Biodegradable antioxidant chitosan films useful as an anti-aging skin mask.

Cosmetics, personal care and biomedical products obtained by bio-based polymers and natural bioactive compounds are a new growing market. The ecological awareness is changing consumers' demands, causing consumers to look for more sustainable options, with a reduced environmental impact. The innovation of this work was to develop a natural polymer matrix (chitosan) entrapping antioxidant actives compounds such as annatto (Bixa Orellana L.) and vitamin C with potential application as sustainable anti-aging skin mask treatment. Films of chitosan (Ch) and reacetylated chitosan (RCh), exhibiting different degrees of acetylation (DA = 13.3 and 33.9%, respectively), were produced. The formulations of active films of chitosan (BCh) and reacetylated chitosan (BRCh) were 1% (w/w) of chitosan, 1% (w/w) of annatto powder, 5% (w/w) of vitamin C and 1% (w/w) of glycerol (as plasticizer). Reacetylated chitosan films (DA = 33.9%) presented higher water affinity than chitosan films (DA = 13.3%). The elongation of RCh and BRCh increased and the resistance decreased, as compared to Ch and BCh. The antioxidants compounds (annatto and vitamin C) of BRCh films released faster than BCh films. Thus, the BRCh films showed potential application as an anti-aging skin mask.

Posterior urethral valves: comparison of clinical outcomes between postnatal and antenatal cohorts.

BACKGROUND: Posterior urethral valves (PUVs) constitute the most common infravesical urinary obstruction in boys and are often accompanied by severe consequences to the lower and upper urinary tract. Currently, about two-thirds of diagnosis of PUVs has been suspected by prenatal ultrasonography findings. The aim of this study was to compare long-term clinical outcomes in two groups of patients with PUVs, with antenatal vs. postnatal diagnosis. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study of 173 patients with PUVs systematically followed up in a tertiary center. Median follow-up time was 66.5 months (interquartile range [IQ], 11.4-147.9 months) for those patients who survived neonatal period. Seventy-nine (45.6%) patients were followed up for more than 5 years and 55 (32%) for more than 10 years. For analysis, the cohort was stratified into two groups according to the clinical presentation (prenatal vs. postnatal). The events of interest were urinary tract infection (UTI), surgical interventions, proteinuria, hypertension, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and death. Survival analyses were performed to evaluate time until occurrence of the events. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients (35.8%) were diagnosed by fetal sonography. Patients of postnatal group presented a higher incidence rate of UTI episodes (6.5, 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.9-8.3) than antenatal group (1.2, 95% CI, 0.4-2.7) (P < 0.001). Thirty-six patients (21%) presented hypertension, and 77 (44.5%) had persistent mild proteinuria. There was no significant difference in the estimated incidence of hypertension (P = 0.28) and proteinuria (P = 0.78) between antenatal and postnatal groups. The cumulative incidence of CKD stage ≥3 was estimated to be about 37% at 10 years of age, and 56% at 18 years of age. By survival analysis, there was no significant difference in the estimated incidence of CKD stage ≥3 (log-rank = 0.32, P = 0.57) and CKD stage 5 (log-rank = 1.08, P = 0.28, Figure) between antenatal and postnatal groups. Of 173 patients included in the analysis, 13 (7.5%) died during follow-up with a median age of 2.6 months (IQ, 15 days-62 months). Survival analyses have not shown any significant difference in the estimated incidence of death between antenatal and postnatal groups (log-rank = 1.38, P = 0.24). CONCLUSION: The study findings did not corroborate the initial hypothesis that the rates of renal function declining in patients with PUVs would be attenuated by an early diagnosis and intervention after antenatal diagnosis.

