In vitro enantioselective pharmacodynamics of Carprofen and Flunixin-meglumine in feedlot cattle.

The activity of the anti-inflammatory agents Flunixin-meglumine (FLU), RS (±) Carprofen (CPF) and S (+) CPF on bovine cyclooxygenases (COXs) has been characterized in feedlot calves using an in vitro whole blood model. The drugs showed equivalent efficacy in their inhibitory activity on COXs, and the rank order of potency for both COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition was FLU > S (+) CPF > RS (±) CPF. Our results indicated that FLU is a nonselective inhibitor of bovine COXs, whereas RS (±) CPF and S (+) CPF exhibited different degrees of preferential inhibition of COX-2 isoenzyme. The rank order of IC50 COX-1: IC50 COX-2 potency ratios was in fact S (+) CPF (51.882) > RS (±) CPF (13.964) > FLU (0.606), and the calculated percentage inhibition of COX-1 corresponding to COX-2 inhibition values comprised between 80% and 95% was comprised between 57.697 and 79.865 for FLU, 33.373 and 51.319 for RS (±) CPF, and 0.230 and 4.622 for S (+) CPF, respectively. These findings are discussed in relation to the prediction of the clinical relevance of COX inhibition by the test drugs in cattle.

Effects of flunixin meglumine and ketoprofen on mediator production in ex vivo and in vitro models of inflammation in healthy dairy cows.

In this study, ex vivo assays were carried out in dairy cows to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of two nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: ketoprofen (KETO) and flunixin meglumine (FM). Twelve healthy Holstein dairy cattle were randomly allocated to two groups (n=6): group 1 received FM and group 2 received KETO at recommended therapeutic dosages. The anti-inflammatory effects of both drugs were determined by measuring the production of coagulation-induced thromboxane B2 (TXB2 ), lipopolysaccharides (LPS) (10 µg/mL)-induced prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 ), and calcium ionophore (60 µm)-induced leukotrien B4 (LTB4 ). Cytokine production was assessed by measuring tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-8 (CXCL8) concentrations after incubation in the presence of 10 µg/mL LPS. The IC50 of FM and KETO was determined in vitro by determining the concentration of TXB2 and PGE2 in the presence of scalar drug concentrations (10(-9) -10(-3) m). Both FM and KETO inhibited the two COX isoforms in vitro, but showed a preference for COX-1. FM and KETO showed similar anti-inflammatory effects in the cow.

Magnetic hydrogel particles improve nanopore sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses.

Presented here is a magnetic hydrogel particle enabled workflow for capturing and concentrating SARS-CoV-2 from diagnostic remnant swab samples that significantly improves sequencing results using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies MinION sequencing platform. Our approach utilizes a novel affinity-based magnetic hydrogel particle, circumventing low input sample volumes and allowing for both rapid manual and automated high throughput workflows that are compatible with Nanopore sequencing. This approach enhances standard RNA extraction protocols, providing up to 40 × improvements in viral mapped reads, and improves sequencing coverage by 20-80% from lower titer diagnostic remnant samples. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this approach works for contrived influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus samples, suggesting that it can be used to identify and improve sequencing results of multiple viruses in VTM samples. These methods can be performed manually or on a KingFisher automation platform.

Preliminary comparative serological evaluation of Histamine H2 receptors in dogs with an acute onset of vomiting treated with Ranitidine and healthy dogs.

Despite the lack of evidence of the ability to suppress gastric acid secretion in dogs, ranitidine (RT) is often used to control clinical signs in dogs with acute vomiting even if the way it happens it is still largely unknown. The aim of this study was thus to evaluate the therapeutic effect of ranitidine on H2 receptors in dogs with acute vomiting. To investigate the RT activity a preliminary study was performed in dogs which underwent gastroscopy analyses, demonstrating that the level of H2R observed in the serum and gastric wall tissue was the same [1.473(1.30; 1.79) ng/ml and 1.498 (1.33; 1.85) ng/ml, respectively]. After that H2R levels in the serum of 22 healthy dogs (Group 1) and in a group of 22 dogs with acute vomiting (Group 2) were compared both before (T0), after 7-10 days (T1) of 2 mg/kg twice a day ranitidine administration and after 11 days since the drug was discontinued (T2). Significant differences (p<0.001) were detected between the level of circulating H2R among Group 1: 0.41 ng/ml (0.28;0.54) and Group 2: 2.27 ng/ml (2.11;2.49) at T0. In Group 2, no difference in the level of H2R was detected in samples collected at T0 compared to those at T1 [T1: 2.32 ng/ml (2.14; 2.49)] and T2 [T2: 2.30 ng/ml (1.99;2.69)]. In Group 2 all patients but one displayed remission of symptoms attributable to inflammatory gastropathy at the first withdrawal (T1: 7-10 days), while at the second withdrawal (T2: after 21 days), remission was detected in all dogs. Our preliminary hypothesis is that the clinical efficacy of ranitidine is related to the greater expression of H2 receptors in patients with acute vomiting. This increased expression may be due to continuous pathological stimulus at the gastric level. Further studies with a wider population are needed to better investigate the activity of RT in dogs with acute onset of vomiting.

