Breeding and care of the albino rat for research purposes

"Literature cited": p. 120-121.

Hematobiochemical changes of lead Poisoning and amelioration with Coconut ( Cocos nucifera L.) Water in wistar albino rats

To determine the ameliorative effect of coconut water on haematobiochemical changes due to lead poisoning in wistar albino rats for six weeks, sixty rats were assigned to four groups. 0.10g/l of lead and 75ml coconut ( cocus nucifera l.) water were given orally for six weeks. The mean values of red blood cells, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, red blood cell distribution width and platelets (8.10±0.63(×106μl), 52.7±0.87(μm3), 17.9±0.56(pg), 34.73±0.65(g/dl), 17.90±0.67(%) and 670.00±42.22(×103μl) respectively) reduced in lead treated rats when compared with control mean values (8.41 ± 0.90(×106μl), 56.60 ± 1.55(μm3), 19.33 ± 0.82(pg), 34.93 ± 0.90(g/dl), 18.27 ± 0.73(%) and 818.33± 123.68(×103μl) respectively ) and these values increased in75ml coconut water only group and the group of 0.10g/l lead + 75ml coconut water except mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, and red blood cell distribution width of the 75ml coconut water only. The mean values of white blood cells, lymphocytes, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol/high density lipoproteincholesterol and total cholesterol/high density lipoprotein-cholesterol increased (12.23±0.57(×103μl), 79.83±3.87(%), 64.66±6.01(mg/dl), 89.00±7.94(mg/dl), 22.67±6.93(mg/dl), 21.00±4.58(mg/dl), 1.29±0.62 and 3.36±0.83 respectively ) in the lead group when compared with mean values of control group (5.83±0.74(×103μl), 69.07±10.57(%), 54.00±4.04(mg/dl), 97.33±11.34(mg/dl), 20.00±3.06(mg/dl), 17.00±6.51(mg/dl), 0.97±0.41 and 2.87±0.55 respectively) but the mean values decreased when compared with the mean values of group of 75ml coconut water only and group of 0.10g/l lead + 75ml coconut water, except the mean values of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol. These results indicate that coconut water could ameliorate effects of lead toxicity

Melhoria da Atenção à Saúde da Pessoa Idosa na UBS/USF Dr. Albino Couto, São Gabriel da Cachoeira, AM

O presente trabalho é o resultado da identificação na unidade de saúde de dificuldades nas ações do Programa de Saúde do Idoso para garantir o atendimento dirigido intensamente na preservação da funcionalidade, de sua autonomia, na inclusão social e em cuidados e tratamentos que visam melhorar a qualidade de vida dos senescentes. O objetivo principal é melhorar a atenção à saúde da pessoa idosa na UBS Dr. Albino Couto, do município São Gabriel da Cachoeira, AM. O projeto foi desenvolvido em três meses com a participação da equipe de saúde de Areal para atingir 248 usuários idosos da área de abrangência; utilizando para a coleta de dados as fichas espelhos, escalas avaliativas do Protocolo de Atenção à Saúde da Pessoa Idosa do Ministério de Saúde. Foram realizadas ações dentro dos quatro eixos proposto de monitoramento e avaliação, gestão e organização, engajamento público e qualificação da prática clínica. Os resultados apontaram que a cobertura do programa de atenção à saúde do idoso alcançou 97,2% (241) e em relação aos indicadores de qualidade a proporção de idosos hipertensos e∕ou diabéticos com solicitação de exames complementares em dia alcançou 64,4% (58 usuários dos 90 cadastrados), foi realizada em 100% dos idosos a Avaliação Multidimensional Rápida, exame clínico apropriado, cadastro e visita domiciliar dos 20 usuários acamados, verificação da pressão arterial na última consulta, hipertensos com rastreamento para diabetes, mapeamento dos usuários idosos para avaliação de risco para morbimortalidade, assim como a avaliação para fragilização na velhice e avaliação de rede social familiar. Foi alcançado o objetivo de promover saúde em 100% dos usuários idosos e as metas de oferecer na totalidade dos senescentes orientação nutricional para hábitos saudáveis, sobre prática de atividade física regular e cuidados com a saúde bucal. O porcentual de senescentes com primeira consulta odontológica foi deficiente em 97 usuários (40,0%), a proporção dos usuários idosos com Caderneta da Pessoa Idosa ao final da intervenção foi de 17,0% e a proporção de usuários idosos com prescrição de medicamentos da Farmácia Popular priorizada foi de 1,2%. Observamos nos resultados que alcançamos uma proporção de 100% na busca ativa dos 99 usuários faltosos à consulta programática atingidas pelos ACS. Dessa forma, acredita-se que a realização diste trabalho tem grande valia para melhorar a atenção da saúde dos usuários idosos. Palavras-chave: atenção primária à saúde; saúde da família; saúde do idoso; assistência domiciliar; saúde bucal.

