Evaluación de la calidad seminal de conejos alimentados con dietas que contienen diferentes niveles de inclusión de semillas de linaza (Linum usitatissimum)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) on the physical and morphological quality of fresh and refrigerated rabbit semen. Twenty New Zealand males were used, and distributed in four groups according to the level of inclusion of flaxseed in the total diet for 100 days: 0 %, 3 %, 6 %, and 9 %. Fifteen days after starting the supply of the diet, seminal collections were made once a week with an artificial vagina and a female as a dummy. For the physical and morphological evaluations, the semen was diluted in Tris-Egg Yolk medium and cooling at 5 °C; progressive sperm motility, and spermatic vigor and morphology were assessed at 0, 2, 12, 24, 48, and 72 post-cooling hours. This information was analyzed through analyses of variance and regression at 5 % significance. For the morphology, volume, color, and seminal appearance of fresh semen (p > 0.05), there was no difference. For volume, turbidity, motility, vigor, and concentration, average values of 0.92 ± 0.24 mL; 0.86 ± 0.35; 76.58 ± 7.13 %; 3.37 ± 0.28, and 205.75 ± 20.77 x 106 sptz were recorded, respectively. There were differences for motility and vigor at 0, 2, 12, 24, 48, and 72 post-cooling hours (p > 0.005). In conclusion, the inclusion of up to 9 % flaxseed in the rabbit diet did not alter the physical and microscopic parameters evaluated in this study in fresh and refrigerated rabbit semen.El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de la semilla de linaza (Linum usitatissimum) en la calidad física y morfológica del semen fresco y refrigerado de conejos. Se emplearon 20 machos Nueva Zelandia distribuidos en grupos según niveles de inclusión de semilla en su dieta durante 100 días: 0 %, 3 %, 6 % y 9 %. 15 días después de iniciar el suministro de la dieta se realizaron colectas seminales una vez por semana con vagina artificial y una hembra como maniquí. Para la evaluación física y morfológica se diluyó en medio Tris-yema y refrigerado a 5 °C; se valoró la motilidad espermática progresiva, el vigor espermático y la morfología espermática a las 0, 2, 12, 24, 48 y 72 horas post-refrigeración. La información fue analizada mediante análisis de varianza y de regresión al 5 % de significancia. Para la morfología, volumen, color y aspecto seminal del semen fresco (p > 0,05) no hubo diferencia. Para volumen, turbidez, motilidad, vigor y concentración, hubo valores medios de 0,92 ± 0,24 mL; 0,86 ± 0,35; 76,58 ± 7,13 %; 3,37 ± 0,28 y 205,75 ± 20,77 × 106 sptz, respectivamente. Hubo diferencia para motilidad y vigor espermático a las 0, 2, 12, 24, 48 y 72 horas post-refrigeración (p < 0,005). Se concluyó que la inclusión de hasta 9 % de semilla de linaza en la dieta de conejos no alteró los parámetros físicos y microscópicos evaluados en este estudio en semen fresco y refrigerado de conejo

Interference of oropharyngeal dysphagia in food consumption in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis II

