Comparison of the use of blood pressure telemonitoring versus standard medical care in the achievement of short-term therapeutic goals in blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled hypertension: An open-label clinical trial.

Background: In Mexico less than half of the treated hypertensive patients reach blood pressure (BP) targets. Most hypertensive individuals rely on the standard medical care (SMC) to achieve the BP control goals; however, the efficacy of BP telemonitoring (BPT) to achieve BP targets has been poorly studied. Aim: To compare the efficacy of BPT versus SMC to achieve BP goals in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Methods: A two-arm, open-label clinical trial was conducted in patients ≥18 years with uncontrolled hypertension. The participants were randomized to 2 arms (BPT vs SMC) and followed for 12 weeks. For the statistical analysis, the chi-squared test and covariance were used. Results: One hundred and seventy-eight participants were included, BPT (n = 94) and SMC (n = 84), after 12 weeks of follow up, we observed a baseline-adjusted reduction in systolic BP with both BPT (-13.5 [1.3] mmHg) and the SMC (-5.9 [1.4] mmHg; p < 0.001) but a greater decrease with BPT (p < 0.001). Likewise, we found a baseline-adjusted reduction of diastolic BP with BPT (-6.9 [0.9] mmHg) and SMC (-2.7 [0.9] mmHg) (p = 0.007) with a more significant percentage change from baseline with BPT (-6.8% [1.0] vs 2.5% [1.1]; p = 0.007). In the BPT arm, a larger proportion of patients achieved the BP target versus SMC (30.5% vs 12.8%; p = 0.005). Conclusion: BPT showed a greater proportion of patients achieving office BP control goals (<140/90 mmHg), compared to standard medical care.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in wound healing in mice / [Oxigenoterapia hiperbárica na cicatrização de feridas em camundongos]

We investigated the local and systemic effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in BALB/C mice, exposed to two different exposure times, under 2.4 atmosphere (ATM). Fifteen animals were divided into three groups (GI, GII and Control) and underwent a surgical excision of a skin fragment of approximately one square centimeter of the dorsal region. The wounds were treated and monitored for 21 days. In the control group, the wound was cleaned once a day with sterile 0.9% NaCl solution. GI and GII mice were submitted to daily hyperbaric oxygen therapy of 30 or 60minutes sessions, respectively. The wounds were photographed every three days and their surfaces were analyzed by an image analyzer. At 21 days, all animals were euthanatized for histopathological analysis of the skin, lungs and liver in order to identify eventual alterations in wound healing or in the analyzed organs. Animals belonging to GI showed a faster skin wound healing in comparison to the other groups. Animals from GII, however, showed a delayed wound healing process and exhibited lung and microcirculatory alterations. These findings allow us to conclude that the exposure time to the oxygen in hyperbaric environment is crucial and can help or disturb skin wound healing or even be deleterious to other organs.(AU)

Investigaram-se os efeitos locais e sistêmicos da oxigenoterapia hiperbárica em camundongos BALB / C, submetidos a dois tempos de exposição diferentes, sob atmosfera 2,4 (ATM). Quinze animais foram divididos em três grupos (GI, GII e controle) e submetidos à excisão cirúrgica de fragmento de pele de aproximadamente um centímetro quadrado da região dorsal. As feridas foram tratadas e acompanhadas por 21 dias. No grupo controle, a ferida foi limpa uma vez ao dia, com solução estéril de NaCl 0,9%. Camundongos GI e GII foram submetidos à oxigenoterapia hiperbárica diária de 30 ou 60 minutos de sessões, respectivamente. As feridas foram fotografadas a cada três dias, e suas superfícies analisadas por um analisador de imagens. Aos 21 dias, todos os animais foram submetidos à eutanásia para análise histopatológica da pele, do pulmão e do fígado, em busca de eventuais alterações na cicatrização da ferida ou nos órgãos analisados. Animais pertencentes ao GI apresentaram cicatrização mais rápida de feridas cutâneas em comparação aos outros grupos. Já os animais do GII apresentaram retardo na cicatrização da ferida e alterações pulmonares e microcirculatórias. Esses achados permitem concluir que o tempo de exposição ao oxigênio em ambiente hiperbárico é fundamental e pode auxiliar ou atrapalhar a cicatrização de feridas cutâneas ou mesmo ser deletério para outros órgãos.(AU)

Células-tronco mesenquimais de origem adiposa na fase de proliferação do processo de cicatrização de queimaduras frias / Adipose-derived stem cells in the proliferation phase of the healing process in cold burns

A criocirurgia tem sido utilizada no tratamento de diferentes enfermidades de sistemas e órgãos. Contudo, são relatados efeitos adversos, como cicatrização lenta, cicatrizes extensas, disfunção estética e funcional. As lesões que ocorrem naturalmente pela exposição ao frio extremo, comumente, resultam em gangrena. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a influência das células-tronco mesenquimais de origem adiposa (ADSCs) na fase de proliferação da cicatrização de feridas cutâneas. Por meio da aplicação do nitrogênio líquido pela técnica do spray aberto, realizou-se a indução de uma ferida, de aproximadamente 15mm de diâmetro, na região dorsal de cada rato. A ferida recebeu o tratamento de acordo com o grupo ao qual pertencia: 1) aplicação das ADSCs no 15º dia (grupo tratado); 2) aplicação da solução cloreto de sódio 0,9% no 15º dia (grupo sham); 3) nenhuma intervenção até o momento da eutanásia (grupo controle). O grupo tratado com as ADSCs apresentou as maiores taxas de contração média das feridas e obteve diferença estatisticamente significativa em relação ao grupo sham quanto à neovascularização. A terapia com as ADSCs proporcionou uma relevante evolução clínica das feridas, podendo ser constatada ao final do período de avaliação por cicatrizes mais estreitas e compridas.(AU)

