Identification of Latent Risk Clinical Attributes for Children Born Under IUGR Condition Using Machine Learning Techniques.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) is a condition in which a fetus does not grow to the expected weight during pregnancy. There are several well documented causes in the literature for this issue, such as maternal disorder, and genetic influences. Nevertheless, besides the risk during pregnancy and labour periods, in a long term perspective, the impact of IUGR condition during the child development is an area of research itself. The main objective of this work is to propose a machine learning solution to identify the most significant features of importance based on physiological, clinical or socioeconomic factors correlated with previous IUGR condition after 10 years of birth. METHODS: In this work, 41 IUGR (18 male) and 34 Non-IUGR (22 male) children were followed up 9 years after the birth, in average (9.1786 ± 0.6784 years old). A group of machine learning algorithms is proposed to classify children previously identified as born under IUGR condition based on 24-hours monitoring of ECG (Holter) and blood pressure (ABPM), and other clinical and socioeconomic attributes. In additional, an algorithm of relevance determination based on the classifier is also proposed, to determine the level of importance of the considered features. RESULTS: The proposed classification solution achieved accuracy up to 94.73%, and better performance than seven state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms. Also, relevant latent factors related to HRV and BP monitoring are proposed, such as: day-time heart rate (day-time HR), day-night systolic blood pressure (day-night SBP), 24-hour standard deviation (SD) of SBP, dropped, morning cortisol creatinine, 24-hour mean of SDs of all NN intervals for each 5 minutes segment (24-hour SDNNi), among others. CONCLUSION: With outstanding accuracy of our proposed solutions, the classification system and the indication of relevant attributes may support medical teams on the clinical monitoring of IUGR children during their childhood development.

[A new agent in the mechanisms underlying addiction and ingestion of alcohol: the nucleus incertus and the neuropeptide relaxin-3]. / Un nuevo agente en los mecanismos de la adiccion al alcohol y la ingesta: el nucleo incertus y el neuropeptido relaxina-3.

Alcohol intake is facilitated by its relationship with eating behavior and both processes are highly influenced by situations of stress and anxiety. The dysregulation of these processes can reach pathological situations such as anorexia, bulimia or obesity. The neurobiological elements which underlie this control are not completely clarified. The nucleus incertus (NI) in the pontine tegmentum is a common element in the food intake and alcoholism. NI is characterized by using the neuropeptide relaxin-3 (RLN3) as transmitter and its receptor RXFP3. In the present review, we will analyze the participation of the NI-RLN3-RXFP3 system in these behaviors under conditions of anxiety or stress in animal models. The activation of NI has a positive effect on intake (orexigenic) and generates a wide response in the amygdala modulating anxiety states. The activity of RLN3-RXFP3 in the amygdala could affect alcohol addiction since the application of the RXFP3 antagonist in extended amygdala attenuates the relapse to alcohol induced by stress. The neuroanatomical data indicate that the NI-RLN3-RXFP3 system acts on the feeding behavior and alcohol intake by means of projections parallel to the canonical mesolimbic pathways. Thus, data in animal models indicate that the NI-RLN3-RXFP3 system should be taken into account as a target in the future treatment of disorders of eating and alcohol addictive behaviors.

TITLE: Un nuevo agente en los mecanismos de la adiccion al alcohol y la ingesta: el nucleo incertus y el neuropeptido relaxina-3.La ingesta de alcohol esta facilitada por la relacion con la conducta alimentaria, y ambas conductas estan altamente influidas por situaciones de estres y ansiedad. La desregulacion de estos procesos puede llegar a situaciones patologicas, como la anorexia, la bulimia o la obesidad. Los elementos neurobiologicos que subyacen a este control no estan completamente esclarecidos. El nucleo incertus (NI) en el tegmento pontino constituye un elemento comun a la ingesta y a la adiccion al alcohol. Las neuronas del NI utilizan como señalizacion el neuropeptido relaxina-3 (RLN3) y su receptor RXFP3. En esta revision se analiza la participacion del sistema NI-RLN3-RXFP3 en estas conductas bajo condiciones de ansiedad o estres en modelos animales. La activacion del NI tiene un efecto positivo sobre la ingesta (orexigeno) y desarrolla una respuesta amplia en la amigdala, donde se modulan los estados de ansiedad. La actividad de RLN3-RXFP3 en la amigdala podria afectar a la adiccion al alcohol, ya que la aplicacion del antagonista de RXFP3 en la amigdala extendida atenua la recaida al alcohol inducida por el estres. Los datos neuroanatomicos indican que el sistema NI-RLN3-RXFP3 actua sobre la conducta de ingesta y adiccion al alcohol mediante proyecciones paralelas a las vias canonicas mesolimbicas. Con ello, los datos en modelos animales indican que el sistema NI-RLN3-RXFP3 deberia tenerse en cuenta como diana en el tratamiento futuro de trastornos de las conductas alimentarias y adictivas.

