Long-term assessment of a modified tibial tuberosity advancement technique in dogs / Avaliação em longo prazo da técnica de avanço da tuberosidade tibial modificada em cães

The purpose of study was to assess long-term clinical and radiographic aspects of dogs' stifle joints which had undergone a modified tibial tuberosity advancement technique (mTTA). A total of 15 stifles that had undergone mTTA for CCL disease of 11 patients were included in this study. Assessments involved patient's gait analysis, cranial drawer and tibial compression tests, stifle goniometry range of articular motion, thigh and leg girth and radiographic evidence of progression of osteoarthrosis. Variables were compared between operated and healthy limbs and among moments (M0) on the early postop; (M1) 120 days postop; and (M2) approximately 5 years following surgery. A questionnaire regarding owner's perceptions after approximately 5 years of surgery was assessed. Most dogs presented positive response to cranial drawer and tibial compression tests on operated knees. There was also decrease on goniometry and thigh girth and increase in leg girth. Radiographic evidence of progression of osteoarthritis was seen especially on the long-term follow-up (M2). On gait analysis, most animals presented some degree of lameness in different conditions, in contrast to owners' perceptions. Osteoarthritis still develops in dogs following mTTA surgery for CCL disease. However, owners were overall satisfied with their recovery and would be willing to accept indication of mTTA for dogs with ruptured CCL.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar, em longo prazo, aspectos clínicos e radiográficos do joelho de cães submetidos à técnica modificada de avanço da tuberosidade da tíbia (mTTA). Um total de 15 joelhos de 11 pacientes foram submetidos à mTTA para correção de doença do ligamento cruzado cranial. A avaliação envolvia análise de marcha do paciente, teste de compressão tibial e de gaveta, goniometria do joelho para amplitude articular, circunferência das pernas e coxas e evidência radiográfica de progressão da osteoartrose. As variáveis foram comparadas entre membros operados e saudáveis e entre os momentos (M0) no pós-operatório imediato; (M1) 120 dias de pós-operatório; e (M2) aproximadamente cinco anos após a cirurgia. Foi avaliado um questionário sobre as percepções do proprietário após aproximadamente cinco anos de cirurgia. A maioria dos cães apresentou resposta positiva aos testes de gavetas e de compressão tibial em joelhos operados. Houve também diminuição na goniometria e na circunferência da coxa e aumento do perímetro das pernas. Evidências radiográficas de progressão da osteoartrite foram observadas especialmente no seguimento de longo prazo (M2). Na análise de marcha, a maioria dos animais apresentou algum grau de claudicação em diferentes condições, em contraste com as percepções dos proprietários. A osteoartrite ainda se desenvolve em cães após a cirurgia de mTTA para doença CCL. No entanto, os proprietários estavam, em geral, satisfeitos com a recuperação dos animais e estavam dispostos a aceitar a indicação de mTTA para cães com doença do ligamento cruzado cranial.(AU)

Three-dimensional analysis of jaw kinematic alterations in patients with chronic TMD - disc displacement with reduction.

The study investigated whether chronic TMD patients with disc displacement with reduction (DDR), performing non-assisted maximum jaw movements, presented any changes in their mandibular kinematics with respect to an age-matched control group. Moreover, it was examined whether jaw kinematics and a valid clinic measure of oro-facial functional status have significant associations. Maximum mouth opening, mandible protrusion and bilateral laterotrusions were performed by 20 patients (18 women, 2 men; age, 18-34 years) and 20 healthy controls (17 women, 3 men; age, 20-31 years). The three-dimensional coordinates of their mandibular interincisor and condylar reference points were recorded by means of an optoelectronic motion analyser and were used to quantitatively assess their range of motion, velocity, symmetry and synchrony. Three functional indices (opening-closing, mandibular rototranslation, laterotrusion - right and left - and protrusion) were devised to summarise subject's overall performance, and their correlation with the outcome of a clinical protocol, the oro-facial myofunctional evaluation with scores (OMES), was investigated. TMD patients were able to reach maximum excursions of jaw movements comparable to healthy subjects' performances. However, their opening and closing mandibular movements were characterised by remarkable asynchrony of condylar translation. They had also reduced jaw closing velocity and asymmetric laterotrusions. The functional indices proved to well summarise the global condition of jaw kinematics, highlighting the presence of alterations in TMD-DDR patients, and were linearly correlated with the oro-facial functional status. The jaw kinematic alterations seem to reflect both oro-facial motor behaviour adaptation and a DDR-related articular impairment.

