Evaluation of Nitric Oxide Production by Leishmania Infantum-infected Dog Macrophages

Protozoa of the genus Leishmania (L.) infect reticuloendothelial cells of several mammalian species, including dogs, in which they often give rise to a chronic, not self-healing visceral disease Since the parasitocidal mechanism of macrophages towards Leishmania in dog has not yet been well investigated, in this work we have evaluated in Leishmania infantum-infected macrophage cultures from 10 healthy dogs, killing capacity and nitric oxide (NO) production, in terms of nitrite (NO₂^-) levels. Parallel experiments were performed on macrophages stimulated with both Concanavalin A (ConA)-activated PBMC supematants and Salmonella typhimurium lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and in the same conditions, but in the presence of the NO synthase inhibitor L-N monomethylarginine (L-NMMA). In L. infantum-infected macrophages, nitric oxide production was observed at a concentration significantly higher after stimulation with both Con A-activated PBMC supematants and LPS than that observed in uninfected cells cultured in medium alone, or infected cells unstimulated or stimulated by PBMC supematants or LPS alone, respectively. Moreover, NO production was abolished in the presence of the NO synthase inhibitor L-NMMA. Finally, killing of Leishmania by macrophages was significantly reduced in the presence of L-NMMA.     

Translumbar catheter redirection using a tip-deflector technique

A new technique is described for reversing the direction of the catheter tip during translumbar aortography, without the need for partial withdrawal of the catheter from the aortic lumen. The method ensures optimal delivery of contrast medium at the desired level, while avoiding the risk of retroperitoneal bleeding or dislodgement during catheter manipulation.     

Diagnostic value of a psychological test in cases of suspected child abuse

The use of the Bene-Anthony Family Relations Test is described and illustrated by three examples of child abuse. This test should be considered in the investigation of definite or suspected cases of abuse and as part of the preparation of court evidence.     

Meanings and factors that influence nursing research at the Walter Cantídio University Hospital

This study analyzed the meanings and factors that may interfere in Nursing research in the point of view of assistant nurses working in a public University Hospital in the city of Fortaleza, State of Ceará. A quantitative-qualitative survey was carried out with 22 nurses between March 4 and April 30, 2005. The findings pointed out that nurses value the importance of research for enriching their profession. However, although research produces knowledge and solves problems that occur in their daily activities, it demands heavy investment from professionals who are overburdened with work in an environment lacking human, physical and material conditions and often have inadequate academic formation, which points out to the need for improving research skills in Nursing courses. In conclusion, nurses consider research rewarding professionally and for self-development, but it depends exclusively on the individuals' effort and thus become a painstaking, unmotivating activity that requires an organizational policy to be enhanced.     

Boar sperm quality after supplementation of diets with omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids extracted from microalgae

This study evaluated effects of diet supplementation with omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) from microalgae on boar sperm quality. Two groups of boars (n = 3 each) were fed during 75 days either a commercial diet (control), or the same diet supplemented with omega‐3 PUFA from the heterotrophic microalgae Schizochytrium sp. (120 g/kg). Sixteen ejaculates were collected per boar. Some sperm kinetics parameters were inferior for supplemented than for control boars (p < .05): distance average path; distance in both curved and straight line; velocity average path, velocity in both curved and straight line; and amplitude of lateral head displacement. Spermatozoa from supplemented boars presented lower mitochondrial functionality, but greater membrane fluidity compared to the control group (p < .01). Membrane and acrosome integrity, production of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation did not differ (p > .05). Serum cholesterol levels were greater (p < .05) for supplemented than for control boars at the 30th and 60th d of supplementation, but levels of triglycerides and IGF‐1 did not differ (p > .05). Compared to the control, spermatozoa of supplemented boars were slower, travelled shorter distances and presented impaired energy metabolism, but their greater membrane fluidity may potentially favour their cryopreservation.