Cryosurgery has been used to treat different diseases of systems and organs, although adverse effects have been reported such as delayed wound healing, large scars, esthetical deformation and functional impairment. Injuries caused naturally by the exposure to extreme cold weather conditions mostly result in gangrene. This study aims to evaluate the influence of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) in the proliferation phase on cutaneous wound healing. Through the application of liquid nitrogen by the spraying technique, a 15 millimeter diameter lesion was produced in the dorsal region of each rat. The wound received treatment according to the group it belonged: 1) ADSCs application on the 15th day (treated group); 2) application of 0.9% sodium chloride solution on the 15th day (sham group); 3) no intervention until euthanasia (control group). The group treated with ADSCs showed the highest wound average contraction rate; this group got a significant statistical difference in relation to the sham group when it refers to neovascularization. The ADSCs therapy provides an important clinical evolution of wounds. This was verified at the end of the evaluation period through narrower and longer scars.(AU)

Células-tronco mesenquimais de origem adiposa na fase de proliferação do processo de cicatrização de queimaduras frias / Adipose-derived stem cells in the proliferation phase of the healing process in cold burns

A criocirurgia tem sido utilizada no tratamento de diferentes enfermidades de sistemas e órgãos. Contudo, são relatados efeitos adversos, como cicatrização lenta, cicatrizes extensas, disfunção estética e funcional. As lesões que ocorrem naturalmente pela exposição ao frio extremo, comumente, resultam em gangrena. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a influência das células-tronco mesenquimais de origem adiposa (ADSCs) na fase de proliferação da cicatrização de feridas cutâneas. Por meio da aplicação do nitrogênio líquido pela técnica do spray aberto, realizou-se a indução de uma ferida, de aproximadamente 15mm de diâmetro, na região dorsal de cada rato. A ferida recebeu o tratamento de acordo com o grupo ao qual pertencia: 1) aplicação das ADSCs no 15º dia (grupo tratado); 2) aplicação da solução cloreto de sódio 0,9% no 15º dia (grupo sham); 3) nenhuma intervenção até o momento da eutanásia (grupo controle). O grupo tratado com as ADSCs apresentou as maiores taxas de contração média das feridas e obteve diferença estatisticamente significativa em relação ao grupo sham quanto à neovascularização. A terapia com as ADSCs proporcionou uma relevante evolução clínica das feridas, podendo ser constatada ao final do período de avaliação por cicatrizes mais estreitas e compridas.(AU)

Cryosurgery has been used to treat different diseases of systems and organs, although adverse effects have been reported such as delayed wound healing, large scars, esthetical deformation and functional impairment. Injuries caused naturally by the exposure to extreme cold weather conditions mostly result in gangrene. This study aims to evaluate the influence of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) in the proliferation phase on cutaneous wound healing. Through the application of liquid nitrogen by the spraying technique, a 15 millimeter diameter lesion was produced in the dorsal region of each rat. The wound received treatment according to the group it belonged: 1) ADSCs application on the 15th day (treated group); 2) application of 0.9% sodium chloride solution on the 15th day (sham group); 3) no intervention until euthanasia (control group). The group treated with ADSCs showed the highest wound average contraction rate; this group got a significant statistical difference in relation to the sham group when it refers to neovascularization. The ADSCs therapy provides an important clinical evolution of wounds. This was verified at the end of the evaluation period through narrower and longer scars.(AU)

Isolamento e diferenciação das células-tronco da polpa dentária canina em células progenitoras neurais / Isolation and differentiation of canine dental pulp stem cells in neural progenitor cells

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a capacidade de diferenciação das células-tronco da polpa dentária canina em células progenitoras neurais bem como quantificar obtenção e viabilidade celular, durante três passagens em cultura. As células foram extraídas da polpa dentária de dois cadáveres caninos, com aproximadamente dez meses de idade, que foram a óbito em decorrência de traumatismo automotivo. Após três subculturas, realizou-se avaliação da viabilidade celular por quantificação em câmara de Neubauer. A partir disso, induziu-se diferenciação neural em meio de cultura neurobasal (Gibco™), com células aderidas ao plástico ou suspensas em placas tratadas com agarose. Após sete e 14 dias em cultivo indutor, observou-se morfologia e perfil imunofenotípico utilizando citometria de fluxo e imunocitoquímica fluorescente. Aos 14 dias as células apresentaram alto grau de expressão para marcadores anti-nestina e anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein (anti-GFAP). Anteriormente, obteve-se ao 25º dia, média de 18x106 células viáveis indiferenciadas oriundas do tecido pulpar. Sugere-se que as células-tronco indiferenciadas da polpa dentária canina apresentem índices satisfatórios de diferenciação em células progenitoras neurais, aderidas ou suspensas em cultura. A polpa dentária dos dentes decíduos caninos, fornece células indiferenciadas viáveis em quantidade adequada.(AU)

