Morphological and physiological impairments in algae-infested sea urchins of the species Echinometra lucunter (Echinodermata).

Epibiotic species, which may be characterized as those living attached to the outer surface of a host (the basibiont), have hardly been described as living on echinoderms, probably because the outer surface of these latter is covered by the epidermis. Studies analyzing epibiotic associations usually focus on taxonomical and ecological aspects, while a physiological approach - even being able to reveal the costs and/or benefits of such interactions - has been neglected. Here, we not only report an unprecedented algal epibiotic association for the sea urchin Echinometra lucunter, but we mainly investigate how such kind of interaction could affect spine morphology and basibiont physiology, and consequently its health. To achieve this, we compared the spine morphology of Echinometra lucunter with and without algal infestation using histology, microcomputed tomography, and SEM. Immunological parameters, such as the number, proportion, and viability of the coelomocytes were evaluated. Algal-infested individuals showed a higher number and lower viability of coelomocytes, as well as an altered proportion of phagocytes and red spherulocytes. Additionally, spine stroma and stereom were severely degraded in comparison to non-infested ones. Thus, our findings suggest that algal-infested E. lucunter may be less efficient in carrying out routine activities than non-infested individuals, such as physical protection, anchorage, or coping with immune challenges.

Homeopathy on cultures of Saccharomyces cerevisiaeand impact on fermentation

Studies have shownthat homeopathy modulates the activity of both single-and multi-celled organisms;therefore, we propose a study into the action of Arnica Montanaand S. cerevisiae fungus nosode on growth "in vitro", and on the fermentation of S. cerevisiaeon brewer's wort. Methods:250 µL of medication in 30% alcohol were placed in 5 mL of Sabouraud Broth (SB) or wort, with 20 µL of fungus ata McFarland standard of 0.5 and in a dilution of 1:100. Fungal growth was evaluated via spectrophotometry at 600 nm or a cell count in a Neubauer chamber in a kinetic of 1 to 5 days' incubation at 25ºC. The production of alcohol by the fungus was evaluated using the BRIX index in the samekinetic. 1x107fungi/mL were previously incubated with medication for 5 days and, afterwards, placed in 20 mL of fresh wort, incubated at 25ºC for 7 days and evaluated for growth and sugar consumption. Resultsand Discussion: The SB results revealed that after 2days incubation with Arnica30CH, an increase in fungal growth was observed (p<0.0001), whilewith nosode 6 and 30CH there was a reduction in growth after 2 and 5 days incubation (p<0.001). The fungi incubated with Arnica30CH exhibited increased sugar consumption after 2 and5 days incubation (p<0.05), while the nosode 30CH resulted in lower sugar consumption after 2 and 3 days incubation (p<0.05). The results for fungal growth and sugar consumption with the wort were similar to those using SB.The fungalcultures previously incubated with homeopathic medication and subsequent incubation with fresh wortindicated a loss of distinction, bothin terms of fungal growth and sugar consumption. This piece of data may suggest action by the homeopathic medication only when in contact with the cells. Conclusion: The treatment of the S. cerevisiae fungus using Arnica and the S. cerevisiae nosode produced a significant modulation in fungal growth and sugar consumption.

Cytocentrifugation as an additional method to study echinoderm coelomocytes: a comparative approach combining living cells, stained preparations, and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy / Citocentrifugación como un método adicional para estudiar celomitos de equinodermos: un enfoque comparativo que combina células vivas, preparaciones teñidas y espectroscopía de rayos-x de dispersión de energía

Introduction: Echinoderm coelomocytes have traditionally been investigated through a morphological approach using light microscopy, which relies on the idea of constant cell shape as a stable character. However, this can be affected by biotic or abiotic conditions. Objective: To analyze if the consistency in cell morphology offered by the cytocentrifugation method, might be used as a convenient tool to study echinoderm coelomocytes. Methods: Cells of Echinaster (Othilia) brasiliensis (Asteroidea), Holothuria (Holothuria) tubulosa (Holothuroidea), Eucidaris tribuloides, Arbacia lixula, Lytechinus variegatus, and Echinometra lucunter (Echinoidea) were spread on microscope slides by cytocentrifugation, stained, and analyzed through light microscopy. Additionally, fluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy were applied to cytospin preparations, to complement the analysis of granular and colorless spherulocytes of Eucidaris tribuloides. Results: Altogether, 11 cell types, including phagocytes, spherulocytes, vibratile cells, and progenitor cells were identified in the samples analyzed. The granular spherulocyte, a newly-described cell type, was observed in all Echinoidea and was very similar to the acidophilic spherulocytes of Holothuria (Holothuria) tubulosa. Conclusions: Cytocentrifugation proved to be versatile, either as the main method of investigation in stained preparations, or as a framework on which other procedures may be performed. Its ability to maintain a constant morphology allowed accurate correspondence between live and fixed/stained cells, differentiation among similar spherulocytes as well as comparisons between similar cells of Holothuroidea and Echinoidea.

