Retorno à atividade reprodutiva de touro angus após fimose traumática com obliteração parcial da luz prepucial: relato de caso

The main disturbs affecting the genital segment of bulls are balanitis, phimosis and preputial injuries, abscesses or prolapses, resulting in decreased libido or mating ability. One case of traumatic phimosis with partial obliteration of preputial lumen is reported in Aberdeen Angus bull. During anamnesis, it was reported that the animal was unable to expose the penis and presented increased penile and preputial volume of unknown etiology after being submitted to a libido test. During clinical examination, a firm preputial mass of 15 cm in diameter was observed in the middle third of the prepuce and stenosis of preputial lumen was detected approximately 17 cm from the preputial orifice. Reconstructive surgery was the chosen therapy, with amputation of the affected foreskin portion. A skin segment of about 12 cm and affected mucosal portion were removed. Postoperative therapy consisted of dressing with chlorhexidine digluconate based ointment, povidone iodine and topical insect repellent (cypermethrin and carbamyl), systemic antibiotic therapy with benzathine penicillin (30,000 IU / kg, repeated after 48 hours) and anti-inflammatory therapy with flunixin meglumine (2 , 0 mg / kg SID) for three days. After twenty days, semen was collected by massage of the accessory glands. The ejaculate volume was 3 mL, with 200x106 spermatozoa / mL, white color, "suis generis" odor, 88% of motile sperm, 64% of progressively motile sperm and 82% of rapid sperm. Thus, the chosen surgical treatment was effective to correct the pathology and reintroduce the animal into reproductive activity

Hypospadias in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) mediterranean breed-case report

Hypospadias is a rare congenital condition characterized by abnormal development of the penile urethra, penis, scrotum and prepuce. The etiopathogenesis is still not fully elucidated, but it is based on a deficiency of testosterone during the critical stage of morphogenesis. At UNESP’s experimental farm was born a Mediterranean breed buffalo calf with congenital abnormalities in the reproductive system, being diagnosed with hypospadias.

Caracterização morfológica do pênis de espécies de morcegos vespertilionídeos dos gêneros Histiotus, Lasiurus e Myotis (Chiroptera, Mammalia)

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Caracterização morfológica do pênis de espécies de morcegos vespertilionídeos dos gêneros Histiotus, Lasiurus e Myotis (Chiroptera, Mammalia)

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Central leptin replacement enhances chemorespiratory responses in leptin-deficient mice independent of changes in body weight

Previous studies showed that leptin-deficient (ob/ob) mice develop obesity and impaired ventilatory responses to CO2 . In this study, we examined if leptin replacement improves chemorespiratory responses to hypercapnia (7 % CO2) in ob/ob mice and if these effects were due to changes in body weight or to the direct effects of leptin in the central nervous system (CNS). was measured via plethysmography in obese leptin-deficient- (ob/ob) and wild-type- (WT) mice before and after leptin (10 mu g/2 mu l day) or vehicle (phosphate buffer solution) were microinjected into the fourth ventricle for four consecutive days. Although baseline was similar between groups, obese ob/ob mice exhibited attenuated compared to WT mice (134 +/- 9 versus 196 +/- 10 ml min(-1)). Fourth ventricle leptin treatment in obese ob/ob mice significantly improved (from 131 +/- 15 to 197 +/- 10 ml min(-1)) by increasing tidal volume (from 0.38 +/- 0.03 to 0.55 +/- 0.02 ml, vehicle and leptin, respectively). Subcutaneous leptin administration at the same dose administered centrally did not change in ob/ob mice. Central leptin treatment in WT had no effect on . Since the fourth ventricle leptin treatment decreased body weight in ob/ob mice, we also examined in lean pair-weighted ob/ob mice and found it to be impaired compared to WT mice. Thus, leptin deficiency, rather than obesity, is the main cause of impaired in ob/ob mice and leptin appears to play an important role in regulating chemorespiratory response by its direct actions on the CNS.

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis and Skinfold Thickness Sum in Assessing Body Fat Mass of Renal Dialysis Patients

