Pulmonary aspergillosis in a horse: a case report.

Respiratory diseases considerably affect equine athletes, being the second most common cause of poor performance. Among these diseases, fungal pneumonia in horses, caused specifically by Aspergillus spp., is relatively rare but potentially fatal. Fungal pneumonia typically affects horses exposed to fungal elements due to environmental factors, immunosuppression, or previous debilitating illnesses. Treatment is complex, with minimal success due to late diagnosis and serious concomitant underlying diseases. The choice of medication depends on the site of infection, the fungal species involved, and financial considerations. This report describes a case of pulmonary aspergillosis diagnosed in a 10-year-old castrated Quarter Horse. Transtracheal lavage revealed fungal elements characteristic of Aspergillus fumigatus. Treatment with dexamethasone, bromhexine hydrochloride, and itraconazole led to a successful recovery. The diagnosis of equine aspergillosis is challenging because its clinical signs overlap with other respiratory diseases. Fungal infections like aspergillosis are gaining attention in the equine health scene. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial to avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics and prevent antimicrobial resistance. Furthermore, veterinarians and horse handlers must be aware of the risks of spreading aspergillosis to humans, emphasizing preventative measures and respiratory protection.

As doenças respiratórias afetam consideravelmente os equinos atletas, sendo a segunda causa mais comum de mau desempenho. Entre essas condições, a pneumonia fúngica em cavalos, causada especificamente por Aspergillus spp., é relativamente rara, mas potencialmente fatal. Normalmente afeta cavalos expostos a elementos fúngicos devido a fatores ambientais, imunossupressão ou doenças debilitantes. O tratamento é complexo, com sucesso mínimo devido ao diagnóstico tardio e doenças subjacentes graves concomitantes. A escolha do medicamento depende do local da infecção, das espécies fúngicas envolvidas e das considerações financeiras. Este relato descreve um caso de aspergilose pulmonar diagnosticado em equino Quarto de Milha castrado, de 10 anos de idade. A lavagem transtraqueal revelou elementos fúngicos característicos de Aspergillus fumigatus. O tratamento com dexametasona, cloridrato de bromexina e itraconazol levou a uma recuperação bem-sucedida. O diagnóstico da aspergilose equina é um desafio porque seus sinais clínicos se sobrepõem a outras doenças respiratórias. Infecções fúngicas como a aspergilose estão ganhando atenção no cenário da saúde equina. O diagnóstico precoce e preciso é crucial para evitar o uso de antibióticos e prevenir a resistência antimicrobiana. Além disso, os veterinários e tratadores de cavalos devem estar cientes dos riscos de propagação da aspergilose em humanos, enfatizando medidas preventivas e de proteção respiratória.

Survey on sanitary practices and knowledge about infectious diseases among equine owners in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.

As the primary decision-maker about the health, nutrition, and well-being of their horses, owners' knowledge of correct management practices and clinical changes can potentially affect the immediate health of their horses, in addition to having an impact on the prevention of disease spread in the herd. The adoption of management practices to prevent the introduction and spread of pathogens depends on various factors, including demographics, awareness of the problem, perceived responsibility, previously held beliefs, and sociocultural norms. This study aimed to evaluate the health management practices and the level of knowledge about infectious diseases of equine owners in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted by distributing a questionnaire to horse owners in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The participants included horse owners irrespective of the duration of ownership, experience, or sports practiced. In addition to the hygiene and management of animals, the questionnaire addressed topics related to the facilities where the horses were kept. Three hundred and two horse owners distributed in 60 of the 167 municipalities in the state of Rio Grande do Norte participated in this study. Among the interviewed owners, 63.90% (193/302) answered that they do not quarantine animals introduced into the herd or those visiting the property. Regarding the deworming program, 95.03% (287/302) of the owners regularly dewormed their animals. However, more than half of the participants sought veterinary guidance (54.30%). Investing in educational programs and increasing the awareness of equine owners in the state of Rio Grande do Norte about the main infectious diseases in horses is essential toward improving sanitary management and the general health of animals. Informed owners play an essential role in creating safer environments for their horses, thereby contributing to the sustainability of the equine industry.

Como principal tomador de decisão sobre a saúde, nutrição e bem-estar de seus cavalos, o conhecimento dos proprietários sobre práticas corretas de manejo e mudanças clínicas pode potencialmente afetar a saúde imediata de seus cavalos, além de ter um impacto na prevenção de propagação das doenças no rebanho. A adoção de práticas de manejo para prevenir a introdução e disseminação de patógenos depende de uma variedade de fatores, incluindo dados demográficos, consciência do problema, responsabilidade percebida, crenças anteriores e normas socioculturais. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar as práticas de manejo da saúde e o nível de conhecimento sobre doenças infecciosas de proprietários de equinos no estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil Brasil. As amostras incluíram proprietários de cavalos, independentemente da duração da posse, experiência ou esporte praticado. O questionário abordou temas relacionados às instalações onde os cavalos eram mantidos, além do manejo higiênico-sanitário dos animais. Participaram do estudo 302 proprietários de cavalos distribuídos em 60 dos 167 municípios do estado do Rio Grande do Norte. Dentre os proprietários entrevistados, 63,90% (193/302) responderam que não colocam em quarentena os animais introduzidos no rebanho ou que estão visitando a propriedade. Em relação ao programa de desverminação, 95,03% (287/302) proprietários administravam vermifugação regularmente aos seus animais. No entanto, pouco mais da metade procura orientação veterinária (54,30%). Investir em programas de educação e conscientização dos proprietários de equinos do estado do Rio Grande do Norte sobre as principais doenças infecciosas em equinos é fundamental para melhorar o manejo sanitário e a saúde geral dos animais. Proprietários informados desempenham um papel essencial na criação de ambientes mais seguros para os cavalos, contribuindo para a sustentabilidade da indústria equina como um todo.

Muscle synergies analysis shows altered neural strategies in women with patellofemoral pain during walking.