Hydrogel particles improve detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from multiple sample types.

Here we present a rapid and versatile method for capturing and concentrating SARS-CoV-2 from contrived transport medium and saliva samples using affinity-capture magnetic hydrogel particles. We demonstrate that the method concentrates virus from 1 mL samples prior to RNA extraction, substantially improving detection of virus using real-time RT-PCR across a range of viral titers (100-1,000,000 viral copies/mL) and enabling detection of virus using the 2019 nCoV CDC EUA Kit down to 100 viral copies/mL. This method is compatible with commercially available nucleic acid extraction kits (i.e., from Qiagen) and a simple heat and detergent method that extracts viral RNA directly off the particle, allowing a sample processing time of 10 min. We furthermore tested our method in transport medium diagnostic remnant samples that previously had been tested for SARS-CoV-2, showing that our method not only correctly identified all positive samples but also substantially improved detection of the virus in low viral load samples. The average improvement in cycle threshold value across all viral titers tested was 3.1. Finally, we illustrate that our method could potentially be used to enable pooled testing, as we observed considerable improvement in the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from sample volumes of up to 10 mL.

Use of self-actuating and self-sensing cantilevers for imaging biological samples in fluid.

In this paper, we present a detailed investigation into the suitability of atomic force microscopy (AFM) cantilevers with integrated deflection sensor and micro-actuator for imaging of soft biological samples in fluid. The Si cantilevers are actuated using a micro-heater at the bottom end of the cantilever. Sensing is achieved through p-doped resistors connected in a Wheatstone bridge. We investigated the influence of the water on the cantilever dynamics, the actuation and the sensing mechanisms, as well as the crosstalk between sensing and actuation. Successful imaging of yeast cells in water using the integrated sensor and actuator shows the potential of the combination of this actuation and sensing method. This constitutes a major step towards the automation and miniaturization required to establish AFM in routine biomedical diagnostics and in vivo applications.

Palmitoylethanolamide, endocannabinoids and related cannabimimetic compounds in protection against tissue inflammation and pain: potential use in companion animals.

Endocannabinoids have analgesic/anti-inflammatory properties. The biology of endocannabinoids, their receptors, signalling mechanisms and role in the regulation of physiological processes have been extensively reviewed. This review focuses on the role of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), an endogenous fatty acid amide analogue of the endocannabinoid anandamide, in tissue protective mechanisms. PEA was first identified almost five decades ago in lipid extracts of various natural products, and its anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects were established later. Evidence exists that PEA is synthesised during inflammation and tissue damage and a number of beneficial effects, including the relief of inflammation and pruritus, have been shown to be useful in the control of neurogenic and neuropathic pain. The postulated hypotheses as to the mode of action of PEA include a possible local autacoid-like mediator activity regulating mast-cell activity and putative activation of cannabinoids and vanilloid TRPV1 receptors via "entourage" effects. The large number of scientific investigations into the effects of PEA and PEA-related compounds has given rise to new therapeutic opportunities. In spite of the multitude of therapies currently employed to control inflammation, pain, pruritus and tissue damage, the possibility of using a natural compound, such as PEA to manipulate endogenous protective mechanisms may be considered a beneficial novel therapeutic strategy in veterinary medicine.

