Interactions among sucrose and concentrations of serum fetal bovine on the cryopreservation of somatic cells derived from red-rumped agoutis.

BACKGROUND: The synergistic action among the different extracellular cryoprotectants could improve somatic cell quality after thawing and provide bases for the formation of biobanks for red-rumped agoutis. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the interactions among sucrose (SUC) and concentrations of serum fetal bovine (FBS) on the cryopreservation of somatic cells derived from red-rumped agoutis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cells were cryopreserved with 10% dimethyl sulfoxide and different concentrations of FBS (10%, 40%, and 90%) with or without 0.2 M SUC, totaling six comparison groups. Non-cryopreserved cells were used as a control. Cells were evaluated for viability, metabolic activity, proliferative activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis levels. RESULTS: No difference was observed among cryopreserved with DMSO containing (10FBS, 10FBS-SUC, 40FBS, 40FBS-SUC, 90FBS, 90FBS-SUC) and non-cryopreserved groups for viability, metabolic activity, proliferative activity, and ROS levels. Interestingly, only cells cryopreserved with 90% FBS and SUC maintained the mitochondrial membrane potential like the control. This indicates that at high concentrations of FBS, SUC contributes to the maintenance of this parameter in cryopreserved cells. Moreover, at concentrations of 10% and 40% of FBS, SUC contributed to the maintenance of viability evaluated by the levels of apoptosis evaluated after thawing. In summary, we verified that 90% FBS and 0.2 M SUC promote greater ability of cells after thawing. Additionally, SUC positively acts in cryopreservation solutions containing 10% and 40% FBS. CONCLUSION: This information is essential to an understanding of the mechanisms involved in the interactions of extracellular cryoprotectants in somatic cell cryopreservation solutions of red-rumped agoutis. DOI: 10.54680/fr23210110212.

HIV-related non-Hodgkin lymphomas affecting the oral cavity: a clinicopathologic study of 11 cases.

BACKGROUND: HIV-related non-Hodgkin lymphomas of the oral cavity are rare lesions with aggressive clinical behaviour. The aim of this study is to describe the clinicopathological features of a series of HIV-related oral non-Hodgkin lymphomas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eleven cases of oral lymphomas affecting HIV-positive patients were retrieved from 2012 to 2019. Clinicopathological features regarding age, sex, tumour location, clinical presentation, laboratory findings, disease stage and follow-up were obtained. Histologic, immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization for EBV detection were done for diagnosis confirmation. Overall survival was estimated by Kaplan-Meier curve. RESULTS: Males predominated, with a mean age of 40.3 years-old. Maxilla and mandible were the mostly affected. Plasmablastic lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (NOS) were the main histological types. Lesions presented as reddish ulcerated swellings, representing the first sign of AIDS in six cases. Stage IV were common (7 cases) and the mean HIV viral load was 10,557 copies/mL, with a mean of 266 CD4+ cells/mm3, 1,278 CD8+ cells/mm3 and a CD4+/CD8+ ratio of 0.26. Eight patients died of the disease (72.7%). Overall survival revealed that 78.2% of the patients died after 21 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: HIV-related oral lymphomas present a poor prognosis usually diagnosed in advanced stages and in our series plasmablastic lymphoma was the most common subtype.

Cryopreservation of Bovine Semen Using Extract of Bertholletia excelsa (Brazil Nuts).

BACKGROUND: Semen cryopreservation is essential in animal breeding programs for improving the availability of genetic resources from animals with high breeding value. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the addition of Brazil nut extract as a replacement for egg yolk in bovine semen cryopreservation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Semen was collected from five Nelore bulls and cryopreserved with the addition (treatments) of 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100% Brazil nut extract in the cryoprotectant medium. After thawing, spermatic cells were evaluated for morphology, plasma membrane integrity, spermatic kinetics, and in vitro fertilization. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, and the data were submitted to regression analysis. RESULTS: The minor-type and total defects, and plasma membrane integrity were affected (P < 0.05) as a function of egg yolk substitution with Brazil nut extract. There was a significant effect (P < 0.05) of Brazil nut extract addition on the spermatic kinetics and cleavage rate. CONCLUSION: The addition of Brazil nut extract in the cryoprotective medium as a substitute of egg yolk for freezing bovine semen negatively affects sperm quality and fertility.