Several studies suggest that the central nervous system coordinates muscle activation by modulating neural commands directed to groups of muscles combined to form muscle synergies. Individuals with patellofemoral pain (PFP) move differently from asymptomatic individuals. Understanding the neural strategies involved in the execution of tasks such as walking can help comprehend how the movement is planned and better understand this clinical condition. The objective of this study was to compare muscle synergies between women with and without PFP during walking. Eleven women with PFP and thirteen asymptomatic women were assessed using three-dimensional kinematics and electromyography (EMG) while walking at self-selected speed. Kinematics of the trunk, pelvis and lower limbs were analyzed through the Movement Deviation Profile. Muscle synergies were extracted from the EMG signals of eight lower limb muscles collected throughout the whole gait cycle. Kinematic differences between the two groups (p<0.001, z-score = 3.06) were more evident during loading response, terminal stance, and pre-swing. PFP group presented a lower number of muscle synergies (p = 0.037), and greater variability accounted for (VAFtotal) when using 3 (p = 0.017), 4 (p = 0.004), and 5 (p = 0.012) synergies to reconstruct all EMG signals. The PFP group also presented higher VAFmuscle for rectus femoris (p = 0.048) and gastrocnemius medialis (p = 0.019) when considering 4 synergies. Our results suggest that women with PFP show lower motor complexity and deficit in muscle coordination to execute gait, indicating that gait in PFP is the result of different neural commands compared to asymptomatic women.

Dental and oral cavity alterations in Quarter Horses of Vaquejada: retrospective study of 416 cases (2012-2022).

Oral and dental diseases are common in horses, as evidenced by the results of incidence studies of dental diseases carried out on abattoir specimens or sports horses. Thus, periodic dental examinations in horses are essential to ensure the maintenance of dental health and proper use of ingested food. A retrospective study of the dental records of 416 Quarter Horses (256 males, 160 females), distributed in the western region of the Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, was conducted. Horses were examined between July 2012 and August 2022. The variables collected were age, sex, type of diet, dental alterations identified, and history of colic in the last 365 days. The animals were divided into three groups according to age: group I (2 to 6 years old), group II (7to12 years old), and group III (13to 24 years old). Pairwise comparisons were performed using Tukey's correction. The most frequent dental alterations were excessive tip of the tooth enamel, limited/asymmetric lateral excussion, oral ulceration, eruption of the first premolar tooth, and rostral hook. Statistical differences (p<0.05) were observed between the age groups in the following alterations: excessive tip of the tooth enamel, limited/asymmetric lateral excussion, eruption of the first premolar tooth, rostral hook, palatitis, step, caudal hook, retention of deciduous cheek teeth, wave, tartarus, underbite, periodontal disease, and incisors of the dorsal curve. Dental disorders in horses are of major clinical importance.

Doenças orais e dentárias são comuns em cavalos, como evidenciado pelos resultados de estudos de incidência de doenças dentárias realizados em espécimes de matadouro ou cavalos de esporte. Assim, exames odontológicos periódicos em equinos são essenciais para garantir a manutenção da saúde bucal e o uso adequado dos alimentos ingeridos. Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo dos prontuários odontológicos de 416 equinos da raça Quarto de Milha (256 machos, 160 fêmeas), distribuídos na região oeste do estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. Os cavalos foram examinados entre julho de 2012 e agosto de 2022. As variáveis coletadas foram idade, sexo, tipo de dieta, alterações dentárias identificadas e histórico de cólica nos últimos 365 dias. Os animais foram divididos em três grupos de acordo com a idade: grupo I (2 a 6 anos), grupo II (7 a 12 anos) e grupo III (13 a 24 anos). As comparações pareadas foram realizadas usando a correção de Tukey. As alterações dentárias mais frequentes foram ponta excessiva do esmalte dentário, excussão lateral limitada/assimétrica, ulceração oral, erupção do primeiro dente pré-molar e gancho rostral. Foram observadas diferenças estatísticas (p < 0,05) entre as faixas etárias quanto às seguintes alterações: ponta excessiva do esmalte dentário, excussão lateral limitada/assimétrica, erupção do primeiro dente pré-molar, gancho rostral, palatite, degrau, gancho caudal, retenção de dentes decíduo, onda, tártaro, sobre-mordida, doença periodontal e incisivos em curvatura dorsal.

Freeze-dried human milk microcapsules using gum arabic and maltodextrin: An approach to improving solubility.

Human milk (HM) is essential for newborns' food, but its low storage stability is a limiting factor so that microencapsulation may stabilize and protect compounds sensitive to degradation. This study investigated the action of maltodextrin and gum arabic on freeze-dried HM concerning its quality and solubility. Microencapsulation was evidenced by morphology, and all samples presented high encapsulation efficiency (>85 %), proving to be an efficient process. Furthermore, specific signals in the Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra indicate the interactions between the coating materials and the HM matrix. Gum arabic improved the reconstitution properties of freeze-dried HM (higher solubility, 3 % on average, and lower dissolution time, around 80 %), elucidating its high stabilization capacity, even at low concentrations (5 and 10 %). Despite the best results reached by gum arabic, the addition of maltodextrin proved effective; in other words, its low stabilization capacity enables combinations with gum arabic. A lower polidispersibility (difference of 20 % between samples: control and containing gum arabic) was also observed, which means that the encapsulated samples were more homogeneous. Therefore, through the analysis performed, we recommend using gum arabic alone or with maltodextrin to obtain HM microcapsules with a good quality of reconstitution.

