Physical activity measured with an accelerometer in dogs following extracapsular stabilisation to treat cranial cruciate ligament rupture.

OBJECTIVES: To quantify the physical activity levels in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture before and after lateral fabellar suture stabilisation surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen dogs (mean weight, 12.3±5.1 kg) with unilateral cranial cruciate ligament rupture were fitted with an accelerometer for seven consecutive days at four different time points: before surgery (T0), one (T1), three (T3) and six (T6) months after surgery. The total activity and times spent in sedentary activity, light to moderate activity and vigorous activity were recorded by the accelerometer, and preoperative and postoperative data were compared. At all time points, dogs underwent clinical evaluations (lameness score, stifle pain score and thigh circumference) and their owners were asked to respond to questionnaires to subjectively score the physical activity and quality of life of the dogs. RESULTS: At the four time points, the dogs spent between 21.2 and 21.4 hours on sedentary behaviour, 2.3 and 2.5 hours performing light to moderate activity, and 13 to 15 minutes performing vigorous activity. There was no increase in physical activity variables or decrease in sedentary behaviour over time. Lameness scores, pain score and dogs' quality of life improved significantly during the postoperative period. At T6, 17 (100%) of 17 dogs presented no lameness, 16 (94%) of 17 dogs presented no stifle pain, 16 (94%) of 17 owners rated the quality of life as very good and excellent, and 16 (100%) of 16 owners reported a total return to normal activity levels. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The clinical recovery after extracapsular stabilisation of the stifle joint was not associated with a spontaneous increase in physical activity or a decrease in sedentary behaviour.

Rainfall and sea level drove the expansion of seasonally flooded habitats and associated bird populations across Amazonia.

Spatial arrangement of distinct Amazonian environments through time and its effect on specialized biota remain poorly known, fueling long-lasting debates about drivers of biotic diversification. We address the late Quaternary sediment deposition that assembled the world's largest seasonally flooded ecosystems. Genome sequencing was used to reconstruct the demographic history of bird species specialized in either early successional vegetation or mature floodplain forests. Sediment deposition that built seasonally flooded habitats accelerated throughout the Holocene (last 11,700 years) under sea level highstand and intensification of the South American Monsoon, at the same time as global increases in atmospheric methane concentration. Bird populations adapted to seasonally flooded habitats expanded due to enlargement of Amazonian river floodplains and archipelagos. Our findings suggest that the diversification of the biota specialized in seasonally flooded habitats is coupled to sedimentary budget changes of large rivers, which rely on combined effects of sea level and rainfall variations.

Musladin-Lueke Syndrome in a Dog: Case Report.

The aim of this study is to report the case of a 4-month-old Beagle dog diagnosed with Musladin-Lueke syndrome. The dog appeared to walk on the digits ("tiptoes") with all limbs during ambulation and rigid extension of the carpus, elbow, tarsus, and knee joints during ambulation. Thickening of the fur and auricular cartilage, reduction in radiocarpal, and tibiotarsal joint amplitude, macrocephaly, and lateralized eyes were noticed on physical examination. Echocardiography showed reduced mobility and altered (tortuous) valve morphology. Bilateral abdominal cryptorchidism was confirmed by ultrasonography. Musladin-Lueke syndrome was the presumptive diagnosis, based on the clinical signs presented. The diagnosis was confirmed after DNA testing performed by serial collection of saliva. This is the first paper that describes unprecedented cardiac and reproductive changes of Musladin-Lueke syndrome in which the dog was followed for 2 years, presenting a good quality of life.

