Semen parameters and seminal plasma protein and biochemical profiles of dogs with benign prostatic hyperplasia after botulinum toxin type A intraprostatic injection

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

Elevated Plasma Hemoglobin Levels Increase Nitric Oxide Consumption in Experimental and Clinical Acute Pulmonary Thromboembolism

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

Analysis of rocuronium in human plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with application in clinical pharmacokinetics

Rocuronium (ROC) is a neuromuscular blocking agent used in surgical procedures which is eliminated primarily by biliary excretion. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for analysis of ROC in human plasma. Separation of ROC and IS (verapamil) was performed using an endcapped C-18 column and a mixture of water:acetonitrile:trifluoracetic acid (50:50:0.1, v/v) as mobile phase. Aliquots of 100 mu L of human plasma were extracted at pH 3, using dichloromethane. The lower limit of quantification of 5 ng/mL shows the high sensitivity of this method. Intra- and inter-assay precision (as relative standard deviation) was all <= 14.2% and accuracy (as relative standard error) did not exceed 10.1%. The validated method was successfully applied to quantify ROC concentrations in patients under surgical procedures up to 6 h after the administration of the 0.4-0.9 mg/kg ROC. The pharmacokinetic parameter estimations of ROC showed AUC/dose of 563 mu g min/mL, total clearance of 2.5 mL/min/kg, volume of distribution at steady state of 190 mL/kg and mean residence time of 83 min. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Tratamento da superfície do alumínio via eletrólise a plasma

This paper presents the study on the application of the electrolytic plasma for surface treatment of aluminum. A bibliographical study on the material of interest was preliminarily performed and later designed and built an electrolytic cell, including the excitation source. Unlike conventional electrolysis process, the plasma assisted carry on in the non-linear region of characteristic current/voltage curve. Therefore it requires for the on set of the process that the power supply operates on harder conditions than those on high current process. The plasma produced during the present investigation has temperatures in the range o 6,0.10 3 -7,0 .10 3 K, well above those found in conventional chemical process. It also shows a particular dynamic to promote changes on surface and to produce new materials. The plasma is generated by microdischarge in vapor or gas bubbles involved in physic-chemical processes in electrode regions of the electrolytic cell. The electrode material was the aluminum (7075). The Process Electrolytic Plasma Processing (EPP) is sensitive to various parameters such as operating voltage, current density, electrolyte, concentration of electrolyte, geometry of reactor, temperature of electrolytic solution and dynamic of the fluid in the cell. The experiments were carried on in order to find parameters for a stable abd steady operation. The choice for the electrolytic was silicate/alkali solution in various concentrations to operate in various voltage as well. Plasma was produced on negative (cathode) and positive (anode) electrode, in specific conditions. A stable operation on the cathode process was obtained with low concentration of the electrolytic in aqueous solution, current density around 250V effective voltage. For the evolution of plasma in anodic process it was required higher concentrations and higher... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Analysis of fluoxetine and norfluoxetine in human plasma by HPLC-UV using a high purity C18 silica-based SPE sorbent

This paper reports on the development and validation of a simple and sensitive method that uses solid phase extraction (SPE) and liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection to analyze fluoxetine (FLX) and norfluoxetine (NFLX) in human plasma samples. A lab-made C18 SPE phase was synthesized by using a sol–gel process employing a low-cost silica precursor. This sorbent was fully characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to check the particles' shape, size and C18 functionalization. The lab-made C18 silica was used in the sample preparation step of human plasma by the SPE-HPLC-UV method. The method was validated in the 15 to 500 ng mL 1 range for both FLX and NFLX using a matrix matched curve. Detection limits of 4.3 and 4.2 ng mL 1 were obtained for FLX and NFLX, respectively. The repeatability and intermediary precision achieved varied from 7.6 to 15.0% and the accuracy ranged from 14.9 to 9.1%. The synthesized C18 sorbent was compared to commercial C18 sorbents. The average recoveries were similar (85–105%), however the lab-made C18 silica showed fewer interfering peaks in the chromatogram. After development and validation, the method using the lab-made C18 SPE was applied to plasma samples of patients under FLX treatment (n ¼ 6). The concentrations of FLX and NFLX found in the samples varied from 46.8–215.5 and 48.0–189.9 ng mL 1 , respectively.