Evaluation of intranasal oxygen supplementation in mules anesthetized with the combination of ketamine, butorphanol, and guaifenesin / Avaliação da suplementação intranasal de oxigênio em muares anestesiados com a associação de cetamina, butorfanol e éter gliceril guaiacólico

Hypoxemia is a major complication of field anesthesia and no studies regarding this occurrence in mules has been done. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate intranasal oxygen supplementation (IOS) in mules (Equus caballus x Equus asinus) anesthetized with ketamine/butorphanol/guaifenesin combination. For this, we used six male, adult mules (322±29kg) which underwent premedication (MPA) with 0.2mg/kg of midazolam intramuscularly after 15 minutes, 0.02mg/kg detomidine IV 5 minutes after, induction IV with combination of ketamine (2mg/mL), butorphanol (22.5mg/mL), and guaifenesin (50mg/mL) (K/B/G) until lateral decumbency. Maintenance was done with the same anesthetic combination. The animals were submitted twice to the protocol described above, 20 days apart, forming two groups. CG: MPA, induction (0.92±0.24mL/kg (mean±SD)), and maintenance (2.2±0.2mL/kg/h) without SIO; TG: MPA, induction (0.98±0.17mL/kg), and maintenance (2.3±0.4mL/kg/h) with IOS flow 40mL/kg/h. During anesthesia arterial blood was collected every 20 minutes (T0, T20, T40, and T60) for blood gas analysis. Data analyzed by ANOVA followed by the Bonferroni test. P<0.05 was considered significant. Hypoxemia of the animals in the CG in periods (59±5; 55±5; 53±7; 49±8) with lower averages than the TG (160±4, 115±34, 92±25, 81±19) was observed, demonstrating that IOS increases PaO2 avoiding the occurrence of hypoxemia.(AU)

A hipoxemia é uma das principais complicações da anestesia a campo, e em muares não existem estudos a respeito dessa ocorrência. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar a suplementação intranasal de oxigênio (SIO) em muares (Equus caballus x Equus asinus) anestesiados com cetamina/butorfanol/guaifenesina associados. Para isso, foram utilizados seis muares, macho e adultos (322±29kg), submetidos à medicação pré-anestésica (MPA) com 0,2mg/kg de midazolam por via intramuscular, após 15 minutos, 0,02mg/kg de detomidina por via intravenosa, após cinco minutos, indução com administração intravenosa da associação de cetamina (2mg/mL), butorfanol (22,5 µg/mL) e guaifenesina (50mg/mL) em solução de glicose a 5% (C/B/G) até o animal assumir o decúbito lateral. A manutenção foi realizada com a mesma associação anestésica. Os animais foram submetidos duas vezes ao protocolo descrito anteriormente, com intervalo de 20 dias, formando dois grupos experimentais. GC -MPA, indução (0,92±0,24mL/kg (média±DP)) e manutenção (2,2±0,2mL/kg/h) sem SIO; GT - MPA, indução (0,98±0,17mL/kg) e manutenção (2,3±0,4mL/kg/h) com SIO, fluxo de 40mL/kg/h. Durante a anestesia, foi colhido sangue arterial a cada 20 minutos (T0, T20, T40 e T60) para hemogasometria. Os dados foram analisados pela ANOVA, seguidos pelo teste de Bonferroni. Valores de P<0,05 foram considerados significativos. Foi observada hipoxemia (PaO2<60mmHg) dos animais no GC nos tempos avaliados (T0= 59±5; T20= 55±5; T40= 53±7; T60= 49±8), com médias menores que as do GT, (160±4; 115±34; 92±25; 81±19, respectivamente), o que demonstrou que a suplementação intranasal de oxigênio aumenta a PaO2, evitando a ocorrência de hipoxemia.

Annexin A11 gene polymorphism (R230C variant) and sarcoidosis in a Portuguese population.

A recent genome-wide association study detected a protective effect for the annexin A11 rs1049550*T allele (R230Cvariant) in susceptibility to sarcoidosis. We evaluated the association between rs1049550 C/T and sarcoidosis susceptibility, distinct disease phenotypes and evolution in a Portuguese population. We performed a case-control study of 208 patients and 197 healthy controls. Samples were genotyped for rs1049550 C/T using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The frequency of the annexin A11 rs1049550*T allele was significantly lower in patients than in controls (33.2 vs 44.9%, P < 0.001). Odds ratio of 0.52 and 0.44 were obtained, respectively for carriers of one (CT) and two (TT) copies normalized to the CC wild-type genotype (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in patients with and without Löfgren syndrome. A significant increase in the frequency of the T allele was observed in patients with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid neutrophilia (P = 0.04). No significant associations were seen for lung function pattern, radiological stages or different forms of disease evolution. Our study confirms that rs1049550*T allele exerts a significant protective effect on sarcoidosis susceptibility. Given the role of annexin A11 in cell division, apoptosis and neutrophil function, this polymorphism may affect key elements of granulomatous and interstitial inflammation in sarcoidosis.