Conforto térmico de ovinos da raça santa inês confinados com dietas contendo três níveis de inclusão de concentrado / Thermal comfort of santa ines sheep fed diets containing three levels of inclusion of concentrates

Objetivou-se avaliar o conforto térmico de ovinos confinados recebendo dietas com a inclusão de três níveis de concentrado. Foram utilizados 15 animais machos, da raça Santa Inês, peso médio 17±3,32 kg e idades entre 4 meses e 1 ano, recebendo três níveis de inclusão de concentrado (20, 40 e 60%). Foram determinadas as variáveis ambientais (temperatura do ar (TA), temperatura máxima (Tmáx) e mínima (Tmín), umidade relativa do ar (UR) e velocidade do vento (VV)) e os parâmetros fisiológicos (frequência respiratória (FR), temperatura retal (TR) e superficial (TS)) às 8:00, 12:00, 14:00 e 17:00 h. O delineamento utilizado foi em blocos casualizados arranjados em parcelas subdivididas, utilizando análise de regressão para TA, Tmáx, Tmín, UR e VV, contrastes ortogonais para desdobramentos da interações e teste Tukey para análise das médias das variáveis FR, TR e TS. A inclusão de concentrado na dieta de ovinos acima de 20% afetou o conforto térmico dos animais nas condições ambientais apresentadas.

This study aimed to evaluate the thermal comfort of feedlot sheep fed diet with the inclusion of three different concentrate levels. 15 males from Santa Ines breed were used, average weight 17±3.32 kg, age from 4 months to 1 year, receiving three levels of concentrate (20, 40 and 60%). The environmental variables were determined such as air temperature (AT), maximum temperature (maxT) and minimum (minT), relative humidity (RH) and wind speed (WS)) and physiological parameters (respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT) and surface (ST) at 8:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m..The design was randomized blocks arranged in a split plot, using regression analysis for AT, maxT, minT, RH and WS, orthogonal contrasts for unfolding interactions and Tukey test for the analysis of the means of the variables RR, RT and ST. The inclusion of concentrate in the diet of sheep over 20% affects thermal comfort.

Conforto térmico de ovinos da raça santa inês confinados com dietas contendo três níveis de inclusão de concentrado / Thermal comfort of santa ines sheep fed diets containing three levels of inclusion of concentrates

Objetivou-se avaliar o conforto térmico de ovinos confinados recebendo dietas com a inclusão de três níveis de concentrado. Foram utilizados 15 animais machos, da raça Santa Inês, peso médio 17±3,32 kg e idades entre 4 meses e 1 ano, recebendo três níveis de inclusão de concentrado (20, 40 e 60%). Foram determinadas as variáveis ambientais (temperatura do ar (TA), temperatura máxima (Tmáx) e mínima (Tmín), umidade relativa do ar (UR) e velocidade do vento (VV)) e os parâmetros fisiológicos (frequência respiratória (FR), temperatura retal (TR) e superficial (TS)) às 8:00, 12:00, 14:00 e 17:00 h. O delineamento utilizado foi em blocos casualizados arranjados em parcelas subdivididas, utilizando análise de regressão para TA, Tmáx, Tmín, UR e VV, contrastes ortogonais para desdobramentos da interações e teste Tukey para análise das médias das variáveis FR, TR e TS. A inclusão de concentrado na dieta de ovinos acima de 20% afetou o conforto térmico dos animais nas condições ambientais apresentadas.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the thermal comfort of feedlot sheep fed diet with the inclusion of three different concentrate levels. 15 males from Santa Ines breed were used, average weight 17±3.32 kg, age from 4 months to 1 year, receiving three levels of concentrate (20, 40 and 60%). The environmental variables were determined such as air temperature (AT), maximum temperature (maxT) and minimum (minT), relative humidity (RH) and wind speed (WS)) and physiological parameters (respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT) and surface (ST) at 8:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m..The design was randomized blocks arranged in a split plot, using regression analysis for AT, maxT, minT, RH and WS, orthogonal contrasts for unfolding interactions and Tukey test for the analysis of the means of the variables RR, RT and ST. The inclusion of concentrate in the diet of sheep over 20% affects thermal comfort.(AU)

Lecithin, gelatin and hydrolyzed collagen orally disintegrating films: functional properties.