Objective: In chronic renal failure patients under hemodialysis (HD) treatment, the availability of simple, safe, and effective tools to assess body composition enables evaluation of body composition accurately, in spite of changes in body fluids that occur in dialysis therapy, thus contributing to planning and monitoring of nutritional treatment. We evaluated the performance of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and the skinfold thickness sum (SKF) to assess fat mass (FM) in chronic renal failure patients before (BHD) and after (AHD) HD, using air displacement plethysmography (ADP) as the standard method. Design: This single-center cross-sectional trial involved comparing the FM of 60 HD patients estimated BHD and AHD by BIA (multifrequential; 29 women, 31 men) and by SKF with those estimated by the reference method, ADP. Body fat-free mass (FFM) was also obtained by subtracting the total body fat from the individual total weight. Results: Mean estimated FM (kg [%]) observed by ADP BHD was 17.95 +/- 0.99 kg (30.11% +/- 1.30%), with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 16.00 to 19.90 (27.56 to 32.66); mean estimated FM observed AHD was 17.92 +/- 1.11 kg (30.04% +/- 1.40%), with a 95% CI of 15.74 to 20.10 (27.28 to 32.79). Neither study period showed a difference in FM and FFM (for both kg and %) estimates by the SKF method when compared with ADP; however, the BIA underestimated the FM and overestimated the FFM (for both kg and %) when compared with ADP. Conclusion: The SKF, but not the BIA, method showed results similar to ADP and can be considered adequate for FM evaluation in HD patients. (C) 2012 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved.

Endogenous testosterone increases leukocyte-endothelial cell interaction in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Aims: Inflammation may have an important role in the beginning and in the progress of cardiovascular diseases. Testosterone exerts important effects on vascular function, which is altered in arterial hypertension. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of endogenous testosterone on leukocyte behavior in post-capillary venules of the mesenteric bed of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Main methods: 18 week-old intact SHR, castrated SHR and normotensive rats (intact Wistar) were used. Blood pressure was measured by tail plethysmography and serum testosterone levels by ELISA. Leukocyte rolling, adhesion and migration were evaluated in vivo in situ by intravital microscopy. Key findings: Castration significantly reduced blood pressure and reversed the increased leukocyte rolling and adhesion observed in SHRs. Leukocyte counts and other hemodynamic parameters did not differ among groups. SHRs displayed increased protein expression of P-selectin and ICAM-1 in mesenteric venules when compared to intact Wistar. Castration of SHRs restored the protein expression of the cell adhesion molecules. Significance: The findings of the present study demonstrate the critical role of endogenous testosterone mediating the effects of hypertension increasing leukocyte-endothelial cell interaction. Increased expression of cell adhesion molecules contribute to the effects of endogenous testosterone promoting increased leukocyte rolling and adhesion in SHRs. (c) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Immunohistochemistry Analysis of Proteins Related with Apoptosis as Prognostic Factor in Epidermoid Carcinoma of Penis

The aim was to analyze the protein expression of apoptotic genes caspase-3, caspase-8 and bcl-2 with the immunohistochemistry technique, correlating with tumor grade (I, II and III) and with the patient survival in order to understand the basic mechanism of tumoral transformation. The immunohistochemistry reactions on 50 samples of squamous cell carcinoma were carried out with the avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase method and antigen recovery. The analyses were made using the graduation method "in crosses" (0 to 4 crosses - no stain to more than 75% of positives cells) and in categories (low, intermediate, high) of the cytoplasm immunoreactivity of the epidermoid penile carcinoma cells. It was observed a statistically significant difference when the expression of caspase-3 were compared with the grades land II of the tumor (p=0.0010) and when comparing the patient survival with the grades I and II of the tumor (p=0.0212). The protein bcl-2 was more expressed than caspase-3 and caspase-8 proteins, suggesting that the apoptotic rate in this carcinoma is low. The higher expression of the anti-apoptotic protein bcl-2 suggests a higher preservation of the tumoral cells.

Phoneutria nigriventer spider toxin Tx2-6 causes priapism and death: A histopathological investigation in mice

Phoneutria nigriventer spider bite causes priapism, an effect attributed to the peptide toxins Tx2-5 and Tx2-6 and involving nitric oxide. Tx2-6 (MW = 5287) is known to delay the inactivation of Sodium channels in the same fashion as many other venom toxins. In the present study we evaluated the i.p. dose that induces priapism and the other symptoms in mice. Animals killed by the toxin or crude venom (0.85 mg/kg) were autopsied and a pathological study of brain, lung, kidney, liver and heart was undertaken using standard techniques. The same protocol was employed with animals injected with crude venom. Results showed that priapism is the first sign of intoxication, followed by piloerection, abundant salivation and tremors. An i.p. injection of about 0.3 mu g/kg induced only priapism with minimal side-effects. The most remarkable histological finding was a general vascular congestion in all organs studied. Penis showed no necrosis or damage. Lungs showed vascular congestion and alveolar hemorrhage. Heart showed also sub-endothelial hemorrhage. Brain showed only a mild edema and vascular congestion. Results obtained with crude venom closely resemble those of purified toxin. We conclude that Tx2-6 have profound effects on the vascular bed especially in lungs and heart, which may be the cause of death. Interestingly brain tissue was less affected and the observed edema may be attributed to respiratory impairment. To the best of our knowledge this is the first histopathological investigation on this toxin and venom suggesting a possible cause of death. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Shape and function of the perineal muscles of viscacha (Lagostomus maximus)