Association between HV interval and electrocardiographic findings in individuals with syncope and left bundle branch block

INTRODUCTION The occurrence of syncope is associated with increased mortality in patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB). Among syncope risk scores, it is consensual that electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities and the presence of underlying cardiac disease are prominent factors. However, there is no further investigation directed towards this population and there is few that could add to clinical judgement in such cases, until electrophysiological study (EPS) is performed. The method's modest sensitivity limits its practical usage in spite of current literature recommendation. Therefore, identifying those patients more prone to serious events is of clinical significance. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of patients with syncope and LBBB undergoing EP study in a tertiary hospital, which aimed to assess the relation between ECG parameters and prolonged HV interval on EPS. RESULTS Ninety-four consecutive patients were eligible for the final analysis. Mean age was 63.1 ± 11.9 years (68.1% male). As for main comorbidities, the prevalence of smoking was 39.3%, hypertension 84%, diabetes mellitus 29.7%, coronary artery disease 28.7% and reduced left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) (≤ 40%) 48.9%. In the univariable analysis, LVEF ≤ 40% appeared to be somewhat important but this was not confirmed upon logistic regression. QRS duration ≥ 165 ms (OR 7.79; p = 0.0005) and PR interval ≥ 220 ms (OR 7.10; p = 0.003) were independent predictors for HV interval ≥ 70 ms. For each 10 ms increase in QRS and PR duration, the odds of HV interval ≥ 70 ms enhanced by 39.8% and 27.1%, respectively. For the subgroup presented with such outcome, mean QRS was 170.88 ± 26.81 ms, significantly larger than the patients with HV interval < 70 ms. When combined, QRS ≥ 165 ms and PR interval ≥ 220 ms had an accuracy of 80% to predict an HV interval ≥ 70 ms in the EPS. Other analyzed data were not systematically associated with the evaluated outcome. CONCLUSION In patients with syncope and LBBB, prolonged QRS and PR interval were independent predictors of increased HV interval on EP study. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Transanal total mesorectal excision: 3-year oncological outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Rectal cancer treatment has evolved with the implementation of new surgical techniques. Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) is the most recent approach developed to facilitate pelvic dissection of mid- and distal rectal tumours. The purpose of this study was to analyse the short- and mid-term oncological outcomes of TaTME. METHODS: A study was conducted on patients treated with TaTME for rectal cancer at two colorectal units in Portugal between March 2016 and December 2018. Clinical, pathological and oncological data were retrospectively analysed. Primary endpoints were 3-year overall survival, disease-free survival and local recurrence. Secondary endpoints were clinical and pathological outcomes. RESULTS: Fifty patients (31 males, [62%], median age 66 years [range 40-85 years]) underwent TaTME, 49 (98%) for malignant and 1 (2%) for benign disease. There were no cases of conversion, 49 (98%) patients had complete or near-complete mesorectum, all the resections were R0 with adequate distal and circumferential margins. With a median follow-up of 36 months, there were 2 cases (4%) of local recurrence and 3-year estimated overall survival and disease-free survival were 90% and 79%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: TaTME can provide safe mid-term oncological outcomes, similar to what has been published for classic and laparoscopic TME. Our results also show how demanding this novel approach can be and the consequent need for audited data and standardized implementation.

Antimicrobial effect of a local release system containing metronidazole against a Porphyromonas gingivalis biofilm.

The aim of this study was to evaluate a semi-solid system containing metronidazole (MDZ) in presence of challenging conditions for drug release, as well its antimicrobial effect against Porphyromonas gingivalis biofilm. Biofilms grown in culture medium were exposed to a formulation containing MDZ or its vehicle. After 24, 48, and 72 h, biofilm viability were analyzed while MDZ was quantified in culture medium and buffer solution (control). MDZ formulation reduced bacterial viability when compared to control groups. The vehicle formulation also affected bacterial viability in relation to control at all periods. Culture medium impaired MDZ release compared to buffer solution at 24 h. The semi-solid system reported herein is able to release MDZ and maintain its levels at concentrations that control viability of P. gingivalis in 1- to 3-day-old biofilms.

