Quantification of the liver structure of zebrafish (Danio rerio) submitted to different diets and physical exercise.

The zebrafish has been used in research for over 80 years. In the last three decades, discoveries about the fundamental properties of development, regeneration, cancer, and other diseases have established the zebrafish as an important model organism in biomedical research. This study aimed to evaluate liver alterations in zebrafish by quantitatively assessing the areas occupied by hepatocytes, as well as connective and adipose tissues. Forty-eight adult Danio rerio (38 males and 10 females) of approximately 13 months of age were used. They were divided into four groups, with 12 animals each. The fish were randomly distributed to form the groups, which received a maintenance and/or hypercaloric diet, with or without the addition of physical exercise. The animals underwent six hours of forced exercise (5 cm/s) for thirteen weeks. The animals that practiced physical exercise had a higher volumetric density of the area occupied by hepatocytes (65.92%±1.81 - GMex and 50.75%±2.24 GHex) among the groups. The GH group had a higher volumetric density of the area occupied by connective tissue (15.12%±0.72), followed by the GHex group (13.53%±1.43). Regarding the volumetric density of the area occupied by adipose tissue, the GH group had a higher density (27.21%±1.36), followed by the GHex group (21.66%±1.11) with statistically significant differences. The GMex had a volumetric density of the area occupied by adipose tissue of 3.5%±0.76, while the GM had 5.7%±0.5, with statistical difference. In relation to the animals in the GHex group, they had 20.39% less fat than the animals in the GH group. The animals in the GMex group had 72.47% less fat than those in the GM group. It is concluded that the different dietary constitutions and the imposition of physical exercise were able to modify the structural architecture of the liver of Danio rerio. These are acceptable criteria for modulations, thus aiming at the control and possible interferences directly related to the metabolism of the species and therefore the control of diseases.

Supplemental L-arginine improves feed conversion and modulates lipid metabolism in male and female broilers from 29 to 42 days of age.

The excessive accumulation of abdominal fat in broilers is an economic waste. Supplemental dietary L-arginine has been shown to reduce lipogenesis in broilers, but studies on this subject are still scarce. Two experiments were conducted in a 5×2 factorial design, with five L-arginine concentrations in diets (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 g/kg) provided to male and female broilers, from 29 to 42 days of age, reared in boxes or cages, with six replicates of 23 broilers per box and six replicates of three broilers per cage, totalling 1560 broilers. Data on performance, carcass and cuts yield, abdominal fat deposition, chemical composition of the breast, lipid profile and liver enzyme activity were evaluated in experiment 1. In experiment 2, the balance and retention of nitrogen, metabolizability coefficients and metabolizable energy of feed were determined and the treatments were evaluated in six replicates of three broilers per cage, totalling 180 broilers. In both experiments, there was no interaction (P > 0.05) between L-arginine concentration in the diet and sex of the broilers for all parameters evaluated. Male broilers showed higher (P < 0.05) weight gain, noble cuts yield, levels of CP and mineral matter in the breast, better feed conversion (P < 0.05) and lower (P < 0.05) malic enzyme activity in the liver and abdominal fat deposition. On the other hand, regardless of sex, the increase in L-arginine concentration in the diet improved (P < 0.05) the feed conversion in addition to reducing (P < 0.05) serum levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the malic enzyme activity in the liver and abdominal fat deposition. In conclusion, male broilers had better productive results than females. However, supplementing the diet of male or female broilers from 29 to 42 days of age with L-arginine at a concentration of 6.87 g/kg represents a nutritional strategy to improve feed conversion and reduce circulating triacylglycerol and cholesterol levels, NADPH synthesis by liver malic enzyme and abdominal fat deposition, without negatively affecting the carcass and noble cuts yield, the amount of nitrogen excreted by the broilers and the energy value of the feed.

