Selection of radio transmitter and attachment method for post-release monitoring of captive-bred reintroduced Red-billed Curassow Crax blumenbachii, Brazil

Long-term monitoring of reintroduced individuals is a central component of many endangered species reintroduction programs. Radio-telemetry techniques are rarely used to monitor reintroduced captive-bred Cracids and few data exist regarding possible adverse effects of radio-tagging Cracids. In this study, we identify an appropriate radio transmitter design and develop a suitable attachment method that minimizes anthropogenic influence and enables long-term, post-release monitoring (2-3 years) of reintroduced captive-bred Red-billed Curassows in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. We also review studies about the effects of different VHF radio transmitter models on survival, reproduction, behavior, and physiology of Galliformes.

Complicações da blefaroplastia superior

The blepharoplasty has been performed with great frequency due to the appreciation of aesthetic surgery. The complications related to this procedure are rare. This case report aims to emphasize complications that can occur. T.J.S.P., 45 years old, female, white, resident of Botucatu City, presented dermatocalase bilaterally. We opted to perform upper blepharoplasty bilateral, by removing skin and fat of the upper eyelid. In the postoperative period was observed left eyelid ptosis. We decided to reinsert the levator muscle of the left upper eyelid. One month after the ptosis correction, retraction was observed in both upper eyelid. The patient was then submitted to surgery for the correction of eyelid retraction by disinsertion of the muscle of Muller. Two months after this last surgery, the patient presented right eyelid ptosis and worsening of eyelid retraction to the left. New surgery for correction of the eyelid retraction was made, using free graft sclera for elongation of the left eyelid levator muscle, with good results.The authors presented a patient who underwent a blepharoplasty and developed ptosis in the post-operative period, followed by eyelid retraction. These two possibilities may occur as a complication of blepharoplasty and the surgeon must be careful to handle in an appropriate way, in order to get the result that the patient expects to have.

The application of biochemical responses to assess environmental quality of tropical estuaries: field surveys

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Energy Expenditure and Oxygen Consumption as Novel Biomarkers of Obesity-induced Cardiac Disease in Rats

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

TEGDMA-induced oxidative DNA damage and activation of ATM and MAP kinases

The development of strategies for the protection of oral tissues against the adverse effects of resin monomers is primarily based on the elucidation of underlying molecular mechanisms. The generation of reactive oxygen species beyond the capacity of a balanced redox regulation in cells is probably a cause of cell damage. This study was designed to investigate oxidative DNA damage, the activation of ATM, a reporter of DNA damage, and redox-sensitive signal transduction through mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) by the monomer triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA). TEGDMA concentrations as high as 3-5 mm decreased THP-1 cell viability after a 24 h and 48 h exposure, and levels of 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) increased about 3- to 5-fold. The cells were partially protected from toxicity in the presence of N-acetylcysteine (NAC). TEGDMA also induced a delay in the cell cycle. The number of THP-1 cells increased about 2-fold in G1 phase and 5-fold in G2 phase in cultures treated with 3-5 mm TEGDMA. ATM was activated in THP-1 cells by TEGDMA. Likewise, the amounts of phospho-p38 were increased about 3-fold by 3 mm TEGDMA compared to untreated controls after a 24 h and 48 h exposure period, and phospho-ERK1/2 was induced in a very similar way. The activation of both MAPKs was inhibited by NAC. Our findings suggest that the activation of various signal transduction pathways is related to oxidative stress caused by a resin monomer. Signaling through ATM indicates oxidative DNA damage and the activation of MAPK pathways indicates oxidative stress-induced regulation of cell survival and apoptosis. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Unicentric study of cell therapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/pulmonary emphysema

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

ESTUDO COMPARATIVO DUPLO-CEGO DA EFICACIA E SEGURANCA DO CILAZAPRIL COMPARADAS A NIFEDIPINE 'RETARD' NO TRATAMENTO DA HIPERTENSAO ARTERIAL LEVE E MODERADA

