Refractive index sensors based on cascaded multimode interference hetero-core optical fibers.

In this work, we demonstrate refractive index (RI) sensors based on the cascade of hetero-core structures using multimode and no-core optical fibers in sequence. The sensor device is engineered to have resonances at different wavelengths using different sensing region lengths. The device fabrication involves simple fiber cleaving and fusion splicing. For the experiments, the two sensor regions are exposed to liquids with different RIs. For the hetero-core fiber insertion length of 45 mm, the transmission valley is centered at 1082.5 nm with 15.1 nm full width at half-maximum (FWHM) for an external medium RI of 1.3370. Additionally, it shifts 4.1 nm towards longer wavelengths as the RI of the external medium increases to 1.3840. For the 30 mm long hetero-core structure, the valley is centered at 1599.7 nm with 23.3 nm FWHM for an external medium RI of 1.3370, which shifts 7.4 nm as the RI increases to 1.3840. The sensor sensitivities are up to -476d B/r e f r a c t i v e index unit (RIU) and 270 nm/RIU. The resolution of the devices is estimated to be 2×10-5 R I U.

Treatment of refractory amblyopia with levodopa associated with full-time occlusion in the dominant eye / Tratamento da ambliopia refratária com o uso de levodopa associada à oclusão total do olho dominante

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate visual outcomes of levodopa treatment associated with full occlusion of the dominant eye in patients with refractory amblyopia. Methods: A prospective study of 19 attended patients who were subject to treatment with Levodopa and Carbidopa on doses of 0.7mg/kg/day, a ratio of 4:1 divided into three daily doses for 5 weeks, combined with full occlusion (24 hours/day) of the dominant eye. The ophthalmologic exam from previous consultations up to treatment and after 8 weeks of therapy were collected from medical record data. Patients who had completed treatment for more than 12 months were included for complete eye examination. Results: The mean age before treatment with levodopa was 11.0 ± 4.2 years old (varying from 7 to 23 years). The best-corrected visual acuity (Snellen chart) of the amblyopic eye before treatment was 0.24 (0.6 in logMAR) ± 0.16, after 8 weeks of treatment it was 0.47(0.3 in logMAR) ± 0.33, while during the final evaluation it was 0.46 (0.3 in logMAR) ± 0.34. There was a statistically significant improvement in vision after 8 weeks of therapy which was maintained until the final evaluation (p = 0.007). Conclusion: Levodopa/Carbidopa therapyat doses of 0.7 mg/kg/day at a ratio of 4:1 divided in three daily doses, associated with full occlusion of the dominant eye during 5 weeks had a significant improvement on the visual acuity of the amblyopic eye, and persisted up to 1 year after the treatment.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados visuais do tratamento com levodopa associada à oclusão total do olho dominante em pacientes amblíopes. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo de 19 pacientes atendidos e submetidos ao tratamento com levodopa e carbidopa na dose de 0,7 mg/kg/dia e proporção de 4:1, divididos em três doses diárias, durante cinco semanas, combinada a oclusão total (24 horas/dia) do olho dominante. Foram coletados dados do prontuário referentes ao exame oftalmológico da consulta anterior ao tratamento e após 8 semanas de terapia. Os pacientes com término do tratamento com mais de 12 meses foram reconvocados para exame oftalmológico completo. Resultados: A média de idade dos pacientes previamente ao tratamento com levodopa foi de 11,0 ± 4,2 anos (variando de 7 a 23 anos). A acuidade visual melhor corrigida (Snellen) do olho amblíope antes do tratamento foi de 0,24 (0,6 em logMAR) ± 0,16, após 8 semanas de tratamento foi de 0,47 (0,3 em logMAR) ± 0,33 e na avaliação final foi de 0,46 (0,3 em logMAR) ± 0,34. Houve melhora estatisticamente significante da visão após 8 semanas de tratamento que se manteve até a avaliação final (p = 0,007) Conclusão: A terapia com levodopa/carbidopa em doses de 0,7mg/kg/dia na proporção de 4:1 dividida em três doses diárias, associada à oclusão total do olho dominante durante 5 semanas, apresentou uma melhora significativa na acuidade visual do olho ambliópico e persistiu até 1 ano após o tratamento.

