The proteomics of roadside hawk (Rupornis magnirostris), broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) and loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) tears.

BACKGROUND: Tears play an important role in ocular surface protection, and help wild animals maintain visual acuity in the face of air and water friction. The proteomics of tears has only been described for mammals. The knowledge of the proteomics of wild animal tears can aid not only in the setting of normal standards for ocular disease studies in these animals, but also to base the search for new molecules to be used in ophthalmology therapeutics. We therefore set out to describe the proteomic profile of roadside hawk (Rupornis magnirostris), broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) and loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) tears. Tears were collected from healthy animals, their spectral profiles were obtained with an LTQ Orbitrap XL mass spectrometer, and the dataset was analyzed against reference taxa. RESULTS: For roadside hawk, 446 proteins were identified, the most abundant being albumin, transferrin, globulin and actin. For broad-snouted caiman and loggerhead sea turtle, 1358 and 163 proteins were identified, respectively. Uncharacterized proteins and transferrin were highly abundant in both species. The roadside hawk tear components and their properties were similar to those described for humans, but with a higher albumin concentration. Broad-snouted caiman tears presented a wide diversity of ontological functions, with an abundant presence of enzymatic compounds. In loggerhead sea turtle tears, the predominance of proteins with ion-transport functions was consistent with possible osmolality-maintenance mechanisms. CONCLUSION: These data enhance our understanding of birds and reptiles' tears microcomposition and may be used to base the discovery of new molecules with high biotechnological potential.

Effect of different olive oil-derived antioxidants (hydroxytyrosol and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol) on the quality of frozen-thawed ram sperm.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of different concentrations of two olive oil-derived antioxidants, hydroxytyrosol (3,4-dihydroxyphenylethanol, HT) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG), on ovine semen during the freezing-thawing process. Sperm was collected, pooled and diluted with commercial extenders and then divided into aliquots supplemented with different concentrations (10 µg/ml, 30 µg/ml, 50 µg/ml and 70 µg/ml) of HT, DHPG and a mixture (MIX) of both antioxidants. A control group, without antioxidant, was also prepared. Sperm motility, viability, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were assessed. The results showed that frozen-thawed ram spermatozoa exhibited lower values for motility, membrane integrity, acrosome and mitochondrial membrane potential than fresh samples (P ≤ 0.01). However, when antioxidants were added, thawed spermatozoa exhibited relatively low LPO, recording values similar to fresh spermatozoa; by contrast, the control group of frozen-thawed spermatozoa without antioxidants exhibited significantly higher LPO (P ≤ 0.01). The addition of a HT+DHPG mixture (MIX) had a negative impact on sperm membrane and acrosome integrity, suggesting that a pure antioxidant supplementation has the potential to offer superior results. In conclusion, HT and DHPG exhibited a positive effect on the frozen-thawed spermatozoa inasmuch as they reduced the LPO. These olive oil-derived antioxidants have the potential to improve frozen-thawed sperm quality, although further studies should be carried out to analyse the antioxidant effect at different times after thawing.

Evaluation of ophthalmic and hemodynamic parameters in capuchin monkeys (Sapajus sp.) submitted to dissociative anesthetic protocols.

BACKGROUND: Dissociative drugs are used for chemical restraint in monkeys. The aim was to evaluate muscle relaxation, recovery, and ophthalmic and hemodynamic parameters in 24 capuchin monkeys subjected to four dissociative anesthesia protocols. METHODS: Animals were anesthetized with tiletamine-zolazepam (TZ), ketamine-xylazine (KX), ketamine-midazolam (KM), or ketamine-dexmedetomidine (KD). Muscle relaxation, digital reflex, lacrimal production, intraocular pressure (IOP), heart and respiratory rates, oxygen saturation (SpO2 ), rectal temperature, non-invasive arterial blood pressure, palpebral and pupillary reflexes, and eyeball positioning were evaluated every 5 minutes for 20 minutes. RESULTS: Muscle relaxation was highest in KM and KD. At 5-minute post-injection, IOP was higher in TZ than in all other groups. There was a significant difference between groups and times in heart and respiratory rates and temperature. There were no significant differences in SpO2, arterial blood pressure, and lacrimal production between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The established parameters may help in clinical and ophthalmic examinations of primates.

