Clinical pathological data and analyses of mineral elements of cattle affected by epizootic botulism in the State of São Paulo

In order to study laboratorial aspects of beef cow mortality, a syndrome popularly known as ''doenca da vaca caida'', examens were made of blood, cerebrospinal fluid, serum, bone and liver samples from 32 naturally affected 4 to 9 year old cows, 27 belonging to the Nellore breed and 5 were crossbred Nellore, all originating from farms located in municipalities near Botucatu, State of São Paulo. Laboratory determinations were analysed by descriptive statistics and included hematological values, total plasma protein, plasma fibrinogen, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and concentration measurements of serum calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, total protein, albumin, globulin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, gama-glutamyltransferase and creatine kinase activities, included bone ash percentage and concentrations of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, and also hepatic levels of copper, zinc, iron, manganese and cobalt. In addition, mouse bioassays and complement micro-fixation tests were performed to detect botulinum toxins in liver samples. The results indicated leukocytosis (13,3+/-3,9 x10(3)/mm(3)) with neutrophilia (8,9+/-3,2 x10(3)/mm(3)), hypocalcemia (7,8+/-1,7mg/dl), hypophosphatemia (3,6+/-1,6mg/dl), hypoalbuminemia (2,9+/-0,9g/dl), increased creatine kinase activity (691,0+/-829,7 UI/1), and reduced ash percentage (60,3+/-1,9%) and low phosphorus (17,2+/-0,4%) in bone. The other values were ail within normal limits. The diagnosis of botulism, involving type C and D toxins, was confirmed as the cause of the mortality in the region of study, what is strongly consistent with the other laboratorial findings.

Tissue tolerance of diclofenac sodium encapsulated in liposomes after intramuscular administration

In this work the effect of the encapsulation of diclofenac sodium within liposomes on the reduction of the myotoxicity after intramuscular administration in rats was studied. Diclofenac sodium was encapsulated in small unilamellar liposomes obtained from phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, and a-tocopherol (40:10:0.04 mM), and administered by intramuscular injection in the quadriceps femoral muscle of male Wistar rats. After a single dose of 0.2 mg diclofenac formulations the local tissue damage was assessed by plasma creatine kinase (CPK) activity and histological analysis. It was demonstrated that formulations containing free diclofenac produced a higher increase in CPK activity, while those encapsulated in liposomes exhibited CPK activity similar to the control groups. Histopathological analysis of local muscle tissue performed on the third and seventh days following the injection showed intense cellular damage when free drug solution was used, while encapsulation in liposome protected the tissue against the local tissue inflammation.

Dissociated time course recovery between rate of force development and peak torque after eccentric exercise

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

CLINICAL STUDY of NATURAL INFECTION BY Trypanosoma cruzi IN DOGS RESIDING IN A RURAL AREA IN MATO GROSSO do SUL STATE, BRAZIL

This study was carried out to describe the clinical characteristics of natural infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi in dogs that reside in a rural area of Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. Conventional and nonconventional diagnostic methods were used for screening T. cruzi infection in 75 dogs that lived in the area. Cardiovascular tests and biochemical examination of sera were also performed in four confirmed positive dogs. The following techniques were employed: indirect immunofluorescence test (IFAT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with T. cruzi epimastigote antigens (EAE-ELISA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with T. cruzi excreted-secreted trypomastigote antigens (TESA-ELISA) with antibodies detected in 45.33% (n = 34), 24.0% (n = 18) and 12.0% (n = 9) of the dogs, respectively. The current prevalence of the infection was confirmed as 10.7% (n = 8) by immunoblotting test with T. cruzi excreted-secreted antigens (TESA-blot). The test that showed the best concordance index (Kappa; 0.93), sensitivity (100%) and specificity (98.5%) was TESA-ELISA, that when associated with IFAT had the same results as those obtained by TESA-blot (10.7%). Three out of the four chagasic animals showed enlarged cardiac silhouette on X-ray and an increase of the P-wave duration and QRS complex in electrocardiogram. Two dogs presented conduction disturbances, right bundle branch block in one dog and first-degree atrioventricular block and sinus arrest in another. The ecodopplercardiography presented left-ventricular-wall thickness increased during diastole, decrease of the shortening fraction and inversion in the speed peaks of the E and A waves, indicating the presence of systolic and diastolic disorders. The four animals showed enzymatic activities of creatine kinase (221-404 U/L), MB fraction of creatine kinase (189-304 U/L), elevated total proteins (7.6-10.2 g/dL) and total globulins (4.6-7.7g/dL) and reduction of albumin/globulin ratio, which suggested a myocardial injury and continuous antigenic stimulus.