Penetration of sodium hypochlorite into root canal dentine: effect of surfactants, gel form and passive ultrasonic irrigation.

AIM: To assess the penetration of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) gel or NaOCl solutions with surfactants, and the effect of passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) on penetration into dentinal tubules. METHODOLOGY: Bovine incisor root canals were instrumented, the roots sectioned and the dentine blocks obtained were stained with crystal violet. Dentine blocks (n = 10 per group) were exposed to 3% NaOCl gel or 3% NaOCl solution for 10 and 20 min. Other dentine blocks (n = 10 per group) were exposed to Chlor-Extra (6% NaOCl + surfactant), 6% NaOCl, 2.5% NaOCl with 0.2% cetrimide and 2.5% NaOCl for 10 and 20 min. The penetration depth of irrigants into dentinal tubules was measured in micrometres by viewing the bleached crystal violet under a stereomicroscope. Additionally, bovine incisor root canals, instrumented and stained with crystal violet, were distributed into two groups (n = 10) and irrigated with 2.5% NaOCl with PUI or conventional syringe irrigation (CSI). The penetration depth of irrigants into dentinal tubules was assessed 3 and 7 mm from the apex. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA and Tukey tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: There was significantly greater penetration of 3% NaOCl solution into dentinal tubules compared with the gel form (P < 0.05). There was no difference (P > 0.05) between 6% NaOCl and Chlor-Extra, and between 2.5% NaOCl and 2.5% NaOCl + cetrimide. PUI significantly increased the penetration depth of NaOCl into dentinal tubules when compared with CSI (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In extracted bovine incisors, NaOCl gel penetrated less into dentinal tubules than NaOCl solution. The addition of surfactants did not increase the penetration depth. The use of PUI significantly increased NaOCl penetration into dentinal tubules.

The Addition of AçaÍ Palm Fruit Extract in the Cryopreservation Diluent of Bull's Semen with Low Performance on Freezing.

BACKGROUND: Semen freezing is of great importance for animal production because it allows the use and the rapid diffusion of the genetic material from economically important animals. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of açai (Euterpe oleracea; Arecaceae family) extract addition to the semen cryopreservation diluent on the morphology, sperm motility parameters, and plasma membrane integrity of spermatozoa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ejaculates, obtained from five bulls with low performance on semen freezing, were fractionated and distributed according to the experimental group. The control samples did not have açaí extract added, whereas to the treated groups were added 5, 10, 15 or 20 mg ml-1 of açaí extract into the semen diluent. The sperm morphology was evaluated with a formalin-saline-buffered solution. The plasma membrane integrity was evaluated by the epifluorescent test, while the cellular kinetics was assessed by an automated analysis of the spermatic movement. RESULTS: The sperm defects showed a linearly decreasing effect (P < 0.05) with the addition of different concentrations of açaí extract. The plasma membrane integrity was higher (P < 0.05) after the açaí addition to the cryopreservation diluent. There was no significant effect (P > 0.05) of the açaí extract on the kinetics of spermatozoa. CONCLUSION: The addition of açaí extract to the cryopreservation diluent provided better preservation of the structural integrity of the sperm plasma membrane in the bull's semen with low tolerance to the cryopreservation process.

Genetic diversity and population structure of Synthesium pontoporiae (Digenea, Brachycladiidae) linked to its definitive host stocks, the endangered Franciscana dolphin, Pontoporia blainvillei (Pontoporiidae) off the coast of Brazil and Argentina.

