Classificação de hidrópsia endolinfática em pacientes com suspeita de doença de Menière utilizando ressonância magnética

Mestrado em Radiações Aplicadas às Tecnologias da Saúde - Ramo de especialização: Imagem por Ressonância Magnética.A doença de Ménière (DM) é uma patologia idiopática do ouvido interno, caracterizada por episódios de vertigem recorrentes, hipoacusia flutuante e acufenos. Esta tríade de sintomas foi descrita pela primeira vez em 1861 por Prosper Ménière, apontando a disfunção do ouvido interno como a origem do complexo de sintomas auditivo e vestibular. Quando a etiologia de Hidrópsia Endolinfática (HE) é conhecida, designa-se por Síndrome de Ménière (SM). A classificação morfológica da HE no vestíbulo e na cóclea é feita com recurso à utilização de imagem por Ressonância Magnética (RM) através da escala de Nagoya, 2008. Esta dissertação tem como objetivos compreender os benefícios da utilização da RM na Doença de Ménière, avaliar a sensibilidade da RM para a diferenciação entre ouvido sintomático e ouvido assintomático e comparar a sintomatologia associada a estes pacientes com o grau atribuído pelo observador através da análise das imagens de RM. Para a elaboração deste estudo foi utilizada uma amostra de 51 pacientes que foram submetidos a exame de RM dos ouvidos. Para a aquisição das imagens de RM foi utilizado um protocolo específico com administração de contraste endovenoso (Gadolíneo) e 4h após a sua injeção foram incluídas as sequências específicas, sendo estas T1 3D IR e 3D Fluid Atennuation Inversion Recovery (3D-FLAIR). As regiões de interesse para a análise deste estudo foram o vestíbulo e a cóclea. A RM evidenciou uma sensibilidade de 74,5% para a deteção da DM em pacientes com sintomas característicos da patologia, bem como que um maior numero de sintomas associados à mesma é fator preponderante para um diagnóstico de DM confirmado pelas imagens de RM. A RM permite a realização de um diagnóstico diferencial para a caracterização de um paciente com ouvido sintomático.ABSTRACT - Ménière's disease (MD) is an idiopathic pathology of the inner ear, characterized by episodes of recurrent vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, and tinnitus. This triad of symptoms was first described in 1861 by Prosper Ménière, pointing to dysfunction of the inner ear as the origin of the complex of auditory and vestibular symptoms. When the etiology of Endolymphatic Hydropsy (HE) is known, it is called Ménière's Syndrome (SM). The morphological classification of HE in the vestibule and cochlea is made using the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) image using the Nagoya scale, 2008. This dissertation aims to understand the benefits of using Ménière's Disease, to evaluate MRI sensitivity for the differentiation between the symptomatic ear and asymptomatic ear, and to compare the symptomatology associated with these patients with the degree assigned by the observer through the analysis of MRI. For the preparation of this study, a sample of 51 patients who underwent MRI of the ears was used. For the acquisition of MR imaging, a specific protocol with intravenous contrast administration (Gadolíneo) and 4h after its injection were included in the specific sequences, being these T1 3D IR and 3D Fluid Attenuation Inversion Recovery (3D-FLAIR). The regions of interest for the analysis of this study were the vestibule and the cochlea. MRI showed a sensitivity of 74.5% for the detection of DM in patients with symptoms characteristic of the pathology, as well as a greater number of symptoms associated with it, which is a preponderant factor for a diagnosis of DM confirmed by MR images. MRI allows the performance of a differential diagnosis for the characterization of a patient with the symptomatic ear.N/

