Evaluation of early changes induced by diuron in the rat urinary bladder using different processing methods for scanning electron microscopy

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

An update on metabolic assessment in patients with urinary lithiasis

The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of urinary metabolic abnormalities in patients with urolithiasis and their potential risk factors.A total of 905 stone patients were evaluated in a prospective trial from February 2000 to January 2012. Inclusion criteria were as follows: history and/or imaging tests confirming at least 2 separate or concurrent stone episodes; creatinine clearance a parts per thousand yen60 mL/min; and negative proteinuria and urine culture. Metabolic study consisted of two 24-h urine collections separated by a period of 3 months for dosing Ca, P, uric acid, Na, K, Mg, oxalate, and citrate. Serum levels of Ca, P, uric acid, Na, K, Cl, Mg, creatinine, and glucose were assessed. Urinary pH and urinary acidification tests were also performed.A total of 735 patients were included, with a mean age of the 40 +/- A 1.0 year; 96.8 % of patients presented diagnosis of one or more urinary metabolic abnormalities. The most prevalent metabolic abnormalities were hypercalciuria (50.8 %), hypomagnesuria (50.1 %), hypocitraturia (35.4 %), and hyperuricosuria (30.7 %). Body weight was significantly higher in patients with hyperuricosuria (81.20 +/- A 15.67 kg vs. 70.17 +/- A 14.13 kg, respectively, p = 0.001). Urinary sodium was significantly higher in patients with hypercalciuria than without (246.97 +/- A 103.9 mEq/24 h vs. 200.31 +/- A 91.6 mEq/24 h, p = 0.001) and hyperuricosuria compared to without (283.24 +/- A 107.95 mEq/24 h vs. 198.57 +/- A 85.3 mEq/24 h, p = 0.001).Urinary metabolic disturbances were diagnosed in 96.8 % of patients in the study. These results warrant metabolic study and follow-up in patients with recurrent lithiasis in order to decrease recurrence rate through specific treatments, modification in alimentary, and behavioral habits.

Trichomes related to an unusual method of water retention and protection of the stem apex in an arid zone perennial species

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Improvement of water transport and carotenoid retention during drying of papaya by applying ultrasonic osmotic pretreatment

The effect of ultrasound and osmotic dehydration pretreatments on papaya drying kinetics was investigated. The ultrasound pretreatment was carried out in an ultrasonic bath at 30 A degrees C. The osmotic pretreatment in sucrose solution was carried out in an incubator at 34 A degrees C and agitation of 80 rpm for 210 min. The drying process was conducted in a fixed bed dryer at 70 A degrees C. Experimental data were fitted successfully using the Page model for dried fresh and pretreated fruits, with coefficient of determination greater than 0.9992 and average relative error lower that 14.4 %. The diffusional model was used to describe the moisture transfer, and the effective water diffusivity was identified in the order of 10(-9) m(2) s(-1). It was found that drying rates of osmosed fruits were the lowest due to the presence of infused solutes, while the ultrasound pretreatment contributed to faster drying rates. Evaluation of the dried fruit was performed by means of total carotenoids retention. Ultrasound treatments in distilled water prior to air-drying gave rise to dried papayas with retention of carotenoids in the range 30.4-39.8 % and the ultrasonic-assisted osmotic dehydration of papayas showed carotenoids retention values up to 64.9 %, whereas the dried fruit without pretreatment showed carotenoids retention lower than 24 %.