ADAPT(tm) trocar use for laparoscopic procedures in equidea / Utilização do trocater AdaptTM para procedimentos laparoscópicos em equídeos

O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever o uso do trocater modelo Adapt(tm) no acesso laparoscópico em animais da família dos equídeos. O procedimento cirúrgico foi realizado em 15 equídeos (quatro jumentas, seis cavalos e cinco éguas), com peso médio de 320kg (290kg e 450kg, pesos máximo e mínimo, respectivamente). Os pacientes foram mantidos em posição quadrupedal, sob sedação e bloqueio local. Primeiramente, realizou-se o preparo asséptico, e o acesso foi feito pelo flanco direito ou pelo esquerdo, dependendo da estrutura a ser visualizada. Em todos os procedimentos, foi utilizado o trocater modelo Seal AdaptTM Ports (Teleflex Medical Introduces TautTM, USA), com diâmetro de 12mm. Inicialmente se fez uma incisão de pele de aproximadamente 15mm para inserção da ponta do trocater. Este foi inserido na ferida cirúrgica, realizando-se movimentos de 180º em sentido horário e anti-horário, até atingir a cavidade abdominal. Após esta etapa, o obturador do trocater foi retirado, e a ótica inserida para confirmar o acesso à cavidade abdominal. A síntese das camadas superficiais da muscular foi realizada com fio nylon nº 0, em um padrão Sultan, e posteriormente a dermorrafia, também com nylon nº 0, no padrão de Wolf. O equipamento apresentou eficiência nos procedimentos de dissecação das camadas subcutânea, musculares e peritônio, não ocorrendo significativa hemorragia nessas camadas. Em um paciente muar, ocorreu afastamento do peritônio parietal, e em alguns casos (40%) ocorreu pequeno enfisema subcutâneo no pós-cirúrgico. Todos os pacientes apresentaram boa cicatrização da ferida cirúrgica. O trocater modelo AdaptTM mostrou-se eficiente na abordagem laparoscópica em equinos, apresentando segurança em se estabelecer o acesso e versatilidade no emprego de diversos instrumentais.(AU)

Laparoscopic repair of congenital pleuroperitoneal hernia using a polypropylene mesh in a dog / Correção laparoscópica de hérnia pleuroperitoneal utilizando malha de polipropileno em cão

Pleuroperitoneal hernias are the most uncommon type of diaphragmatic hernias in dogs and cats. The treatment of choice is surgery and may involve the use of prosthetic implant through celiotomy. In the current report, laparoscopic repair of a congenital pleuroperitoneal hernia using polypropylene mesh in a dog is described. The surgery was feasible. Appropriate reduction of the hernia was carried out and no complications were noted.

Hérnias pleuroperitoneais são o tipo mais incomum de hérnias diafragmáticas em cães e gatos. O tratamento de escolha é cirúrgico e pode envolver o uso de implantes protéticos na abordagem via laparotomia. No presente relato, é descrito o reparo de uma hérnia pleuroperitoneal congênita através de laparoscopia com utilização de malha de polipropileno. A cirurgia foi viável. Houve redução apropriada da hérnia sem observação de complicações.

