Effect of bovine bone morphogenetic proteins on radius fracture healing in rabbits

OBJETIVO: Investigar a influência de Proteínas Morfogenéticas Ósseas de origem bovina (bBMPs) ligadas a hidroxiapatita mais colágeno na consolidação de fraturas instáveis do rádio. MÉTODOS: em 15 coelhos com aproximadamente 5,5 meses de idade e peso médio de 3,5kg foi realizada uma fratura transversa na porção média da diáfise do rádio de ambos os membros. Na fratura do rádio direito foi aplicada mistura de bBMPs ligadas à hidroxiapatita (bBMP-HA) e colágeno bovino como aglutinante e na do rádio esquerdo, considerada controle, nenhum tratamento foi usado. Os coelhos (cinco por período) foram submetidos à eutanásia aos 30, 60 e 90 dias após a cirurgia para realização do processamento histológico e análise microscópica. RESULTADOS: A análise histológica descritiva revelou que a consolidação foi similar para os membros tratado e controle. Pela análise histomorfométrica, a área de novo osso foi em média 867442,16 mm², 938743.00 mm² e 779621,06 mm² para os membros controles e 841118,47 mm², 788038,76mm² e 618587,24 mm² para os membros tratados, aos 30, 60 e 90 dias, respectivamente. Desta forma, aos 60 dias de pós-operatório a área de novo osso foi 12.17% maior no membro tratado com bBMP-HA/colágeno em relação ao membro controle (p<0.05, teste de Tukey). em ambos os membros a área de novo osso aumentou durante o período experimental até a total consolidação da fratura. CONCLUSÃO: Baseado nos resultados obtidos foi possível concluir que a mistura de bBMP-HA/colágeno induziu pequena, porém significante melhora na consolidação da fratura.

Nível de conhecimento dos cirurgiões-dentistas de São José dos Campos sobre o uso de anti-inflamatórios não esteróides

A prescrição abusiva de medicamentos na odontologia constitui um desafio aos programas de saúde pública que visam corrigir a prescrição inadequada de fármacos. Os anti-inflamatórios não esteróides (AINE) podem alteram a eficácia dos anti-hipertensivos, elevando a pressão arterial, sobretudo em pacientes idosos e/ou com hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS). O objetivo foi avaliar o nível de conhecimentos dos cirurgiões-dentistas (CD) da rede pública da saúde da Prefeitura Municipal de São José dos Campos (PMSJC) sobre a prescrição de AINE a pacientes com HAS. Trata-se de estudo descritivo, realizado por meio de questionário aplicado aos 92 CD da PMSJC. Os resultados foram analisados estatisticamente utilizando-se os testes de Wald e de Fisher. A associação entre as variáveis foi estudada por meio da razão de chances (OR) com p-valor<0,05. Os resultados mostraram que o nível de conhecimento para a prescrição de AINE para pacientes com HAS foi insuficiente e as interações medicamentosas entre AINE e anti-hipertensivos são desconhecidas pela quase totalidade da amostra. Concluiu-se que os cursos de atualização em odontologia não estão suprindo as necessidades dos CD no âmbito da farmacoterapia.

On the germination and dormancy of dispersal units of Brachiaria decumbens staff

The effect of light and temperature on germination of Brachiaria decumbens as well as the action of some dormancy breaking chemicals were tested. Two seed batches stored different times were used. The results show that seeds failed to respond to alternating temperature regimes and different light qualities. Seeds were indifferent to white light at 25°C. KNO3, ethanol and H2SO4 failed to break seed dormancy, whereas KCN and H2O2 partially reduced dormancy of two month stored seeds. The results suggest a metabolic character of dormancy in new (freshly collected) seeds and confirm the occurence of two types of dormancy in B. decumbens seeds.