Purpose: To evaluate the antihypertensive efficacy and safety of cilazapril compared to nifedipine retard in mild to moderate hypertension. Methods: Forty randomized out-patients with mild moderate hypertension, diastolic pressure (DP) between 95 and 115 mmg/Hg, with placebo for 15 days were randomized and allocated for treatment, double-blind, once daily with cilazapril 2.5 mg (n = 20) or nifedipine retard 20 mg (20 = n) for four weeks. The non-responders (DP > 90 mmHg) had the dosage increased twice, b.i.d., while responders were maintained up to 10 weeks. Clinical visits were performed before, at baseline and every two weeks and the laboratory test was performed after placebo run-in, 4th and 10th weeks of treatment. Results: The blood pressure (BP) were similar between groups at the end of the placebo (cilazapril 151 ± 14/103 ± 5 - nifedipine 157 ± 17/108 ± 7 mmHg, p > 0.05). DP decreased already at second weeks (cilazapril 95 ± 9 - nifedipine 96 ± 11 mmHg, p < 0.05, compared to week 0) in both groups at the end of study with no differences inter groups. BP normalization was obtained in 58% of the patients with cilazapril and in 61% in the nifedipine group. Adverse biochemical effects were not observed in any group. Six (16%) patients of the cilazapril and 15 (39%) of nifedipine related collateral events, although no difference were observed between groups. Conclusion: Cilazapril 2.5 to 5 mg normalized BP in 58% of mild and moderate hypertension patients, and this efficacy was similar to sustained-release nifedipine 20 to 40 mg. Cilazapril had no adverse effects on the biochemical parameters with low incidence of collateral effects.

EFICACIA E TOLERABILIDADE DA ASSOCIACAO CAPTOPRIL + HIDROCLOROTIAZIDA NO TRATAMENTO DA HIPERTENSAO ARTERIAL LEVE A MODERADA. ESTUDO MULTICENTRICO

Purpose. To evaluate the antihypertensive efficacy and tolerability of captopril 50 mg + hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg daily in mild to moderate primary hypertension. Methods. Out-patients (n = 471) with mild to moderate hypertension, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) 95-115 mmHg, with 15 days of washout, were included to the treatment initially with half tablet of the association of captopril 50 mg + hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg once daily, for 30 days. After this period, patients with DBP > 90 mmHg had the dosage duplicated, while the others had the same dosage for 60 days more. Evaluation was performed 15 days before and then every month during active drug. Results. Twenty six patients were withdrawn, 13 (2,7%) by adverse effects and 13 by protocol violation. At the end of the wash-out period, the blood pressure (BP), 162 ± 16/103 ± 6 mmHg decreased significantly at the 30th day to 146 ± 14/92 ± 8 mmHg (p < 0,001 vs 0th day); 139 ± 12/86 ± 7 mmHg at the 60th day, (p < 0,001 vs 30th day), and further to 136 ± 11/84 ± 5 mmHg (p < 0,001 vs day 0) till the end of the 90th day. Antihypertensive efficay (DBP ≤ 90 mmHg and decreased for the DBP ≥ 10 mmHg) was obtained in 82% of the patients. There was no difference in BP control considering race, hypertension level, previous antihypertensive treatment and obesity. Cough (4%) was the main adverse event. Conclusion. Captopril + hydrochlorothiazide was effective and safe in the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension. The favorable response was observed in 82% of the patients independently of race, hypertensive level, previous antihypertensive treatment and obesity. Low incidence of side effects was reported, with no difference from others reported in the literature.