Agronomic performance of Marandu grass treated with plant growth biostimulants in the Amazon biome / Desempenho agronômico de capim-marandu tratado com bioestimulantes no bioma Amazônia

The aim was to evaluate the effect of different doses of two biostimulants on the productivity and canopy structure of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu grass in the establishment fase. The study was conducted in Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia, Parauapebas, Pará, Brazil. One module of 35 plots of 25m² were established. A completely randomized experimental design was used, with seven treatments and five replicates. The treatments included a control, 0.5, 1, and 2kg/ha of biostimulant A (BIOST.A); and 0.25, 0.5, and 1L/ha of biostimulant B (BIOST.B). Three collections were performed. The data for application of the two biostimulants were analyzed separately, using the Dummy variable method and regression analysis. The application of 2kg/ha BIOST.A resulted in increases of 842kg/ha in the forage mass. The application of BIOST.B on Marandu grass resulted in a linear increase in stem mass. The application of 2kg/ha BIOST.A in the establishment of Marandu grass result in higher growth rates, forage accumulation, and stem proportion in the canopy.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de diferentes doses de dois bioestimulantes sobre a produtividade e a estrutura do dossel do capim Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu na fase de estabelecimento. O estudo foi realizado na Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia, Parauapebas, Pará, Brasil. Um módulo de 35 parcelas de 25m² foi estabelecido. Utilizou-se delineamento experimental inteiramente ao acaso, composto de sete tratamentos e cinco repetições cada. Os tratamentos incluídos no controle foram: 0,5, 1 e 2kg/ha de bioestimulante A (BIOST.A); 0,25; 0,5 e 1L/ha de bioestimulante B (BIOST.B). Foram realizadas três coletas. Os dados para a aplicação dos dois bioestimulantes foram analisados separadamente, utilizando-se organização por método variável Dummy e análise de regressão. A aplicação de 2kg/ha BIOST.A resultou em incrementos de 842kg/ha na massa de forragem. A aplicação do BIOST.B na grama marandu resultou em aumento linear na produção de massa do caule. A aplicação de 2kg/ha BIOST.A no estabelecimento de erva de marandu resultou em maiores taxas de crescimento, acumulação de forragem e proporção de caule no dossel.(AU)

Behavioral disorders and impairment of quality of life in children and adolescents with lower urinary tract dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) is a broad term describing the full spectrum of disorders in any of the stages of bladder function-storage or voiding LUTD is a clinical condition associated with emotional and behavioral disorders in children. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association of emotional and behavioral symptoms and their impact on the quality of life (QoL) in children and adolescents with LUTD. METHODS: Eighty-eight patients and their parents enrolled in an interdisciplinary program for children and adolescents with LUTD were included in the analysis. Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) was used to estimate the prevalence of behavioral and emotional problems through the assessment of 14 items. Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (versions for parents and children) was applied in the versions for parents and children to evaluate the QoL. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory-PedsQL, version 4.0-was applied separately for parents and patients. The association of clinical variables and aspects related to QoL of patients were evaluated through non-parametric correlations (Spearman) and multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: According to CBCL's clinical scores, 56% of the patients showed total behavioral problems, 55% internalizing, and 38% externalizing. When comparing the conditions of LUTD and the CBCL scores, patients with voiding postponement had the lowest rates of total problems (P = 0.036). Children and adolescents with LUTD who also had enuresis showed a higher frequency of externalizing problems (P = 0.001), especially aggressive behavior (P = 0.013). Scores of patients with LUTD were significantly lower in all domains of QoL than normative data. Presence of behavioral problems was associated with worse QoL in all evaluated aspects. The total QoL was most influenced by the CBCL school competence scale according to the regression model analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings suggest the relevance of evaluation of behavioral and social repercussions of LUTD to improve the multidisciplinary approach for this condition in pediatric population.

Recurrent amplification of RTEL1 and ABCA13 and its synergistic effect associated with clinicopathological data of gastric adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Despite progression in treatment of gastric cancer, prognosis of patients remains poor, in part due to the low rate of diagnosis during its early stages. This paradigm implies the necessity to identify molecular biomarkers for early gastric cancer diagnosis, as well as for disease monitoring, thus contributing to the development of new therapeutic approaches. In a previous study, performed by array-Comparative Genomic Hybridization, we described for the first time in literature recurrent amplification of RTEL1 and ABCA13 genes in gastric cancer. Thus, the aim of the present study was to validate recurrent amplification of RTEL1 and ABCA13 genes and associate CNV status with clinicopathological data. FINDINGS: Results showed RTEL1 and ABCA13 amplification in 38 % of samples. Statistical analysis demonstrated that RTEL amplification is more common in older patients and more associated with intestinal type and ABCA13 amplification increases the risk of lymph node metastasis and is more common in men. Co-amplification of these genes showed a significant association with advanced staging. CONCLUSIONS: aCGH is a very useful tool for investigating novel genes associated with carcinogenesis and RTEL1 amplification may be important for the development of gastric cancer in older patients, besides being a probable event contributing for chromosomal instability in intestinal gastric carcinogenesis. ABCA13 amplification may have age-specific function and could be considered a useful marker for predicting lymph node metastasis in resected gastric cancer patients in early stage. Lastly, RTEL1 and ABCA13 synergistic effect may be considered as a putative marker for advanced staging in gastric cancer patients.