Transferência de autoenxerto osteocondral para tratamento de osteocondrite dissecante em côndilo femoral de cão / Osteochondral autograft transfer for treatment of osteochondritis dissecans of the femoral condyle in a dog

Na osteocondrite dissecante (OCD), a articulação do ombro é mais comumente afetada, mas o joelho é ocasionalmente lesionado, o que, muitas vezes, passa desapercebido. O tratamento cirúrgico precoce é indicado para remover cartilagem solta, aliviar a dor e minimizar a artrose. Benefícios putativos da transferência de autoenxerto osteocondral em relação às técnicas convencionais incluem a reconstrução exata do contorno subcondral e articular, recobrimento da superfície com cartilagem hialina e criação de uma barreira imediata entre o líquido sinovial e o osso subcondral. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar a técnica de transferência de autoenxerto osteocondral para o tratamento da osteocondrite do côndilo femoral. Um cão da raça Bull Terrier foi tratado cirurgicamente por meio da técnica de transferência de autoenxerto osteocondral, após ter sido diagnosticado com OCD do côndilo femoral, apresentando melhora clínica significativa e completa recuperação aos 30 dias de pós-operatório.(AU)

In osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), the shoulder joint is most commonly involved, but the stifle is occasionally involved and often goes unnoticed. Early surgical treatment is indicated to remove loose cartilage and minimize osteoartrosis. Putative benefits of Osteochondral Autograft Transfer (OAT) over conventional techniques include accurate reconstruction of subchondral and articular contour, resurfacing with hyaline or hyaline-like cartilage, and creation of an immediate barrier between synovial fluid and subchondral bone. The purpose of this work is to report the technique of OATs for the treatment of osteochondritis of the femoral condyle. A canine attended the Laboratory of Comparative Orthopedics and Traumatology USP-FMVZ underwent surgery after being diagnosed with OCD of the femoral condyle, with significant clinical improvement at 30 days postoperatively.(AU)

Cisto aracnoide medular em um cão: relato de caso / Arachnoid cyst in a dog: case report

O cisto aracnoide medular (CAM) é uma doença que pode ocorrer em humanos e animais, podendo causar sinais clínicos neurológicos. A origem dessa enfermidade ainda é desconhecida assim como sua patofisiologia. Acredita-se que pode ser congênita ou adquirida. Até o momento, não foi verificada predileção por raça, sexo ou idade. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar um caso de CAM lombar em um cão com 13 anos de idade, que causou paralisia dos membros pélvicos. Ao exame clínico, o paciente apresentava dor lombar na palpação epaxial, incontinência urinária e fecal, com paraplegia de membros pélvicos. A sintomatologia progrediu durante oito meses, com histórico de trauma. Na mielografia, foi identificado um CAM na região lombar (L1-L2) lateralizado para a esquerda. O tratamento instituído foi a laminectomia e a durectomia. A paciente apresentou melhora dos sinais clínicos após 11 dias da realização da cirurgia. O tratamento cirúrgico obteve bons resultados para essa enfermidade. O CAM pode ocorrer em cães geriátricos ou com paraplegia de membros, assim deve ser incluído na lista de diagnóstico diferencial das mielopatias lombares compressivas.(AU)

Medullary arachnoid cyst (MAC) is a disease that occurs in humans and animals, and may cause neurological clinical signs. The origin of this disease, as well as its pathophysiology, are still unknown. It is believed that it can be congenital or acquired. No predilection for race, sex, or age has been verified. The aim of this paper is to report a lumbar MAC case in a dog at 13 years of age that caused paralysis of the pelvic limbs. At the clinical examination the patient had back pain on the lumbar region, urinary and fecal incontinence, and paraplegia on the pelvic members. The symptoms were progressing for eight months with history of trauma. In myelography a MAC in the lumbar region (L1- L2) lateralized to left was identified. For treatment laminectomy and durectomy were established. The patient showed improvement of clinical signs eleven days after surgery. The surgical treatment achieved good results for this type of disease. MAC can occur in geriatric or member paraplegia dogs, so it must be included in the differential diagnosis list of the lumbar compressive myelopathy.(AU)

Local antibiotic delivery in periodontitis: drug release and its effect on supragingival biofilms.

The effect of a drug-delivery system containing antibacterial metronidazole (MDZ) prescribed for periodontitis on supragingival biofilm was evaluated, and possible interference by this biofilm in the drug release profile was investigated. Streptococcus mutans biofilms were grown and exposed to a controlled-release formulation of MDZ or the same formulation without MDZ (vehicle control). Untreated biofilms were used as a negative control (NC). Biofilms and culture medium (containing detached cells) were collected 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after first exposure to treatments. The biomass of the MDZ group was lower than that of the NC group at all times. Although MDZ yielded low drug-release rates in the presence of the biofilm, it was sufficient for reducing viability for 24 h and affecting bacterial metabolism for 48 h. These results suggest that MDZ appears to destabilize supragingival biofilm. This biofilm may interfere with MDZ release from the formulation.