Surgical time and complications of total transvaginal (total-NOTES), single-port laparoscopic-assisted and conventional ovariohysterectomy in bitches / Tempo cirúrgico e das complicações entre as técnicas de ovário-histerectomia totalmente transvaginal (total-NOTES), videoassistida com único portal e convencional em cadelas

The recently developed minimally invasive techniques of ovariohysterectomy (OVH) have been studied in dogs in order to optimize their benefits and decrease risks to the patients. The purpose of this study was to compare surgical time, complications and technical difficulties of transvaginal total-NOTES, single-port laparoscopic-assisted and conventional OVH in bitches. Twelve bitches were submitted to total-NOTES (NOTES group), while 13 underwent single-port laparoscopic-assisted (SPLA group) and 15 were submitted to conventional OVH (OPEN group). Intra-operative period was divided into 7 stages: (1) access to abdominal cavity; (2) pneumoperitoneum; approach to the right (3) and left (4) ovarian pedicle and uterine body (5); (6) abdominal or vaginal synthesis, performed in 6 out of 12 patients of NOTES; (7) inoperative time. Overall and stages operative times, intra and postoperative complications and technical difficulties were compared among groups. Mean overall surgical time in NOTES (25.7±6.8 minutes) and SPLA (23.1±4.0 minutes) groups were shorter than in the OPEN group (34.0±6.4 minutes) (P<0.05). The intraoperative stage that required the longest time was the approach to the uterine body in the NOTES group and abdominal and cutaneous sutures in the OPEN group. There was no difference regarding the rates of complications. Major complications included postoperative bleeding requiring reoperation in a bitch in the OPEN group, while minor complications included mild vaginal discharge in four patients in the NOTES group and seroma in three bitches in the SPLA group. In conclusion, total-NOTES and SPLA OVH were less time-consuming then conventional OVH in bitches. All techniques presented complications, which were properly managed.

O emprego de novas técnicas minimamente invasivas de ovário-histerectomia (OHE) vem sendo estudado em cães com o intuito de otimizar seus benefícios e reduzir os riscos aos pacientes. O presente estudo objetivou comparar o tempo cirúrgico, as complicações e dificuldades técnicas entre as abordagens por total-NOTES transvaginal, videoassistida com único portal e por celiotomia para ovário-histerectomia (OVH) em cadelas. Foram operados 12 animais por total-NOTES (grupo NOTES), 13 pela técnica videoassistida (grupo SPLA) e 15 pela técnica convencional (grupo OPEN). O período intraoperatório foi dividido em sete etapas: (1) acesso à cavidade abdominal; (2) criação do pneumoperitônio; abordagem ao pedículo ovariano direito (3), esquerdo (4) e ao corpo uterino (5); (6) síntese abdominal ou vaginal, realizado em seis de 12 pacientes do grupo NOTES; (7) tempo inoperante. Os parâmetros avaliados foram o tempo cirúrgico total e de cada etapa intraoperatória, a frequência de complicações intra e pós-operatórias e dificuldades técnicas. O tempo cirúrgico total médio dos grupos NOTES (25,7±6,8 minutos) e SPVA (23,1±4,0 minutos) foram menores que o do grupo OPEN (34,0±6,4 minutos) (P<0.05). A etapa intraoperatória que demandou maior tempo de execução foi a abordagem ao corpo uterino para o grupo NOTES, e síntese abdominal e cutânea para o grupo OPEN. Uma cadela do grupo OPEN necessitou de reintervenção para controle de hemorragia como complicação maior, e três cadelas do grupo SPVA apresentaram seroma de ferida cirúrgica como complicações menores. Concluiu-se que as técnicas de total-NOTES e SPLA apresentaram menor tempo cirúrgico que a abordagem convencional de OVH em cadelas. Todas as técnicas apresentaram complicações que foram adequadamente manejadas.

Ultrasonic shears and bipolar vessel-sealing system for three-port laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy in dogs / Bisturi ultrassônico e sistema de selamento de vasos sanguíneos para ovário-histerectomia laparoscópica com três portais em cães

In the current experimental study, two different instruments were compared for prophylactic hemostasis during a 3-port technique of laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy (OVH) in bitches. Moreover, the need for port enlargement for specimen retrieval using 5mm or 10mm trocartes, technical difficulties and complications were assessed. Ultrasonic energy and a vascular sealing system were tested. Duration of surgery, patient weight and diameter of the uterine arteries and veins were compared among the groups. Fifteen dogs randomly divided into three groups (GI, GII, GIII) were submitted to ovariohysterectomy with hemostasis from the use of ultrasonic scalpel or vascular sealing equipment. In GI and GII the LigaSure(tm) impedance-controlled bipolar vessel-sealing device was used, differing in the size of trocartes used between groups, and in GIII Autosonix(tm) was used. Patients' weight, duration of surgery, technical difficulties and complications were compared among the groups. Statistical analysis showed no difference between the data analyzed among the groups. In conclusion, both methods of hemostasis were effective for 3-port total laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy in bitches. However, 5mm trocartes were not adequate for retrieval of the uterus and ovaries without need for enlargement of the port incision.