Description of atypical pattern in twins with presumed congenital Zika and without microcephaly - Case Report / Descrição de padrão atípico de gemelares com Zika congênita presumida e sem microcefalia - Relato de Caso

INTRODUCTION: Zika virus (ZIKV) infection was a public health emergency of Brazilian national interest until May 2017, due to the sudden increase in newborns with microcephaly and other neurological alterations during the epidemic started in Brazil in November 2015. The manifestations of Intrauterine infections by ZIKV are more severe when they occur in the first and second trimesters of gestation, especially in the first trimester. In this situation, early diagnosis of visual problems is essential for patients to progress in the neurological and motor fields, and there are complications such as refractive errors (myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia), strabismus and hypoactomy. The absence of microcephaly in infants exposed to the zika virus is not indicative of changes in ophthalmology, and it is essential that the ophthalmologist perform the investigations that are relevant to the clinical case. Any and all eye lesions and their consequences are serious. The earlier the diagnosis, the sooner the child can undergo an intervention to enable vision. OBJECTIVE: To analyze atypical pattern in twins with presumed congenital zika and without microcephaly. METHOD: This is a case report, developed in the city of Serra Talhada, in the state of Pernambuco, Northeast Brazil. REPORT: Case of twins whose mother was exposed to zika virus in the second trimester of gestation (eleventh week). The children were born prematurely and without microcephaly. One of the twins had hydrocephalus requiring surgery. The same child was taken for ophthalmologic examination because of convergent strabismus; and hypocortical optic nerve and chorioretinal scar were found in the macular region in both eyes similar to the lesions described by zika virus. A similar scenario, but with less visual impairment was identified in the second twin. Skull tomography demonstrated bilateral calcification foci in the cerebral hemispheres. CONCLUSION: There was presence of convergent deviation and nystagmus to lateroversions. In the funduscopy, the optic nerve was pale and with cicatricial chorioretinal lesion with well delimited edges in the macular area of both eyes.

INTRODUÇÃO: A infecção pelo Zika vírus (VZIK) foi emergência em saúde pública de interesse nacional brasileiro até maio de 2017, devido ao súbito aumento de nascidos com microcefalia e outras alterações neurológicas durante a epidemia iniciada no Brasil em novembro de 2015. As manifestações da infecção intrauterina pelo VZIK são mais graves quando ocorrem no primeiro e segundo trimestres de gestação, principalmente no primeiro trimestre. Nesta situação, o diagnóstico precoce dos problemas visuais é imprescindível para que os pacientes apresentem avanços nos campos neurológicos e até motores, sendo que há complicações como erros refrativos (miopia, astigmatismo e hipermetropia), estrabismo e hipoacomodação. A ausência de microcefalia em lactentes expostos ao Zika vírus não é indicativo de alterações ofatalmológicas, sendo imprescindível ap médico oftalmologista realizar as investigações spertinentes ao caso clínico. Toda e qualquer lesão ocular e em seus anexos são graves. Quanto mais precoce for o diagnóstico, mais cedo a criança pode ser submetida a uma intervenção para habilitação da visão. OBJETIVO: Analisar padrão atípico de gemelares com Zika congênita presumida e sem microcefalia. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um relato de caso, desenvolvido na cidade de Serra Talhada, interior do estado de Pernambuco, Nordeste Brasileiro RELATO: Caso de gemelares cuja mãe foi exposta ao Zika vírus no segundo trimestre de gestação (décima primeira semana). As crianças nasceram prematuras e sem microcefalia. Um dos gemelares apresentou hidrocefalia com necessidade de intervenção cirúrgica. A mesma criança foi levada para exame oftalmológico por possuir estrabismo convergente e foi encontrado nervo óptico hipocorado e cicatriz coriorretiniana em região macular em ambos os olhos semelhantes às lesões descritas pelo Zika vírus. Quadro similar, mas com menor comprometimento visual foi identificado no segundo gemelar. A tomografia de crânio demonstrou focos de calcificação nos hemisférios cerebrais bilateralmente. CONCLUSÃO: Houve presença de desvio convergente e nistagmo às lateroversões. Na fundoscopia, o nervo óptico apresentou-se hipocorado e com lesão coriorretiniana cicatricial com bordos bem delimitados em área macular de ambos os olhos.