Pontoporia blainvillei (Gervais and d'Orbigny, 1844) is an endangered small cetacean endemic to South America with four Franciscana Management Areas (FMA) recognized as different population stocks. The role of the intestinal parasite Synthesium pontoporiae (Digenea: Brachycladiidae) as a possible biological marker to differentiate P. blainvillei stocks was evaluated using nuclear and mitochondrial DNA markers. Internal transcribed sequence 1 and 2 (ITS1 and ITS2) regions of S. pontoporiae did not show intraspecific variability. The mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 3 (ND3) and cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences suggested lack of population structure in S. pontoporiae and population expansion. The apparent panmixia of S. pontoporiae may be due to the high mobility of one or more of its intermediary hosts. Alternatively, it may be due to the small sample size. This result is incongruent with the previously proposed FMA.

Novel exon nucleotide deletion causes adrenoleukodystrophy in a Brazilian family.

Adrenoleukodystrophy is a neurodegenerative X-linked recessive disorder. It is characterized by abnormal function of peroxisomes, which leads to an accumulation of very long-chain fatty acids in plasma and tissues, especially in the cortex of adrenal glands and white matter of the central nervous system, causing demyelinating disease and adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison's disease). It is caused by a mutation in the ABCD1 gene (ATP-binding cassette, subfamily D, member 1), which encodes the protein adrenoleukodystrophy that is involved in the transport of fatty acids into the peroxisome for degradation. Variable expression has been recognized in families of patients who have this disease. A Brazilian family from Minas Gerais State, Brazil, was studied. The proband is an adult living in Minas Gerais State, Brazil; he had adrenomyeloneuropathy, adrenocortical insufficiency and a stable cerebral form. DNA was extracted from a blood sample and was sequenced to identify the mutation. The patient's exons were cloned for confirmation. A new mutation was found in exon 5 of the ABCD1 gene (c.1430delA), as well as a single-nucleotide polymorphism in exon 6. The mutation causes a frame shift, resulting in a truncated protein with almost total absence of the ATP binding domain.

Predicting the chemical composition of the body and the carcass of hair sheep using body parts and carcass measurements.

Determination of the chemical composition in the body and carcass of ruminants is important for both nutritional requirement studies and the meat industry. This study aimed to develop equations to predict the body and carcass chemical composition of hair sheep using the chemical composition of body parts, carcass measurements and shrunk BW as predictors. A database containing 107 individual records for castrated male hair sheep ranging from 24 to 43 kg BW was gathered from two body composition studies. The empty body, carcass and body parts were analyzed for water, ash, fat and protein contents (%). The body parts used to estimate body and carcass composition were fore leg, hind leg and 9-11th rib section. The carcass measurements used were leg length, thoracic circumference, hind circumference, hind width, thoracic width, thoracic depth and chest width. Each model performance was evaluated using a leave-one-out cross-validation. Multiple regression analysis considering the study as a random effect revealed that body parts in association with carcass measurements were significant for predicting the chemical composition in the body of castrate male sheep. However, the use of the chemical composition of hind leg produced the best models for predicting the ash and fat contents in the empty body, whereas the water and protein contents in the empty body were better predicted when using the chemical compositions of 9-11th rib section and fore leg, respectively. Multiple regression analysis also revealed that most body parts were suitable for predicting the carcass composition, except for 9-11th rib section whose chemical composition did not produce significant prediction equations for ash and protein carcass contents. The use of the chemical composition of hind leg in association with carcass measurements produced the best models for predicting the water and fat contents in the carcass, while the ash and protein contents in the carcass were better predicted when using the chemical composition of fore leg. In conclusion, precision, accuracy and goodness-of-fit of the equations drove the selection of the chemical composition of hind leg and carcass measurements in a multivariate approach, as the most suitable predictors of the chemical composition of the body and carcass of hair sheep. However, the chemical composition of fore leg may be used as well. The developed equations could improve the accuracy of the empty body and carcass composition estimations in sheep, optimizing the estimation of nutrient requirements, as well as the carcass quality evaluation for this species.

Mutation in intron 5 of GTP cyclohydrolase 1 gene causes dopa-responsive dystonia (Segawa syndrome) in a Brazilian family.