Macro- and microstructural descriptions of the zebrafish (Danio rerio) liver.

The liver is an essential metabolically active organ, responsible for many vital life functions such as metabolism, synthesis, and storage. This study describes the macroscopic and microscopic zebrafish liver and its temporal changes during a period of 13 weeks. Forty-six adult zebrafish were used (46), of which 27 were females and were 19 males. Seven fish were euthanized initially for macroscopic evaluation and 3 fish were euthanized weekly for 13 weeks for microscopic evaluation. Routine histological technique was performed; the slides were stained with haematoxylin/eosin and periodic acid-Schiff. The volumetric (Vv(h)) and numerical (Nv(h)) densities of hepatocytes and vacuolation intensity were determined weekly. The liver was located in the coelomic cavity ventrally to the swim bladder, slightly brownish and divided into 3 hepatic lobes. Microscopically, it consisted of hepatocytes forming a muralium duplex around the sinusoids. The staining of the cytoplasm of hepatocytes was more eosinophilic and more basophilic in males and females, respectively. There was no formation of portal triads and phagocytic cells. The gallbladder had transitional epithelium, and the bile ducts had simple cuboidal epithelium. The volume and numerical density of hepatocytes during the 13 weeks was not statistically different, but these parameters displayed a positive correlation. The vacuolation was due to the presence of glycogen. The zebrafish liver has macro and micro structural particular features while, quantitatively, the volume and number of hepatocytes showed great capacity to respond to the physiological needs of the animal at the time.

Validation of Prediction Equations of Energy Values of a Single Ingredient or Their Combinations in Male Broilers.

A set of prediction equations to estimate the nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) of individual ingredients and diets used in the poultry feed industry was evaluated. The AMEn values of three energy ingredients (maize, sorghum and defatted maize germ meal), four protein ingredients (soybean meal, maize gluten meal 60% crude protein, integral micronized soy and roasted whole soybean) and four diets (three containing four feedstuffs, complex diets, and one containing only corn-soybean meal, basal diet) were determined using a metabolism assay with male broilers from 1 to 7, 8 to 21, 22 to 35, and 36 to 42 days old. These values were compared to the AMEn values presented in the tables of energy composition or estimated by equation predictions based on chemical composition data of feedstuffs. In general, the equation predictions more precisely estimated the AMEn of feedstuffs when compared to the tables of energy composition. The equation AMEn (dry matter [DM] basis) = 4,164.187+51.006 ether extract (% in DM basis)-197.663 ash-35.689 crude fiber (% in DM basis)-20.593 neutral detergent fiber (% in DM basis) (R(2) = 0.75) was the most applicable for the prediction of the energy values of feedstuffs and diets used in the poultry feed industry.

Testosterone induces apoptosis in cardiomyocytes by increasing proapoptotic signaling involving tumor necrosis factor-α and renin angiotensin system.

Anabolic androgenic steroids lead to cardiac complications and have been shown to exhibit proapoptotic effects in cardiac cells; however, the mechanism involved in those effects is unclear. The aim of this study was to assess whether apoptosis and the activation of caspase-3 (Casp-3) induced by testosterone in high concentrations involves increments in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity in cardiomyocytes (H9c2) cell cultures. Cardiomyocytes were treated with testosterone (5 × 10(-6) mol/L), doxorubicin (9.2 × 10(-6) mol/L), testosterone + etanercept (Eta; 6.67 × 10(-5) mol/L), testosterone + losartan (Los; 10(-7) mol/L), and testosterone + AC-DEVD-CHO (10(-5) mol/L; Casp-3 inhibitor). Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry and by the proteolytic activity of Casp-3. We demonstrated that incubation of H9c2 cells for 48 h with testosterone causes the apoptotic death of 60-70% of the cells and co-treatments with Eta, Los, or AC-DEVD-CHO reduced this effect. Testosterone also induces apoptosis (concentration dependent) and increases the proteolytic activity of Casp-3, which were reduced by co-treatments. TNF-α and ACE activities were elevated by testosterone treatment, while co-treatment with Los and Eta reduced these effects. We concluded that an interaction between testosterone, angiotensin II, and TNF-α induced apoptosis and Casp-3 activity in cultured cardiomyocytes, which contributed to the reduced viability of these cells induced by testosterone in toxic concentrations.