Challenges and construction of knowledge by nurses in care for people with post-covid-19 syndrome / Desafíos y construcción del conocimiento por parte de los enfermeros en la asistencia a personas con síndrome post-covid-19 / Desafios e construção de conhecimentos por enfermeiros na assistência às pessoas com síndrome pós-covid-19

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: to understand how nurses describe the challenges and construction of knowledge related to the care provided to people with post-COVID-19 syndrome. METHOD: this is qualitative-descriptive research, guided by the social constructionist perspective, carried out with seven nurses in a 24-hour Emergency Care Unit located in Minas Gerais. Data were collected from March to June 2022 through recorded semi-structured interviews. Data analysis took place through the transcription of interviews, followed by a curious reading of the material and definition of categories, step-by-step, anchored by social constructionism. The theoretical framework was composed of the set of authors who helped in the analysis and discussion of the categories constructed to respond to the study objectives. RESULTS: four categories emerged from the interviews, namely: 1) Initial reflexes of the pandemic, in which nurses' feelings of fear, concern and insecurity were evidenced; 2) COVID-19 traces, of which the respiratory sequels caused by the disease stood out; 3) Knowledge about post-COVID-19 syndrome, which detected lack of knowledge about signs and symptoms and nursing care, due to lack of training and use of protocols; 4) Care for post-COVID-19 syndrome, which highlighted the lack of knowledge about referring people to rehabilitation services. CONCLUSION: despite the lack of protocols and training provided by the institution, nursing professionals provided assistance care on knowledge provided by their experiences and the exchange of experiences with other collaborators.

RESUMEN OBJETIVO: comprender cómo los enfermeros describen los desafíos y la construcción de conocimientos relacionados con el cuidado prestado a las personas con síndrome post-COVID-19. MÉTODO: investigación cualitativa-descriptiva, guiada por la perspectiva construccionista social, realizada con siete enfermeros en una Unidad de Atención de Emergencia 24 horas, ubicada en Minas Gerais. Los datos fueron recolectados de marzo a junio de 2022 a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas grabadas. El análisis de datos se realizó a través de la transcripción de entrevistas, seguida de una lectura curiosa del material y definición de categorías, paso a paso anclado en el construccionismo social. El marco teórico estuvo compuesto por el conjunto de autores, quienes ayudaron en el análisis y discusión de las categorías construidas para responder a los objetivos del estudio. RESULTADOS: de las entrevistas surgieron cuatro categorías, a saber: 1) Reflexiones iniciales de la pandemia, en las que se evidenciaron los sentimientos de miedo, preocupación e inseguridad de las enfermeras; 2) Los rastros del COVID-19, de los cuales se destacaron las secuelas respiratorias provocadas por la enfermedad; 3) Conocimiento sobre el síndrome post-COVID-19, que detectó falta de conocimiento sobre signos y síntomas y cuidados de enfermería, por falta de capacitación y uso de protocolos y; 4) Atención al síndrome post-COVID-19, que destacó el desconocimiento sobre la derivación de personas a los servicios de rehabilitación. CONCLUSIÓN: incluso, ante la falta de protocolos y capacitación brindada por la institución, los profesionales de enfermería brindaron asistencia a partir del conocimiento brindado por sus experiencias y el intercambio de experiencias con otros colaboradores.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: compreender como enfermeiros descrevem os desafios e a construção do conhecimento relacionado ao cuidado prestado a pessoas com síndrome pós-COVID-19. MÉTODO: pesquisa qualitativa-descritiva, orientada pela perspectiva construcionista social, realizada com sete enfermeiras em uma Unidade de Pronto Atendimento nas vinte e quatro horas, localizada em Minas Gerais. Os dados foram coletados no período de março a junho de 2022 por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas gravadas. A análise dos dados ocorreu por meio da transcrição das entrevistas, seguida pela leitura curiosa do material e definição de categorias, passo-a-passo ancorado pelo construcionismo social. O referencial teórico foi composto pelo conjunto de autores, que auxiliaram na análise e discussão das categorias construídas para responder aos objetivos do estudo. RESULTADOS: emergiram das entrevistas quatro categorias, a saber: 1) reflexos iniciais da pandemia, na qual foram evidenciados sentimentos de medo, preocupação e insegurança das enfermeiras; 2) os rastros da COVID-19, dos quais, destacaram-se as sequelas respiratórias ocasionadas pela doença; 3) o saber sobre a síndrome pós-COVID-19, que detectou o desconhecimento acerca dos sinais e sintomas e assistência de enfermagem, devido à falta de treinamentos e uso de protocolos e; 4) atendimento à síndrome pós-COVID-19, que destacou a falta de conhecimento acerca do encaminhamento das pessoas aos serviços de reabilitação. CONCLUSÃO: mesmo diante da falta de protocolos e treinamentos proporcionados pela instituição, as profissionais de enfermagem prestaram assistência baseada no conhecimento proporcionado pelas suas vivências e pela troca de experiências com outros colaboradores.

Survey on the recognition, attitudes, and experience of horse owners during episodes of equine colic in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.

Horse owners are crucial in recognizing colic because they are responsible for identifying the signs of colic and deciding whether to seek veterinary intervention. Common reasons for delayed response to clinical issues include lack of understanding or knowledge of the subject and difficulty in recognizing subtle clinical signs of abdominal pain. Examining horse owners' basic knowledge of colic, their motivations, obstacles in seeking veterinary care, and their responses to the various clinical symptoms manifested during colic will identify current knowledge gaps and decision-making barriers. This study aimed to examine the experiences, recognition, and attitudes of horse owners during an episode of equine colic in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted using questionnaires in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The sample consisted of horse owners, competitors of any equestrian modality (provided that they were responsible for a horse at the time of the application of the questionnaire), or individuals who had previously owned a horse. There were differences related to the recognition and attitudes adopted towards colic in horses compared to the studies performed in other countries. The overall results of this study highlight the need for educational campaigns for horse owners to fill knowledge gaps about colic and the need for a clearer picture of colic, including what it is, the predisposing factors, and the range of symptoms. Additionally, this knowledge will equip horse owners to appropriately respond to these symptoms.