Orally disintegrating films (ODFs) can transport natural active compounds such as ethanol extract of propolis (EEP). This paper aimed to investigate the effect of lecithin on different gelatin and hydrolyzed collagen (HC) polymeric matrices with addition of EEP. ODFs were prepared by casting technique and were characterized (color parameters, water content, mechanical properties, microstructure, disintegration time (DT), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), contact angle (CA), swelling degree and total phenolic content). The mechanical properties were influenced by HC. The microstructure demonstrated increased porosity and roughness in films with EEP, and the addition of lecithin resulted in an increase in the number of pores. Lecithin-gelatin and lecithin-EEP-gelatin interactions were observed by FTIR. The addition of HC and EEP reduced the DT and CA, and HC and lecithin reduced the swelling capacity. However, the swelling capacity was not affected by presence of EEP. The addition of lecithin to gelatin and HC ODFs may improve the incorporation and the oral transport of active compounds such as EEP.

Development and reproduction of Spodoptera eridania (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and its egg parasitoid Telenomus remus (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) on the genetically modified soybean (Bt) MON 87701×MON 89788.

Genetically modified crops with insect resistance genes from Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt-plants) are increasingly being cultivated worldwide. Therefore, it is critical to improve our knowledge of their direct or indirect impact not only on target pests but also on non-target arthropods. Hence, this study evaluates comparative leaf consumption and performance of Spodoptera eridania (Cramer), a species that is tolerant of the Cry1Ac protein, fed with Bt soybean, MON 87701×MON 89788 or its near [corrected] non-Bt isoline. Using this species as a model, we assessed [corrected] the comparative performance of the egg parasitoid Telenomus remus Nixon on eggs of S. eridania produced from individuals that fed on these two soybean genotypes [corrected] as larvae. Results showed that Bt soybean did not affect pest foliage consumption, but did reduce larvel duration by two days despite larvae in both treatments having six instars. Nevertheless, survival of S. eridania larvae, pupal weight, sex ratio, fecundity and longevity of female moths, and egg viability did not differ between Bt and non-Bt soybeans. Adult longevity of S. eridania males was increased when caterpillars were fed with Bt soybean versus the near isoline. No adverse effects of this technology were observed for the egg parasitoid T. remus. [corrected].

Efeito do gel da babosa (Aloe barbadensis Mill. ) associado ao ultrassom em processo inflamatório agudo / Effect of aloe (Aloe barbadensis Mill. ) gel combined with ultrasound in the acute inflammatory process

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo analisar a ação antiinflamatória do gel da Babosa a 2 por cento (Aloe barbadensis Mill.) associado ao Ultrassom pulsátil no modelo de edema de pata. Foram utilizados 25 ratos Wistar, (200-250 g), divididos em 5 grupos de 5 animais cada. Grupo1 (controle): ratos tratados com solução salina a 0,9 por cento; Grupo 2: ratos tratados topicamente com gel de A. barbadensis Mill. a 2 por cento; Grupo 3: animais tratados com Ultrassom; Grupo 4: ratos tratados com gel de A. barbadensis Mill. a 2 por cento associado ao Ultrassom; Grupo 5 (controle positivo): ratos tratados com Indometacina na dose de 5 mg Kg-1. Os animais dos grupos 1 e 5 receberam os respectivos tratamentos por via intra-peritoneal 30 minutos antes da injeção intra-plantar de carragenina e os grupos 2, 3 e 4 foram tratados por aplicação tópica de gel de A. barbadensis Mill. a 2 por cento, Ultrassom pulsátil e gel de A. barbadensis Mill. associado ao Ultrassom respectivamente 15 minutos após a indução do edema. Os animais do grupo 04 demonstraram redução significativa do edema quando comparados ao grupo controle, ao mesmo tempo, que se mostrou comparável à indometacina. Observou-se que o gel de aloe associado à fonoforose é capaz reduzir a formação do edema de pata em ratos.

