Molecular docking studies and evaluation of the antiretroviral activity and cytotoxicity of the species Lafoensia pacari Saint-Hilaire.

Interest in antiviral plant species has grown exponentially and some have been reported to have anti-HIV properties. This research aims to perform the bio-guided phytochemical fractionation by antiretroviral activity of Lafoensia pacari stem barks. This in vitro experimental study involved the preparation of plant material, obtention of ethanolic extract, fractionation, purification, identification and quantification of fractions, acid-base extraction, nuclear magnetic resonance, HIV-1 RT inhibition test and molecular docking studies. From the bio-guided fractionation by the antiretroviral activity there was a higher activity in the acetanolic subfractions, highlighting the acetate subfraction - neutrals with 60.98% of RT inhibition and ellagic acid with 88.61% of RT inhibition and absence of cytotoxicity. The macrophage lineage cytotoxicity assay showed that the chloroform fraction was more toxic than the acetate fraction. The analysis of the J-resolved spectrum in the aromatic region showed a singlet at 7.48 and 6.93 ppm which was identified as ellagic acid and gallic acid, respectively. The 5TIQ enzyme obtained better affinity parameter with the ellagic acid ligand, which was confirmed by the HSQC-1H-13C spectra. Gallic acid was also favorable to form interaction with the 5TIQ enzyme, being confirmed through the HSQC-1H-13C spectrum. From the PreADMET evaluation it was found that ellagic acid is a promising molecule for its RT inhibition activity and pharmacokinetic and toxicity parameters.

Sexual Behavior of the Sugarcane Hairy Borer, Hyponeuma taltula (Lepidoptera: Erebidae): Evidence for a Female-Released Sex Pheromone.

The sugarcane hairy borer, Hyponeuma taltula (Schaus, 1904), attacks the base of sugarcane and causes the death of the apical bud, a symptom known as "dead heart." In recent years, there has been significant infestation in Brazilian sugarcane crops. With the purpose of finding methods for controlling and/or monitoring the pest for the sustainable cultivation of sugarcane, we characterized the mating behavior of H. taltula and confirmed the release of a sex pheromone by this insect. Sexual activity was observed between the second and ninth hour of scotophase, during which female calling caused the onset of male courtship behaviors and increased their frequency. An ethogram was built showing that males perform seven observable steps: (1) wing flapping, (2) walking with wing flapping, (3) flying, (4) flying towards the female, (5) landing near the female and walking around her, (6) attempting copulation, and (7) copulation (mating). Female sex gland extracts also triggered attraction and male courtship behaviors. These results thus confirm that the female abdominal gland produces a sex pheromone and that the presence of this pheromone in the air is needed to initiate the male courtship sequence. The sexual behavior of H. taltula is compatible with control and/or monitoring methods using female sex pheromones.

Comparative study of direct and indirect immunofluorescence for diagnosis of canine pemphigus foliaceus / Estudo comparativo da imunofluorescência direta e indireta para o diagnóstico do pênfigo foliáceo canino

Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is the most common autoimmune skin disease in dogs. It is characterized by pustules, erosions, and crusts which occur due to the presence of autoantibodies that target intercellular adhesion. Histopathological examination is considered the gold standard pattern in the diagnosis, but may sometimes be inconclusive, especially when the characteristic findings are not identified. New diagnostic tests are continuously being developed and immunofluorescence assays, could be a valuable alternative diagnostic tool. This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of direct and indirect immunofluorescence (DIF and IIF) tests for the diagnosis of canine PF. Twenty eight dogs were divided into two groups: Group I with 14 dogs with PF and Group II (control) with 14 dogs with Superficial pyoderma (differential diagnoses of PF). All animals were submitted to skin biopsy to histopathological and DIF. Blood samples were collected to assess IIF. Comparing the DIF results against the histopathology test, there was an agreement of 75% (9/12) with a Kappa index of 0.77 (P<0.001). Considering IIF, the agreement was 100% (14/14), with a Kappa index of 1.0 (P<0.001). We conclude that DIF and IIF are highly effective and were useful and effective complementary examination tests for an improvement in the diagnosis of canine PF.(AU)