Os proprietários de equinos são essenciais no reconhecimento das cólicas, pois geralmente são os principais responsáveis por identificar os sinais e decidir procurar a intervenção veterinária. Os motivos comuns para a resposta tardia a um problema clínico são a falta de compreensão ou conhecimento do assunto, bem como a dificuldade em reconhecer sinais clínicos sutis de dor abdominal. Investigar o conhecimento básico de cólicas dos proprietários de cavalos, suas motivações, obstáculos para a busca de atendimento veterinário e suas respostas aos diferentes sinais clínicos manifestados durante os episódios de cólica é essencial para identificar lacunas no conhecimento atual e barreiras à tomada de decisão. Este estudo teve como objetivo levantar a experiência, reconhecimento e atitudes de proprietários de equinos durante episódios de cólica equina no estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. Foi realizado um estudo transversal, por meio de questionário, com proprietários de cavalos do estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. A amostra foi composta por proprietários de cavalos, competidores de qualquer modalidade equestre (desde que fossem responsáveis por um cavalo no momento da aplicação do questionário) ou que possuíam cavalo. Existem diferenças quanto ao reconhecimento e atitudes adotadas em relação à cólica equina em relação aos países onde esse tipo de pesquisa foi realizado. A constatação abrangente deste estudo foi a necessidade de campanhas educativas para proprietários de cavalos sobre cólicas a partir das lacunas de conhecimento, e são a necessidade de clareza de informações sobre cólicas para os proprietários, incluindo o que é cólica, fatores predisponentes, qual a gama de diferentes sinais que podem ser exibido e como responder a esses sinais.

Effects of total parenteral nutrition associated with glutamine, enteral fluid therapy with or without glutamine, and fluid therapy on the acid-base and electrolyte balance of horses starved after exploratory laparotomy.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the total parenteral nutrition associated with glutamine, enteral fluid therapy with or without glutamine, and fluid therapy on the acid-base and electrolyte balance of horses starved after exploratory laparotomy. Sixteen healthy male and female adult horses of mixed breed, aged between 4 and 14 years, and having a mean body weight of 248.40 ± 2.28 kg and a body score index of 3-4 (scale of 1-5) were divided into four groups with four animals per group. After an adaptation period of 30 days, they were randomly divided into four experimental groups: enteral fluid therapy, enteral fluid therapy associated with glutamine, total parenteral nutrition associated with glutamine, and parenteral fluid therapy. The experiment was further divided into two phases: Phase 1 and Phase 2. In Phase 1, an exploratory laparotomy was performed, treatments were administered to the groups and the horses received no food or water other than those given to their respective groups. In Phase 2, the animals were re-fed. Each phase had a total duration of 144 h. Venous blood samples were collected every 24 h throughout the experimental period for blood gas and electrolyte analyses. The following parameters were evaluated: pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide, total carbon dioxide, bicarbonate, base shift, anion gap, sodium, potassium, chloride, total calcium and magnesium. Completely randomized designs with a 4 × 7 factorial scheme (groups × harvest time) in Phase 1 and a 4 × 6 factorial scheme (groups × harvest time) in Phase 2 were used with four replications. All values were considered significant when p≤0.05 (95% probability). Blood pH, bicarbonate concentration, and base shift in the PARGL group decreased, indicating metabolic acidosis. Changes in the acid-base and electrolyte balance were more intense in the PARGL group than in the other groups. These results demonstrated the need to monitor blood gas and electrolyte balance in horses with food restriction under nutritional support or prolonged fluid therapy so that such changes are promptly corrected.

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos da nutrição parenteral total associada à glutamina, fluidoterapia enteral com ou sem glutamina e fluidoterapia no equilíbrio ácido-base e eletrolítico de equinos submetidos à inanição após laparotomia exploratória. Dezesseis cavalos adultos saudáveis, machos e fêmeas, sem raça definida, com idade entre 4 e 14 anos, com peso corporal médio de 248,40 ± 2,28 kg e índice de escore corporal de 3 a 4 (escala de 1 a 5) foram divididos em quatro grupos com quatro animais por grupo. Após um período de adaptação de 30 dias, foram divididos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos experimentais: fluidoterapia enteral, fluidoterapia enteral associada à glutamina, nutrição parenteral total associada à glutamina e fluidoterapia parenteral. O experimento foi ainda dividido em duas fases: Fase 1 e Fase 2. Na Fase 1, os tratamentos foram administrados aos grupos, a laparotomia exploratória foi realizada e os cavalos não receberam alimentos ou água além daqueles dados aos seus respectivos grupos. Na Fase 2, os animais foram realimentados. Cada fase teve uma duração total de 144 h. Amostras de sangue venoso foram coletadas a cada 24 h durante todo o período experimental para análises gasométricas e eletrolíticas. Foram avaliados os seguintes parâmetros: pH, pressão parcial de dióxido de carbono, dióxido de carbono total, bicarbonato, desvio de base, anion gap, sódio, potássio, cloreto, cálcio total e magnésio. Delineamentos inteiramente casualizados com esquema fatorial 4 × 7 (grupos × época de colheita) na Fase 1 e esquema fatorial 4 × 6 (grupos × época de colheita) na Fase 2 foram utilizados com quatro repetições. Todos os valores foram considerados significativos quando p≤0,05 (95% de probabilidade). O pH sanguíneo, a concentração de bicarbonato e o desvio de base no grupo PARGL diminuíram, indicando acidose metabólica. As alterações no equilíbrio ácido-base e eletrolítico foram mais intensas no grupo PARGL do que nos outros grupos. Esses resultados demonstraram a necessidade de monitorar o equilíbrio hemogasométrico e eletrolítico em equinos com restrição alimentar sob suporte nutricional ou fluidoterapia prolongada para que tais alterações sejam prontamente corrigidas.