Conjunctival flora, Schirmer's tear test, intraocular pressure, and conjunctival cytology in neotropical primates from Salvador, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to establish reference values for selected ophthalmic diagnostic tests in healthy neotropical primates from Salvador, Brazil. METHODS: A total of 73 intact adults, including Callithrix jacchus (n = 31), Callithrix penicillata (n = 8), Cebus sp. (n = 22), and Cebus xanthosternos (n = 9) were used to evaluate the normal conjunctival bacterial flora. Cebus xanthosternos (n = 12) were used to evaluate tear production with Schirmer's tear test (STT), intraocular pressure (IOP), and conjunctival cytology. RESULTS: For all animals evaluated, Gram-positive bacteria were predominant. Results of the diagnostic tests in Cebus xanthosternos were as follows: STT: 14.92 ± 5.46 mm/minutes, IOP: 19.62 ± 4.57 mmHg, and conjunctival cytology revealed intermediate squamous epithelial cells in great quantities. CONCLUSIONS: These ophthalmic reference values will be particularly useful to diagnose discrete or unusual pathological changes in the neotropical primates eye.

Internal drainage of giant acute pseudocysts: the role of video-assisted pancreatic necrosectomy.

BACKGROUND: Internal drainage of giant pancreatic pseudocysts secondary to acute pancreatitis is frequently complicated with postoperative retroperitoneal infection and hemorrhage. Recent data suggest that the risk factor is unrecognized pancreatic necrosis; presumably, pancreatic necrosis becomes infected with bacteria introduced by the cystoenteric anastomosis. HYPOTHESIS: Video-assisted pancreatic necrosectomy, performed at the time of internal drainage, may prevent postoperative retroperitoneal complications in patients with giant acute pseudocysts. DESIGN: A consecutive case-series. SETTING: An urban, university-affiliated, tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Ten consecutive patients with acute pseudocysts measuring 10 cm or more in major diameter. The mean extent of pancreatic necrosis, as shown by contrast-enhanced computed tomography, was 50%. All patients were operated on electively, at an average time of 7.7 weeks from onset of the attack to surgical treatment. INTERVENTION: Through a midline incision, a 4-cm opening is made at the base of the pseudocyst. Standard laparoscopic instruments are introduced into the pseudocyst and video-assisted pancreatic necrosectomy is performed. The opening is then anastomosed to a Roux-en-Y limb of the jejunum. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Feasibility and safety of video-assisted pancreatic necrosectomy, postoperative morbidity and mortality, hospital stay, and resolution of pseudocysts. RESULTS: Complete necrosectomy was safely performed throughout. There were neither postoperative retroperitoneal complications nor mortality. Mean hospital stay was 8.2 days and all pseudocysts resolved at a mean follow-up of 6.9 months. CONCLUSIONS: Video-assisted pancreatic necrosectomy at the time of internal drainage seems to prevent postoperative retroperitoneal complications in patients with giant acute pseudocysts. Depending on appropriate surgical timing, video-assisted necrosectomy is a feasible and safe procedure.

Risk factors for acute pancreatitis in patients with migrating gallstones.

Stool screening for gallstones and ultrasound monitoring of diameter changes of the biliary and pancreatic duct were performed in 129 patients with choledocholithiasis. Gallstone migration was found in 44 patients, all of whom were operated on electively. At surgery, acute pancreatic lesions were found in 16 patients; in the remaining 28 there was no evidence of pancreatic inflammation. There were no significant differences among patients in both groups regarding sex, age, stone size, shape or number found in stools, interval between admission and migration, or the presence of a dilated pancreatic duct before migration. Pancreatic duct reflux, however, was significantly more frequent in cholangiograms of patients with acute pancreatitis, implying that a common channel may be a major factor relating to acute pancreatitis in patients with migrating gallstones.