O pênfigo foliáceo (PF) é considerado uma das doenças tegumentares autoimunes mais frequentes em cães. Clinicamente, caracteriza-se pela presença de pústulas, erosões e crostas. O exame histopatológico é considerado o teste diagnóstico de eleição, porém pode se mostrar inconclusivo, sobretudo quando os achados característicos da doença não são observados. Novas ferramentas diagnósticas têm sido desenvolvidas e os testes de imunofluorecência são uma valiosa alternativa. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a aplicabilidade das reações de imunofluorescência direta (IFD) e indireta (IFI) para o diagnóstico do PF canino. Vinte e oito cães foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo I com 14 cães com PF e grupo II (controle) com 14 cães com piodermite superficial (um dos principais diagnósticos diferenciais do PF). Todos os animais foram submetidos à biópsia cutânea, seguida de exame histopatológico e IFD. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas para realização da IFI. Comparando-se os valores de IFD com o histopatológico, obtiveram-se valores de concordância de 75% (9/12), com índice Kappa de 0,77 (P<0,001). Já na IFI, a concordância foi de 100% (14/14), com índice Kappa de 1,0 (P<0,001). Concluiu-se, então, que a IFD e a IFI apresentaram excelentes resultados e podem ser consideradas novas alternativas diagnósticas do PF canino.(AU)

Quantification of Treg cells in peripheral blood and lymph nodes of dogs with multicentric lymphoma / Quantificação de células Treg no sangue periférico e linfonodos de cães com linfoma multicêntrico

Lymphoma is a malignant tumor characterized by cell proliferation of lymphoid origin and corresponds to 90% of all hematopoietic neoplasms of dogs. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been the target of many investigations in oncology due to their potential of down-regulating immune responses, as well as ensuring the maintenance of active mechanisms of tumor suppression. The aims of the present study were to compare the percentage of Tregs in peripheral blood between dogs with multicentric lymphoma and healthy animals, together with the percentage of Tregs in peripheral blood and lymph nodes of dogs with multicentric lymphoma. Twenty-six animals were enrolled in the study: 10 healthy dogs comprised the control group (CG) and 16 dogs with multicentric lymphoma comprised the Lymphoma Group (LG). We observed that dogs in the LG showed a significantly higher Tregs expression in peripheral blood compared to the CG. No significant difference was observed between Tregs expression in lymph nodes and peripheral blood of the LG, however. With these results, it is possible to conclude that multicentric lymphoma is a neoplasm with high Tregs expression, which poses this as a condition of interest when investigating treatments that can suppress Regulatory T cells.(AU)

O linfoma é uma neoplasia maligna caracterizada pela proliferação neoplásica de células originadas de tecido linfoide e corresponde a cerca de 90% das neoplasias hematopoiéticas em cães. Células T reguladoras (Tregs) têm sido alvo de diversas investigações na área da oncologia devido ao potencial de regulação negativa da resposta do sistema imune e à manutenção ativa do mecanismo de imunossupressão tumoral. O objetivo do presente estudo foi a comparação da porcentagem de Tregs no sangue periférico entre cães com linfoma multicêntrico e animais saudáveis e a porcentagem de Tregs no sangue periférico e nos linfonodos de cães com linfoma multicêntrico. Foram utilizados 26 animais: 10 cães saudáveis, como grupo controle (CG), e 16 cães com linfoma multicêntrico, como grupo linfoma (LG). Observou-se maior expressão de Tregs no sangue periférico de cães do LG em comparação ao CG. Entretanto, não foi observada diferença significativa entre as expressões de Treg nos linfonodos e no sangue periférico do LG. Com esses resultados, foi possível concluir que o linfoma multicêntrico apresenta alta expressão de Tregs, tornando-se condição interessante para o estudo de tratamentos capazes de suprimir as células T reguladoras.(AU)

Identification of stable fly attractant compounds in vinasse, a byproduct of sugarcane-ethanol distillation.

The stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae), is a worldwide pest of livestock. Recent outbreaks of stable flies in sugarcane fields in Brazil have become a serious problem for livestock producers. Larvae and pupae found inside sugarcane stems after harvesting may indicate that stable flies use these stems as potential oviposition or larval development sites. Field observations suggest that outbreaks of stable flies are associated with the vinasse and filter cake derived from biomass distillation in sugarcane ethanol production that are used as fertilizers in sugarcane fields. Adult stable flies are attracted to vinasse, which appears to present an ideal larval development site. The primary goal of the present study is to demonstrate the role of vinasse in influencing the sensory physiological and behavioural responses of stable flies, and to identify its associated volatile attractant compounds. Both laboratory and field studies showed that vinasse is extremely attractive to adult stable flies. Chemical analyses of volatiles collected revealed a wide range of carboxylic acids, alcohols, phenols and aldehydes as potential attractant compounds. These newly identified attractants could be used to develop a tool for the attractant-baited mass trapping of stable flies in order to reduce infestations.