No presente experimento, foram comparados dois diferentes equipamentos, um com emprego de energia ultrassônica, e outro utilizando sistema de selamento vascular, como única forma de hemostasia em ovário-histerectomias laparoscópicas com três portais em cadelas. Ademais, a necessidade de ampliação da incisão do portal de 5mm ou de 10mm para a remoção dos espécimes ressecados, dificuldades técnicas e complicações foram avaliadas. Quinze cadelas aleatoriamente distribuídas em três grupos (GI, GII, GIII) foram submetidas à ovário-histerectomia com hemostasia a partir da utilização de bisturi ultrassônico ou equipamento de selamento vascular. Nos GI e GII foi utilizado um sistema de selamento vascular eletrotérmico bipolar (LigaSure(r)), diferindo-se no tamanho dos portais utilizados; em GIII foi utilizado bisturi ultrassônico (Autosonix(r)). A análise estatística não demonstrou diferença significativa entre os dados analisados nos três grupos. Conclui-se que ambos os métodos de hemostasia utilizados mostraram-se adequados e viabilizaram a realização de ovário-histerectomia laparoscópica em cadelas. Todavia, o trocarte de 5mm não foi adequado para remoção do útero e ovários sem necessidade de ampliação da incisão de acesso.

Echobiometrics kidney and renal artery triplex doppler of canine fetuses / Ecobiometria renal e Doppler Triplex da artéria renal de fetos caninos

The aim of this study was to assess the sogographic parameters and biometry of canine fetal kidneys using the B mode, and to determinate the vascular index of the fetal renal arteries using the Doppler Triplex. Twenty four Shi-tzu and Pug, weighting between 4 and 10kg, aging between 4 and 6 years old were evaluated. The B mode, the fetal renal echobiometry and regularity of the renal surface, echotexture and cortex:medular ratio were evaluated during the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th weeks of pregnancy. At the same time point of the B mode evaluation, the Doppler Triplex was carried out to assess the sistolic peak velocity (SPV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), vascular resistive (RI) and pulsatility index (PI). B mode revealed no fetal renal abnormalities and echobiometry showed important measurements during fetal development (P<0.0001). The values of the fetal renal arteries index (PSV and EDV) increased during the course of the pregancy (P<0.05) and remained constant for PI and RI (P>0.05). B mode and Doppler Triplex were important tools for the assessment of fetal renal development, using echobiometry and renal arterial index in canie fetuses...

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar, por meio da ultrassonografia convencional modo B, as características sonográficas e a biometria dos rins de fetos caninos, bem como determinar os índices vasculares da artéria renal dos conceptos ao Doppler Triplex. Foram utilizadas 24 fêmeas Shi-tzu e Pugs pesando de quatro a 10 kg e com idade entre quatro e seis anos. Ao modo B, a ecobiometria renal fetal, a regularidade da superfície renal, a ecotextura e a relação córtico-medular foram avaliadas durante a quinta, sexta, sétima e oitava semanas gestacionais. Ao Doppler Triplex, durante o mesmo período em que se realizou o exame convencional, foram determinados o pico de velocidade sistólica (PVS), a velocidade diastólica final (EDV) e o índice de resistência vascular (RI) e de pulsatividade (PI). Ao modo B, não foram detectadas alterações em rins fetais, e à ecobiometria renal dos fetos, foi possível determinar medidas renais importantes, verificando-se aumento das biometrias no decorrer do desenvolvimento fetal (P<0,0001). Ao Doppler Triplex, determinaram-se os índices vasculares da artéria renal fetal, sendo que os valores para PSV e EDV aumentaram no decorrer das semanas gestacionais (P<0,05) e permaneceram constantes para PI e RI (P>0,05). Concluiu-se que o modo B e o Doppler Triplex são ferramentas importantes para a avaliação do desenvolvimento renal fetal, com a utilização da ecobiometria renal e avaliação dos indices vasculares da artéria renal de fetos caninos...