Effect of forage species and supplement type on rumen kinetics and serum metabolites in growing beef heifers grazing winter forage.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of stockpiled forage type and protein supplementation on VFA production, serum metabolites, and BW in yearling beef heifers. Over 2 yr, spring-born, Angus crossbred yearling beef heifers ( = 42; 305 ± 2.9 kg initial BW) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 forage pasture types: 1) endophyte-infected tall fescue [TF; (Schreb.) Dumort], 2) a big bluestem ( Vitman) and indiangrass ( L.) combination (BI), or 3) switchgrass (SG; L.). Each pasture was then randomly assigned to receive either 1 of 2 isonitrogenous CP treatments: 1) 0.68 kg·heifer·d of dried distiller's grains with solubles (DDGS; 28% CP and 88% TDN) or 2) 0.22 kg·heifer·d of blood meal and fish meal (BF; 72.5% CP and 69.5% TDN), resulting in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Treatments were initiated in January and terminated in April in both years of the study. Body weights and blood samples were collected approximately every 28 d from initiation of grazing until the end of the trial. Heifer BW change from January to February and overall BW change were greater ( < 0.01) for TF heifers. However, BW change from March to April was not different ( = 0.84) among forage types. Supplement type did not influence ( ≥ 0.13) BW or BW change from January to February and from January to April; however, heifers fed DDGS had greater ( = 0.03) BW gain from March to April. Heifer BW change from February to March exhibited ( < 0.05) a forage type × supplement interaction, with BF-fed heifers gaining more BW on BI pastures than DDGS-fed heifers. Serum glucose concentrations, ruminal acetate, and the acetate:propionate ratio were greater ( ≤ 0.04) for SG heifers. However, circulating serum NEFA and urea N (SUN) concentrations were not different ( ≥ 0.85) among forage types. Serum glucose and NEFA concentrations were not influenced ( ≥ 0.61) by supplement type. Circulating SUN concentrations were greater ( < 0.01) in BF-supplemented heifers. Ruminal acetate tended to be greater ( = 0.09) and butyrate concentrations were greater ( < 0.01) for BF-supplemented heifers. The acetate:propionate ratio was not influenced ( = 0.15) by supplement type. These results suggest that a compensatory gain period prior to breeding would be needed for these native warm-season species to be a viable opportunity for growing and developing replacement heifers in the southeastern United States.

Measurement of faecal corticoid metabolites in domestic dogs.

In the present study we established a method for the determination of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites in dogs and then used the assay to evaluate the adrenocortical activity in 12 dogs divided into two groups. In group A faecal samples were collected at their domestic setting. In group B, faecal samples were collected at home prior to transport to a boarding kennel, where faecal samples were then collected. In faecal samples most of the steroids were extracted with methanol and determined using a radioimmunoassay with an anti-cortisol antibody. Dogs in group A did not show any statistically significant inter-day variations in the basal levels of faecal corticoid metabolites. Faecal corticoid metabolites in dogs in group B were significantly higher on the first day at the kennel compared to animals kept at home. The peak concentration was found after 24 hours and followed by a slow decline. These results suggest that extraction with methanol and dosage with an anti-cortisol antibody by radioimmunoassay represents a valid approach technique for determination of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites and accurately reflects adrenocortical activity.

Rabbit dietary supplementation with pale purple coneflower. 1. Effects on the reproductive performance and immune parameters of does.

Echinacea pallida (EPAL), also known as pale purple coneflower, is a herbaceous flowering plant with immune-enhancement and antioxidative properties. The effect of EPAL on the reproductive performance, serum biochemistry and haematological parameters of rabbit does has been studied here. A total of 100, 21-week-old Grimaud rabbit does, were randomly assigned to two groups. One group was fed a basal diet supplemented with 3 g EPAL/kg diet (Echinacea group, E), while the other was fed the basal diet without the supplementation (control group, C). The reproductive performance of the does was not affected by the treatment (P>0.05). The haematological parameters of pregnant rabbits showed that there was no interaction between gestation day and treatment. The EPAL supplementation induced a reduction (-47.3%) in the basophil cell rate (0.55% and 0.29%, for the control and treatment groups, respectively; P=0.049). The gestation day significantly affected most of the haematological parameters (P<0.05). The white blood cell counts declined progressively after day 14. The mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, red cell distribution width, mean platelet volume and eosinophils increased steadily throughout the study, and reached a maximum value on day 28. The red blood cells, haemoglobin, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume and neutrophils increased slightly up to day 14, and then subsequently decreased progressively until day 28. The lymphocytes and platelet distribution width decreased until day 14, and then increased to a maximum value on day 28. No significant effect of gestation day or treatment was observed on the blood serum chemistry. As far as the immune parameters are concerned, no significant differences were observed between groups, while a significant effect of gestation day was observed for lysozymes (6.02 v. 7.99 v. 1.91; for 0, 14 and 28 days, respectively; P=0.014). In conclusion, a lack of effect of EPAL has been observed. In fact, no impacts of EPAL have been observed on the reproductive or haematological parameters of the does. The effects of dietary supplementation with EPAL on the performances, bacterial community, blood parameters and immunity in growing rabbits are reported in the second part of this study.

