The study of the interaction of synthetic protoporphyrin IX (PpIXs) and protoporphyrin IX extracted from Harderian glands of ssp Rattus novergicus albinus rats (PpIXe) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was conducted in water at pH 7.3 and pH 4.5 by optical absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies. PpIXs is present as H- and J-aggregates in equilibrium with themselves and with monomers. The PpIXs charge is 2− at pH 7.3 and 1− at pH 4.5. This increases its aggregation at pH 4.5 and shifts the equilibrium in favor of J-aggregates. In spite of electrostatic attraction at pH 4.5, where BSA is positive, the binding constant (Kb) of PpIXs to BSA is 20% less than that at pH 7.3, where BSA is negative. This occurs because higher aggregation of PpIXs at pH 4.5 reduces the observed Kb value. At both pHs, water-soluble PpIXe exists in the monomeric form with the charge of 1− and its Kb exceeds that of PpIXs. At pH 4.5, its Kb is 12 times higher than that at pH 7.3 due to electrostatic attraction between the positively charged BSA and the negatively charged PpIXe. The higher probability of PpIXe binding to BSA makes PpIXe more promising as a fluorescence probe for fluorescence diagnostics and as a photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy. The existence of PpIXe in the monomeric form can explain its faster cell internalization. Aggregation reduces quantum yields and lifetimes of the PpIXs excited states, which explains higher phototoxicity of PpIXe toward malignant cells compared with PpIXs.

A família de distribuições univariadas gama-generalizada proposta por Zografos e Balakrishnan [3] foi discutida por Nadarajah et al. [7] que deram um amplo tratamento matemático a esta classe. Neste artigo, estudamos o modelo Gama Weibull Poisson, que tem como casos especiais, várias distribuições discutidas na literatura. Deduzimos uma expressão explícita para a entropia de Rényi, e mostramos que a densidade da distribuição Gama Weibull Poisson é uma mistura de densidades da distribuição Weibull Poisson. Estudamos algumas propriedades matemáticas importantes como momentos, função geratriz de momentos e função quantílica.

In this paper, we study the gamma Weibull Poisson distribution that has many special cases of distributions discussed in the literature. We study some important mathematical properties such as moments, moment generating and quantile functions. We obtain an explicit expression for Rényi entropy. Further, we write the probability density function of the GWP distribution as a linear combination of WP density functions.

Descreveu-se a anatomia topográfica, obtida por videolaparoscopia, da cavidade abdominal de 21 equinos hígidos, em estação, distribuídos em três grupos conforme massa corpórea. No grupo A foram incluídos animais com até 250kg; no grupo B, animais entre 251 e 350kg; e no grupo C, animais acima de 351kg. A técnica cirúrgica realizada foi a laparoscopia com acesso pelas fossas paralombares esquerda e direita, utilizando a introdução videoassistida da cânula, iniciando sempre pelo flanco esquerdo. O acesso esquerdo permitiu a observação do diafragma, estômago, lobo hepático esquerdo, baço, área renal, intestino delgado, cólon menor, bexiga, órgãos reprodutivos internos do macho e da fêmea e reto. No acesso paralombar direito, foram observados diafragma, lobo hepático direito, área renal, cólon dorsal, duodeno, ceco, intestino delgado, cólon menor, bexiga, órgãos reprodutivos internos do macho e da fêmea e reto. O procedimento videolaparoscópico para estudo da anatomia abdominal de equinos é viável, não sendo observadas limitações decorrentes do tamanho do animal.

The present study aimed to perform an anatomic description of the abdominal cavity of equines in standing position. Twenty-one healthy equines were allotted into three groups according to their corporal mass. Animals weighing up to 250kg were included in group A, 251 to 350kg in group B and over than 351kg in group C. Laparoscopy was the surgical technique performed, with access through the left and right paralumbar fossas using a video-assisted introduction of cannula, starting from the left flank. This first access allowed the observation of the diaphragm, stomach, left hepatic lobe, spleen, renal area, small intestine, descending colon, bladder, rectum and internal reproductive organs of the male and female. During the right access were observed: diaphragm, right hepatic lobe, renal area, dorsal colon, duodenum, cecum, small intestine, descending colon, bladder, rectum and internal reproductive organs of the male and female. The video-laparoscopic for the study of the abdominal anatomy of equines is feasible, and no limitations due to animal size have been observed.