Hydrallantois in a female dog: a case report / Hidroalantoide em cadela: relato de caso

The aim of this study was to describe the clinical, ultrasound and histological findings of hydrallantois in a Pug bitch. On the 56th day of pregnancy the patient presented pronounced abdominal distention, lethargy, anorexia and dyspnea. The ultrasound revealed the presence of abnormal fluid accumulation within the fetal membranes, especial in the allantois, which was incompatible with the 8th week of pregnancy in bitches. The macroscopic exam during the C-section, distention of the fetal membranes and accumulation of fluid within the allantois was observed. The precise amount of liquid could not be assessed due to the surgical procedure. All neonates of our case report were normal at the initial physical exam. The histologic exam revealed normal placenta. In conclusion, clinical and ultrasound assessment were able to diagnose hydrallantois in a canine patient.

O objetivo do estudo foi descrever a sintomatologia clínica e achados ultrassonográficos e histopatológicos em um caso de hidroalantoide em cadela Pug. Aos 56º dia de gestação, o animal apresentou distensão abdominal pronunciada, letargia, anorexia e dispneia. Por meio do exame ultrassonográfico, verificou-se o acúmulo anormal de líquido em membranas fetais, especialmente em alantoide, incompatível à oitava semana gestacional em cadelas. À inspeção macroscópica, verificou-se distensão de membranas fetais e acúmulo de líquido no interior do alantoide. A quantidade exata de líquido não pôde ser avaliada, devido ao procedimento cirúrgico. Todos os recém-nascidos do presente relato apresentavam-se normais ao exame físico inicial. Ao exame histopatológico, revelou-se placenta normal. Concluiu-se que a avaliação clínica e a ultrassonográfica foram capazes de diagnosticar a hidralantoide em uma cadela.

Conventional and Doppler ultrasound for the differentiation of benign and malignant canine mammary tumours.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of conventional and Doppler ultrasound for differentiation of benign and malignant mammary tumours in female dogs. METHODS: Mammary tumours were evaluated from 60 animals and divided into two distinct groups, group 1 (benign tumours) and group 2 (malignant tumours). The tumours were assessed by conventional ultrasound, Doppler ultrasound mode, histopathology and immunohistochemical detection of vascular endothelial growth factor. RESULTS: Conventional ultrasound examination was found to be ineffective in separating tumours into the two experimental groups. Similarly, using colour-flow Doppler ultrasound, no correlation was found between the presence of vascularisation and its characteristics between the two groups. Triplex Doppler ultrasound yielded average maximum velocities of 28·71 cm/s for malignant and 19·91 cm/s for benign tumours, which were significantly different (P=0·01). For vascular endothelial growth factor, an average score of 2·22 was found for group 2 and 1·66 for group 1 (P=0·03). Positive correlations were found between vascular endothelial growth factor and presence of vascularisation (P=0·04 and r=0·3658) and between vascular endothelial growth factor and maximum velocity (P=0·03 and r=0·3913). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Doppler evaluation may be used to predict malignancy of mammary tumours in bitches.

Laparoscopic ovum collection in sheep: gross and microscopic evaluation of the ovary and influence on ooctye production.

Gross and microscopic evaluations of the ovaries of sheep subjected to successive ovum collection were performed with the objective of identifying if there was interference in oocyte production and morphology of gonads. Gross evaluation of the internal genital tract was also performed. Eighteen ewes of the Santa Inês breed were randomly distributed into three experimental groups of six animals each; G0, G1 and G9 with no, one and nine repetitions, respectively. Estrous synchronization was achieved with a short protocol using MAP followed by single dose stimulation with 80mg of FSHp and 300 IU of eCG (IM). Laparoscopic ovum pick-up was performed 36h later, with 7-day intervals. The number of visualized follicles, aspirated follicles and oocytes recovery was recorded. After the last intervention, ovariectomy was performed for evaluation of gross and microscopical appearance and existence of lesions caused by follicular puncture, which were classified as absent (0), mild (1), moderate (2) and severe (3). The number of visualized follicles, aspirated follicles and oocytes recovery were 13.2±2.0, 11.3±3.0 and 5.8±2.3, respectively, with a recovery rate of 51.7%. No statistical difference was found between the nine sessions (P>0.05). Nine sessions of superovulation and ovum collection procedures did not cause ovarian lesions and did not interfere with the production of follicles in ewes of the Santa Inês breed.