Is there a correlation between isometric muscle strength and the kinematics of the pelvis, hip and knee during functional tasks in women with patellofemoral pain?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the correlation between isometric muscle strength of the hip abductors (HABD) and lateral rotators (HLR) with the range of motion (ROM) of the pelvis/hip in the frontal/transverse planes, respectively, and between the strength of the knee extensors (KExt) with the ROM of the knee in the sagittal plane during seven tasks. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-five women with patellofemoral pain. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Maximum isometric muscle strength of the HABD, HLR, and KExt was measured using a manual dynamometer, and pelvis and lower limbs kinematics were evaluated using 3D optical system during gait, ascending and descending stairs, the forward and lateral step down tests, and the propulsion and landing phases of the single leg hop test (SLHT). RESULTS: A weak correlation was found between KExt strength and knee ROM in the sagittal plane (p = 0.05; r = -0.33) during SLHT landing, and a moderate correlation between HABD strength and ROM of pelvic obliquity (p < 0.01; r = 0.50) during ascending stairs. CONCLUSIONS: The lower strength of KExt has a weak correlation with higher knee flexion during the landing phase of the SLHT, and the lower strength of HABD has a moderate correlation with lower pelvis ROM in the frontal plane when ascending stairs.

Are the current commercially available oximes capable of reactivating acetylcholinesterase inhibited by the nerve agents of the A-series?

The misuse of novichok agents in assassination attempts has been reported in the international media since 2018. These relatively new class of neurotoxic agents is claimed to be more toxic than the agents of the G and V series and so far, there is no report yet in literature about potential antidotes against them. To shed some light into this issue, we report here the design and synthesis of NTMGMP, a surrogate of A-242 and also the first surrogate of a novichok agent useful for experimental evaluation of antidotes. Furthermore, the efficiency of the current commercial oximes to reactivate NTMGMP-inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was evaluated. The Ellman test was used to confirm the complete inhibition of AChE, and to compare the subsequent rates of reactivation in vitro as well as to evaluate aging. In parallel, molecular docking, molecular dynamics and MM-PBSA studies were performed on a computational model of the human AChE (HssAChE)/NTMGMP complex to assess the reactivation performances of the commercial oximes in silico. Experimental and theoretical studies matched the exact hierarchy of efficiency and pointed to trimedoxime as the most promising commercial oxime for reactivation of AChE inhibited by A-242.

Comparison between the techniques of inclusion in glycol methacrylate (GMA)-based plastic resin and paraffin for evaluation intestinal morphometry in horses.

To determine the effect of the inclusion method on the histomorphometric evaluation of the gastrointestinal mucosa of horses, jejunum samples were collected using flank laparotomy. Sixteen mixed breed healthy adult horses, including four males and 12 females, aged 4-14 years with an average body weight of 248.40 ± 2.28 kg, were used. Jejunal biopsies were collected and analyzed by light microscopy using two methods: group 1 comprised biopsies fixed using 10% neutral formalin and embedded in paraffin; biopsies in group 2 were fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde in 0.1 M phosphate buffer pH 7.2, followed by inclusion in glycol methacrylate (GMA)-based plastic resin. Intestinal villi height, crypt depth, glandular mucosa thickness, total mucosal thickness, and villus/crypt ratio were then evaluated. For all the variables studied, with exception of the villus/crypt ratio, a significant difference (p < 0.05) was found between samples in groups 1 and 2. Processing samples for embedding in plastic resin was quicker and easier to perform compared to that for paraffin embedding. In addition, the epithelial lining of tissues in group 2 showed better resolution for conducting cytological studies under a light microscope. The difference between the studied variables can be attributed to tissue retraction caused by conventional processing for inclusion in paraffin. Therefore, the method of inclusion in GMA described in the present study appears to be a more reliable choice for morphometric evaluation of the intestinal mucosa of horses.

Para determinar o efeito do método de inclusão sobre a avaliação histomorfométrica da mucosa gastrointestinal de equinos foram coletadas amostras do jejuno por laparotomia pelo flanco. Foram utilizados 16 equinos adultos hígidos, sem raça definida, de ambos os sexos, quatro machos e 12 fêmeas, com idade variando entre quatro e 14 anos, e peso corporal médio de 248,40 + 2,28kg. Amostras do jejuno foram coletadas e processadas para biopsia em microscopia de luz sob dois métodos: grupo 1 - fixação em formalina neutra tamponada a 10% e inclusão em parafina, grupo 2 - fixação em glutaraldeído 2,5% em tampão fosfato 0,1M pH 7,2, seguido de inclusão em resina plástica à base de glicol metacrilato. Os seguintes parâmetros foram avaliados: altura das vilosidades intestinais, profundidade de cripta, espessura da mucosa glandular, espessura total da mucosa e relação vilo/cripta. Para todas as variáveis estudadas, exceto relação vilo/cripta, foi encontrada diferença significativa (p<0,05) entre os dois métodos. O processamento para inclusão em resina plástica foi rápido e de fácil execução quando comparado à inclusão em parafina. Além disso, o epitélio de revestimento apresentou melhor resolução das células para estudo histológico ao microscópio de luz. A diferença entre as variáveis pode ser atribuída a retração do tecido provocada pelo processamento convencional por inclusão em parafina. Portanto, o método de inclusão em GMA mostrou-se, no presente estudo, uma escolha mais fidedigna para as avaliações morfométricas da mucosa intestinal de equinos.

Clinical findings and response to treatment of 17 cases of tetanus in horses (2012-2021).

Tetanus is a distressing and often fatal disease caused by exotoxins released by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. Clostridium tetani is a commensal of the gastrointestinal tract of humans and domestic animals, and its spores are highly resistant to environmental changes, acid, and alkali and may persist in the soil for many years. The disease is characterized by generalized muscular rigidity and spasms, hyperesthesia, convulsions, respiratory arrest, and death. Horses are the most susceptible domestic animals. Treatment is typically directed towards elimination of the source of the toxin, neutralization of any unbound toxin, establishment of antitoxin immunity, control of neuromuscular derangements, and relief of pain. This study described the clinical findings and therapeutic protocols of 17 horses with tetanus, treated between March 2012 and December 2021. The diagnosis of tetanus was based on the history and clinical examination findings of the animals. All horses received a treatment pattern composed of the administration of tetanus serum (50,000 UI, intravenously, followed by three injections of the same dose at 48-h intervals), procaine penicillin (25,000 UI kg, intramuscularly, BID, for 10 days), and muscle relaxant (acepromazine 0.02-0.05 mg/kg, intramuscularly, BID, for 8 days). Support therapy based on hydroelectrolytic replacements, feeding via a nasogastric tube, and assistance in the maintenance of the quadrupedal position were performed when needed. The mortality rate observed in this report was 23.52%. Early diagnosis associated with the instituted treatment contributed the most to the animal recovery.