Fetal kidney programming by severe food restriction: effects on structure, hormonal receptor expression and urinary sodium excretion in rats

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

Role of alpha1 and alpha2-adrenoceptors of the lateral hypothalamic area on urinary excretion caused by centrally administered angiotensin II

To determine whether central α1 and α2-adrenergic mechanisms are involved in urinary sodium and potassium excretion and urine volume induced by angiotensin II (ANGII), these renal parameters were measured in volume-expanded Holtzman rats with cannulas implanted into lateral ventricle (LV) and lateral hypothalamus (LH). The injection of ANGII into LV in rats with volume expansion reduced the sodium, potassium and urine excretion in comparison to the control injections of isotonic saline, whereas prazosin (α1 antagonist) potentiated these effects. Clonidine (α2 agonist) and yohimbine (α2 antagonist) injected into LH previous to injection of ANGII into LV also abolished the inhibitory effect of ANGII. These results suggest that the discharge of central alpha-adrenergic receptors has dual inhibitory and excitatory effect on antinatriuretic, antikaliuretic and antidiuretic effect induced by central ANGII in volume-expanded rats. © 1995.

Urinary flow in children: correlation with age, body height and body surface area

Peak flow rate data (Qmax) are important for diagnosis of lower urinary tract obstruction. However, the lack of uroflowmetry studies in children, makes their interpretation difficult. With this aim, we studied 167 boys classified in four groups according to their age (G1: n = 48, 6-7 years; G2: n = 43, 8-9 years; G3: n = 37, 10-11 years; G4: n = 39, 12-14 years). We studied in all children, weight, height, body surface area, peak flow rate (Qmax) and the correspondant urinary volume (Vol). Means and standard deviations of Qmax (ml/sec) were: 15 +/- 5 (G1), 15 +/- 5 (G2), 17 +/- 5 (G3) and 22 +/- 7 (G4) respectively. Corresponding urinary volumes (Vol) (mean standard deviation-in ml) were: G1 = 123 +/- 75; G2 = 122 +/- 79; G3 = 158 +/- 96 and G4 = 162 +/- 101. We found a significant correlation (p < 0,01) between Qmax and Vol in groups G2, G3 and G4; and between Qmax and height in groups G1 and G4. The authors demonstrated a positive correlation between maximum flow and voided volume, and an increase of Qmax with age.

Sepsis and AKI in clinical emergency room patients: the role of urinary NGAL

Few studies have investigated the predictive properties of urinary (u) NGAL as an AKI marker in septic population. This study evaluated the efficacy of uNGAL as predictor of AKI and death in septic patients admitted to the clinical emergency room (ER). We prospectively studied patients with sepsis admitted to the ER. Urine was analyzed for NGAL within the first 24 hours after admission (classified as NGAL1), between 24 and 48 h (NGAL2), and at moment of AKI diagnosis (NGAL3). Among 168 septic patients admitted to ER, 72% developed AKI. The uNGAL and its relationship with creatinine (Cr) were high in septic patients but statistically higher in those with sepsis and AKI. The uNGAL1 and uNGAL2, as well as uNGAL1/uCr1 and uNGAL2/uCr2, were good predictors for AKI (AUC-ROC 0.73, 0.70, 0.77, and 0.84, resp.). The uNGAL1 and uNGAL1/uCr1 were poor predictors for death (AUC-ROC 0.66 and 0.68, resp.), whereas uNGAL2 and uNGAL2/uCr2 were better predictors (AUC-ROC 0.70 and 0.81, resp.). The uNGAL is highly sensitive but nonspecific predictor of AKI and death in septic patients admitted into ER.

Influence of crown-to-implant ratio, retention system, restorative material, and occlusal loading on stress concentrations in single short implants

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the contributions of some prosthetic parameters such as crown-to-implant (C/I) ratio, retention system, restorative material, and occlusal loading on stress concentrations within a single posterior crown supported by a short implant. Materials and Methods: Computer-aided design software was used to create 32 finite element models of an atrophic posterior partially edentulous mandible with a single external-hexagon implant (5 mm wide × 7 mm long) in the first molar region. Finite element analysis software with a convergence analysis of 5% to mesh refinement was used to evaluate the effects of C/I ratio (1:1; 1.5:1; 2:1, or 2.5:1), prosthetic retention system (cemented or screwed), and restorative material (metal-ceramic or all ceramic). The crowns were loaded with simulated normal or traumatic occlusal forces. The maximum principal stress (σmax) for cortical and cancellous bone and von Mises stress (σvM) for the implant and abutment screw were computed and analyzed. The percent contribution of each variable to the stress concentration was calculated from the sum of squares analysis. Results: Traumatic occlusion and a high C/I ratio increased stress concentrations. The C/I ratio was responsible for 11.45% of the total stress in the cortical bone, whereas occlusal loading contributed 70.92% to the total stress in the implant. The retention system contributed 0.91% of the total stress in the cortical bone. The restorative material was responsible for only 0.09% of the total stress in the cancellous bone. Conclusion: Occlusal loading was the most important stress concentration factor in the finite element model of a single posterior crown supported by a short implant.