Rabbit dietary supplementation with pale purple coneflower. 2. Effects on the performances, bacterial community, blood parameters and immunity of growing rabbits.

Echinacea pallida (EPAL), a herbaceous flowering plant with immunomodulatory properties, has been chosen to determine the pre- and post-supplementary effects on the growth performances, bacterial community, blood parameters and immunity of growing rabbits. The same Grimaud does (14-week-old) from the studied in the first part of this study were randomly divided into two groups (n=50/group). The first group was fed a basal diet without supplementation (Control group, C) while the another group was fed a basal diet supplemented with 3 g EPAL/kg diet (Echinacea group, E). From the second parturition, 80 weaned kits (40 from the C does and 40 from the E does) were randomly assigned to four groups of 20 animals each and were fed a growing commercial diet supplemented with or without a 3 g EPAL/kg diet: the CC group (rabbits from the C does fed the control diet), CE group (rabbits from the C does fed the supplemented diet), EC (rabbits from the E does fed the control diet) and EE group (rabbits from the E does fed the supplemented diet). The dietary EPAL treatment did not affect the growth performance. Ten fattening rabbits from each group were selected to evaluate the bacterial community and blood parameters, while the remaining rabbits (n=10/group) were used to study phagocytosis and the humoral immune response. The variability was evaluated from hard faeces at 35, 49 and 89 days, and the caecal content at 89 days. The variability of the bacterial community of the EE group was higher than that of the other groups. The phagocytic activity was higher in the CE and EE groups than in the CC and EC ones (30.9 and 29.7 v. 21.2 and 21.8%; P<0.05), whereas no statistically significant difference was observed for the blood parameters or humoral immune response against vaccination (rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus) at 95 days old which the serum was collected at 88, 102, 109, 116 and 123 days old. In conclusion, no impact of EPAL dietary supplementation has been observed on the growth performances, bacterial community, blood parameters or humoral immune responses in growing rabbits, except for an increase in phagocytic activities.

Expression and functionality of TRPV1 receptor in human MCF-7 and canine CF.41 cells.

As canine mammary tumours (CMT) and human breast cancer share clinical and prognostic features, the former have been proposed as a model to study carcinogenesis and improved therapeutic treatment in human breast cancer. In recent years, it has been shown that transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is expressed in different neoplastic tissues and its activation has been associated with regulation of cancer growth and progression. The aim of the present research was to demonstrate the presence of TRPV1 in human and canine mammary cancer cells, MCF-7 and CF.41, respectively, and to study the role of TRPV1 in regulating cell proliferation. The images obtained by Western blot showed a signal at 100 kDa corresponding to the molecular weight of TRPV1 receptor. All tested TRPV1 agonists and antagonists caused a significant decrease (P < 0.05) of cell growth rate in MCF-7 cells. By contrast, in CF.41 cells capsaicin and capsazepine induced a significant increase (P < 0.05) in cell proliferation, whereas resiniferatoxin (RTX) and 5-iodo-resiniferatoxin (5-I-RTX) had no influence on CF.41 cell proliferation. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism responsible for the different effects evoked by TRPV1 activation in MCF-7 and CF.41 cells.

Botulinum toxin type A as an adjunct in postoperative pain management in dogs undergoing radical mastectomy.