Introducción: Los celomocitos de equinodermos se han investigado tradicionalmente a través de un enfoque morfológico utilizando microscopía óptica, que se basa en la idea de la forma celular constante como un carácter estable. Sin embargo, esto puede verse afectado por condiciones bióticas o abióticas. Objetivo: Analizar si la consistencia en la morfología celular que ofrece el método de citocentrifugación podría utilizarse como una herramienta conveniente para estudiar los celomocitos de equinodermos. Métodos: Células de Echinaster (Othilia) brasiliensis (Asteroidea), Holothuria (Holothuria) tubulosa (Holothuroidea), Eucidaris tribuloides, Arbacia lixula, Lytechinus variegatus y Echinometra lucunter (Echinoidea) se esparcieron en portaobjetos de microscopio por citocentrifugación, se tiñeron y analizaron mediante microscopía óptica. Adicionalmente, se aplicó microscopía de fluorescencia, microscopía electrónica de barrido y espectroscopía de rayos X con dispersión de energía a las preparaciones de citoespina, para complementar el análisis de los esferulocitos granulares e incoloros de Eucidaris tribuloides. Resultados: En total, se identificaron en las muestras analizadas 11 tipos de células, incluidos fagocitos, esferulocitos, células vibrátiles y células progenitoras. El esferulocito granular, un tipo de célula recién descrito, se observó en todos los Echinoidea y fue muy similar a los esferulocitos acidófilos de Holothuria (Holothuria) tubulosa. Conclusiones: La citocentrifugación demostró ser un método bastante versátil, ya sea como el método principal de investigación en preparaciones teñidas o como un marco en el que se pueden realizar otros procedimientos. Su capacidad para mantener una morfología constante permitió una correspondencia precisa entre las células vivas y las células fijas/teñidas, la diferenciación entre esferulocitos similares, así como comparaciones entre células similares de Holothuroidea y Echinoidea.

Humoral responses during wound healing in Holothuria tubulosa (Gmelin, 1788).

Wounds in living organisms trigger tissue-repair mechanisms. The sea cucumber (Holoturia tubulosa) is an excellent model species for achieving a better understanding of the humoral and cellular aspects involved in such healing processes. Consequently, this study assesses data on its morphometric, physiological and humoral responses 1, 2, 6, 24 and 48h after wound induction. In particular, morphometric data on the weight, width, length and coelomic-fluid volume of the species were estimated at different times during our experiments. In addition, the humoral aspects related to the enzymatic activity of esterase, alkaline phosphatase and peroxidase, as well as the cytotoxic activity of cell lysates (CL) and cell-free coelomic fluids (CfCf) are evaluated for the first time. Our results reveal a significant decrease in body length and weight, along with time-dependent, significant changes in the esterase, alkaline phosphatase, peroxidase and cytotoxic activity in both the CL and CfCf. The data obtained lead to the pioneering finding that there is an important time-dependent involvement of morphometric (changes in weight and length) and humoral (enzymatic and cytotoxic) responses in wound healing.

Comparative study of coelomocytes from Arbacia lixula and Lythechinus variegatus: Cell characterization and in vivo evidence of the physiological function of vibratile cells.