Choledocholithiasis in acute gallstone pancreatitis. Incidence and clinical significance.

A prospective study of choledocholithiasis was performed using 110 patients with presumptive diagnoses of acute gallstone pancreatitis. The incidence of migrating and persistent bile duct stones was determined using stool screening and intraoperative cholangiography, and the clinical significance of continued stone obstruction of the papilla was investigated using ultrasound assessment of migration time and a second evaluation of prognostic signs. Pancreatic inflammation was confirmed at surgery in 51 patients, of whom only 27 had stones in the stools (n = 22) or the bile duct (n = 5), suggesting that choledocholithiasis may not be the sole triggering factor of acute gallstone pancreatitis. Neither delayed migration nor persistent stone obstruction of the papilla promoted pancreatic inflammation.

[A surveillance system for the study of the circulation of influenza in Madrid during the 1986-1991 quinquennium. The Influenza Surveillance Group of Madrid]. / Sistema de vigilancia para el estudio de la circulación gripal en Madrid durante el quinquenio 1986-1991. Grupo de Vigilancia de Gripe de Madrid.

BACKGROUND: The creation of a surveillance system allowing the study of the evolution of the tendency of influenza and act as an alert system for undertaking control measures is necessary due to the great variability characteristic of the circulation of influenza virus. The Madrid Influenza Surveillance Group was therefore designed. The activity carried out during its first five years of existence is evaluated. METHODS: The field work of the Group is based on the clinical study of patients with influenza, among which some are selected for virologic study with the aim to isolate and characterize the circulating virus. The data obtained by the work group itself are used as the dates of the System of Obligatory Disease Declaration and the System of Microbiologic Information as epidemiologic support to define the outbreaks observed. RESULTS: All the virus isolated were similar to those recommended by the World Health Organization for their inclusion in anti-influenza vaccination, with their circulation being largely reproduced throughout Europe. In three of the five seasons studied the type A virus prevailed leading to earlier outbreaks and a greater number of cases than in the two seasons with type B prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: The circulation of the influenza virus in Madrid coincides with that of the rest of Spain at both the maximum peak and relative incidence as well as the type of prevailing virus. The minor circulation detected by the Madrid Group is in concordance with the data provided by the other autonomic communities.

[Modifications of the accessory glands of male genital tract of intact and castrated rats after sulpiride treatment (author's transl)]. / Modifications des glandes annexes du tractus génital mâle du rat entier et castré après un traitement au sulpiride.

Sulpiride or Dogmatil (Delagrange, Paris) was injected to male rats at the rate of 40 mg/day for either 10 or 20 days. Ponderal fluctuations of the accessory organs followed by a quantitative analysis of fructose and of serum acid phosphatases issued from testis epididymis and prostates (PAP) were studied. The coagulating glands alone reacted strongly and their initial weight doubled in 20 days. On the contrary, the fructose decreased sharply in all accessory glands especially in the coagulating glands. The PAP decreased slightly. The fact the concentration of serum PAP remained relatively high even in the castrated males, can be explained by the increase in the lysosomial activity due to retention and diminution of secretion granules. Fructose and PAP are conditioned by androgens and their quantitative decrease suggests that the testosterone level decreased. Hyperprolactinemia induced by Sulpiride is concomittent to testosterone diminution and the effect of each hormone cannot easily be separated. In the castrated animals the effects of Sulpiride were minimized due to the difficulty in observing significant variations between treated and untreated castrates.

[Bidimensional measurements of the dental arches using a digitizer]. / Misurazione bidimensionale delle arcate dentali con l'utilizzo del digitizer.

This method is based on the photographic reproduction of plaster models of dental arches, having previously identified reference points at a canine, molar and inter-incisor level. Subsequent measurement, using a digitizer, of the distances between the above points allows a precise bidimensional measurement to be easily obtained. By selecting plaster models for the different stages of treatment, the method can also be used to monitor changes in the dimensions of the alveolodental arch induced by therapy, or the possible presence of long-term recidivation.