PURPOSE: this study aimed to relate the degree of dysphagia and food consumption of individuals with mucopolysaccharidosis II (MPS II). METHOD: it was included individuals with MPS II of the genetics department at the State University of Alagoas and excluded those with other types of mucopolysaccharidosis and in use of alternative way of supply. There were performed anthropometric, dietetic, speech therapy for dysphagia,clinical evaluation and otorrinolarigologic videoendoscopy swallowing. RESULTS: there were studied 07 individuals, male, between 5 and 14 years old: from them, more than 50% were taking anti-hypertensive and 42.8% had the severe form of disease. Six had serious deficit height / age and over 70% were obese according to Body Mass Index (BMI). Dysphagia was observed in five subjects, with daily average caloric intake 920.15 ± 244.09 calories, against 1264.94 ± 106.85 calories for those without such changes, with significantly greater intraindividual variation in the group of patients with dysphagia (p <0.05). In addition, individuals without dysphagia had higher food intake of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. As for micronutrients, except average daily intake of iron and vitamin E, all other assessed had higher average daily consumption in the group without dysphagia (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: it was observed a high frequency of dysphagia in the studied patients with MPS II, and this was associated with low caloric food consumption and imbalance in the proportion and amount of macronutrients and part of micronutrients.OBJETIVO: o presente estudo visou relacionar o grau de disfagia com o consumo alimentar de indivíduos com mucopolissacaridose II (MPS II). MÉTODO: foram incluídos indivíduos com MPS II do departamento de genética da Universidade Estadual de Alagoas e excluídos aqueles com outros tipos de mucopolissacaridoses, bem como que estivessem em uso de via alternativa de alimentação. Realizadas avaliações antropométrica, dietética, fonoaudiológica para disfagia, clínica otorrinolaringológica e a videoendoscopia da deglutição. RESULTADOS: foram estudados 07 indivíduos, do gênero masculino, entre 5 e 14 anos de idade, dos quais mais de 50% faziam uso de anti-hipertensivo e 42,8% manifestavam a forma grave da doença. Seis deles apresentaram déficit de altura/ idade e mais de 70% encontravam-se obesos segundo o Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC). Foi observada disfagia em cinco deles, com média diária de consumo calórico de 920,15 ± 244,09 calorias, contra 1264,94 ± 106,85 calorias para aqueles sem disfagia, com variação intra-individual significativamente maior no grupo de portadores de disfagia (p < 0,05). Além disso, os indivíduos sem disfagia apresentaram consumo alimentar mais elevado de carboidratos, proteínas e lipídios. Já para os micronutrientes, com exceção da média de consumo diária de ferro e vitamina E, todos os outros avaliados apresentaram médias diárias de consumo maiores no grupo sem disfagia (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: foi observada uma elevada frequência de disfagia nos portadores de MPS II estudados, e isso foi associado ao baixo consumo alimentar calórico e desequilíbrio na proporção e quantidade de macronutrientes e de parte dos micronutrientes.UNCISAL Faculdade de Fonoaudiologia de AlagoasUniversidade Federal de AlagoasCentro de Estudos Superiores de Maceió Escola de Ciências da SaúdeUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)UNIFESP, EPMSciEL

Avaliação dos processos de morte celular programada no epitélio da lente de cães idosos com catarata diabética e hipermadura

It is well known that posterior capsule opacification (PCO), one of the most common late postoperative complications of cataract surgery, is mainly caused by proliferation and differentiation of remaining lens epithelial cells (LECs) on the posterior lens capsule. Many authors suggest that alterations induced by the pathophysiology of cataracts, its metabolism and the use of 0.1% trypan blue (TB) must cause some degree of cellular damage on these cells, wicht would help to prevent and/or reduce the incidence of PCO after cataract surgery in humans. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of cell death markers on LECs of older dogs with diabetic and hypermature cataracts, after capsulorhexis, both using 0.1% TB. Twenty samples collected from 13 dogs of different breeds, with ages varying from 8 to 12 years-old, with diabetic and hypermature cataracts, which had been subjected to phacoemulsification surgery (Phaco) using 0.1% TB for staining were studied. Animals were classified as dogs with diabetic (DC) and hypermature cataracts (HC), and expression of molecular markers for apoptosis and autophagy (caspase-3 and beclin-1) on LECs were obtained by immunofluorescence technique. The expression of caspase-3 and beclin-1 was observed in every studied sample and did not differ between groups. In conclusion, our findings suggest that apoptosis and autophagy processes occur to LECs in older dogs presenting diabetic and hypermature cataracts after Phaco utilizing 0.1% TB. Our results may be helpful to future studies of PCO in post-phacoemulsification surgery patients.A opacificação da cápsula posterior da lente do globo ocular é a complicação mais observada após a remoção da lente. Essa patologia é causada principalmente pela proliferação e diferenciação das células do epitélio anterior da lente em sua cápsula posterior. Muitos autores sugerem que alterações induzidas pelo metabolismo e/ou patofisiologia da catarata e o uso do corante de azul de tripan a 0,1% devam causar algum dano a essas células, o que supostamente ajudaria a prevenir e reduzir a incidência de tal complicação em humanos. Este trabalho avaliou a expressão de marcadores de morte celular no epitélio anterior da lente de cães idosos com catarata diabética e hipermadura, após capsulorrexe realizada com o emprego do azul de tripan a 0,1%. Foram estudadas vinte amostras colhidas de treze cães de diferentes raças, com idades variando de oito a doze anos, que apresentavam catarata diabética ou hipermadura e que foram submetidos à facoemulsificação utilizando corante de azul de tripan a 0,1%. Foram designados dois grupos: com catarata diabética (DC) e com catarata hipermadura (HC). A expressão molecular dos marcadores de morte celular por apoptose a autofagia (caspase-3 e beclina-1) no epitélio anterior da lente foi avaliada pela técnica de imunofluorescência. Observou-se que a expressão de caspase-3 e beclina-1 ocorreu em todas as amostras e não foi diferente entre os grupos. Os achados deste estudo sugerem que o processo de morte celular por apoptose e autofagia ocorre no epitélio anterior da lente de cães idosos com catarata diabética e hipermadura submetidos à facoemulsificação com o corante de azul de tripan a 0,1%. Este resultado pode ser útil para estudos futuros da opacidade da cápsula posterior da lente em cães submetidos à facoemulsificação

