Fermented food: Should patients with cardiometabolic diseases go back to an early neolithic diet?

Fermentation has been used since the Early Neolithic period to preserve foods. It has inherent organoleptic and nutritive properties that bestow health benefits, including reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, supporting the growth of salutogenic microbiota, enhancing intestinal mucosal protection and promoting beneficial immunometabolic health effects. The fermentation of food with specific microbiota increases the production salutogenic bioactive compounds that can activate Nrf2 mediated cytoprotective responses and mitigate the effects of the 'diseasome of aging' and its associated inflammageing, which presents as a prominent feature of obesity, type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease. This review discusses the importance of fermented food in improving health span, with special reference to cardiometabolic diseases.

May polydextrose potentially improve gut health in patients with chronic kidney disease?

Polydextrose (PDX) is a non-digestible oligosaccharide with a complex structure widely used in the food industry. Studies have shown many health benefits of polydextrose, including modulating the gut microbiota, improving the immune system, altering the lipid profile, and stimulating bowel function. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) report gut dysbiosis, inflammation, dyslipidemia and constipation. These are major concerns that affect the quality of life. In this context, PDX can promote beneficial effects. However, little is known about PDX in CKD. This review discusses the possible beneficial effects of PDX on gut health for patients with CKD, particularly its impact on constipation.

Characterization and comparison of commercial oils used for human embryo culture.

STUDY QUESTION: Are there significant differences between the available commercial oil brands used for human IVF? SUMMARY ANSWER: Important differences have been detected among the tested oil brands in their potential to stabilize culture conditions and, more importantly, in their direct effect on embryo development and viability. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Mineral oil is a critical component of the human culture system due to its protective and stabilizing roles during in vitro embryo development. Many different oils are available on the market, with differences in their viscosity, density and overall quality. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Thirteen different commercial oil brands were compared. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Each oil was firstly analyzed to assess its viscosity, density, peroxide value and potential oxidation. Secondly, the capacity of each oil to reduce pH, osmolality and temperature fluctuations during embryo culture and manipulation was compared. Lastly, a sensitive mouse embryo assay (MEA) protocol, previously optimized to detect toxicity in oils samples, was used to compare the overall quality of the different brands in terms of embryo developmental rates up to the blastocyst stage. At the end of the MEAs, a triple labeling protocol was applied to analyze Oct4+ cells, apoptotic cells and total cell counts in the blastocysts obtained by fluorescence microscopy. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Significant divergences were detected in the rise of osmolality and the equilibration and stability of pH between different oils, which could be correlated to their physico-chemical characteristics. In particular, oil samples with a higher viscosity tended to offer an additional protection against fluctuations in the culture conditions, however, the differences in temperature stability between oils were minor. Two out of the 13 oil samples, which were commercially available, were identified as embryo-toxic by applying the MEA protocol with increased sensitivity for toxicity detection. Additionally, substantial differences in the total number of cells and the number of cells in the inner cell mass of the obtained blastocysts were also detected between oil groups. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: A single lot of oil was used for each brand and, thus, lot-to-lot variations in oil quality could not be determined. However, several bottles from the same oil were included to account for potential intra-lot variability. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Commercial oils differ in both their physical characteristics and their performance in maintaining the stability of the culture conditions during in vitro embryo culture. Oil selection is important for embryo culture success. Additionally, the detection of embryo-toxic oils which had already been released to the human IVF market showcases the importance of applying sensitive MEA protocols for a better detection of toxicity in this type of samples. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This study was privately funded. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

Factors of the human embryo culture system that may affect media evaporation and osmolality.