[Postural changes of the tongue and hyoid bone following orthognathodontic surgical interventions]. / Mutamenti posturali della lingua e dell'osso ioide dopo interventi chirurgici ortognatodontici.

The study was carried out on 28 dysgnathic patients submitted to surgical correction of malocclusion with the use of latero-lateral X-rays pre- and postoperatively. Cephalometry included a tongue and hyoid bone profiles and changes were assessed and quantified. It was interesting to note that aspecific evaluation of progenia patients confirmed the raising of the tongue and the lowering of the hyoid bone. Evaluation of the type of operation carried out led to further considerations. In patients undergoing combined operation there was a prevalence of a raising of the two components; mandible operation alone influences the downward shift of the tongue and hyoid bone. The advance of the upper maxillary, on the other hand, particularly when associated with segmentary osteotomy, is accompanied by a combined shift upwards of both tongue and hyoid bone.

[A comparative evaluation of Steiner's and McNamara's methods for determining the position of the bone bases]. / Valutazione comparativa delle metodiche di Steiner e McNamara per la determinazione della posizione delle basi ossee.

A comparative study of Steiner's and McNamara's cephalometric analyses to determine the position of bone bases was performed in 51 patients and revealed the substantial similarity of the two techniques. The authors consider McNamara's technique to be of greater and more immediate clinical value.

[An evaluation of the postoperative stability of the dental arches following interventions for segmental osteotomy]. / Valutazione della stabilità postchirurgica delle arcate dentali dopo interventi di osteotomia segmentaria.

The study evaluates the long-term postsurgical stability of segmentary osteotomy and compares it to the orthodontic expansion of the jaw which is well known for its tendency to relapse following contraction. The study of the postsurgical changes of the transversal and longitudinal diameters of the dental arches and of the area covered was carried out in a group of 15 patients using rigorously standardised methods. Heterogeneous variations were observed and although there was a prevalent tendency towards contractions these were small in size and of minor clinical importance. Even if only major postsurgical changes were taken into account, usually following considerable expansion of the jaw, especially if associated with the jaw's advance, it is clear that there is a greater clinical stability in comparison to orthodontic expansions. This confirms the therapeutic value of segmentary osteotomy.

[Acute suppurative cholangitis]. / Colangitis aguda supurada.

1) Acute suppurative cholangitis is the most severe clinical form of bacterial biliary infection. 2) During a 14 year period, 29 patients were treated at the General Surgery Division A, of the Cosme Argerich General Hospital. 3) Patients were divided in two groups; a) acute suppurative cholangitis with (n:100 or b) without (n:19) evidence of biliary obstruction. In the former group, in addition to Charcot's triad, we found mental confusion and septic shock among clinical signs. 4) Gall stones were the most common cause of obstruction, followed by pancreatic and biliary carcinoma. 5) Diagnosis on admission was correct in 40% of patients. Charcot's triad was present in 19 of the 29 patients. 6) All 22 operated patients survived whereas 7 non operated patients died. 7) The high mortality observed was similar to that reported in other publications and could be partly due to delayed diagnosis, and the high frequency of multiple liver abscesses found at autopsy. 8) Newer diagnostic procedures have improved the differential diagnosis of obstructive jaundice. It is hoped that they will help in the earlier recognition of acute suppurative cholangitis and decrease the incidence of severe complications.

Avaliação proteica do humor aquoso de equinos / Evaluation of equine aqueous humor protein