The objective of this study was to verify the differentiation capacity of canine tooth pulp stem cells in neural progenitor cells as well as to quantify the attainment and viability during three culture passages. The cells were extracted from the dental pulp of two canine cadavers, with approximately ten months of age, which died due to automotive trauma. After three subcultures, cell viability evaluation was performed by Neubauer chamber quantification. Neural differentiation was induced in neurobasal culture medium (Gibco ™), with cells adhered to the plastic or suspended in agarose-treated plates. After seven and 14 days in inducer culture, morphology and immunophenotypic profile were observed using flow cytometry and fluorescent immunocytochemistry. At 14 days the cells had a high degree of expression for anti-nestin and anti-glial fibrillary acidic (anti-GFAP) markers. Previously, an average of 18x106 undifferentiated viable cells from the pulp tissue were obtained on the 25th day. It is suggested that the undifferentiated canine pulp stem cells present satisfactory differentiation indices in neural progenitor cells, adhered or suspended in culture. The dental pulp of deciduous canine teeth provides viable undifferentiated cells in adequate quantity.(AU)

Isolamento e diferenciação das células-tronco da polpa dentária canina em células progenitoras neurais / Isolation and differentiation of canine dental pulp stem cells in neural progenitor cells

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a capacidade de diferenciação das células-tronco da polpa dentária canina em células progenitoras neurais bem como quantificar obtenção e viabilidade celular, durante três passagens em cultura. As células foram extraídas da polpa dentária de dois cadáveres caninos, com aproximadamente dez meses de idade, que foram a óbito em decorrência de traumatismo automotivo. Após três subculturas, realizou-se avaliação da viabilidade celular por quantificação em câmara de Neubauer. A partir disso, induziu-se diferenciação neural em meio de cultura neurobasal (Gibco™), com células aderidas ao plástico ou suspensas em placas tratadas com agarose. Após sete e 14 dias em cultivo indutor, observou-se morfologia e perfil imunofenotípico utilizando citometria de fluxo e imunocitoquímica fluorescente. Aos 14 dias as células apresentaram alto grau de expressão para marcadores anti-nestina e anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein (anti-GFAP). Anteriormente, obteve-se ao 25º dia, média de 18x106 células viáveis indiferenciadas oriundas do tecido pulpar. Sugere-se que as células-tronco indiferenciadas da polpa dentária canina apresentem índices satisfatórios de diferenciação em células progenitoras neurais, aderidas ou suspensas em cultura. A polpa dentária dos dentes decíduos caninos, fornece células indiferenciadas viáveis em quantidade adequada.(AU)

The objective of this study was to verify the differentiation capacity of canine tooth pulp stem cells in neural progenitor cells as well as to quantify the attainment and viability during three culture passages. The cells were extracted from the dental pulp of two canine cadavers, with approximately ten months of age, which died due to automotive trauma. After three subcultures, cell viability evaluation was performed by Neubauer chamber quantification. Neural differentiation was induced in neurobasal culture medium (Gibco ™), with cells adhered to the plastic or suspended in agarose-treated plates. After seven and 14 days in inducer culture, morphology and immunophenotypic profile were observed using flow cytometry and fluorescent immunocytochemistry. At 14 days the cells had a high degree of expression for anti-nestin and anti-glial fibrillary acidic (anti-GFAP) markers. Previously, an average of 18x106 undifferentiated viable cells from the pulp tissue were obtained on the 25th day. It is suggested that the undifferentiated canine pulp stem cells present satisfactory differentiation indices in neural progenitor cells, adhered or suspended in culture. The dental pulp of deciduous canine teeth provides viable undifferentiated cells in adequate quantity.(AU)

Polypharmacy in a hospitalized psychiatric population: risk estimation and damage quantification.

BACKGROUND: Polypharmacy increases the risk of pharmacological interactions, prevalence of secondary effects and with this the lack of adherence to treatment. It is estimated that between 10 and 40% of patients hospitalized in psychiatric institutions are prescribed more than one antipsychotic. The objective of the present study was to identify the prevalence of polypharmacy, evaluate adverse effects associated to the use of psych drugs and to estimate the risk in specific groups. METHODS: We carried out a longitudinal, retrospective study that included the analysis of all discharged patients (n = 140) in the first trimester of the year in a psychiatric hospital in Mexico. The information was classified into 7 sections: sociodemographic, diagnosis, clinical follow-up information, prescribed drugs, adverse reactions, substance abuse, laboratory and complementary results. Risk estimation was obtained with Odds Ratios, to correlate continuous variables Pearson's correlation was used. Student's T and Mann Whitney's U were used to compare 2 independent samples; multiple and linear regressions were carried out. RESULTS: The mean number of drugs used during hospitalization was 7.8 drugs per patient. The mean prescribed psych drugs was 4.07. The mean antipsychotic dose was the risperidone equivalent of 5.08 mg. 29.2% of patients had at least one secondary effect associated to the use of drugs, 17.8% presented extrapyramidal symptoms. 81.4% of patients were prescribed 6 or more drugs (polypharmacy) and were 5 times more likely to suffer a secondary effects (OR 6.24). 14.2% had polypharmacy while receiving antipsychotics and had more than twice the risk of presenting extrapyramidal symptoms (OR 3.05). For each added psych drug, hospital stay increased by 6.56 days. CONCLUSIONS: Despite international guideline recommendations where reasoned and conciliatory prescription of psych drugs is advised, there is still a high prevalence of polypharmacy in patients hospitalized in psychiatric institutions. In the present study 4 out of 5 patients received polypharmacy decreasing tolerability, treatment adherence and increasing the risk and costs secondary to an increased hospital stay.