Melhoria da Prevenção e Detecção Precoce do Câncer de Colo de Útero e Câncer de Mama na UBS/USF Dr. Albino Couto, São Gabriel da Cachoeira, AM

O presente trabalho é o resultado da motivação pela identificação na unidade de saúde de dificuldades nas ações do Atenção à Saúde da Mulher em relação à prevenção e detecção do câncer de colo de útero e de mama. O objetivo principal é melhorar as ações da prevenção e detecção precoce do Câncer de Colo de Útero e Câncer de Mama na UBS/USF Dr. Albino Couto, São Gabriel da Cachoeira, AM. Trata-se de uma intervenção envolvida à população alvo de faixas etárias de 25-64 anos para o câncer de colo e de 50-69 anos para o câncer de mama. As ações realizadas em três meses incluem os eixos de monitoramento e avaliação; organização e gestão do serviço; engajamento público e a qualificação da prática clínica. Os resultados apontaram que ao iniciar a intervenção tínhamos apenas 118 mulheres (15,6%) cadastradas com exame citopatológico em dia. No segundo mês foram 262 mulheres (34,7%) e ao final do terceiro mês conseguimos acompanhar 462 mulheres, o que representou 61,2%. Em relação à detecção precoce do câncer de mama no decorrer da intervenção foram incorporando no primeiro mês 33 mulheres (20,5%); no segundo mês aumentou nosso indicador em 73 mulheres (45,3%), no final do trabalho no terceiro mês, realizamos o acompanhamento de 109 mulheres com exame de mamografia em dia, correspondendo a 67,7% de cobertura para esta ação programática. A intervenção alcançou 100% de proporção de mulheres com registro adequado do citopatológico e mamografia, de mulheres com amostra satisfatória para citopatológico do câncer de útero, de mulheres com pesquisa de sinais de alerta para o câncer de colo de útero e de mama, de mulheres que receberam orientações sobre DST e fatores de risco para o câncer de colo de útero e de mama, assim como a proporção de mulheres com citopatológico alterado que foi feita a busca ativa. O 44% de mulheres com exame citopatológico alterado não retornaram para conhecer os resultados (4 mulheres). Encontra-se zerado o percentual de mulheres com mamografia alterada que não retornaram para conhecer os resultados e mulheres com mamografia alterada que foi feita a busca ativa. Dessa forma, acredita-se que a realização desse trabalho tem grande valia para melhorar a atenção da saúde da mulher.

Melhoria da Atenção ao Câncer de Colo de Útero e ao Câncer de Mama na ESF Albino Portella, Cacequi/RS