Comportamento ingestivo e parâmetros sanguíneos em ovinos que receberam dietas contendo aditivos à base de extratos de própolis em pó / Ingestive behavior and blood profile in sheep fed with diets containing powdered propolis extract additives

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos do extrato de própolis (LLOSC2) sobre o comportamento ingestivo e os parâmetros sanguíneos em cordeiros alimentados com dieta concentrada. Foram utilizados quatro cordeiros machos, castrados, sem raça definida e com peso médio inicial de 32±1,92kg, mantidos em gaiolas metabólicas individuais durante todo o período experimental. O delineamento experimental foi em quadrado latino 4x4, com quatro animais, quatro dietas e quatro períodos experimentais. As dietas diferiram em relação à adição ou não de extratos de própolis à ração. As dietas testadas diferiam na adição de zero (controle), 1(88,16mg/g de flavonoides), duas (176,32mg/g de flavonoides) ou três (264,48mg/g de flavonoides) doses de aditivo à base de extrato de própolis LLOSC2. A dieta tinha relação volumoso:concentrado de 40:60 e foi formulada para ganhos de 250g. A ração concentrada era composta de milho e farelo de soja. O comportamento ingestivo dos animais foi observado por 24 horas, divididas em quatro períodos de seis horas. As coletas de sangue eram realizadas no último dia do período. Não houve efeito das doses LLOSC2 sobre o tempo despendido em alimentação, ruminação, ócio e ingestão de água. A duração do ciclo ruminativo foi maior nos animais que receberam duas doses de LLOSC2, e o número de movimentos mastigatórios também tendeu a aumentar no período que compreendia das 13 às 19h. Já a dieta contendo uma dose de LLOSC2 aumentou a duração da ruminação do bolo bem como o seu número total de mastigações no período de uma a sete horas. Houve uma diminuição nos níveis séricos de cortisol com a adição de três doses de LLOSC2. O hemograma, o leucograma, o perfil bioquímico e as imunoglobulinas não foram afetados pela inclusão das doses de LLSOC2. A administração de extrato de própolis LLOSC2 à dieta de ovinos não afetou seu comportamento ingestivo, os parâmetros hematológicos, bioquímicos e imunológicos estudados.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of propolis extract (LLOS 2) on feeding behavior and blood parameters in lambs fed concentrate diet. Four male lambs were castrated, mongrel and average weight of 32±1.92kg, kept in individual metabolic cages throughout the trial period. The experimental design was a Latin square 4 x 4 with four animals, four treatments and four experimental periods. The diets differed according to addition or not of propolis extracts to feed. The experimental diets differed in addition to zero (control), 1 (88.16mg/g flavonoids) 2 (176.32mg/g flavonoids) or 3 (264.48mg/g flavonoids) Additive doses based on LLOSC2 propolis extract. The diet had a forage:concentrate ratio of 40:60 and was formulated to 250g gains. The concentrate ration was composed based on corn and soybean meal. The feeding behavior of the animals were observed for 24 hours, divided into four periods of 6 hours. Blood collections were made on the last day of the period. There was no effect of LLOSC2 doses on time spent eating, ruminating, leisure and water intake. The duration of the ruminative cycle was higher in animals that received two doses of LLOSC2 and the number of chewing movements also tended to increase in the period comprised from 13 to 19h. Since the diet containing a dose of LLOSC2, increased duration of rumination cake as well as its total number of chewing in the period of 1 to 7 hours. There was a decrease in serum cortisol with the addition of three doses of LLOSC2. The blood count, white blood cell count, biochemical profile and immunoglobulins were not affected by the inclusion of doses of LLSOC2. Administration of LLOSC2 propolis extract the sheep diet did not affect their feeding behavior, hematological, biochemical and immunological studies.(AU)

Consumo, digestibilidade e balanço de nitrogênio em ovinos alimentados com rações contendo torta de Crambe / Intake, digestibility and nitrogen balance in sheep fed with diets containing Crambe cake