Desenvolvimento de método analítico de cromatografia líquida de alta eficiencia (CLAE) para quantificação de lupeol em nanocápsulas poliméricas / Development of analytical method for measurement of lupeol in polymeric nanocapsules by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)

A simple, precise and accurate high-performance liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the determination of lupeol in polymeric nanocapsules. Chromatographic separation was performed on a Varian C8 column (250 mm x 4.6 mm x 5 mm) maintained at 35°C, with a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile and methanol (95:5 v/v) acidified with 0.1% acetic acid, flowing at 1.2 mL/min, with an injected sample volume of 20 µL, UV detection at 210 nm and a run time of 6.2 min. The proposed method was linear over the concentration range 10-250 µg/mL, with R2= 0.9996. Analyses of accuracy and precision showedlow values of relative standard deviation (<4.2%). The methodology was specific, linear, accurate, precise and robust and proved to be adequate for the quantitative analysis of lupeol in polymeric nanocapsules...

Um método de cromatografia líquida de alta performance simples, exato e preciso foi desenvolvido para a determinação do lupeol em nanocápsulas poliméricas. A separação cromatográfica foi realizada numa coluna Varian C8 (250 mm x 4,6 mm x 5 mm), mantida a 35°C, fase móvel constituída por acetonitrila e metanol acidificado com ácido acético a 0,1% (95:5 v/v), e taxa de fluxo de 1,2 mL/min, com um volume injeção de amostra de 20 µl e detecção UV a 210 nm, com o tempo de eluição de 6,2 min. O método proposto é linear para a faixa de concentração de 10 a 250 µg/mL com coeficiente de correlação de 0,9996. As análises de exatidão e precisão demonstraram baixos valores de desvio padrão relativo (< 4,2%). A metodologia foi específica, linear, precisa, exata e robusta, se mostrando capaz de ser aplicada para quantificação de lupeol em nanocápsulas poliméricas...

Morfologia e biometria do timo em araras dos gêneros Ara e Anodorhynchus / Morphology and biometry of the thymus gland in macaw of Ara and Anodorhynchus genera

Foram utilizados 12 exemplares de Ara ararauna - seis fêmeas e seis machos -, cinco exemplares de Ara chloropterus (uma fêmea e quatro machos) e dois exemplares de Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus - uma fêmea e um macho -, todos adultos, doados por criadouro particular, após óbito natural. Os lobos foram dissecados e medidos com paquímetro - comprimento x largura x espessura - e analisados quanto ao peso, à topografia e à morfologia individual. Independentemente do gênero, foram identificados, em 17 casos (89,5%), lobos tímicos nos antímeros cervicais esquerdo e direito, e em oito casos (42,1%), lobos na cavidade celomática. Os lobos apresentaram formatos alongados - 52,6% -, arredondados - 21,1% - ou ovalados - 15,8% -, posicionados preferencialmente ventromedialmente ao longo do plexo vasculoneural do pescoço, com número médio de cinco lobos por antímero, tamanho médio de 0,49cm de comprimento, 0,12cm de largura e 0,05cm de espessura e peso médio de 0,076g.

Twelve samples of Ara ararauna - six females and six males -, five samples of Ara chloropterus (one female and four males) and two samples of Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus (one female and one male), all adults from a Breeding Park, were used after natural death. The lobes were dissected and measured with electronic calliper (length x width x thickness) and analyzed taking their weight, topography and individual morphology into account. Regardless of gender, 89.5% of the cases presented timic lobes in the left and right cervical antimere, and 42.1% of the cases presented lobes in the celomatic cavity. The lobes were shown in shapes - long (52.6%), round (21.1%) or oval (15.8%), positioned mostly ventromedially, along the neurovascular plexus of the neck, with an average of five lobes per antimere, and an average size of 0.49cm length, 0.12cm width, and 0.05cm thick and average weight of 0.076g.

The energy value of biodiesel glycerine products fed to broilers at different ages.