DINÂMICA DA COBERTURA DO SOLO NA MICROBACIA DO RIO LAGARTO, AMAZÔNIA OCIDENTAL, BRASIL

Studies related to spatial and temporal analysis of soil cover are of great importance to understand anthropic impacts on natural resources and, later, to propose more appropriate conservation practices to mitigate the anthropic effects on ecosystems, enabling the increase of the sustainability of agricultural establishments. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the spatial and temporal dynamics of soil cover in the watershed and riparian zone of the Lagarto River. For data acquisition and preparation of ground cover maps, images of Landsat 5 (1984, 1997 and 2010) and Landsat 8 (2022) and QGIS 2.10.1 satellites were used. In the period from 1984 to 2022 (38 years), there was great pressure on the native forest, leaving only 23.87% of the area of this vegetation in the watershed and 24.32% in the riparian zone, in the last year evaluated by the research. On the other hand, there was the growth of agriculture, reaching, respectively, 75.42% and 71.89% of the total areas of the watershed and riparian zone in 2022. It is concluded that the excessive advance of agriculture tends to compromise water resources, and, consequently, sustainable development. It is recommended to insert the tree component in the productive systems (agroforestry systems - SAFs, integration of Till-Livestock-Forest - ILPF silvopastoral systems - SSP and reforestation), and the recomposition of native vegetation in the riparian area that is occupied with agriculture. Studies are also recommended to assess the situation of native vegetation in legal reserves, to see if there is a need for recomposition.Los estudios relacionados con el análisis espacial y temporal de la cobertura del suelo son de gran importancia para comprender los impactos antrópicos sobre los recursos naturales y, posteriormente, proponer prácticas de conservación más apropiadas para mitigar los efectos antrópicos sobre los ecosistemas, permitiendo el aumento de la sostenibilidad de los establecimientos agrícolas. Por lo tanto, este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la dinámica espacial y temporal de la cobertura del suelo en la cuenca y la zona ribereña del río Lagarto. Para la adquisición de datos y la preparación de mapas de cobertura del suelo, se utilizaron imágenes de los satélites Landsat 5 (1984, 1997 y 2010) y Landsat 8 (2022) y QGIS 2.10.1. En el período de 1984 a 2022 (38 años), hubo una gran presión sobre el bosque nativo, dejando solo el 23,87% del área de esta vegetación en la cuenca y el 24,32% en la zona ribereña, en el último año evaluado por la investigación. Por otro lado, se produjo el crecimiento de la agricultura, alcanzando, respectivamente, 75.42% y 71.89% de las áreas totales de la cuenca y zona ribereña en 2022. Se concluye que el avance excesivo de la agricultura tiende a comprometer los recursos hídricos y, en consecuencia, el desarrollo sostenible. Se recomienda insertar el componente arbóreo en los sistemas productivos (sistemas agroforestales - SAFs, integración de Till-Ganadería-Bosque - ILPF silvopastoriles - SSP y reforestación), y la recomposición de la vegetación nativa en el área ribereña que se ocupa de la agricultura.Os estudos relacionados à análise espacial e temporal da cobertura do solo são de grande importância para entender os impactos antrópicos sobre os recursos naturais e, posteriormente, propor práticas conservacionistas mais adequadas para mitigar os efeitos antrópicos sobre os ecossistemas, propiciando o aumento da sustentabilidade dos estabelecimentos agropecuários. Diante disso, este trabalho teve por objetivo analisar a dinâmica espacial e temporal da cobertura do solo na microbacia e zona ripária do rio Lagarto. Para a aquisição dos dados e elaboração dos mapas de cobertura de solo, foram utilizadas imagens dos satélites Landsat 5 (1984, 1997 e 2010) e Landsat 8 (2022), e o software QGIS 2.10.1. No período de 1984 a 2022 (38 anos), houve uma grande pressão sobre a floresta nativa, restando apenas 23,87% da área desta vegetação na microbacia e 24,32% na zona ripária, no último ano avaliado pela pesquisa. Em contrapartida, ocorreu o crescimento da agropecuária, chegando a ocupar, respectivamente, 75,42% e 71,89% das áreas totais da microbacia e zona ripária no ano de 2022. Conclui-se que o avanço excessivo da agropecuária tende a comprometer os recursos hídricos, e, consequentemente, o desenvolvimento sustentável. Recomenda-se a inserção do componente arbóreo nos sistemas produtivos (sistemas agroflorestais - SAFs, integração de Lavoura-Pecuária-Floresta - ILPF sistemas silvipastoris - SSP e reflorestamentos), e a recomposição da vegetação nativa na zona ripária que está ocupada com agropecuária. Também são recomendados estudos para avaliar a situação da vegetação nativa nas reservas legais, para ver se há a necessidade de recomposição.Os estudos relacionados à análise espacial e temporal da cobertura do solo são de grande importância para entender os impactos antrópicos sobre os recursos naturais e, posteriormente, propor práticas conservacionistas mais adequadas para mitigar os efeitos antrópicos sobre os ecossistemas, propiciando o aumento da sustentabilidade dos estabelecimentos agropecuários. Diante disso, este trabalho teve por objetivo analisar a dinâmica espacial e temporal da cobertura do solo na microbacia e zona ripária do rio Lagarto. Para a aquisição dos dados e elaboração dos mapas de cobertura de solo, foram utilizadas imagens dos satélites Landsat 5 (1984, 1997 e 2010) e Landsat 8 (2022), e o software QGIS 2.10.1. No período de 1984 a 2022 (38 anos), houve uma grande pressão sobre a floresta nativa, restando apenas 23,87% da área desta vegetação na microbacia e 24,32% na zona ripária, no último ano avaliado pela pesquisa. Em contrapartida, ocorreu o crescimento da agropecuária, chegando a ocupar, respectivamente, 75,42% e 71,89% das áreas totais da microbacia e zona ripária no ano de 2022. Conclui-se que o avanço excessivo da agropecuária tende a comprometer os recursos hídricos, e, consequentemente, o desenvolvimento sustentável. Recomenda-se a inserção do componente arbóreo nos sistemas produtivos (sistemas agroflorestais - SAFs, integração de Lavoura-Pecuária-Floresta - ILPF sistemas silvipastoris - SSP e reflorestamentos), e a recomposição da vegetação nativa na zona ripária que está ocupada com agropecuária. Também são recomendados estudos para avaliar a situação da vegetação nativa nas reservas legais, para ver se há a necessidade de recomposição