STUDY QUESTION: Which lab-related factors impact the culture system's capacity to maintain a stable osmolality during human embryo culture? SUMMARY ANSWER: Incubator humidity, the volume of mineral oil, the type of culture media and the design of time-lapse dishes have been identified as important parameters that can cause an impact on media evaporation and consequently osmolality during culture. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Culture medium is a critical component in human embryo culture. Minimizing its evaporation during culture is an adequate strategy to stabilize osmolality and, as a result, improving culture conditions and clinical outcomes. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: The studied variables included media composition and supplementation; volume of mineral oil; incubator humidification; and the type of dish and incubator used. Additionally, six time-lapse dish models were compared in their ability to prevent evaporation. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Dishes were incubated in parallel to analyze osmolality during culture between groups: synthetic oviductal medium enriched with potassium versus human tubal fluid medium; protein versus no protein supplementation; dry versus humid atmosphere; high versus low volume of mineral oil. Additionally, media evaporation was compared between six models of time-lapse dishes with distinct designs, cultured in a joint incubator. Two of them were retested in their corresponding incubator to analyze the dish-incubator fit. Daily osmolality measurements were compared between groups. Linear regression was performed to analyze evaporation rates. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Protein supplementation did not significantly affect evaporation. Contrarily, humidity levels inside the incubators, the volume of mineral oil and the type of culture media, played an important role in osmolality stabilization. The design of time-lapse dishes and their recommended preparation protocol heavily influenced their evaporation rates, which were further altered by each incubator's characteristics. Media with initially high osmolalities had a bigger risk of reaching hypertonic levels during culture. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: While numerous, the studied variables are limited and therefore other factors could play a role in osmolality dynamics, as well. Incontrollable atmospheric factors could also result in some variation in the observed results between different centers and laboratories. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Published literature has extensively described how hypertonic media may impair embryo development and negatively affect clinical outcomes; therefore, maintaining a stable osmolality during culture should be considered essential. This work is of interest both for embryologists when analyzing their culture system and methodologies, as well as manufacturers in charge of designing IVF consumables. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This study was privately funded. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

Evidence that human and equine erythrocytes could have significant roles in the transport and delivery of amino acids to organs and tissues.

Erythrocytes have a well-defined role in the gaseous exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the mammalian body. The erythrocytes can contain more than half of the free amino acids present in whole blood. Based on measures showing that venous erythrocyte levels of amino acids are much less than arterial erythrocyte levels, it has previously been proposed that erythrocytes also play a role in the delivery of amino acids to tissues in the body. This role has been dismissed because it has been assumed that to act as an amino acid transport vehicle, the erythrocytes should release their entire amino acid content in the capillary beds at the target tissues with kinetic studies showing that this would take too long to achieve. This investigation set out to investigate whether the equine erythrocytes could rapidly take up and release smaller packages of amino acids when exposed to high or low external concentrations of amino acids, because it seemed very unlikely that cells would be able to release all of their amino acids without serious impacts on osmotic balance. Freshly prepared erythrocytes were placed in alternating solutions of high and low amino acid concentrations in PBS to assess the capacities of these cells to rapidly take up and release amino acids depending on the nature of the external environment. It was found that amino acids were rapidly taken up and released in small quantities in each cycle representing 15% of their total load in equine erythrocytes and 16% in human erythrocytes. The capacity for rapid uptake/release of amino acids by equine and human erythrocytes provided evidence to support the theory that mammalian erythrocytes have a significant role in transport of amino acids from the liver to tissues, muscles and organs.

Adherence to a Mediterranean Dietary Pattern and Functional Parameters: A Cross-Sectional Study in an Older Population.

OBJECTIVES: In older adults, diet and physical activity are among the most important behaviours that influence health. The Mediterranean Dietary Pattern has been related to longevity and can benefit physical function in older adults. The present study aims to quantify the association of adherence to a Mediterranean Dietary Pattern with physical functioning through by handgrip strength, as well as, with sedentary behaviour based on sitting time, in a sample of older adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 1,491 older adults ≥ 65 years old. The adherence or non-adherence to a Mediterranean Dietary Pattern was assessed using the previously validated and translated 14 item questionnaire, the PREDIMED (Prevención com Dieta Mediterránea). Handgrip strength was measured with a Jamar Dynamometer. Sitting time per day was used as an indicator of sedentary behaviour. Multinomial logistic regressions were performed to quantify the association of adherence to a Mediterranean Dietary Pattern with handgrip strength and sitting time. RESULTS: Compared to participants who adhered to a Mediterranean Dietary Pattern, those who did not adhere to this diet have a significantly higher adjusted odds ratio for low handgrip strength [adjusted odds ratio: 1.50; 95% confidence interval: 1.09-2.05], as well as for longer sitting time [adjusted odds ratio: 1.43; 95% confidence interval: 1.04-1.96]. CONCLUSION: In older adults, the non-adherence to a Mediterranean Dietary Pattern was associated with both lower values of handgrip strength and longer sitting time.