COMPARAÇÃO ENTRE DIFERENTES TÉCNICAS EMPREGADAS NA CONSERVAÇÃO E MANUTENÇÃO DE PEÇAS ANATÔMICAS

Among the several ways to obtain the conservation of anatomical parts for study, formalization is the most used. This technique changes the color and texture, making the teaching-learning process difficult. In addition, it provides an unhealthy environment that may compromise the health of individuals constantly exposed to formaldehyde. There are alternative techniques such as glycerination, cryodehydration, and corrosion, which reduce health risks caused by exposure to materials, provide an environment free of unpleasant odors and facilitate handling and storage of parts, when compared to formalization. This work aims to present alternative techniques for the conservation and maintenance of anatomical parts and their proper procedures, seeking to replace the use of formaldehyde the main form of conservation. The glycerination technique presents great efficiency in preserving the viscera's color and shape characteristics, in addition to being a low-cost technique and not presenting health risks, as well as the cryodehydration technique. The cryodehydration differs in relation to the tonality of the viscera; however, it demonstrates convenience in terms of their conservation, storage, and maintenance. On the other hand, the injection and corrosion of organs facilitate the visualization of the internal architecture of hollow organs, in addition to allowing the model of organ vascularization. However, it can be considered an expensive technique depending on the polymer used.Dentre as diversas formas de obter a conservação de peças anatômicas para estudo, a formolização é a mais utilizada. Esta técnica altera a coloração e textura, dificultando o processo de ensino-aprendizagem. Além disso, proporciona um ambiente insalubre que pode comprometer a saúde de indivíduos expostos constantemente ao formol. Existem técnicas alternativas como a glicerinação, criodesidratação e corrosão, as quais reduzem os riscos à saúde ocasionados pela exposição aos materiais, proporcionam um ambiente livre de odores desagradáveis e facilitam a manipulação e o armazenamento das peças, quando comparadas com a formolização. O presente trabalho visa à apresentação de técnicas alternativas para a conservação e manutenção de peças anatômicas e seus devidos procedimentos, buscando a substituição da utilização do formol como forma principal de conservação. A técnica de glicerinação apresenta grande eficiência quanto à preservação das características de coloração e formato das vísceras, além de ser uma técnica de baixo custo e não apresentar riscos à saúde, assim como a técnica de criodesidratação, A criodesidratação difere em relação à tonalidade das vísceras, entretanto demonstra facilidade quanto à conservação, armazenamento e manutenção das mesmas. Já a injeção e corrosão de órgãos facilitam a visualização da arquitetura interna de órgãos ocos, além de permitir fazer o modelo de vascularização de órgãos. No entanto, esta pode ser considerada uma técnica cara a depender do polímero utilizado

Perfil metabólico de conejos suplementados con niveles de semilla de linaza (Linum usitatissimum) en la dieta