Pieri N.C.G., Alicia M. Flamini A.M., Barbeito C.G., Casals J.B., Roque K.B., Favaron P.O., Miglino M.A. & Martins D.S. 2012. [Shape and function of the perineal muscles of viscacha (Lagostomus maximus).] Forma e funcao dos musculos perineais da viscacha (Lagostomus maximus). Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira 32(2):183-187. Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte 225, Pirassununga, SP 13635-900, Brazil. E-mail: daniele@usp.br. Among the rodent species studied we can highlight the wide variation in the morphology of the male reproductive system. Thus, considering the ecological importance of rodents, and the large number and geographical representation of this animal, as well as shortages regarding the reproductive anatomy, we developed this study with viscacha, a South American histricomorph rodent. As this species has some very peculiar reproductive features, we described the gross anatomy of the perineal muscles and the role of copulatory behavior. The perineal region of viscacha is composed of five muscles, three of which are arranged in the superficial genitourinary diaphragm, as Musculus ischiocavernosus, M. bulbocavernosus and M. bulbospongiosus, and the muscles that lie at the pelvic diaphragm, M. levator ani and M. retractor penis. Therefore, we emphasize that the study of the pelvic floor in wild animals is of great value, then contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms related to erection and ejaculation or collaborate with studies on the reproduction of animals.

Exercise training improves neurovascular control and functional capacity in heart failure patients regardless of age

Background: Exercise training is a non-pharmacological strategy for treatment of heart failure. Exercise training improves functional capacity and quality of life in patients. Moreover, exercise training reduces muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) and peripheral vasoconstriction. However, most of these studies have been conducted in middle-aged patients. Thus, the effects of exercise training in older patients are much less understood. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether exercise training improves functional capacity, muscular sympathetic activation and muscular blood flow in older heart failure patients, as it does in middle-aged heart failure patients. Design: Fifty-two consecutive outpatients with heart failure from the database of the Unit of Cardiovascular Rehabilitation and Physiology Exercise were divided by age (middle-aged, defined as 45-59 years, and older, defined as 60-75 years) and exercise status (trained and untrained). Methods: MSNA was recorded directly from the peroneal nerve using the microneurography technique. Forearm Blood Flow (FBF) was measured by venous occlusion plethysmography. Functional capacity was evaluated by cardiopulmonary exercise test. Results: Exercise training significantly and similarly increased FBF and peak VO2 in middle-aged and older heart failure patients. In addition, exercise training significantly and similarly reduced MSNA and forearm vascular resistance in these patients. No significant changes were found in untrained patients. Conclusion: Exercise training improves neurovascular control and functional capacity in heart failure patients regardless of age.

DSD Due to 5 alpha-Reductase 2 Deficiency - from Diagnosis to Long Term Outcome

Most of the patients with 5 alpha-RD 2 deficiency are reared in the female social sex due to their severely undervirilized external genitalia but similar to 60% who have not been submitted to orchiectomy in childhood undergo male social sex change at puberty. In our cohort of 30 cases from 18 families, all subjects were registered in the female social sex except for two children-one who had an affected uncle and the other who was diagnosed before being registered. The majority of the patients were satisfied with the long-term results of their treatment and surprisingly, penile length was not associated with satisfactory or unsatisfactory sexual activity. Steroid 5 alpha-RD2 deficiency should be included in the differential diagnosis of all newborns with 46,XY DSD with normal testosterone production before gender assignment or any surgical intervention because these patients should be considered males at birth.

Mechanisms of blunted muscle vasodilation during peripheral chemoreceptor stimulation in heart failure patients

We described recently that systemic hypoxia provokes vasoconstriction in heart failure (HF) patients. We hypothesized that either the exaggerated muscle sympathetic nerve activity and/or endothelial dysfunction mediate the blunted vasodilatation during hypoxia in HF patients. Twenty-seven HF patients and 23 age-matched controls were studied. Muscle sympathetic nerve activity was assessed by microneurography and forearm blood flow (FBF) by venous occlusion plethysmography. Peripheral chemoreflex control was evaluated through the inhaling of a hypoxic gas mixture (10% O-2 and 90% N-2). Basal muscle sympathetic nerve activity was greater and basal FBF was lower in HF patients versus controls. During hypoxia, muscle sympathetic nerve activity responses were greater in HF patients, and forearm vasodilatation in HF was blunted versus controls. Phentolamine increased FBF responses in both groups, but the increase was lower in HF patients. Phentolamine and N-G-monomethyl-L-arginine infusion did not change FBF responses in HF but markedly blunted the vasodilatation in controls. FBF responses to hypoxia in the presence of vitamin C were unchanged and remained lower in HF patients versus controls. In conclusion, muscle vasoconstriction in response to hypoxia in HF patients is attributed to exaggerated reflex sympathetic nerve activation and blunted endothelial function (NO activity). We were unable to identify a role for oxidative stress in these studies. (Hypertension. 2012; 60: 669-676.) . Online Data Supplement