O tétano é uma doença angustiante e frequentemente fatal, causada por exotoxinas liberadas pela bactéria Clostridium tetani. Clostridium tetani é um microrganismo comensal do trato gastrointestinal do homem e de animais domésticos, e seus esporos são altamente resistentes às mudanças ambientais, ácidas e alcalinas, podendo persistir no solo por muitos anos. A doença é caracterizada por rigidez muscular generalizada e espasmos, hiperestesia, convulsões, parada respiratória e morte. O cavalo é a espécie de animal doméstico mais suscetível. O tratamento é tipicamente direcionado à eliminação da fonte da toxina, neutralização de qualquer toxina não ligada, estabelecimento de imunidade à antitoxina, controle de distúrbios neuromusculares e alívio da dor. Os achados clínicos e protocolos terapêuticos de 17 cavalos com tétano tratados durante o período de março de 2012 a dezembro de 2021 são descritos. O diagnóstico de tétano baseou-se na história e nos achados do exame clínico dos animais. Todos os cavalos receberam padrão de tratamento, composto pela administração de soro tetânico (50.000UI, por via intravenosa, seguido de três outras aplicações da mesma dose em intervalos de 48 horas), penicilina procaína (25.000UI kg, intramuscular, BID, por 10 dias) e relaxante muscular (acepromazina 0,02-0,05 mg kg, por via intramuscular, BID, por oito dias). Foram realizadas terapia de suporte baseada em reposições hidroeletrolíticas, alimentação por sonda nasogástrica e auxílio na manutenção da posição quadrúpede, quando necessário. A mortalidade observada neste estudo foi de 23,52%. O diagnóstico precoce associado ao tratamento instituído foram os fatores que mais contribuíram para a recuperação dos animais.

Kinematic analysis of the ankle/foot complex mobility of women with PFP during weight bearing functional tests / Análise cinemática da mobilidade do complexo tornozelo/pé de mulheres com DFP durante testes funcionais de descarga de peso

Abstract: Patellofemoral pain (PFP) has been frequently associated with abnormalities in the alignment of the lower limbs and trunk, particularly during weight-bearing activities. In this context, proximal and local factors have been widely discussed. Distal factors could also be involved and need to be investigated in more detail. Our objective was to compare the foot kinematics of the ankle/foot complex in women with pronated feet and patellofemoral pain with the kinematics of asymptomatic women during the execution of anterior and lateral step down tests. Methods: Fifty women were divided into two groups: control (n=16); and patellofemoral pain (n=34). All volunteers were evaluated using three-dimensional motion capture during the forward and lateral step-down tests. For each session, nine repetitions of each clinical test were performed on the most painful limb of the women with PFP and the dominant limb of the women in the control group. The mobility of the ankle/foot complex was measured and the range of motion was calculated for all segments. The two groups were compared using multivariate analysis of variance. Results: Women in the PFP group exhibited less knee flexion and significantly greater mobility of: the hindfoot in relation to the tibia and the laboratory; the forefoot in relation to the tibia; and the forefoot in relation to the hindfoot. Conclusion: Women with PFP exhibited greater mobility of the ankle/foot complex during the anterior and lateral step down tests, when compared with asymptomatic women.

Resumo: Introdução: A dor femoropatelar (DFP) tem sido frequentemente associada a anormalidades no alinhamento dos membros inferiores e tronco, principalmente durante atividades de descarga de peso. Nesse contexto, fatores proximais e locais têm sido amplamente discutidos. Fatores distais também podem estar envolvidos e precisam ser investigados com mais detalhes. Nosso objetivo foi comparar a cinemática do complexo tornozelo/pé em mulheres com pés pronados e dor femoropatelar pormeio de cinemática tridimensional de mulheres assintomáticas durante a execução dos testes step down anterior e lateral. Métodos: Cinquenta mulheres foram divididas em dois grupos: controle (n=16); e dor patelofemoral (n=34). Todos os voluntários foram avaliados usando captura de movimento tridimensional durante os testes step down anterior e lateral. Para cada sessão, foram realizadas nove repetições de cada teste clínico no membro mais doloroso das mulheres com DFP e no membro dominante das mulheres do grupo controle. A mobilidade do complexo tornozelo/pé foi medida e a amplitude de movimento foi calculada para todos os segmentos. Os dois grupos foram comparados por meio de análise multivariada (MANOVA). Resultados: As mulheres do grupo DFP apresentaram menor flexão do joelho e mobilidade significativamente maior de: retropé em relação à tíbia e ao laboratório; do antepé em relação à tíbia; e do antepé em relação ao retropé. Conclusão: Mulheres com DFP apresentaram maior mobilidade do complexo tornozelo/pé durante os testes de step down anterior e lateral, quando comparadas com mulheres assintomáticas.

Direct Methylation for Determination of Fatty Acids in Coffee Samples by GC-FID.

The direct methylation method developed in this work for coffee samples allowed the determination of fatty acids using smaller sample amounts (100 mg), lower solvent volumes (5 mL) and shorter experimental run time (~12 min). Hence, the experiments are more economical and collaborate with green chemistry, besides favoring the health of the analyst who handles a smaller amount of solvents in a short period. Design Expert software was employed to determine the optimal concentration of the acid and base (0.7 e 1.75 molL-1) and evaluate the sonication time (5 min for both procedures). The experiments were carried out on different coffee samples in which the fat content ranging from 10.18% to 14.86%. The relative standard deviation values for intraday and interday were 2.78% and 7.8%, respectively, confirming the good precision of the proposed method for fatty acid derivatization.