The aim of this randomised placebo-controlled, observer-blinded study was to evaluate the analgesic effects of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) as an adjunct for postoperative pain control in dogs. Sixteen dogs undergoing bilateral radical mastectomy for treatment of mammary tumours were enrolled. Twenty-four hours before surgery, the subjects were distributed into two groups of eight dogs each: 7 iu/kg BoNT-A (BoNT-A) or saline (Control) was administered subcutaneously in each mammary gland. Following sedation with intramuscular 0.03 mg/kg acepromazine and 0.3 mg/kg morphine, anaesthesia was induced intravenously with 4 mg/kg propofol and maintained with isoflurane/O2. Postoperative analgesia was evaluated for 72 hours after extubation using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and modified Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale (modified-GCMPS). Rescue analgesia was provided with intramuscular morphine (0.5 mg/kg). Data were analysed using analysis of variance, Tukey's test, Mann-Whitney U test and Friedman test (P<0.05). The pain scores were significantly lower in the BoNT-A than in the Control from 8 hours to 60 hours and from 12 hours to 60 hours after extubation, based on the VAS and modified-GCMPS, respectively. Rescue analgesia was required by significantly more dogs in the Control (7/8) compared with the BoNT-A (2/8) (P=0.022). Pre-emptive BoNT-A appears to be effective as an adjuvant for postoperative pain management in dogs undergoing bilateral radical mastectomy.

Study of the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1, growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor, Gs alpha, and Gi2 alpha genes in isolated familial acromegaly.

Familial acromegaly may occur as an isolated pituitary disorder or as a feature of hereditary syndromes, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) or the Carney complex. Herein, we characterized a newly identified kindred with isolated acromegaly and searched for germline mutation in genes that have been associated with endocrine tumors [i.e. MEN1, Gs alpha (GNAS1), and Gi2 alpha (GNAI2)], as well as the GHRH receptor (GHRH-R) gene. Genomic DNA was used to amplify exons 2-10 of MEN1, followed by dideoxy fingerprinting mutation analysis and direct sequencing. The GHRH-R gene was analyzed via direct sequencing of PCR-amplified fragments representing the coding exons and intron-exon junctions. To exclude mutation at hot spot areas of GNAS1 and GNAI2, exons 8 and 9 of GNAS1 and exons 5 and 6 of GNAI2 were amplified and screened for mutation via denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. No mutations were detected in any of the four genes. The present data extend prior reports of the absence of mutation in MEN1, GHRH-R, and GNAS1 and describe the first family with isolated acromegaly in which germline mutation in GNAI2 has been searched.

[Clinic-epidemiological significance of drug hepatotoxicity in liver disease consultation]. / Significación clínico-epidemiológica de la hepatotoxicidad por fármacos en la consulta hepatológica.

To assess epidemiological and clinical significance of drug hepatotoxicity in the setting of liver diseases consultation, ten thousand and three hundred forty two prospectively designed clinical records from patient cared for in our Liver Unit in the period 1988-1998 were incorporated into the study; 58 out of 10,342 (prevalence = 5.6%) fulfilled at least the first three of the following causality requirements: 1.--Liver injury associated in time to drug exposition; 2.--Negative evaluation of more common other etiologies; (alcohol, viruses, immunologic, metabolic, etc) 3.--Favourable response to drug withdrawal (ALT < 50% of baseline in 8 to 30 days in acute hepatitis type, and alkaline phosphatase and/or total bilirubin < 50% of baseline up to 6 months, in acute cholestasis) 4.--Inadverted or rarely prescribed positive challenge. Acute hepatitis type of injury were considered when serum ALT rise 8 times or more above normal superior level with alkaline phosphatase (APh) below 3 times; "pure" cholestasis when APh rise 3 times or more above normal with ALT below 8 times; mixed acute injury or cholestatic hepatitis when both ALT and APh were elevated above 8 and 3 times respectively, and indeterminate type when both enzymes were below the referred levels. Chronic injury were considered when six or more month of evolution and compatible liver histology happens. Clinical severity were expressed as mild (absence of major clinical complications, serum bilirubin < 5 mg/dl and prothrombin concentration > 75%), moderate (presence of clinical complications, bilirubin > 5 mg/dl and prothrombin concentration between 50-75%), and severe (major clinical complications with bilirubin > 5 mg/dl and prothrombin concentration < 50%). Female/male ratio was 1.4:1, with age average 39 years (R = 15-77) and major concentration of cases above 40. More than 50% of cases received 2 or more drugs. Jaundice was present in 60.4%, and systemic manifestations of hypersensibility (fever, adenomegalies, rush, mononucleosis like syndrome, eosinophilia) in 29.3%. Acute injury represented 91.4% of the cases: 41.4% acute hepatitis, 15.5% "pure" cholestasis, 24.1% cholestatic hepatitis, and 10.3% indeterminate type. Four patients (4.5% of acute injury cases) were presented as severe acute liver failure, leading to liver transplant in one of them, drug association (INH-rifampicin and carbamazepine-phenobarbital) and inadverted challenge (sulphonamides and pemoline) were associated to clinical severity. Chronic injury were found in five patient (8.6%), four of them associated to chronic hepatitis and the other one to a ductopenic syndrome. Six drugs represented 53.4% of our cases; oral contraceptives (7 cases), INH alone or combined with rifampicin (6 cases), sulfonamides and clorpropamida (5 cases each), carbamazepine and amiodarone (4 cases each). Normalization of liver enzymes after drug suppression took 2 to 8 weeks in acute hepatitis type (X = 4 weeks), 4 to 20 in "pure" cholestasis (X = 12 weeks) and 8 to 24 weeks in cholestatic hepatitis or mixed type (X = 16 weeks). Two cases of chronic hepatitis normalize the histological activity index in 20 and 18 month respectively, one case remains as chronic hepatitis at 10 month and the other one progress to cirrhosis; the ductopenic syndrome normalize histology in 19 months receiving urso-deoxicolic acid, 10 mg/k/day.