Avaliação dos resultados neonatais do método canguru no Brasil

Objective: To evaluate the results of the kangaroo mother method in Brazil. Methods: A prospective cohort study comparing 16 units that have or do not have the second phase of the kangaroo mother method: eight were national centers of excellence for the kangaroo mother method (study group) and eight were part of the Brazilian Neonatal Research Network (control group). A total of 985 newborn infants with birth weights of 500 to 1,749 g were enrolled. Multivariate analyses employedmultiple linear regression and Poisson regression with robust adjustment. Results: The adjusted analysis (controlled for birth weight, gestational age, Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology Perinatal Extension II, Neonatal Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System, and maternal age and educational level) demonstrated that mean length of hospital stay (p = 0.14) and intercurrent clinical conditions in the intermediate or kangaroo unit were equal for both groups. Weight (p = 0.012), length (p = 0.039) and head circumference (p = 0.006) at 36 weeks' corrected gestational age were all lower at the kangaroo units. The kangaroo units exhibited superior performance in relation to exclusive breastfeeding at discharge (69.2 vs. 23.8%, p=0.022). Conclusions: The evidence suggests that the humanization strategy adopted by the Brazilian Ministry of Health is a safe alternative to conventional treatment and a good strategy for promoting breastfeeding. Copyright © 2008 by Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria.

Bacterial cellulose-hydroxyapatite nanocomposites for bone regeneration

The aim of this study was to develop and to evaluate the biological properties of bacterial cellulose-hydroxyapatite (BC-HA) nanocomposite membranes for bone regeneration. Nanocomposites were prepared from bacterial cellulose membranes sequentially incubated in solutions of CaCl2 followed by Na2HPO4. BC-HA membranes were evaluated in noncritical bone defects in rat tibiae at 1, 4, and 16 weeks. Thermogravimetric analyses showed that the amount of the mineral phase was 40-50 of the total weight. Spectroscopy, electronic microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray analyses, and X-ray diffraction showed formation of HA crystals on BC nanofibres. Low crystallinity HA crystals presented Ca/P a molar ratio of 1.5 (calcium-deficient HA), similar to physiological bone. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy analysis showed bands assigned to phosphate and carbonate ions. In vivo tests showed no inflammatory reaction after 1 week. After 4 weeks, defects were observed to be completely filled in by new bone tissue. The BC-HA membranes were effective for bone regeneration. © 2011 S. Saska et al.

Short communication: Acute but transient increase in serum insulin reduces messenger RNA expression of hepatic enzymes associated with progesterone catabolism in dairy cows

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of glucose infusion on serum concentrations of glucose, insulin, and progesterone (P4), as well as mRNA expression of hepatic CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 in nonlactating, ovariectomized cows in adequate nutritional status. Eight Gir × Holstein cows were maintained on a low-quality Brachiaria brizantha pasture with reduced forage availability, but they individually received, on average, 3. kg/cow daily (as fed) of a corn-based concentrate from d -28 to 0 of the experiment. All cows had an intravaginal P4-releasing device inserted on d -14, which remained in cows until the end of the experiment (d 1). On d 0, cows were randomly assigned to receive, in a crossover design containing 2 periods of 24. h each (d 0 and 1), (1) an intravenous glucose infusion (GLUC; 0.5. g of glucose/kg of BW, over a 3-h period) or (2) an intravenous saline infusion (SAL; 0.9%, over a 3-h period). Cows were fasted for 12. h before infusions, and they remained fasted during infusion and sample collections. Blood samples were collected at 0, 3, and 6. h relative to the beginning of infusions. Liver biopsies were performed concurrently with blood collections at 0 and 3. h. After the last blood collection of period 1, cows received concentrate and returned to pasture. Cows gained BW (16.5 ± 3.6. kg) and BCS (0.08 ± 0.06) from d -28 to 0. Cows receiving GLUC had greater serum glucose and insulin concentrations at 3. h compared with SAL cohorts. No treatment effects were detected for serum P4 concentrations, although mRNA expression of CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 after the infusion period was reduced for cows in the GLUC treatment compared with their cohorts in the SAL treatment. In conclusion, hepatic CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 mRNA expression can be promptly modulated by glucose infusion followed by acute increases in circulating insulin, which provides novel insight into the physiological mechanisms associating nutrition and reproductive function in dairy cows. © 2013 American Dairy Science Association.

