos os cães receberam ração renal para cães. Os animais foram avaliados no início da terapia e após 15 e 30 dias. Hemograma completo, ureia, creatinina, fósforo, cálcio, potássio e sódio séricos e a razão proteína creatinina (RPC) urinária foram analisados. Foi verificado que o uso dos cetoanálogos em cães com DRC grau 3 durante 30 dias não mostrou eficácia, em nenhuma das dosagens utilizadas, em melhorar os sinais clínicos e sintomatologia da doença, os valores do hemograma e ureia e creatinina séricos, normalizar eletrólitos e reduzir RPC. Concluiu-se que o uso de cetoanálogos não impacta na melhora de sintomatologia clínica em cães com CKD grau 3. Como esse parece ser o primeiro ensaio clínico sobre cetoanálogos em cães com CKD, mais estudos podem ser necessários com maior acompanhamento e maiores grupos.(AU)

Moderate exercise training does not prevent the reduction in myocardial L-type Ca2+ channels protein expression at obese rats.

Authors have showed that obesity implicates cardiac dysfunction associated with myocardial L-type calcium channels (LTCCs) activity impairments, as well as moderate exercise training (MET) seems to be an important therapeutic tool. We tested the hypothesis that MET promotes improvements on LTCCS activity and protein expression at obesity induced by unsaturated high-fat diets, which could represent a protective effects against development of cardiovascular damage. Male Wistar rats were randomized in control (C, n = 40), which received a standard diet and obese (Ob; n = 40), which received high-fat diet. After 20 weeks, the animals were assigned at four groups: control (C; n = 12); control submitted to exercise training (ET; n = 14); obese (Ob; n = 10); and obese submitted to exercise training (ObET; n = 11). ET (5 days/week during 12 weeks) began in the 21th week and consisted of treadmill running that was progressively increased to reach 60 min. Final body weight (FBW), body fat (BF), adiposity index (AI), comorbidities, and hormones were evaluated. Cardiac remodeling was assessed by morphological and isolated papillary muscles function. LTCCs activity was determined using specific blocker, while protein expression of LTCCs was evaluated by Western blot. Unsaturated high-fat diet promoted obesity during all experimental protocol. MET controlled obesity process by decreasing of FBW, BF, and AI. Obesity implicated to LTCCs protein expression reduction and MET was not effective to prevent this condition. ET was efficient to promote several improvements to body composition and metabolic parameters; however, it was not able to prevent or reverse the downregulation of LTCCs protein expression at obese rats.

Portal Vein Dopplerflowmetry in healthy sheep according to age / Dopplerfluxometria da veia portal em ovinos hígidos de acordo com a idade

Pulsed Doppler ultrasound was used to evaluate portal blood flow, portal velocity and portal congestion index in 24 healthy sheep divided into groups (lambs, yearlings and ewes), according to age. Measurements were performed at the 11th right intercostal space using ideal insonation angle and uniform insonation method. Mean values obtained in each group were compared with one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey post-hoc test. Portal velocity and portal blood flow were statistically similar between the groups (P>0.05). Mean portal velocity were 17.75; 17.13 and 16.75; while mean portal blood flow were 26.65; 31.04 and 24.32 for lambs, yearlings and ewes, respectively. Portal congestion index was statistically distinct between the groups and values for lambs, yearlings and ewes were 0.009; 0.058 and 0.09, respectively (P<0.01). Statistical differences were observed in portal vein diameter, portal vein area and portal congestion index between the groups, presumably due to influence of weight and not to age.(AU)

A ultrassonografia com Doppler pulsado foi utilizado para avaliar o fluxo sanguíneo portal, velocidade portal e índice de congestão portal em 24 ovinos saudáveis divididos em grupos (cordeiros, borregos e ovelhas), de acordo com a idade. As medições foram realizadas no 11o espaço intercostal direito utilizando ângulo de insonação ideal e método de inclusão uniforme. Os valores médios obtidos em cada grupo foram comparados com ANOVA, seguido pelo teste post-hoc de Tukey. A velocidade portal e o fluxo de sangue portal foram estatisticamente semelhantes entre os grupos (P>0,05). A velocidade portal média foram 17,75; 17,13 e 16,75; enquanto o fluxo de sangue portal médios foram 26,65; 31,04 e 24,32 para cordeiros, borregos e ovelhas, respectivamente. O índice de congestão portal foi estatisticamente diferente entre os grupos e os valores para cordeiros, novilhos e ovelhas foram 0,009; 0,058 e 0,09, respectivamente (P<0.01). Observaram-se diferenças estatísticas nos diâmetros da veia porta, na área da veia porta e nos índices de congestão portal entre os grupos, provavelmente devido à influência do peso e não pela idade.(AU)