HspBP1 and anti-HspBP1 levels in the serum of HIV-infected individuals are associated to the disease progression.

AIMS: The objective of this research was to quantify the levels of circulating HspBP1 and anti-HspBP1 IgG in HIV-infected individuals and to correlate them with CD4 T cell counts and viral load, as well as to determine the kinetics of those proteins during acute phase. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixty serum samples from HIV-positive outpatients, thirty with high viral load and thirty with low viral load were analysed. The HspBP1 and anti-HspBP1 were quantified by ELISA. To investigate the kinetic of HspBP1 and anti-HspBp1 during the acute phase, these proteins and antibodies were quantified in samples of a commercial seroconverting HIV panel. All dosages were compared with the CD4 and CD8 T cell counts and HIV viral load. The results indicated that HIV positive outpatients presented significant increase in HspBP1 and anti-HspBP1 serum levels, compared with uninfected healthy. HspBP1 and anti-HspBP1 were negatively correlated with CD4 counts and CD4:CD8 ratio. In the acute phase, HspBP1 became significantly elevated 15 days after HIV infection. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the quantification of HspBP1 can be associated to others well-established parameters of the HIV progression. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The discovery that HspBp1 and anti-HspBp1 are associated with progression of HIV infection is new and corroborates to validate the quantification of these proteins as an additional strategy in the management of the HIV infection.

Exocytosis-related genes and response to methylphenidate treatment in adults with ADHD.

Experimental studies have demonstrated that methylphenidate (MPH) modulates the synaptic vesicle trafficking and synaptotagmin-1 (SytI) mRNA levels. SytI is a regulatory protein of the SNARE complex, a neurotransmitter exocytosis mediator. Despite this evidence, most SNARE complex-related genes have never been evaluated in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) pharmacogenetics. This study evaluates, for we believe the first time, polymorphisms on the SNARE complex-related genes STX1A (rs2228607), VAMP2 (26bp Ins/Del) and SYT1 (rs1880867 and rs2251214) on the response to immediate-release methylphenidate (IR-MPH) in a naturalistic sample of adults with ADHD. The sample comprised 433 subjects, of which 272 (62.8%) have completed the short-term IR-MPH treatment (at least 30 days). The main outcome measure was the categorical variable of short-term response to IR-MPH based on the Swanson, Nolan and Pelham Rating Scale version 4 (SNAP-IV), and on the clinical global impression-improvement scale. Additional analyses evaluated the percentage of SNAP-IV symptom reduction for each dimension as well as short- and long- (7 years) term treatment persistence. SYT1-rs2251214 was associated with the categorical short-term response to IR-MPH (P=0.006, PFDR=0.028), and with the percentage of inattention and oppositional defiant disorder symptoms reduction (P=0.007, PFDR=0.028 and P=0.017, PFDR=0.048, respectively). SYT1-rs2251214 was also associated with short-term treatment persistence (P=0.018, PFDR=0.048), and with months of treatment (P=0.002, PFDR=0.016) in the long-term protocol. Our findings suggest that SYT1-rs2251214 presents a broad influence in IR-MPH response variability in adults with ADHD, being involved with both symptom response and treatment persistence. If such findings are replicated, SytI could represent a key element in MPH pharmacodynamics in adults with ADHD.

Association between -174G/C and -572G/C interleukin 6 gene polymorphisms and severe radiographic damage to the hands of Mexican patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a preliminary report.

Several interleukin 6 gene (IL6) polymorphisms are implicated in susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It has not yet been established with certainty if these polymorphisms are associated with the severe radiographic damage observed in some RA patients, particularly those with the development of joint bone ankylosis (JBA). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the association between severe radiographic damage in hands and the -174G/C and -572G/C IL6 polymorphisms in Mexican Mestizo people with RA. Mestizo adults with RA and long disease duration (>5 years) were classified into two groups according to the radiographic damage in their hands: a) severe radiographic damage (JBA and/or joint bone subluxations) and b) mild or moderate radiographic damage. We compared the differences in genotype and allele frequencies of -174G/C and -572G/C IL6 polymorphisms (genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism) between these two groups. Our findings indicated that the -174G/C polymorphism of IL6 is associated with severe joint radiographic damage [maximum likelihood odds ratios (MLE_OR): 8.03; 95%CI 1.22-187.06; P = 0.03], whereas the -572G/C polymorphism of IL6 exhibited no such association (MLE_OR: 1.5; 95%CI 0.52-4.5; P = 0.44). Higher anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody levels were associated with more severe joint radiographic damage (P = 0.04). We conclude that there is a relevant association between the -174G/C IL6 polymorphism and severe radiographic damage. Future studies in other populations are required to confirm our findings.