The objective of this study was to determine the apparent metabolisable energy corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn) of some products containing glycerine from soybean oil (GOIL), a mixture of frying oil and lard (GMIX) and a semi-purified process (GSP) in broilers of different ages (10, 20, 30 and 40 days post-hatching), using two methodologies. In trial 1, the basal diets were replaced with 100 g/kg of each studied glycerine product and the diets were supplied ad libitum. Three hundred broilers were used in five replicates, with five, four, three and three animals per cage in each age group, respectively. The AMEn was calculated for each experimental unit. In trial 2, dietary treatments included the addition of glycerine at 0, 40, 80 or 120 g/kg for each crude glycerine product, with 900 broilers in six replicates, using the same number of animals per cage as described in trial 1. Depending on the experimental unit, the feeding was restricted in 88%, 92%, 96% and 100% of estimated intake according to the Cobb guide. The AMEn was determined using linear regression between the feed intake and the AMEn of each diet. In both trials, the total excreta collection method was used. Because of the chemical composition, GMIX was not considered crude glycerine. The mean AMEn values of the products were 20.55 MJ/kg, 15.80 MJ/kg and 15.05 MJ/kg for GMIX, GSP and GOIL, respectively. There was a linear decrease (p < 0.01) in the AMEn values with the increasing age of the broilers. Numerically, it was observed that the AMEn values decreased until 28-30 day post-hatching and then remained constant until the finishing phase. It is concluded that products containing glycerine can be used as an energy source for broilers, but that AMEn values can vary according to age. Younger broilers have a higher capacity of energy utilisation from these feedstuffs.

Nonalcoholic Fatty liver disease in chronic hepatitis B and C patients from Western Amazon.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) includes a wide spectrum of histological conditions, extending from simple steatosis to end-stage liver failure. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of NAFLD and its associations in chronic hepatitis B and C patients. Methods. We included all patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B and C who underwent a liver biopsy between January 2010 and October 2011 (n = 104). Parameters studied included hepatitis type, anthropometric data, histologic, hepatic, metabolic and lipid assessments, presence of hypertension and viral load. Results. Hepatitis B was presented in 28.8% (n = 30) of patients, while hepatitis C was presented in 71.2% (n = 74). In addition, hepatic steatosis was present in 25% (n = 26) of the patients. Steatosis was frequently found in hepatitis C patients (31.1%; 25% n = 23), but infrequently in hepatitis B patients (10%; n = 3) (P = 0.024). It was also found that steatosis was frequently present in hepatitis C patients with intense fibrosis (52.94%) (P = 0.025). Discussion. Our results suggest that steatosis is a common feature in patients with viral chronic hepatitis, and that it plays a different role in each type of hepatitis.

Distribuição configurada pela artéria celíaca em papagaios-verdadeiros (Amazona aestiva) / Configured distribution of the celiac artery in blue-fronted amazon (Amazona aestiva)

Foram descritas a origem e a distribuição da artéria celíaca em 20 papagaios-verdadeiros (Amazona aestiva), por meio do preenchimento do sistema arterial com solução de látex corado, fixado em solução de formol, para posterior dissecação de seus ramos colaterais. Como primeiro ramo, a artéria célica emitiu a artéria proventricular dorsal, que seguiu para o ventrículo como artéria gástrica dorsal e, em seguida, enviou a artéria proventricular ventral, que em 85 por cento dos exemplares se originou diretamente da artéria celíaca, ou do seu ramo esquerdo em 15 por cento. Em 25 por cento dos casos, a artéria esplênica foi emitida antes da bifurcação em ramo esquerdo e direito. O ramo esquerdo foi responsável pela origem de ramos proventriculares, ramos pilóricos, artéria esplênica e artéria proventricular ventral, a qual emitiu ramos ao proventrículo e ao esôfago. A artéria celíaca também originou as artérias gástrica ventral e gástrica esquerda, que foram responsáveis pela emissão da artéria hepática esquerda. O ramo direito emitiu artérias esplênicas - que variaram de uma a sete -, duodenal - destinada ao segmento mais caudal da alça ascendente do duodeno, hepática direita - para o lobo direito do fígado. Em seu segmento terminal, o ramo direito dividiu-se em artérias gástrica direita - para o ventrículo -, pancreaticoduodenal - para o pâncreas, alças ascendente e descendente do duodeno e segmentos cranial do íleo e caudal do jejuno. A irrigação determinada pela artéria celíaca nos papagaios segue o que é proposto para aves de outros gêneros, apresentando divergências como ausência das artérias vesicular e ileocecal, bem como da vesícula biliar e ceco.