Fibra, metabolismo ácido-básico e balanço de macroelementos em gatos

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Competition Between Novelty and Cocaine Conditioned Reward Is Sensitive to Drug Dose and Retention Interval

The conditioned rewarding effects of novelty compete with those of cocaine for control over choice behavior using a place conditioning task. The purpose of the present study was to use multiple doses of cocaine to determine the extent of this competition and to determine whether novelty’s impact on cocaine reward was maintained over an abstinence period. In Experiment 1, rats were conditioned with cocaine (7.5, 20, or 30 mg/kg ip) to prefer one side of an unbiased place conditioning apparatus relative to the other. In a subsequent phase, all rats received alternating daily confinements to the previously cocaine paired and unpaired sides of the apparatus. During this phase, half the rats had access to a novel object on their initially unpaired side; the remaining rats did not receive objects. The ability of novelty to compete with cocaine in a drug free and cocaine challenge test was sensitive to cocaine dose. In Experiment 2, a place preference was established with 10 mg/kg cocaine and testing occurred after 1, 14, or 28 day retention intervals. Findings indicate that choice behaviors mediated by cocaine conditioning are reduced with the passing of time. Taken together, competition between cocaine and novelty conditioned rewards are sensitive to drug dose and retention interval.

Positively Impacting the Retention Rates and Performance for Students-of-Color

This session reports on a first-year program designed to assist students-of-color in adjusting to higher education. Session participants will have the opportunity to view the overall structure of the program, including training components, academic tracking methodology, assessment and technology, enhancement programs, and additional services that S.T.A.R.S. provides.

Black Faculty Recruitment and Retention in the Voices of Black Faculty

“Black faculty focus groups explored major issues and concerns, examined awareness levels of Black faculty, and identified factors that have positive impact on recruitment and retention efforts.”

"IF YOU BUILD THEM UP, THEY WILL STAY": THE ROLE OF RECOGNITION AND FEEDBACK ON STUDENT RETENTION

While such stratagems are certainly well founded, and have achieved varying degrees of success, it may be that a more fundamentally vital area of examination is being largely overlooked, namely the impact of the high school experience.

Role of Two Clusters of Male Alcoholics in Treatment Retention

Aims: This study aimed to classify alcohol-dependent outpatients on the basis of clinical factors and to verify if the resulting types show different treatment retention. Methods: The sample comprised 332 alcoholics that were enrolled in three different pharmacological trials carried out at Sao Paulo University, Brazil. Based on four clinical factors problem drinking onset age, familial alcoholism, alcohol dependence severity, and depression - K-means cluster analysis was performed by using the average silhouette width to determine the number of clusters. A direct logistic regression was performed to analyze the influence of clusters, medication groups, and Alcoholics Anonymous ( AA) attendance in treatment retention. Results: Two clusters were delineated. The cluster characterized by earlier onset age, more familial alcoholism, higher alcoholism severity, and less depression symptoms showed a higher chance of discontinuing the treatment, independently of medications used and AA attendance. Participation in AA was significantly related to treatment retention. Discussion: Health services should broaden the scope of services offered to meet heterogeneous needs of clients, and identify treatment practices and therapists which improve retention. Information about patients' characteristics linked to dropout should be used to make treatment programs more responsive and attractive, combining pharmacological agents with more intensive and diversified psychosocial interventions. Copyright (C) 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel