Suplementação com óleos ricos em ácidos graxos poli-insaturados na dieta de leitões na fase de creche: efeitos no desempenho, na resposta inflamatória, no perfil lipídico e no "status" oxidativo / Supplementation with oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet of pigs in the nursery phase: effects on performance, inflammatory response, lipid profile and oxidative "status"

Nos sistemas de produção, os produtos naturais vêm se destacando na substituição a produtos sintéticos, dentre eles podemos ressaltar os óleos vegetais ricos em ácido graxos poli-insaturados (PUFA), que são conhecidos, popularmente, por seus efeitos benéficos. Dessa forma, o objetivo com este trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da suplementação dos óleos de pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) e girassol (Helianthus annus) sobre parâmetros fisiológicos em leitões na fase de creche. Foram utilizados 180 leitões alojados em granja comercial, distribuídos em três grupos (n=60) conforme suplementação alimentar: óleo de pequi, óleo de girassol e controle negativo. Amostras de sangue e o peso dos animais foram obtidos nos intervalos de quatro trocas de rações da fase de creche para avaliação do desempenho, da resposta inflamatória, do perfil lipídico e do "status" oxidativo. Os parâmetros fisiológicos mensurados demonstraram que os óleos interferiram positivamente na resposta inflamatória sistêmica, por meio dos leucócitos totais e da relação neutrófilo/linfócito (P<0,05); no equilíbrio oxidante-antioxidante, por mensuração de óxido nítrico e do malondialdeído (P<0,05); e no metabolismo lipídico, com a avaliação de colesterol total e triglicérides (P<0,05). Por outro lado, esses óleos vegetais interferiram no ganho de peso e no consumo de ração (P<0,05). Assim, concluí-se que a suplementação com óleos de pequi e girassol melhora a saúde dos animais, mas tem impacto negativo no desempenho zootécnico de leitões na fase de creche.(AU)

In production systems, natural products have been outstanding in replacing synthetic products, among them, we can highlight the vegetable oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) that are popularly known for their beneficial effects. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) and sunflower (Helianthus annus) oil supplementation on nursery physiological parameters. We used 180 piglets housed in a commercial farm, distributed in 3 groups (n=60) according to food supplementation: pequi oil, sunflower oil and negative control. Blood samples and animal weight were obtained at intervals of four nursery phase rations to evaluate performance, inflammatory response, lipid profile and oxidative status. The physiological parameters measured showed that the oils positively interfered in the systemic inflammatory response through total leukocytes and neutrophil / lymphocyte ratio (P<0.05), in the oxidant-antioxidant balance by measuring nitric oxide and malondialdehyde (P<0.05). and lipid metabolism with the assessment of total cholesterol and triglycerides (P<0.05). On the other hand, these vegetable oils interfered with weight gain and feed intake (P<0.05). Thus, it can be concluded that supplementation with pequi and sunflower oils improves animal health, but has a negative impact on the piglet's performance in the nursery phase.(AU)

Avaliação do estresse e do desempenho de suínos na fase de creche, empregando-se técnicas de enriquecimento ambiental / Evaluation of stress and performance of pigs during the nursery phase, using environmental enrichment techniques

O enriquecimento ambiental é uma ferramenta importante dentro dos sistemas de produção, a fim de promover o bem-estar e favorecer a saúde dos animais. Portanto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do enriquecimento ambiental sobre o estresse de suínos na fase de creche. Foram utilizados 32 leitões, alojados em granja experimental, distribuídos em quatro grupos (n= 8): corda, corrente, garrafa PET e controle negativo. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas no início e no final do experimento para contagem de leucócitos circulantes e determinação de antioxidantes não enzimáticos, óxido nítrico, malondialdeído, e de saliva para avaliação do cortisol. Foi aplicado etograma e fez-a ganho médio de peso diário e a conversão alimentar. Os parâmetros avaliados no primeiro dia do experimento não variaram entre os grupos (P>0,05). No último dia do experimento, os valores de neutrófilos e da relação neutrófilo/linfócito foram mais elevados nos leitões do grupo corrente, assim como os valores de cortisol salivar (P<0,05). O ácido úrico apresentou-se mais elevado nos leitões do grupo corrente e o malondialdeído (MDA) nos do grupo garrafa (P< 0,05). Os enriquecimentos ambientais estimularam comportamentos positivos nos leitões, tendo a corda se destacado como o mais atrativo. Por outro lado, a corrente apresentou efeito negativo sobre a fisiologia dos animais, gerando estresse, assim como a garrafa, que induziu a peroxidação lipídica e um menor ganho de peso nos leitões.(AU)

Environmental enrichment is an important tool within production systems to promote welfare and animal health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of enrichment objects on stress of piglets in nursery phase. 32 piglets housed in experimental farm were distributed in 4 groups (n= 8): rope, chain, pet bottle and negative control. Blood samples were collected at the beginning and end of the experiment to count circulating leukocytes and determine non-enzymatic antioxidants, nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, and saliva to evaluate cortisol. At the same time, an etogram and evaluation of mean daily gain and feed conversion were applied. The evaluated parameters on first day of the experiment did not vary between groups (P> 0.05). On the last day, neutrophil and neutrophil /lymphocyte ratios were higher in chain group piglets, as were salivary cortisol values (P< 0.05). Uric acid was higher in chain group and MDA in bottle group (P< 0.05). Environmental enrichment stimulated positive behaviors in piglets, where the rope stood out as the most attractive. On the other hand, chain had a negative effect on animal physiology, generating stress, as well as the bottle that induced lipid peroxidation and a lower weight gain in piglets.(AU)

Allergic sensitization to common pets (cats/dogs) according to different possible modalities of exposure: an Italian Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: The query "are there animals at home?" is usually administered for collecting information on anamnesis. This modality to consider exposure to pet allergens constitutes a potential bias in epidemiological studies and in clinical practice. The aim of our study was to evaluate/quantify different modalities of exposure to cat/dog in inducing allergic sensitization. METHODS: Thirty Italian Allergy units participated in this study. Each centre was required to collect the data of at least 20 consecutive outpatients sensitized to cat/dog allergens. A standardized form reported all demographic data and a particular attention was paid in relieving possible modalities of exposure to cat/dog. RESULTS: A total 723 patients sensitized to cat/dog were recorded, 359 (49.65%) reported direct pet contact, 213 patients (29.46%) were pet owners, and 146 subjects (20.19%) were exposed to pets in other settings. Other patients were sensitized by previous pet ownership (150-20.75%) or indirect contact (103-14.25%), in 111 subjects (15.35%) any contact was reported. CONCLUSIONS: Only 213 patients (29.46%) would be classified as "exposed to animals" and 510 (70.54%) as "not exposed" according to usual query. Our classification has shown that many "not-exposed" subjects (399-55.19%) were "really exposed". The magnitude of exposure to pet allergens at home is not related exclusively to pet ownership. These considerations should be taken into account during the planning of epidemiological studies and in clinical practice for the management of pet allergic individuals.

Allergy in urban elderly population living in Campania region (Southern Italy). A multicenter study.

Given the increasing life expectancy observed in Western countries, there is a marked interest to know more about how aging could influence respiratory health. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence, clinical characteristics and age of onset of allergic sensitization and clinical symptoms in a sample of atopic elders living in Campania region area (Southern Italy). Fourteen Allergy units or Centres examined a total of 462 patients. In this context 215 (46.53%) had positive skin prick tests (SPTs) to at least one allergen and were diagnosed with respiratory allergy. Parietaria represents the most common sensitizing agent in elders living in Campania region, followed by dust mites, grass pollen and Olea europaea. A relatively high percentage of atopic subjects suffered from respiratory symptoms at a fairly advanced age, namely 8.3% at 60-64 years, 10.2% at 65-70 and 5.7% at > 70 years. In conclusion, the prevalence and clinical significance of airway allergic sensitization in the elderly living in Campania region is more significant than expected in latter stages of life. Physicians should not neglect the role of atopy as a risk factor for the onset of allergic respiratory symptoms even in elderly patients.

Sensitization to Common and Uncommon Pets or Other Furry Animals: Which May Be Common Mechanisms?

Exposure to animal allergens constitutes a relevant risk factor for the development of allergic sensitization. Moreover, an increasing number of people become owners of less common animals. In this article we summarize aspects related to sensitization to cat/dog which may be applied also to uncommon pets or other furry animals. The data discussed here suggest that several different factors may induce allergic sensitization to furry animals with or without previous contact. Allergic sensitization without animal exposure is a relevant risk for patients because they are not aware about the possibility that even severe respiratory symptoms may develop after an occasional animal contact. This aspect should be taken into account by susceptible individuals before acquiring pets or beginning a contact for working/leisure activity with a common as well as uncommon animal. As a consequence, skin prick test and/or evaluation of specific IgE antibodies (by classic ImmunoCAP or micro-array technique ImmunoCAP ISAC) also to less common ("new") mammalian allergens could be recommended in individuals already sensitized to common pets to identify the occurrence of allergic sensitization and consequently to avoid future exposures to uncommon animal allergens.

[Chronicity and primary care: the role of prison health]. / Cronicidad y atención primaria: rol de la sanidad penitenciaria.