Effect of diets with varying starch content on muscle glycogen concentrations during training and replenishment after highintensity exercise

Pós-graduação em Zootecnia - FCAV

Supplementation with sunflower seed increases circulating cholesterol concentrations and potentially impacts on the pregnancy rates in Bos indicus beef cattle

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

Padronização de técnica manual para obtenção de plasma rico em plaquetas de bovino

To evaluate the biochemical profile and protein concentration of whey from milk samples of healthy Murrah primiparous and pluriparous buffaloes, 30 female buffaloes were analyzed during a complete lactation. The animals were divided into three groups: G1 = 10 primiparous buffaloes, G2 = 10 pluriparous buffaloes with 2-3 lactations and G3 = 10 pluriparous buffaloes with > 3 lactations. The lactation period was divided into: early stage (I: 1-3 months of lactation), intermediate stage (T: 4-6 months of lactation) and final stage (F: 7-9 months of lactation). Before milk sampling, physical examination of the mammary gland, strip cup test and California Mastitis Test (CMT) were performed. After mammary quarters asepsis, 20mL of milk were collected monthly from each mammary quarter, during a complete lactation, in sterilized plastic bottles without preservative, in order to perform microbiological isolation, biochemical profile and protein electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and 30mL of milk from each mammary quarter were collect, in sterilized plastic bottles containing preservative bronopol to perform the somatic cell count (SCC). A total of 1,042 milk samples were collected from the experimental groups during lactation, of which 923 samples showed negative reaction to CMT and negative microbiological isolation and were selected to biochemical profile analysis and protein electrophoresis in SDS-PAGE. There were influence of parity order and stage of lactation in biochemical profile and protein concentration of healthy Murrah buffaloes'whey. Primiparous buffaloes (G1) showed higher gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT: 2,346 U/L), alkaline phosphatase (ALP: 181 U/L), phosphorus (P; 56.6mg/dL), potassium (K; 32.0mg/dL) and alpha-lactalbumin (458mg/dL). Buffaloes with 2-3 lactations (G2) showed higher SCC (70,700 cells/mL) and higher concentrations of total protein (1.55g/dL), albumin (100mg/dL), magnesium (Mg; 8.80mg/dL), chlorides (Cl; 176mg/dL), iron (Fe; 10.7 mu g/dL), sodium (Na; 178mMol/L) and lactoferrin (59.5mg/dL). Bufalloes with > 3 lactations (G3) showed higher concentrations of total calcium (Ca; 41.8mg/dL), ionized calcium (iCa; 2.92mMol/L), immunoglobulin A (IgA; 1.32mg/dL), serum albumin (99.1mg/dL), immunoglobulin G (IgG; 49.7mg/dL) and beta-lactoglobulin (1,068mg/dL). During lactation it was observed increase in SCC, GGT, ALP, total protein, albumin, P, Mg, Cl, Na, lactoferrin, serum albumin, IgG and alpha-lactalbumin, as well as decrease in concentrations of Ca, Fe, iCa, K, IgA and beta-lactoglobulin in buffaloes'whey. The results may be used as reference for buffaloes and to support diagnosis and prognosis of diseases common to lactation periods.

Innovative low temperature plasma approach for deposition of alumina films

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

Effectiveness of two methods for preparation of autologous platelet-rich plasma: an experimental study in rabbits

The purpose of this study was to compare the quantity and quality of platelets in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) samples prepared using either the single- or the double-centrifugation protocol. Ten adult white New Zealand rabbits were used. Ten ml of blood were drawn from each animal via cardiac puncture. Each blood sample was divided into two equal parts for PRP preparation: 5 ml of blood were centrifuged according to a single-centrifugation protocol (Group I), and 5 ml were centrifuged according to a double-centrifugation protocol (Group II). Manual platelet counts were performed on the whole blood and PRP samples of each group. Smears were also done on all samples in order to see the morphology of the platelets. The data obtained in the manual platelet count were submitted to statistical analysis (repeated measures ANOVA, Tukey, P<.05). The average whole blood platelet count was 446,389/μl. The PRP samples in Group II presented an average platelet amount significantly higher than that of Group I (1,986,875 ± 685,020/μl and 781,875 ± 217,693/μl, respectively). The PRP smears from Group II were the only one to present platelets with altered morphology (75% of the smears). A few lymphocytes with increased cytoplasm were observed in the PRP smears of both Groups I (25% of the smears) and II (62.5% of the smears). Within the limits of this study, it can be concluded that the double-centrifugation protocol resulted in higher platelet concentrations than did the single-centrifugation protocol. However, the double-centrifugation protocol caused alterations in platelet morphology and was more sensitive to small processing errors.