Citocentrifugação e métodos convencionais na citologia uterina de éguas em estro e diestro / Cytocentrifugation and conventional methods in endometrial cytology of estrus and diestrus mares

A citologia uterina consiste em método prático e eficiente para o diagnóstico de afecções uterinas na égua, contribuindo para a conduta terapêutica e o prognóstico quanto à fertilidade das fêmeas. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar diferentes técnicas de coleta de material para citologia uterina em éguas, a fim de se verificarem possíveis diferenças qualitativas e quantitativas e a praticidade na execução das metodologias. Para tanto, 12 éguas multíparas foram submetidas ao exame citológico uterino, durante o estro e o diestro, por meio de escova ginecológica e lavado uterino de baixo volume. Com esse ensaio, observou-se que não houve diferença significativa (P>0,05) no resultado da citologia uterina entre as diferentes técnicas avaliadas. No entanto, quando comparadas as fases do ciclo estral, houve uma diferença significativa (P<0,05) quanto ao percentual médio de polimorfonucleares neutrófilos, sendo de 8,07±2,80 no estro e de 1,55±0,28 no diestro. Conclui-se, desse modo, que as técnicas estudadas apresentaram resultados igualmente eficazes para detecção de neutrófilos ao exame citológico do útero em ambas as fases avaliadas do ciclo estral, apesar de, na fase de estro, a detecção de maior percentual de neutrófilos possibilitar um diagnóstico e um prognóstico mais precoces de endometrite e, portanto, uma conduta terapêutica mais adequada.(AU)

The endometrial cytology consists in an efficient and practical method for the diagnosis of uterine disorders in mares, contributing for therapeutic conduct and prognostic evaluation regarding the females' fertility. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare different techniques of material sampling for endometrial cytology in mares, in order to verify possible qualitative and quantitative differences in the practicality of implementation of this methodology. Twelve multiparous mares underwent an endometrial cytological exam, during estrus and diestrus, by means of a cytobrush and a low-volume uterine flush. With this test, no statistical difference was observed (P>0.05) regarding the result of endometrial cytology between the evaluated techniques. However, in comparison to the estrous cycle's phases, a significant difference was verified (P<0.05) on the average percentage of polymorphonuclear neutrophils: 8.07±2.80 in estrus and 1.55±0.28 in diestrus. Thus, we conclude that the studied techniques presented equally effective results for the detection of neutrophils in the cytological exam for both evaluated stages of the estrous cycle, whereas in estrus phase, the detection of a higher percentage of neutrophils allows a more precocious diagnostic and prognostic of endometritis and, therefore, a more adequate therapeutic approach.(AU)

Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography of adrenal glands in healthy adult dogs / Elastografia acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) das glândulas adrenais de cães adultos saudáveis

To describe the ARFI elastography in the evaluation of the adrenal glands in adult dogs, to evaluate the stiffness of adrenal parenchyma and to determine the qualitative and quantitative standards of the ARFI technique, which have not yet been described in veterinary medicine. Sixty adrenal glands from thirty healthy adult dogs were evaluated by B-mode and qualitative and quantitative ARFI elastography to assess the stiffness of healthy parenchyma and to determine the quality and quantity (shear velocity) standards of ARFI technique in body, cranial and caudal adrenal poles. Findings of ultrasonography evaluations were normal. Qualitative elastography showed that adrenal glands were not deformable and presented homogeneous middle-gray areas. The results of shear wave velocity were similar statically (P = 0.3087): 1) left adrenal - 1.42 m/s for cranial polar, 1.31 m/s for body region, and 1.71 m/s for caudal polar; 2) right adrenal - 1.42 m/s for cranial polar, 1.74 m/s for body region and 1.63 m/s for caudal pole. Quantitative and qualitative ARFI elastography of dogs' adrenal glands is feasible, well tolerated, easily implemented and may provide baseline data in the study of this structure to allow the use of ARFI.(AU)