HERNÁNDEZ, Antonio. Melhoria da atenção ao câncer de colo de útero e ao câncer de mama na ESF Albino Portella, Cacequi/RS. 2015. 75f. Trabalho de Conclusão de Curso (Curso de Especialização em Saúde da Família) - Departamento de Medicina Social, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, 2015 A elevada incidência e mortalidade por câncer de colo de útero e de mama afetam muitas mulheres no Brasil. Sendo assim, na ESF Albino Portella, na cidade Cacequi/RS, foi proposta uma intervenção para melhoria da atenção ao câncer de colo de útero e ao câncer de mama, devido aos baixos índices de cobertura desses programas. É necessária a implantação de estratégias de atenção dessas doenças, incluindo ações de promoção e prevenção, com o fim de detectá-los precocemente. A intervenção foi desenvolvida entre os meses de fevereiro e junho, durante 16 semanas, e participaram 884 mulheres da faixa etária entre 25 e 64 anos de idade para detecção precoce do câncer do colo de útero, e 351 mulheres da faixa etária entre 50 e 69 anos de idade para detecção precoce do câncer da mama. Depois de semanas de intervenção com busca ativa das mulheres, conseguimos melhorar a cobertura de detecção precoce do câncer de colo de útero para 84,5% (805 mulheres com exame citopatológico em dia) e melhorar a cobertura de detecção precoce do câncer de mama das mulheres para 94,5% (239 mulheres com mamografia em dia), sendo realizados 100% de amostras satisfatórias do exame citopatológico de colo de útero. Ao terminar esta intervenção percebemos que foi de muita importância na comunidade, pois as mulheres souberam a importância da detecção precoce destes cânceres e já contam com uma equipe capacitada tecnicamente que incorporou esta atividade a seu cotidiano, conseguiu trabalhar em harmonia e em equipe melhorando o serviço na atenção das mulheres e demostrou que podem cuidar a saúde delas. Palavras-chave: atenção primária à saúde, saúde da família, saúde da mulher, neoplasias do colo do útero, neoplasias da mama.

Gastroprotective Effects (in Rodents) Of A Flavonoid Rich Fraction Obtained From Syngonanthus Macrolepsis.

Syngonanthus macrolepis, popularly known in Brazil as 'sempre-vivas', is a plant from the family Eriocaulaceae, it is found in the states of Minas Gerais and Bahia. The species contains a variety of constituents, including flavonoids with gastroprotective effect. In this work, a flavonoid-rich fraction (Sm-FRF) obtained from scapes of S. macrolepis was investigated for preventing gastric ulceration in mice and rats. The activity was evaluated in models of induced gastric ulcer (absolute ethanol, stress, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and pylorus ligation). The cytoprotective mechanisms of the Sm-FRF in relation to sulfhydryl (SH) groups, nitric oxide (NO) and antioxidant enzymes were also evaluated. The Sm-FRF (100 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reduced gastric injury in all models, and did not alter gastric juice parameters after pylorus ligation. The results indicate significant gastroprotective activity for the Sm-FRF, which probably involves the participation of both SH groups and the antioxidant system. Both are integral parts of the gastrointestinal mucosa's cytoprotective mechanisms against aggressive factors.

Assessment of ocular surface toxicity after topical instillation of nitric oxide donors

PURPOSE: To evaluate the ocular surface toxicity of two nitric oxide donors in ex vivo and in vivo animal models: S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) and S-nitroso-N-acetylcysteine (SNAC) in a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) matrix at final concentrations 1.0 and 10.0 mM. METHODS: Ex vivo GSNO and SNAC toxicities were clinically and histologically analyzed using freshly excised pig eyeballs. In vivo experiments were performed with 20 albino rabbits which were randomized into 4 groups (5 animals each): Groups 1 and 2 received instillations of 150 µL of aqueous HPMC solution containing GSNO 1.0 and 10.0 mM, respectively, in one of the eyes; Groups 3 and 4 received instillations of 150 µL of aqueous HPMC solution-containing SNAC 1.0 and 10.0 mM, respectively, in one of the eyes. The contralateral eyes in each group received aqueous HPMC as a control. All animals underwent clinical evaluation on a slit lamp and the eyes were scored according to a modified Draize eye test and were histologically analyzed. RESULTS: Pig eyeballs showed no signs of perforation, erosion, corneal opacity or other gross damage. These findings were confirmed by histological analysis. There was no difference between control and treated rabbit eyes according to the Draize eye test score in all groups (p>0.05). All formulations showed a mean score under 1 and were classified as non-irritating. There was no evidence of tissue toxicity in the histological analysis in all animals. CONCLUSION: Aqueous HPMC solutions containing GSNO and SNAC at concentrations up to 10.0 mM do not induce ocular irritation.