The purification and amino acid sequences of four Tx2 neurotoxins from the venom of the Brazilian ‘armed’ spider Phoneutria nigriventer (Keys)

AbstractFour neurotoxic polypeptides (Tx2.1, Txt2-5, Tx2-6 and Tx2-9) were purified from the venom of the South American ‘armed’ spider Phoneutria nigriventer (Keys) by gel filtration and reverse phase FPLC and HPLC. These cysteine-rich polypeptides exhibited different levels of neurotoxicity in mice after intracerebroventricular injection. Tx2-1, Tx2-5 and Tx2-6 caused spastic paralysis and death, but the less toxic Tx2-9 produced only tail erection and scratching. The molecular weights of the polypeptides as determined by desorption mass spectroscoopy were 5838.8 for Tx2-1, 5116.6 (Tx2-5), 5291.3 (Tx2-6) and 3742.1 (Tx2-9). The complete amino acid sequences of the neurotoxins were determined by automated Edman degradation and by manual DABITC-PITC microseqeunce analysis of peptides obtained after digestions with various proteases. The amino acid sequences of Tx2-1 (53 residues), Tx2-5 (48 residues) and Tx2-6 (48 residues) were homologous, but had only limited similarities to the less toxic Tx2-9 (32 residues). All four polypeptides had varying sequence identities with other neurotoxins from different spider species and biologically active peptides from scorpions, a sea snail and seeds of Mirabilis jalapa

Using data mining to identify factors that influence the degree of leg injuries in broilers

Locomotor problems prevent the bird to move freely, jeopardizing the welfare and productivity, besides generating injuries on the legs of chickens. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of age, use of vitamin D, the asymmetry of limbs and gait score, the degree of leg injuries in broilers, using data mining. The analysis was performed on a data set obtained from a field experiment in which it was used two groups of birds with 30 birds each, a control group and one treated with vitamin D. It was evaluated the gait score, the asymmetry between the right and left toes, and the degree of leg injuries. The Weka ® software was used in data mining. In particular, C4.5 algorithm (also known as J48 in Weka environment) was used for the generation of a decision tree. The results showed that age is the factor that most influences the degree of leg injuries and that the data from assessments of gait score were not reliable to estimate leg weakness in broilers