Objetivou-se descrever a técnica de elastografia ARFI na avaliação das glândulas adrenais em cães adultos, visando avaliar a rigidez do parênquima adrenal saudável e determinar os padrões qualitativos e quantitativos (velocidade de cisalhamento) da técnica ARFI, ainda não descritos em medicina veterinária. Sessenta glândulas adrenais de 30 cães adultos saudáveis foram avaliadas pela ultrassonografia modo B e pela elastografia ARFI qualitativa e quantitativa para avaliar a rigidez do parênquima saudável e determinar a velocidade de cisalhamento e padrões qualitativos da ARFI no corpo, polos adrenais cranial e caudal. As características ultrassonográficas das glândulas foram normais. A elastografia qualitativa mostrou que glândulas adrenais não se apresentaram deformáveis e homogêneas (coloração cinza médio). Os resultados da velocidade de cisalhamento foram semelhantes (P = 0,3087): 1) adrenal esquerda ( 1,42m/s para polo cranial, 1,31m/s para corpo e 1,71m/s para polo caudal; 2) adrenal direita ( 1,42m/s para polo cranial, 1,74m/s para corpo e 1,63m/s para polo caudal. A elastografia quantitativa e qualitativa (ARFI) das glândulas adrenais de cães é uma ferramenta viável e facilmente implementada, podendo proporcionar valores padrão para o estudo dessa estrutura.(AU)

Effects of intra-articular injection of mesenchymal stem cells associated with platelet-rich plasma in a rabbit model of osteoarthritis.

The current study aims to evaluate the macroscopic and histological effects of autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and platelet-rich plasma on knee articular cartilage regeneration in an experimental model of osteoarthritis. Twenty-four rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: control group, platelet-rich plasma group, autologous MSC undifferentiated group, and autologous MSC differentiated into chondrocyte group. Collagenase solution was used to induce osteoarthritis, and treatments were applied to each group at 6 weeks following osteoarthritis induction. After 60 days of therapy, the animals were euthanized and the articular surfaces were subjected to macroscopic and histological evaluations. The adipogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic differentiation potentials of MSCs were evaluated. Macroscopic and histological examinations revealed improved tissue repair in the MSC-treated groups. However, no difference was found between MSC-differentiated and undifferentiated chondrocytes. We found that MSCs derived from adipose tissue and platelet-rich plasma were associated with beneficial effects in articular cartilage regeneration during experimental osteoarthritis.

B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography of adrenal glands of healthy dogs / Ultrassonografia modo B e Doppler das glândulas adrenais de cães saudáveis

The aim of this study was to determine the vascular indices of adrenal blood flow in healthy dogs (systolic velocity - SV; diastolic velocity - DV; resistance index - RI). Eighteen dogs (thirty six adrenal) were studied. Physical examination, biochemical profile and dexamethasone suppression test were performed to determine general health status. Echotexture, size, contours and margins, and overall shape of the adrenal gland (right and left) were assessed via ultrasound. By spectral Doppler of the phrenic-abdominal artery, the SV, DV, and RI were acquired. Animals did not show alterations in clinical and laboratory examination and suppression of cortisol. Normal homogeneous and echotexture, regular contours and margins and normal shape and size were verified via B mode. Spectral Doppler of the phrenic-abdominal artery showed monophasic-patterned waves and low vascular resistance and systolic peak evident with means values: left adrenal - SV = 31.34cm/s, DV = 9.54cm/s and RI = 0.69; and right adrenal - SV = 27.83cm/s, DV = 7.71cm/s and RI = 0.68. Doppler evaluation of adrenal was easily implemented and may provide base line data in the study, allowing for the use of this technique as a diagnostic tool for diseases of the dog's adrenal.(AU)

Objetivou-se determinar os índices vasculares do fluxo sanguíneo das glândulas adrenais de cães saudáveis (velocidade sistólica - VS; velocidade diastólica - VD; o índice de resistência - IR). Foram utilizados neste estudo 18 cães (36 adrenais). Foram realizados exame físico, perfil bioquímico e teste de supressão com dexametasona para determinar o estado geral de saúde (higidez). Ecotextura, ecogenicidade, tamanho, contornos e margens e o formato das glândulas adrenais (direito e esquerdo) foram avaliados por meio da ultrassonografia convencional. Ao Doppler espectral da artéria frênico-abdominal, foram adquiridos a VS, a VD e o IR. Os animais não apresentaram alterações aos exames clínico, laboratorial e de supressão do cortisol. Ao exame ultrassonográfico, foram verificados ecotextura homogênea, ecogenicidade, formato e tamanhos normais, além de os contornos e as margens serem regulares. Ao Doppler espectral da artéria frênico-abdominal, verificaram-se ondas com padrão monofásico, com resistência vascular baixa e pico sistólico evidente, sendo os valores médios: adrenal esquerda - VS = 31,34cm/s, VD = 9,54cm/s e IR = 0,69; e adrenal direita - VS = 27,83cm/s, VD = 7,71cm/s e IR = 0,68. A avaliação Doppler das adrenais foi facilmente implementada e pode fornecer dados de referência, permitindo a utilização dessa técnica como uma ferramenta de diagnóstico para doenças das adrenais em cães.(AU)

Evaluation of pH effects on genomic integrity in adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells using the comet assay.

The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in experimental, clinical, and therapeutic trials has grown in recent years. However, the issue remains of whether these procedures are completely safe for transplant patients. Therefore, this study was designed and carried out with the aim of evaluating two different comet assay protocols for genomic damage pattern analysis in MSCs derived from adipose tissue. The analyzed and interpreted results suggest that genetic testing is needed to support clonal expansion safety in cell therapy procedures with MSCs. Furthermore, they also suggest that if the comet assay technique would be used as a genomic integrity screening assay, the protocol performed at pH = 12 (that yielded a frequency of damaged cells: tail intensity = 9.50 ± 0.60, tail moment = 0.0122 ± 0.0007; results are reported as means ± standard deviation) would be indicated as genomic damage, and that subsequent single-strand breaks occur at pH > 13 (frequency of damaged cells: tail intensity = 30.71 ± 4.23, tail moment = 0.0447 ± 0.0073). Our study demonstrates that, in the era of regenerative medicine, it is necessary to standardize and establish a battery of tests in order to identify genomic damage prior to MSC transplantation.

Bone marrow cytological evaluation in dogs with chronic kidney disease / Avaliação citológica da medula óssea de cães com doença renal crônica

Since anemia is indicated as an important compromising factor for the quality of life of dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD), bone marrow cytological analysis may provide more information on the hematological profile these dogs and, therefore, allow clinicians to not only choose the most adequate treatment but also monitor the response to therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility with sternal bone marrow puncture in chronic kidney disease (CKD) using only local anesthesia and check if the cytological analysis is helpful to determine the hematological status. We found that erythroid hypoplasia occurred only in terminal CKD patients, and that the bone marrows of dogs with CKD stages 2 and 3 were quantitatively similar to those of elderly dogs. All dogs tolerated the bone marrow puncture using only local anesthesia with lidocaine and bone marrow cytological evaluation may be a useful tool for hematopoietic evaluation of anemic dogs with CKD...

Sendo a anemia apontada como um importante fator comprometedor da qualidade de vida dos cães portadores de doença renal crônica (DRC), a análise citológica da medula óssea poderia fornecer mais informações acerca do perfil hematológico desses animais e, portanto, possibilitar ao clínico não somente optar por um tratamento mais adequado, mas também monitorar a resposta à terapia. Diante disso, objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar a praticabilidade e a aceitação do procedimento de coleta de medula óssea do osso esterno de cães com doença renal crônica (DRC) utilizando somente anestesia local, bem como verificar se os resultados fornecidos na análise citológica fazem-se úteis à composição do quadro hematológico desses pacientes. Observou-se que a manifestação de hipoplasia da série eritroide só ocorreu nos pacientes em estádio terminal da DRC, e que as medulas ósseas dos DRC em estádio 2 e 3 assemelharam-se quantitativamente à medula de animais idosos. Os cães de todos dos grupos toleraram bem a punção do osso esterno somente com uso de lidocaína, podendo ser esta, portanto, uma ferramenta útil na complementação da abordagem hematopoiética de cães anêmicos com DRC...

Scaling of the dynamics of homogeneous states of one-dimensional long-range interacting systems.

Quasistationary states of long-range interacting systems have been studied at length over the last 15 years. It is known that the collisional terms of the Balescu-Lenard and Landau equations vanish for one-dimensional systems in homogeneous states, thus requiring a new kinetic equation with a proper dependence on the number of particles. Here we show that the scalings discussed in the literature are mainly due either to small size effects or the use of unsuitable variables to describe the dynamics. The scaling obtained from both simulations and theoretical considerations is proportional to the square of the number of particles, and a general form for the kinetic equation valid for the homogeneous regime is obtained. Numerical evidence is given for the Hamiltonian mean field and ring models, and a kinetic equation valid for the homogeneous state is obtained for the former system.