Foram avaliados os efeitos de duas fontes de gordura, Lac100® (Yakult), fonte de ácido graxo ômega-6, e linhaça em grão (Linum usitatissimum) (LIN), fonte de ácido graxo ômega-3, sobre a digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca (DMS), proteína bruta (DPB), fibra em detergente neutro (DFDN), fibra em detergente ácido (DFDA) e extrato etéreo (DEE), e concentrações sanguíneas de HDL, LDL, VLDL, colesterol, triglicerídeos, glicose, cálcio, fósforo, N-ureico e progesterona. Foram utilizadas 10 vacas da raça Holandesa em lactação, distribuídas nos dois tratamentos, em um delineamento estatístico inteiramente casualizado. Os animais alimentados com Lac100® apresentaram maiores valores de DFDN (57,44% vs. 50,80%) e DEE (77,70% vs. 72,18%) quando comparados aos alimentados com LIN. Os animais alimentados com Lac100® apresentaram maiores concentrações de LDL (111,00 vs. 45,46mg/dL), HDL (82,27 vs. 64,93mg/dL) e colesterol total (203,60 vs. 116,13mg/dL) e menor concentração de N-ureico (13,22 vs. 15,19mg/dL) em relação aos animais alimentados com linhaça em grão. As concentrações sanguíneas de glicose, cálcio, fósforo e progesterona não foram alteradas. Os resultados sugerem que a fonte de gordura na dieta modifica a DFDN e a DEE e, as concentrações sanguíneas de LDL, HDL e colesterol total em vacas em lactação.

The effect of two sources of fat, calcium salts of soybean oil, Lac100® (Yakult), a source of omega-6 fatty acids or whole flaxseed (Linum usitatissiumum), a source of omega-3 fatty acids were evaluated to determine the apparent digestibility of dry matter (DDM), crude protein (DCP), neutral detergent fiber (DNDF), acid detergent fiber (DADF), and ether extract (DEE); and blood concentrations of HDL, LDL, VLDL, cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, calcium, phosphorus, N-urea, and progesterone. Ten lactating Holstein cows were allocated in two treatments and a completely randomized design was used. Cows fed Lac100® had higher values of DNDF (57.44% vs. 50.80%) and DEE (77.70% vs. 72.18%) compared to those fed flaxseed. Cows fed Lac100® had higher blood concentrations of LDL (111.00 vs. 45.46mg/dL), HDL (82.27 vs. 64.93mg/dL), and total cholesterol (203.60 vs. 116.13mg/dL) and lower N-urea (13.22 vs. 15.19mg/dL) compared to those fed flaxseed. Blood concentrations of glucose, calcium, phosphorus, and progesterone were similar between the treatments. These results suggest that dietary fat modifies DNDF and DEE and blood concentrations of LDL, HDL, VLDL, and total cholesterol in lactating dairy cows.

OBJETIVO: Comparar o valor preditivo do CRIB (Clinical Risk Index for Babies) para o risco de mortalidade neonatal ao peso de nascimento (PN) e idade gestacional (IG). MÉTODO: Numa coorte prospectiva foram estudados, durante o ano de 1996, 71 recém-nascidos admitidos na unidade de terapia intensiva, com PN < 1.500 g e/ou IG < 31 semanas. RESULTADOS: A taxa de mortalidade foi de 29,6%; para PN < 1.000 g ou IG < 29 semanas foi de 60%, enquanto que para o escore de CRIB > 10 foi de 100%. CONCLUSÕES: O escore de CRIB > 10 correspondeu a maiores especificidade e valor preditivo positivo em relação aos demais parâmetros. A área determinada pela "receiver operating characteristic" relativa ao CRIB também foi superior. O CRIB mostrou-se um marcador mais acurado na previsão de risco de mortalidade quando comparado ao PN ou IG isoladamente.

OBJECTIVE: Several indicators, mainly birthweight and gestational age, have been used to predict the mortality risk in neonatal intensive care units. In order to assess the potential value of CRIB in predicting neonatal mortality, the score was used over the first 12 hours of life of the newborns admitted to this unit, during the year of 1996. METHOD: The inclusion criteria consisted of all infants without inevitably lethal congenital malformations, birthweight below 1,500g and/or gestational age less than 31 weeks. Newborn children who died within 12 hours after delivery were excluded. The CRIB score covers birth weight, gestational age, the presence of congenital malformations (not inevitably lethal ) and three indexes of physiological status during first 12 hours after birth - maximum and minimum appropriate fraction of inspired oxygen and maximum (most acidotic) base excess. RESULTS: In a prospective cohort, seventy one newborn children were studied. The birthweight (average) was 1,119 ± 275.6 g, gestational age 30 weeks 4/7 ±2 weeks 3/7; male (57%); Apgar 1° min. score <=3 ( 36.2%) and Apgar 5° min. score < 5 (5.8%). The mortality rate was 29.6% (gold standard). But mortality rate by birthweight less than 1,000 gr. or gestational age lower than 29 weeks was 60.0% and for the CRIB score above 10 was 100%. DISCUSSION: The specificity and predictive positive values for CRIB score above 10 were greater than any other two parameters. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for predicting death was significantly greater for CRIB than for birthweight alone. It was concluded that the CRIB score is a better predictive indicator for mortality than are birthweight and gestational age.