Nuclear and mitochondrial DNA markers in traceability of retail beef samples

Several characteristics are important in a traceability system of animal products, such as age at slaughter, breed composition, besides information of the productive chain. In general, the certification agent records information about the animals and the system which it came from, although cannot guarantee that the slaughtering, meat processing and distribution are error proof. Besides, there is a differential price, at least at the international market, based on sex and breed composition of the animals. Genetic markers allow identification of characteristics controlled in the beef cattle traceability program, as sex and breed composition, in order to correctly identify and appraise the final product for the consumer. The hypothesis of this study was that the majority beef samples retailed in the local market originate from female with a great participation of zebu breeds. Therefore, the objective of this work was to characterize retail beef samples with DNA markers that identify cattle sex and breed composition. Within 10 beef shops localized in Pirassununga, SP, Brazil, 61 samples were collected, all were genotyped as harboring Bos taurus mitochondrial DNA and 18 were positive for the Y chromosome amplification (male). For the marker sat1711b-Msp I the frequency of the allele A was 0.278 and for the marker Lhr-Hha I the frequency of the allele T was 0.417. The results of sat1711b-Msp I and Lhr-Hha I allelic frequencies are suggestive that the proportion of indicus genome compared with the taurine genome in the market meat is smaller than the observed in the Nellore breed. The procedure described in this study identified sex and subspecies characteristics of beef meat samples, with potential application in meat products certification in special as an auxiliary tool in beef cattle traceability programs.

Efeitos da administração diária da associação estavudina/nelfinavir sobre os fetos e placentas da rata albina

OBJETIVO: avaliar o efeito da administração da associação estavudina/nelfinavir durante toda a prenhez da rata, avaliando seu peso e dos conceptos, bem como o número de implantações, fetos, placentas, reabsorções e mortalidades materna e fetal. MÉTODOS: quarenta ratas albinas EPM-1 Wistar, prenhes, foram aleatoriamente divididas em quatro grupos: GCtrl (controle do veículo) e três experimentais, ExpI, ExpII e ExpIII, que receberam, respectivamente, 1/40, 3/120 e 9/360 mg/kg por dia de estavudina/nelfinavir por via oral. As drogas e o veículo (água destilada) foram administrados por gavagem em duas tomadas diárias (12/12 horas), desde o dia 0 até o 20º dia da prenhez. No último dia do experimento, todos os animais foram anestesiados e eutanasiados. Foram avaliados a evolução do peso materno no 7º, 14º e 20º dias, número de fetos, placentas, implantações, reabsorções, óbitos intrauterinos, malformações maiores e o peso dos fetos e das placentas. A análise estatística foi realizada por análise de variância (ANOVA), complementada pelo teste de Kruskal-Wallis (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: em relação ao peso corporal das ratas, houve ganho gradual e progressivo durante o decorrer da prenhez em todos os grupos, sendo este ganho mais evidente no período final; porém não foram constatadas diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre eles. O número de fetos, placentas, implantações, assim como os pesos fetais e placentários também não mostraram diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os grupos analisados. Não foram observadas, também nos grupos experimentais, reabsorções e malformações fetais maiores externas, no entanto, observamos entre o 8º e o 14º dias de gestação um caso de morte materna em cada grupo experimental. CONCLUSÕES: a administração da associação estavudina/nelfinavir não mostrou efeitos deletérios sobre os conceptos.