The Prison Primary Health Care Teams in Catalonia have been integrated into the Catalan Health Institute. This integration shall facilitate¹ training and updating, while eliminating the existing differences between the health services belonging to prison institutions and those of the Catalan Health Service. It shall enable team work and coordination between Primary Health Care Teams in the community and the PHCTs in prisons within the same geographical area by sharing ongoing training, multi-sector work teams and territory-based relations, thereby facilitating continuance in care and complete and integrated treatment of chronicity. The existing information systems in Primary Health Care and the shared clinical history in Catalonia are key factors for this follow up process. Support tools for clinical decision making shall also be shared, which shall contribute towards an increase in quality and clinical safety. These tools include electronic clinical practice guides, therapeutic guides, prescription alert systems, etc. This shall be an opportunity for Prison Health Care Teams to engage in teaching and research, which in turn shall have an indirect effect on improvements in health care quality and the training of professionals in this sector. The critical factor for success is the fact that a unique chronicity health care model shall be shared, where measures for health promotion prevention can be taken, along with multi-sector monitoring of pathologies and with health care information shared between professionals and levels throughout the patient's life, both in and out of the prison environment.

Current concepts on diagnosis and treatment of mastocytosis.

Mastocytosis is a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by a clonal proliferation and accumulation of mast cells in one or more organ, primarily in the skin and bone marrow. The clinical spectrum of the disease varies from relatively benign forms with isolated skin lesions to very aggressive variants with extensive systemic involvement and poor prognosis. The growth and proliferation of clonal mast cells is caused by an activating mutation of the tyrosine kinase receptor Kit for Stem Cell Factor, the main growth factor for mast cells. Clinical symptoms are related to mast-cell mediator release, to the tissue mast cell infiltration or both. The degree of infiltration and cell activation determines the highly variable clinical and morphological features. Current treatment of mastocytosis includes symptomatic, antimediator drugs and cytoreductive targeted therapies.

Fitoterápicos na odontologia: estudo etnobotânico na cidade de Manaus / Phytotherapics in Odontology: ethnobotanical study in Manaus

O reconhecimento oficial da fitoterapia na odontologia no Brasil veio acompanhado de diversas lacunas na pesquisa científica e na utilização de plantas medicinais, especificamente para espécies vegetais com aplicação nas doenças da cavidade oral. O estado do Amazonas, especificamente a cidade de Manaus, não possui um diagnóstico da aplicabilidade de plantas medicinais nos serviços de atenção Odontológica. Esse estudo propôs realizar um estudo do tipo quali-quantitativo, descritivo e exploratório visando o levantamento da comercialização de plantas medicinais e o estudo etnobotânico para identificação das principais plantas medicinais indicadas e utilizadas nas patologias orais nos atendimentos odontológicos ambulatoriais na cidade de Manaus. Foram entrevistados 197 usuários do serviço odontológico, 150 Cirurgiões-Dentistas, e 47 comerciantes credenciados na prefeitura Municipal de Manaus. A amostragem foi realizada por acessibilidade ou conveniência para os Cirurgiões-Dentistas, enquanto os usuários foram selecionados através de amostragem aleatória simples, e os comerciantes de plantas medicinais foram entrevistados em sua totalidade. Os resultados demonstraram a existência de comercialização de plantas medicinais para patologias orais, destacando-se as seguintes espécies: Pedra ume cãa (Aulomyrcia sphareocarpa), Crajiru (Arrabidae chica), além da planta, sem identificação botânica, conhecida popularmente como Sara tudo. Entre os Cirurgiões-Dentistas e entre os pacientes, apenas 8% e 7,61%, respectivamente, utilizaram plantas medicinais para alterações patológicas orais. Os autores concluíram que as plantas medicinais comercializadas na cidade de Manaus são utilizadas de maneira empírica e que, apesar da Política Nacional de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares (PNPIC), novas políticas públicas de saúde devem inserir plantas medicinais e fitoterápicos de uso oral na rede pública de saúde na cidade de Manaus.