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da utilização de torta de crambe na ração de ovinos sobre o consumo e a digestibilidade. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o quadrado latino 4x4 com quatro animais, quatro períodos e quatro tratamentos. Os tratamentos avaliados foram rações com 30% de silagem de sorgo e 70% de torta de crambe (30:70) e rações com 70% de silagem de sorgo e 30% de torta de crambe (70:30) em cordeiros sob consumo voluntário e controlado. Os animais que receberam a ração com a relação 30:70 consumiram mais matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), extrato etéreo (EE) por kg/dia, % PV/dia e g/kg PV0,75. A relação 30:70 proporcionou maior coeficiente de digestibilidade de MS e FDN. Os animais no regime voluntário apresentaram maior consumo de MS, PB, EE por kg/dia, % PV/dia e g/kg PV0,75. A torta de crambe apresentou coeficientes de digestibilidade superiores à silagem de sorgo, independentemente do regime de consumo. A relação 30:70 apresentou diferença para o N-ingerido e N-absorvido. A torta de crambe apresenta alta digestibilidade dos nutrientes e aceitação pelos animais quando associada à silagem de sorgo.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of using crambe cake in diets for sheep on intake and digestibility. The experimental design was a 4x4 Latin square with four animals, four periods and four treatments. The treatments were diets with 30% sorghum silage and 70% crambe cake (30:70) and a diet with 70% sorghum silage and 30% crambe cake (70:30) in lambs under the voluntary and controlled intake. The animals who fed a diet with a 30:70 ratio consumed more dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE) per kg/day, %BW/day and g/kgPV0,75. The ration provided higher digestibility of DM and NDF. The animals in the voluntary regime presented higher consumption of DM, CP, EE per kg/day, %BW/day and g/kgPV0,75. The cake crambe presented digestibility coefficient higher than sorghum silage, regardless of the regime intake. The 30:70 ration presented a difference in N intake and N absorbed. The cake crambe has high nutrient digestibility and acceptance by animals when associated with sorghum silage.(AU)

Avaliação das urgências oftalmológicas em um hospital público de referência em Pernambuco / Evaluation of ophthalmic emergencies in a public reference hospital in Pernambuco

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar as urgências oftalmológicas em um hospital público de referência de Pernambuco. Métodos: Estudo transversal e retrospectivo, com 26.358 pacientes atendidos na emergência oftalmológica da Fundação Altino Ventura , no período janeiro a junho de 2013. Os dados foram coletados por meio de protocolos baseados nas fichas de cadastro eletrônicas da emergência oftalmológica. Resultados: Observou-se que 52,5% dos indivíduos eram do gênero masculino e 42,5% encontravam-se na faixa etária de 21 a 40 anos; 90,8% eram provenientes da região Metropolitana do Recife e 55% dos casos foram classificados como de baixa gravidade. Os diagnósticos mais frequentes foram conjuntivite (35,17%) e trauma ocular (19,25%). Conclusão: Houve prevalência de pacientes do gênero masculino, na faixa etária de 21 a 40 anos, proveniente da região Metropolitana do Recife, classificado como baixa gravidade, atendidos no mês de janeiro, na segunda-feira, com o diagnóstico de conjuntivite, seguida por trauma ocular.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate ophthalmological emergencies in a public reference hospital in Pernambuco. Methods: Cross-sectional retrospective study with 26.358 patients attended in the ophthalmic emergency Altino Ventura Foundation, in the period january to june 2013. Data were collected using protocols based on electronic registration forms of ophthalmological emergency Results: It was observed that 52.5% of patients were male, 42.5% were aged 21-40 years; 90.8% were from the region metropolitan area of Recife; 55% classified as less severe. The main diagnoses were conjunctivitis (35.17%) and ocular trauma (19.25%). Conclusion: The prevalence of male patients, aged 21-40 years, from the metropolitan area of Recife, classified as low complexity, attended in January, on Monday, with the diagnosis of conjunctivitis, followed by ocular trauma.

Reduced LRP6 expression and increase in the interaction of GSK3ß with p53 contribute to podocyte apoptosis in diabetes mellitus and are prevented by green tea.