Osteossíntese de mandíbula e maxila em equinos adultos: relato de quatro casos / Mandibular and maxillary osteosynthesis in adult horses: a report of four cases

Fraturas da mandíbula secundárias a trauma externo não são raras em equinos, sendo este o osso mais comumente fraturado quando o trauma é na região da cabeça. Na maioria dos casos, são abertas e com dano aos tecidos moles adjacentes. Como os ossos da cabeça não são submetidos às forças de carga do apoio, a exigência para fixação da fratura é menos desafiadora. O presente trabalho descreve o tratamento cirúrgico de quatro fraturas de mandíbula em equinos, sendo que, em um caso, havia também fratura de maxila. Quatro cavalos adultos com histórico de traumatismo na região da cabeça foram atendidos, avaliados clinicamente, radiografados e, após diagnóstico, submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico. No primeiro caso, o equino apresentava fratura rostral da mandíbula, sendo esta tratada com cerclagens. Além disso, o animal apresentava fratura múltipla de maxila, que foi corrigida com uma cerclagem próxima aos dentes incisivos, uma placa com parafusos e duas hemicerclagens na região entre os dentes incisivos e pré-molares. O segundo animal apresentava fratura múltipla dos ramos horizontal e vertical direito da mandíbula e foi tratado com uso de cinco placas de reconstrução e parafusos. No terceiro paciente foi diagnosticada fratura simples no ramo horizontal da mandíbula esquerda, que foi estabilizada com uma placa e parafusos. O quarto paciente apresentava fratura rostral de mandíbula, com avulsão de quatro dentes incisivos, sendo realizada a extração dos dentes incisivos e sutura da mucosa labial. Todos os animais obtiveram consolidação das fraturas em diferentes períodos de pós-operatório, o que permitiu melhora na qualidade de vida.

Secondary mandible fracture due to external trauma is not uncommon in horses, that being the most commonly fractured bone when the injure is on the animal´s head. In most cases, the injuries are open and damaging to surrounding soft tissues. As the bones of the head are not subjected to load forces, the support requirements for fracture fixation are less challenging. This paper describes the surgical treatment of four mandible fractures in horses, and, in one case, the animal had also suffered a fractured jaw. Four horses with a history of trauma to the head region have been examined, clinically and radiographically evaluated, and after being diagnosed, each of them was submitted to surgical treatment. In the first case, the horse showed rostral fracture of the jaw, thus being treated with cerclage. Moreover, the animal had multiple jaw fractures that were fixed with a cerclage next to the incisors, with a plate and two screws and cerclage in the region between the incisors and the premolars. The second animal had multiple fractures of the horizontal and vertical branches of the right jaw and was treated with the use of five reconstruction plates and screws. The third patient was diagnosed with a simple horizontal branch fracture of the left mandible that was stabilized with a plate and screws. The fourth patient had a fracture of the rostral mandible with avulsion of four incisors, and received the extraction of incisors and labial mucosa suture. All animals received fracture treatment in different post surgical periods, allowing improved quality of life.

Comparison of lyophilization, and freezing in honey as techniques to preserve cortical bone allografts used to repair experimental femoral defects in domestic adult cats / Comparação de enxerto ósseo cortical autógeno e implante ósseo cortical alógeno conservados no mel, congelados ou liofilizados na substituição de segmento diafisário do fêmur de gatos domésticos