Melatonin Administration Prevents Placental and Fetal Changes Induced by Gestational Diabetes.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) promotes changes in the placenta and fetuses, due to oxidative stress. Antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress in the placenta. We tested the hypothesis that melatonin (Mel) can prevent these effects in the placenta and fetuses, analyzing their histology, histochemistry, morphometry, and immunohistochemistry. Thirty albino rats were used, divided into groups: CG-pregnant non-diabetic rats; GD-pregnant diabetic rats; GD + Mel-pregnant diabetic rats treated with melatonin. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin at a dosage of 50 mg/kg i.p. Melatonin was administered in daily injections of 0.8 mg/kg i.p. Melatonin prevented the placental weight and fetal weight and length from increasing, in addition to histomoformetric, histochemical, and immunohistochemical changes in the placentas, compared to the placentas of diabetic females (GD). Thus, we conclude that melatonin has a great potential to prevent placental changes due to GDM.

Residência terapêutica: permanências e rupturas nas práticas de trabalho / Residencia terapéutica: estancias y descansos en las prácticas laborales / Therapeutic residency: permanencies and breaks in work practices

RESUMO. No Brasil, o funcionamento das residências terapêuticas tende a apresentar desafios, tais como a falta de apoio social, que podem dificultar a produção do cuidado em saúde e afetar os trabalhadores do serviço. Por isso, a presente pesquisa tem como objetivo relatar a experiência de realização de oficinas com profissionais de uma residência terapêutica, além de descrever os desafios e potencialidades enfrentados pelos profissionais ao produzirem o cuidado em saúde. Para tanto, realizou-se um estudo qualitativo-descritivo, do tipo relato de experiência, embasado na abordagem metodológica do construcionismo social. Os dados foram coletados a partir de entrevistas semiestruturadas, gravadas, com cinco profissionais de uma residência terapêutica, seguidas por quatro oficinas, adaptadas a partir da Metodologia 'Ritmos da Vida', e diários de campo da pesquisadora. A partir dos relatos apresentados percebe-se que as participantes do estudo relataram muito mais desafios do que potencialidades para a produção do cuidado em saúde mental. Contudo, os espaços de fala e de escuta ofertados às profissionais parecem ter disponibilizado reflexões que possibilitaram a construção de sentidos positivos relacionados ao trabalho em saúde mental.

RESUMEN. En el Brasil, el funcionamiento de las residencias terapéuticas tiende a presentar desafíos, como la falta de apoyo social, que pueden dificultar la producción del cuidado en salud y afectar a los trabajadores del servicio. Por eso, la presente investigación tiene como objetivo relatar la experiencia de realización de talleres con profesionales de una residencia terapéutica, además describir los desafíos y potencialidades enfrentados por los profesionales al producir el cuidado en salud. Para ello, se realizó un estudio cualitativo-descriptivo, del tipo relato de experiencia, basado en el enfoque metodológico del construccionismo social. Los datos fueron recolectados a partir de entrevistas semiestructuradas, grabadas, con cinco profesionales de una residencia terapéutica, seguidas por cuatro talleres, adaptados a partir de la Metodología 'Ritmos da Vida', y diarios de campo de la investigadora. A partir de los relatos presentados se percibe que las participantes del estudio relataron mucho más desafíos que potencialidades para la producción del cuidado en salud mental. Sin embargo, los espacios de habla y de escucha ofrecidos a las profesionales parecen haber ofrecido reflexiones que posibilitaron la construcción de sentidos positivos relacionados con el trabajo en salud mental.

ABSTRACT. n Brazil, the functioning of therapeutic residences tends to present challenges, such as the lack of social support, which can hinder the production of health care and affect the workers of the service. Therefore, this study aimed to report the experience of conducting workshops with professionals of a therapeutic residence, besides describing the challenges and potentialities faced by professionals when producing health care. To this end, a qualitative-descriptive study, experience report was carried out, based on the social constructionism approach. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews, recorded, with five professionals of a therapeutic residence, followed by four workshops, adapted from the methodology 'Rhythms of Life', and field diaries of the first author. From the reports presented, the study participants clearly reported many more challenges than potentialities to produce mental health care. However, the spaces for talking and listening offered to professionals seem to have provided reflections that enabled the construction of positive meanings related to mental health work.

Renal and hepatic changes in the offspring of rats that received biological insecticides during pregnancy and lactation.

Bacillus thuringiensis insecticides have been considered safe, being an alternative to the use of synthetic insecticides. However, studies have shown the effects of Bt Cry toxins on various organs, compromising their functions. The objective of this work was to test whether the administration of biological insecticides based on B. thuringiensis in pregnant rats will cause histopathological changes in the liver and kidneys, as well as in the levels of toxicity biomarkers, of their puppies in adulthood. Twenty rats, 90 days old, were used, divided into four groups: GC - Pregnant rats, GX - Pregnant rats that received XenTari®, GDi - Pregnant rats that received Dipel® and GDe - Pregnant rats that received deltamethrin. Insecticides were administered by gavage at a dosage of 1 mg/100 g/day (GX and GDi), and 2 mg/Kg/day (GDe) during pregnancy and lactation. In the animals of the groups whose matrices received the insecticides, there was a reduction in the levels of the biomarkers of toxicity alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), urea and creatinine, about the control group. The biological insecticides promoted histopathological changes in the liver, with the presence of portal vein, centrilobular and sinusoidal capillaries congestion, and in the kidney, presence of cortical congestion and reduction of the subcapsular space. Histochemical evaluation in the liver demonstrated a significant reduction in glycogen in the groups that received insecticides when compared to the control group, whereas for collagen fibers in both the liver and the kidneys, no differences were observed between the experimental groups. The morphometry of the liver revealed a significant reduction in the lobular parenchyma and an increase in the non-lobular parenchyma, and in the kidney, there was a reduction in the diameter and volume of the glomerulus and Bowman's capsule of the animals whose matrices received both biological and synthetic insecticides. Thus, it is concluded that the biological insecticides XenTari® and Dipel® in sublethal doses in pregnant rats promote changes in the liver and kidney of the offspring similar to the insecticide deltamethrin, which extend into adulthood.