Efeitos cardiorrespiratórios da metadona, pelas vias intramuscular e intravenosa, em cadelas submetidas à ovariossalpingo-histerectomia / Cardiorespiratory effects of methadone, by intramuscular or intravenous injection, in female dogs submitted to ovariohysterectomy

A metadona é um opioide pouco utilizado na medicina veterinária, e há, ainda, questionamentos quanto ao seu uso. Desse modo, comparou-se o emprego da metadona, administrada pelas vias IM e IV, e avaliaram-se seus efeitos sobre as características cardiorrespiratórias e os tempos de extubação e recuperação em cadelas submetidas à ovariossalpingo-histerectomia. Utilizaram-se 16 cadelas, pré-medicadas com levomepromazina, 0.6mg/kg, IM. Após 20 minutos, a indução anestésica foi feita com propofol, 5mg/kg, IV, e a manutenção com isoflurano. Transcorridos 10 minutos, os animais receberam metadona, 0.3mg/kg, pelas vias IM - grupo GIM - e IV - grupo GIV. As mensurações das frequências cardíaca (FC) e respiratória (FR), pressão arterial média (PAM), temperatura esofágica (TE), pressão parcial de dióxido de carbono (EtCO2) e saturação de oxi-hemoglobina (SpO2) foram registradas antes da administração do opioide (T0), após 20 minutos (T1) e a cada 10 minutos da administração até 60 minutos (T2 a T5). Usou-se a análise de perfil (5%). Com relação à FC, PAM, FR, EtCO2, TE e SpO2, não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre grupos e momentos. Observaram-se tempos de extubação e recuperação maiores no GIV. É possível concluir que a administração IV e a IM da metadona não produzem alterações nas características cardiorrespiratórias em cadelas.

Methadone is a little used opioid in veterinary practice, and there are still questions about its use. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) administration of methadone on cardiopulmonary parameters and times of extubation and recovery in female dogs submitted to ovariohysterectomy. Sixteen adult female dogs were used and premedicated with levomepromazine (0.6mg/kg, IM). After 20 minutes, propofol (5mg/kg, IV) was used for induction and anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane. After 10 minutes, methadone at 0.3mg/kg was administered intravenously in IVG and intramuscularly in IMG. The measurement of heart (HR) and respiratory rates (RR), median arterial pressure (MAP), esophagic temperature (ET) and concentration of end-tidal carbon dioxide (PE'CO2) was performed immediately before the administration of the opioid (T0), after 20 minutes (T1) and then at 10-minute intervals (T2, T3, T4 and T5). The statistical analysis used was profile (5%). HR, APM, RR, PE'CO2, BT and SpO2 did not differ significantly among times or between groups at any time. Times of extubation and recovery were higher in IVG. It is possible to conclude that IV and IM administration of methadone did not produce changes in the cardiorespiratory parameters of that specie.

Características de carcaça e de não componentes da carcaça de cordeiros suplementados com sal forrageiro de Gliricidia sepium (Jacq. ) Walq / Characteristics of carcass and non-carcass components of lambs supplemented with fodder salt from Gliricidia sepium (Jacq. ) Walq

O presente experimento foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar a porcentagem de inclusão da espécie forrageira Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Walq na confecção do sal forrageiro de gliricídia, por meio de características de carcaça e de não componentes da carcaça de cordeiros. Foram utilizados 30 cordeiros mestiços da raça Santa Inês, não castrados, com aproximadamente 180 dias de idade, peso vivo médio de 25kg, confinados, num delineamento experimental inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos e seis repetições, em que os tratamentos foram constituídos de zero (100% de NaCl), 93, 95, 97 e 99% de inclusão de feno de gliricídia (7, 5, 3 e 1% de NaCl na formulação do sal forrageiro, respectivamente). A suplementação com sal forrageiro de gliricídia não afetou (P>0,05) o peso vivo ao abate em jejum (28,39kg), peso de carcaça quente (9,76kg), rendimento de carcaça quente (34,12%), o peso de carcaça fria (9,42kg), o rendimento de carcaça fria (32,95%), as perdas de peso por resfriamento (3,40%), assim como o peso de vísceras brancas (2,19kg) e o peso de vísceras vermelhas (1,29kg). Porcentagem de inclusão de até 99% de gliricídia na confecção de sal forrageiro não altera (P>0,05) as características de carcaça e de não componentes da carcaça de cordeiros.

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the inclusion of Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Walq forage species for the confection of the fodder salt gliricidia according to the characteristics of carcass and non-carcass components of lambs. Thirty confined, not castrated crossbred Santa Inês lambs, ageing approximately 180 days, with mean live body weight of 25kg, were distributed in a completely randomized design, with five treatments and six repetitions. Treatments were zero (100% NaCl), 93, 95, 97 and 99% inclusion of gliricidia hay (7, 5, 3 and 1% NaCl in the formulation of fodder salt, respectively). The supplementation with gliricidia fodder salt did not affect (P>0.05) the fasting live body weight (28.39kg), hot carcass weight (9.76kg), hot carcass yield (34.12%), cold carcass weight (9.42kg), cold carcass yield (32.95%), chilling loss (3.40%), or white (2.19kg) and red viscera weight (1.29kg). The inclusion of up to 99% gliricidia in the production of fodder salt did not affect (P>0.05) the characteristics of carcass and non-carcass components of lambs.