Cats with orthopedic conditions are a prominent part of the clinical work of veterinary. Conditions such as comminuted fractures, bone tumors and non-unions are often difficult to repair and may require the use of bone grafts for treatment. This study evaluated cortical bone allografts preserved in honey, frozen or lyophilized for correcting long bone defects created in the diaphysis of the right femur of domestic cats (n=24). In the control group (n=6), the defect was repaired using autogenous cortical bone graft. In the remaining animals (n=6/group), the defect was repaired with cortical bone allografts preserved in honey, frozen or lyophilized. Success of graft incorporation and length of time for consolidation were assessed through clinical, radiographic and histological evaluations performed up to 180 days. In the control, frozen, honey and lyophylized groups, respectively, success of graft incorporation was 91.6%, 83.3%, 75%, and 25%, with corresponding mean length of time for consolidation of 83.1, 78, 105 and 120 days. Incorporation percentage in the lyophilized group was significantly lower than in the frozen and control groups. In conclusion, bone grafts preserved in honey or frozen were effective for repairing cortical defects in the femurs of cats as compared to autogenous cortical bone grafts.

Afecções ortopédicas em gatos são frequentes, podendo-se encontrar fraturas cominutivas, neoplasias ósseas ou não-uniões de fraturas. Uma opção para o tratamento dessas afecções é a utilização de enxerto ou implante ósseo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar implantes ósseos corticais alógenos conservados em mel, congelados ou liofilizados na substituição de segmento diafisário do fêmur de felinos. Foi confeccionada uma falha óssea na diáfise do fêmur de 24 felinos. Em seis felinos a falha foi preenchida com o próprio osso removido e nos outros 18 animais, com implantes ósseos corticais alógenos conservados em mel, congelados ou liofilizados. Os animais foram avaliados clínica, radiográfica e histologicamente durante 180 dias. A incorporação foi de 91,6% no grupo controle, com tempo médio para consolidação de 83,1 dias; no mel foi de 75%, com tempo médio de 105 dias; no congelado foi de 83,3% com tempo médio de 78 dias e no liofilizado foi de 25%, com tempo médio de 120 dias. A porcentagem de consolidação foi significativamente menor no grupo liofilizado em relação aos grupos congelado e controle. É possível concluir que os implantes ósseos autógenos e os conservados no mel e congelados são eficazes no preenchimento de defeito cortical em fêmur de felinos.

Videolaparoscopia topográfica de equinos em estação com três diferentes massas corpóreas / Topographic videolaparoscopy in standing equines of three different corporal masses

Descreveu-se a anatomia topográfica, obtida por videolaparoscopia, da cavidade abdominal de 21 equinos hígidos, em estação, distribuídos em três grupos conforme massa corpórea. No grupo A foram incluídos animais com até 250kg; no grupo B, animais entre 251 e 350kg; e no grupo C, animais acima de 351kg. A técnica cirúrgica realizada foi a laparoscopia com acesso pelas fossas paralombares esquerda e direita, utilizando a introdução videoassistida da cânula, iniciando sempre pelo flanco esquerdo. O acesso esquerdo permitiu a observação do diafragma, estômago, lobo hepático esquerdo, baço, área renal, intestino delgado, cólon menor, bexiga, órgãos reprodutivos internos do macho e da fêmea e reto. No acesso paralombar direito, foram observados diafragma, lobo hepático direito, área renal, cólon dorsal, duodeno, ceco, intestino delgado, cólon menor, bexiga, órgãos reprodutivos internos do macho e da fêmea e reto. O procedimento videolaparoscópico para estudo da anatomia abdominal de equinos é viável, não sendo observadas limitações decorrentes do tamanho do animal.

The present study aimed to perform an anatomic description of the abdominal cavity of equines in standing position. Twenty-one healthy equines were allotted into three groups according to their corporal mass. Animals weighing up to 250kg were included in group A, 251 to 350kg in group B and over than 351kg in group C. Laparoscopy was the surgical technique performed, with access through the left and right paralumbar fossas using a video-assisted introduction of cannula, starting from the left flank. This first access allowed the observation of the diaphragm, stomach, left hepatic lobe, spleen, renal area, small intestine, descending colon, bladder, rectum and internal reproductive organs of the male and female. During the right access were observed: diaphragm, right hepatic lobe, renal area, dorsal colon, duodenum, cecum, small intestine, descending colon, bladder, rectum and internal reproductive organs of the male and female. The video-laparoscopic for the study of the abdominal anatomy of equines is feasible, and no limitations due to animal size have been observed.

