ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of exogenous amylase on gas production, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), and in vitro digestion kinetics of sorghum (Sorghum vulgaris) and two corn hybrids of different grain textures. Ruminal fluid was collected from two rumen-fistulated cows receiving or not exogenous amylase (0.7g kg-1 of dry matter (DM basis)), provided to achieve 396 kilo Novo units kg-1 for amylase activity (DM basis). Gas production was measured after 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 30, 36, 42 e 48 hours of incubation. Amylase increased gas production (mL) by 5.4%. Corn hybrids have higher in vitro dry matter digestibility than sorghum. Exogenous amylase increased the potential of gas production (A) (P=0.01). There was an effect of hybrid for IVDMD (P<0.01). The addition of exogenous amylase increases the in vitro gas production, improves fermentation kinetics, and increases the production of the ammonia nitrogen of corn and sorghum grains, but does not affect in vitro and dry matter digestibility or the short-chain fatty acids production.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da amilase exógena na produção de gases, a digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS) e a cinética de digestão in vitro de sorgo (Sorghum vulgaris) e de dois híbridos de milho de diferentes texturas de grãos. O líquido ruminal foi coletado de duas vacas fistuladas no rúmen recebendo ou não amilase exógena (0,7g kg-1 de matéria seca (MS)), fornecida para atingir 396 kg Novo unidades kg-1 para atividade de amilase (base na MS). A produção de gás foi medida após uma, três, seis, nove, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 30, 36, 42 e 48 horas de incubação. A amilase aumentou a produção de gás (mL) em 5,4%. Híbridos de milho apresentam maior DIVMS que o sorgo. A amilase exógena aumentou o potencial de produção de gás (A) (P=0,01). Houve efeito de híbrido para DIVMS (P<0,01). Amilase exógena aumenta a produção de gás in vitro, melhora a cinética da fermentação e aumenta a produção de nitrogênio amoniacal de grãos de milho e sorgo, mas não afeta a digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca ou a produção de ácidos graxos de cadeia curta.

RESUMO A relação da eficiência nutricional com a idade e o peso à puberdade e as características reprodutivas foram estudadas em 35 novilhas F1 Holandês x Gir, em ensaios usando o consumo alimentar residual (CAR) nos períodos pós-desaleitamento (PD) e pós-puberdade (PP). Novilhas PD (P<0,0001) e PP (P<0,001) foram ranqueadas como de alta, intermediária e baixa eficiências e apresentaram CAR de -0,259 -0,014 e 0,346kg/dia e -0,848 -0,096 e 0,842kg/dia, respectivamente. Novilhas PD diferiram (P<0,05) na idade à puberdade entre ranques de alta, intermediária e baixa eficiências, em média, aos 339,7; 346,4; 315,3 dias, respectivamente. Os pesos à puberdade de novilhas PD com alta, intermediária e baixa eficiências foram, em média, de 321±28,1kg e não diferiram (P>0,05) entre CAR. Não foi verificada correlação entre diâmetro folicular, taxa de crescimento do folículo, número de ondas foliculares no ciclo estral e taxa de gestação à primeira IA com o CARPD ou CARPP. Novilhas F1HG selecionadas para CAR com baixa eficiência podem ter idade à puberdade 10 dias a mais, quando comparadas às novilhas de alta eficiência para CAR. Não foi verificado que novilhas selecionadas para alta ou baixa eficiências alimentares, usando CAR, tivessem algum impacto negativo sobre características reprodutivas avaliadas.