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)

Free diet selection by broilers as influenced by dietary macronutrient ratio and corticosterone supplementation. 1. Diet selection, organ weights, and plasma metabolites

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Evaluation of toxicity after one-months treatment with Bauhinia forficata decoction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Background: Previous experiments have shown that a decoction of Bauhinia forficata leaves reduces the changes in carbohydrate and protein metabolism that occur in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. In the present investigation, the serum activities of enzymes known to be reliable toxicity markers were monitored in normal and streptozotocin-diabetic rats to discover whether the use of B. forficata decoction has toxic effects on liver, muscle or pancreas tissue or on renal microcirculation. Methods: An experimental group of normal and streptozotocin-diabetic rats received an aqueous decoction of fresh B. forficata leaves (150 g/L) by mouth for 33 days while a control group of normal and diabetic rats received water for the same length of time. The serum activity of the toxicity markers lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, amylase, angiotensin-converting enzyme and bilirubin were assayed before receiving B. forficata decoction and on day 19 and 33 of treatment. Results: The toxicity markers in normal and diabetic rats were not altered by the diabetes itself nor by treatment with decoction. Whether or not they received B. forficata decoction the normal rats showed a significant increase in serum amylase activity during the experimental period while there was a tendency for the diabetic rats, both treated and untreated with decoction, to have lower serum amylase activities than the normal rats. Conclusions: Administration of an aqueous decoction of B. forficata is a potential treatment for diabetes and does not produce toxic effects measurable with the enzyme markers used in our study. © 2004 Pepato et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Eficácia e segurança da atorvastatina no tratamento de pacientes com hipercolesterolemia primária

Introduction: Hypercholesterolemia is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the first cause of death and third reason for hospital admissions in Brazil. The reduction of serum cholesterol levels reduces morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease. The present study evaluated the efficacy and safety of atorvastatin in the treatment of Brazilian patients with primary hypercholesterolemia (types IIA and IIB dyslipidemias). Patients and methods: After a 4-week wash-out period, 152 patients were treated with atorvastatin at the initial dose of 10 mg/day. According to treatment efficacy within the first 8 weeks this dose could be increased to 20 mg/day. Treatment lasted for a total of 16 weeks, and its efficacy was evaluated by the reduction of serum levels of LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides, as well as by the propotion of patients that achieved the target levels recommended by the National Cholesterol Education Program - Adult Treatment Panel II (NCEP ATP II) Results: The analysis of efficacy was conducted in 145 patients. Atorvastatin led to significant reductions in the levels of LDL-cholesterol after 8 and 16 weeks of treatment (P<0.001 for both comparisons). The relative reduction of such levels was 38% (P<0.001 after 8 and 16 weeks). Atorvastatin also led to significant reductions of total cholesterol and triglycerides. At the end of the study, 81% of patients achieved the target LDL-cholesterol levels recommended by NCEP ATP II. Treatment was well tolerated, and was interrupted due to creatine phosphokinase elevation in only one patient. Conclusion: Atorvastatina is efficacious and safe in the treatment of patients with primary hypercholesteromia. © Copyright Moreira Jr. Editora. Todos os direitos reservados.