In diabetes mellitus (DM), podocyte apoptosis leads to albuminuria and nephropathy progression. Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6) is WNT pathway receptor that is involved in podocyte death, adhesion and motility. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) interaction with p53 (GSK3-p53) promotes apoptosis in carcinoma cells. It is unknown if GSK3-p53 contributes to podocyte apoptosis in DM. In experimental DM, green tea (GT) reduces albuminuria by an unknown mechanism. In the present study, we assessed the role of the GSK3ß-p53 in podocyte apoptosis and the effects of GT on these abnormalities. In diabetic spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), GT prevents podocyte's p-LRP6 expression reduction, increased GSK3ß-p53 and high p53 levels. In diabetic SHR rats, GT reduces podocyte apoptosis, foot process effacement and albuminuria. In immortalized mouse podocytes (iMPs), high glucose (HG), silencing RNA (siRNA) or blocking LRP6 (DKK-1) reduced p-LRP6 expression, leading to high GSK3ß-p53, p53 expression, apoptosis and increased albumin influx. GSK3ß blockade by BIO reduced GSK3ß-p53 and podocyte apoptosis. In iMPs under HG, GT reduced apoptosis and the albumin influx by blocking GSK3ß-p53 following the rise in p-LRP6 expression. These effects of GT were prevented by LRP6 siRNA or DKK-1. In conclusion, in DM, WNT inhibition, via LRP6, increases GSK3ß-p53 and podocyte apoptosis. Maneuvers that inactivate GSK3ß-p53, such as GT, may be renoprotective in DM.

SPARC (secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine) knockdown protects mice from acute liver injury by reducing vascular endothelial cell damage.

Secreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is involved in many biological process including liver fibrogenesis, but its role in acute liver damage is unknown. To examine the role of SPARC in acute liver injury, we used SPARC knock-out (SPARC(-/-)) mice. Two models of acute liver damage were used: concanavalin A (Con A) and the agonistic anti-CD95 antibody Jo2. SPARC expression levels were analyzed in liver samples from patients with acute-on-chronic alcoholic hepatitis (AH). SPARC expression is increased on acute-on-chronic AH patients. Knockdown of SPARC decreased hepatic damage in the two models of liver injury. SPARC(-/-) mice showed a marked reduction in Con A-induced necroinflammation. Infiltration by CD4+ T cells, expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 and apoptosis were attenuated in SPARC(-/-) mice. Sinusoidal endothelial cell monolayer was preserved and was less activated in Con A-treated SPARC(-/-) mice. SPARC knockdown reduced Con A-induced autophagy of cultured human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). Hepatic transcriptome analysis revealed several gene networks that may have a role in the attenuated liver damaged found in Con A-treated SPARC(-/-) mice. SPARC has a significant role in the development of Con A-induced severe liver injury. These results suggest that SPARC could represent a therapeutic target in acute liver injury.

Ten years' evaluation of diet, anthropometry, and physical exercise adherence after islet allotransplantation.

Allogeneic islet transplantation (IT) provokes changes in metabolic responses and nutritional behaviors. The durability of these changes needs to be described as well as their impact on the recipients' lifestyle. The goal of this study was to investigate how islet transplantation influenced diet, exercise habits, and body composition during 10 years after IT. A retrospective study performed in 33 (14 males, 19 females) IT recipients used dietary, physical activity open- ended questionnaire and anthropometric measurements. Data were collected before transplantation, every 3 months up to the 18th and every 6 months thereafter. Data were grouped by gender and eras: pre-IT; 0-3 years; 4-6 years, and 7-10 years after IT. Reduction in body mass index (BMI) from pre-IT to 0-3 years was noted: 23.68 ± 2,18 kg/m(2) to 22.07 ± 2.94 kg/m(2) (P < .05). Increased values were observed from 0-3 years to 4-6 years in: waist circumference (WC) (76.68 ± 7.22 to 79.44 ± 7.58 cm), BMI (23,68 ± 2,18 to 22,75 ± 3,11 kg/m(2)) and weight (64.69 ± 11.98 to 67.43 ± 14 kg): (P < .03). WC increased continuously up to 7-10 years (86.33 ± 9.45 cm; P < .05). There was an average of 5.3 ± 5.6 h/wk of exercise during follow-up. From pre-IT to 0-3 years there was a 19% reduction in protein consumption (P < .05) and a 39% increase in calories from saturated fats (P < .05). A trend to reduce carbohydrates intake noted from pre-IT to 0-3 years was progressively inverted from then throughout 7-10 years (not significant). IT was associated with a significantly decreased BMI early on that it was not sustained. The subsequent weight gain and WC increase could be the result of chronic immunosuppressive therapy and/or voluntary change in eating habits. The increased consumption of carbohydrates could be related to an adaptation of a lifestyle or/and reintroduction of insulin after graft dysfunction. Active lifestyle might be result of the intensive clinical care after IT, concomitant awareness of the importance of routine physical exercise on blood glucose control, and diabetes management. Continuous follow-up of IT recipients is needed to better understand these changes and for comparison with subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Spatial regression methods to evaluate beekeeping production in the state of Rio de Janeiro / Métodos de regressão espacial para avaliação da produção apícola do estado do Rio de Janeiro

