Comparative study of epidural xylazine or clonidine in horses

Objective To evaluate the cardiorespiratory and behavioural effects of epidural xylazine (XYL) or clonidine (CLO) in horses.Study design Blinded, randomized experimental study.Twelve healthy Arabian yearling horses weighing 117-204 kg were randomly allocated into two groups: XYL (n = 6) and CLO (n = 6).Methods An epidural catheter was inserted and a facial arterial catheter was placed and the next day the horses were restrained in stocks. Baseline values for heart (HR) and respiratory (RR) rates, arterial pressure and behavioural responses were evaluated before (TO) and 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 minutes after epidural injection (T10-T120). The horses received 0.2 mg kg(-1) of XYL or 5 mu g kg(-1) CLO; adjusted to (3.4 + (body weight in kg x 0.013) mL with saline. Data were analysed by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, one-way ANOVA with repeated measures, and one-way ANOVA followed by a Student-Newman-Keuls test or Fisher's exact test, as necessary. Significance was set at p <= 0.05.Results Sedation and ataxia were seen at T10, persisting until T120 in four and three horses, respectively, in XYL and all horses in CLO respectively. Two XYL and one CLO horses became recumbent at T45 and T25 respectively. Penile prolapse occurred in four of five males at T30 and T45, in the XYL and CLO groups, respectively, resolving by T120. Tail relaxation was present from T10 to T120 in all horses in XYL and in four horses in CLO. Head drop was observed from T20 to T60 and from T10 to T120 in XYL and CLO respectively. Respiratory rate decreased significantly only at T45 in the CLO group. Heart rate and arterial blood pressure remained stable.Conclusions and clinical relevance Epidural CLO and XYL produce similar cardiorespiratory and behavioural changes but neither would be safe to use clinically at the doses used in this study.

The workload and plasma ion concentration in a training match session of high-goal (elite) polo ponies

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

The effect of changing the mode of ventilation on the arterial-to-end-tidal CO2 difference and physiological dead space in laterally and dorsally recumbent horses during halothane anesthesia

Objective - To evaluate the effect of changing the mode of ventilation from spontaneous to controlled on the arterial-to-end-tidal CO2 difference [P(a-ET)CO2] and physiological dead space (VD(phys)/VT) in laterally and dorsally recumbent halothane-anesthetized horses. Study Design - Prospective, experimental, nonrandomized trial. Animals - Seven mixed breed adult horses (1 male and 6 female) weighing 320 ± 11 kg. Methods - Horses were anesthetized in 2 positions - right lateral and dorsal recumbency - with a minimum interval of 1 month. Anesthesia was maintained with halothane in oxygen for 180 minutes. Spontaneous ventilation (SV) was used for 90 minutes followed by 90 minutes of controlled ventilation (CV). The same ventilator settings were used for both laterally and dorsally recumbent horses. Arterial blood gas analysis was performed every 30 minutes during anesthesia. End-tidal CO2 (PETCO2) was measured continuously. P(a-ET)CO2 and VD(phys)/VT were calculated. Statistical analysis included analysis of variance for repeated measures over time, followed by Student-Newman-Keuls test. Comparison between groups was performed using a paired t test; P < .05 was considered significant. Results - P(a-ET)CO2 and VD(phys)/VT increased during SV, whereas CV reduced these variables. The variables did not change significantly throughout mechanical ventilation in either group. Dorsally recumbent horses showed greater P(a-ET)CO2 and VD(phys)/VT values throughout. PaCO2 was greater during CV in dorsally positioned horses. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance - Changing the mode of ventilation from spontaneous to controlled was effective in reducing P(a-ET)CO2 and physiological dead space in both laterally and dorsally recumbent halothane-anesthetized horses. Dorsal recumbency resulted in greater impairment of effective ventilation. Capnometry has a limited value for accurate estimation of PaCO, in anesthetized horses, although it may be used to evaluate pulmonary function when paired with arterial blood gas analysis. © Copyright 2000 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Effect of a heat-treatment on the linear dimensional change of a hard chairside reline resin