Padronização do exame ultrassonográfico do prepúcio e da parte livre do pênis em bovinos / Standardization of ultrasound examination of the prepuce and free end of the bovine penis

A ultrassonografia é um exame complementar não invasivo ainda pouco utilizado na avaliação prepucial e sem descrições detalhadas da parte livre do pênis (PLP) de bovinos. Este estudo objetivou padronizar a ultrassonografia prepucial em bovinos hígidos da raça Nelore com um ano de idade e, para tanto, descreveu o aspecto da lâmina interna prepucial (LIP) e da PLP, determinando as principais janelas acústicas, a viabilidade da utilização de contraste no lúmen da cavidade prepucial (LCP) e o melhor posicionamento do animal para a realização do exame. O escaneamento foi realizado com os animais na posição quadrupedal e em decúbito lateral direito. Foram determinadas cinco janelas acústicas a partir do óstio até a identificação do recesso prepucial. Os escaneamentos foram realizados nos planos longitudinais, transversais e dorsais, antes e após a infiltração de solução fisiológica a 0,9% no LCP. Como conclusões, o exame ultrassonográfico permitiu identificar a LIP e a PLP em todos os planos e em todas as janelas acústicas propostas. O melhor ponto de referência é a identificação da glande. O posicionamento quadrupedal é mais adequado para a realização do exame e o uso de contraste é recomendado para delimitação topográfica das estruturas.(AU)

Ultrasonography is a noninvasive complementary exam that is still rarely used in the preputial evaluation and without detailed descriptions of the bovine free end of the penis. The purpose of this study was to standardize preputial ultrasonography in one-year-old healthy Nelore cattle, describing the main acoustic windows, the viability of using contrast in the preputial cavity and the best positioning of the animal for performing the ultrasound examination. The scanning was performed with the animals in standing and decubitus position. Five acoustic windows were determined from the preputial ostium to the preputial fornix, at the free end of the penis. The scans were performed in longitudinal, transverse and dorsal planes, before and after infiltration of 0.9% saline solution into the preputial cavity. As conclusions, the ultrasound examination is able to identify the internal layer and the free part of the penis in all proposed planes and acoustic windows. The best landmark is the identification of the glans. Furthermore, standing positioning is the most appropriate to perform the exam and the use of contrast is recommended for topographic delimitation of the structures.(AU)

Predictors of nutritional and inflammation risk in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition and chronic inflammation are prevalent complications in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Different nutritional assessment tools are used to identify patients at risk. A composite and comprehensive malnutrition inflammation score (MIS) has been correlated with morbidity and mortality, and appears to be a robust and quantitative tool. OBJECTIVES: Determine malnutrition risk profile in a sample of portuguese HD patients; determine the association of clinical and laboratory factors with MIS, and the impact of each parameter on MIS. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed, between September 15th of 2015 and January 31st of 2016, a cross sectional analysis of 2975 patients, representing 25% of portuguese HD patients. 59% were men (66.7 ± 14.8 years); 31% diabetic; 79% and 21% performed, respectively, high-flux HD and HDF. A MIS >5 was considered to indicate higher risk and was present in 1489 patients (50%). Amongst all parameters, comorbilities/dialysis vintage, transferrin, functional capacity, changes in body weight and decreased fat stores showed the higher impact, while albumin had one of the lowest impact on the nutritional risk. MULTIVARIABLE ANALYSIS: Higher age (>75 years, OR 1.71, p < 0.001), diabetes (OR 1.25, p = 0.026), lower P levels (OR 1.57,p = 0.001), higher Ca levels (OR 1.51, p < 0.001), higher ERI (OR 1.05, p < 0.001), higher Kt/V (OR 2.14, p < 0.001) and higher CRP (OR 1.01, p < 0.001) were independently associated with a higher risk of MIS>5; higher nPNA (OR 0.29, p < 0.001) and higher Pcreat (OR 0.88, p < 0.001) were associated with a risk reduction of MIS>5 (95% CI). CONCLUSIONS: Routine clinical and analytic parameters were found to be associated with MIS range that might indicate higher risk, and may represent a simple alert sign for the need of further assessments.

Are hypohydrated older adults at increased risk of exhaustion?

BACKGROUND: Dehydration appears to affect muscle strength and weakness, although its influence on exhaustion remains unclear. The present study aimed to quantify the association between hydration status and exhaustion among older adults. METHODS: A cluster sampling approach was used, representing Portuguese older adults (≥65 years) according to age, sex, education level and region within the Nutrition UP65 cross-sectional study. A 24-h urine sample was collected to estimate free water reserve (FWR), which was categorised into tertiles according to sex. Subjects with incomplete 24-h urine and renal disease were excluded. From a sample size of 1500 subjects, 1143 were eligible. Exhaustion was self-reported according to the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. A logistic regression model was conducted to evaluate the association between FWR and exhaustion. Odds ratios and the respective 95% confidence intervals were calculated by sex and age. RESULTS: Free water reserve median (interquartile range) was 0.52 (0.68) L in women and 0.36 (0.77) L in men. Hypohydration affected 11.6% of women and 25.1% of men, whereas exhaustion was reported by 39.3% of women and 25.1% of men. After adjusting for confounders, women ≥80 years classified in the highest tertile of FWR showed a decreased risk of exhaustion (third tertile: odds ratio = 0.38; 95% confidence interval = 0.15-0.96) compared to women in the lowest FWR tertile. No such significant association was observed in women with <80 years and in men. CONCLUSIONS: These results show an association between worse hydration status and exhaustion in older women, highlighting the need to implement further studies clarifying this association.