Brazilian beekeeping has been developed from the africanization of the honeybees and its high performance launches Brazil as one of the world´s largest honey producer. The Southeastern region has an expressive position in this market (45%), but the state of Rio de Janeiro is the smallest producer, despite presenting large areas of wild vegetation for honey production. In order to analyze the honey productivity in the state of Rio de Janeiro, this research used classic and spatial regression approaches. The data used in this study comprised the responses regarding beekeeping from 1418 beekeepers distributed throughout 72 counties of this state. The best statistical fit was a semiparametric spatial model. The proposed model could be used to estimate the annual honey yield per hive in regions and to detect production factors more related to beekeeping. Honey productivity was associated with the number of hives, wild swarm collection and losses in the apiaries. This paper highlights that the beekeeping sector needs support and help to elucidate the problems plaguing beekeepers, and the inclusion of spatial effects in the regression models is a useful tool in geographical data.

A apicultura brasileira se desenvolveu a partir da africanização das abelhas melíferas, e seu bom desempenho permitiu lançar o Brasil como um dos maiores produtores mundiais de mel. A região Sudeste ocupa uma posição significativa no mercado, mas o estado do Rio de Janeiro é o menor produtor, apesar de apresentar áreas expressivas de vegetação silvestre para a produção de mel. Para analisar a produtividade de mel no estado do Rio de Janeiro, esta pesquisa estudou diversos métodos de regressão clássica e espacial. Os dados analisados compreenderam respostas sobre apicultura de 1418 apicultores distribuídos em 72 municípios do Rio de Janeiro. O melhor ajuste estatístico utilizado foi um modelo semiparamétrico espacial. A utilidade do modelo proposto é estimar a produção anual de mel por colmeia nas diversas regiões e identificar os fatores de produção mais relacionados à apicultura. A produtividade de mel mostrou-se mais associada com o número de colmeias, a coleta de enxame silvestre e as perdas em apiários. Este trabalho destacou que o segmento apícola necessita de apoio para auxiliar na identificação dos problemas que afetam os apicultores. A utilização de efeitos espaciais em modelos de regressão são ferramentas úteis quando são utilizados dados geograficamente referenciados.

Plantas medicinais no controle de urolitíase / Using medicinal plants in the control of urolithiasis

Plantas medicinais têm sido utilizadas mundialmente para o controle de urolitíases na medicina humana. A ocorrência desta afecção tem aumentado em humanos, ruminantes, cães e gatos. Nos animais, fatores patofisiológicos adquiridos, congênitos ou familiares podem estar envolvidos, havendo similaridade ao que se observa em seres humanos. Porém, apesar dos avanços nas pesquisas, o emprego de plantas medicinais na medicina veterinária, ainda é pouco utilizado. Dessa forma, objetivou-se apresentar uma revisão bibliográfica dos resultados do uso de plantas medicinais no controle de urolitíase. As plantas utilizadas são: Ammi visnaga, Bergenia ligulata, Cynodon dactylon, Herniaria hirsuta e Phyllanthus niruri. A atividade antilitogênica foi relacionada às alterações da composição iônica da urina, atividade diurética, inibição de cristalização e agregação de cristais. Destaca-se o uso de Phyllanthus niruri, pela eficácia na prevenção dos urólitos. Extratos de Phyllanthus niruri normalizaram níveis altos de cálcio urinário, desfavorecendo os estágios iniciais de formação dos urólitos. Adicionalmente, foram associados à elevação da filtração glomerular e excreção urinária de ácido úrico sugerindo utilização potencial não só como efeito lítico e preventivo das calculoses, mas também em pacientes hiperuricêmicos e portadores de insuficiência renal. A partir dos resultados relatados, pode-se concluir que os trabalhos apresentados pela literatura atual são capazes de comprovar os efeitos benéficos do uso de plantas medicinais no controle de urolitíase. Entretanto, ainda são escassos os estudos realizados em animais domésticos, predominando ensaios desenvolvidos em roedores.