Mechanisms of pigmentation loss in subterranean fishes

Troglobitic (exclusively subterranean) organisms usually present, among their apomorphies related to the subterranean life (troglomorphisms), the regression of eyes and melanic pigmentation. The degree of regression varies among species, from a slight reduction to the complete loss of eyes and dark pigmentation, without a taxonomic correlation. While mechanisms of eye reduction have been intensively investigated in some troglobites such as the Mexican blind tetra characins, genus Astyanax, and the European salamander, Proteus anguinus, few studies have focused on pigmentation. The Brazilian subterranean ichthyofauna distinguishes not only by the species richness (23 troglobitic fishes so far known) but also by the variation in the degree of reduction of eyes and pigmentation. This study focused on Brazilian fishes completely devoid of melanic pigmentation: the characiform Stygichthys typhlops (Characidae) and the siluriforms Ancistrus formoso (Loricariidae), Rhamdiopsis sp.1 (Heptapteridae; from caves in the Chapada Diamantina, Bahia) and Rhamdiopsis sp. 2 (cave in Campo Formoso, Bahia). In order to investigate if such depigmentation is the result of blockage in some step in the melanogenesis, in vitro tests of administration of L-DOPA were done, using caudal-fin fragments extracted from living fish. Except for Rhamdiopsis sp. 2, all the studied species were DOPA(+), i.e., melanin was synthesized after L-DOPA administration. This indicates these fish do have melanophores but they are unable to convert L-tyrosine to L-DOPA. On the other hand, Rhamdiopsis sp. 2, like the albino specimens of Trichomycterus itacarambiensis previously studied (which correspond to one third of the population), are DOPA(-), either because the block of melanin synthesis occurs downstream in melanogenesis, which is probably the case with T. itacarambiensis (monogenic system in view of the phenotypic discontinuity), or because the so-called albinos do no possess melanophores. The physiological loss in the ability to synthesize melanin, apparently caused by different genetic processes in DOPA(+) and in DOPA(-) fishes, may co-exist in subterranean populations with a decrease in the density of melanophores, as observed in the pigmented two thirds of T. itacarambiensis population, a morphological reduction apparently controlled by polygenic systems producing a continuous phenotypic variation.

Histological and radiological changes in cranial bone in the presence of bone wax

PURPOSE: To quantify the amount of bone formation in the calvarial region of Wistar rats after craniotomy using bone wax as a haemostatic agent. METHODS: Surgery to produce bilateral, symmetric, full-thickness cranial defects (area: 18 mm²) was performed in eight animals. The right side of the cranium remained open and the edges of the left side osseous defect was covered with bone wax. Calvaria were imaged immediately after surgery and 12 weeks postoperatively by computerized tomography. The areas of the bone defects were measured in three-dimensional images using Magics 13.0 (Materialise-Belgic, software CAD). RESULTS: The average amount of bone formation on the left and right side respectively was 4.85 mm² and 8.16 mm². Statistically significant differences between the amount of bone formation on the left and right sides were seen. CONCLUSIONS: Bone wax significantly diminishes the rate of bone formation in calvarial defects in a rat model.

Knoop microhardness and FT-Raman evaluation of composite resins: influence of opacity and photoactivation source

The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of conversion by Knoop microhardness (KHN) and FT-Raman spectroscopy (FTIR) of one nanofilled (Filtek Supreme-3M-ESPE [FS]) and one microhybrid composite (Charisma-Heraeus-Kulzer [CH]), each with different opacities, namely enamel, dentin, and translucent, which were photo-activated by a quartz-tungsten-halogen lamp (QTH) and a light-emitting diode (LED). Resin was bulk inserted into a disc-shaped mold that was 2.0 mm thick and 4 mm in diameter, obtaining 10 samples per group. KHN and FTIR values were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests (α = 0.05). Nanofilled resin activated by a LED presented higher microhardness values than samples activated by a QTH for dentin opacity (p < 0.05). The microhybrid resin showed no differences in KHN or FTIR values with different activation sources or opacity. The nanofilled dentin and enamel resins showed lower FTIR values than the translucent resin. The KHN values of the translucent resins were not influenced by the light source.

