Amelioration of Cardiac Function and Activation of Anti-Inflammatory Vasoactive Peptides Expression in the Rat Myocardium by Low Level Laser Therapy

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used as an anti-inflammatory treatment in several disease conditions, even when inflammation is a secondary consequence, such as in myocardial infarction (MI). However, the mechanism by which LLLT is able to protect the remaining myocardium remains unclear. the present study tested the hypothesis that LLLT reduces inflammation after acute MI in female rats and ameliorates cardiac function. the potential participation of the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) and Kallikrein-Kinin System (KKS) vasoactive peptides was also evaluated. LLLT treatment effectively reduced MI size, attenuated the systolic dysfunction after MI, and decreased the myocardial mRNA expression of interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-6 in comparison to the non-irradiated rat tissue. in addition, LLLT treatment increased protein and mRNA levels of the Mas receptor, the mRNA expression of kinin B2 receptors and the circulating levels of plasma kallikrein compared to non-treated post-MI rats. On the other hand, the kinin B1 receptor mRNA expression decreased after LLLT. No significant changes were found in the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the myocardial remote area between laser-irradiated and non-irradiated post-MI rats. Capillaries density also remained similar between these two experimental groups. the mRNA expression of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was increased three days after MI, however, this effect was blunted by LLLT. Moreover, endothelial NOS mRNA content increased after LLLT. Plasma nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) concentration was increased three days after MI in non-treated rats and increased even further by LLLT treatment. Our data suggest that LLLT diminishes the acute inflammation in the myocardium, reduces infarct size and attenuates left ventricle dysfunction post-MI and increases vasoactive peptides expression and nitric oxide (NO) generation.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Univ Nove Julho, UNINOVE, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, São Paulo, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Heart Inst InCor, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, São Paulo, BrazilCNPq: 477458/2009-2CNPq: 309715/2011-3CNPq: 479395/2012-8: 2009/54225-8Web of Scienc

New insights on the ultramafic intrusions surrounding the Kunene Anorthosite Complex (SW Angola) from gravity, magnetic and radiometric data [Abstract]

ABSTRACT: The Kunene Anorthosite Complex (KAC), located in SW Angola, is one of the largest anorthosite structures in the world. Dating from the Mesoproterozoic, its installation process is still not clear. Several mafic and ultramafic outcrops can be found surrounding the KAC. Once considered related with its emplacement, the study of these bodies may help us understand the history of this unique geological feature. While geochronological data show that they are synchronous, or possibly a bit younger, than the embedding granites and migmatites of Paleoproterozoic age, the question arises of whether they are intrusions installed in the host rock or if they are instead recycled remains of older Arch crust. The development of these outcrops in depth provides relevant clues regarding the origin of these bodies and their relationship with the Eburnean (~1.93-2.04 Ga) and Epupa-Namibe (~1.83-1.74 Ga) events. One of these mafic outcrops, designated the Hamutenha outcrop (Huíla Province) exhibits an elongated shape and a NW-SE orientation and is characterized by an internal zonation. Generally, the innermost part is composed of ultramafic rocks of (mostly harzburgites and dunites), with diorites outcropping in its NW and SE borders. The Hamutenha outcrop was previously identified for potentially bearing Cr, Ni and PGE mineralization.N/

FECAL MICROBIOLOGY IN PUPPIES SUPPLEMENTED WITH PROBIOTICS RECEIVING DIFFERENT DIETS

The aim of this research is to evaluate supplementation effects of two probiotics to Beagle puppies receiving two diets (high and low quality) over microbiote and faecal pH. They were used 18 Beagle puppies shared in three treatments : 1) treatment 1: control (food); 2) treatment 2: food with probiotic 1 (Bifidobacterium); 3) treatment 3: food with probiotic 2 (Lactobacillus). Research was shared in two levels, each charactherized to different quality foods changing. It was used food fats how stress agent. Analysis made were water and foods microbiology and faecal microbiology (E. coli, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Clostridium sp.). It was verified significative results (

Association of a variant in the regulatory region of NADPH oxidase 4 gene and metabolic syndrome in patients with chronic hepatitis C