Medicinal plants have been used worldwide in the prevention of urolithiasis. The occurrence of this disease has increased in men, ruminants, dogs and cats. With regard to animals, acquired (congenital or hereditary) pathophysiological factors may be involved, a fact that bears similarity to what has been observed in humans. Yet, despite advances in research, the use of medicinal plants in veterinary medicine remains still underutilized. Thus, the purpose of this study is to conduct a literature review on the use of medicinal plants in the control of urolithiasis. The plants used are: Ammi visnaga, Bergenia ligulata, Cynodon dactylon, Herniaria hirsute and Phyllanthus niruri. Antilithogenic activity was related to changes in the ionic composition of urine, diuretic activity and inhibition of crystallization and aggregation of crystals. It is worth highlighting the use of Phyllanthus niruri due to its efficiency in the prevention of uroliths. Phyllanthus niruri extracts normalized high levels of urinary calcium, inhibiting the formation of uroliths in the initial stages. Additionally, they were associated with a higher glomerular filtration and higher urinary excretion of uric acid. These results suggest a potential use due to its lytic and preventive effect, as well as due to its application to hyperuricemic patients having renal insufficiency. We can conclude that the studies that pertain to the current literature can demonstrate the beneficial effects of using medicinal herbs to control urolithiasis. However, studies conducted in domestic animals remain scant, while tests developed in rodents still predominate.

Effect of exenatide on gastric emptying and graft survival in islet allograft recipients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of exenatide on gastric emptying and long-term metabolic control. METHODS: Ten islet allograft recipients treated with exenatide up to 4 years. Data from a mixed meal test with (MMT+) versus without (MMT-) administration of exenatide before boost ingestion were analyzed at 6, 12, 24, 36, or 48 months after initiation of exenatide treatment. None of the subjects were symptomatic for gastroparesis before or during the study. The c-peptide, acetaminophen absorption and glucose responses to MMT were analyzed by Student t test and analysis of variance. RESULTS: Average exenatide dose was 12.75 ± 9.46 µg/dL. The MMT subjects included two groups those with acetaminophen peak ≤120 minutes ("good gastric emptying; n = 4") versus those with an acetaminophen peak ≥180 minutes ("delayed gastric emptying"). Among the MMT+, acetaminophen absorption was the same in both groups (P = .27). Up to 48 months exenatide delayed time to peak of glucose, c-peptide, and acetaminophen as well as suppressed the glucagon response to MMT mean peak: 70.89 ± 12.45 versus 43.24 ± 4.67. The mean values of c-peptide and glucose responses to MMT were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term exenatide administration up to 4 years was safe in islet transplant recipients, even in the presence of delayed gastric emptying. The effects of exenatide were acute and reversible when the agent was withdrawn. The main difficulty with the use of exenatide in islet transplant subjects is their poor tolerability, although the physiological effects are clearly evident even at low doses. Approximately 63% of total subjects under exenatide treatment discontinued the drug due to nausea and vomiting. The use of new GLP1 analogs with longer half lives and fewer side effects may help to attain higher GLP1 levels, therefore improving islet function and survival.

Modulation of the epithelial barrier by dexamethasone and prolactin in cultured Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells.