Avaliação da produção lacrimal, pressão intraocular, retinografia e biometria ocular em bovinos das raças Nelore e Gir hígidos / Evaluation of tear production, intraocular pressure, retinography and ocular biometry in bovine Nelore and Gir breeds

No presente estudo, foram avaliados parâmetros oftalmológicos de 38 bovinos das raças Nelore (n= 19; grupo GN) e Gir (n= 19; grupo GG), machos, com idade média de 15 meses. Os exames oftalmológicos realizados foram teste lacrimal de Schirmer 1 (TLS-1), tonometria de aplanação, retinografia e biometria por ultrassonografia em modo B. Os resultados do TLS-1, tonometria de aplanação e biometria ocular foram avaliados por meio da análise de variância (ANOVA), e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey. Para o exame de retinografia, foi realizada a análise descritiva das estruturas anatômicas. O TLS-1 e a tonometria não diferiram (P≥0,05) nas comparações entre os olhos e entre os grupos raciais. A retinografia permitiu a visualização do disco óptico, dos vasos retinianos, do fundo tapetal e não tapetal, sem constatação de diferenças anatômicas entre as raças. Por meio da biometria ocular, foram observados valores maiores nos animais da raça Gir para as medidas do comprimento axial (CAx), da espessura da lente (EL) e da profundidade da câmara vítrea (CV), em ambos os eixos, horizontal (CAH) e vertical (CAV). Os exames oftalmológicos realizados podem ser executados a campo sem comprometer o bem-estar dos animais. Somente na ultrassonografia em modo B foram identificadas diferenças entre os bovinos das raças Nelore e Gir.(AU)

The ophthalmological parameters were evaluated of 38 male Nelore bovine (n= 19, GN group) and Gir (n= 19, GG group), with 15 months age. The ophthalmological examinations by Schirmer 1 (TLS-1), aplanation tonometry, retinography and B-mode ultrasonography were done. The results of the TLS-1, aplanation tonometry and ocular biometry were evaluated by analysis of variance and means compared by the Tukey test. A descriptive analysis of the anatomical structures was performed for the retinography examination. TLS-1 and tonometry did not differ (P≥ 0.05) in the comparisons between the eyes and between the groups. Retinography allowed the visualization of the optic disc, retinal vessels, tapetal and non-tapetal fundus, without any anatomical differences between the breed. In the ocular biometry, higher values were observed in Gir animals for measurements of axial length (CAx), lens thickness (EL) and depth of the vitreous chamber (CV), both horizontal (CAH) and vertical (CAV) imaging planes. Ophthalmologic examinations can be performed on the field without compromising animal welfare. Differences between Nelore and Gir bovines were identified only by B-mode ultrasonography.(AU)

Vitamin D status and functional parameters: A cross-sectional study in an older population.

The present study aims to clarify the association of vitamin D status with functionality, measured through gait speed and hand grip strength, in a sample of older adults, considering sex-specific characteristics and the potential confounding effect of lifestyle factors, disease, skin phenotype, season of blood collection and vitamin D supplementation. The Nutrition UP 65 cross-sectional study was conducted in a population-based sample of 1,425 older adults ≥ 65 years old. Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were quantified through electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Multinomial logistic regressions were carried out using quartiles of gait speed and of hand grip strength as dependent variables. Participants at risk of vitamin D inadequacy (30.0-49.9 nmol/L) and deficiency (< 30.0 nmol/L) presented higher adjusted odds ratio of the lowest values of gait speed and hand grip strength than those with adequate vitamin D levels (≥ 50.0 nmol/L). These associations were strongest among men at risk of vitamin D deficiency [adjusted odds ratio for the lowest quartile of gait speed = 3.24; 95% CI: 1.56-6.73 and for the lowest quartile of hand grip strength = 3.28; 95% CI: 1.47-7.31] than in women at risk of vitamin D deficiency [adjusted odds ratio for the lowest quartile of gait speed = 2.72; 95% CI: 1.37-5.41 and for the lowest quartile of hand grip strength = 1.56; 95% CI: 0.81-3.00]. In conclusion, in older adults, particularly in men, the risk of vitamin D deficiency was directly associated with the lowest values of gait speed and of hand grip strength. However, randomized controlled trials are needed to overcome the possibility of reverse causation and residual confounding. Present results emphasise the need for strategies to promote the reduction of the high prevalence of low vitamin D status among the Portuguese older adult population.