The knowledge on echinoderm coelomocytes has increased in recent years, but researchers still face a complex problem: how to obtain purified cells. Even flow cytometry being useful to address coelomocytes in suspension, the need for a method able to provide isolated cells is still noteworthy. Here, we use Imaging Flow Cytometry (IFC) to characterize the coelomocytes of two sea urchin species - Arbacia lixula and Lytechinus variegatus - and obtain gates to isolate cell populations. Then, we used these gates to study the physiological response of A. lixula coelomocytes during an induced immune challenge with Escherichia coli. An analysis of area and aspect ratio parameters of the flow cytometer allowed the identification of two main cell populations in the coelomic fluid: circular and elongated cells. A combination of this method with nucleus labeling using propidium iodide allowed the determination of gates containing isolated subpopulations of vibratile cells, red spherulocytes, and two phagocytes subpopulations in both species. We observed that during an induced bacterial immune challenge, A. lixula was able to modulate coelomocyte frequencies, increasing the phagocytes and decreasing red spherulocytes and vibratile cells. These results indicate that vibratile cells and red spherulocytes act by immobilizing and stoping bacterial growth, respectively, cooperating with phagocytes in the immune response. The use of IFC was fundamental not only to identify specific gates for the main coelomic subpopulations but also allowed the investigation on how echinoids modulate their physiological responses during immune challenges. Furthermore, we provide the first experimental evidence about the role of vibratile cells, corroborating its involvement with the immune system.

Allograft Inflammatory Factor AIF-1: early immune response in the Mediterranean sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus.

Echinoderms are a phylum of deuterostomic invertebrates that play a key role in maintaining the biodiversity of marine ecosystems. They represent a good study model for immunity because their coelomic fluid contains different types of cells involved in the inflammatory response: the coelomocytes. In the case of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, the coelomocyte population is mainly represented by amoebocytes and uncoloured spherulocytes that implement a defence program through phagocytosis, encapsulation, cytotoxicity, and production of antimicrobial agents. The purpose of this study was to find evidence of a possible modulating effect of lipopolysaccharide LPS on the expression of the AIF-1 gene and therefore to determine whether or not there is a correlation between the P. lividus immune response and the expression of this gene when the homeostasis of the animals is disturbed by a bacterial infection which, in this case, was simulated with treatment with LPS. AIF-1 (Allograft Inflammatory Factor 1) is a 17 kDa calcium-binding protein that, in vertebrates, is involved in the activation of macrophages. Similarly, in Echinoids and in general in invertebrates, the expression of this gene increases considerably after a bacterial attack and this suggests that it plays a key role during the immune responses.

Succinato de Metoprolol X Atenolol: análise comparativa no controle da ectopia ventricular / Metoprolol X Atenolol Succinate: comparative analysis in the control of ventricular ectopy

INTRODUÇÃO: Os beta-bloqueadores (BB) são os medicamentos de escolha para tratar a ectopia ventricular (EV), mas não há estudos que comparem a diferença entre a resposta de Succinato de Metoprolol e Atenolol no controle EV. MÉTODOS: Ensaio de crossover duplo-cego randomizado com 2 grupos. O primeiro começou com Atenolol e mudou para Succinato de Metocrolol (A-S). O segundo começou com Succinato de Metocrolol e mudou para Atenolol (S-A). Cada etapa teve um intervalo de tempo mínimo de 15 dias, para garantir o washout adequado da medicação anterior. Foram incluídos pacientes ≥ 18 anos, com fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo ≥40% e uma taxa de VE ≥5%. O desfecho primário foi o número absoluto e a porcentagem de EV observada em Holter de 24h. O questionário de qualidade de vida (QVFAv2) e a preferência do paciente foram os desfechos secundários. O teste de Mann-Whitney foi utilizado para variáveis quantitativas e o teste exato de Fisher para variáveis qualitativas...(AU)

The first finding of Ostrea cf. puelchana (Bivalvia) living as epibiont on Callinectes exasperates (Decapoda) / Primeiro registro de Ostrea cf. puelchana (Bivalvia) vivendo como epibionte sobre Callinectes exasperates (Decapoda)

This paper describes the epibiosis of Ostrea cf. puelchana on Callinectes exasperatus (Gerstaecker, 1856), both collected from the estuary of the Paraíba River, in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. The basibiont crab was captured using a trap installed in mangrove area at a depth of about 2 meters. The oyster was closely attached to the left side of dorsal carapace covering most of the epibranchial, mesobranchial and metabranchial regions. Possible advantages and disadvantages for both the epibiont and the basibiont are discussed. We believe that young O. cf. puelchana may avoid a variety of potential predators due to the considerable movement capacity of C. exasperatus and may also serve as a small protective shield for the basibiont. However, the oyster, which is a bivalve with an epifaunal lifestyle, is likely to be negatively affected, mainly due to burrowing activity of the crab. This is the first record of epibiosis between bivalves of the genus Ostrea Linnaeus, 1758 and crabs of the genus Callinectes Stimpson, 1860.