Activity of Brazilian propolis against Aeromonas hydrophila and its effect on Nile tilapia growth, hematological and non-specific immune response under bacterial infection

ABSTRACT The effect of the ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) on Aeromonas hydrophila was analyzed by determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Then, the effects of crude propolis powder (CPP) on growth, hemato-immune parameters of the Nile tilapia, as well as its effects on resistance to A. hydrophila challenge were investigated. The CPP (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0%) was added to the diet of 280 Nile tilapia (50.0 ± 5.7 g fish-1). Hemato-immune parameters were analyzed before and after the bacterial challenge. Red blood cell, hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO) were evaluated. The MIC of the EEP was 13% (v/v) with a bactericidal effect after 24 hours. Growth performance was significantly lower for those fish fed diets containing 2.5 and 3% of CPP compared to the control diet. Differences in CPP levels affected fish hemoglobin, neutrophils number and NO following the bacterial challenge. For others parameters no significant differences were observed. Our results show that although propolis has bactericidal properties in vitro, the addition of crude propolis powder to Nile tilapia extruded diets does not necessarily lead to an improvement of fish health.

Activity of Brazilian propolis against Aeromonas hydrophila and its effect on Nile tilapia growth, hematological and non-specific immune response under bacterial infection.

The effect of the ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) on Aeromonas hydrophila was analyzed by determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Then, the effects of crude propolis powder (CPP) on growth, hemato-immune parameters of the Nile tilapia, as well as its effects on resistance to A. hydrophila challenge were investigated. The CPP (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0%) was added to the diet of 280 Nile tilapia (50.0 ± 5.7 g fish-1). Hemato-immune parameters were analyzed before and after the bacterial challenge. Red blood cell, hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO) were evaluated. The MIC of the EEP was 13% (v/v) with a bactericidal effect after 24 hours. Growth performance was significantly lower for those fish fed diets containing 2.5 and 3% of CPP compared to the control diet. Differences in CPP levels affected fish hemoglobin, neutrophils number and NO following the bacterial challenge. For others parameters no significant differences were observed. Our results show that although propolis has bactericidal properties in vitro, the addition of crude propolis powder to Nile tilapia extruded diets does not necessarily lead to an improvement of fish health.

Evaluation of neonatal vitality and blood glucose, lactate and cortisol concentrations in foals of the Paint Horse breed / Avaliação dos padrões de vitalidade neonatal, glicemia, lactato e cortisol em potros da raça Paint Horse

Clinical evaluations of newborns, as well as defining the therapeutic decision, represent significant challenges to the veterinarian. This study aimed to evaluate neonatal vitality using the modified Apgar score and blood glucose, lactate, and cortisol concentrations in newborn equines. Twenty foals of the Paint Horse breed born by normal delivery were evaluated during the first 48 hours of life. The modified Apgar score was determined at birth and 10 minutes later, with values ranging from 0 to 10. Blood samples for the laboratory tests were collected at birth and at 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 36, and 48 hours. The mean Apgar score was significantly lower at birth than at 10 minutes (p < 0.001). Blood glucose concentrations increased significantly between birth (98.90 ± 35.97 mg/dL) and 8 hours (127.90 ± 27.15 mg/dL), stabilizing after the first 12 hours (148.95 ± 29.59 mg/dL). Serum lactate concentrations showed a significant decrease across the time points tested, with the highest value occurring at birth (5.48 ± 2.17 mmol/L) and stabilizing after 24 hours (2.76 ± 1.31 mmol/L). Cortisol concentrations significantly decreased (p < 0.01) between 4 (10.46 ± 7.46 µg/dL) and 48 hours (5.21 ± 3.35 µg/dL), with the highest value occurring 4 hours after birth. The common occurrence of laboratory abnormalities in healthy newborn foals reinforces the need to conduct regular clinical examinations and to develop laboratory reference values for different breeds and ages.(AU)

A avaliação clínica dos recém-nascidos, bem como a definição da conduta terapêutica adotada representam expressivos desafios ao Médico Veterinário. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a vitalidade neonatal pelo escore de Apgar modificado, glicemia, lactatemia e cortisol em neonatos equinos. Para tal, foram utilizados 20 potros da raça Paint Horse, nascidos em eutocia, durante as primeiras 48 horas de vida. O escore de Apgar modificado foi realizado ao nascimento e 10 minutos após, atribuindo-se notas de 0 a 10. As colheitas das amostras de sangue, para a realização das análises laboratoriais, ocorreram nos momentos ao nascimento, 4, 8, 12, 20 16, 20, 24, 36 e 48 horas de vida. A média do escore de Apgar ao nascimento foi significativamente menor que aos 10 minutos (p<0,001). A glicemia aumentou significativamente entre o nascimento (98,90 ± 35,97 mg/dL) e às 8 horas (127,90 ± 23 27,15 mg/dL), com estabilização após as primeiras 12 horas (148,95 ± 29,59 mg/dL). A concentração sérica de lactato apresentou decréscimo significativo entre os momentos estudados, sendo o maior valor encontrado ao nascimento (5,48 ± 2,17 mmol/L), com estabilização a partir das 24 horas (2,76 ± 1.31 mmol/L). As concentrações de cortisol, reduziram significativamente (p<0,01), entre as 4 (10,46 ± 7,46 µg/dL) e as 48 horas (5,21 ± 3,35 µg/dL), sendo o maior valor encontrado as 4 horas após o nascimento. A ocorrência comum de anormalidades laboratoriais em potros recém-nascidos, aparentemente saudáveis, reforça a necessidade da realização de exames clínicos regulares e o desenvolvimento de valores laboratoriais de referência, em diferentes raças e idades.(AU)