Sincronização da ovulação utilizando FSH em substituição à eCG em cabras / Ovulation synchronization using FSH replacing eCG in goats

The effect of substitution of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) by follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in synchronization protocols of ovulation in dairy goats was evaluated. Twelve goats received intravaginal sponges impregnated with 60mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP) for 10 days. The sponges were removed and the animals were distributed into two groups (G): G1 (n=6) treated with 0.5mL of a synthetic analogue of PGF2 α and 100 IU of eCG for each 10kg weight, intramuscular injection (IM); and G2 (n=6) treated with 0.5mL of a synthetic analogue of PGF2α and 20mg of FSH (IM). All animals were monitored for estrus detection with aid of a ruffian after sponge removal. The ovarian dynamics were analyzed by ultrasound, since six hours after sponge removed. Each animal was analyzed in time elapsed of six hours until 12 hours after ovulation detection. For data analyses, the Wilcoxon test and variance analyses were used. There was not difference between the analyzed parameters (P>0.05). In this way, eCG can be replaced by FSH in synchronization protocols of ovulation in dairy goats.

Dilatação cística do úraco e uroperitônio em touros: relato de cinco casos / Cystic dilatation of the urachus and uroperitoneum in bulls: report of five cases

Descrevem-se os aspectos clínicos da dilatação cística do úraco e uroperitônio em cinco touros. Os animais apresentaram, em datas distintas, distensão abdominal e diminuição da ingestão de alimentos e água, até culminar com inapetência, cerca de duas semanas após o aparecimento dos primeiros sintomas. Ocorreu distensão abdominal bilateral progressiva, que, no início do processo, era discreta e restrita ao quadrante inferior do abdômen; com cerca de duas semanas de evolução, o abdômen assumiu forma arredondada semelhante à pera. Observou-se bruxismo, atonia ruminal e desidratação. A abdominocentese revelou a presença de líquido amarelado com concentração de ureia superior a 200mg/dL. A concentração de ureia no soro sanguíneo variou de 220 a 280mg/dL e a creatinina de 65 a 82mg/dL. A ligadura do divertículo do úraco próximo ao vértex da bexiga foi eficaz nos quatro touros operados.

The clinical findings and outcomes in five bulls with a perforation or rupture of the urachal diverticulum are described. All the bulls had a dilated round or pear-shaped abdomen, bruxism, ruminal atony, and dehidration. In all the bulls, abdominocentesis yielded a stream fluid and the serum concentrations of urea and creatinine were 220 to 280mg/dL and 65 to 82mg/dL, respectively. Peritoneal fluid concentration of urea was higher than 200mg/dL. In fours bulls, urachal diverticulums were closed next to the cranial pole of the bladders. After the surgery, the recovery was effective.

Associação entre midazolam e detomidina na medicação pré-anestésica para indução da anestesia geral com cetamina em potros / A combination study of midazolam and detomidine in the premedication anesthesia for the induction of general anesthesia with ketamine in foals

Empregou-se a associação midazolam e detomidina para indução de anestesia com cetamina em 16 potros, machos e fêmeas, entre três e seis meses de idade, distribuídos aleatória e equitativamente em dois grupos (GI e GII). A todos os animais foram administrados midazolam, via intramuscular, na dose de 0,2mg/kg, e após 15 minutos, detomidina, via intravenosa, na dose de 0,02mg/kg. Os animais do GII receberam cetamina pela via intravenosa, dose 2,0mg/kg, três minutos após a administração de detomidina. Quinze minutos após o midazolam, ocorreram sedação e ligeira ataxia, e dois minutos após a administração da detomidina, decúbito lateral em todos os potros, com miorrelaxamento e presença dos reflexos de deglutição e miorrelaxamento, anal e oculo-palpebral. A associação midazolam/detomidina e cetamina provocou ausência dos reflexos de deglutição. Para todos os animais, o tempo de recuperação foi de 45-60 minutos, e temperatura retal e frequência respiratória permaneceram estáveis. Ocorreram bradicardia, bloqueio atrioventricular de segundo grau e aumento das pressões arteriais sistólica, diastólica e média após dois minutos da administração da detomidina. A associação midazolam/detomidina e cetamina demonstrou ser um método eficiente e seguro para a anestesia de potros hígidos.

A combination of midazolam, 0.2mg/kg body weight given via intramuscular, and detomidine, 0.02mg/kg body weight given via intravenous (IV), was evaluated as a method for induction of anesthesia with ketamine, 2.0mg/kg body weight given via IV in foals. Sixteen male and female foals aging from three to six-month old were distributed into two groups. Both groups were first injected with midazolam and with detomidine 15 minutes later. Three minutes later, ketamine was injected in the foals. Sedation and light ataxia were observed 15 minutes after midazolam administration. Bradycardia, atrioventricular block, increased blood pressure, lateral recumbency, and muscle relaxation were observed two minutes after detomidine. At that time, the oculopalpebral, anal, and cogh reflexes were present. The association of midazolam/detomidine and ketamine caused absence of the swallow reflexes. The recovery time was from 45 to 60 minutes for animals from GI and GII groups, respectively. Respiratory rate and body temperature remained unchanged. The combination of midazolam/detomidine and ketamine is a safe, good, and efficient method for anesthesia in healthy foals.