O presente estudo descreve a epibiose de Ostrea cf. puelchana sobre Callinectes exasperatus (Gerstaecker, 1856), ambos coletados no estuário do Rio Paraíba, no estado da Paraíba, nordeste do Brasil. O caranguejo basibionte foi capturado usando uma armadilha instalada em área de mangue em cerca de 2 metros de profundidade. A ostra estava fixada sobre o lado esquerdo da carapaça dorsal cobrindo grande parte das regiões epibranquial, mesobranquial e metabranquial. Possíveis vantagens e desvantagens para ambos epibionte e basibionte são discutidas. O espécime jovem de O. cf. puelchana pode evitar uma variedade de predadores potenciais devido à considerável capacidade de deslocamento de C. exasperatus, ao mesmo tempo, essa espécie pode atuar como um escudo protetor para o basibionte. Entretanto, o ostreídeo possui um estilo de vida epifaunal, podendo ser afetado de forma negativa, principalmente devido à atividade de escavação do caranguejo. Este é o primeiro registro de epibiose entre bivalves do gênero Ostrea Linnaeus, 1758 e caranguejos do gênero Callinectes Stimpson, 1860.

Abordagem diagnóstica das hipertrofias ventriculares esquerdas / Diagnostic approach to left ventricular hypertrophy

A hipertrofia ventricular esquerda é situação comum da prática clínica, sendo fenótipo de patologias diversas com fisiopatologias específicas. Sua diferenciação e abordagem muda a história natural da doença podendo ser, em alguns casos, potencialmente reversível. Seu diagnóstico precoce é de fundamental importância visando redução de morbimortalidade. Padrão de referência entre as etiologias que geram hipertrofia ventricular, a Cardiomiopatia Hipertrófica é causa comum de morte súbita cardíaca em jovens...

Automatic cardiac arrhythmia detection and classification using vectorcardiograms and complex networks.

This paper intends to bring new insights in the methods for extracting features for cardiac arrhythmia detection and classification systems. We explore the possibility for utilizing vectorcardiograms (VCG) along with electrocardiograms (ECG) to get relevant informations from the heartbeats on the MIT-BIH database. For this purpose, we apply complex networks to extract features from the VCG. We follow the ANSI/AAMI EC57:1998 standard, for classifying the beats into 5 classes (N, V, S, F and Q), and de Chazal's scheme for dataset division into training and test set, with 22 folds validation setup for each set. We used the Support Vector Machinhe (SVM) classifier and the best result we chose had a global accuracy of 84.1%, while still obtaining relatively high Sensitivities and Positive Predictive Value and low False Positive Rates, when compared to other papers that follows the same evaluation methodology that we do.

Quantificação e descrição dos principais comportamentos de papagaios-chauá (Amazona rhodocorytha, Salvadori, 1890) cativos

No presente estudo, investigou-se a influência da disposição de diferentes itens de ambientação no recinto sobre o padrão comportamental de um grupo de 21 papagaios-chauá (Amazona rhodocorytha), constituído por indivíduos de ambos os sexos e diferentes procedências e idades, alojados em um recinto no Centro de Reintrodução de Animais Silvestres (Cereias, ES). As observações ocorreram durante o inverno, entre os meses de julho e setembro. Utilizou-se o método de varredura para quantificar as categorias locomoção, exploração, manutenção, repouso, vocalização em movimento, vocalização em repouso, interações sociais agonísticas e afiliativas. Registrou-se também, durante as varreduras, a utilização do espaço pelas aves. Os resultados indicam que: 1) em ambientes mais abertos (com mais luminosidade) os animais tendem a ficar mais ativos; 2) os indivíduos desta espécie apresentam um tropismo por regiões mais altas (Atividade: 24,4%; Repouso: 64,7%) e evitam repousar no chão (Atividade: 8,4%; Repouso: 2,5%). Os resultados são discutidos em função do conhecimento disponível sobre o comportamento de outras espécies de psitacídeos, sua manutenção em cativeiro, e a relevância deste estudo para os programas de conservação da espécie.(AU)

In the present study the behaviors of a "chauá" group (Amazon rhodocorytha), a threatened species of parrot, was described and quantified. The group was constituted by 21 individuals from different origins, with different ages and from both sexes, kept in captivity. The influence of the position of different objects in the enclosed space and of the period of the day on the pattern of activity of the group was also investigated. The observation took place between July and September. The scan method was used to quantify the categories locomotion, exploration, maintenance, rest, vocalization in movement, vocalization in rest, agonistic and affiliative social interactions. Space use was also registered during scans. The results indicate that: 1) the activity of the animals depends on characteristics of the environment-in more exposed environments the animals tend to be more active; 2) the individuals of this species present a tropism for higher areas and they avoid to rest in the ground. The results are discussed in the light of the knowledge available about the behavior of other species of parrots, their maintenance in captivity, and the relevance of this study for species conservation programs.(AU)