This research was performed aiming to describe the origin and the distribution of the celiac artery in 20 blue fronted amazon (Amazona aestiva), through the completion of their circulatory system with an aqueous solution of colored latex, followed by fixation in formol for later dissection of the collateral branches. The first branch emitted the proventricular dorsal artery that headed to the ventricle as gastric dorsal artery and next emitted the proventricular ventral artery which originated on the celiac artery in 85 percent of the cases and in 15 percent had its origin on the left branch of the celiac artery. In 25 percent of the cases the splenic artery was emitted before the bifurcation on left and right branches. The left branch was responsible for the origin of the proventricular branches, piloric branches, splenic artery and proventricular artery, which emitted branches to the proventricle and esophagus. The celiac artery also emitted the gastric ventral artery and left gastric. The right branch emitted splenic arteries (that varied from a number of seven); duodenal bound for the more caudal segment of the ascendant segment of the duodenum and the right hepatica to the right liver lobe. On its terminal segment the right branch was divided into right gastric arteries to the ventricle and pancreaticduodenal to the pancreas, ascendant and descendant braces of the duodenum and to the cranial segments of the ileum and caudal of the jejune. The irrigation provided by the celiac artery in parrots remains the same as described for other bird genders showing as divergences: the lack of vesicular arteries and ileocecal as well the gall bladder and the cecos.

Development of topotecan loaded lipid nanoparticles for chemical stabilization and prolonged release.

Topotecan is an important cytotoxic drug that has gained broad acceptance in clinical use for the treatment of refractory ovarian and small-cell lung cancer. The lactone active form of topotecan can be hydrolyzed in vivo, decreasing the drug's therapeutic efficacy. Lipid encapsulation may promote in vivo stabilization by removing topotecan from aqueous media. Earlier reports of topotecan lipid nanoencapsulation have focused on liposomal encapsulation; however, the higher stability and cost-effectiveness of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) highlight the potential of these nanoparticles as an advantageous carrier for topotecan. The initial motivation for this work was to develop, for the first time, solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) with a high drug loading for topotecan. A microemulsion technique was employed to prepare SLNs and NLCs and produced homogeneous, small size, negatively charged lipid nanoparticles with high entrapment efficiency and satisfactory drug loading. However, low recovery of topotecan was observed when the microemulsion temperature was high and in order to obtain high quality nanoparticles, and precise control of the microemulsion temperature is critical. Nanoencapsulation sustained topotecan release and improved its chemical stability and cytotoxicity. Surprisingly, there were no significant differences between the NLCs and SLNs, and both are potential carriers for topotecan delivery.

Parâmetros eletrocardiográficos de equinos desclassificados por exaustão em competições de enduro / Electrocardiographic parameters of horses disqualified from exhaustion in endurance competitions

Foram examinados, por meio de eletrocardiografia, 14 equinos Puro Sangue Árabe, 12 machos e duas fêmeas, desclassificados por exaustão em provas de enduro entre 60 e 160km. Foi observado predomínio de taquicardia sinusal, seguido de arritmia sinusal e complexo atrial prematuro com a frequência cardíaca variando de 48 a 78bpm e 93 a 111bpm, respectivamente. Ocorreu aumento da amplitude das ondas P, R, S e T e redução nas suas durações, bem como redução nos intervalos e segmentos, porém o complexo QRS quase não se alterou. O alongamento observado do QTc indicou fadiga miocárdica moderada em resposta ao exercício, e o supradesnível ST foi indicativo de hipovolemia. O eixo elétrico no plano frontal apresentou desvio à direita, aumento de câmara e hipertrofia secundários ao treinamento.

By using electrocardiographic examination, 14 Purebred Arabian horses, 12 males and two females, disqualified due to exhaustion in endurance races from 60 and 160km were evaluated. Predominance of sinus tachycardia, followed by sinus arrhythmia and atrial premature complex, with the heart rate ranging from 48 to 78bpm, and 93 to 111bpm, respectively, were observed. There was increase in the amplitude of waves P, R, S, and T, and decrease in their durations, as well as reduction in the intervals and segments; nevertheless, the QRS complex was not almost altered. The QTc lengthening pointed to a moderate myocardial fatigue in response to exercise, and the elevation of ST was indicative of hypovolemia. The electrical axis in frontal plane presented deviation to the right, chamber increase, and hypertrophy secondary to training.