Persistent efficacy of 3.5% doramectin compared to 3.15% ivermectin against gastrointestinal nematodes in experimentally-infected cattle in Brazil

The present study aimed to evaluate the persistent efficacy of a 3.5% doramectin* (700μg/kg) formulation compared to 3.15% ivermectin** (630μg/kg) treatment, administered subcutaneously at a dose of 1mL/50kg body weight in cattle experimentally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes. Seventy-two male crossbred Holstein cattle that were negative for helminth infection were divided into nine groups. Treatments of 3.5% doramectin (Groups 2, 4, 6 and 8) and 3.15% ivermectin (Groups 3, 5, 7 and 9) were administered on days 49, 42, 35 and 28 prior to challenge with infectious nematode larvae (L3). Animals in the control group (Group 1) received saline solution on day 49 before challenge. Beginning on day zero, each animal received 50mL orally of a mixed culture containing approximately 3,000 third stage larvae (L3) of Haemonchus (60%), Oesophagostomum (20%), Cooperia (15%) and Trichostrongylus (5%) for seven consecutive days, resulting in a total challenge of 21,000 larvae/animal. Due to the large number of cattle, autopsies were performed between days 28 and 35 after the last day of inoculation. The formulation containing doramectin (700 mcg/kg) achieved persistent efficacy against H. placei and C. punctata for 49 and 35days, respectively. The persistent efficacy of ivermectin (630 mcg/kg) against H. placei lasted for 49days, but this treatment was ineffective against C. punctata. Both formulations demonstrated persistent efficacy against T. axei for 49days. The persistent efficacy of doramectin (700 mcg/kg) and ivermectin (630 mcg/kg) lasted for 49 and 42days against O. radiatum, respectively. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.

The Genome of Anopheles darlingi, the main neotropical malaria vector

Anopheles darlingi is the principal neotropical malaria vector, responsible for more than a million cases of malaria per year on the American continent. Anopheles darlingi diverged from the African and Asian malaria vectors ∼100 million years ago (mya) and successfully adapted to the New World environment. Here we present an annotated reference A. darlingi genome, sequenced from a wild population of males and females collected in the Brazilian Amazon. A total of 10 481 predicted protein-coding genes were annotated, 72% of which have their closest counterpart in Anopheles gambiae and 21% have highest similarity with other mosquito species. In spite of a long period of divergent evolution, conserved gene synteny was observed between A. darlingi and A. gambiae. More than 10 million single nucleotide polymorphisms and short indels with potential use as genetic markers were identified. Transposable elements correspond to 2.3% of the A. darlingi genome. Genes associated with hematophagy, immunity and insecticide resistance, directly involved in vectorhuman and vectorparasite interactions, were identified and discussed. This study represents the first effort to sequence the genome of a neotropical malaria vector, and opens a new window through which we can contemplate the evolutionary history of anopheline mosquitoes. It also provides valuable information that may lead to novel strategies to reduce malaria transmission on the South American continent. The A. darlingi genome is accessible at www.labinfo.lncc.br/index.php/anopheles- darlingi. © 2013 The Author(s).

Prevalência sorológica e molecular de Babesia bovis e Babesia bigemina em búfalos (Bubalus bubalis) na Ilha de Marajó, Pará

The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina in water buffaloes of the Marajó Island, State of Pará, Brazil. We used an indirectenzyme- linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA), with total antigen containing proteins outer surface, and polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), involving the use of SYBR Green based on amplification of a small fragment of the cytochrome b gene. The prevalence of positive animals in iELISA to B. bovis B. bigemina and mixed infection was 24.87% (199/800), 20.75% (166/800) and 18.75% (150/800), respectively. Using the PCR, the presence of B. bovis wasdetected in 15% (18/199) and B. bigemina in 16% (19/199) of animals, and of these, 58% (11/19) presented co-infected by the two agents. The results show a low prevalence of antibodies anti-B. bovis and anti-B. bigemina in water buffaloes from Marajó Island. However, it was observed that the agents of bovine babesiosis circulate in buffaloes, and these may act as reservoirs.