Quantificação e descrição dos principais comportamentos de papagaios-chauá (smazona rhodocorytha, salvadori, 1890) cativos / Quantification and description of the behavior of parrots-browed amazon (amazona rhodocorytha, salvadori, 1890) captive

No presente estudo, investigou-se a influência da disposição de diferentes itens de ambientação no recinto sobre o padrão comportamental de um grupo de 21 papagaios-chauá (Amazona rhodocorytha), constituído por indivíduos de ambos os sexos e diferentes procedências e idades, alojados em um recinto no Centro de Reintrodução de Animais Silvestres (Cereias, ES). As observações ocorreram durante o inverno, entre os meses de julho e setembro. Utilizou-se o método de varredura para quantificar as categorias locomoção, exploração, manutenção, repouso, vocalização em movimento, vocalização em repouso, interações sociais agonísticas e afiliativas. Registrou-se também, durante as varreduras, a utilização do espaço pelas aves. Os resultados indicam que: 1) em ambientes mais abertos (com mais luminosidade) os animais tendem a ficar mais ativos; 2) os indivíduos desta espécie apresentam um tropismo por regiões mais altas (Atividade: 24,4%; Repouso: 64,7%) e evitam repousar no chão (Atividade: 8,4%; Repouso: 2,5%). Os resultados são discutidos em função do conhecimento disponível sobre o comportamento de outras espécies de psitacídeos, sua manutenção em cativeiro, e a relevância deste estudo para os programas de conservação da espécie.

In the present study the behaviors of a "chauá" group (Amazon rhodocorytha), a threatened species of parrot, was described and quantified. The group was constituted by 21 individuals from different origins, with different ages and from both sexes, kept in captivity. The influence of the position of different objects in the enclosed space and of the period of the day on the pattern of activity of the group was also investigated. The observation took place between July and September. The scan method was used to quantify the categories locomotion, exploration, maintenance, rest, vocalization in movement, vocalization in rest, agonistic and affiliative social interactions. Space use was also registered during scans. The results indicate that: 1) the activity of the animals depends on characteristics of the environment-in more exposed environments the animals tend to be more active; 2) the individuals of this species present a tropism for higher areas and they avoid to rest in the ground. The results are discussed in the light of the knowledge available about the behavior of other species of parrots, their maintenance in captivity, and the relevance of this study for species conservation programs.

Cardiac morphology and function in patients with and without residual diuresis on hemodialysis.

In patients with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis, left ventricular hypertrophy is related to the increase in total peripheral vascular resistance and volume overload. The presence of residual diuresis enables greater control of the volemia of these. We evaluated the morpho-functional changes of the left ventricle in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodyalisis treatment with and without residual diuresis. A total of 31 non diabetic patients were studied and they were divided into two groups: with residual diuresis (RD+) (n = 17) and without residual diuresis (RD-) (n = 14). In both groups, RD+ vs. RD-, using data from a Doppler echocardiogram differences were found, respectively, in the cardiac index (3.9 ± 0.2 vs. 3.0 ± 0.2 L/min/m²; p = 0.0056), systolic index (54 ± 2.9 vs. 45 ± 3.3 mL/b/m²; p = 0.04), end diastolic volume (141 ± 6.7 vs. 112 ± 7.6 mL; p = 0.008), end diastolic diameter (52 ± 0.7 vs. 48 ± 1.1 mm; p = 0.0072) and total peripheral resistance index (1121 ± 56 vs. 1529 ± 111 dyne.sec.cm-5; p = 0.001). RD+ had lower relative wall thickness than RD- (0.38 ± 0.01 vs. 0.45 ± 0.01; p = 0.0008). The ejection fraction and the left ventricular mass index were similar in both groups. The urinary 24-hour volume correlated with the relative wall thickness (r = -0.42; p = 0.0186) and with peripheral resistance index (r = -0.48; p = 0.0059). In conclusion, there were distinct ventricular geometric patterns and different functional performances between RD+ and RD- groups. The presence of residual diuresis can be responsible by these modifications in systolic function.