Genetic parameter estimates on forage cactus clones Opuntia ficus-indica Mill and Nopalea Cochenillifera Salm-Dick

A palma forrageira é cultivada no semi-árido nordestino desde o início deste século. A área cultivada atualmente é de cerca de 400 mil hectares. Esta forrageira apresenta características morfológicas e fisiológicas que a tornam apropriada a esta região. Por outro lado, no que concerne aos valores nutricionais e de produtividade, a palma apresenta uma série de limitações, particularmente relacionadas aos teores de fibra bruta, matéria seca, fósforo e proteína bruta. O melhoramento genético de plantas poderá constituir um dos caminhos para efetuar mudanças na produtividade e na composição química da palma. com o objetivo de verificar o comportamento de características genéticas desta cactácea, foi conduzido um experimento com dez clones, em blocos casualizados, com três repetições. A palma apresentou uma herdabilidade de 91,2% no sentido amplo, para produção de matéria seca. As indicações genéticas mostraram que é possível selecionar clones superiores no tocante a alguns dos caracteres estudados. De maneira geral, os resultados indicam ser mais fácil modificar os caracteres associados à produtividade do que os associados à qualidade da palma.The forage cactus has been cultivated in the Semi-Arid region of the Brazilian Northeast since the beginning of this century. At present, the cultivated area with this forage is approximately 400 thousand hectares. This forage presents morphological and physiological characteristics appropriate to the Semi-Arid Region. Nevertheless, nutritional values shown by this forage cactus are very low and generally are related with dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber and phosphorus content. On the other hand, plant breeding can be used as an efficient tool to improve productivity and plant qualities. To evaluate the performance of these genetic characteristics, an experiment using ten forage cactus clones was carried out in a randomized block design, with three replications. The heritability to dry matter yield was 91,2% in a broad sense. The genetical indications showed that it is possible to select the best clones. The results showed that it is easier to change the characters associated to yield than those associated with plant quality

Effect of the spider toxin Tx3-3 on spinal processing of sensory information in naive and neuropathic rats: an in vivo electrophysiological study

Abstract. Introduction:. Drugs that counteract nociceptive transmission in the spinal dorsal horn preferentially after nerve injury are being pursued as possible neuropathic pain treatments. In a previous behavioural study, the peptide toxin Tx3-3, which blocks P/Q- and R-type voltage-gated calcium channels, was effective in neuropathic pain models. Objectives:. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of Tx3-3 on dorsal horn neuronal responses in rats under physiological conditions and neuropathic pain condition induced by spinal nerve ligation (SNL). Methods:. In vivo electrophysiological recordings of dorsal horn neuronal response to electrical and natural (mechanical and thermal) stimuli were made in rats under normal physiological state (naive rats) or after the SNL model of neuropathic pain. Results:. Tx3-3 (0.3–100 pmol/site) exhibited greater inhibitory effect on electrical-evoked neuronal response of SNL rats than naive rats, inhibiting nociceptive C-fibre and Aδ-fibre responses only in SNL rats. The wind-up of neurones, a measurement of spinal cord hyperexcitability, was also more susceptible to a dose-related inhibition by Tx3-3 after nerve injury. Moreover, Tx3-3 exhibited higher potency to inhibit mechanical- and thermal-evoked neuronal response in conditions of neuropathy. Conclusion:. Tx3-3 mediated differential inhibitory effect under physiological and neuropathic conditions, exhibiting greater potency in conditions of neuropathic pain

Increased cavernosal relaxation by Phoneutria nigriventer toxin, PnTx2-6, via activation at NO/cGMP signaling.