Dopa-responsive dystonia (DRD), also known as Segawa syndrome or hereditary progressive dystonia with diurnal fluctuation, is clinically characterized by the occurrence of simultaneous or late Parkinsonism and by an excellent response to treatment with low doses of L-dopa. Diagnosis of DRD is essentially clinical. It is based on clinical history and the response to treatment with low doses of L-dopa. However, due to the low penetrance of the disease, asymptomatic carriers may exist. In these cases, mutational analysis of the GCH1 gene is an alternative to diagnose DRD. In the present study, we investigated a large DRD-carrier family in an attempt to identify the disease-causing mutation. The proband, a young woman diagnosed at the age of 13 years, is the daughter of a healthy non-consanguineous couple with history of several cases, on the maternal side of the family, of tip-toeing, disturbance of gait, Parkinsonism, rigidity and cramps in the lower limbs. Using single strand conformational polymorphism and DNA sequencing techniques to analyze DNA extracted from blood samples, we identified a mutation in the GCH1 gene, IVS5+3insT, which would preclude the formation of the active enzyme due to the formation of truncated peptides.

Flared Roots Reinforced With Bulk-fill Flowable Composite - Case Report.

This article presents a case report for the treatment of a patient with a flared root. The patient was treated with a bulk-fill flowable composite. This innovative approach seems to be efficient in reinforcing flared roots. The advantages and disadvantages of the technique are presented.

Stability of complete blood count in different storage conditions using the ABX PENTRA 60 analyzer.

INTRODUCTION: Sample stability is essential to obtain reliable results in the clinical laboratory. This study was conducted to investigate the reliability of hematological parameters using ABX Pentra 60 in samples stored for up to 72 hours at different temperatures. METHODS: A total of 651 blood samples were analyzed at different analysis times: 2, 24, 48, and 72 hours and forms and storage: room temperature (25°C) and at 4°C. The imprecision of the results was evaluated by the analytical coefficient of variation (CVa%) obtained by the typical error (TE) and Kruskal-Wallis analysis, to compare the averages. The reliability of the results was evaluated by the CVa (%) within the maximum allowable analytical variation and by the difference of means of the results in relation to the baseline sample (2 hours). RESULTS: Red blood count, hemoglobin, and MCH parameters showed stability up to 72 hours at room temperature and at 4°C. The other complete blood count parameters showed imprecision results emitted by the ABX Pentra 60 from 24 hours of sample storage, independent of the storage temperature. In addition, there were significant oscillations in the mean values, particularly for the samples stored at room temperature, with the exception of platelet parameters that exhibited mean changes also at 4°C. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate the importance of the clinical analyst's knowledge about the behavior of the CBC parameters over time under different storage conditions, and mainly the imprecision of the hematological equipment used, for the suitable interpretation of the results.

A simple stochastic model for the feedback circuit between p16INK4a and p53 mediated by p38MAPK: implications for senescence and apoptosis.

The mechanisms leading to the cell fate decision between apoptosis and senescence upon DNA damage are still unclear and have stochastic features. Cellular oxidative stress can generate DNA damage and activate the important mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (p38MAPK) that is involved in pathologies like Alzheimer's disease. Based on experimental evidence we propose a simple network that might operate at the core of the cell control machinery for the choice between apoptosis and senescence involving the cross-talk between p38MAPK, the tumor suppressor protein p53 and the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (p16INK4a). We have performed two types of analyses, deterministic and stochastic, exploring the system's parameter space, in the first, we calculated the fixed points of the deterministic model and, in the second, we numerically integrated the master equation for the stochastic version. The model shows a variety of behaviors dependent on the parameters including states of high expression levels of p53 or p16INK4a that can be associated with an apoptotic or senescent phenotype, respectively, in agreement with experimental data. In addition, we observe both monostable and bistable behavior (where bistability is a phenomenon in which two stable steady states coexist for a fixed set of control parameter values) which here we suggest to be involved in the cell fate decision problem.