Membrane negative curvature induced by a hybrid peptide from pediocin PA-1 and plantaricin 149 as revealed by atomistic molecular dynamics simulations.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are cationic peptides that kill bacteria with a broad spectrum of action, low toxicity to mammalian cells and exceptionally low rates of bacterial resistance. These features have led to considerable efforts in developing AMPs as an alternative antibacterial therapy. In vitro studies have shown that AMPs interfere with membrane bilayer integrity via several possible mechanisms, which are not entirely understood. We have performed the synthesis, membrane lysis measurements, and biophysical characterization of a novel hybrid peptide. These measurements show that PA-Pln149 does not form nanopores, but instead promotes membrane rupture. It causes fast rupture of the bacterial model membrane (POPG-rich) at concentrations 100-fold lower than that required for the disruption of mammalian model membranes (POPC-rich). Atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed for single and multiple copies of PA-Pln149 in the presence of mixed and pure POPC/POPG bilayers to investigate the concentration-dependent membrane disruption by the hybrid peptide. These simulations reproduced the experimental trend and provided a potential mechanism of action for PA-Pln149. It shows that the PA-Pln149 does not form nanopores, but instead promotes membrane destabilization through peptide aggregation and induction of membrane negative curvature with the collapse of the lamellar arrangement. The sequence of events depicted for PA-Pln149 may offer insights into the mechanism of action of AMPs previously shown to induce negative deformation of membrane curvature and often associated with peptide translocation via non-bilayer intermediate structures.

Gemistocytic astrocytoma in the spinal cord in a dog: a case report / Astrocitoma gemistocítico medular em cão: relato de caso

This paper reports a case of a rare variant of the cervical spinal cord astrocytoma diagnosed in a dog with progressive neurological signs, initially asymmetrical, not ambulatory tetraparesis, segmental reflexes and normal muscle tone in all four limbs and absence of pain upon palpation of the cervical spine. Myelography revealed attenuation of the ventral and dorsal contrast line in the third region of the fifth cervical vertebra. At necropsy intramedullary cylindrical mass that stretched from the third to the sixth cervical vertebra, which replaced all the gray matter of the spinal cord was observed. In the histological study, there was the replacement of the substance by neoplastic cells mantle arranged loosely. The cells were large and slightly rounded. The eosinophilic cytoplasm was well defined, sometimes forming processes interconnecting cells. The nucleus was eccentric, round, oval or kidney-shaped, and the nucleolus was evident. Thus, the microscopic changes observed in the cervical spinal cord were consistent with gemistocytic astrocytoma.(AU)

Relata-se um caso de uma variante rara de astrocitoma na medula cervical, diagnosticado em cadela com sinais neurológicos progressivos, inicialmente assimétricos, de tetraparesia não ambulatória, com reflexos segmentares e tônus muscular normais nos quatro membros e ausência de dor à palpação da coluna cervical. A mielografia revelou atenuação da linha de contraste ventral e dorsal na região da terceira à quinta vértebra cervical. À necropsia, foi observada massa cilíndrica intramedular que se estendia da terceira à sexta vértebra cervical, a qual substituía toda a substância cinzenta da medula espinhal. No estudo histológico, observou-se substituição da substância por manto de células neoplásicas arranjadas frouxamente. As células eram grandes e levemente arredondadas. O citoplasma eosinofílico, bem delineado, por vezes formava processos interligando as células. O núcleo era excêntrico, redondo, oval ou reniforme, e o nucléolo evidente. Logo, as alterações microscópicas observadas na medula espinhal cervical foram compatíveis com astrocitoma gemistocítico.(AU)

Gemistocytic astrocytoma in the spinal cord in a dog: a case report / Astrocitoma gemistocítico medular em cão: relato de caso

This paper reports a case of a rare variant of the cervical spinal cord astrocytoma diagnosed in a dog with progressive neurological signs, initially asymmetrical, not ambulatory tetraparesis, segmental reflexes and normal muscle tone in all four limbs and absence of pain upon palpation of the cervical spine. Myelography revealed attenuation of the ventral and dorsal contrast line in the third region of the fifth cervical vertebra. At necropsy intramedullary cylindrical mass that stretched from the third to the sixth cervical vertebra, which replaced all the gray matter of the spinal cord was observed. In the histological study, there was the replacement of the substance by neoplastic cells mantle arranged loosely. The cells were large and slightly rounded. The eosinophilic cytoplasm was well defined, sometimes forming processes interconnecting cells. The nucleus was eccentric, round, oval or kidney-shaped, and the nucleolus was evident. Thus, the microscopic changes observed in the cervical spinal cord were consistent with gemistocytic astrocytoma.(AU)

Relata-se um caso de uma variante rara de astrocitoma na medula cervical, diagnosticado em cadela com sinais neurológicos progressivos, inicialmente assimétricos, de tetraparesia não ambulatória, com reflexos segmentares e tônus muscular normais nos quatro membros e ausência de dor à palpação da coluna cervical. A mielografia revelou atenuação da linha de contraste ventral e dorsal na região da terceira à quinta vértebra cervical. À necropsia, foi observada massa cilíndrica intramedular que se estendia da terceira à sexta vértebra cervical, a qual substituía toda a substância cinzenta da medula espinhal. No estudo histológico, observou-se substituição da substância por manto de células neoplásicas arranjadas frouxamente. As células eram grandes e levemente arredondadas. O citoplasma eosinofílico, bem delineado, por vezes formava processos interligando as células. O núcleo era excêntrico, redondo, oval ou reniforme, e o nucléolo evidente. Logo, as alterações microscópicas observadas na medula espinhal cervical foram compatíveis com astrocitoma gemistocítico.(AU)