Bezafibrate for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia in HIV1-infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy

The use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in HIV-infected patients has been associated with the development of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CD) including dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, hypertriglyceridemia being the most frequent metabolic disturbance in these patients. Fibrates are indicated when hypertriglyceridemia is accentuated and persists for over six months. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of bezafibrate for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia in HIV-infected individuals on HAART. All patients received 400mg/day of bezafibrate and were evaluated three times: Mo (pre-treatment), M1 (one month after treatment), and M2 (six months after treatment). Fifteen adult individuals, eight males and seven females with mean age = 41.2 ± 7.97 years and triglyceride serum levels ≥400mg/dL were included in the study. Smoking, alcohol ingestion and sedentarism rates were 50%, 6.66% and 60%, respectively. Family history of CD, hypertension and diabetes mellitus was reported in 33.3%, 40% and 46.7% of the cases, respectively, while dyslipidemia was reported by only 13.3%. More than half of the patients were using a protease inhibitor plus a nucleotide analog transcriptase inhibitor. Eutrophy and tendency toward overweight were observed at all three study time points. There were significant reductions in triglyceride serum levels from Mo to M1 and from Mo to M2. No significant changes were observed in the serum levels of creatine phosphokinase, hepatic enzymes, CD4 +, CD8 + and viral load. Therefore, bezafibrate seems to be safe and effective for the reduction of hypertriglyceridemia in HIV-infected patients on HAART. © 2006 by The Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases and Contexto Publishing. All rights reserved.

Biochemical and hematological study of goats envenomed with natural and 60Co-irradiated bothropic venom

Venoms from snakes of the Bothrops genus are proteolytic, coagulant, hemorrhagic and nephrotoxic, causing edema, necrosis, hemorrhage and intense pain at the bite site, besides systemic alterations. Many adjuvants have been added to the venom used in the sensitization of antiserum-producer animals to increase antigenic induction and reduce the envenomation pathological effects. Gamma radiation from 60Co has been used as an attenuating agent of the venoms toxic properties. The main objective was to study, comparatively, clinical and laboratory aspects of goats inoculated with bothropic (Bothrops jararaca) venom, natural and irradiated from a 60Co source. Twelve goats were divided into two groups of six animals: GINV, inoculated with 0.5mg/kg of natural venom; and GIIV, inoculated with 0.5mg/kg of irradiated venom. Blood samples were collected immediately before and one, two, seven, and thirty days after venom injection. Local lesions were daily evaluated. The following exams were carried out: blood tests; biochemical tests of urea, creatinine, creatine kinase (CK), aspartate amino-transferase (AST) and alanine amino-transferase (ALT); clotting time; platelets count; and total serum immunoglobulin measurement. In the conditions of the present experiment, irradiated venom was less aggressive and more immunogenic than natural venom.

Atividades séricas da aspartato aminotransferase, creatina quinase e lactato desidrogenase de eqüinos submetidos ao teste padrão de exercício progressive em esteira

The aim of this study was to determine the serum activities of enzymes aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase in Arabian horses submitted to exercise on high-speed equine treadmill. Eleven mature Arabian horse were training and submitted to Standard Incremental Exercise Test on high-speed equine treadmill. Venous blood samples were taken before exercise, immediately and 30 min, 60min, 3h, 6h, 24h, 3 days and 5 days after exercise. The serum activity aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase were determined. The serum activies of AST, CK and LDH increase immediately and returned to baseline value 30 minutes after exercise. The AST enzyme activity increased at 12 hours and 24 hours, CK at 3 hours and 6 hours, and LDH at 24 hours after Standard Incremental Exercise Test.