A avaliação proteica do humor aquoso (HA) pode ser utilizada como método diagnóstico nas uveítes. Entretanto, estudos sobre as proteínas nesse fluido, em equinos hígidos, são escassos e apresentam variações conforme a metodologia empregada. Dessa forma, objetivou-se realizar a análise proteica e citológica do HA nessa espécie, bem como verificar sua correlação com as proteínas plasmáticas. Foram avaliados 13 equinos adultos (26 olhos), sem raça definida, machos ou fêmeas. Mediante aqueocentese, foi coletado 0,5 mL de humor aquoso de cada olho. Cada amostra foi encaminhada para quantificação proteica pelo método de Bradford modificado e pela eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida - dodecil sulfato de sódio (SDS-PAGE), bem como para avaliação citológica. Por meio de venopunção, coletou-se sangue para determinação da concentração de proteínas séricas. Treze olhos (50% das amostras) apresentaram valor proteico médio de 40,3 mg/dL±6,45 e a eletroforese demonstrou presença de proteínas de massas mais elevadas que 43 KDa. Houve ausência de células em 96,15% das amostras (25 olhos). Equinos hígidos apresentaram baixa concentração de proteínas no HA. Já a correlação entre proteína no humor aquoso/proteína plasmática total foi de 0,56%.(AU)

Evaluation of equine aqueous humor (AH) proteins can help the diagnosis of uveitis. However, studies on proteins in this fluid in healthy horses are scarce and present variations according to the methodology employed. This study aimed to perform protein analysis and cytology of equine aqueous humor of healthy horses and verify its correlation with plasmatic proteins. Thirteen adult horses (26 eyes), mixed breed, male or female were evaluated. A volume of 0.5 mL of aqueous humor was collected through aqueocentesis from both eyes. The samples were submitted to protein quantification by modified Bradford method and to sodium dodecyl sulphate - polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and to cytological evaluation. Blood was collected for determination of plasmatic protein concentration. Thirteen eyes (50% of the samples) had values larger than zero by the Bradford method, with an average of 40.3 mg/dl±6.45. Electrophoresis showed presence of higher masses of proteins (43 KDa). There were no cells in 96.15% of the samples (25 eyes). Healthy equines presented low protein concentration in the HA. The ratio between protein concentration in the aqueous humor / total plasma protein of 0.56%.(AU)

Experimental acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and polyamide evisceration implant: a rabbit clinical and histopathology study / Estudo clínico e histopatológico em coelhos eviscerados com utilização de implantes de poliamida e acrilonitrila butadieno estireno

The purpose of this study was to evaluate acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyamide implants in rabbits submitted to evisceration at the macroscopic and microstructure level and to assess clinical response and histopathological changes as well. For the experimental study implants of 12mm diameter were prepared by rapid prototyping, weighed and the outer and inner surfaces evaluated macroscopically and by electron microscopy. In addition, a compression test was performed and ultrastructural damage was then determined. After evisceration of the left eyeball, nine New Zealand rabbits received ABS implants and nine others received polyamide implants. The animals were assessed daily for 15 days after surgery and every seven days until the end of the study (90 days). Histopathological evaluation was performed at 15, 45 and 90 days after surgery. The ABS implants weighed approximately 0.44g, while the polyamide ones weighed 0.61g. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that the ABS implants had regular-sized, equidistant micropores, while the polyamide ones showed micropores of various sizes. The force required to fracture the ABS implant was 14.39 ±0.60 Mpa, while for the polyamide one, it was 16.80 ±1.05 Mpa. Fifteen days after surgery, we observed centripetal tissue infiltration and scarce inflammatory infiltrate. Implants may be used in the filling of anophthalmic cavities, because they are inert, biocompatible and allow tissue integration.(AU)

Avaliou-se a macroscopia, a microestrutura, a resposta clínica e histopatológica de implantes de acrilonitrila butadieno estireno (ABS) e poliamida em coelhos submetidos à evisceração. Para o estudo experimental, os implantes foram elaborados por meio de prototipagem rápida, com 12mm de diâmetro, pesados e tiveram suas superfícies avaliadas macroscopicamente e por microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Adicionalmente, foi realizado ensaio de compressão para determinar a força necessária para fraturar os implantes. Após a evisceração do olho esquerdo, nove coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia receberam implantes de poliamida e nove outros receberam implantes de ABS. Os animais foram avaliados diariamente nos primeiros 15 dias após a cirurgia e a cada sete dias até o fim do período experimental (90 dias). Avaliação histopatológica foi realizada aos 15, 45 e 90 dias após a cirurgia. Os implantes de ABS pesaram 0,44g, e os de poliamida 0,61g. A microscopia eletrônica de varredura demonstrou que os implantes de ABS eram formados por microporos equidistantes, enquanto os de poliamida apresentavam microporos de vários tamanhos. A força necessária para fraturar os implantes de ABS foi de 14.39±0.60 Mpa, enquanto para os de poliamida foi de 16.80±1.05Mpa. Quinze dias após a cirurgia, foi observada infiltração fibrovascular centrípeta. Os implantes podem ser utilizados para correção de cavidades anoftálmicas por se mostrarem inertes, biocompatíveis e permitirem a infiltração tecidual.(AU)