ABSTRACT The relationship between nutritional efficiency and age and weight at puberty and reproductive traits was studied in 35 F1 Holstein x Gyr heifers, in trials using residual food consumption (CAR) in the post-weaning (PW) and post-pubertal (PP) periods. PD heifers (P<0.0001) and PP (P<0.001) were classified as high, intermediate and low efficiencies and presented CAR of -0.259 -0.014 and 0.346kg/day and -0.848 -0.096 and 0.842kg/day, respectively. PD heifers differed (P<0.05) in age at puberty between high, intermediate and low efficiencies, on average, at 339.7, 346.4 and 315.3 days, respectively. The weight at puberty of PD heifers with high, intermediate and low efficiencies were, on average, 321±28.1kg and did not differ (P>0.05) between CAR. No correlation was found between follicular diameter, follicle growth rate, number of follicular waves in the estrous cycle and pregnancy rate at 1st AI with the CARPD or CARPP. F1HG heifers selected for CAR with low efficiency can be aged at puberty 10 days longer when compared to high-efficiency heifers for CAR. These results did not show that heifers selected for high or low food efficiency, using CAR, had negative impact on the reproductive characteristics evaluated.

Abstract The Southwestern Region of the Brazilian Amazon is formed by forests dominated by bamboos. The genus Guadua is endemic to the Americas, and little is known about the genetic diversity and structure of species of this genus. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity and structure of two native Guadua species in natural populations in the Southwestern region of the Brazilian Amazon. Therefore, the genetic diversity and structure of Guadua aff. chaparensis and Guadua aff. lynnclarkiae were evaluated with the use of microsatellite molecular markers (SSR). It was verified that the average genetic diversity for the populations studied was considered high ( H ^ e =0.5) compared to other species of bamboo. All populations had rare and private alleles, and none of them presented significant values of inbreeding. The populations were divergent ( G ^ ST = 0.46), resulting in a low apparent gene flow. The Bayesian analysis showed that among the 350 individuals analyzed, five groups (K=5) were formed, with little similarity among the groups (Populations), although two of them presented clonal individuals. According to the results obtained, it can be conclude that populations should be treated as having unique characteristics, mainly when accessed for management and for in situ and ex situ conservation studies.

ABSTRACT Colors of a collection set of postage stamps dated 1923 and corresponding to the hyperinflationary period of the German economy were identified with Raman and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopies. Molecular systems associated to the blue, green and yellow colours were characterized. Blue colour is Prussian blue (Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3) and the green colour resulted to be a combination of Prussian blue and the yellow/orange pigment (PbCrO4) or a yellow β-naphthol like monoazopigment. The XRF data suggest that ZnO was used as filler.

Este estudo tem como objetivo verificar os efeitos da suplementação de óleo de coco (SOC) na composição corporal e no perfil lipídico de ratos submetidos ao exercício físico. Os animais (n=6 por grupo) foram divididos aleatoriamente em: G1=sedentários e não-suplementados (Grupo Controle), G2=sedentários e suplementados, G3=exercitados e não-suplementados e G4=exercitados e suplementados. O protocolo da SOC foi 3 mL/Kg de massa corporal por gavagem durante 28 dias. O exercício físico foi o treinamento de salto vertical durante 28 dias. Foram avaliados o perfil da massa corporal, Índice de Lee, glicemia e perfil lipídico. A SOC não modificou a massa corporal, mas a massa corporal magra foi menor no G3 em relação ao G2. O Índice de Lee final classificou G1 e G2 como obesos (>30g/cm). O perfil lipídico mostrou que o colesterol total estava menor no G3, a concentração de LDL-c estava menor no G2, as concentrações de triglicerídeos, VLDL-c e HDL-c estavam maiores nos G2 e G4 em relação aos G1 e G3. A suplementação promoveu diminuição da razão LDL-c/HDL-c. Conclui-se que a SOC associada ou não ao exercício físico piora alguns parâmetros lipídicos, como os níveis de triglicerídeos e VLDL-c, sugerindo cuidado com o uso de suplementos lipídicos.