Comparative Study of the Changes in Partial Pressure of Plasma Carbon Dioxide During Carbon Dioxide Insufflation into the Intraperitoneal and Preperitoneal Spaces

Background: We aimed to compare plasma concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO(2)) in dogs that underwent intra- and preperitoneal CO(2) insufflation. Materials and Methods: Thirty dogs were studied. Ten formed a control group, 10 underwent intraperitoneal CO(2) insufflation, and 10 underwent preperitoneal CO(2) insufflation. General anesthesia with controlled ventilation was standardized for all dogs. After stabilizing the anesthesia, blood samples were collected at predetermined times and were sent for immediate gasometric analysis. Analysis of variance was used for comparing variables. Results: The plasma CO(2) concentration in the intraperitoneal insufflation group increased significantly more than in the preperitoneal insufflation group and was significantly greater than in the control group (P < 0.05). The pH values in the intraperitoneal group were lower than in the preperitoneal group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The data from this study suggest that a greater plasma concentration of CO(2) is achieved by insufflation at constant pressure into the intraperitoneal space than into the preperitoneal space.

Low-Level Laser Therapy on the Viability of Skin Flap in Rats Subjected to Deleterious Effect of Nicotine

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 830-nm laser in blocking the action of nicotine on the viability of skin flap. Background data: The authors have analyzed the deleterious effect of cigarette smoke or nicotine on the skin flap alone with evidence of increased skin necrosis in the flap. Materials and methods: Twenty-four Wistar-albino rats were divided into three groups of eight animals each: Group 1 (control), subjected to a surgical technique to obtain a flap for cranial base, laser irradiation simulation, and a subcutaneous injection of saline; Group 2, similar to Group 1, with subcutaneous injection of nicotine (2mg/kg/day) for a period of 1 week before and 1 week after surgery; and Group 3, similar to Group 2, with skin flaps subjected to a lambda 830-nm laser irradiation. The laser parameters used were: power 30 mW, beam area 0.07cm(2), irradiance 429 mW/cm(2), irradiation time 84 sec, total energy 2.52J, and energy density 36J/cm(2). The laser was used immediately after surgery and for 4 consecutive days, in one point at 2.5 cm of the flap cranial base. The areas of necrosis were examined by two macroscopic analyses: paper template and Mini-Mop (R). The pervious blood vessels were also counted. Results: The results were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and post-test contrast orthogonal method (multiple comparisons), showing that the laser decreased the area of necrosis in flaps subjected to nicotine, and consequently, increased the number of blood vessels (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The laser proved to be an effective way to decrease the area of necrosis in rats subjected to nicotine, making them similar to the control group.

Polarized Light (lambda 400-2000 nm) on Third-Degree Burns in Diabetic Rats: Immunohistochemical Study

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate with light microscopy the healing process of third-degree burns on diabetic rats treated with polarized light (lambda 400-2000 nm, 20 or 40 J/cm(2)/session, 40 mW/cm(2), 2.4 J/cm(2)/min, 5.5-cm beam diameter). Background: Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus causes severe disruption of the body's metabolism, including healing. Polarized light sources have been shown to be effective in improving healing in many situations. Animals and Methods: Diabetes mellitus was induced with streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) in 45 male Wistar albino rats, and a third-degree burn (1.5 by 1.5 cm) was created on the dorsum of each animal under general anesthesia. The animals were randomly distributed into three groups: control, 20 J/cm(2), and 40 J/cm(2). Each group was then divided into three subgroups based on time of death (7, 14, 21 d). Phototherapy (20 or 40 J/cm(2) per session) was carried out immediately after the burning and repeated daily until the day before death. Following animal death, specimens were removed, embedded in paraffin, sectioned, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) or Sirius Red or immunomarked with CK AE1/AE3 antibody. Qualitative and semiquantitative analyses were performed under light microscopy. The results were statistically analyzed. Results: The animals treated with 20 J/cm(2) showed significant differences with regard to revascularization and re-epithelialization. Although the 40 J/cm(2) group showed stimulation of fibroblastic proliferation as an isolated feature, no other difference from the control was observed. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the use of polarized light at 20 J/cm(2) effectively improves the healing of third-degree burns on diabetic animals at both early and late stages of repair.