Erectile dysfunction mechanisms in diabetic patients are multifactorial and often lead to resistance to current therapy. Animal toxins have been used as pharmacological tools to study penile erection. Human accidents involving the venom of Phoneutria nigriventer spider are characterized by priapism. We hypothesize that PnTx2-6 potentiates cavernosal relaxation in diabetic mice by increasing cGMP. This effect is nNOS dependent. Cavernosal strips were contracted with phenylephrine (10−5 M) and relaxed by electrical field stimulation (EFS, 20V, 1–32 Hz) in the presence or absence of PnTx2-6 (10−8 M).Cavernosal strips from nNOS and eNOS knocaut (KO) mice, besides nNOS inhibitor (10−5M), were used to evaluate the role of this enzyme in the potentiation effect evoked by PnTx2-6. Tissue cGMP levels were determined after stimulation with PnTx2-6 in presence or absence of L-NAME (10−4M) and ω-conotoxin GVIA (10−6M), an N-type calcium channel inhibitor. Results showed PnTx2-6 enhanced cavernosal relaxation in diabetic mice (65%) and eNOS KO mice, but not in nNOS KO mice. The toxin effect in the cavernosal relaxation was abolished by nNOS inhibitor. cGMP levels are increased by PnTx2-6, however L-NAME abolished this enhancement as well as ω-conotoxin GVIA. We conclude PnTx2-6 facilitates penile relaxation in diabetic mice through a mechanism dependent on nNOS, probably via increasing NO/cGMP production

Developmental biology of the Brazilian ‘Armed’ spider Phoneutria nigriventer (Keyserling, 1891): Microanatomical and molecular analysis of the embryonic stages

Submitted by Nuzia Santos ([email protected]) on 2015-01-07T15:57:56Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Developmental biology of the Brazilian Armed spider Phoneutria nigriventer (Keyserling, 1891).pdf: 1650087 bytes, checksum: 8b1cd36df9ed709b2f1716264889b9b2 (MD5)Approved for entry into archive by Nuzia Santos ([email protected]) on 2015-01-07T16:04:51Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Developmental biology of the Brazilian Armed spider Phoneutria nigriventer (Keyserling, 1891).pdf: 1650087 bytes, checksum: 8b1cd36df9ed709b2f1716264889b9b2 (MD5)Approved for entry into archive by Nuzia Santos ([email protected]) on 2015-01-07T16:09:20Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Developmental biology of the Brazilian Armed spider Phoneutria nigriventer (Keyserling, 1891).pdf: 1650087 bytes, checksum: 8b1cd36df9ed709b2f1716264889b9b2 (MD5)Made available in DSpace on 2015-01-07T16:09:20Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Developmental biology of the Brazilian Armed spider Phoneutria nigriventer (Keyserling, 1891).pdf: 1650087 bytes, checksum: 8b1cd36df9ed709b2f1716264889b9b2 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisa René Rachou. Laboratorio de Entomologia médica. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil /Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Departamento de Morfologia. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil/Fundação Ezequiel Dias. Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilFundação Ezequiel Dias. Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilFundação Ezequiel Dias. Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilFundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisa René Rachou. Laboratorio de Entomologia médica. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil/Universidade de Montes Claros. Montes Claros, MG, BrasilFundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisa René Rachou. Laboratorio de Entomologia médica. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilFundação Ezequiel Dias. Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilFundação Ezequiel Dias. Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilFundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisa René Rachou. Laboratorio de Entomologia médica. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil/Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Departamento de Morfologia. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilPhoneutria (Ctenidae) is among the most dangerous venomous spiders in Brazil. Its venom is composed of a mixture of pharmacologically active components, some of which have been quite extensively studied due to their potentiality as models for new pharmaceutical drugs. Nevertheless, literature data on the venom-producing glands are very limited. In the present study, we follow the biological development of intra-cocoon stages of Phoneutria nigriventer spiders, mainly regarding the formation of the venomous apparatus and venom production. The results showed that the venom glands of Phoneutria are already present in the early 1st pre-larva stage. The venomous apparatus is completely formed in the larva, a stage that precedes the spider eclosion from the cocoon. At embryo stages, transcripts of a vertebrate-active neurotoxin (PhTx1) were shown to be present, as well as, unidentified venom proteins that were immunolabeled by anti-venom antibodies. It seems that venom toxins play roles in the protection and survival of those early developmental stages of Phoneutria spiders