Uso de morfina, xilazina e meloxicam para o controle da dor pós-operatória em cadelas submetidas à ovariossalpingo-histerectomia / Morphine, xylazine and meloxicam in pain management after ovariosalpingohysterectomy of bitches

Foram realizados estudos empregando-se analgésicos por via epidural e subcutânea em cadelas de diferentes raças e idades, submetidas à castração mediante celiotomia. Vinte animais foram tranquilizados e anestesiados com tiletamina-zolazepam, e aleatoriamente distribuídos em quatro grupos (n=5), de acordo com o fármaco e a via de administração. Os do grupo morfina (GM) foram submetidos à anestesia epidural no espaço lombossacro, com morfina (0,1mg/kg) associada ao cloreto de sódio a 0,9 por cento. Aos do grupo xilazina (GX), foram administrados xilazina (0,2mg/kg) e cloreto de sódio a 0,9 por cento. Os do grupo meloxicam (GME) receberam 0,2mg/kg do anti-inflamatório meloxicam associado ao cloreto de sódio a 0,9 por cento, injetado pela via subcutânea. Os do grupo-controle (CG) receberam apenas cloreto de sódio a 0,9 por cento. O volume final para as injeções epidurais foi padronizado para 0,3mL/kg. A mensuração inicial da concentração de cortisol plasmático, do ritmo cardíaco, da frequência respiratória e os parâmetros comportamentais foram registrados imediatamente antes do procedimento cirúrgico (M1). Registros adicionais foram apresentados às 2, 6, 12 e 24 horas após o procedimento cirúrgico (M2, M3, M4 e M5, respectivamente). As variáveis comportamentais foram avaliadas por meio de sinais clínicos e seus respectivos escores. Em GX foram observadas depressão respiratória, bradicardia e concentração de cortisol mais alta do que o registrado no GM. A analgesia obtida pelo meloxicam foi considerada ineficiente. É possível concluir que a morfina, via epidural, promoveu menor incidência de efeitos colaterais e melhor analgesia e bem-estar animal.

The use of analgesics by epidural and subcutaneous way in bitches submitted to surgical sterilization by laparotomy was evaluated. Twenty females dogs of different ages and breeds were sedated and anesthetized with a combination of tiletamine-zolazepam and randomly distributed into four experimental groups of five animals each. Through the epidural space, the animals of each group received 0.1mg/kg of morphine (MG) or 0.2mg/kg of xylazine (XG); while the control group (CG) received a 0.9 percent solution of chloride sodium. The final volume stabilished for lumbosacral epidural injections was 0.3mL/kg. The dogs of meloxicam group (MEG) subcutaneously received 0.2mg/kg of the drug. The initial measurement of plasmatic cortisol concentration, heart and respiratory rates, and behaviour parameters were evaluated as soon as the surgical procedure had finished (M1). These evaluations were repeated after 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours of the post-operative period (M2, M3, M4, and M5 respectively). The behaviour parameters were evaluated by clinical signs and respective scores. Values of cortisol concentration were higher in the xylazine group than the ones registered in the morphine group. Meloxicam failed to provide pain control. Epidural use of morphine guaranteed fewer side effects and better pain control.

Comparison of behavioral and clinical effects of intravenous amitraz or romifidine administration in horses / Comparação de efeitos comportamentais e clínicos da administração intravenosa de amitraz ou romifidina em eqüinos

Clinical and behavioral effects of intravenous injection of romifidine (60mcg/kg) or amitraz (0.4mg/kg) were compared in six horses, over 120 min. Romifidine caused head ptosis (HP), reduced respiratory rate (RR) and ileo-cecal sphincter activity (IC) until 120 minutes; produced posture changes (PC) until 90 minutes, upper eyelid drop (ED) and sedation (SD) until 60 minutes, intestinal motion (IM) reduction and lower lip drop (LD) until 45 minutes. Amitraz reduced heart rate (HR), RR, IM and IC, and promoted HP, ED, LD, penis drop (PD) and sedation with posture changes until 120min. At 90min amitraz produced HP and ED more intensively than romifidine. The LD was similar between 45 and 60 minutes. Romifidine produced intense sedation at 10min while amitraz sedation was more significant between 90 and 120 minutes. It is concluded that both romifidine and amitraz can produce strong sedation until 60 and 120 minutes, respectively. Though amitraz sedation and posture changes had a later onset related to romifidine, these effects lasted longer

Compararam-se os efeitos sedativos e clínicos em seis eqüinos tratados com romifidina (60mcg/kg) ou amitraz (0,4mg/kg), pela via intravenosa, durante 120 minutos. A romifidina promoveu ptose da cabeça (PC), reduziu a freqüência respiratória (FR) e o movimento da válvula íleo-cecal (MC) durante 120 minutos, provocou alteração postural (AP) por 90 minutos, induziu ptose palpebral (PP) e sedação (SD) por 60 minutos, diminuiu a motilidade intestinal (MI) e causou ptose labial (PL) durante 45 minutos. O amitraz reduziu a freqüência cardíaca (FR), FR, MI e MC e provocou PC, PP, PL, prolapso peniano (PP) e sedação com alteração postural por 120 minutos. Aos 90 minutos, o amitraz induziu a PC e a PP mais intensamente que a romifidina; o mesmo ocorreu entre 45 e 60 minutos para PL. A romifidina produziu sedação maior aos 10 minutos; para o amitraz, a sedação foi mais intensa entre 90 e 120 minutos. Conclui-se que a romifidina e o amitraz produzem sedação intensa por 60 e 120 minutos, respectivamente. A sedação e as alterações posturais induzidas pelo amitraz foram de início tardio, porém tiveram maior duração