Ovariossalpingo-histerectomia em cadelas: comparação da dor e análises cardiorrespiratória, pressórica e hemogasométrica nas abordagens convencional, por NOTES híbrida e NOTES total / Ovariosalpingohisterectomy in bitches: comparison of pain, cardiopulmonary, pressure and arterial blood gas analysis of the conventional approaches, by NOTES hybrid and NOTES pure

A cirurgia endoscópica por orifícios naturais (NOTES) é um novo conceito de abordagem videocirúrgica, que surge como alternativa à cirurgia convencional, eliminando incisões abdominais e as possíveis complicações relacionadas a ela. A proposta deste artigo foi comparar técnicas de ovariossalpingo-histerectomia (OSH) em cadelas, buscando determinar o procedimento que oferece menores alterações hemodinâmicas e menos estímulos dolorosos trans e pós-operatório. Para tanto, foram utilizadas 21 cadelas alocadas em três grupos. No primeiro, os pacientes foram submetidos à OSH por celiotomia (GC), no segundo por meio da técnica de NOTES híbrida (GNH) e no terceiro (GNT), utilizando-se a técnica de NOTES total. O tempo cirúrgico do GNH foi significativamente maior que nos demais grupos. Em ambos os grupos de cirurgia NOTES, verificou-se diminuição das pressões arteriais médias e diastólicas no transoperatório. Apenas o grupo GNH desenvolveu acidose severa no transoperatório. Levando-se em consideração as avaliações da dor, apenas o grupo convencional necessitou de analgesia resgate transcirúrgica. No pós-operatório, observou-se que os cães do GC apresentaram índices mais elevados na escala visual analógica e na escala de Melbourne que os animais dos demais grupos, sendo necessária analgesia resgate em 100% deles. Em contraste, no GNT nenhum dos cães requereram complementação analgésica pós-operatória. Conclui-se que a técnica de OSH por NOTES total apresenta parâmetros cardiorrespiratórios e hemogasométricos semelhantes à técnica convencional e mais estáveis que a técnica de NOTES híbrida, bem como resulta em menor dor trans e pós-operatória que a técnica convencional.(AU)

The aim of the present study was to perform bacteriological and molecular methods for identification of Mycobacterium bovis in lesions derived from bovine carcasses detected during routine post-mortem examination in officially inspected slaughterhouses. We checked the slaughter and inspection of 825,394 bovines, health upon ante-mortem examination, by the official service in 10 slaughterhouses of Bahia state from April, 2009 to April 2012. Lesions suggestive of tuberculosis were collected from 180 bovines and further evaluated by bacteriology and multiplex PCR. The majority of lesions were located in the respiratory tract lymph nodes and 71% were from male bovines up to 32 months old. 13.9% of samples presented small, granular and creamy-yellowish colonies after being cultured in Stonebrink-Leslie with an average growth time of 34 days. All smears from the isolated samples were Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) and among them 56% were identified by mPCR as M. bovis. Thus, the association between post-mortem examination, culture and multiplex PCR allowed the bacillus identification in a reduced time and in regions of low prevalence, pointing out its importance for bovine tuberculosis detection and as a supportive tool for the tuberculosis control and eradication program.(AU)

Ovariossalpingo-histerectomia em cadelas: comparação da dor e análises cardiorrespiratória, pressórica e hemogasométrica nas abordagens convencional, por NOTES híbrida e NOTES total / Ovariosalpingohisterectomy in bitches: comparison of pain, cardiopulmonary, pressure and arterial blood gas analysis of the conventional approaches, by NOTES hybrid and NOTES pure

A cirurgia endoscópica por orifícios naturais (NOTES) é um novo conceito de abordagem videocirúrgica, que surge como alternativa à cirurgia convencional, eliminando incisões abdominais e as possíveis complicações relacionadas a ela. A proposta deste artigo foi comparar técnicas de ovariossalpingo-histerectomia (OSH) em cadelas, buscando determinar o procedimento que oferece menores alterações hemodinâmicas e menos estímulos dolorosos trans e pós-operatório. Para tanto, foram utilizadas 21 cadelas alocadas em três grupos. No primeiro, os pacientes foram submetidos à OSH por celiotomia (GC), no segundo por meio da técnica de NOTES híbrida (GNH) e no terceiro (GNT), utilizando-se a técnica de NOTES total. O tempo cirúrgico do GNH foi significativamente maior que nos demais grupos. Em ambos os grupos de cirurgia NOTES, verificou-se diminuição das pressões arteriais médias e diastólicas no transoperatório. Apenas o grupo GNH desenvolveu acidose severa no transoperatório. Levando-se em consideração as avaliações da dor, apenas o grupo convencional necessitou de analgesia resgate transcirúrgica. No pós-operatório, observou-se que os cães do GC apresentaram índices mais elevados na escala visual analógica e na escala de Melbourne que os animais dos demais grupos, sendo necessária analgesia resgate em 100% deles. Em contraste, no GNT nenhum dos cães requereram complementação analgésica pós-operatória. Conclui-se que a técnica de OSH por NOTES total apresenta parâmetros cardiorrespiratórios e hemogasométricos semelhantes à técnica convencional e mais estáveis que a técnica de NOTES híbrida, bem como resulta em menor dor trans e pós-operatória que a técnica convencional...