Glucocorticoids and prolactin (PRL) have a direct effect on the formation and maintenance of tight junctions (TJs) in cultured endothelial and mammary gland epithelial cells. In this work, we investigated the effect of a synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (DEX) and PRL on the paracellular barrier function in MDCK renal epithelial cells. DEX (4 microM)+PRL (2 microg/ml) and DEX alone increased significantly the transepithelial electrical resistance after chronic treatment (4 days) of confluent MDCK monolayers or after 24 h treatment of subconfluent monolayers. Immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry revealed no changes in the expression and distribution of TJ-associated proteins occludin, ZO-1 and claudin-1 in confluent monolayers after hormone addition. However, a marked increase in junctional content for occludin and ZO-1 with no changes in their total expression was observed in subconfluent MDCK monolayers 24 h exposed to DEX or DEX+PRL. No change in cell proliferation/growth was detected at subconfluent conditions following hormone treatment. An increase in the total number of viable cells was observed only in confluent MDCK monolayers after exposure to DEX+PRL suggesting that the main effect of these hormones on already established barrier may be associated with the inhibition of cell death. In conclusion, our data suggest that these hormones (specially dexamethasone) have an effect on TJ structure and function only during the formation of MDCK epithelial barrier by probably modulating the localization, stability or assembly of TJ proteins to membrane sites of intercellular contact.

Influence of the echocardiographic score and not of the previous surgical mitral commissurotomy on the outcome of percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate prior mitral surgical commissurotomy and echocardiographic score influence on the outcomes and complications of percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty. METHODS: We performed 459 complete mitral valvuloplasty procedures. Four hundred thirteen were primary valvuloplasty and 46 were in patients who had undergone prior surgical commissurotomy. The prior commissurotomy group was older, had higher echo scores, and a tendency toward a higher percentage of atrial fibrillation. RESULTS: When the groups were compared with each other, no differences were found in pre- and postprocedure mean pulmonary artery pressure, mean mitral gradient, mitral valve area, and mitral regurgitation. Because we found no significant differences, we subdivided the entire group based on echo scores, those with echo scores < or =8 and those with echo scores >8 the mitral valve area being higher in the < or =8 echo score group 2.06+/-0.42 versus 1.90+/-0.40 cm2 (p=0.0090) in the >8 echo score group. CONCLUSION: Dividing the groups based on echo score revealed that the higher echo score group had smaller mitral valve areas postvalvuloplasty.

Histochemistry of the cuticle from proventriculus in stingless bee, Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides (Hymenoptera, Apidae).

Histochemical study of the proventriculus from stingless bee Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides revealed for the first time the presence of cysteine-rich proteins in the cuticle that covers the bulb of the proventriculus and its associated hair-like process. The presence of tyrosine-rich proteins was observed in the same structure, but not in hair-like projections. The cuticle of the crop and a small portion of the proventriculus contained no acid carbohydrates or fats and small amounts of neutral carbohydrates. These results are discussed in relation to different composition of insect cuticle depending on its different functions.

[Single balloon versus Inoue balloon in percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty. Short-term results and complications]. / Balãco Unico versus balão de Inoue na valvoplastia mitral percutânea por balão. Resultados imediatos e complicações.

PURPOSE: To assess short-term results and complications of percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMBV) performed with Inoue balloon (IB) and single low profile balloon (SB). METHODS: We performed 390 PMBV procedures, 29 with IB and 337 with SB. There were no differences in age, sex, echocardiographic score distribution and echocardiographic mitral valve area (MVA). RESULTS: We performed 29 complete procedures with IB and 330 of 337 in SB group. Comparing IB and pre and pos-PMBV data we obtained: mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) 36 +/- 15 and 39 +/- 14 mmHg, p = 0.2033, mean mitral gradient 17 +/- 6 and 20 +/- 77 mmHg, p = 0.0396 and MVA 0.9 +/- 0.2 and 0.9 +/- 0.2 cm2, p = 0.8043 and pos-PMBV:MPAP 25 +/- 8 and 28 +/- 10 mmHg, p = 0.2881, gradient 5 +/- 3 and 5 +/- 4 mmHg, p = 0.2778 and MVA 2.2 +/- 0.2 and 2.0 +/- 0.4 cm2, p = 0.0362. Mitral valve (MV) was competent in 26 patients in IB and in 280 in SB group and we had +/4 mitral regurgitation in 3 patients in IB and in 57 in SB group (p = 0.3591) pre-PMBV respectively and pos-PMBV there was also no difference in MV competence (p = 0.7439). CONCLUSION: Both techniques were effective. Hemodynamic data were also similar although MVA was greater in IB group after PMBV.