Statement of problem. Little data are available regarding the effect of heat-treatments on the dimensional stability of hard chairside reline resins. Purpose. The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate whether a heat-treatment improves the dimensional stability of the reline resin Duraliner II and to compare the linear dimensional changes of this material with the heat-polymerized acrylic resin Lucitone 550. Material and methods. The materials were mixed according to the manufacturer's instructions and packed into a stainless steel split mold (50.0 mm diameter and 0.5 mm thickness) with reference points (A, B, C, and D). Duraliner II specimens were polymerized for 12 minutes in water at 37°C and bench cooled to room temperature before being removed from the mold. Twelve specimens were made and divided into 2 groups: group 1 specimens (n=6) were left untreated, and group 2 specimens (n=6) were submitted to a heat-treatment in a water bath at 55°C for 10 minutes and then bench cooled to room temperature. The 6 Lucitone specimens (control group) were polymerized in a water bath for 9 hours at 71°C. The specimens were removed after the mold reached the room temperature. A Nikon optical comparator was used to measure the distances between the reference points (AB and CD) on the stainless steel mold (baseline readings) and on the specimens to the nearest 0.001 mm. Measurements were made after processing and after the specimens had been stored in distilled water at 37°C for 8 different periods of time. Data were subjected to analysis of variance with repeated measures, followed by Tukey's multiple comparison test (P<.05). Results. All specimens exhibited shrinkage after processing (control, -0.41%; group 1, -0.26%; and group 2, -0.51%). Group 1 specimens showed greater shrinkage (-1.23%) than the control (-0.23%) and group 2 (-0.81%) specimens after 60 days of storage in water (P<.05). Conclusion. Within the limitations of this study, a significant improvement of the long-term dimensional stability of the Duraliner II reline resin was observed when the specimens were heat-treated. However, the shrinkage remained considerably higher than the denture base resin Lucitone 550. Copyright © 2002 by The Editorial Council of The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry.

Effects of tiletamine/zolazepam-romifidine-atropine in ocelots (Leopardus pardalis)

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of a combination of tiletamine-zolazepam-romifidine-atropine in ocelots. Design: Prospective experimental trial. Animals: Eight captive adult ocelots (three females and five males). Methods: Calculated doses of tiletamine-zolazepam (3.75 mg kg -1), romifidine (50 μg kg-1) and atropine (0.04 mg kg-1) were administered intramuscularly. After immobilization, animals were weighed and the real doses determined. Heart rate, respiratory frequency, noninvasive systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure, arterial oxygen hemoglobin saturation, and rectal temperature were measured. Data were analyzed by means of ANOVA for repeated measures, followed by the Tukey test to compare values over time. Results: Doses administered were 3.4 ± 0.6 mg kg-1 of tiletamine-zolazepam, 0.04 ± 7.0 mg kg-1 of romifidine, and 0.03 ± 0.007 mg kg-1 of atropine. The mean time to recumbency and duration of immobilization were 7.0 ± 4.5 and 109.2 ± 27.9 minutes, respectively. The median times to standing and walking were 52.3 [0-90] and 2.3 [0-69.3] minutes, respectively. A decrease in heart rate was observed 45 minutes following drug administration. Arterial blood pressure was maintained during the study. Conclusions and clinical relevance: This protocol produced good immobilization in ocelots with minimal changes over time in cardiovascular parameters.

Análise comparativa de métodos de avaliação da composição corporal em homens sadios e em pacientes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica: antropometria, impedância bioelétrica e absortiometria de raios-X de dupla energia

The aim of this study was to examine the agreement between the results of body fat (BF and BF%), fat-free mass (FFM) and FFM index (FFMI= FFM/height2) as estimated by skinfold anthropometry (ANT), bioelectrical impedance (BIA) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in two groups of men (> or = 50 y), one comprising healthy individuals (n=23) and the other, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (n=24). Comparisons between body composition techniques were done by repeated measures ANOVA; the Bland & Altman procedure was used to analyse agreement. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: 1) comparison between healthy and COPD groups showed significant differences between all studied variables; 2) in the healthy group, values for BF, BF%, FFM and FFMI were not significantly different when BIA or ANT was compared to DXA; however, in COPD, values for BF and BF% were significantly higher and for FFM and FFMI significantly lower when BIA was compared to DXA; in contrast, no differences were shown between values for these variables when ANT was compared with DXA; 3) Bland & Altman test, in both groups, showed no agreement between BIA and DXA and between ANT and DXA; it was also shown that body fat was overestimated and fat free mass underestimated by BIA in relation to DXA.