This study aims to verify the effects of coconut oil supplementation (COS) in the body composition and lipid profile of rats submitted to physical exercise. The animals (n=6 per group) were randomly assigned to: G1=Sedentary and Non-supplemented (Control Group), G2=Sedentary and Supplemented, G3=Exercised and Non-supplemented and G4=Exercised and Supplemented. The COS protocol used was 3 mL/Kg of body mass by gavage for 28 days. The physical exercise was the vertical jumping training for 28 days. It was determined the body mass parameters, Lee Index, blood glucose and lipid profile. The COS did not interfere with body mass, but the lean body mass was lower in G3 compared to G2. The final Lee Index classified G1 and G2 as obese (>30g/cm). The lipid profile showed total cholesterol was decreased in G3, LDL-c concentration was decreased in G2, triglycerides, VLDL-c and HDL-c concentrations were increased in G2 and G4 in relation to G1 and G3. The COS decreased LDL-c/HDL-c ratio. In conclusion, the COS associated or not to physical exercise worsen others lipid parameters, like triglycerides and VLDL-c level, showing the care with the use of lipid supplements.

In experimental studies, several parameters, such as body weight, body mass index, adiposity index, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, have commonly been used to demonstrate increased adiposity and investigate the mechanisms underlying obesity and sedentary lifestyles. However, these investigations have not classified the degree of adiposity nor defined adiposity categories for rats, such as normal, overweight, and obese. The aim of the study was to characterize the degree of adiposity in rats fed a high-fat diet using cluster analysis and to create adiposity intervals in an experimental model of obesity. Thirty-day-old male Wistar rats were fed a normal (n=41) or a high-fat (n=43) diet for 15 weeks. Obesity was defined based on the adiposity index; and the degree of adiposity was evaluated using cluster analysis. Cluster analysis allowed the rats to be classified into two groups (overweight and obese). The obese group displayed significantly higher total body fat and a higher adiposity index compared with those of the overweight group. No differences in systolic blood pressure or nonesterified fatty acid, glucose, total cholesterol, or triglyceride levels were observed between the obese and overweight groups. The adiposity index of the obese group was positively correlated with final body weight, total body fat, and leptin levels. Despite the classification of sedentary rats into overweight and obese groups, it was not possible to identify differences in the comorbidities between the two groups.

Collection of spermatozoa obtained from the epididymis cauda (CES) is a viable option to preserve of genetic material from threatened species and for use in assisted reproduction. The aim of the present study was to assess the in vitro effect of four different extenders on spermatozoa from goat epididymis cauda, cooled at 4ºC. Epididymal sperm were recovered from the cauda by flushing six pairs of epididymis. The samples of each pair were mixed, subdivided into four aliquots and diluted in coconut water-egg yolk (CW-EY), physiologic solution with 0.5 % glucose and egg yolk (PSG-EY), UHT skim milk (SM), and UHT skim milk with egg yolk (SM-EY). The samples were cooled at 4ºC for 2, 12, 24 and 48 hours. After storage, in each period, the semen was evaluated by the heat resistance test for sperm motility, vigor and total morphological alterations. The motility degradation rate was calculated at the end of each time period. Sperm viability decreased with time in the four extenders. Epididymal sperm diluted in CW-EY showed higher values for vigor and motility, although these parameters did not differ from the sperm kept in the PSG-EY up to 48 hours at 4ºC, except for spermatic vigor. However, the PSG-EY and SM extenders caused greater morphologic damage to epididymal sperm after 12 and 24 hours, respectively. Extenders based on skim milk provided less spermatic cell stability during 48 hours. In conclusion, CW-EY extender was the most efficient extender to maintain CES viability at 4ºC.