Sazonalidade e rotas de coleta influenciam a ocorrência de leite instável não ácido, a densidade e a crioscopia do leite fornecido a um laticínio no Norte de Minas Gerais / [Seasonality and collection routes influence the occurrence of non-acid unstable milk, the density and cryoscopy of milk supplied to a dairy industry in northern Minas Gerais]

Objetivou-se avaliar, nos meses, nas estações do ano e nas rotas de coleta, a ocorrência de leite instável não ácido (LINA) e de outras classes de leite, de acidez titulável, densidade e crioscopia em 10.654 resultados de laticínio localizado em Montes Claros, MG. Em rotas de coleta, agruparam-se:a)Bocaiúva; Brasília de Minas, Coração de Jesus e São João da Lagoa; b) Capitão Enéas e Janaúba; Francisco Sá; c) Icaraí de Minas e São Francisco; d)Juramento e Glaucilândia; e) Montes Claros; f) Pedras de Maria da Cruz, Japonvar, Lontra e São João da Ponte;e g) Ubaí. Foram avaliados frequências das classes de leite, teste do álcool, acidez titulável, densidade e crioscopiapor mês, estação do ano e rota. Com testes de qui-quadrado e análises de variância, verificou-se influência de mês, estação do ano e rota em acidez titulável, densidade e crioscopia. Análises de correspondência múltipla descreveram a associação de classes de leite e mês ou rotas e de teste do álcool, acidez titulável, densidade e crioscopia em relação às estações do ano.Por regressão logística, calculou-se probabilidade de ocorrência de LINA por grupos de meses e de rotas. Houve maior porcentagem de amostras dentro da normalidade. Resultados normais, LINA, amostras alcalinas e ácidas foram, respectivamente, 79,46%; 12,93%; 4,14% e 3,48% de 10.271 resultados. Positividade ao teste do álcool (n=10.561) foi mais frequente no final do inverno. LINA associou-se à transição da seca para chuva, com maior chance de ocorrência em setembro e janeiro. As rotas de Brasília de Minas, Icaraí de Minas e Ubaí apresentaram maiores desconformidades e probabilidades para ocorrência de LINA.(AU)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate in the months, seasons and collection routes, the occurrence of non-acidic unstable milk (UNAM) and other milk categories, titratable acidity, density and cryoscopy in 10,654 samples from a dairy industry located in Montes Claros, MG, Brazil. Municipalities were grouped in collection routes: a) Bocaiúva; Brasília de Minas, Coração de Jesus and São João da Lagoa; b) Capitão Enéas and Janaúba; c) Francisco Sá; Icaraí de Minas and São Francisco; d) Juramento and Glaucilândia; e) Montes Claros; f) Pedras de Maria da Cruz, Japonvar, Lontra and São João da Ponte and g) Ubaí. The milk category frequencies and alcohol test, titratable acidity, density and cryoscopy of milk by months, season and routes were evaluated. Chi-square tests and variance analysis showed the influence of month, season and route on titratable acidity, density and cryoscopy. Multiple correspondence analyzes described the association of milk and month or routes and alcohol test categories, titratable acidity, density and cryoscopy in relation to the seasons. The probability of occurrence of LINA by month and route groups was calculated by logistic regression. There were a higher percentage of samples within the normal range. Normal, UNAM, alkaline and acid milk results were respectively 79.46, 12.93, 4.14 and 3.48% of 10,271 results. Alcohol test positivity (n=10,561) was more frequent in late winter. UNAM was associated with the transition from drought to rainy season, most likely to occur in September and January. The Brasília de Minas, Icaraí de Minas and Ubaí routes presented higher nonconformities and probabilities for UNAM occurrence.(AU)

Ultrasonographic monitoring of 103 recipient mares of different reproductive status during the first 30 days after embryo transfers.

Ten pluriparous mares were used as donors to supply embryos which were transferred into 103 recipients, 31 of which were nulliparous, 34 were pluriparous and lactating, and 38 were pluriparous and non-lactating. The embryos were recovered eight days after ovulation and pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasound six days after the transfer; the length of the embryos was measured ultrasonographically on days 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 25 and 30 after the embryo transfer. One hundred and fifteen of 200 flushes provided embryos, 12 being degenerate and 103 being viable embryos. From the 103 embryo transfers carried out, 51 pregnancies were confirmed by ultrasound within 30 days; 16 of the 31 nulliparous recipients became pregnant, 16 of the 34 pluriparous lactating recipients and 19 of the 38 pluriparous non-lactating recipients. There were no significant differences between the groups of mares in the mean (sd) rate of growth of their embryos between 12 and 30 days of gestation.