Abstract\ud \ud Background\ud Given the important contribution of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase system to the generation of reactive oxygen species induced by hepatitis C virus (HCV), we investigated two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the putative regulatory region of the genes encoding NADPH oxidase 4 catalytic subunit (NOX4) and its regulatory subunit p22phox (CYBA) and their relation with metabolic and histological variables in patients with HCV.\ud \ud \ud Methods\ud One hundred seventy eight naïve HCV patients (49.3% male; 65% HCV genotype 1) with positive HCV RNA were genotyped using specific primers and fluorescent-labeled probes for SNPs rs3017887 in NOX4 and −675 T → A in CYBA.\ud \ud \ud Results\ud No association was found between the genotype frequencies of NOX4 and CYBA SNPs and inflammation scores or fibrosis stages in the overall population. The presence of the CA + AA genotypes of the NOX4 SNP was nominally associated with a lower alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentration in the male population (CA + AA = 72.23 ± 6.34 U/L versus CC = 100.22 ± 9.85; mean ± SEM; P = 0.05). The TT genotype of the CYBA SNP was also nominally associated with a lower ALT concentration in the male population (TT = 84.01 ± 6.77 U/L versus TA + AA = 109.67 ± 18.37 U/L; mean ± SEM; P = 0.047). The minor A-allele of the NOX4 SNP was inversely associated with the frequency of metabolic syndrome (MS) in the male population (odds ratio (OR): 0.15; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.03 to 0.79; P = 0.025).\ud \ud \ud Conclusions\ud The results suggest that the evaluated NOX4 and CYBA SNPs are not direct genetic determinants of fibrosis in HCV patients, but nevertheless NOX4 rs3017887 SNP could indirectly influence fibrosis susceptibility due to its inverse association with MS in male patients

Tratamento de úlceras de córnea indolentes em equinos: relato de casos

O objetivo do presente estudo foi relatar dois casos de úlceras de córnea indolentes em equinos, sem raça definida, com idade de três e quinze anos, atendidos no Hospital de Clínicas Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (HCV - UFPel) na qual foi utilizada a técnica de desbridamento com Diamond Burr como alternativa ao tratamento de úlceras refratárias às terapias tradicionais

Triplex Doppler Ultrassonography in Prenatal of Pregnant Bitches

Background: The Dopplerfluxometry is a diagnostic technique that provides anatomical information and real-time dynamic tissue evaluation by determining the presence and direction of blood flow in a vessel and their hemodynamic features. Considering the importance of Doppler to pregnant women and the recent studies of vascular indices in pregnant animals and the application of news technologies for Doppler ultrasonography as spectral and power techonology, the objective of this study was to determine the absolute values of the vascular indices from the uterine, umbilical and fetal aorta arteries in pregnant bitches, using new techniques of doppler ultrassonography.Materials, Methods & Results: Twenty six multiparous bitches from the same kennel, weighting 5 - 25 kg, aged 4 - 6 years old, were selected to the current study. Doppler ultrasonography was performed to assess the maximum and minimum velocity, resistance and pulsatility indices of the uteroplacental, umbilical and fetal abdominal aorta arteries (5th, 6th, 7th and 8th gestational week). The mean pregnancy period in twenty six bitches was 60 days and the mean number of puppies per pregnancy was four. Twenty five animals presented healthy pregnancies and one presented hydrallantois at the 7th and 8th gestational week. During Doppler exams in healthy pregnant bitches, there were progressive increase in PSV (P 5 %) but increased EDV (P < 5 %) in umbilical and fetal aorta and decreased PI and RI in the vessels evaluated (P < 5 %). For the bicthe with hydrallantois was observed EDV = 3 cm / s, PI and RI of 1.82 to 1.46; PSV was 11 cm/s, EDV = 2.1 c/ms, PI = 1.46 and RI = 0.76 at the 7th and 8th week of pregnancy, respectively, different values from those obtained in healthy bitches.Discussion: In agreement with these authors and complementing the research carried with unpublished data for veterinary medicine and power technology (as the real values of PSV and EDV obtained between the 5th and 8th gestational week), the present study suggests that this method is useful for diagnosis of pregnancy pathologies, during different stages of pregnancy in bitches. It was verified by the results obtained that, in pregnant healthy bitches, the indices (PSV and EDV) of uteroplacental, umbilical and fetal aorta arteries increased progressively with the evolution of pregnancy and PI and RI decrease progressively. The progressive development of the fetal circulation coupled with the appearance of a diastolic peak velocity in these arteries, there is a drop the values of RI and PI decrease in the umbilical artery and RI decrease in the aorta artery. The increase of PSV and EDV values demonstrates the necessity of the body to intensify the maternal-fetal circulation, with consequent nutrient infusion and tissue development. In general, the physiological behavior of blood flow for the vascular indices observed is due to the development of gestational structures and maturation of placental and fetal circulation. Regarding pathological pregnancy. The vascular indices were different during the final stage of the gestation process. These findings reaffirm the idea that, in abnormal bitches pregnancies, there is a reduction in blood flow and higher resistance in the umbilical placental microcirculation. Thus, it was concluded that the maternal-fetal Doppler and power technology is a useful technique for prenatal diagnosis of pathological pregnancies in bitches.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

B-mode Ultrasound and Doppler Mode for Early-stage Pregnancy Diagnosis in Shi-Tzu Bitches