This work aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory action of 2 percent aloe (Aloe barbadensis Mill.) gel combined with pulsed ultrasound in the paw edema model. Twenty-five Wistar rats (200-250 g) were divided into 5 groups of 5 animals each. Group1 (control): rats treated with 0.9 percent saline; Group 2: rats topically treated with 2 percent aloe gel; Group 3: rats treated with ultrasound; Group 4: rats treated with 2 percent aloe gel combined with ultrasound; Group 5 (positive control): rats treated with indomethacin at 5 mg Kg-1. Animals of groups 1 and 5 were intraperitoneally treated 30 min before intraplantar carrageenan injection and groups 2, 3 and 4 were treated by topical application of 2 percent aloe gel, pulsed ultrasound and aloe gel combined with ultrasound, respectively, 15 min after edema induction. Animals of group 4 had a significant reduction in edema relative to controls and showed to be comparable to indomethacin. Aloe gel combined with phonophoresis is capable of reducing paw edema formation in rats.

Cytogenetic analysis of the 18S, 5S rDNA and B chromosome of Iheringichthys labrosus (Lütken, 1874) (Siluriformes, Pimelodidae).

Cytogenetic analyses of the location of 18S and 5S ribosomal DNAs, and the base composition of B chromosomes of Iheringichthys labrosus from Tibagi River, Paraná, Brazil, are provided. AgNORs were observed in the terminal position on the long arm of a subtelocentric chromosome pair. CMA3-positive staining was observed in some chromosomes, which besides being associated with NORs, were all DAPI-negative. Chromosome B showed a strong fluorescence with CMA3. The concomitant use of 18S and 5S rDNA probes using the FISH technique revealed 18S ribosomal cistrons in a pair of subtelocentric chromosomes, on the long arm in the terminal position, coinciding with the AgNOR. The 5S sites were found in another subtelocentric pair, on the long arm in the interstitial region, near the centromere. The findings of the present study suggest that, although there are some more conserved cytogenetic characteristics, populations of I. labrosus may show their own characteristics.

Cytogenetic analysis of the 18S, 5S rDNA and B chromosome of Iheringichthys labrosus (Lütken, 1874) (Siluriformes, Pimelodidae) / Análise Citogenética de DNAr 18S, 5S e cromossomo B de Iheringichthys labrosus (Lütken, 1874) (Siluriformes, Pimelodidae)

Cytogenetic analyses of the location of 18S and 5S ribosomal DNAs, and the base composition of B chromosomes of Iheringichthys labrosus from Tibagi River, Paraná, Brazil, are provided. AgNORs were observed in the terminal position on the long arm of a subtelocentric chromosome pair. CMA3-positive staining was observed in some chromosomes, which besides being associated with NORs, were all DAPI-negative. Chromosome B showed a strong fluorescence with CMA3. The concomitant use of 18S and 5S rDNA probes using the FISH technique revealed 18S ribosomal cistrons in a pair of subtelocentric chromosomes, on the long arm in the terminal position, coinciding with the AgNOR. The 5S sites were found in another subtelocentric pair, on the long arm in the interstitial region, near the centromere. The findings of the present study suggest that, although there are some more conserved cytogenetic characteristics, populations of I. labrosus may show their own characteristics.(AU)

Foram realizadas análises citogenéticas em Iheringichthys labrosus do Rio Tibagi, Paraná, Brasil com a localização cromossômica dos DNAs ribossômicos 18S e 5S e a composição de bases de seus cromossomos B. As AgNORs foram observadas em posição terminal, no braço longo de um par de cromossomos subtelocêntricos. Marcações CMA3 positivas foram observadas em alguns cromossomos e associadas com as RONs. Porém, todas estas marcações apresentaram-se DAPI negativas. O cromossomo B mostrou-se fortemente fluorescente com CMA3. O uso concomitante das sondas de DNAr 18S e 5S, através da técnica de FISH, revelou os cístrons ribossômicos em um par de cromossomos subtelocêntricos, em posição terminal do braço longo, coincidindo com a AgNOR. Os sítios 5S foram observados em outro par subtelocêntrico, em posição intersticial do braço longo, próximo ao centrômero. Os resultados observados no presente estudo sugerem que, embora existam algumas características citogenéticas mais conservadas, as populações de I. labrosus podem mostrar suas próprias características.(AU)