Use of small doses of furosemide in chronic kidney disease patients with residual renal function undergoing hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the present study was to verify whether chronic renal patients on hemodialysis (HD) with residual diuresis who were using small doses of furosemide present different levels of urinary volume and sodium excretion compared to patients with residual diuresis who do not use this drug. METHODS: We studied 19 chronic renal patients on HD who presented any level of residual diuresis. Urine was collected during the 24-h interdialytic period, and physical examinations and blood sampling took place immediately before the start of HD. Patients were divided into two groups: the diuretic group (DG, n = 10), in which patients had been using 40 mg of furosemide for at least 3 months, and the non-diuretic group (NDG, n = 9), in which patients used no diuretics. RESULTS: Although both groups presented the same average glomerular filtration rate (p > 0.05) and time in dialysis (p > 0.05) the DG presented an average of twice the urinary volume in 24 h (1142 ± 184 vs. 453 ± 135 ml/24 h, respectively; p = 0.008) and double the total excreted sodium mass compared to patients in the NDG (112 ± 22.4 vs. 45.2 ± 16.0 mEq/24 h, respectively; p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The results of this study have shown that chronic use of small doses of furosemide in chronic renal patients with residual diuresis could increase urinary volume and sodium excretion compared to patients who did not use this drug.

Morfologia e função cardíacas em pacientes renais crônicos, com ou sem diurese residual, em tratamento hemodialítico / Cardiac morphology and function in patients with and without residual diuresis on hemodialysis

Em pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC) em hemodiálise (HD), a hipertrofia ventricular esquerda (HVE) está relacionada ao aumento do índice de resistência vascular periférica (IRVP) total e à sobrecarga de volume. A presença da diurese residual (DR) nesses pacientes possibilita maior controle volêmico. Avaliamos as modificações morfofuncionais do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) em pacientes com DRC em HD com e sem diurese residual. Trinta e um pacientes não diabéticos foram divididos em dois grupos: com diurese residual (DR+) (n = 17) e sem diurese residual (DR-) (n = 14). Em ambos os grupos, DR+ vs. DR-, ocorreram diferenças no índice cardíaco (3,9 ± 0,20 vs. 3,0 ± 0,21 L/min/m²; p = 0,0056), no índice sistólico (54 ± 2,9 vs. 45 ± 3,3 mL/b/m²; p = 0,04), no volume diastólico final (141 ± 6,7 vs. 112 ± 7,6 mL; p = 0,008), no diâmetro diastólico final (52 ± 0,79 vs. 48 ± 1,12 mm; p = 0,0072) e no IRVP total (1.121 ± 56 vs. 1.529 ± 111 dina.seg.cm-5; p = 0,001). O grupo DR+ apresentou menor espessamento relativo de parede (ERP) do que o DR- (0,38 ± 0,01 vs. 0,45 ± 0,01; p = 0,0008). A fração de ejeção (66,00 ± 1,24 vs. 66,0 ± 1,46 por cento; p = 0,873) e o índice de massa ventricular esquerda (132 ± 6,0 vs. 130 ± 8,3 g/m; p = 0,798) foram similares em ambos os grupos. O volume de diurese residual correlacionou-se com o espessamento da parede ventricular (r = 0,42; p = 0,0186) e com o índice de resistência vascular periférica (r = -0,48; p = 0,0059). Em conclusão, a presença ou não da diurese residual, em pacientes com doença renal crônica e em hemodiálise, pode ser responsável por modificações na função cardíaca sistólica.

In patients with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis, left ventricular hypertrophy is related to the increase in total peripheral vascular resistance and volume overload. The presence of residual diuresis enables greater control of the volemia of these. We evaluated the morpho-functional changes of the left ventricle in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodyalisis treatment with and without residual diuresis. A total of 31 non diabetic patients were studied and they were divided into two groups: with residual diuresis (RD+) (n = 17) and without residual diuresis (RD-) (n = 14). In both groups, RD+ vs. RD-, using data from a Doppler echocardiogram differences were found, respectively, in the cardiac index (3.9 ± 0.2 vs. 3.0 ± 0.2 L/min/m²; p = 0.0056), systolic index (54 ± 2.9 vs. 45 ± 3.3 mL/b/m²; p = 0.04), end diastolic volume (141 ± 6.7 vs. 112 ± 7.6 mL; p = 0.008), end diastolic diameter (52 ± 0.7 vs. 48 ± 1.1 mm; p = 0.0072) and total peripheral resistance index (1121 ± 56 vs. 1529 ± 111 dyne.sec.cm-5; p = 0.001). RD+ had lower relative wall thickness than RD- (0.38 ± 0.01 vs. 0.45 ± 0.01; p = 0.0008). The ejection fraction and the left ventricular mass index were similar in both groups. The urinary 24-hour volume correlated with the relative wall thickness (r = -0.42; p = 0.0186) and with peripheral resistance index (r = -0.48; p = 0.0059). In conclusion, there were distinct ventricular geometric patterns and different functional performances between RD+ and RD- groups. The presence of residual diuresis can be responsible by these modifications in systolic function.