Topografia do cone medular em gatos sem raça definida / Topography of the medullar cone in the domestic non-defined breed cat

Estudou-se a topografia post mortem do cone medular em 30 gatos adultos sem raça definida. Procedeu-se à remoção da pele e da musculatura dorsal da coluna vertebral e expuseram-se a medula espinhal e seus envoltórios, após a secção dos arcos vertebrais. O cone medular foi evidenciado e mensurado. Avaliou-se a sua relação com as vértebras lombares (L), sacrais (S) e caudais (Cd). O cone medular variou de 3,40 a 8,00cm (média=5,08cm). A esqueletopia foi variável, pois em 24 (80 por cento) animais o cone medular iniciou-se na vértebra L6; em quatro (13,3 por cento), na L7; e em dois (6,7 por cento), na L5. Em 12 (40 por cento) animais terminou na vértebra S2; em 10 (33,3 por cento), na S3; em cinco (16,7 por cento), na Cd1; em dois (6,7 por cento), na S1; e em um (3,3 por cento) na Cd2.

It was studied the post mortem topography of the medullar cone in 30 adult non-defined breed cats. The dorsal skin and muscles from the vertebral column were removed and the spinal cord and its wrappers were visualized, after the section of the vertebral arcs. The medullar cone was then exposed and measured. Its relationship with lumbar (L), sacral (S), and caudal (Cd) vertebrae was determined. The length of the medullar cone presented a variation from 3.40 to 8.00cm (average 5.08cm). Its skeletopy was variable; since in 24 animals (80 percent), the medullar cone began at the L6 vertebra; in four (13.3 percent), at the L7; and in two (6.7 percent) at the L5 vertebra. It ended in 12 (40 percent) animals at the S2 vertebra; in 10 (33,33 percent), at the S3; in five (16.7 percent) at the caudal (Cd) vertebra; in two (6.7 percent), at the S1; and in one (3.3 percent), at the Cd2.

Nanoparticle agglomerates in magnetoliposomes.

Magnetoliposomes consist of vesicles composed of a phospholipid membrane encapsulating magnetic nanoparticles. These systems have several important applications, such as in MRI contrast agents, drug and gene carriers, and cancer treatment devices. For all of these applications, controlling the number of encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles is a key issue. In this work, we used a magneto-optical technique to obtain information about the efficiency of encapsulation, the number of nanoparticles encapsulated per liposome and also about the formation of the nanoparticle structures. The parameters studied included the effect of the duration of sonication, the presence of cholesterol in the liposome membrane, as well as time-related stability. For the liposomal vesicles prepared in this work, we found between 35 and 300 nanoparticles encapsulated per liposome, depending on the experimental conditions, consisting of small linear chains of nanoparticles, basically trimers and tetramers. The methodology developed might be useful for the investigation and improvement of the properties of several magnetic nanocarrier systems.

Methylation status of ANAPC1, CDKN2A and TP53 promoter genes in individuals with gastric cancer.

Gastric cancer is the forth most frequent malignancy and the second most common cause of cancer death worldwide. DNA methylation is the most studied epigenetic alteration, occurring through a methyl radical addition to the cytosine base adjacent to guanine. Many tumor genes are inactivated by DNA methylation in gastric cancer. We evaluated the DNA methylation status of ANAPC1, CDKN2A and TP53 by methylation-specific PCR in 20 diffuse- and 26 intestinal-type gastric cancer samples and 20 normal gastric mucosa in individuals from Northern Brazil. All gastric cancer samples were advanced stage adenocarcinomas. Gastric samples were surgically obtained at the João de Barros Barreto University Hospital, State of Pará, and were stored at -80 degrees C before DNA extraction. Patients had never been submitted to chemotherapy or radiotherapy, nor did they have any other diagnosed cancer. None of the gastric cancer samples presented methylated DNA sequences for ANAPC1 and TP53. CDKN2A methylation was not detected in any normal gastric mucosa; however, the CDKN2A promoter was methylated in 30.4% of gastric cancer samples, with 35% methylation in diffuse-type and 26.9% in intestinal-type cancers. CDKN2A methylation was associated with the carcinogenesis process for ~30% diffuse-type and intestinal-type compared to non-neoplastic samples. Thus, ANAPC1 and TP53 methylation was probably not implicated in gastric carcinogenesis in our samples. CDKN2A can be implicated in the carcinogenesis process of only a subset of gastric neoplasias.