Cytogenetic analysis of the 18S, 5S rDNA and B chromosome of Iheringichthys labrosus (Lütken, 1874) (Siluriformes, Pimelodidae) / Análise Citogenética de DNAr 18S, 5S e cromossomo B de Iheringichthys labrosus (Lütken, 1874) (Siluriformes, Pimelodidae)

Cytogenetic analyses of the location of 18S and 5S ribosomal DNAs, and the base composition of B chromosomes of Iheringichthys labrosus from Tibagi River, Paraná, Brazil, are provided. AgNORs were observed in the terminal position on the long arm of a subtelocentric chromosome pair. CMA3-positive staining was observed in some chromosomes, which besides being associated with NORs, were all DAPI-negative. Chromosome B showed a strong fluorescence with CMA3. The concomitant use of 18S and 5S rDNA probes using the FISH technique revealed 18S ribosomal cistrons in a pair of subtelocentric chromosomes, on the long arm in the terminal position, coinciding with the AgNOR. The 5S sites were found in another subtelocentric pair, on the long arm in the interstitial region, near the centromere. The findings of the present study suggest that, although there are some more conserved cytogenetic characteristics, populations of I. labrosus may show their own characteristics.

Foram realizadas análises citogenéticas em Iheringichthys labrosus do Rio Tibagi, Paraná, Brasil com a localização cromossômica dos DNAs ribossômicos 18S e 5S e a composição de bases de seus cromossomos B. As AgNORs foram observadas em posição terminal, no braço longo de um par de cromossomos subtelocêntricos. Marcações CMA3 positivas foram observadas em alguns cromossomos e associadas com as RONs. Porém, todas estas marcações apresentaram-se DAPI negativas. O cromossomo B mostrou-se fortemente fluorescente com CMA3. O uso concomitante das sondas de DNAr 18S e 5S, através da técnica de FISH, revelou os cístrons ribossômicos em um par de cromossomos subtelocêntricos, em posição terminal do braço longo, coincidindo com a AgNOR. Os sítios 5S foram observados em outro par subtelocêntrico, em posição intersticial do braço longo, próximo ao centrômero. Os resultados observados no presente estudo sugerem que, embora existam algumas características citogenéticas mais conservadas, as populações de I. labrosus podem mostrar suas próprias características.

Molecular characterization of esterase E3 gene associated with organophosphorus insecticide resistance in the New World screwworm fly, Cochliomyia hominivorax.

The New World screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), is one of the most important myiasis-causing flies in South America. It is responsible for severe economic losses to livestock producers, mainly because it causes mortality in newborn calves and reductions in the quality of leather and in the production of milk and meat. The economic losses caused by myiasis, along with those caused by other internal and external parasites, are the main factors limiting meat production. In Brazil, C. hominivorax has been controlled by applying insecticides, particularly organophosphate (OP)-based compounds. However, the improper and continuous use of these chemicals can lead to the selection of OP-resistant strains. This, associated with the fast development of OP resistance in other myiasis-causing flies, shows the importance of investigating resistance in C. hominivorax. Based on the findings of previous studies, the objective of the current work was to isolate and sequence the E3 gene in C. hominivorax. Mutations at the positions (Gly137 and Trp251) responsible for conferring OP resistance in Lucilia cuprina and Musca domestica L. (Muscidae) were identified in C. hominivorax. In addition, the orthologous region in C. hominivorax contained motifs that are highly conserved among carboxyl/cholinesterases and contribute to the catalytic mechanism of the active site. The characterization of this gene in natural populations of New World screwworm can be an important tool for monitoring resistance to insecticides throughout its current geographic distribution. This will provide information for the selection and implementation of more effective pest management programmes.