Low intensity laser therapy in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders: A double-blind study

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of low intensity laser therapy (LILT) in 30 patients presenting temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and mandibular dysfunction in a random and double-blind research design. The sample, divided into experimental group (1) and placebo group (2), was submitted to the treatment with infrared laser (780 nm, 30 mW, 10 s, 6.3 J/cm2) at three TMJ points. The treatment was evaluated throughout six sessions and 15, 30 and 60 days after the end of the therapy, through visual analogue scale (VAS), range of mandibular movements and TMJ pressure pain threshold. The results showed a reduction in VAS (p < 0.001) and through the ANOVA with repeated measures it was observed that the groups did not present statistically significant differences (P = 0.2060), as the averages of the evaluation times (P = 0.3955) and the interaction groups evaluation times (P = 0.3024), considering the MVO. The same occurred for RLE (P = 0.2988, P = 0.1762 and P = 0.7970), LLE (P = 0.3265, P = 0.4143 and P = 0.0696), PPTD (P = 0.1558, P = 0.4695 and P = 0.0737) and PPTE (P = 0.2376, P = 0.3203 and P = 0.0624). For PE, there were not statistically significant differences for groups (P = 0.7017) and the interaction groups evaluation times (P = 0.6678), even so in both groups the PE varied with time (P = 0.0069). © 2005 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Fração de excreção de sódio, osmolaridade e densidade urinária em recém-nascidos prematuros alimentados com leite humano de banco adicionado de suplemento

Objective: This research was performed with the objective of investigating the renal effects on premature newborn infants of fortifying banked donor human milk. Methods: Clinical intervention trial, of the before-and-after type, involving 28 premature newborn infants split into two groups by postconceptional age at the start of the study: GI < 34 weeks (n = 14) and GII ≥ 34 weeks (n = 14), and assessed at three sample points: S1, on unfortified donor human milk, S2, after 3 days, and S3, after 10-13 days on fortified donor human milk. Nutrient intake, weight gain, fractional sodium excretion, urinary osmolality and specific density were compared with two-way ANOVA for repeated measures. Results: Fluids, energy and sodium intakes were similar for both groups, and weight gain was satisfactory. Among the preterms with < 34 weeks postconceptional age, serum sodium was lower at the end of the study and the fractional sodium excretion was elevated at the start and at the end of the study (S1 = 2.11±1.05; S2 = 1.25±0.64; S3 = 1.62±0.88), with a significant difference in relation to GII (S1 = 1.34±0.94; S2 = 0.90±0.54; S3 = 0.91±0.82). Osmolality and urinary specific density were normal, with no differences between groups or collection dates. Conclusions: No adverse effects on the renal function of these preterms were detected as a result of being fed fortified donor human milk. Copyright © 2006 by Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria.

Microhardness of glass ionomer cements indicated for the ART technique according to surface protection treatment and storage time

The aim of this study was to assess the microhardness of 5 glass ionomer cements (GIC) - Vidrion R (V, SS White), Fuji IX (F, GC Corp.), Magic Glass ART (MG, Vigodent), Maxxion R (MR, FGM) and ChemFlex (CF, Dentsply) - in the presence or absence of a surface protection treatment, and after different storage periods. For each GIC, 36 test specimens were made, divided into 3 groups according to the surface protection treatment applied - no protection, varnish or nail varnish. The specimens were stored in distilled water for 24 h, 7 and 30 days and the microhardness tests were performed at these times. The data obtained were submitted to the ANOVA for repeated measures and Tukey tests (α = 5%). The results revealed that the mean microhardness values of the GICs were, in decreasing order, as follows: F > CF = MR > MG > V; that surface protection was significant for MR, at 24 h, without protection (64.2 ± 3.6a), protected with GIC varnish (59.6 ± 3.4b) and protected with nail varnish (62.7 ± 2.8ab); for F, at 7 days, without protection (97.8 ± 3.7ab), protected with varnish (95.9 ± 3.2b) and protected with nail varnish (100.8 ± 3.4a); and at 30 days, for F, without protection (98.8 ± 2.6b), protected with varnish (103.3 ± 4.4a) and protected with nail varnish (101 ± 4.1ab) and, for V, without protection (46 ± 1.3b), protected with varnish (49.6 ± 1.7ab) and protected with nail varnish (51.1 ± 2.6a). The increase in storage time produced an increase in microhardness. It was concluded that the different GICs, surface protection treatments and storage times could alter the microhardness values.