Establishment of peritoneal liquid electrophoretogram from healthy horses and horses submitted to experimentally induced intestinal obstruction / Estabelecimento do eletroforetograma do líquido peritoneal de equinos hígidos e daqueles submetidos à obstrução intestinal experimental

The initial inflammatory stages of the colic syndrome include changes known as acute phase response. The aim of this study was to contribute with the establishment of reference values concerning the electrophoretogram of peritoneal liquid from healthy horses and horses submitted to experimentally induced intestinal obstruction. Twenty-one horses were allotted in four groups: duodenal obstruction (DG), ileum obstruction (IG), left-dorsal colon obstruction (MG), and control group (CG). Peritoneal liquid was sampled before obtruction (T0), with 3 hours of obstruction (T3) and 6, 30, 102 and 174 hours after desobstructing (T6, T30, T102 and T174, respectively). Total protein levels were determined by the biuret method and protein fractions were obtained by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis. The acute phase proteins (APP) identified were Immunoglobulin-A, ceruloplasmin, transferrin, albumin, α1-antitrypsin, heavy and light chains of immunoglobulin-G, haptoglobin, α1-acid glycoprotein and a still unnamed protein, which was called P24. There was no difference (P>0.3) in protein levels among groups, although a significant difference (P>0.05) was observed between distinct experimental moments in each group evidencing a higher response of the APP in the obstructed groups. The APP fractioning of the peritoneal liquid was standardized to establish a standard curve for healthy equines and those submitted to induced intestinal obstruction. Moreover, it was verified that the SDS-PAGE electrophoresis was sensitive and effective to help diagnose abdominal inflammatory processes...

Na cólica equina, os estágios iniciais da inflamação incluem alterações denominadas resposta de fase aguda. O objetivo deste estudo foi contribuir para o estabelecimento de valores de referência do proteinograma do líquido peritoneal de equinos hígidos e daqueles submetidos à obstrução intestinal experimental. Vinte e um animais foram distribuídos nos grupos: obstrução de duodeno (GD), íleo (GI), cólon dorsal esquerdo (GM) e controle instrumentado (GC). As colheitas das amostras de líquido peritoneal foram realizadas antes (T0), durante as obstruções (T3) e após as desobstruções (T6, T30, T102 e T174 horas). A proteína total foi determinada pelo método do biureto, e as frações proteicas obtidas por eletroforese em SDS-PAGE. Identificaram-se as proteínas de fase aguda (PFA): IgA, ceruloplasmina, transferrina, albumina, α1-antitripsina, cadeias pesada e leve de imunoglobulina-G, haptoglobina, alfa-1-glicoproteína ácida e uma proteína nominalmente não identificada, que foi chamada P24. Não houve diferença (P>0.3) nas concentrações proteicas entre os grupos, somente entre tempos dentro de cada grupo (P>0.05), evidenciando uma resposta maior das PFA dos grupos obstruídos. O fracionamento eletroforético das PFA, presentes no líquido peritoneal, foi padronizado de modo a estabelecer a curva-padrão para equinos hígidos e para aqueles submetidos à obstrução intestinal; ademais, verificou-se que o referido fracionamento proteico mostrou-se sensível e eficaz no auxílio ao diagnóstico de processos inflamatórios abdominais...

Dynamics and physical interpretation of quasistationary states in systems with long-range interactions.

The time evolution of the one-particle distribution function of an N-particle classical Hamiltonian system with long-range interactions satisfies the Vlasov equation in the limit of infinite N. In this paper we present a new derivation of this result using a different approach allowing a discussion of the role of interparticle correlations on the system dynamics. Otherwise for finite N collisional corrections must be introduced. This has allowed a quite comprehensive study of the quasistationary states (QSSs) though many aspects of the physical interpretations of these states still remain unclear. In this paper a proper definition of time scale for long time evolution is discussed, and several numerical results are presented for different values of N. Previous reports indicate that the lifetimes of the QSS scale as N1.7 or even the system properties scale with exp(N). However, preliminary results presented here indicates that time scale goes as N2 for a different type of initial condition. We also discuss how the form of the interparticle potential determines the convergence of the N-particle dynamics to the Vlasov equation. The results are obtained in the context of the following models: the Hamiltonian mean field, the Self-gravitating ring model, and one- and two-dimensional systems of gravitating particles. We have also provided information of the validity of the Vlasov equation for finite N.

Evaluation of the antiplasmodial and cytotoxicity potentials of husk fiber extracts from Cocos nucifera, a medicinal plant used in Nigeria to treat human malaria.

Nigeria is an African country where transmission of malaria occurs all year round and where most inhabitants use plants as remedies against parasitic diseases, including malaria. Some of such medicinal plants have their antimalarial efficacies already demonstrated experimentally, active compounds isolated and the mechanism of drug action suggested. Decoction of Cocos nucifera husk is used in the middle belt region of Nigeria as an antimalarial remedy. In our current studies, we tested extracts from husks of four varieties of C. nucifera, all collected in Brazil, where the plant fruit is popularly named 'coco'. The husks of coco mestiço, amarelo, anão and gigante collected in the Northeast of Brazil were used to prepare extracts at the Chemistry Department, Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL), which were then tested for their antiplasmodial activities, cytotoxicities and hemolytic activities in vitro. Only the hexane extract of coco mestiço was active against the blood forms of Plasmodium falciparum human malaria parasite maintained in continuous culture. Most extracts presented selectivity indices of <10, while hexane extract of coco mestiço had a selectivity index of 35, meaning that the extract is not toxic. The isolation of the active compounds from coco mestiço husks has not yet been done.

Criptococose diagnosticada por imprints de lesões em mucosa oral em cão / Cryptococcosis diagnosed by imprints of oral mucosa lesions in dog

The present report provides a cryptococcosis case affecting a Poodle dog that primarily presented the disease in its cutaneous form, but rapidly evolved to neurologic form and subsequent death. The clinical-pathological diagnosis was established by the examination of cytologic preparations obtained through fine needle cytological aspiration (FNCA) from cutaneous nodules and by imprints of ulcerative lesions presented at the oral cavity. Thus, this case report showed the importance of using other clinical-laboratorial diagnostic methods for cryptococcosis, especially of those preparations obtained from imprints of mucocutaneous ulcerative lesions.

Effects of lidocaine infusion during experimental endotoxemia in horses.

BACKGROUND: The clinical efficacy of IV infusion of lidocaine for treatment of equine endotoxemia has not been studied. HYPOTHESIS: Lidocaine infusion after exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) will inhibit the inflammatory response and have inhibitory effects on the hemodynamic and cytokine responses to endotoxemia. ANIMALS: Twelve horses. METHODS: Two equal groups (n=6): saline (GI) and lidocaine (GII). In all animals, endotoxin (500 ng/kg body weight [BW]) was injected intraperitoneally over 5 minutes. Twenty minutes later, animals received a bolus of GI or GII (1.3 mg/kg BW) over 5 minutes, followed by a 6-hour continuous rate infusion of GI or GII (0.05 mg/kg BW/min). Treatment efficacy was judged from change in arterial blood pressure, peripheral blood and peritoneal fluid (PF) variables (total and differential cell counts, enzyme activities, and cytokine concentrations), and clinical scores (CS) for behavioral evidence of abdominal pain or discomfort during the study. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, horses treated with lidocaine had significantly lower CS and serum and PF tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) activity. At several time points in both groups, total and differential cell counts, glucose, total protein and fibrinogen concentrations, and alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase, and TNF-alpha activities were significantly different from baseline values both in peripheral blood and in PF. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Lidocaine significantly decreased severity of CS and inhibited TNF-alpha activity in PF.

Características celulares e bioquímicas do líquido peritoneal de equinos submetidos à obstrução experimental do duodeno, íleo e cólon maior / Cellular and biochemical characteristics of peritoneal fluid of equines submitted to experimental obstruction of duodenum, ileum, and large colon

Estudaram-se as características macroscópicas, bioquímicas e citológicas do líquido peritoneal de equinos submetidos a um modelo experimental de obstrução intestinal em 24 animais, distribuídos em grupos: de controle instrumentado (GI), de obstrução do duodeno (GII), de obstrução do íleo (GIII) e de obstrução do cólon maior (GIV). As amostras de líquido peritoneal foram colhidas antes da cirurgia (T0), durante as obstruções (T60i-T180i) e após as desobstruções (T60ri-T7º ). Durante o período obstrutivo, não foram observadas alterações significativas nos parâmetros bioquímicos e citológicos avaliados no líquido peritoneal dos animais. Após as desobstruções, apenas os animais de GII e GIII apresentaram resposta inflamatória mais intensa, caracterizada por maior contagem global e diferencial de leucócitos e dos valores de proteína total, fibrinogênio, lactato e fósforo inorgânico. As alterações laboratoriais não foram associadas a sinais clínicos indicativos da presença de processo inflamatório abdominal, demonstrando que os resultados da análise do líquido peritoneal, apesar de auxiliarem no acompanhamento da evolução do processo de cura, não devem ser utilizados isoladamente na elaboração do diagnóstico e do prognóstico de complicações no pós-operatório de equinos com cólica.