Ultrasonographic imaging of the reproductive tract and surgical recovery of oocytes in Cebus apella (capuchin monkeys).

Two-dimensional real-time and Doppler ultrasonography are valuable non-invasive methods to assess reproductive anatomy and physiology. In adult, postpubertal female Cebus apella (capuchin monkeys), the objectives were to determine (1) uterine and ovarian dimensions, ovarian follicular dynamics, day of ovulation, and arterial blood flow of uterus and utero-ovarian ligament during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle and (2) the number of oocytes aspirated from antral follicles at laparotomy. Based on two-dimensional, transabdominal B-mode ultrasonography, mean (+/- S.E.M.) length, height, width, and volume of the uterus were 17.9+/-0.4, 12.4+/-0.3, 13.6+/-0.3 mm, and 1.55+/-0.08 mL, respectively, and of the ovary were 13.4+/-0.2, 8.2+/-0.1, 7.7+/-0.1 mm, and 4.5+/-0.2 mL. Ovarian follicles were monitored for 6 days before ovulation, which occurred on day 9.3+/-0.5 (range, days 7-11; day 1=start of menses), with 10 of 12 ovulations in the right ovary. Diameter and volume of the preovulatory follicle were 10.1+/-0.2 mm and 0.55+/-0.03 mL (on the estimated day of ovulation) and of the CL were 8.1+/-0.4 mm and 0.3+/-0.05 mL. Resistivity and pulsatility indices were 0.86+/-0.02 and 2.15+/-0.11 for uterine arteries, and were 0.69+/-0.04 and 1.63+/-0.15 for the utero-ovarian ligament (UOL) artery; just prior to ovulation, both indices peaked (P<0.05) in the uterine artery ipsilateral to the side of ovulation, but both reached a nadir (P<0.05) in the UOL artery. In the absence of ovarian stimulation, 31 oocytes (diameter, 137+/-10 microm) were aspirated (average of 2 oocytes/(female attempt)) on days 5, 7, and 9. In conclusion, transabdominal ultrasonography facilitated assessment of reproductive anatomy and physiology in C. apella adult females. Resistance and pulsatility indices of uterine and UOL arteries changed near the time of ovulation. Dominant follicles were easiest to aspirate at 8-9 mm in diameter ( approximately day 9), with intact cumulus-oocyte complexes recovered from ovarian follicles 2-9 mm in diameter.

Karyotypic characterization of Iheringichthys labrosus (Pisces, Pimelodidae): C-, G- and restriction endonuclease banding

Various chromosomal banding techniques were utilized on the catfish, Iheringichthys labrosus, taken from the Capivara Reservoir. C-banding regions were evidenced in telomeric regions of most of the chromosomes. The B microchromosome appeared totally heterochromatic. The restriction endonuclease AluI produced a banding pattern similar to C-banding in some chromosomes; the B microchromosome, when present, was not digested by this enzyme and remained stained. G-banding was conspicuous in almost all the chromosomes, with the centromeres showing negative G-banding. When the restriction endonuclease BamHI was used, most of the telomeres remained intact, while some centromeres were weakly digested. The B chromosome was also not digested by this enzyme. The first pair of chromosomes showed a pattern of longitudinal bands, both with G-banding and BamHI; this was more evident with G-banding. This banding pattern can be considered a chromosomal marker for this population of I. labrosus.

Serum vitamin A levels in patients with ocular lesions attributable to non-complicated malaria in the Brazilian Amazon region.