Weakness: The most frequent criterion among pre-frail and frail older Portuguese.

AIM: In Portugal, the burden of pre-frailty and frailty in community-dwelling older adults is still unknown. The purpose of this study is to estimate the frequency of frailty in a Portuguese sample with ≥ 65years and to evaluate its associated factors. We also intend to identify which criterion has more impact on the diagnosis of frailty. METHODS: 1457 older adults with ≥ 65years from the Nutrition UP 65 study were evaluated in a cross-sectional analysis. Frailty was identified according to Fried et al. by the presence of three or more of the following factors: unintentional weight loss, self-reported exhaustion, slowness, weakness and low physical activity. Pre-frailty was defined as the presence of one or two of these criteria. The association between individuals' characteristics and frailty status was analysed through logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The frequency of pre-frailty and frailty is 54.3% and 21.5%, respectively. In older adults classified as pre-frail or frail, 76.7% presented weakness and 48.6% exhaustion. In multivariate analyses, frailty was associated with age >75, lower education level, being single, divorced or widower, being professionally inactive, poor self-perception of health status, not drinking alcohol, being obese and undernourished or at undernutrition risk. CONCLUSION: This condition is very prevalent in Portuguese older adults, one fifth are frail whereas half are pre-frail. Weakness identified by low handgrip strength is the most prevalent criterion in pre-frail and frail Portuguese older adults.

Angiografia dos dígitos de bovinos jovens antes e após indução de acidose ruminal / Digital angiography in young cattle before and after ruminal acidosis induction

O presente estudo objetivou descrever a rede vascular dos dígitos dos membros pélvicos de bovinos antes e após aplicação intrarruminal de oligofrutose, empregando a venografia. Utilizaram-se seis bovinos alocados em dois grupos (GI e GII), que receberam 13 e 17g/kg de oligofrutose, respectivamente. A venografia dos dígitos foi feita em quatro momentos: 15 dias antes (M0) e 36 horas (M1), sete dias (M2) e 30 dias (M3) após aplicação de oligofrutose. Mensurou-se a largura das veias visualizadas e avaliou-se possível supressão do fluxo sanguíneo dos vasos. A largura foi avaliada pela análise de variância (ANOVA) e pelo teste t (5%). Em M0, nas radiografias, foram identificadas 25 estruturas, incluindo veias, artérias e rede vascular. As veias mensuradas foram: digital dorsal comum III e dorsal da falange distal e os ramos plantares para o coxim digital do dígito lateral e medial. Apenas a v. digital dorsal comum III apresentou maior largura após 36 horas e constrição com 30 dias (P≤0,05) da aplicação de oligofrutose. Comparando-se os momentos, encontrou-se vasodilatação no M1 e vasoconstrição nos demais. A mensuração da largura dos vasos não sofreu (P≥0,05) interferência quando se compararam os grupos. Concluiu-se que a venografia dos dígitos de bovinos permite estudar e identificar alterações da vascularização.(AU)

The objective of this study was to describe vascular net of bovine digit before and after intrarruminal administration of oligofructose, with the use of venography. Six animals sorted in two groups (GI and GII) that received 13 and 17g/kg of oligofructose respectively were used. Digits venography were done in four moments: 15 days before (M0) and 36 hours (M1), seven days (M2) and 30 days (M3) after administration of oligofructose. Width of visualized veins and evaluated possible blood flow vessels suppression was measured. The width was evaluated by ANOVA and T test (5%). In M0 25 structures were identified, including veins, arteries and vascular net in radiographic images. Veins measured were: common digital III and dorsal of distal phalanx and plantar branches to digital cushion of lateral and medial digits. Only V. digital dorsal common III presented higher width after 36 hours and constriction with 30 days (P≤0.05) of oligofructose administration. Comparing moments, vessel dilation on M1 and constriction on other moments. Measurement of vessel width didn´t suffer interference when groups were compared. Venography of bovine digits allowed for the study and identification of changes in vascularization.(AU)