[Hepatitis B and C virus in chronic alcoholic patients: prevalence and influence on liver injury]. / Virus de Hepatitis B y C en alcoholicos crónicos. Prevalencia e influencia sobre el daño hepático.

The aim of this prospectively designed study is to analyse the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections in 115 chronic alcohol abusers, their relation to epidemiological variables, and their meaning in pathogenesis and severity of alcoholic liver injury. A prevalence of 13.9% anti-HBc and 20.0% anti-HCV reactivity (EIA II) were found, significantly higher that found in blood donors (3.75 and 0.65% respectively). It is striking our finding of 69.6% "sporadic" type of HCV infection. Histological diagnostic of chronic hepatitis was done in 3 cases, all of them reactive to anti-HCV, enhancing the ethiologic role of HCV in the so called "alcoholic chronic hepatitis". No differences in histological final diagnosis were found related to HBV and HCV markers reactivity, suggesting no clear influence of viral infections on the severity of liver damage in alcoholics in our series. Neither anti-HCV positivity ratio seemed have to influence on these results. Despite a high prevalence of HBV and HCV infection in chronic alcohol abusers, our finding suggest no clear role for them in histological damage.

[Liver histopathological characteristics in patients with HCV-positive sera]. / Caracteristicas histopatológicas hepáticas en pacientes con sueros anti HCV reactivos.

In order to have knowledge on the histopathologic characteristics of the HCV infections in our geographical area and its relation with some epidemiologic variables, a series of 54 biopsies of Anti HCV (R) patients was analyzed. The histologic lesions found in this study correspond mostly to patients with relatively early infections, on the contrary to other studies of the some kind. The most frequent histopathologic diagnosis were chronic hepatitis 38/54 (70.4%), steatosis 4/54 (7.4%) and 12/54 (22.2%) with no changes. The presence of lymphoid follicles in the portal tracts was the most frequent histological change in this series (66.7%), followed by the alteration in bile ducts (53.7%); they occurred in a significantly higher proportion in the biopsies which had a diagnosis of chronic hepatitis (p = 0.02) (p = 0.000002). The presence of steatosis and acidophilic bodies in the acinus were found in nearly one third of the biopsies. This findings suggest that the hepatic damage in the anti HCV reactive patients might take place through immunologic mechanisms and cytopathic direct action. It was not found that histologic changes produced by HCV might differ according to epidemiologic variables (post-transfusional, drug abuse i.v. and sporadic).

[Viral hepatitis infection and response to the hepatitis B vaccine in hemodialyzed patients]. / Infección por virus de hepatitis y respuesta a vacuna anti-hepatitis B en hemodializados.