In order to evaluate the association between serum vitamin A levels and ocular lesions attributable to non-complicated malaria, 200 patients seen consecutively at the Malaria Outpatient Clinic of FUNASA, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil were included in this study. Ophthalmologic examination consisted of indirect binocular ophthalmoscopy under medicamentous mydriasis, biomicroscopy with a portable slit lamp and measurement of central visual acuity. Vitamin A serum concentration was determined by HPLC, and deficiency was defined as serum values equal to or lower than 0.35 micromol/l. Serum vitamin A values between 0.36 and 0.70 micromol/l were considered as marginal levels. Hypovitaminosis A (

Rapamycin even when combined with cyclosporine attenuates tumor growth but does not induce regression of established walker sarcomas.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of rapamycin (Rapa) on growth or regression of Walker tumor used alone or in combination with CsA and MMF. METHODS AND RESULTS: Wistar rats received water (control) or Rapa or CsA 1 day before and daily after tumor inoculation. On day 10, tumor volume (TV) was smaller among Rapa (6.8 +/- 2.7 cm(3)) versus control (14.9 +/- 4.2 cm(3), P <.001) or CsA (13.9 +/- 3.0 cm(3), P <.0001) treatment groups. Tumor growth was greatly inhibited (TI) by Rapa (-49.3%). Tumor weight (TW) was significantly (P < or =.001) lower in Rapa (3.7 +/- 1.2 g) versus CsA (8.8 +/- 2.1 g) or control (7.3 +/- 2.0 g) animals. An additional set of rats received water or Rapa or CsA + Rapa, or MMF + Rapa 1 day before tumor inoculation. On day 10, TV and TW were lower among Rapa (3.8 +/- 1.5 cm(3)) and Rapa + CsA (3.1 +/- 1.2 cm(3)) and Rapa + MMF (4.6 +/- 2.7 cm(3)) groups compared with controls (10.9 +/- 3.8 cm(3), P <.0001). TI was -52.1% in Rapa, -68.5% in Rapa + CsA, and -63% in Rapa + MMF. A further set of rats received either water or Rapa on the day 4 after tumor inoculation. On day 10, tumor growth and TW among the Rapa and control groups were similar. CONCLUSION: Rapamycin greatly inhibited tumor growth when used alone or with CsA or MMF, but did not produce an effect on a well-established Walker sarcoma.

Mycophenolate mofetil attenuates Walker's tumor growth when used alone, but the effect is lost when associated with cyclosporine.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of mycophenolate mofetil on Walker's carcinosarcoma, without versus with the growth and regression of cyclosporine. METHODS AND RESULTS: Wistar rats received water (control), MMF, and/or CsA-N 1 day before tumor inoculation. On day 10, tumor volume (TV) was lower among MMF (10.3 +/- 2.8 cm(3)) than control rats (14.9 +/- 4.2 cm(3), P <.05), and similar to that in CsA-N (13.9 +/- 3.0 cm(3)). However, tumor weight (TW) was significantly lower in MMF (5.2 +/- 2.0 g) than CsA-N (8.8 +/- 2.1g) or control hosts (7.3 +/- 2.0 g, P < or =.01). Growth was inhibited by MMF (-28.2%). In experiment II, CsA-N, MMF + CsA-N, or water were introduced 1 day before tumor inoculation. On day 10, TV and TW were similar for MMF + CsA-N as compared to CsA-N and control animals. In experiment III, water or MMF was introduced on the day 4 after tumor inoculation. On day 10, tumor growth are TW in the MMF group was similar to, that in the controls. CONCLUSIONS: MMF produces an anti-tumoral effect against Walker's carcinosarcoma. However, this inhibitory effect was lost when MMF was used in combination with CsA-N or administered in the presence of a well- established tumor.

Ocorrencia de Giardia spp. em bezerros leiteiros no Brasil / Occurrence of Giardi ssp. in dairy calves in Brazil