Comparação entre a técnica de substituição do ligamento redondo por implante de fascia lata bubalina preservada em glicerina e o uso de pino transarticular na redução e na estabilização da luxação coxofemoral experimentalmente induzida em cães / Comparation between the technique of substitution of the round ligamentum by glycerin-preserved bubaline fascia lata implant and the use of transarticular pin in the redution and stabilization of experimentally induzed coxofemoral luxation in dogs

Compararam-se duas técnicas cirúrgicas de redução e estabilização da articulação coxofemoral experimentalmente luxada em cães. Dois grupos de animais, submetidos às respectivas técnicas após a indução cirúrgica da luxação, foram acompanhados clínica e radiograficamente por um período de 60 dias, findos os quais, realizaram-se avaliações macroscópica e histológica e teste de tensiometria das articulações. Cada grupo foi constituído por oito animais, clinicamente sadios, com pesos entre 5 e 20kg. Os animais submetidos ao implante de fáscia apresentaram, ao exame físico, evolução da deambulação significativamente precoce em relação aos do grupo submetido ao implante de pino de Steinmann, além de menor grau de atrofia muscular. Os testes de tensiometria, as avaliações macroscópicas e radiográficas e os exames histológicos não diferiram entre os grupos, evidenciando também que ambas as técnicas não geraram alterações deletérias à articulação operada. Conclui-se que a técnica de estabilização da articulação coxofemoral com implante de fascia lata foi clinicamente eficaz e vantajosa quando comparada à técnica do pino transarticular.

It was compared both surgical techniques of reduction and stabilization of experimentally luxated coxofemoral join in dog. Two groups were submitted to the techniques after surgical induction of the luxation. All animals were clinically and radiografically observed during 60 days. After that, a macroscopic study, an histological exam, and a tensiometry test in the articulations were performed. Each group had eight healthy animals, weighting from 5 to 20kg. The most important advantage was related to the deambulation, which the animals submited to the facia lata implant showed a faster evolution after the surgery at the physical exam, and muscular atrophy in a smaller degree. The tensiometry tests, the radiographic and the histological exams did not present important differences between both groups, but they were useful to show that the two techniques did not cause alterations in the studied articulation. It can be concluded that the stabilization of the coxofemoral articulation using bubaline fascia lata implant was clinically efficient and more advantageous compared to the transarticular pin technique.

Ectrodactilia em cão: relato de caso / Ectrodactyly in dog: case report

Descreve-se um caso de ectrodactilia em um cão, sem raça definida e dois meses de idade. No exame clínico e radiográfico, foi verificada a separação óssea e de tecidos moles entre o segundo e o terceiro dígitos, estendendo-se proximalmente até a região distal do rádio e da ulna, e luxação do cotovelo ipsilateral. O animal foi submetido a procedimento cirúrgico para redução da luxação do cotovelo e reaproximação óssea e dos tecidos moles. Após 16 meses da cirurgia, o animal apresentava uso parcial do membro

A case of ectrodactyly is described in a 2-month-old male mixed Terrier dog. The defect was a complete osseous and soft tissue separation extending from between digits 2 and 3 proximally to the level of the radius and ulna. Radiography revealed elbow luxation. Treatment consisted of surgical reduction of elbow luxation and soft tissue reconstruction. Sixteen months after surgery, the dog was intermittent nonweight-bearing lameness

The effects of constant and alternating temperatures on the reproductive potential, life span, and life expectancy of Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) (Dipteria: Tephritidae)

Ovarian development, oviposition, larval eclosion, ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity, ovarian, testis and ejaculatory apodeme measurements (length, width, and area), and the number of spermatozoa of Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) were analyzed at alternating (20º/6ºC and 20º/13°C) and constant (6°C; 25°C) temperatures. Life span and life expectancy were also analyzed for both genders. All the results suggest that temperature, especially alternating temperatures, increase not only male and female reproductive potential but also their life span and life expectancy. These changes can be a powerful strategy triggered by A. fraterculus as a means to survive the stressful temperature conditions found in winter in the apple production region in Brazil, enabling this species to increase its population density and cause apple damage when spring begins

The effects of constant and alternating temperatures on the reproductive potential, life span, and life expectancy of Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae).