A colheita de espermatozóides da cauda do epidídimo (CES) é uma opção viável de preservação de material genético de espécies ameaçadas de extinção, bem como para uso em reprodução assistida. Este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a eficiência de quatro diferentes diluidores sobre os espermatozóides da cauda do epidídimo de caprinos, resfriado a 4ºC. Os espermatozoides epididimários foram recuperados da cauda de seis pares de epidídimo. As amostras de cada par foram misturadas e subdivididas em quatro alíquotas que foram diluídas na água de cocogema (CW-EY), solução fisiológica glicosada 0,5 %-gema (PSG), leite desnatado UHT (ME) e leite desnatado UHT-gema (ME-EY). As amostras foram resfriadas a 4ºC por 2, 12, 24 e 48 horas. Após o armazenamento, em cada período, o CES foi avaliado através do teste de termoresistência quanto à motilidade, vigor espermático e alterações morfológicas total. A taxa de degradação da motilidade foi calculada no final de cada período. A viabilidade espermática diminuiu com o tempo de refrigeração nos quatro diluidores. Os CES diluídos na CW-EY apresentaram maiores valores para vigor e motilidade, embora estes parâmetros não deferissem daqueles mantidos no PSG por até 48 horas, exceto para vigor espermático. Entretanto, os diluidores PSG e ME ocasionaram maiores danos morfológicos aos CES a partir de 12 e 48 horas, respectivamente. Os diluidores ME e MEEY proporcionaram à célula espermática menor estabilidade durante 48 h de conservação. Concluiu-se que o CW-EY foi o mais eficiente em manter a viabilidade dos CES a 4ºC.

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da geleia real na qualidade seminal e na morfometria testicular de coelhos. Quatorze coelhos adultos da raça Nova Zelândia foram distribuídos em três grupos: com administração diária de 1mL de água, via oral (SG); administração diária de 0,5mg (0,5G) de geleia real diluída em 1mL de água, via oral; e administração diária de 1,0mL (1,0G) de geleia real diluída em 1mL de água, via oral. O fornecimento de geleia real foi iniciado 30 dias antes das coletas de sêmen, permanecendo durante todo o período de coleta, totalizando 90 dias. Utilizou-se o método da vagina artificial para coleta de sêmen. Foram avaliados os parâmetros físicos e morfológicos do sêmen e os parâmetros de morfometria testicular. Houve diferença no volume seminal do 0,5G (0,54±0,22) em relação ao SG (0,39±0,13) e ao 1,0G (0,30±0,09) (P<0,05). Para os grupos SG, 0,5G e 1,0G, não houve diferença (P>0,05) para turbilhonamento espermático, concentração espermática, motilidade progressiva e vigor espermático. Os defeitos maiores no grupo 0,5G (8,52±3,26) foram menores do que nos grupos SG (14,09±4,26) e 1,0G (16,1±3,95) (P<0,05). Não houve diferença entre os defeitos menores e os defeitos totais (P>0,05). Os pesos corporal, testicular, epididimário e o índice gonadossomático não diferiram entre os grupos (P>0,05). A ingestão diária de 0,5mg de geleia real apresentou efeitos positivos na morfologia espermática de coelhos.

A trial was carried out to evaluate the effects of royal jelly on the seminal quality and testicular morphometry of rabbits. Fourteen mature rabbits of New Zealand breed were distributed between three groups. The first group was supplied with 1mL of water only (SG), the second group was supplied with 0.5mg of royal jelly diluted in 1mL of water (0.5G), and the third group was supplied with 1mg of royal jelly also diluted in 1mL of water (1.0G). The royal jelly supply started 30 days before semen collection and lasted the entire experimental period. An artificial vagina was used to collect the rabbits' semen. Physical and morphological parameters in the semen and the testicular morphometry were evaluated. Differences were found on the seminal volume in group 0.5G(0,54±0,22) in relation to SG (0,39±0,13) and 1.0G (0,30±0,09) groups (P<0.05). For SG, 0.5G and 1.0G groups, no differences (P>0.05) were found in sperm concentration, gross motility, individual motility and vigor. The total of primary defects in group 0.5G (8,52±3,26) was lower than in groups SG (14,09±4,2) and 1.0G (16,1±3,95) (P<0.05). No significant difference was found between secondary defects and the total defects on the semen (P>0.05). Body, testicular and epididymal weights did not differ between groups, as well to the gonadosomatic index (P>0.05). The ingestion of royal jelly produced positive results on the seminal production of males.