Lumbo-pelvic stability and electromyography of abdominal muscles in ballet dancers

Evaluating the ability to rectify and maintain lumbar adjustment can contribute toward the understanding of the behavior of abdominal muscles and their participation in the stability of pelvic muscles in dancers during the posterior pelvic tilt and double straight leg lowering tests. Nine healthy volunteers (male and female ballet dancers; age mean: 25.9 ±7.37 years) underwent maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC), isometric voluntary contraction at 50% of MIVC, posterior pelvic tilt (PPT) and double straight leg lowering (DSLL) tests. The tests were carried out in a single day, with 3 repetitions each. During the tests, electromygraphic signals of the rectus abdominis, obliquus internus and obliquus externus were recorded. The signal acquisition system was made up of bipolar surface electrodes, electrogoniometer and an electromechanic device (pressure sensor), which were connected to a signal conditioner module. Root mean square values of each muscle during the DSLL and PPT were converted into percentage of activation of 50% MIVC. Lower back pressure was submitted to the same process. ANOVA with repeated measures was performed, with the level of significance set at p < 0.05. The results revealed that all dancers were able to maintain posterior pelvic tilt and there was trend toward greater activation of the bilateral obliquus internus muscle. In an attempt to keep the pelvic region stabilized during DSLL, there was a greater contribution from the obliquus externus muscle in relation to other abdominal muscles.

Efeito da heterogeneidade ambiental na predação de girinos de Scinax fuscovarius e Physalaemus cuvieri por larvas de Odonata

The objective of this work were to analyze the effect of predation by Odonata naiads on two amphibian species with distinct habits - benthic and mid-water -and to verify whether the presence and architecture of macrophytes can mediate this interaction. All tadpoles and Odonata larvae were captured in a temporary pond. Sixteen tanks were used for three different treatments: Pistia, Salvinia and no macrophytes. Ten tadpoles of each species and two Odonata larvae were placed in each tank. The survival of tadpoles according to treatments was assessed through analysis of repeated measures. We concluded that the survival of P. cuvieri and S. fuscovarius tadpoles was not affected by the presence and architecture of the macrophytes (Pistia and Salvinia) or by their behavior.

Comparison between protocols for the determination of anaerobic threshold in adolescent swimmers

Aim. The purpose of this study was to compare the anaerobic threshold speed (AT) obtained from fixed lactate blood concentrations (AT 4 mM and AT 3.5 mM), lactate minimum speed (LM) and critical speed (CS), determined from different distances in fifteen Brazilian national level swimmers (10 boys = 14.8 ± 0.6 years old and 5 girls = 14.6 ±0.8 year-old). Methods. The tests to determine the AT 4 mM, AT 3.5 mM, LM and CS were performed in a 25 m swimming pool and consisted of 7 or 8 evaluations separated by 24-48 h intervals. Data were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures, followed by the post hoc Scheffé test and Pearson correlation coefficients. Significance was set at P<0.01. Results. There were no significant differences among the values for AT 4 mM and CS1 (1.34 ± 0.05 vs. 1.33 ± 0.05 m.s -1, respectively). However, AT 4 mM and CS1 were significantly higher than AT 3.5 mM (1.28 ± 0.04 m.s -1), LM (1.27 ± 0.05 m.s -1), CS2 (1.26 ± 0.06 m.s -1), CS3 (1.27 ± 0.06 m.s -1) and CS4 (1.25 ± 0.07 m.s -1). There were no significant differences among the values for AT 3.5 mM, LM, CS2, CS3 and CS4. Conclusion. The results obtained in this study suggest that the anaerobic threshold determined by a fixed lactate concentration of 3.5 mM, as well as the LM and the CS methods determined by different distances, seem to be the most appropriate indexes for the evaluation of aerobic capacity in adolescent swimmers.