Fecal samples were collected from 50 female Holstein calves (1-90 days old) from a commercial dairy cattle farm located in Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil and examined for presence of Giardia cysts using the zinc sulfate flotation method. A total of 120 samples were collected from March 1999 to April 2000, and fecal consistency (normal or diarrheic) was noted prior to the examination for Giardia cysts. Giardia ssp. cysts were found in 11 (9 per cent) of the 120 faecal samples of calves co-infected with Eimeria spp., in calves from 19 to 58 days of age (38 +/- 19). In 82 per cent (9/11) calves assessed for mixed infections with Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia, oocysts of Cryptosporidium were found in three out of four diarrheic calves (75 per cent) positive for Giardia. Giardia cysts (n=30) sized 13-16 x 10-12µm (mean of 15 x 11µm). They appeared to belong to the morphological group of G. intestinallis according to the size and morphological characteristic of the cysts. This is the first detection of Giardia spp. in calves in Brazil. Considering that Giardia has the potential to cause clinical disease in calves and that organisms infecting humans and domestic ruminants are morphologically and antigenically similar, and calves can shed Giardia cysts potentially infective for humans, the parasite in calves may be of major epidemiological significance, and suggests that naturally infected calves may be reservoirs of Giardia infections for man

Discrimination between normal and glaucomatous eyes with visual field and scanning laser polarimetry measurements.

AIM: To evaluate the ability of structural parameters (as determined by retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) measurements obtained with the scanning laser polarimeter (SLP-NFA/GDx)) and functional parameters (as determined by automated perimetry) to discriminate between normal and glaucomatous eyes. METHODS: In a case-control study, a total of 91 normal subjects and 94 patients with glaucoma underwent automated perimetry and RNFL measurements obtained with the SLP. Three independent scans of each eye were obtained and a mean image was created and used for further analysis. Only one eye per individual was randomly included in the study. The sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of 12 RNFL parameters were calculated according to the SLP internal normative database. The Se and Sp of the visual field (VF) global indices and the glaucoma hemifield test (GHT) were also calculated according to the instrument's normative database. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were built for each SLP parameter and VF index. Fisher's linear discriminant formulas (LDFs) were developed for VF indices (VF LDF), SLP measurements (SLP LDF), and both examinations (combined LDF). RESULTS: According to the SLP internal database, the parameters with better Se and Sp were: superior/nasal ratio (Se = 58.5%; Sp = 86.8%), and GDx the number (Se = 43.3%; Sp = 96.7%). The construction of an ROC curve for the number resulted in Se = 84% and Sp = 79%. The creation of LDFs improved both the sensitivities and specificities when compared with isolated parameters SLP LDF (Se = 90.4%; Sp = 82.4%), VF LDF (Se = 89.4%; Sp = 89.0%), and combined LDF (Se = 93.0%; Sp = 90.1%). The sensitivity to diagnose early and moderate glaucomatous damage observed with the GHT was lower than that obtained with the number (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Creation of LDFs enhanced the Se and Sp for both VF and SLP. Integration of SLP and VF in a combined LDF reached the highest Se/Sp relation, suggesting that these examinations may be additive concerning the diagnosis of glaucoma. The SLP parameter the number may be more sensitive than the GHT in diagnosing early and moderate glaucomatous damage.

Ocorrência de Giardia spp. em bezerros leiteiros no Brasil

Fecal samples were collected from 50 female Holstein calves (1-90 days old) from a commercial dairy cattle farm located in Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil and examined for presence of Giardia cysts using the zinc sulfate flotation method. A total of 120 samples were collected from March 1999 to April 2000, and fecal consistency (normal or diarrheic) was noted prior to the examination for Giardia cysts. Giardia spp. cysts were found in 11 (9%) of the 120 faecal samples of calves co-infected with Eimeria spp., in calves from 19 to 58 days of age (38±19). In 82% (9/11) calves assessed for mixed infections with Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia, oocysts of Cryptosporidium were found in three out of four diarrheic calves (75%) positive for Giardia. Giardia cysts (n= 30) sized 13-16 x 10-12µm (mean of 15 x 11µm). They appeared to belong to the morphological group of G. intestinallis according to the size and morphological characteristic of the cysts. This is the first detection of Giardia spp. in calves in Brazil. Considering that Giardia has the potential to cause clinical disease in calves and that organisms infecting humans and domestic ruminants are morphologically and antigenically similar, and calves can shed Giardia cysts potentially infective for humans, the parasite in calves may be of major epidemiological significance, and suggests that naturally infected calves may be reservoirs of Giardia infections for man.