Avaliaram-se a incidência, os fatores de risco e o impacto da retenção de placenta tanto no desempenho reprodutivo quanto no produtivo de vacas mestiças leiteiras, considerando-se: ano e época de parição, ordem de lactação, escore de condição corporal (ECC), duração da gestação, tipo de parto e número e sexo dos bezerros. Utilizaram-se primíparas e multíparas, com e sem retenção de placenta, na época de chuva e de seca, para estudar: período de serviço, número de doses de sêmen/concepção e produção de leite em até 305 dias e no pico da lactação. A incidência da retenção foi de 12,8%. Os fatores de risco da retenção de placenta foram: período de chuvas, ordem de lactação - segunda, terceira e acima da quarta -, ECC abaixo de 3,5 e acima de 4,0 - aborto, natimorto, prematuro, parto auxiliado e parto gemelar. Verificou-se aumento de 51,2 e 27,5 dias no período de serviço e aumento de 1,2 e 0,6 no número de doses de sêmen, em multíparas com retenção de placenta que pariram no período de chuva ou seca, respectivamente (P<0,05).

The incidence rate, risk factors and impact of retained placenta on the reproductive and productive performance of crossbred dairy cows was evaluated. The frequency distribution of retained placenta and also a Poisson multivariate analysis were developed for the following variables: year, calving season, lactation order, body condition score, gestation length, type of delivery, number and sex of calves. First calf heifers and multiparous cows, with and without retained placenta, during the rainy and dry season, had their average results compared in the following items: days from calving to first service, number of semen doses per conception, milk production up to 305 days and lactation peak. The incidence rate of retained placenta was 12.8%. The risk factors were: rainy calving season, 2nd, 3rd and above 4th lactation orders, body scores below 3.5 and greater than 4.0, abortion, stillbirth, premature birth, assisted birth and multiple birth. An increase of 51.2 and 27.5 days in the average interval between calving and first service, and of 1.2 and 0.6 in the average number of semen doses was observed in multiparous cows with retained placenta, giving birth during the rainy and dry seasons, respectively (P<0.05).

Avaliou-se a degradabilidade in situ da cana-de-açúcar in natura ou tratada por 24h com óxido de cálcio em diferentes porcentagens de inclusão na matéria natural da dieta, 0,0; 0,5; 1,0 e 2,0%, no rúmen de cinco novilhas Holandês x Gir. Os parâmetros de degradação ruminal da matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica (MO), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e fibra em detergente ácido (FDA) foram estimados ajustando modelo não linear aos dados de degradabilidade, sendo os parâmetros obtidos utilizados em análises de regressão linear e quadrática realizadas em função da inclusão do óxido de cálcio nas dietas. As degradabilidades potencial e efetiva e as taxas de degradação da MS e da MO aumentaram linearmente com o aumento de inclusão de CaO. O aumento da porcentagem de inclusão de CaO em dietas à base de cana-de-açúcar aumentou linearmente a degradabilidade in situ da MS e da MO e não alterou a degradabilidade in situ das frações fibrosas.

In situ degradability of sugarcane in natura or added to different levels of calcium oxide (CaO) in fed diet, 0.0; 0.5; 1.0 and 2.0% for 24 h in five Holstein x Gyr heifers, fitted with a rumen cannula.The parameters of rumen degradation of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were estimated by adjusting non-linear model to data degradation, and used the parameters obtained in regression analysis, linear and quadratic performed according to the level of inclusion of calcium oxide in diets.The potential and effective degradability, as well as the degradation rates of DM and OM were lineraly enhanced with the increasing of the CaO levels in diet. The increasing levels of CaO in sugarcane diets offered to Holstein x Gyr dairy heifers lead to a linear enhancement of in situ degradability of DM and OM, but does not affect the in situ degradability of fiber fractions.