OBJETIVO: Comparar o valor preditivo do CRIB (Clinical Risk Index for Babies) para o risco de mortalidade neonatal ao peso de nascimento (PN) e idade gestacional (IG). MÉTODO: Numa coorte prospectiva foram estudados, durante o ano de 1996, 71 recém-nascidos admitidos na unidade de terapia intensiva, com PN < 1.500 g e/ou IG < 31 semanas. RESULTADOS: A taxa de mortalidade foi de 29,6%; para PN < 1.000 g ou IG < 29 semanas foi de 60%, enquanto que para o escore de CRIB > 10 foi de 100%. CONCLUSÕES: O escore de CRIB > 10 correspondeu a maiores especificidade e valor preditivo positivo em relação aos demais parâmetros. A área determinada pela "receiver operating characteristic" relativa ao CRIB também foi superior. O CRIB mostrou-se um marcador mais acurado na previsão de risco de mortalidade quando comparado ao PN ou IG isoladamente.

OBJECTIVE: Several indicators, mainly birthweight and gestational age, have been used to predict the mortality risk in neonatal intensive care units. In order to assess the potential value of CRIB in predicting neonatal mortality, the score was used over the first 12 hours of life of the newborns admitted to this unit, during the year of 1996. METHOD: The inclusion criteria consisted of all infants without inevitably lethal congenital malformations, birthweight below 1,500g and/or gestational age less than 31 weeks. Newborn children who died within 12 hours after delivery were excluded. The CRIB score covers birth weight, gestational age, the presence of congenital malformations (not inevitably lethal ) and three indexes of physiological status during first 12 hours after birth - maximum and minimum appropriate fraction of inspired oxygen and maximum (most acidotic) base excess. RESULTS: In a prospective cohort, seventy one newborn children were studied. The birthweight (average) was 1,119 ± 275.6 g, gestational age 30 weeks 4/7 ±2 weeks 3/7; male (57%); Apgar 1° min. score <=3 ( 36.2%) and Apgar 5° min. score < 5 (5.8%). The mortality rate was 29.6% (gold standard). But mortality rate by birthweight less than 1,000 gr. or gestational age lower than 29 weeks was 60.0% and for the CRIB score above 10 was 100%. DISCUSSION: The specificity and predictive positive values for CRIB score above 10 were greater than any other two parameters. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for predicting death was significantly greater for CRIB than for birthweight alone. It was concluded that the CRIB score is a better predictive indicator for mortality than are birthweight and gestational age.

The indirect immunoperoxidase and immunofluorescence methods were standardized for the detection of Aujeszky's disease virus in Vero cell cultures, using as a model the RC/79 strain virus." There was a strong correlation in the results obtained by both methods. The results proved to be highly specific for the identification of the virus and allowed a precise localization of the viral antigen in infected cells. The presence of syncytia with a strong reaction in the nuclear region 16 hours p.i. indicated that RC/79 strain is strongly virulent. This conclusion was supported by the results obtained from experimental rabbit infection. The animals were inoculated with different doses of the virus (102-105 PFU). In all the cases the mortality rate was 100%, even when animals received minor doses of the virus, indicating no dose response. The mean death time was 62 and 120 hours p.i. for the different doses used. Between 6 and 24 hours prior to death, all rabbits presented an exudative lesion in the inoculation area and extensive pruritus. The methods employed were useful as virulence markers of the RC/79 strain virus and on the other hand, they constitute essential tools in the diagnosis of Aujeszky's disease virus

En nuestro laboratorio hemos estandarizado los métodos de inmunoperoxidasa e inmunofluores-cencia indirecta para la detección del virus de la enfermedad de Aujeszky en cultivos de células Vero, utilizando como modelo la cepa viral RC/79. Hubo una fuerte correlación entre los resultados logrados por ambas técnicas, las que evidenciaron ser altamente específicas para la identificación del virus y permitieron una precisa localización de los antígenos virales en las células infectadas. La aparición de células multinucleadas o sincitios con marcada reacción en la región nuclear a las 16 horas p.i. indicó que la cepa RC/79 es fuertemente virulenta. Esta aseveración fue corroborada por los ensayos de infección experimental en conejos. El carácter virulento de la cepa se evidenció por un intenso prurito en la zona de inoculación, con la aparición de una lesión rezumante serosanguinolenta entre las 6 y 24 horas previas a la muerte. La misma aconteció en tiempo promedio, a las 62 y 120 horas p.i., dependiendo de la dosis viral inyectada. En todos los casos la tasa de mortalidad fue del 100%, aun trabajando con cantidades menores de virus (102 UFP), indicando ausencia de dosis-respuesta. Los métodos empleados fueron útiles como marcadores de virulencia para la cepa RC/79 y se constituyen en herramientas indispensables para el diagnóstico de la enfermedad de Aujeszky, disponibles en nuestro laboratorio y posibles de contemplar por las autoridades nacionales cuando establezcan un plan sanitario para esta patología.