Estudo do Padrão Respiratório e Movimento Toracoabdominal em Valvopatia Mitral

FUNDAMENTO: pacientes com valvopatia mitral podem evoluir com congestão pulmonar, que aumenta o trabalho dos músculos respiratórios; essa sobrecarga pode alterar o padrão respiratório com predomínio do deslocamento torácico ou presença de movimentos paradoxais. OBJETIVO: a) estudar o padrão respiratório e movimento toracoabdominal (MTA) em pacientes com doença mitral b) estudar o efeito do posicionamento nos parâmetros respiratórios c) correlacionar hipertensão pulmonar com presença de incoordenação do MTA. MÉTODOS: o padrão respiratório e o MTA de pacientes com doença mitral foram avaliados por pletismografia respiratória por indutância, nas posições dorsal e sentada, durante dois minutos de respiração tranquila. Analisou-se volume corrente (Vc) e tempos respiratórios e as variáveis do MTA. RESULTADOS: de 65 pacientes incluídos, 10 foram retirados, 29 participaram do grupo estenose mitral e 26 do grupo insuficiência mitral. O Vc, a ventilação pulmonar e o fluxo inspiratório médio aumentaram significantemente na posição sentada, sem diferenças entre os grupos. O MTA manteve-se coordenado entre os grupos e as posições; no entanto, cinco pacientes na posição dorsal apresentaram incoordenação (três no grupo estenose mitral; dois no grupo insuficiência mitral) com correlação significante com valores de pressão de artéria pulmonar (r = 0,992, p = 0,007). CONCLUSÃO: o padrão respiratório e o MTA não apresentam diferenças entre pacientes com estenose ou insuficiência mitral. A posição sentada aumenta o Vc sem alterar os tempos respiratórios. A presença de incoordenação toracoabdominal na posição dorsal esteve associação à hipertensão pulmonar.

Burnt sugarcane harvesting: cardiovascular effects on a group of healthy workers, Brazil

Background: Brazil is the world's largest producer of sugarcane. Harvest is predominantly manual, exposing workers to health risks: intense physical exertion, heat, pollutants from sugarcane burning. Design: Panel study to evaluate the effects of burnt sugarcane harvesting on blood markers and on cardiovascular system. Methods: Twenty-eight healthy male workers, living in the countryside of Brazil were submitted to blood markers, blood pressure, heart rate variability, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, sympathetic nerve activity evaluation and forearm blood flow measures (venous occlusion plethysmography) during burnt sugarcane harvesting and four months later while they performed other activities in sugar cane culture. Results: Mean participant age was 31 +/- 6.3 years, and had worked for 9.8 +/- 8.4 years on sugarcane work. Work during the harvest period was associated with higher serum levels of Creatine Kinase - 136.5 U/L (IQR: 108.5-216.0) vs. 104.5 U/L (IQR: 77.5-170.5), (p = 0.001); plasma Malondialdehyde-7.5 +/- 1.4 mu M/dl vs. 6.9 +/- 1.0 mu M/dl, (p = 0.058); Glutathione Peroxidase - 55.1 +/- 11.8 Ug/Hb vs. 39.5 +/- 9.5 Ug/Hb, (p < 0.001); Glutathione Transferase- 3.4 +/- 1.3 Ug/Hb vs. 3.0 +/- 1.3 Ug/Hb, (p = 0.001); and 24-hour systolic blood pressure - 120.1 +/- 10.3 mmHg vs. 117.0 +/- 10.0 mmHg, (p = 0.034). In cardiopulmonary exercise testing, rest-to-peak diastolic blood pressure increased by 11.12 mmHg and 5.13 mmHg in the harvest and non-harvest period, respectively. A 10 miliseconds reduction in rMSSD and a 10 burst/min increase in sympathetic nerve activity were associated to 2.2 and 1.8 mmHg rises in systolic arterial pressure, respectively. Conclusion: Work in burnt sugarcane harvesting was associated with changes in blood markers and higher blood pressure, which may be related to autonomic imbalance.