Many oilseeds are a source of essentials fatty acids that are necessary for the coverage of the basic functions in the organism. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) inclusion in the diet of rabbits through the metabolic profile. Twenty males of the New Zealand breed of 8 months were used. Divided in four groups, they received flaxseed (L. usitatissimum) levels in the total diet: 0 %, 3 %, 6 % y 9 %, for a period of 88 days. The animals were subjected to a blood collection every 22 days to determine glucose, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), creatinine and urea. The data were evaluated by analysis of variance and regression with 5 % significance. The inclusion of flaxseed (L. usitatissimum) in the rabbit diet showed a positive quadratic effect for plasmatic concentration of glucose and total cholesterol. There was no significant difference between treatments for plasma concentration of triglycerides, low- density lipoproteins (LDL), very low - density lipoproteins (VLDL) and urea. There was a cubic effect for cholesterol- and creatinine. The inclusion of flaxseed (L. usitatissimum) in the diet had hypercholesterolemic effect in these animals.Diversas semillas de oleaginosas son fuente de ácidos grasos esenciales indispensables para cubrir las funciones básicas en el organismo. El estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el efecto de la inclusión de semilla de linaza (Linum usitatissimum) en la dieta de conejos por medio del perfil metabólico. Se utilizaron 20 machos de la raza Nueva Zelandia de 8 meses de edad. Distribuidos en cuatro grupos, recibieron niveles de semilla de linaza (L. usitatissimum) en la dieta total: 0 %, 3 %, 6 % y 9 %, durante un período de 88 días. Los animales se sometieron a colecta de sangre cada 22 días para determinar glucosa, colesterol total, lipoproteínas de alta densidad (HDL), triglicéridos, lipoproteínas de muy baja densidad (VLDL), lipoproteínas de baja densidad (LDL), creatinina y urea. Los datos se evaluaron por análisis de varianza y de regresión con 5 % de significancia. La inclusión de semilla de linaza (L. usitatissimum) en la dieta presentó comportamiento cuadrático positivo para concentración plasmática de glucosa y colesterol total. No hubo diferencia significativa entre los tratamientos para la concentración plasmática de triglicéridos, lipoproteínas de baja densidad (LDL), lipoproteínas de muy baja densidad (VLDL) urea. Hubo comportamiento cúbico para lipoproteínas de alta densidad (HDL) y creatinina. La inclusión de linaza (L. usitatissimum) en la dieta no presentó efecto hipercolesterolémico en estos animales

Effects of ezetimibe on markers of synthesis and absorption of cholesterol in high-risk patients with elevated C-reactive protein

AbstractAimsHigh-risk subjects with elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) are at high risk for cardiovascular events and frequently require potent statins or combined lipid-lowering therapy to achieve lipid targets and decrease inflammation. Our study aimed at evaluating the effects of three lipid-modifying therapies on LDL-cholesterol, CRP levels and markers of cholesterol absorption and synthesis.Main methodsA prospective intervention study was performed in high cardiovascular risk individuals receiving atorvastatin 10mg daily for four weeks. Those with CRP≥2.0mg/L were randomized to another four-week treatment period with atorvastatin 40mg, ezetimibe 10mg or the combination of atorvastatin 40mg / ezetimibe 10mg. Lipids, markers of cholesterol absorption (campesterol and β-sitosterol), and synthesis (desmosterol), as well as CRP were quantified at baseline and end of study.Key findingsOne hundred and twenty two individuals were included. Atorvastatin alone or combined with ezetimibe reduced both LDL-cholesterol and CRP (P<0.002 vs. baseline; Wilcoxon); ezetimibe did not modify CRP. Ezetimibe-based therapies reduced absorption markers and their ratios to cholesterol (P<0.0001 vs. baseline, for all; Wilcoxon), whereas atorvastatin alone increased campesterol/cholesterol and β-sitosterol/cholesterol ratios (P<0.05 vs. baseline; Wilcoxon). In addition, ezetimibe also increased desmosterol and desmosterol/cholesterol ratio (P<0.0001 vs. baseline; Wilcoxon).SignificanceThese results contribute to understanding the link between cellular cholesterol homeostasis, inflammation and lipid-modifying therapies. Our findings highlight the broader benefit of combined therapy with a potent statin and ezetimibe decreasing inflammation, and preventing increase in cholesterol biosynthesis, an effect not observed with ezetimibe alone