Influence of Dietary Lysine Levels and Arginine:Lysine Ratios on Performance of Broilers Exposed to Heat or Cold Stress during the Period of Three to Six Weeks of Age

Four trials of identical experimental design were conducted to determine the effects of temperature, dietary Lys level, and dietary Arg:Lys ratios on performance and carcass yield of male broilers. Birds of a commercial strain were grown from 21 to 42 d of age in wire-floored finishing batteries placed in environmental chambers. The chambers were programmed to provide either a constant thermoneutral temperature (21.1 C), a constant cold temperature (15.5 C), or a cycling hot diurnal temperature (25.5 to 33.3 C). Within each environment there was a factorial arrangement of three Lys levels (1.0, 1.1, and 1.2%) with four Arg:Lys ratios (1.1:1, 1.2:1, 1.3:1, and 1.4:1). Environmental temperature significantly influenced virtually every characteristic examined. Hot cyclic temperatures reduced weight gain, feed intake, and breast meat yield, and increased feed conversion, dressing percentage, leg quarter yield, and abdominal fat content. The cold environment promoted increased feed intake and mortality. Ascites and cardiomyopathy were the leading causes of death under cold exposure and thermoneutral conditions, whereas complications arising from heat exposure were the main cause of death under hot cyclic conditions. Levels of Lys affected leg quarter yield and abdominal fat content over all environments but increased breast meat yield only under cold conditions. Increasing Arg: Lys ratios improved feed conversion and dressing percentage and reduced abdominal fat content; it could not be determined whether these responses were consistent with Arg per se or were due to a nonspecific N response. As increasing Lys levels or Arg:Lys ratios did not improve weight gain, increase breast meat yield, or attenuate adverse effects due to heat or cold exposure, it is concluded that the levels of Lys and Arg suggested for 21 to 42 d by the NRC are adequate for birds of this age under the environmental conditions encountered.

Intrapulpar temperature during continuous CO2 laser irradiation in human molars: An in vitro study

To establish safety parameters, we in vitro studied the increase in intrapulpal temperature caused by the use of a cw CO2 laser. A thermistor was implanted in the inner part of the pulpal chamber of 25 human lower third molars to measure the intrapulpal temperature produced by laser powers between 2-10 W and exposure times of 0.5-25.0 s. The Pearson linear correlation factor applied to the measured values showed there is a direct relationship between the independent variable and the applied power. A variance analysis produced the linear regression equation: T=1.10+(0.127)E where T is the temperature and E the energy. The results showed that, with a power of 4 W and maximum exposure time of 2.5 s (10 J) and a power density of 12738.85 W cm-2, there will be no damaging reactions affecting the pulpal tissues.

β-carotene and other carotenoids as antioxidants

Carotenoids are natural pigments which are synthesized by plants and are responsible for the bright colors of various fruits and vegetables. There are several dozen carotenoids in the foods that we eat, and most of these carotenoids have antioxidant activity. β-carotene has been best studied since, in most countries it is the most common carotenoid in fruits and vegetables. However, in the U.S., lycopene from tomatoes now is consumed in approximately the same amount as β-carotene. Antioxidants (including carotenoids) have been studied for their ability to prevent chronic disease. β-carotene and others carotenoids have antioxidant properties in vitro and in animal models. Mixtures of carotenoids or associations with others antioxidants (e.g. vitamin E) can increase their activity against free radicals. The use of animals models for studying carotenoids is limited since most of the animals do not absorb or metabolize carotenoids similarly to humans. Epidemiologic studies have shown an inverse relationship between presence of various cancers and dietary carotenoids or blood carotenoid levels. However, three out of four intervention trials using high dose β- carotene supplements did not show protective effects against cancer or cardiovascular disease. Rather, the high risk population (smokers and asbestos workers) in these intervention trials showed an increase in cancer and angina cases. It appears that carotenoids (including β-carotene) can promote health when taken at dietary levels, but may have adverse effects when taken in high dose by subjects who smoke or who have been exposed to asbestos. It will be the task of ongoing and future studies to define the populations that can benefit from carotenoids and to define the proper doses, lengths of treatment, and whether mixtures, rather than single carotenoids (e.g. β-carotene) are more advantageous.