Effect of occlusal splint treatment on the temperature of different muscles in patients with TMD

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of occlusal splint treatment on the temperature of masseter (inferior, intermediate and superior), anterior temporal, digastric and trapezius muscles in patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Materials and methods: Thirty patients (6 male and 24 female) aged from 16 to 57 years (mean 37.8. ± 11.4 years) were selected. The patients were diagnosed with muscular TMD by clinical examination (application of Research Diagnostic Criteria questionnaire and physical examination). Occlusal splints in acrylic resin were inserted in all patients with a weekly follow-up. The superficial thermography (°C) on the both sides of the muscles was performed using a digital thermometer in a controlled temperature room. This procedure was performed before occlusal splint insertion (patient with pain) and after the completion of the treatment (patient without pain). The data were analyzed by 2-way repeated-measures ANOVA and means were compared by Tukey HSD test (P< .05). Results: After occlusal splint treatment a significant increase in temperature was observed in each muscle, both in the right and left sides. When the muscles were compared in the same period (before or after therapy) there was no significant difference among them. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the use of occlusal splint promoted a significant increase on the muscles temperature. There was symmetry in the temperature of muscles on the right and left sides both before and after the treatment. © 2010 Japan Prosthodontic Society.

Microhardness of dual-polymerized resin cement around a translucent fiber post in the intraradicular environment

Aim: In this study, we evaluated the effect of photopolymerization on Vickers microhardness of dual-polymerized resin cement at three locations when a translucent quartz fiber post was used. Materials and Methods: Single-rooted bovine teeth received quartz fiber post systems (length: 12 mm) using a dual-polymerized resin cement. In Group 1, the posts were cemented but not photopolymerized, and in Group 2, the posts were both cemented and photopolymerized. After cementation, approximately 1.5-mm thick sections were obtained (two cervical, two middle, and two apical) for regional microhardness evaluations. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS software (ver. 11.0 for Windows; SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Microhardness (kg/mm 2 ) data were submitted to two-way analysis of variance (two-way ANOVA) and repeated measures with microhardness values as the dependent variable and polymerization status (two levels: with and without) and root region (three levels: cervical, middle, and apical) as independent variables. Multiple comparisons were made using Dunnett's T3 post-hoc test. P values of <0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance in all tests. Results: Photopolymerization did not significantly change the microhardness values when compared with no photopolymerization. Microhardness values also showed no significant difference between the three regions in the root canals in both groups. Conclusions: The mode of polymerization of the cement tested in combination with the translucent quartz fiber post system did not affect the microhardness of the cement at the cervical, middle, or apical regions of the root.

Contaminação microbiana das soluções de processamento radiográfico: Risco de infecção cruzada

Objective: To evaluate the microbial contamination in samples of radiographic developing and fixing solutions, radiographic processing water, dental unit waterlines and dental office's external water supply. Methods: Samples of 50 private dental offices and 20 dental offices of the School of Dentistry de Araçatuba-UNESP were collected. The samples were subjected to neutralization of the residual inhibitory agents followed by pre-enrichment in peptone water and EVA broth and were inoculated in selective and non-selective culture media. The DNA of the samples was extracted and the presence of superinfectant microorganisms was evaluated by PCR. The differences in the prevalence of the microorganisms in the samples of the solutions were analyzed by repeated-measures analysis of variance for category data, while the Chi-Square and Mann-Whitney tests were used to evaluate the existence of associations between the total number of heterotrophic microorganisms and infection control protocols. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: Samples of radiographic fixing solution presented a remarkably less frequent contamination than radiographic developing solution and radiographic processing water. The latter exhibited microorganisms typically originated from the oral microbiota and human skin as well as microorganisms frequently found in dental unit waterlines. There was less contamination of radiographic processing water in the dental offices where the x-ray film packets were disinfected before processing or were covered by a plastic film. Additionally, all samples of dental office's external water supply were drinkable. Conclusion: Covering the x-ray film packets with a plastic film protection barrier was proven the best manner to reduce the contamination of the evaluated solutions.