Co-infection of Cytauxzoon felis, Mycoplasma haemofelis, and the feline immunodeficiency virus in a domestic cat in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Cytauxzoon felis is a hemoparasite capable of infecting domestic and wild cats. Studies suggest that wild cats are the main reservoirs of the protozoan, and transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. Hemotropic mycoplasmas are Gram-negative bacteria responsible for severe hemolytic anemia. The feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a retrovirus capable of generating immunosuppression in the host and persistent infection. The present work describes a case of co infection of Cytauxzoon felis, Mycoplasma haemofelis, and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in a cat. A feline from the rural area was admitted to the Veterinary Hospital of Uberlândia - MG of the Federal University of Uberlândia. Fresh whole blood samples were collected for blood count, enzymatic analysis, DNA extraction, real-time PCR for the detection of Cytauxzoon felis and Mycoplasma haemofelis, and the Point of Care ELISA test for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) antigens and antibodies to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Piroplasms compatible with Cytauxzoon spp. were observed in the smear, and the tests performed were positive for Cytauxzoon felis, Mycoplasma haemofelis, and FIV. Cytauxzoon felis é um hemoparasita que possui capacidade de infectar felídeos domésticos e selvagens. Estudos sugerem que os felídeos selvagens sejam os principais reservatórios do protozoário e a transmissão ocorre através da picada de um carrapato infectado. Os micoplasmas hemotrópicos são bactérias Gram negativas responsáveis por anemia hemolítica grave. O vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV) é um retrovírus com capacidade de gerar imunossupressão no hospedeiro e infecção persistente. O presente trabalho descreve um caso de co-infecção de Cytauxzoon felis, Mycoplasma haemofelis e vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV) em um gato. Um felino proveniente da zona rural foi internado no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, em Uberlândia-MG. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue total fresco para a realização de hemograma, análise enzimática, extração de DNA, PCR em tempo real para detecção de Cytauxzoon felis e Mycoplasma haemofelis e o teste de ELISA Point of Care para Antígenos de vírus da leucemia felina (FeLV) e anticorpos para o vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV). Em esfregaço foram observados piroplasmas compatíveis com Cytauxzoon spp. e os resultados dos testes realizados foram positivos para Cytauxzoon felis, Mycoplasma haemofelis e FIV.

Ichthyofauna Used in Traditional Medicine in Brazil

Fish represent the group of vertebrates with the largest number of species and the largest geographic distribution; they are also used in different ways by modern civilizations. The goal of this study was to compile the current knowledge on the use of ichthyofauna in zootherapeutic practices in Brazil, including ecological and conservational commentary on the species recorded. We recorded a total of 85 species (44 fresh-water species and 41 salt-water species) used for medicinal purposes in Brazil. The three most commonly cited species were Hoplias malabaricus, Hippocampus reidi, and Electrophorus electricus. In terms of conservation status, 65% of species are in the “not evaluated” category, and 14% are in the “insufficient data” category. Three species are in the “vulnerable” category: Atlantoraja cyclophora, Balistes vetula, and Hippocampus erectus. Currently, we cannot avoid considering human pressure on the population dynamics of these species, which is an essential variable for the conservation of the species and the ecosystems in which they live and for the perpetuation of traditional medical practices

Traditional and local communities as key actors to identify climate-related disaster impacts: a citizen science approach in Southeast Brazilian coastal areas

The impacts of climate-related disasters can be estimated by climate models. However, climate models are frequently downscaled to specific settings to facilitate Disaster Risk Management (DRM) to better understand local impacts and avoid overlooking uncertainties. Several studies have registered the increasing importance of recognizing traditional knowledge, co-design, and collaboration with local communities in developing DRM strategies. The objective of this research was co-design local-scale observations with traditional and local communities to characterize their local context regarding the impacts of climate-related disasters. The citizen science approach coupled with participatory action research was conducted with two traditional communities in the Southeast of the Brazilian coast: Quilombo do Campinho da Independência in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, and the Caiçara (artisanal fishing) community of Ubatumirim in Ubatuba, São Paulo. Working groups were organized with leaders to become community researchers, conducting interviews and actively mobilizing their communities. A structured questionnaire was developed, adapting 22 variables taken from the Protocol for the Collection of Cross- Cultural Comparative Data on Local Indicators of Climate Change Impacts— LICCI Protocol. A total of 366 impacts were analyzed, after combining the georeferencing form data collected—Survey123 (280 impacts) and the interviews with community leaders (86 impacts). The results showed a significant level of cohesion (α = 0.01) between the Caiçara (artisanal fishers) and Quilombola (Afro-descendants) perceptions of climate-related events associated with their subsistence practices and climate variability. These findings highlighting the importance of DRM proposals that recognize traditional peoples and local communities as frontline vulnerable populations while acknowledging their role as key actors in identifying impacts, collecting data on land use and territory, subsistence-oriented activities, and cosmovision. However, it is still necessary to address climate change challenges at d