Efeitos do tabagismo nos parâmetros seminais

Objectives: We performed a study to evaluate the adverse effects of smoker patient on semen parameters. Material and Methods: We studied retrospective 238 semen specimen, 115 from men smoking and 123 from men nosmoking. Sperm concentration, motility, morphology and vitality were confront in statistic test. Results: In 31% smoke between 1 and 10 cigarettes per day, 26% smoked 10 and 19 per day, 42% smoke more than 20 per day. The distribution of heavy smokes and light smokes did not differ statistically between the groups. Only a significant difference found between smoker and controls, there was about motility, morphology. There is difference in vitality and concentration per ml. Conclusions: This study indicates only a minor effect of smoker patient on male subfertility. Although smokers as a group may not experience reduced fertility, men with marginal semen quality may benefit from quitting smoking.

Efeito da posição do prematuro no desmame da ventilação mecânica

Objective: the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of prone positioning on cardiorespiratory stability and weaning outcome of preterm infants during weaning from mechanical ventilation. Methods: from January to December 1999, a sample of 42 preterm infants, with birthweight < 2,000 g, mechanically ventilated in the first week of life, were randomly divided, in the beginning of the weaning process, in two groups according to the position: supine position (n = 21) or prone position (n = 21). Heart rate, respiratory rate, transcutaneous oxygen saturation and ventilatory parameters were recorded every one hour. Length of the weaning process and complications were also assessed. Results: in both groups the mean gestational age was 29 weeks, most of the patients presented very low birthweight and respiratory distress syndrome. The mean length of the weaning process was 2 days. There were no differences between the groups regarding respiratory rate, heart rate and transcutaneous oxygen saturation, however, oxygen desaturation episodes were more frequent in supine position (p = 0.009). Ventilatory parameters decreased faster and reintubation was less frequent in the prone group (4% versus 33%). No adverse effects of prone positioning were observed. Conclusion: these results suggest that prone position is a safe and beneficial procedure during the weaning from mechanical ventilation and may contribute to weaning success in preterm infants.

Use of 37% carbamide peroxide in the walking bleach technique: A case report

Dental bleaching represents an effective, conservative, and relatively low-cost method for improving the appearance of discolored pulpless teeth. Among the bleaching techniques, the walking bleach technique with sodium perborate associated with water or hydrogen peroxide stands out because of its esthetic results and safety. A modified walking bleach technique with the use of 37% carbamide peroxide as the bleaching agent is presented. Additionally, the adverse effects of dental bleaching in the following restorative procedures are discussed, showing the advantages with the use of 37% carbamide peroxide.

Injeção subaracnóidea inadvertida de corticoíde em tratamento de dor crônica da coluna lombar. Relato de caso

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Before epídural steroids were used in chronic lumbar pain, subarachnoid injection of these agents was the treatment of choice. Although still preconized by some authors, this technique may lead to severe complications with neurological sequelae. This report aimed at describing a case of accidental subarachnoid injection of steroid associated to local anesthetics during epidural puncture to treat lumbar pain. CASE REPORT: Male patient, 46 years old, followed byneuro-surgery for presenting right sciatic pain for 9 month, refractory to clinical treatment due to L 4-L 5 disk protrusion confirmed by CT scan, without neurological deficit. Epidural puncture for pain treatment was performed in L 4-L 5 with 17G needle and 10 mL solution were injected containing 4 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine, 80 mg methylprednisolone and 4 mL of 0.9% saline. Although there has not been CSF reflux, 5 minutes after injection there were sensory block in T 4 and motor block in T 6, associated to blood pressure and heart rate decrease. CONCLUSIONS: Accidental subarachnoid injections with the association of steroids for pain relief may cause adverse effects. There are several risks, varying from mild transient symptoms to nervous injuries, including spinal cord injuries. Our patient had no sequelae from the accidental subarachnoid injection, probably because it has been a single injection.