The macroscopic, biochemical, and cytological characteristics of peritoneal fluid of equines submitted to intestinal obstruction using an experimental model were evaluated. Twenty-four animals were distributed in four groups: instrumented control (GI), duodenum obstruction (GII), ileum obstruction (GIII), and large colon obstruction (GIV). Peritoneal fluid samples were collected before the surgery (T0), during the obstruction (T60i-T180i), and after unblocking procedures (T60ri-T7º ). During obstructive period, significant alterations were not observed in biochemical and cytological examination of peritoneal fluid of all animals. After unblocking procedure, animals from GII and GIII presented intense inflammatory response characterized by higher global and differential leukocytes counts, as well as in fibrinogen and total protein concentrations; lactate and inorganic phosphorus concentrations in peritoneal fluid were also increased. The laboratory alterations were not associated with clinical signs, indicative of the abdominal inflammatory process presence. Results showed that analyses of peritoneal fluids can be used as support in the evolution of healing process. However, they can not be isolated used for a diagnosis and prognosis of equine postoperative complications.

T lymphocyte subsets of the umbilical cord blood of dogs / Subpopulações de linfócitos t no sangue de cordão umbilical de cães

The hematological parameters red blood cells (RBC) and total white blood cells (WBC) counts, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, and RBC indexes (median corpuscular volume and median corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) were determined and T CD5+ lymphocytes and CD4+ and CD8+ subpopulations of the umbilical cord blood (UCB) of dogs were quantified by the cytofluorimetric technique. Nine adult Beagles, from two do five-year old, were used as control. The umbilical cord blood (UCB) was collected from 20 neonate dogs. The method for the UCB collection was adequate to obtain sufficient quantity of blood for the accomplishment of the hematological analyses and lymphocyte quantification. Cytoscopic preparations of the UCB suggested high erythropoietic activity. There was no difference for the global leukocyte and lymphocyte counts between the groups. UCB T lymphocyte counts were lower than those obtained for adult dogs. The proportion of CD4:CD8 showed a great dominance of T CD4+ cells over T CD8+ lymphocytes in UCB.

Determinaram-se os valores hematológicos da contagem de hemácias, contagem total de leucócitos, hematócrito, concentração de hemoglobina e os índices hematimétricos (volume corpuscular médio e concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média) e quantificaram-se os linfócitos T CD5+ e as subpopulações CD4+ e CD8+ do sangue do cordão umbilical (SCU) de cães por meio da técnica de citometria de fluxo. Nove cães adultos, da raça Beagle, foram utilizados como controle. O SCU foi colhido de 20 cães neonatos, a termo. O método de colheita de SCU utilizado proporcionou quantidade suficiente de sangue para realização das análises hematológicas e quantificação de linfócitos. As preparações citoscópicas do SCU sugeriram elevada atividade eritropoética. Não houve diferença nas contagens globais de leucócitos e linfócitos entre os grupos. A contagem de linfócitos T no SCU foi mais baixa que a obtida em animais adultos. A proporção CD4:CD8 obtida demonstrou a grande dominância das células T CD4+ sobre os linfócitos T CD8+ no SCU canino.

Proteinograma sérico de veados-catingueiro (Mazama gouazoubira) criados em cativeiro obtido por eletroforese em gel de agarose e de poliacrilamida (SDS PAGE) / Serum protein concentrations of captive brown brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira) determined by means of agarosis and sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide (SDS-PAGE) gel electrophoresis

The serum protein concentrations of brown brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira) obtained by agarosis gel and sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide (SDS-PAGE) gel were determined from blood samples of ten adult healthy animals (six females and four males), monthly collected in the morning, during 12 months. The animals, maintained in individual stable and protected from noise, received ad libitum a diet of comercial ration and green roughage. Serum protein concentrations in agarosis gel revealed the presence of four protein fractions: albumin, alphaglobulin, betaglobulin, and gammaglobulin. Only serum concentrations of albumin were influenced by season, being values in spring higher than values in summer (4.15 x 3.64g/dl). Serum concentrations of albumin (4.05 x 3.75g/dl) were higher for female and alphaglobulin (0.39 x 0.53g/dl) werehigher for males. Results showed 34 proteins with molecular weights ranging from 18kD to 165kD. Significant differences between at least two seasons were found on values of 11 proteins. In conclusion, on account of the 10 animals been maintained in the same physical space and submitted to the same handling system, physiological variations, which are characteristic of this species, can be apointed as the reason of these differences.