Association between echocardiographic structural parameters and body weight in Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: The association between echocardiographic structural parameters and body weight (BW) during rat development has been poorly addressed. We evaluated echocardiographic variables: left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic (LVDD) and end-systolic (LVSD) diameters, LV diastolic posterior wall thickness (PWT), left atrial diameter (LA), and aortic diameter (AO) in function of BW during development.Results/Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats (n = 328, BW: 302-702 g) were retrospectively used to construct regression models and 95% confidence intervals relating to cardiac structural parameters and BW. Adjusted indexes were significant to all relationships; the regression model for predicting LVDD (R2 = 0.678; p < 0.001) and AO (R2 = 0.567; p < 0.001) had the highest prediction coefficients and LA function the lowest prediction coefficient (R2 = 0.274; p < 0.01). These relationships underwent validation by performing echocardiograms on additional rats (n = 43, BW: 300-600 g) and testing whether results were within confidence intervals of our regressions. Prediction models for AO and LA correctly allocated 38 (88.4%) and 39 rats (90.7%), respectively, within the 95% confidence intervals. Regression models for LVDD, LVSD, and PWT included 27 (62.7%), 30 (69.8%), and 19 (44.2%) animals, respectively, within the 95% confidence intervals. CONCLUSIONS: Increase in cardiac structures is associated with BW gain during rat growth. LA and AO can be correctly predicted using regression models; prediction of PWT and LV diameters is not accurate.

Thyrotropin receptor gene expression in the association between chronic spontaneous urticaria and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) may be associated with autoimmune thyroid diseases, and the Autologous Serum Skin Test (ASST) is an autoreactivity marker. The thyrotropin (TSH) and TSH receptor (TSHR) could play a role in the pathogenesis of CSU. The aim of this study was to evaluate ASST positivity and TSHR gene expression in healthy skin and ASST wheals in euthyroid women with CSU, with (14 patients) and without (15 patients) Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). METHODS: ASST was performed and TSHR gene expression studied in wheals induced by ASST and in healthy skin. RESULTS: ASST presented greater positivity (86% × 40%) and larger diameter (10.8 × 9.6 mm) in the HT group (P < 0.05). TSHR gene expression was higher in the ASST area and healthy skin of HT group (P < 0.01). Positive correlation of antibodies levels with ASST wheal measurements and TSHR gene expression was seen. CONCLUSIONS: Women with CSU and HT presented greater positivity and larger measurements for ASST and higher TSHR expression in the skin, suggesting association between CSU, thyroid autoimmunity, and TSHR.

Thyroxine increases Serca2 and Ryr2 gene expression in heart failure rats with euthyroid sick syndrome

ABSTRACT Objective The current study was aimed at analyzing sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (Serca2) and ryanodine receptor type 2 (Ryr2) gene expression in rats subjected to surgery that induced HF and were subsequently treated with T4 using physiological doses. Materials and methods HF was induced in 18 male Wistar rats by clipping the ascending thoracic aorta to generate aortic stenosis (HFS group), while the control group (9-sham) underwent thoracotomy. After 21 weeks, the HFS group was subdivided into two subgroups. One group (9 Wistar rats) with HF received 1.0 µg of T4/100 g of body weight for five consecutive days (HFS/T4); the other group (9 Wistar rats) received isotonic saline solution (HFS/S). The animals were sacrificed after this treatment and examined for signs of HF. Samples from the left ventricles of these animals were analyzed by RT-qPCR for the expression of Serca2 and Ryr2 genes. Results Rats with HF developed euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS) and treatment with T4 restored the T3 values to the Sham level and increased Serca2 and Ryr2 gene expression, thereby demonstrating a possible benefit of T4 treatment for heart function in ESS associated with HF. Conclusion The T4 treatment can potentially normalize the levels of T3 as well elevated Serca2 and Ryr2 gene expression in the myocardium in heart failure rats with euthyroid sick syndrome.