Methylation status of ANAPC1, CDKN2A and TP53 promoter genes in individuals with gastric cancer

Gastric cancer is the forth most frequent malignancy and the second most common cause of cancer death worldwide. DNA methylation is the most studied epigenetic alteration, occurring through a methyl radical addition to the cytosine base adjacent to guanine. Many tumor genes are inactivated by DNA methylation in gastric cancer. We evaluated the DNA methylation status of ANAPC1, CDKN2A and TP53 by methylation-specific PCR in 20 diffuse- and 26 intestinal-type gastric cancer samples and 20 normal gastric mucosa in individuals from Northern Brazil. All gastric cancer samples were advanced stage adenocarcinomas. Gastric samples were surgically obtained at the João de Barros Barreto University Hospital, State of Pará, and were stored at -80°C before DNA extraction. Patients had never been submitted to chemotherapy or radiotherapy, nor did they have any other diagnosed cancer. None of the gastric cancer samples presented methylated DNA sequences for ANAPC1 and TP53. CDKN2A methylation was not detected in any normal gastric mucosa; however, the CDKN2A promoter was methylated in 30.4 percent of gastric cancer samples, with 35 percent methylation in diffuse-type and 26.9 percent in intestinal-type cancers. CDKN2A methylation was associated with the carcinogenesis process for ~30 percent diffuse-type and intestinal-type compared to non-neoplastic samples. Thus, ANAPC1 and TP53 methylation was probably not implicated in gastric carcinogenesis in our samples. CDKN2A can be implicated in the carcinogenesis process of only a subset of gastric neoplasias.

Repercussões da insuficiência renal crônica na capacidade de exercício, estado nutricional, função pulmonar e musculatura respiratória de crianças e adolescentes / Consequences of chronic renal insufficiency on the exercise capacity, nutritional status, pulmonary function and respiratory musculature of children and adolescents

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a capacidade funcional, função pulmonar, musculatura respiratória e estado nutricional de crianças e adolescentes portadores de insuficiência renal crônica (IRC) em tratamento conservador. MÉTODOS: Este estudo foi realizado com 30 voluntários, divididos em dois grupos: Portadores de IRC em tratamento conservador (Grupo IRC) e grupo sem comprometimento da função renal (Grupo Controle). Os voluntários foram submetidos à avaliação fisioterapêutica, espirometria, avaliação de força e resistência da musculatura respiratória, do estado nutricional e da capacidade funcional. Para a análise dos dados, foi utilizado o teste de Mann-Whitney com nível de significância de 5 por cento. RESULTADOS: No Grupo IRC, o índice de Tiffeneau foi significativamente menor (p= 0,003). Em relação à função muscular respiratória, os valores de pressão expiratória máxima foram menores (p= 0,010) e os valores do tempo do teste de resistência, maiores (p= 0,003). Na avaliação funcional, as variáveis que diferiram estatisticamente foram: menor distância caminhada (p< 0,001) e maior pressão arterial média (p< 0,001); freqüência respiratória final (p< 0,001) e escala de Borg (p= 0,048). Quanto ao estado nutricional, todas as variáveis, estatisticamente significativas, foram menores. CONCLUSÕES: Crianças e adolescentes portadores IRC, em tratamento conservador, podem apresentar alterações importantes da capacidade funcional, musculatura respiratória e estado nutricional.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate functional capacity, pulmonary function, respiratory musculature and nutritional status among children and adolescents with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) undergoing conservative treatment. METHODS: This study was conducted with 30 volunteers, divided into two groups: a group of children and adolescents with CRI undergoing conservative therapy (CRI Group) and a group without renal disease (Control Group). The volunteers underwent physical therapy evaluation, spirometry, strength and resistance tests on their respiratory musculature, nutritional status evaluation and functional capacity assessment. The data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test with a significance level of 5 percent. RESULTS: The Tiffeneau index was significantly lower in the CRI Group (p= 0.003). In relation to respiratory muscle function, the maximum expiratory pressure values were lower (p= 0.010) and the time values of the resistance test were greater (p= 0.003). In the functional assessment, the variables that differed statistically were: lower distance walked (p< 0.001), greater mean arterial pressure (p< 0.001), final respiratory rate (p< 0.001) and Borg scale (p= 0.048). Regarding nutritional status, all the statistically significant variables were lower. CONCLUSIONS: Children and adolescents with CRI undergoing conservative treatment may present significantly impaired functional capacity, respiratory musculature and nutritional status.