The aim of the present study was to perform bacteriological and molecular methods for identification of Mycobacterium bovis in lesions derived from bovine carcasses detected during routine post-mortem examination in officially inspected slaughterhouses. We checked the slaughter and inspection of 825,394 bovines, health upon ante-mortem examination, by the official service in 10 slaughterhouses of Bahia state from April, 2009 to April 2012. Lesions suggestive of tuberculosis were collected from 180 bovines and further evaluated by bacteriology and multiplex PCR. The majority of lesions were located in the respiratory tract lymph nodes and 71% were from male bovines up to 32 months old. 13.9% of samples presented small, granular and creamy-yellowish colonies after being cultured in Stonebrink-Leslie with an average growth time of 34 days. All smears from the isolated samples were Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) and among them 56% were identified by mPCR as M. bovis. Thus, the association between post-mortem examination, culture and multiplex PCR allowed the bacillus identification in a reduced time and in regions of low prevalence, pointing out its importance for bovine tuberculosis detection and as a supportive tool for the tuberculosis control and eradication program...

Fração total de células mononucleares intra-articular em cães submetidos à reconstrução do ligamento cruzado / Total fraction of mononuclear intra-articular cells in dogs undergoing cruciate ligament reconstruction

Avaliou-sea ação da fração total de células mononucleares autógenas da medula óssea (FCMO) por aplicação intra-articular, após a correção cirúrgica do ligamento cruzado rompido. Foram utilizados 20 cães, os quais sofreram desmotomia do ligamento cruzado cranial e caudal unilaterais, 21 dias antes do reparo cirúrgico. Dez animais receberam as células autógenas no momento da correção. As avaliações se deram por estudo radiográfico, exames clínicos e biópsias aos 50 e 90 dias pós-operatórios. O grupo que recebeu a FCMO apresentou crescimento ósseo intra-articular ao estudo radiográfico, contudo os 20 animais apresentaram célulasCD34 positivas em suas amostras biopsiadas, indicando haver presença de células-tronco em ambos os grupos. Conclui-se que,para o modelo experimental proposto, não se recomenda o uso da fração total de células mononucleares e que trabalhos experimentais com o uso de células-tronco nas articulações devem evitar modelos cujo foco de lesão mantenha contato direto com a medula óssea.

This study was performed to evaluate the action of the fraction of total mononuclear cells from the bone marrow (FCMO) applied intra-articularly after the surgical repair of an experimentally ruptured cruciate ligament. Twenty dogs which suffered one-sided cruciate desmotomy of the cranial and caudal cruciate ligament 21 days before the correction were used. Ten animals received the FCMO at the time of correction. The assessments were done through X-ray and clinical examinations, and biopsies at 50 and 90 days postoperatively. It was concluded that there was no clinical difference between the two groups until 90 days of evaluation. The group that received FCMO grew intra-articular bone shown on the X-ray study. All twenty animals, however, presented cells marked with CD34 antibodies on their biopsy samples, indicating the presence of stem cells in both groups. It is concluded thatfor theexperimental model, it is not recommended to use the mononuclear cell fraction,andin experimental studies with the use of stem cells in the joints models whose focus of injury keep direct contact with the bone marrow should be avoided.

Fração total de células mononucleares intra-articular em cães submetidos à reconstrução do ligamento cruzado / Total fraction of mononuclear intra-articular cells in dogs undergoing cruciate ligament reconstruction

Avaliou-sea ação da fração total de células mononucleares autógenas da medula óssea (FCMO) por aplicação intra-articular, após a correção cirúrgica do ligamento cruzado rompido. Foram utilizados 20 cães, os quais sofreram desmotomia do ligamento cruzado cranial e caudal unilaterais, 21 dias antes do reparo cirúrgico. Dez animais receberam as células autógenas no momento da correção. As avaliações se deram por estudo radiográfico, exames clínicos e biópsias aos 50 e 90 dias pós-operatórios. O grupo que recebeu a FCMO apresentou crescimento ósseo intra-articular ao estudo radiográfico, contudo os 20 animais apresentaram célulasCD34 positivas em suas amostras biopsiadas, indicando haver presença de células-tronco em ambos os grupos. Conclui-se que,para o modelo experimental proposto, não se recomenda o uso da fração total de células mononucleares e que trabalhos experimentais com o uso de células-tronco nas articulações devem evitar modelos cujo foco de lesão mantenha contato direto com a medula óssea.(AU)

This study was performed to evaluate the action of the fraction of total mononuclear cells from the bone marrow (FCMO) applied intra-articularly after the surgical repair of an experimentally ruptured cruciate ligament. Twenty dogs which suffered one-sided cruciate desmotomy of the cranial and caudal cruciate ligament 21 days before the correction were used. Ten animals received the FCMO at the time of correction. The assessments were done through X-ray and clinical examinations, and biopsies at 50 and 90 days postoperatively. It was concluded that there was no clinical difference between the two groups until 90 days of evaluation. The group that received FCMO grew intra-articular bone shown on the X-ray study. All twenty animals, however, presented cells marked with CD34 antibodies on their biopsy samples, indicating the presence of stem cells in both groups. It is concluded thatfor theexperimental model, it is not recommended to use the mononuclear cell fraction,andin experimental studies with the use of stem cells in the joints models whose focus of injury keep direct contact with the bone marrow should be avoided.(AU)