Double-setting alpha-tricalcium phosphate cement provided with interconection channels in rabbits after enucleation: a potential implant for the anophthalmic socket / Cimento de alfa-fosfato tricálcico de dupla pega munido de canais de interconexão em coelhos enucleados: um possível implante para cavidade anoftálmica

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the macroscopy and microstructure of a double setting alpha-tricalcium phosphate bone cement sphere provided with interconnection channels (alpha-TCP-i), as well as the integration of the implant with the rabbits' orbital tissue, through macroscopic analysis and histopathology. The external and internal surfaces of the alpha-TCP-i were evaluated macroscopically and by electron microscopy. Twelve New Zealand rabbits received 12mm implants of alpha-TCP-i following enucleation of the left eye. The clinical assessment was undertaken daily during the first 15 days, followed by fortnightly assessment until the end of the study period. For the morphological analysis, exenteration was performed in 3 animals per experimental period (15, 45, 90 and 180 days). The external and internal surfaces of the implant appeared solid, smooth and compact, with six channels which interconnected centrally. The micro-architecture was characterized by the formation of columns of hexagonal crystals. No signs of infection, exposure, dehiscence of sutures or extrusion of the implant were noted in any of the animals during the entire period of the study. The morphological evaluation demonstrated the presence of a thin capsule around the implant, from whence appeared fibro-vascular projections, which penetrated it through the interconnecting channels. In the first days after the insertion of the implant, an intense inflammatory reaction was noted. At 180 days, however, there were no signs of inflammation. The alpha-tricalcium phosphate cement implant was well tolerated in this rabbit model and appeared to be relatively inert with some fibrovascular ingrowth through the large channels.

Avaliaram-se a macroscopia e a microestrutura de esferas compostas por cimento ósseo de alfa-fosfato tricálcico de dupla pega munido de canais de interconexão (alfa-TCP-i) e a integração do implante ao tecido orbital de coelhos através de análise macroscópica e histopatológica. A superfície interna e externa do alfa-TCP-i foi avaliada macroscopicamente e por microscopia eletrônica. Após enucleação do bulbo ocular esquerdo, 12 coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia receberam implantes do alfa-TCP-i com 12mm de diâmetro. A avaliação clínica foi realizada diariamente nos primeiros 15 dias e depois a cada quinze dias até o fim do período de estudo. Para análise morfológica, seguiu-se a exenteração de três animais por período experimental (15, 45, 90 e 180 dias). As superfícies externa e interna do implante mostraram-se compactas, sólidas e lisas, com seis canais que se interconectavam centralmente. A microarquitetura caracterizou-se pela formação de colunas de cristais hexagonais. Sinais de infecção, exposição, deiscência de sutura ou extrusão não foram notados em nenhum dos animais durante o período de estudo. A análise morfológica revelou a presença de fina cápsula ao redor do implante de onde surgiram projeções fibrovasculares que o penetraram através dos canais de interconexão. Nos primeiros dias após a inserção das esferas, notou-se intensa reação inflamatória que se mostrou ausente aos 180 dias. O implante do cimento de alfa-fosfato tricálcico foi bem tolerado em coelhos, mostrou-se relativamente inerte e permitiu a infiltração de tecido fibrovascular através dos canais de interconexão.