Desempenho de novilhas búfalas terminadas em confinamento em resposta ao uso de promotor de crescimento ou de esferas de chumbo no útero / Buffalo heifer's performance fattened in feedlot in response of the utilization of growth promoter or lead sphere introduced in the uterus

Avaliaram-se ganho de peso, ingestão e conversão alimentar de matéria seca e rendimento de carcaça quente de 20 novilhas bubalinas, confinadas, com média de peso de 350kg e média de idade de 16 meses. Os animais permaneceram em baias coletivas durante 84 dias e foram alimentadas com silagem de cana-de-açúcar + 1 por cento de uréia e concentrado. Os tratamentos foram: VAZ - novilhas vazias, PRC - novilhas com implante de promotor de crescimento e CHU - novilhas com 100 esferas de chumbo introduzidas no útero. O delineamento foi inteiramente ao acaso com seis repetições no tratamento VAZ e sete repetições em PRC e CHU. O peso final, ganho médio diário e conversão alimentar da matéria seca foram mais elevados para as búfalas do tratamento PRC, respectivamente, 445,0kg; 1,2kg e 9,7kg de MS/kg de ganho de peso vivo, em comparação com as do tratamento VAZ, respectivamente, 412,6kg; 0,9kg e 11,4kg de MS/kg de ganho de peso vivo e as do tratamento CHU, respectivamente, 407,9kg; 0,8kg e 12,2kg de MS/kg de ganho de peso vivo. Peso final, ganho médio diário e conversão alimentar da matéria seca das búfalas dos tratamentos VAZ e CHU não diferiram entre si. Para o rendimento de carcaça quente não foi observado efeito entre tratamentos.

A completely randomized design with three treatments and seven replicates was used to evaluate the daily weight gain, dry matter intake, feed:weight gain ratio and hot carcass yield of 20 buffalo heifers averaging 350kg and 16 months of age, kept in feed lot for 84 days. Animals were fed on sugar cane silage + 1 percent of urea and soybean, corn meal and salt minerals. The treatments were EMP - open heifers GPR - growth promoter implanted heifers and LEA - heifers with 100 lead spheres introduced in the uterus. The GRP animals showed higher body weight, daily weight gain and feed:weight gain ratio (444.0kg, 1.2kg and 9.7kg/kg) in comparison to EMP animals (412.6kg, 9kg and 11.4kg /kg) and LEA animals (407.9, 8kg and 12.2kg/kg), respectively. No significant mean differences between EMP and LEA animals for all the studied traits and no treatment effect on carcass yield were observed.

Antigen characterization of major cork moulds in Suberosis (cork worker's pneumonitis) by immunoblotting.

BACKGROUND: We characterized by immunoblotting the antigenicity of the most frequent fungi colonizing cork during its industrial processing, Penicillium glabrum and Chrysonilia sitophila. Penicillium glabrum is the main causative agent of Suberosis, a hypersensitivity pneumonitis of cork workers. Chrysonilia sitophila induces both IgE sensitization and occupational asthma in the wood processing industry. METHODS: Serum-specific IgG, IgG4 and IgE to P. glabrum and C. sitophila from nine cork workers with hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) and seven with asthma (four with occupational asthma) were analysed by immunoblotting. RESULTS: Both HP and asthmatic patients' sera showed immunoreactivity to several proteins resolved in the specific immunoblot strips. The frequency of specific IgG recognition to 12-13.5 and 33 kDa proteins of P. glabrum was significantly higher in HP patients. The sera of HP patients had significantly higher specific IgG recognition to 16 and 51-55 kDa proteins of C. sitophila. There was no specific IgE recognition in the sera of HP or asthmatic patients to both fungi. CONCLUSIONS: Different patterns of antibody reactivity to P. glabrum and C. sitophila are seen in cork workers with hypersensitivity pneumonitis or asthma. The 12-13.5 and 33 kDa proteins of P. glabrum and the 16 and 51-55 kDa proteins of C. sitophila may be major antigens in Suberosis.

Suberosis and bird fancier's disease: a comparative study of radiological, functional and bronchoalveolar lavage profiles.