The official recognition of herbal medicine in dentistry in Brazil was accompanied by several gaps in scientific research and the use of medicinal plants, specifically for plant species applied to diseases of the oral cavity. The state of Amazonas, specifically the city of Manaus, does not have a diagnosis of applicability of medicinal plants in Dental care services. This research intended to conduct a qualitative and quantitative-type, descriptive and exploratory study in order to conduct a survey on the commercialization of medicinal plants and an ethnobotanical study to identify the main medicinal plants indicated and used in oral pathologies in outpatient dental care in the city of Manaus. We interviewed 197 users of dental services, 150 dentists, and 47 accredited traders in the Municipality of Manaus. The sampling was performed by accessibility or convenience for surgeon-dentists, while users were selected through simple random sampling, and all traders of medicinal plants were interviewed. The results demonstrated that medicinal plants for oral diseases are commercialized, among which the following species are highlighted: Pedra ume Caa (Aulomyrcia sphareocarpa), Crajiru (Arrabidaea chica), in addition to an unidentified botanical plant popularly known as Sara Tudo. 8% of dentists and 7.61% of patients used medicinal plants for oral pathological changes. The authors concluded that medicinal plants commercialized in the city of Manaus are used empirically, and that, despite the rules from the National Policy on Integrative and Complementary Practices (PNPIC), new public health policies must add medicinal plants and herbal medicines for oral use to the public health system of the city of Manaus.

Spontaneous isolated dural arteriovenous fistula of the cavernous sinus: endovascular approach via the foramen ovale. A technical note.

The endovascular treatment of spontaneous dural cavernous sinus fistula (DAVF) can be accomplished by arterial approach, just with symptoms relief, or by numerous venous approaches through the inferior petrosal sinus, ophthalmic vein, anterior or posterior intercavernous sinus and facial vein. Our case suggests the approach to the cavernous sinus via the foramen ovale and emissary veins puncture as an alternative when there is no possibility of venous approach conventionally described. A 76-year-old woman presented with right conjunctival hyperemia, exophthalmos, intraocular pressure increasing and visual deficits in a period of six months. Angiographic diagnosis of spontaneous DAVF isolated from the cavernous sinus, Barrow Type C, with exclusive venous drainage through the superior ophthalmic vein. Endovascular treatment was performed under general anesthesia. Attempts to approach the cavernous sinus through the inferior petrosal sinus ipsilateral and contralateral intercavernous, facial vein and pterygoid plexus, as well as by dissection and direct puncture of the superior ophthalmic vein were not possible. An approach to the cavernous sinus was performed by puncturing the foramen ovale, catheterization of the emissary vein of the foramen ovale with occlusion of the fistula with microcoils. There was a symptomatic regression with gradual normalization of intraocular pressure, exophthalmos and conjunctival hyperemia in three months. The approach to the cavernous sinus through the foramen ovale and catheterization of the emissary cranial skull base vein is an exception and should be considered in cases of spontaneous and isolated DAVF not accessible by a conventional approach.

Rosuvastatin displays anti-atherothrombotic and anti-inflammatory properties in apoE-deficient mice.

Inflammation contributes importantly to all stages of atherosclerosis, including the onset of acute thrombotic complications. In clinical trials, statins are beneficial in the primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease. Moreover, statins have been shown to possess several pleiotropic properties independent of cholesterol lowering in experimental settings. Based on these premises, we investigated the anti-inflammatory and anti-atherothrombotic properties of rosuvastatin in vivo, testing its effect on cholesterol and monocyte accumulation, and on adhesion molecules and tissue factor (TF) expression. ApoE-deficient female mice were fed a cholesterol-rich diet containing rosuvastatin (0, 1, 2 or 10 mg kg(-1)d(-1)) for 12 weeks. Treatment with rosuvastatin did not significantly affect either body weight gain or plasma total cholesterol (C) and triglyceride levels. However, rosuvastatin treatment dose-dependently reduced ICAM-1 expression in the aortic valves (V) (up to 40% inhibition, p<0.05) and in the proximal segment of the ascending aorta (AA) (-50%, p<0.001). Similarly, rosuvastatin inhibited VCAM-1 expression in the V (-40%) and in the AA (-35%, p<0.05). Moreover, there was a reduced accumulation of macrophages in the V in a dose-dependent and statistically significant manner (-45%, p<0.01). These anti-inflammatory effects were reflected in a reduction of cholesterol deposition in the entire aorta, both in the free and in the esterified form. Finally, the expression of tissue factor, the most potent pro-thrombogenic agent, was consistently reduced in AA by rosuvastatin treatment (-71%, p<0.001). Altogether, these data demonstrate that rosuvastatin has anti-inflammatory and anti-atherothrombotic activities in apoE-deficient mice that could translate in a beneficial effect on atherogenesis.

Myxoid monophasic synovial sarcoma: case report of an unusual histological variant.