Motor behavioral abnormalities and histopathological findings of Wistar rats inoculated with HTLV-1-infected MT2 cells

The objective of the present study was to describe motor behavioral changes in association with histopathological and hematological findings in Wistar rats inoculated intravenously with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-infected MT2 cells. Twenty-five 4-month-old male rats were inoculated with HTLV-1-infected MT2 cells and 13 control rats were inoculated with normal human lymphocytes. The behavior of the rats was observed before and 5, 10, 15, and 20 months after inoculation during a 30-min/rat testing time for 5 consecutive days. During each of 4 periods, a subset of rats was randomly chosen to be sacrificed in order to harvest the spinal cord for histopathological analysis and to obtain blood for serological and molecular studies. Behavioral analyses of the HTLV-1-inoculated rats showed a significant decrease of climbing, walking and freezing, and an increase of scratching, sniffing, biting, licking, and resting/sleeping. Two of the 25 HTLV-1-inoculated rats (8 percent) developed spastic paraparesis as a major behavioral change. The histopathological changes were few and mild, but in some cases there was diffuse lymphocyte infiltration. The minor and major behavioral changes occurred after 10-20 months of evolution. The long-term observation of Wistar rats inoculated with HTLV-1-infected MT2 cells showed major (spastic paraparesis) and minor motor abnormalities in association with the degree of HTLV-1-induced myelopathy.

Motor behavioral abnormalities and histopathological findings of Wistar rats inoculated with HTLV-1-infected MT2 cells.

The objective of the present study was to describe motor behavioral changes in association with histopathological and hematological findings in Wistar rats inoculated intravenously with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-infected MT2 cells. Twenty-five 4-month-old male rats were inoculated with HTLV-1-infected MT2 cells and 13 control rats were inoculated with normal human lymphocytes. The behavior of the rats was observed before and 5, 10, 15, and 20 months after inoculation during a 30-min/rat testing time for 5 consecutive days. During each of 4 periods, a subset of rats was randomly chosen to be sacrificed in order to harvest the spinal cord for histopathological analysis and to obtain blood for serological and molecular studies. Behavioral analyses of the HTLV-1-inoculated rats showed a significant decrease of climbing, walking and freezing, and an increase of scratching, sniffing, biting, licking, and resting/sleeping. Two of the 25 HTLV-1-inoculated rats (8%) developed spastic paraparesis as a major behavioral change. The histopathological changes were few and mild, but in some cases there was diffuse lymphocyte infiltration. The minor and major behavioral changes occurred after 10-20 months of evolution. The long-term observation of Wistar rats inoculated with HTLV-1-infected MT2 cells showed major (spastic paraparesis) and minor motor abnormalities in association with the degree of HTLV-1-induced myelopathy.

Blood parasites, total plasma protein and packed cell volume of small wild mammals trapped in three mountain ranges of the Atlantic Forest in Southeastern Brazil.

A study of blood parasites in small wild non-flying mammals was undertaken in three areas of the Atlantic Forest in Southeastern Brazil: Serra de Itatiaia, RJ, Serra da Bocaina, SP and Serra da Fartura, SP, from June 1999 to May 2001. A total of 450 animals (15 species) were captured in traps and it was observed in 15.5% of the blood smears the presence of Haemobartonella sp. and Babesia sp. in red blood cells. There was no statistically significant difference between parasited and non-parasited specimens regarding total plasma protein, packed cell volume and body weight, which strongly suggests that these specimens might be parasite reservoirs.