Data from 219 hemodyalized patients receiving attention in our Hospital and other private centers in our city are shown. Mean age was 46.9 (range: 14-85), and 132 were male; mean time under dialysis was 20 months, and subjects received an average of 5 transfusions per patient year. Serological reactivity to HBs Ag, Anti HBs and IgG anti HBc by ELISA were investigated in all of them, and anti HCV by second generation enzimo-immunoassay (EIA II) in 73 HBe Ag/anti HBe system were determined in HBs Ag positive patients and those reactive to anti HCV (EIA II) were confirmed by LIA (immunoblotting of synthetic peptides LIA-TEK Organos Teknica). Recombinant anti HBV vaccine 40 mcg at 0-1 and six month were received by 81 cases without HBV markers in their sera and a protective response was considered when anti HBs titration of 10 mU/ml or more were obtained two months later. Prevalence for anti HBc and anti HBs were 38.8% respectively and that for HBs Ag was 21% with 78% of them reactive for HBs Ag. True reactivity for anti HCV (confirmed by LIA) was present in 35.6%, but it was 9.7% in our Hospital and 54.8% in private units (p < 0.0002). Anti HBs titration was done in 69/81 patients who received anti HBV vaccine, and a protective response in 49% were obtained; the other 12 patients underwent acute hepatitis B during the vaccination period.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Análise bioeconômica de períodos de suplementação proteico-energética na estação seca para novilhas Nelore em pastagem diferida de Urochloa decumbens / Bioeconomic analysis of protein-energy supplementation periods in dry season for Nellore heifers in stockpiled pastures of Urochloa decumbens

A suplementação proteico-energética (SPE) é uma estratégia adequada à bovinocultura de corte no período seco do ano, embora sua adoção equivocada possa comprometer seu benefício/custo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho de novilhas Nelore em pastagem diferida de Urochloa decumbens sob dois períodos de SPE, e realizar análise econômica desses sistemas de produção. O experimento foi conduzido sob delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com 147 e 55 dias de SPE (sistemas 1 e 2, respectivamente), de 21/06 a 15/11/2016, com 16 e 20 novilhas nos sistemas 1 e 2, respectivamente. Os dados de desempenho foram analisados utilizando-se o PROC MIXED do SAS®, e as médias comparadas por PDIFF (P<0,05). Os pesos médios foram semelhantes (P>0,05) entre os sistemas de produção nas pesagens de 21/06, 12/07, 02/08, 23/08 e 15/11/2016. Os valores presentes líquidos foram positivos sob a taxa anual de desconto de 4%, sendo viáveis financeiramente. Por apresentarem taxa interna de retorno superior à taxa mínima de atratividade, os sistemas foram atrativos para investimento. Foi obtido balanço econômico positivo de R$ 25,26/animal para substituição do sistema 1 pelo sistema 2. A redução de 92 dias na SPE proporciona desempenho semelhante entre novilhas e maior eficiência econômica do sistema de produção.(AU)

Protein-energy supplementation (SPE) is an adequate strategy for beef cattle during drought season of the year, although the wrong adoption might compromise its cost/benefit ratio. The aim of this study was to evaluate Nellore heifers' performance under SPE periods and to draw economic analysis of production systems. The experiment was conducted under a completely randomized design, with two systems: 147 and 55 days of SPE (Systems 1 and 2), from 06/21/2016 to 11/15/2016, with 16 and 20 heifers to Systems 1 and 2, respectively. Performance data were analyzed by SAS® PROC MIXED and means compared by PDIFF (P< 0.05). The weight means were similar between the production systems (P> 0.05) at weighing of 06/21, 07/12, 08/02, 08/23 and 11/15/2016. The net present values were positive under annual discount rate of 4%, being financially viable. By presenting internal return rate higher than the minimum attractiveness rate, the systems were attractive for investment. Positive economic balance was obtained of R$ 25.26/animal to replace System 1 by 2. The reduction of 92 days in SPE provides similar performance between Nellore heifers and greater economic efficiency of the production system.(AU)

In vitro and ex vivo pharmacodynamics of selected non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in equine whole blood.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit cyclooxygenases (COX), and the inhibition of COX-2 rather than COX-1 can limit the onset of NSAID-related adverse effects. The pharmacodynamic properties of eltenac, naproxen, tepoxalin, SC-560 and NS 398 in healthy horses were investigated using an in vitro whole blood assay. To predict COX selectivity in clinical use, eltenac and naproxen were also studied ex vivo after intravenous administration. SC-560 acted as a selective COX-1 inhibitor, tepoxalin as a dual inhibitor with potent activity against COX-1, and NS 398 as a preferential COX-2 inhibitor. Eltenac was a preferential COX-2 inhibitor in vitro but un-selective in the ex vivo study. Naproxen maintained its non-selectivity both in vitro and ex vivo. These findings have demonstrated that in vitro studies may not accurately predict in vivo NSAID selectivity for COX and should be confirmed using an ex vivo whole blood assay.