Polyethylene gel in the subcutaneous tissue of rats: Histopathologic and systemic evaluation

Purpose: To evaluate the histological and systemic response to subcutaneous injection of polyethylene gel in rats. Methods: Twenty-one white male rats were divided into 3 groups (G): G1 and G2 received subcutaneous polyethylene gel injection in the dorsal midline and were sacrificed at 30 and 60 postoperative days, respectively. G3 was not exposed to the polyethylene gel and was sacrificed after 60 days. Blood levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were evaluated. The heart, kidney, liver, adrenal gland, injection site, and adjacent tissues were histologically examined. The results were submitted to statistical analysis. Results: There was no clinical evidence of extrusion, reduction of the injected volume, or abnormalities in the adjacent tissues. Blood levels of CK and LDH were normal and similar in all groups. ALP levels were significantly lower in G2 than in G1 and G3. The systemic organs were normal on histological examination in the 3 groups evaluated. Microscopically, the polyethylene gel was surrounded by a thin pseudocapsule formation and minimal inflammatory cell response, which decreased from G1 to G2. Conclusion: The subcutaneous injection of polyethylene gel in rats elicited minimal local inflammatory response and no systemic side effects. Copyright © 2008 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.

Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity

The anthracyclines constitute a group of drugs widely used for the treatment of a variety of human tumors. However, the development of irreversible cardiotoxicity has limited their use. Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity can persist for years with no clinical symptoms. However, its prognosis becomes poor after the development of overt heart failure, possibly even worse than ischemic or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathies. Due to the successful action of anthracyclines as chemotherapic agents, several strategies have been tried to prevent/ attenuate their side effects. Although anthracycline-induced injury appears to be multifactorial, a common denominator among most of the proposed mechanisms is cellular damage mediated by reactive oxygen species. However, it remains controversial as to whether antioxidants can prevent such side effects given that different mechanisms may be involved in acute versus chronic toxicity. The present review applies a multisided approach to the critical evaluation of various hypotheses proposed over the last decade on the role of oxidative stress in cardiotoxicity induced by doxorubicin, the most used anthracycline agent. The clinical diagnosis and treatment is also discussed. © 2008 Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.

Polineuropatia associada a hipotireoidismo em cães: Relato de seis casos

Six Doberman Pinscher, between six and eight years of age, were presented to the Veterinary Hospital from Faculty of Veterinary Science of The University of Buenos Aires. Neurological examination revealed tetraparesis with inability to walk, decreased muscle tonus and myotatic reflexes in all dogs. Serum cholesterol levels, creatine kinase and alkaline phosphatase activities were mildly to markedly elevated, and tibial motor nerve conduction velocities were slow in all dogs. Basal measurements of free T4 and TSH were determined by radioimmunoassay. Although fT4 values were within normal range, in all dogs TSH values were elevated. Based on this results, hypothyroidism was diagnosed and a supplementation therapy was established with oral levothyroxine (T4). Two weeks after treatment has been started, all patients had an improvement in clinical signs, and within a month gait became normal, as well as muscular tonus and spinal reflexes.

Anestesia para colecistectomía videolaparoscópica en paciente portador de enfermedad de Steinert. Relato de caso y revisiõn de la literatura

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Myotonic dystrophies are autosomal dominant neuromuscular diseases. Among them, myotonic dystrophy type 1 (MD1), or Steinert disease, is the most common in adults, and besides muscular involvement it also has important systemic manifestations. Myotonic dystrophy type 1 poses a challenge to the anesthesiologist. Those patients are more sensitive to anesthetics and prone to cardiac and pulmonary complications. Besides, the possibility of developing malignant hyperthermia and myotonic episodes is also present. CASE REPORT: This is a 39-year old patient with DM1 who underwent general anesthesia for videolaparoscopic cholecystectomy. Total intravenous anesthesia with propofol, remifentanil, and rocuronium was the technique chosen. Intercurrences were not observed in the 90-minute surgical procedure, but after extubation, the patient developed respiratory failure and myotonia, which made tracheal intubation impossible. A laryngeal mask was used, allowing adequate oxygenation, and mechanical ventilation was maintained until full recovery of the respiratory function. The patient did not develop further complications. CONCLUSIONS: Myotonic dystrophy type 1 presents several particularities to the anesthesiologist. Detailed knowledge of its systemic involvement along with the differentiated action of anesthetic drugs in those patients will provide safer anesthetic-surgical procedure.