Pharmacokinetics of tetracycline in plasma, synovial fluid and milk using single intravenous and single intravenous regional doses in dairy cattle with papillomatous digital dermatitis

The purpose of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetics of tetracycline in plasma, synovial fluid, and milk following either a single systemic intravenous (i.v.) injection or a single i.v. regional antibiosis (IVRA) administration of tetracycline hydrochloride to dairy cattle with papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD). To this end, plasma and synovial fluid tetracycline concentrations were compared with the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the major bacteria, which are known to cause digital diseases and thus assess its efficacy in PDD. Residual tetracycline concentrations in milk from cows treated by both methods were also determined. Twelve Holstein cows with various stages of PDD were randomly assigned to two groups of six animals. Group 1 received a single systemic i.v. injection of 10 mg/kg of tetracycline hydrochloride. Group 2 received 1000 mg of tetracycline hydrochloride by IVRA of the affected limb. Blood, synovial fluid and milk samples were taken prior to tetracycline administration (time 0 control), and then at 22, 45 and 82 min, and 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h following drug administration. Tetracycline concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Mean tetracycline plasma and milk concentrations in Group 1 were higher than Group 2. The opposite was observed for synovial fluid concentrations. Group 2 synovial fluid concentrations were higher than the MIC value over 24 h for the bacteria most frequently responsible for claw disease. Compared with i.v. administration, IVRA administration of tetracycline produced very high synovial fluid and low plasma and milk concentrations.

Changes in malondialdehyde and C-reactive protein concentrations after lifestyle modification are related to different metabolic syndrome-associated pathophysiological processes

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is often accompanied by pro-oxidative and pro-inflammatory processes. Lifestyle modification (LiSM) may act as primary treatment for these processes. This study aimed to elucidate influencing factors on changes of malondialdehyde (MDA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations after a LiSM intervention. Sixty subjects (53 yrs, 84% women) clinically approved to attend a 20 weeks LiSM-program were submitted to weekly nutritional counseling and physical activities combining aerobic (3 times/week) and resistance (2 times/week) exercises. Before and after intervention they were assessed for anthropometric, clinical, cardiorespiratory fitness test (CRF) and laboratory markers. Statistical analyses performed were multiple regression analysis and backward stepwise with p<0.05 and R(2) as influence index. LiSM was responsible for elevations in CRF, healthy eating index (HEI), total plasma antioxidant capacity (TAP) and HDL-C along with reductions in waist circumference measures and MetS (47-40%) prevalence. MDA and CRP did not change after LiSM, however, we observed that MDA concentrations were positively influenced (R(2)=0.35) by fasting blood glucose (β=0.64) and HOMA-IR (β=0.58) whereas CRP concentrations were by plasma gamma-glutamyltransferase activity (β=0.54; R(2)=0.29). Pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory states of MetS can be attenuated after lifestyle modification if glucose metabolism homeostasis were recovered and if liver inflammation were reduced, respectively.

Efeito do plasma rico em uréia na apoptose de neutrófilos de cães

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

A standartized research protocol for platelet-rich plasma (PRP) preparation in rats

Introduction: The urgent need for studies using standardized protocols to evaluate the real biological effects of PRP has been emphasized by several authors. Objective: The purpose of this study was to standardize a methodology for autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) preparation in rats. Material and methods: Twentyfour, 5 to 6-month-old, male rats, weighing 450 to 500 g were used. After general anesthesia, 3.15 ml of blood was collected from each animal, via cannulation of the jugular vein. A standardized technique of double centrifugation was used to prepare PRP. PRP samples and peripheral blood platelets were then manually counted using a Neubauer chamber. Student’s t-test was used to compare the differences between the number of platelets in peripheral blood and PRP samples (p < 0.05). In addition, PRP and peripheral blood smears were stained to see platelets’ morphology. Results: All surgical procedures were well tolerated by the animals and they were healthy during the entire experimental period. PRP samples showed higher significantly platelet concentrations than peripheral blood samples (2,677,583 and 683,680 respectively). Conclusion: Within the limits of this study, it can be concluded that the method used produced autologous PRP with appropriated platelet quantity and quality, in rats.

Development and validation of an LC-MS/MS method for quantitative analysis of mirtazapine in human plasma

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