Background: The very first sign to confirm pregnancy in bitches is the gestacional sac detection. In this primary moment, it is very small with only few millimeters. The average time for gestational sacs visualization is approximately 20 days after mating (2 mm) surrounded by a thin hyperechoic wall (trophoblasts). The Doppler is a new method for pregnancy diagnosis in bitches. The measurement of velocity peak and vascular resistance index of the corpus luteum are used for such purpose. The precocity on detection pregnancy in bitches is an important tool for differential diagnosis between physiologic uterine alterations and uterine diseases. The aim of the current study was to assess the efficiency of the B-mode and Triplex Doppler ultrasound for early-stage pregnancy diagnosis in Shi-Tzu bitches, using ecobiometry of the gestational sac and corpus luteum vascular index.Materials, Methods & Results: Ten healthy Shi-Tzu bitches were evaluated. Pregnancy diagnosis was carried out using the B-mode. The ecobiometry of the gestational sac were characterized by the variables the outer (OLL) and inner (ILL) latero-lateral diameters, and the outer (ODV) and inner (IDV) dorso-ventral diameters. The corpus luteum vascularization was studied by the sistolic velocity peak (PVS), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), vascular resistance (RI) and pulsativity indexes (PI) using the Triplex Doppler. The ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis was carried out on days 14.2 +/- 2.04 post mating. The earliest pregnancy diagnosis occurred on day 12. Positive correlation on linear regression was observed between ILL and IDV and the date of the pregnancy diagnosis (r(2) = 0.7 and P = 0.0027; r(2) = 0.7 e P = 0.0025, respectively). On corpus luteum Triplex Doopler assessment, PVS was 11.67 +/- 2.53 cm/s, EDV was 5.52 +/- 1.6 cm/s, PI was 1.04 +/- 0.45 and RI was 0.61 +/- 0.1.Discussion: Early diagnosis observed in the present study for canine pregnancy is an important differential in veterinary obstetrics. Gestational sac was detected in the uterine horn on the 20th day post LH peak, 18 days following ovulation in a Beagle bitch and the ultrasound diagnosis of pregnancy was performed 18-24 days following the first and last mating, respectively, in Yorkshire dogs. Those results highlighted the difference between the dates for early-stage pregnancy diagnosis among different canine breeds. The precocity for the ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis depends on the visualization of the gestational sac, which is directly related to embryogenesis. The assessment of the ecobiometry of the gestational sacs may aid on the early-stage ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis in bitches. The values of corpus luteum vascular index in Shi-Tzu bitches in the current study were different from those found in other trial in bitches and in women. Such values may be justified by the differences on the corpus luteum structures between the canine and human species. Regarding to Triplex Doppler in pregnant bitches, the values of PI and EDV could be determined, which hadn't been reported before in veterinary medicine for the study of corpus luteum blood flow. In conclusion, the detection of pregnancy on early-stage using ultrasound examination is feasible in Shi-Tzu bitches, by the 12th day post conception. It was also possible to determinate important ecobiometry values of the gestacional sac and corpus luteum vascular index using Triplex Doppler.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

O trabalho em rede como estrategia para erradicação do trabalho infantil e proteção do adolescente.

O artigo aborda a necessidade de coordenação dos diversos órgãos de proteção das crianças e adolescentes, com a finalidade de produção de ações efetivas para o combate ao trabalho infantil. Aborda também a aprendizagem como meio adequado de inserção do adolescente no mercado de trabalho.The article addresses the need for coordination of the various organs of protection of children and adolescents, with the purpose of producing effective actions to combat child labor. It also addresses learning as an appropriate means of insertion of the adolescent into the labor market

Exercise Training Attenuates Right Ventricular Remodeling in Rats with Pulmonary Arterial Stenosis

Introduction: Pulmonary arterial stenosis (PAS) is a congenital defect that causes outflow tract obstruction of the right ventricle (RV). Currently, negative issues are reported in the PAS management: not all patients may be eligible to surgeries; there is often the need for another surgery during passage to adulthood; patients with mild stenosis may have later cardiac adverse repercussions. Thus, the search for approaches to counteract the long-term PAS effects showed to be a current target. At the study herein, we evaluated the cardioprotective role of exercise training in rats submitted to PAS for 9 weeks. Methods & Results: Exercise resulted in improved physical fitness and systolic RV function. Exercise also blunted concentric cavity changes, diastolic dysfunction, and fibrosis induced by PAS. Exercise additional benefits were also reported in a pro-survival signal, in which there were increased Akt1 activity and normalized myocardial apoptosis. These findings were accompanied by microRNA-1 downregulation and microRNA-21 upregulation. Moreover, exercise was associated with a higher myocardial abundance of the sarcomeric protein α-MHC and proteins that modulate calcium handling - ryanodine receptor and Serca 2, supporting the potential role of exercise in improving myocardial performance. Conclusion: Our results represent the first demonstration that exercise can attenuate the RV remodeling in an experimental PAS. The cardioprotective effects were associated with positive modulation of RV function, survival signaling pathway, apoptosis, and proteins involved in the regulation of myocardial contractility