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP) is an immunologically mediated interstitial lung disease that may result from repeated inhalation of many different environmental agents. Heterogeneity of the clinical presentation and bronchoalveolar lavage profiles have been described, possibly related to different occupational exposures. The aim of our study was to compare bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), clinical, functional and radiological characteristics of the two most frequent forms of HP seen in our practice: Suberosis (an HP related to moldy cork dust exposure) and bird fancier's disease (BFD). We included 81 patients with Suberosis, with a mean age of 38.8 +/- 11.3 years and a mean exposure of 20.0 +/- 10.5 years and 32 patients with BFD, with a mean age of 46.3 +/- 11.8 years and mean exposure of 10.5 +/- 1.0 years. Patients with BFD had more acute forms, while subacute and chronic presentations predominated in Suberosis. Restrictive defect was the most frequent pattern of lung function impairment, and more severe in BFD. Ground glass opacities were the most frequent pattern in high-resolution computed tomography. A normal chest x-ray was more frequently seen in Suberosis. Both types of HP had lymphocytic alveolitis in BALF: Suberosis - 6.6 +/- 5.7 x 10(5) ml-l cells, 58.8 +/- 18.9% lymphocytes; bird fancier's disease - 9.0 +/- 6.5 x 105 ml-l cells, 61.7 +/- 22.2% lymphocytes. Although BALF CD8+ lymphocytes predominated in both diseases, the proportion of CD4+ and CD4/CD8 ratios were significantly higher in bird fancier's disease (Suberosis: 0.47 +/- 0.33 versus BFD: 1.1 +/- 1.5; p < 0.005). Moreover, BALF cellularity and mast cell counts were also significantly higher in BFD. In conclusion, Suberosis and bird fancier's disease are HP with different clinical and laboratory profiles, suggesting that despite their pathophysiological similarities, different antigenic exposures may cause different immune and inflammatory response dynamics in the lung.

Effect of grazing system on fetal development in Nellore cattle.

Intensive grazing systems for beef females, based on abundant availability of high quality forages and supplementary concentrates, may affect fetal development. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of grazing system on length of gestation, fetal development, and characteristics of the calf at birth. Twenty-four pregnant (bred to Nellore bulls) Nellore females were allocated into two groups. The control group (G1) grazed Brachiaria decumbens (signal grass) in a traditional (extensive) grazing system and the second group (G2) were managed on Panicum maximumcv. Tanzania 1 (Tanzania grass) in an intensive grazing system. Fetal development was evaluated by ultrasonography on days 31, 45, 59, 94, 122, 220, and 255 of gestation. The diameter of the amniotic and allantoic cavities, crown-rump length, circumference, and diameter of the head and ocular orbit were determined. At birth, calves were weighed and height, length, thoracic circumference, and ocular orbit and bi-parietal diameters were measured. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in fetal development. The G1 cows had a longer gestation period (4.5 days; P<0.05) and their calves had greater (P<0.05) weight, height, length, and thoracic circumference at birth. In conclusion, Nellore females raised under intensive pasture management conditions, had significantly shorter gestation and smaller calves at birth than those raised under extensive pasture management conditions. Therefore, adoption of new management practices (e.g. intensive pasture management), should take into consideration animal behavior and productivity.

[Obstructive sleep apnoea and cardiovascular disease--a retrospective study]. / Síndroma de apneia obstrutiva do sono e doença cardiovascular--estudo retrospectivo.

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is associated with adverse effects in cardiovascular physiology. Some studies have connected this pathology with Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). AIM: Determine the prevalence of CVD in patients with OSA of different severity and verify the association between CVD and OSA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study based on data from 155 consecutive patients with OSA referred to a Sleep Disordered Breathing Clinic in an University Hospital during the year of 2001. RESULTS: The majority of patients were male (83,2%), the mean age was 53,6 +/- 11,9 years. Severe OSA was observed in 52,9% patients, moderate in 20% and mild in 27,1% patients (mean Apnea Hypopnea Index of 35,2 +/- 23,8/hour). Among the studied individuals 52,3% showed CVD, being Arterial Hypertension (AH) the most common disease (45,8%). Acute Myocardial Infarction appeared in 6,5% and Angina in 3,9% cases. The majority of the patients (67,1%) were obese (Body Mass Index - BMI>30). The mean BMI was 33,1 +/- 6,34. A significant (31%) number of patients reported Lipid Disorders and 11% reported Diabetes mellitus. The majority (51,3%) of patients referred smoking habits. Severity of OSA (evaluated by AHI) was significantly higher in women with AH (p= 0,033) and significantly lower in patients who developed Cerebrovascular Disease (CeVD) (p = 0,036). CONCLUSIONS: The studied population presented a high prevalence of CVD, being the severity of OSA significantly higher in women with AH. The increased prevalence of CVD in patients with OSA has been documented in recent epidemiologic studies. The physiopathologic mechanisms underlying this association, certainly, deserve further investigation.

A barbourin-albumin fusion protein that is slowly cleared in vivo retains the ability to inhibit platelet aggregation in vitro.

Barbourin is a 73 amino acid venom protein that inhibits platelet aggregation. Recombinant barbourin (BARH6), rabbit serum albumin (RSAH6), and a barbourin-RSA fusion protein (barbourin-linker-albumin; BLAH6) were secreted from Pichia pastoris yeast, and purified by nickel-chelate affinity chromatography via their C-terminal hexahistidine (H6) tags. BARH6 and BLAH6 did not differ in their IC50s for inhibition of platelet aggregation using either human platelets stimulated with thrombin or ADP, or rabbit platelets stimulated with ADP. BARH6 and BLAH6 were also effective in inhibiting platelet aggregation in whole blood, and formed complexes with platelet integrin alphaIIbbeta3. The terminal catabolic half-life of BLAH6 approached that of RSAH6 [3.4 +/- 0.2 versus 4.0 +/- 0.1 days (n = 4 +/- SD)], but was substantially increased relative to that of BARH6 [0.15 +/- 0.03 days (n = 3 +/- SD)]. Our results suggest that fusion to albumin slows the clearance of barbourin in vivo, while preserving its ability to inhibit platelet aggregation.