[Death risk profile of children under one year of age residing in a locality of São Paulo State, Brazil, 1987]. / Perfil do risco de óbito de crianças menores de um ano residentes em localidade do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, 1987.

The infant mortality of children living in Botucatu, SP, Brazil, in 1987 is studied. In order to establish the risk profile for mortality, an additional risk factor (AR) was calculated on the basis some variables selected by means of a case control study. The results showed an AR for death of 15.58, 11.63, 8.50 and 4.04 respectively for the groups of preterm gestation, low birth, absence of household water supply and insufficient maternal educational level, respectively. It was shown that there is a significant difference in socio-economic status between the families of survivors and those of nonsurvivors. This fact suggests that the best strategy for overcoming the high infant mortality of the low income group is by improving their socio-economic condition so that they can enjoy similar capacity to consume goods and services, in quantity and quality, as the high socio-economic group.

[Maternal-child health. Critical view of the determinants and assistance programs]. / Saúde materno-infantil. Visão crítica dos determinantes e dos programas assistenciais.

PIP: The social determinants of maternal-child health in American countries are discussed on the basis of the analysis of several papers and official recommendation. Many of these do not place due emphasis on social factors. Indeed social factors are frequently put on the same level as biological ones. Thus, the resulting understanding is distorted. Conclusion and recommendations from such studies should be accepted with some caution since they do not get to the root of the problems. Diffferent social variables (such as maternal education or medical care) are often associated with biological ones (like birthweight or nutritional status). However, this cannot be taken to establish a cause-effect relationship among those variables, but only the simultaneous occurrence of the characteristic features of social class. The authors maintain that different social classes be recognized and compared since such a comparison can better explain the results in this field. The necessity of new research which takes into account the social factors as of greater importance than the biological ones is stressed. These would probably establish the social importance of the maternal-child health issue and avoid the recent purely technical guidelines and recommendations. (author's modified)^ieng

Fibroelastoma of the mitral valve as a cause of transient ischemic stroke.

A 44-year-old woman had a transient ischemic stroke, fibroelastoma of the mitral valve being the source of the embolus. The patient evolved with neutropenia induced by ticlopidine after 10 days of treatment. We report the major clinical features, therapeutical options, and medicamentous toxicity resulting from the use of antiplatelet drugs.

Experimentally induced heat- and cold-shock tolerance in adult Panstrongylus megistus (Burmeister) (Hemiptera, Reduviidae).

The survival rate of domestic male and female adult Panstrongylus megistus was studied after sequential heat and cold shocks in order to investigate shock tolerance compared to that previously reported for nymphs. Sequential shocks were such that a milder shock (0 degree C, 5 degrees C, 35 degrees C, or 40 degrees C for 1 h) preceded a severe one (0 degree C or 40 degrees C for 12 h), separated by intervals of 8, 18, 24, and 72 h at 28 degrees C (control temperature). The preliminary thermal shock induced tolerance to the more severe one, although tolerance intensity depended on the initial shock temperature and the interval between treatments. Despite the observed tolerance, the survival rate for insects subjected to both shocks decreased when compared to that of individuals subjected to a single mild shock. When tolerance differed with sex, females showed greater values than males. In contrast to the response detected in nymphs, for which higher heat tolerance values were sustained for intervals of up to 24 h (preliminary shock, 35 degrees C) or even longer (preliminary shock, 40 degrees C) between sequential shocks, significant values were verified in adults only for shock intervals of up to 8 h (preliminary shock, 40 degrees C). While findings for nymphs exhibited considerable cold-shock tolerance under conditions in which preliminary shocks were given at 5 degrees C or 0 degree C and the periods between shocks were up to 72 h long, the adults were shown to be capable of acquiring a substantial tolerance response to a more severe cold shock only when the preliminary shock was given at 0 degree C and shock interval surpassed 18 h. It is assumed that the mechanisms involved in the cellular protection of P. megistus under sequential temperature shocks (heat shock protein action?) may loose effectiveness with insect development.