Evidence for euphotic zone anoxia during the deposition of Aptian source rocks based on aryl isoprenoids in petroleum, Sergipe-Alagoas Basin, northeastern Brazil

Four crude oil samples from the Sergipe-Alagoas Basin, northeastern Brazil, were analyzed using full scan gas chromatography-quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-qMS) for biomarkers, in order to correlate them using aromatic carotenoids thereby enhancing knowledge about the depositional environment of their source rocks. The geochemical parameters derived from saturated fractions of the oils show evidence of little or no biodegradation and similar thermal maturation (Ts/(Ts+Tm) for terpanes, C29 αββ/(αββ+ααα), C27, and C29 20S/(20S+20R) for steranes). Low pristane/phytane ratios and the abundance of gammacerane and β-carotane are indicative of an anoxic and saline depositional environment for the source rocks. Moreover, we identified a large range of diagenetic and catagenetic products of the aromatic carotenoid isorenieratene, including C40, C33, and C32 diaryl isoprenoids and aryl isoprenoid derivatives with short side chains and/or additional rings. These results indicate anoxia in the photic zone during the deposition of the source rocks. © 2013 The Authors.

Molecular and serological prevalence of Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina in water buffaloes in the north region of Brazil

Bovine babesiosis is a tick-borne disease caused mainly by Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina, which are associated to considerable economic losses in cattle herds worldwide. Approximately 60% of buffalo herds in South America are located in Northern Brazil. Little is known about the impact of babesiosis on buffalo herds in Brazil. The present work aimed to verify the occurrence of B. bovis and B. bigemina in 542 water buffaloes in the state of Pará, Northern Brazil, using molecular and serological techniques. The percentage of seropositive animals for B. bovis and B. bigemina was 41.2% and 19.0%, respectively, by ELISA. B. bovis and B. bigemina DNA were detected in 15 and 16% of sampled buffaloes, respectively. A high correlation (Kappa index of 0.9) between serological and molecular tests suggests that the combination of the utilized techniques in the present study is suitable for babesiosis diagnosis in an endemic unstable area. Significantly difference of positivity for serological and molecular assays was verified to localities and reproductive status of sampled animals, but not between buffalo breeds. The immune status of sampled buffaloes associated to the circulation of babesiosis agents in sampled population suggests that the studied area is at risk to clinical babesiosis outbreaks. Furthermore, this study demonstrated that this region can be classified as endemically unstable. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Anthelmintic efficacy of an oral formulation of Aurixazol against gastrointestinal nematodes of naturally and experimentally infected sheep

As a result of the need to develop new active principles for the control of endoparasites in ruminants, the present in vivo study evaluated a formulation containing 24% Aurixazol (48 mg/kg), a parasiticide molecule based on disophenolate of levamisole. Two experiments were conducted: one evaluating the anthelmintic efficacy of 24% Aurixazol (48 mg/kg) against gastrointestinal nematodes in naturally infected sheep, compared to an association of ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg) + albendazole (5.0 mg/kg) + levamisole (7.5 mg/kg) (IAL), and a second one which evaluated the persistent efficacy of the same formulation against immature stages (L4) and adults of Haemonchus contortus in experimentally infected animals. In experiment I, against H. contortus, the formulation of Aurixazol and the IAL association reached efficacies (arithmetic means) of 99.32% and 96.11%, respectively. For Trichostrongylus colubriformis, the efficacy values were 88.92% and 98.08% for Aurixazol and the IAL association, respectively. Both formulations were totally effective against Oesophagostomum columbianum (100%). The results of the statistical analysis demonstrated that the mean parasitic burden of treated animals was significantly different (P ≤ 0.05) compared to the average number of helminths diagnosed in animals from the control group for H. contortus, T. colubriformis and O. columbianum. Comparing only the treated groups, it was possible to verify that the average number of H. contortus recovered from animals treated with Aurixazol was different (P ≤ 0.05) when compared to the mean amount recovered from sheep treated with the IAL association. When evaluating the prevention of H. contortus infection in experiment II, Aurixazol did not present preventive efficacy. Up until 21 days after treatment the groups treated with Aurixazol contained less adults and L4 of H. contortus (P ≤ 0.05) when compared to the non-medicated control group. However, future studies will be necessary to assess the effectiveness of Aurixazol against nematode strains resistant to levamisole and disophenol, but the efficacy results described in this study allow to state that Aurixazol can, associated with other measures, become an important tool in the control of sheep nematodes. © 2013.