Foram avaliados os consumos e as digestibilidades aparentes da matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica, proteína bruta e os consumos da matéria seca digestível e dos nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT), em 18 novilhas Holandês x Zebu, distribuídas em blocos ao acaso, alimentadas com cana-de-açúcar acrescida ou não a 1% de óxido de cálcio - na matéria natural - após 24 horas de hidrólise, com diferentes tempos de administração da mistura de ureia e sulfato de amônio - zero e 24 horas antes do fornecimento aos animais. As diferenças entre as médias foram avaliadas por contrastes ortogonais, a 1% de significância. Houve efeito negativo (P<0,01) da adição do óxido de cálcio no consumo de NDT, na digestibilidade aparente da matéria orgânica e na eficiência da utilização do nitrogênio. A administração de ureia no momento da hidrólise causou diminuição no consumo e na digestibilidade aparente da PB. Não houve benefício tanto da inclusão de óxido de cálcio quanto da adição de ureia 24 horas antes do fornecimento aos animais.

We evaluated the intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and intakes of digestible dry matter and total digestible nutrients (TDN) in 18 Holstein-Zebu heifers divided into blocks, fed with diets of sugarcane treated or not with 1% in the natural matter of calcium oxide (CaO), after 24 hours of hydrolysis, at different times of administration of the mixture of urea and ammonium sulfate (zero and 24 hours). Differences between means were evaluated by orthogonal contrasts at 1% significance. There was a negative effect (P<0.01) to the addition of calcium oxide in TDN intake, apparent digestibility of organic matter and the efficiency of nitrogen utilization. The administration of a mixture of urea and ammonium sulfate at the time of hydrolysis caused a decrease in consumption and apparent digestibility of crude protein. There was no benefit in the inclusion of calcium oxide nor the addition of urea 24 hours before the animal feeding.

Estimou-se o consumo de matéria seca e de fibra em detergente neutro por vacas leiteiras mestiças em pastejo de gramíneas do gênero Brachiaria. Foram utilizadas 24 vacas em lactação, distribuídas em três tratamentos com oito vacas cada, suplementadas com 4, 6 ou 8kg de matéria natural de alimento concentrado/vaca/dia, no momento da ordenha, duas vezes ao dia. O delineamento utilizado foi o de blocos ao acaso, sendo oito blocos com três vacas em cada um, cada vaca sendo alimentada com um dos três tratamentos. O consumo de fibra em detergente neutro da gramínea foi de 1,1, 1,0 e 1,2%/peso vivo naquelas vacas suplementadas com 4, 6 e 8kg/vaca/dia, respectivamente, sendo o tratamento com a maior quantidade de suplemento diferente dos demais (P<0,05). O aumento na quantidade da suplementação concentrada também aumentou (P<0,05) o consumo total de matéria seca do alimento volumoso para o maior nível de suplementação, sendo 1,8, 1,8 e 2,0%/peso vivo para 4, 6 e 8kg concentrado/vaca/dia, respectivamente. Concluiu-se que a oferta de quantidades crescentes de alimento concentrado para vacas lactantes em regime de pastejo aumentou o consumo voluntário de matéria seca total e da fibra em detergente neutro do alimento volumoso pastejado.

The intakes of dry matter and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) by crossbred lactating cows were estimated under Brachiaria grazing. Twenty-four cows were allotted in three treatments in order to receive 4, 6, or 8kg of concentrate twice a day, during the milking. The experiment was designed in randomized blocks, being eight blocks with three cows in each. The intake of NDF was 1.1, 1.0, and 1.2 of live weight for cows fed 4, 6, and 8kg of concentrate per day, respectively. The 8kg concentrate treatment produced different results (P<0.05) from the others. The increase of concentrate supply also increased (P<0.05) the total consumption of pasture dry matter, which were 1.8, 1.8, and 2.0% of live weight for cows supplemented with 4, 6, and 8kg of concentrate per day, respectively. It was concluded that high level of concentrate offered to lactating cows under tropical grazing induced a greater intake of total pasture dry matter and NDF, regarding the live weight.