Variabilidad en la práctica clínica. Disponibilidad de recursos y utilización de procedimientos quirúrgicos / Variability in clinical practice.Resources availability and use of surgical procedures

Objetivo: Conocer el nivel de variabilidad en el uso de una serie de procedimientos quirúrgicos en la provincia de Alicante y el grado en que los recursos disponibles pueden condicionar su aparición. Métodos: Estudio transversal descriptivo de las tasas estandarizadas por edad y sexo de intervenciones quirúrgicas seleccionadas realizadas a lo largo de 1994 y 1995 en las diferentes áreas de salud de la provincia de Alicante, seguido de un análisis ecológico de la variabilidad utilizando una serie de indicadores de la misma. Los casos se han obtenido realizado a partir del Conjunto Mínimo Básico de Datos (CMBD) al alta hospitalaria, registros de intervenciones realizadas en unidades de cirugía sin ingreso y en centros concertados. Se estudian un total de 20 procedimientos quirúrgicos, elegidos por ser, en general, de elevada utilización y de diferente variabilidad. Se valoró la asociación entre las tasas estandarizadas y la oferta de servicios, a partir del número de médicos especialistas, de camas disponibles y de horas de quirófano, por cada una de las especialidades y áreas de salud, mediante regresión simple o multivariante. Resultados: Las áreas de salud 1, 2 y 8 ofrecen las tasas más bajas de utilización de intervenciones. Por el contrario, las áreas 7 y, especialmente, la 5, presentan en general tasas de uso de procedimientos más elevadas que el resto de demarcaciones. La cesárea, gastrectomía, histerectomía y apendectomía resultaron las intervenciones con menor variabilidad, mientras que las intervenciones de rinoplastia, cataratas, artroscopia de rodilla y cirugía del recto, presentaron la variabilidad más elevada. La relación entre recursos y tasas de intervenciones mostró, en muchos casos, asociación positiva aunque no siempre estadísticamente significativa. La relación entre tasas y lista de espera únicamente resultó significativa para la artroscopia de rodilla. Conclusiones: Las tasas de utilización de los procedimientos quirúrgicos analizados muestran variaciones sistemáticas, en su mayoría, importantes. Esta variación tiende a ser superior en la cirugía electiva que en las intervenciones urgentes o por procesos neoplásicos. La asociación entre la disponibilidad de recursos y la tasa de intervenciones es siempre positiva cuando es significativa. Paradójicamente, también fue positiva la asociación entre el número de pacientes en lista de espera y el ratio poblacional de recursos, cuando hubo significación estadística. El impacto poblacional de la variabilidad fue considerable, especialmente en procedimientos con variabilidad y grado de utilización elevados. (AU)

Observaçöes clínicas, anatomopatológicas e tratamento de seis casos de dermovilite exsudativa vegetante crônica (cancro da ranilha) de eqüinos / Clinical aspects, anatomopathologic observations and treatment of six cases of chronic hypertrophic pododermatitis (equine canker)

Relataram-se oito casos de dermovilite exsudativa vegetante crônica em seis eqüinos de diferentes raças, com idades entre 14 meses e 19 anos. A lesäo iniciava-se pelo aparecimento de um tecido podofiloso infiltrativo na regiäo da ranilha e da sola do casco, caracterizado por crescimento rápido e desordenado, de aspecto papiliforme, de coloraçäo esbranquiçada na raiz e escura nas pontas, com secreçäo necrótica de odor extremamente fétido. Microscopicamente, observou-se a presença de exuberante tecido epidérmico proliferativo, entremeado por escasso tecido conjuntivo. Bactéria gram negativas, associadas à má higiene e umidade, estäo incluídas entre os fatores etiológicos, porém prescidem de confirmaçäo científica. Os eqüinos foram divididos em dois grupos de tratamento. No primeiro grupo, constituído de três éguas jovens e um potro, portando lesöes em apenas um membro, realizou-se inicialmente remoçäo cirúrgica da massa invasiva, seguida de cauterizaçäo das bordas restantes e posterior aplicaçäo, diária, local de substâncias anti-sépticas. Em três desses pacientes ocorreram recidivas da lesäo inicial, com rápido crescimento do tecido hiperplásico, atingindo quase toda a ranilha e metade da sola. Dois animais desenvolveram deformidades do caso, denominadas encastelamento. O segundo grupo, constituído por um macho e uma fêmea, com lesöes em dois membros, após o debridamento cirúrgico do tecido, receberam aplicaçöes diárias de ácido pícrico a 5 por cento, associado ao uso local de oxitetraciclina. Embora um desses casos tenha requerido uma segunda intervençäo cirúrgica para remoçäo da massa, os eqüinos apresentaram após um período de dois a três meses total desaparecimento do tecido infiltrativo. A utilizaçäo de ácido pícrico a 5 por cento e oxitetraciclina local associada ao debridamento cirúrgico prévio mostrou-se mais eficiente que a utilizaçäo de substâncias anti-sépticas no tratamento da dermovilite exsudativa vegetante crônica de eqüinos