Efeitos do extrato de Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761) e da natação repetida sobre a memória, ansiedade e atividade motora de ratos / Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) and repeated swimming on memory, anxiety and motor activity of rat

O extrato de Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761) e exercícios físicos isoladamente são capazes de modificar as funções cognitivas e aliviar os sintomas de ansiedade. Contudo, estes tratamentos em conjunto devem ser caracterizados. Em nossa pesquisa, verificamos que a administração oral repetida do extrato (40 ou 80 mg/kg/dia) e o exercício de natação ao qual os ratos eram submetidos causaram aumento de entradas destes animais nos braços fechados do labirinto em cruz elevado e diminuição da imobilidade dos mesmos no campo aberto, sugerindo um aumento de suas atividades motoras. Além disso, o exercício de natação aumentou a exploração no campo aberto e o tratamento com EGb 761 cancelou este efeito, sugerindo a interação entre EGb 761 e exercício de natação, provavelmente com um mesmo substrato neurobiológico capaz de minimizar a atividade exploratória em ratos nadadores. Análises comportamentais sobre o teste de reconhecimento de objetos mostraram que, quando submetidos a exercício de natação e/ou tratamento com EGb 761 durante testes de 24 horas, os ratos nadadores levaram mais tempo explorando os novos objetos do que os familiares. Estes resultados mostram que o EGb 761 e os exercícios, ambos isolados ou em conjunto, têm um poderoso efeito sobre a memória de longo-prazo. Entretanto, o proposto efeito ansiolítico do EGb 761 e de exercícios de natação pode ser questionado.

Either ingestion of a Ginkgo biloba proprietary extract (EGb 761) or physical exercise can enhance cognitive functioning and alleviate symptoms of anxiety; however, their combined effects have yet to be characterized. Rats subjected to repeated oral administration of the extract (40 or 80 mg/kg/day) and swimming exercise exhibited an increased number of closed-arm entries in the elevated plus-maze and decreased immobility in the open , suggesting an increase in motor activity. In addition, the exercise of swimming increased the exploration of the open and chronic treatment with EGb 761 could cancel this effect; this indicates interaction between EGb 761 and swimming exercise, which may show a common neurobiological substrate, capable of reducing exploratory activity in swimming rats. Analysis of behavior in the object-recognition test showed that rats subjected to swimming exercise and/or treatment with EGb 761, during tests of 24 hours, spent more time exploring novel objects than familiar ones. These results show that EGb 761 and/or physical exercise have powerful effects on long-term memory. However, the proposed anxiolytic characteristics of EGb 76 and swimming exercise may be questioned.

Influence of porosity on Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities in reaction-diffusion systems.

We analyze the effect of porosity in a porous medium on hydrodynamic instabilities in reaction-diffusion fronts. We use an experimental device to create an effective two-dimensional porous medium which is vertically orientated. In this system the molecular diffusion coefficients and the acid autocatalysis of the chlorite-tetrathionate reaction satisfy the appropriate conditions to produce a chemical front that advances through the cell leading to the products overlaying the reactants. The reactants have a lower density than the products and therefore a buoyantly unstable front develops. To evaluate the influence of the porosity on the formation and propagation of such instabilities, media with different porosities were used in the experiments. The amplitude of the instability is found to reduce as the porosity of the medium is decreased. For sufficiently small porosity, the instability can almost disappear leading to a planar front.

Characterization and purification of a new bacteriocin with a broad inhibitory spectrum produced by Lactobacillus plantarum lp 31 strain isolated from dry-fermented sausage.

AIMS: Characterization and purification of a new bacteriocin produced by Lactobacillus plantarum LP 31 strain, isolated from Argentinian dry-fermented sausage. METHODS AND RESULTS: Lactobacillus plantarum LP 31 strain produces an antimicrobial compound that inhibits the growth of food-borne pathogenic bacteria. It was inactivated by proteolytic enzymes, was stable to heat and catalase and exhibited maximum activity in the pH range from 5.0 to 6.0. Consequently, it was characterized as a bacteriocin. It was purified by RP (reverse-phase) solid-phase extraction, gel filtration chromatography and RP-HPLC. Plantaricin produced by Lact. plantarum LP 31 is a peptide with a molecular weight of 1558.85 Da as determined by Maldi-Tof mass spectrometry and contains 14 amino acid residues. It was shown to have a bactericidal effect against Pseudomonas sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Listeria monocytogenes. CONCLUSIONS: The bacteriocin produced by Lact. plantarum LP 31 may be considered as a new plantaricin according to its low molecular weight and particular amino acid composition. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: In view of the interesting inhibitory spectrum of this bacteriocin and because of its good technological properties (resistance to heat and activity at acidic pH), this bacteriocin has potential applications as a biopreservative to prevent the growth of food-borne pathogens and food spoilage bacteria in certain food products.