Diarreia crônica associada a enteropatia arenosa em equinos / Chronic diarrhea associated with sand enteropathy in horses: report of three cases

A doença gastrintestinal relacionada à areia, também conhecida como enteropatia arenosa, é uma enfermidade gastrintestinal comum nos equinos mantidos a campo em regiões com solo arenoso frouxo resultando em sinais clínicos variáveis incluindo dor abdominal aguda, perda de peso, diarréia intermitente e baixa performance. Este artigo tem por objetivo relatar três casos de diarreia crônica em equinos associada à enteropatia arenosa. Três equinos da raça Quarto de Milha, dois garanhões e uma égua, com idades variando de 3 a oito anos, e peso médio de 433,33 + 41,66 kg foram examinados para diagnóstico de diarreia crônica. Nenhum dos animais apresentou sinais clínicos de dor abdominal aguda ou cólica recorrente que necessitasse de atendimento emergencial nesse período. Os animais foram manejados clinicamente por meio da utilização de Psyllium em pó na dose de 1g/kg de peso vivo por via oral a cada 24 horas durante 21 dias, além do fornecimento de 8 gramas de probiótico comercial. O tratamento foi eficaz na resolução do quadro clínico dos três animais.

Sand related gastrointestinal disease, also known as sandy enteropathy, is a common gastrointestinal disease in horses kept in regions with loose sandy soil resulting in variable clinical signs including acute abdominal pain, weight loss, intermittent diarrhea and poor performance. This article aims to report three cases of chronic diarrhea in horses associated with sandy enteropathy. Three Quarter Horses, two stallions and one mare, with ages ranging from 3 to eight years, and a mean weight of 433.33 ± 41.66 kg were examined for diagnosis of chronic diarrhea. None of the animals showed clinical signs of acute abdominal pain or recurrent colic that required emergency care during this period. The animals were clinically managed using Psyllium powder at a dose of 1g/kg bodyweight orally every 24 hours for 21 days, in addition to providing 8 grams of commercial probiotic. The treatment was effective in resolving the clinical status of the three animals.

Hematúria macroscópica em equinos associada à infecção por Leptospira interrogans / Macroscopic haematuria in horses associated with Leptospira interrogans infection

Hematúria é uma grave manifestação clínica de doença do sistema urinário, ocorrendo sob as formas micro ou macroscópica. Neste artigo relatam-se dois casos de hematúria macroscópica associada à infecção por Leptospira interrogans sorogrupo Canicola. O exame clínico inicial revelou hematúria macroscópica, taquicardia, taquipneia, febre, elevação do tempo de perfusão capilar, hipomotilidade intestinal, além de icterícia da mucosa oral. Leucocitose, proteinúria, glicosúria, piúria e azotemia foram achados comuns aos dois casos. Teste de Soroaglutinação Microscópica foi realizado para titulação de anticorpos contra Leptospira interrogans. Tratamento incluiu medidas terapêuticas de suporte (fluidoterapia), controle da hematúria e antibioticoterapia. Sete dias após manifestação dos sinais clínicos iniciais, ambos animais receberam alta hospitalar após remissão dos sinais clínicos.

Haematuria is a serious clinical manifestation of urinary system disease, occurring in micro or macroscopic forms. In this article two cases of macroscopic haematuria associated with Leptospira interrogans serogroup Canicolainfection are related. The initial clinical examination revealed macroscopic haematuria, tachycardia, tachypnea, fever, increased capillary perfusion time, intestinal hypomotility, in addition to jaundice of the oral mucosa. Leukocytosis, proteinuria, glycosuria, pyuria and azotemia were common findings in both cases. Microscopic serum agglutination test was performed for titration of antibodies against Leptospira interrogans. Treatment included supportive therapeutic measures (fluid therapy), hematuria control and antibiotic therapy. Seven days after the manifestation of the initial clinical signs, both animals were discharged from the hospital without complications.

Hematúria macroscópica em equinos associada à infecção por Leptospira interrogans / Macroscopic haematuria in horses associated with Leptospira interrogans infection

Hematúria é uma grave manifestação clínica de doença do sistema urinário, ocorrendo sob as formas micro ou macroscópica. Neste artigo relatam-se dois casos de hematúria macroscópica associada à infecção por Leptospira interrogans sorogrupo Canicola. O exame clínico inicial revelou hematúria macroscópica, taquicardia, taquipneia, febre, elevação do tempo de perfusão capilar, hipomotilidade intestinal, além de icterícia da mucosa oral. Leucocitose, proteinúria, glicosúria, piúria e azotemia foram achados comuns aos dois casos. Teste de Soroaglutinação Microscópica foi realizado para titulação de anticorpos contra Leptospira interrogans. Tratamento incluiu medidas terapêuticas de suporte (fluidoterapia), controle da hematúria e antibioticoterapia. Sete dias após manifestação dos sinais clínicos iniciais, ambos animais receberam alta hospitalar após remissão dos sinais clínicos.

Haematuria is a serious clinical manifestation of urinary system disease, occurring in micro or macroscopic forms. In this article two cases of macroscopic haematuria associated with Leptospira interrogans serogroup Canicolainfection are related. The initial clinical examination revealed macroscopic haematuria, tachycardia, tachypnea, fever, increased capillary perfusion time, intestinal hypomotility, in addition to jaundice of the oral mucosa. Leukocytosis, proteinuria, glycosuria, pyuria and azotemia were common findings in both cases. Microscopic serum agglutination test was performed for titration of antibodies against Leptospira interrogans. Treatment included supportive therapeutic measures (fluid therapy), hematuria control and antibiotic therapy. Seven days after the manifestation of the initial clinical signs, both animals were discharged from the hospital without complications.