Ovarian development, oviposition, larval eclosion, ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity, ovarian, testis and ejaculatory apodeme measurements (length, width, and area), and the number of spermatozoa of Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) were analyzed at alternating (20 degrees/6 degrees C and 20 degrees/13 degrees C) and constant (6 degrees C; 25 degrees C) temperatures. Life span and life expectancy were also analyzed for both genders. All the results suggest that temperature, especially alternating temperatures, increase not only male and female reproductive potential but also their life span and life expectancy. These changes can be a powerful strategy triggered by A. fraterculus as a means to survive the stressful temperature conditions found in winter in the apple production region in Brazil, enabling this species to increase its population density and cause apple damage when spring begins.

Surgimento de sintomas obsessivo: compulsivos em paciente com esquizofrenia em uso de risperidona / Obsessive: compulsive features appearance in schizophrenic patient using risperidone

Relata-se o caso de uma paciente de 40 anos com diagnostico de esquizofreniaparanóide de difícil controle com o uso de antipsicóticos típicos. Em funçäo disso optou-se pela introduçäo da risperidona. Com a utilizaçäo dessa droga, a paciente obteve importante melhora do quadro psicótico, porém passou a apresentar sintomas obsessivo-compulsivos (SOC) que pioravam progressivamente com o aumento da dose da medicaçäo. Tentou-se o uso da fluoxetina para controle da sintomatologia obsessivo-compulsiva, porém sem sucesso. Este relato propöe-se a discutir o surgimento dos SOC em pacientes utilizando risperidona, bem como a possível abordagem terapêutica desse fenômeno

[Paraplegia as initial manifestation of tethered spinal cord. Case report]. / Paraplegia como manifestação inicial de medula presa. Relato de caso.

Tethered spinal cord (TSC) is a rare disorder; it occurs when the conus medularis is anchored to the base of the vertebral canal by thickened filum terminale cysts, lipoma and spinal dysraphia. This disorder may cause paraplegia, sensory and sphincter disturbance. We report a twenty-two months-old girl presenting with paraplegia. TSC diagnostic was confirmed by myelotomography. The patient was submitted to surgical relief of tethered filum terminale.

Circadian time-dependent effects of fencamfamine on inhibition of dopamine uptake and release in rat striatal slices.

Fencamfamine (FCF) is a central stimulant that facilitates central dopaminergic transmission through inhibition of dopamine uptake and enhanced release of the transmitter. We evaluated the changes in the inhibition of uptake and the release of striatal [3H]-dopamine at 9:00 and 21:00 h, times corresponding to maximal and minimal behavioral responses to FCF, respectively. Adult male Wistar rats (200-250 g) maintained on a 12-h light/12-h dark cycle (lights on at 7:00 h) were used. In the behavioral experiments the rats (N = 8 for each group) received FCF (3.5 mg/kg, ip) or saline at 9:00 or 21:00 h. Fifteen minutes after treatment the duration of activity (sniffing, rearing and locomotion) was recorded for 120 min. The basal motor activity was higher (28.6 +/- 4.2 vs 8.4 +/- 3.5 s) after saline administration at 21:00 h than at 9:00 h. FCF at a single dose significantly enhanced the basal motor activity (38.3 +/- 4.5 vs 8.4 +/- 3.5 s) and increased the duration of exploratory activity (38.3 +/- 4.5 vs 32.1 +/- 4.6 s) during the light, but not the dark phase. Two other groups of rats (N = 6 for each group) were decapitated at 9:00 and 21:00 h and striata were dissected for dopamine uptake and release assays. The inhibition of uptake and release of [3H]-dopamine were higher at 9:00 than at 21:00 h, suggesting that uptake inhibition and the release properties of FCF undergo daily variation. These data suggest that the circadian time-dependent effects of FCF might be related to a higher susceptibility of dopamine presynaptic terminals to the action of FCF during the light phase which corresponds to the rats' resting period.