Blood parasites, total plasma protein and packed cell volume of small wild mammals trapped in three mountain ranges of the Atlantic Forest in Southeastern Brazil

A study of blood parasites in small wild non-flying mammals was undertaken in three areas of the Atlantic Forest in Southeastern Brazil: Serra de Itatiaia, RJ, Serra da Bocaina, SP and Serra da Fartura, SP, from June 1999 to May 2001. A total of 450 animals (15 species) were captured in traps and it was observed in 15.5 percent of the blood smears the presence of Haemobartonella sp. and Babesia sp. in red blood cells. There was no statistically significant difference between parasited and non-parasited specimens regarding total plasma protein, packed cell volume and body weight, which strongly suggests that these specimens might be parasite reservoirs.

A presença de hemoparasitos em pequenos mamíferos silvestres não voadores foi pesquisada em animais de três áreas serranas do Sudeste brasileiro, pertencentes ao complexo da Serra do Mar e da Serra da Mantiqueira, nos Estados de São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro e Minas Gerais. Foram capturados 420 animais de 15 espécies, durante dois anos, dos quais, 15,5 por cento apresentaram Haemobartonella sp. e Babesia sp., observadas em lâmina de esfregaço sangüíneo no interior de suas hemácias. Os níveis de proteína total plasmática e de volume globular não apresentaram diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os indivíduos parasitados e não parasitados, assim como o peso corporal, o que sugere fortemente que esses animais possam ser reservatórios desses parasitos.

Electromyographical analysis of the masseter muscle in dentulous and partially toothless patients with temporomandibular joint disorders.

This study had as objective to analyze with computerized electromyography the masseter muscles bilaterally in twenty individuals with temporomandibular joint dysfunction (DTM), being: the group I consisting of ten individuals with complete dentition and group II constituted by ten individuals with posterior dental absences; comparing nine clinical activities: rest before and after exercises, maximum habitual intercuspation (MIH), right and left laterality, forced centric occlusion, protrusion, bilateral molar bite and chewing. It was utilized the Electromyography K6I-Myotronics, with eight canals and surface silver electrodes. By means of the results analysis, we verified significant differences between the groups (p < 0.01), being group I, presented greater electromyographic activity (32.98 microvolts), than the group II (22.31 microvolts), suggesting that this individuals presented low muscular activity. The interaction between the groups and the clinical activities was significant (p < 0.01), as well as between the groups, clinical activities and muscles (p < 0.05). To clarify which amongst the relative averages the clinical activities were different, calculated the critical value of Tukey, being that rest before and after exercises, MIH, right and left laterality, presented averages with similar distributions, with values below of the values of Tukey, as well as forced centric occlusion, protrusion, bilateral molar bite and chewing presented higher values than Tukey. Based on this research's data, we concluded that the electromyographical analysis of the masseter muscles in Individuals with TMD, dentulous and with dental absence showed that individuals with TMD, dentulous or not, presented elevated muscular activity in rest position and individuals with TMD, dentulous, presented higher electromyographical activity than the individuals with TMD and lacking posterior teeth.

Relationship between microalbuminuria and cardiac structural changes in mild hypertensive patients.

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between urinary albumin excretion (UAE), cardiac structural changes upon echocardiography and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (ABPM) levels. Twenty mild hypertensive patients (mean age 56.8 +/- 9.6 years) were evaluated. After 2 weeks of a washout period of all antihypertensive drugs, all patients underwent an echocardiographic evaluation, a 24-h ABPM and an overnight urine collection. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure during 24-h ABPM was 145 +/- 14/91 +/- 10 mmHg (daytime) and 130 +/- 14/76 +/- 8 mmHg (nighttime), respectively. Seven (35%) patients presented UAE > or = 15 microg/min, and for the whole group, the geometric mean value for UAE was 10.2 x// 3.86 microg/min. Cardiac measurements showed mean values of interventricular septum thickness (IVS) of 11 +/- 2.3 mm, left ventricular posterior wall thickness (PWT) of 10 +/- 2.0 mm, left ventricular mass (LVM) of 165 +/- 52 g, and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) of 99 +/- 31 g/m2. A forward stepwise regression model indicated that blood pressure levels did not influence UAE. Significant correlations were observed between UAE and cardiac structural parameters such as IVS (r = 0.71, P<0.001), PWT (r = 0.64, P<0.005), LVM (r = 0.65, P<0.005) and LVMI (r = 0.57, P<0.01). Compared with normoalbuminuric patients, those who had microalbuminuria presented higher values of all cardiac parameters measured. The predictive positive and negative values of UAE > or = 15 microg/min for the presence of geometric cardiac abnormalities were 75 and 91.6%. These data indicate that microalbuminuria in essential hypertension represents an early marker of cardiac structural damage.