[Plasma levels of alpha-fetoprotein and carcinoembryonic antigen in patients with malignant gastrointestinal tumors]. / Níveis plasmáticos da alfa-fetoproteína e do antigénico carcino-embrionário em doentes com tumores malignos gastro-intestinais.

Levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AEP) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were determined in the plasma of 142 patients with malignant gastrointestinal tumours. AEP was raised in only four patients (2.8%); two patients with carcinoma of the stomach showed relatively elevated levels. Abnormal CEA levels were found in 82 patients (57.7%). The patients' age with positive CEA levels was a greater than that of the patients with normal levels (p less than 0.05). In patients with gastric tumours CEA positivity was correlated with clinico-pathological stage (pTNM) and with the resectability rate (p less than 0.05). In patients with carcinoma of colon and rectum a greater incidence of elevated plasma CEA levels, as well as higher levels, were found in patients with carcinoma of the left colon than in those with right colon tumours. Statistically significant differences were found between the positivity rate and Dukes' grading (p less than 0.05), as well as between CEA levels in Dukes' stages C and 'D' (p less than 0.005). It is concluded that AFP has a very limited clinical role in patients with malignant extra-hepatic gastrointestinal tumours and that CEA may have a clinical role in tumours of the digestive tract, other than carcinoma of colon and rectum.

Performance and digestibility of confined lambs fed with Babassu cake (Orbignya speciosa) as a substitute for elephant grass silage / Desempenho e digestibilidade de cordeiros confinados alimentados com torta de babaçu (Orbignya speciosa) em substituição à silagem de capim-elefante

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the partial replacement of elephant grass silage with babassu (Orbignya speciosa) on the performance, intake, digestibility, and carcass weight gain of sheep. Fifty-four castrated male lambs (19.08±2.76kg) were distributed in a completely randomized design and administered one of the following treatments: 0.0, 12.5, 25.0, 37.5 or 50% dry matter (%DM) replacement of elephant grass silage with babassu cake. No difference (P> 0.05) was observed in the dry matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber intake, but the ether extract intake increased (P< 0.05). The digestibility of the dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, and total digestible nutrients were unaffected. The crude protein digestibility decreased (P< 0.05), and the ether extract digestibility increased with the replacement of the elephant grass. There were no changes in mean daily weight gain and carcass weight gain. In the carcasses, a linear increase was observed in the proportion of the ether extract, and the crude protein decreased. The replacement of the silage with the babassu cake by up to 50% did not change the performance of sheep, however it led to an increase in fat deposit in the carcass.

Objetivou-se avaliar a substituição parcial da silagem de capim elefante por torta de babaçu (Orbignya speciosa) sobre o desempenho, consumo, digestibilidade, composição química e ganho em peso de carcaça de ovinos. Cinquenta e quatro machos, castrados (19,08±2,76kg) foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado e administrado um dos seguintes tratamentos: 0.0, 12.5, 25.0, 37.5 e 50% (%MS) de substituição da silagem pela torta de babaçu. Não houve diferença (P> 0.05) na ingestão de matéria seca, proteína bruta e fibra em detergente neutro, porém o consumo de extrato etéreo aumentou (P< 0.05). A digestibilidade da matéria seca, fibra em detergente neutro e nutrientes digestíveis totais não foram alterados, no entanto, os coeficientes de digestibilidade da proteína bruta reduziu (P< 0.05) e do extrato etéreo aumentou (P< 0.05), com a substituição. Não houve alterações no ganho de peso médio diário e ganho de peso em carcaça. Nas carcaças, observou-se aumento linear na proporção do extrato etéreo, no entanto a porcentagem de proteína bruta diminuiu. O aumento no extrato etéreo da carcaça mostrou uma tendência linear. A substituição da silagem pela torta de babaçu em até 50% não alterou o desempenho de ovinos, porém levou a aumento na deposição de gordura na carcaça.