Padrão de atividade de onças pintadas (Panthera onca Linnaeus, 1758) mantidas em cativeiro: manejo e comportamento / Activity pattern of jaguars (Panthera onca Linnaeus, 1758) in captytity: handle and behavior

O estudo do comportamento e do bem estar de onças pintadas (Panthera onca) mantidas em cativeiro é vital para o seu manejo e reprodução. Avaliamos as condições dos recintos e o manejo de 9 animais em 5 zoológicos (SP), correlacionando-os com as observações obtidas pelo etograma que foi estabelecido visando avaliar a duração dos comportamentos destes animais. Os resultados corroboram a visão de que os tratadores dos zoológicos apresentaram uma percepção consonante com nossos achados. No entanto, as diferenças comportamentais observadas entre zoológicos, com distintos regimes de manejo, indicam que estudos futuros serão necessários. Este estudo propõe-se a contribuir para o desenvolvimento de um modelo para aplicação das técnicas de quantificação comportamental na avaliação dos diferentes efeitos das condições de manutenção sobre o padrão de atividade das espécies de felídeos mantidas em cativeiro (AU)

Padrão de atividade de onças pintadas (Panthera onca Linnaeus, 1758) mantidas em cativeiro: manejo e comportamento / Activity pattern of jaguars (Panthera onca Linnaeus, 1758) in captytity: handle and behavior

O estudo do comportamento e do bem estar de onças pintadas (Panthera onca) mantidas em cativeiro é vital para o seu manejo e reprodução. Avaliamos as condições dos recintos e o manejo de 9 animais em 5 zoológicos (SP), correlacionando-os com as observações obtidas pelo etograma que foi estabelecido visando avaliar a duração dos comportamentos destes animais. Os resultados corroboram a visão de que os tratadores dos zoológicos apresentaram uma percepção consonante com nossos achados. No entanto, as diferenças comportamentais observadas entre zoológicos, com distintos regimes de manejo, indicam que estudos futuros serão necessários. Este estudo propõe-se a contribuir para o desenvolvimento de um modelo para aplicação das técnicas de quantificação comportamental na avaliação dos diferentes efeitos das condições de manutenção sobre o padrão de atividade das espécies de felídeos mantidas em cativeiro

Cryopreservation of mouse morulae through different methods: slow-freezing, vitrification and quick-freezing

The in vitro and in vivo development of mouse morulae after cryopreservation through different methods was examined. The slow-freezing involved an equilibration in 1.5M ethylene glycol (EG) and cooled at 0.5; 0.7; 1.0 or 1.2ºC/minute. The vitrification involved a 3 minutes equilibration in 20 percent EG and 60 seconds in solution containing 40 percent EG, 18 percent ficoll and 10.26 percent sucrose. The quick-freezing involved an equilibration in 3M EG + 0.3M sucrose for 5 minutes and 2 minutes in nitrogen vapor. In all three methods the straws were thawed in air for 10 seconds and in water at 25ºC for 20 seconds and the embryos cultured in vitro for 72 hours to estimate blastocyst rate. To assess viability in vivo, frozen morulae as well as fresh embryos were transferred into recipients. The in vitro development rates with 0.5, 0.7; 1.0 and 1.2ºC/minute were, respectively, 72.3; 79.6; 76.5 and 84.8 percent. There was no significant difference among the cooling rates of 0.7; 1.0 and 1.2ºC/minute (p > 0.01). The in vitro survival rates of vitrification and quick-freezing (84.5 and 74.3 percent, respectively) were similar to the slow-freezing. In vivo, the implantation rate and number of fetuses from embryos frozen through slow-freezing at 1.2ºC/minute, vitrification and quick-freezing were not significantly different