Relationship between microalbuminuria and cardiac structural changes in mild hypertensive patients

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between urinary albumin excretion (UAE), cardiac structural changes upon echocardiography and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (ABPM) levels. Twenty mild hypertensive patients (mean age 56.8 ± 9.6 years) were evaluated. After 2 weeks of a washout period of all antihypertensive drugs, all patients underwent an echocardiographic evaluation, a 24-h ABPM and an overnight urine collection. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure during 24-h ABPM was 145 ± 14/91 ± 10 mmHg (daytime) and 130 ± 14/76 ± 8 mmHg (nighttime), respectively. Seven (35 percent) patients presented UAE > or = 15 æg/min, and for the whole group, the geometric mean value for UAE was 10.2 x/÷ 3.86 æg/min. Cardiac measurements showed mean values of interventricular septum thickness (IVS) of 11 ± 2.3 mm, left ventricular posterior wall thickness (PWT) of 10 ± 2.0 mm, left ventricular mass (LVM) of 165 ± 52 g, and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) of 99 ± 31 g/m². A forward stepwise regression model indicated that blood pressure levels did not influence UAE. Significant correlations were observed between UAE and cardiac structural parameters such as IVS (r = 0.71, P<0.001), PWT (r = 0.64, P<0.005), LVM (r = 0.65, P<0.005) and LVMI (r = 0.57, P<0.01). Compared with normoalbuminuric patients, those who had microalbuminuria presented higher values of all cardiac parameters measured. The predictive positive and negative values of UAE > or = 15 æg/min for the presence of geometric cardiac abnormalities were 75 and 91.6 percent. These data indicate that microalbuminuria in essential hypertension represents an early marker of cardiac structural damage

Functional and ultrastructural evaluation of myocardial protection provided by intermittent coronary sinus perfusion in the isolated dog heart

The protection offered by intermittent perfusion of cardioplegic solution through the coronary sinus was investigated in isovolumic blood-perfused dog heart preparations submitted to 60 min of ischemia and 45 min of reperfusion. The prepations were divided into three treatment groups: a) coronary sinus, consisting of preparations (N=10) perfused through the coronary sinus under 40 cm water pressure: b) aortic, consisting of preparations (N=10) perfused through the aortic stump under 100 mm Hg pressure; c) control,consisting of hearts (N=9) that were not perfused with cardioplegic solution. Properties of contractile capacity and relaxation were markedly impaired in the control group but were preserved to a comparable extent in the groups perfused with cardioplegic solution through the aorta and coronary sinus. Developed pressure decreased in the control group (before ischemia: 70 ñ 5.5 mmHg; after reperfusion: 35 ñ 12 mmHg; P,0.05) and didn't vary in the aortic group (from 69 ñ 4mmHg to 65 ñ 13 mmHg: P>0.05) and coronary sinus group (from 69 ñ 4.6 mmHg to 60 ñ 10 mmHg; P>0.05). Myocardial relaxation was evaluated by the +/-dp/dt ratio. In the control group there was impairment of myocardial relation as indicated by an increase of this index after reperfusion (from 1.05 ñ 0.05 to 1.46 ñ 0.23; P<0.05), whereas in the aortic (from 1.10 ñ 0.13 to 1.15 ñ 0.20; P>0.05) and the coronary sinus (from 1.03 ñ 0.14 to 1.08 ñ 0.16; P>0.05) groups there was no variation. Ultrastructural changes in the myocardium were negligible in all three groups at the end of reperfusion. We conclude that intermittent perfusion of a hypothermic cardioplegic solution through the coronary sinus is effective for the protection of the myocardium during total ischemia