We report the case of a 61-year-old woman who presented a recurrent myxoid synovial sarcoma involving the right ankle and foot. This tumor, defined as a synovial sarcoma showing more than 50% myxoid change in the stroma, has only recently been described as a rare histological variant. The histological diagnosis is particularly difficult in such cases, as the one we are describing, where the tumor is entirely myxoid and monophasic raising the possibility of other myxoid soft tissue neoplasms, such as extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor or leiomyosarcoma. On the basis of morphological and immunophenotypical findings, the diagnosis of myxoid synovial sarcoma should be properly established, especially in view of its unusual clinical course and treatment. Furthermore, we will discuss the clinicopathological and immunohistochemical features observed in our case.

A structure-activity study for the inhibition of metalloproteinase-9 activity and gene expression by analogues of gallocatechin-3-gallate.

Catechins are able to modulate the gelatinolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) by reducing its release from macrophages. Gallocatechins decrease MMP-9 secretion by lowering MMP-9 promoter activity and mRNA levels. The effect appears to be dependent on some structural and stereochemical requirements. In this study, the relationship between chemical structure and activity was studied by testing the effect of analogues of (+/-)-gallocatechin-3-gallate (+/-)-GCG, selectively deprived of hydroxyl groups, on MMP-9 activity, transcription, and secretion. Our results indicate that (+/-)-GCG and (+/-)-catechin-3-gallate are characterized by a substitution pattern compatible with direct inhibition of MMP-9 activity. Conversely, when transcription was the target, (+/-)-trans-3-flavanol-3-benzoate, lacking all the hydroxyl groups, was the most effective both in lowering MMP-9 promoter activity and consequently protein secretion, and in inhibiting nuclear-factor-kappaB-driven transcription. Our results suggest that the structural requirements for enzyme inhibition are different from those necessary for targeting gene expression.

History and systems of cognitive rehabilitation.

In a rapidly evolving field such as Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy (CRT), it is important for practitioners to be fully acquainted with the history and efficacy of their discipline. This review traces the development of Cognitive Rehabilitation over the past century and describes the status of CRT today. The authors describe various methods of Cognitive Remediation that are in current use along with several developmental issues that have influenced the field over the years. Other issues such as the efficacy of CRT and who these techniques are designed to help are also addressed. The conclusion is that Cognitive Remediation has developed to the point where it can now provide efficacious treatment for a variety of different cognitive disorders.

Role of lipid polymorphism in pulmonary surfactant.

The development of artificial surfactants for the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) requires lipid systems that can spread rapidly from solution to the air-water interface. Because hydration-repulsion forces stabilize liposomal bilayers and oppose spreading, liposome systems that undergo geometric rearrangement from the bilayer (lamellar) phase to the hexagonal II (HII) phase could hasten lipid transfer to the air-water interface through unstable transition intermediates. A liposome system containing dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine was designed; the system is stable at 23 degrees C but undergoes transformation to the HII phase as the temperature increases to 37 degrees C. The spreading of lipid from this system to the air-water interface was rapid at 37 degrees C but slow at 23 degrees C. When tested in vivo in a neonatal rabbit model, such systems elicited an onset of action equal to that of native human surfactant. These findings suggest that lipid polymorphic phase behavior may have a crucial role in the effective functioning of pulmonary surfactant.

Carnitine supplementation in human idiopathic asthenospermia: clinical results.

On the basis of reported experimental and clinical studies we investigated the effectiveness of L-carnitine administration in a group of patients with idiopathic asthenospermia. A favourable effect of the compound on sperm motility and rapid linear progression has been shown in 37 out of 47 patients treated. In addition, the total number of sperms increased. L-carnitine was supplemented orally by a daily dosage of 3 g for three months.

Influence of age and health on immune functions and trace elements.

Apparently healthy elderly donors were screened according to a simple protocol that included clinical examination and the determination of hematological and biochemical values. This screening was performed to detect subclinical alterations which might interfere with immune responses and trace element status. The elderly were divided into two groups. The first group consisted of 22 (age 76 +/- 1 years) positively selected elderly (PSE), i.e. healthy subjects with no hematological and laboratory alterations, the second one comprised 13 (age 75 +/- 1 years) negatively selected elderly (NSE). Data were then compared with those obtained from 40 (age 35 +/- 2 years) healthy young controls. In both groups of elderly donors, plasma zinc levels were normal, while plasma copper concentrations were increased. Intracellular values of zinc and copper in mono- and polymorphonuclear cells from both groups of elderly were within reference limits. After in vitro activation, granulocyte chemiluminescence activity was impaired only in NSE. A decrement in the number of circulating CD3 lymphocytes and an increase in CD8d, CD57 cells were found in PSE, while NSE showed an increased number of CD3,DR cells and CD8d, CD57, CD8b,CD57 and CD16,CD56 positive cells. Our results indicate that only plasma copper levels were affected by age, whereas subclinical alterations in hematological or biochemical values appear to impair immune responses in the elderly.