The echocardiography can provide important and relevant information and the critically ill patient presents a challenge for the echocardiographer: from limitations in image acquisition to interpretation in the context of rapid physiological and intervention changes. The most frequent reason for requesting an echocardiogram in the ICU is probably to assess left ventricular function. In any case, information of direct relevance for clinical management can in relationship to abnormalities of structure and function can be obtained and used to estimate pulmonary arterial and venous pressures. It can help to investigate the consequences of myocardial ischemia, valvular dysfunction and pericardial disease and detect changes characteristic of specific conditions (e.g. sepsis, pulmonary thromboembolism), although this must be interpreted in the context of each individual patient. The echocardiography also can be used to monitor the therapeutic interventions. The applications of echocardiography in the critical care setting are reviewed, with special emphasis on the assessment of cardiac physiology.

La ecocardiografía puede proporcionar una importante y relevante información, y el paciente crítico supone un desafío para el ecocardiografista: desde limitaciones en la adquisición de la imagen, a la interpretación en el contexto de rápidos cambios fisiológicos e intervenciones. Probablemente la razón más frecuente para solicitar un ecocardiograma en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) es el estudio de la función ventricular izquierda. De cualquier modo, puede obtenerse información de relevancia directa para el manejo clínico relacionada con anormalidades de la estructura y función, y puede usarse para estimar presiones arteriales y venosas pulmonares. Puede facilitar la investigación de isquemia miocárdica, disfunción valvular y patología pericárdica, y pueden detectarse cambios característicos de condiciones específicas (por ejemplo: sepsis y tromboembolismo pulmonar), aunque esto debe interpretarse en el contexto de cada paciente. La ecocardiografía puede también usarse para monitorizar la terapéutica. Las aplicaciones de la ecocardiografía en la UCI se revisan en este artículo, haciendo especial énfasis en la fisiología cardíaca.

Clinical stage (CS) is an established indicator of breast cancer outcome. In the present study, a cDNA microarray platform containing 692 genes was used to identify molecular differences between CSII and CSIII disease. Tumor samples were collected from patients with CSII or CSIII breast cancer, and normal breast tissue was collected from women without invasive cancer. Seventy-eight genes were deregulated in CSIII tumors and 22 in CSII tumors when compared to normal tissue, and 20 of them were differentially expressed in both CSII and CSIII tumors. In addition, 58 genes were specifically altered in CSIII and expression of 6 of them was tested by real time RT-PCR in another cohort of patients with CSII or CSIII breast cancer and in women without cancer. Among these genes, MAX, KRT15 and S100A14, but not APOBEC3G or KRT19, were differentially expressed on both CSIII and CSII tumors as compared to normal tissue. Increased HMOX1 levels were detected only in CSIII tumors and may represent a molecular marker of this stage. A clear difference in gene expression pattern occurs at the normal-to-cancer transition; however, most of the differentially expressed genes are deregulated in tumors of both CS (II and III) compared to normal breast tissue.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) was demonstrated to be a useful and sensitive structural spectroscopic tool for the characterization of different types of supramolecular architectures, ideally suited for trace analysis. SERS spectra allowed to distinguish cell membrane components of the biomining bacterium Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and their physical and chemical variations caused by different growth media. Several SERS spectral modifications were arguments to propose different structures for two isolated model blue cooper proteins, i.e., hemocyanins belonging to mollusc Concholepas concholepas (CCH) and Megathura crenulata (KLH). The complex structure of a humic acid was demonstrated to be highly sensitive to the pH of the medium; a globular conformation predominated at lower pH, while a decurled structure was observed at higher pH. Finally, the SERS technique using different excitation laser lines allowed to characterizing a carbon nanotube as a single-walled species, with metallic electronic characteristics; these species coexisted with different diameters