Parotid gland adenocarcinoma in a cow: case report / Adenocarcinoma de glândula parótida em vaca: relato de caso

A 9-year-old Girolando dairy cow, weighing 400kg, with a history of increased volume in the right parotid region, which extended to the submandibular region, was assisted. Fine needle aspiration cytology was performed, and the cytological findings were consistent with malignant neoplasm of epithelial origin (carcinoma). Because of the unfavorable prognosis, the animal was euthanized and submitted to an anatomopathological examination. Samples of the increased parotid and affected lymph nodes were collected for histopathological evaluation. The microscopic changes were accentuated features of anaplasia, moderate cell proliferation, atypical mitotic figures, and necrosis. Stroma ranged from delicate to scirrhous, and the tumor boundaries were not distinct. These findings substantiated the preliminary histomorphological diagnosis of undifferentiated carcinoma with metastasis in lymph nodes. Immunohistochemical tests were performed with anti-CK Pan (clone AE1AE3), anti-CK HMW (clone 34ßE12), anti-CK19 (clone RCK108), anti-vimentin (clone V9), anti-S100 (polyclonal), and anti-androgen (polyclonal) antibodies. The immunophenotype favored the diagnosis of salivary gland adenocarcinoma. Despite the rareness in cattle, salivary gland adenocarcinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of diseases that occur with increased volume in the head, lymphadenopathy, drooling, dysphagia, and progressive weight loss.(AU)

Foi atendida uma vaca da raça Girolando, de nove anos de idade, de aptidão leiteira, pesando aproximadamente 400kg e com histórico de aumento de volume na região parotídea e submandibular direita. Diante do prognóstico desfavorável, o animal foi submetido à eutanásia e encaminhado para exame anatomopatológico. Fragmentos da glândula parótida e dos linfonodos alterados foram colhidos e encaminhados para exame histopatológico. À avaliação microscópica, observaram-se acentuada anaplasia, moderada proliferação celular, figuras de mitose atípicas e focos de necrose. O estroma variava de delicado a esquirroso e os limites do tumor eram imprecisos. Esses achados fundamentaram o diagnóstico de carcinoma indiferenciado com metástase em linfonodos. No exame imuno-histoquímico, foram utilizados anticorpos primários monoclonais anti-CK Pan (clone AE1AE3), anti-CK alto peso molecular (clone 34ßE12), anti-CK19 (clone RCK108), antivimentina (clone V9), anti-S100 (policlonal) e antirreceptor de andrógenos (policlonal). As células neoplásicas apresentaram imunomarcação para todos os anticorpos testados, resultado que favorece o diagnóstico de adenocarcinoma de glândula salivar. Embora raro em bovinos, o adenocarcinoma de glândula salivar deve ser considerado no diagnóstico diferencial de doenças que cursam com aumento de volume na cabeça, linfadenopatia salivação, disfagia e emagrecimento progressivo.(AU)

Novas perspectivas no diagnóstico e tratamento da acropostite-fimose em touros / New perspectives in the diagnosis and treatment of acropostitis-phimosis of bulls

A acropostite-fimose é um processo inflamatório da extremidade do prepúcio, diagnosticada com frequência em touros. O presente estudo objetivou avaliar o exame ultrassonográfico na definição da viabilidade do folheto prepucial interno (FPI) e na evolução clínica do pós-operatório, após o emprego de fios de categute ou poliglactina na hemostasia e de algodão ou poliglactina na confecção de sutura padrão Donatti empregada para fixar o FPI à pele prepucial no transoperatório da acropostite-fimose em touros. A sutura utilizada foi captonada ou não captonada, e os animais submetidos ao procedimento cirúrgico apresentavam no mínimo dois terços do FPI viável. Os touros foram alocados, aleatoriamente, em quatro grupos contendo nove animais cada, de acordo com o fio empregado na hemostasia e na confecção da sutura padrão Donatti. O exame ultrassonográfico mostrou-se importante na indicação ou não do tratamento cirúrgico da acropostite-fimose e possibilitou localizar lesões, mensurar a área de reação tecidual e identificar lesões profundas e pontos de estreitamento do FPI. Os animais de GII apresentaram edema mais discreto, observando-se diferença significativa (P<0,05) entre GII e os grupos GI, GIII e GIV. A ocorrência de hiperemia no sétimo dia de pós-operatório também foi menor nos touros do grupo GII, ocorrendo diferença significativa (P<0,05) entre GII e os grupos GI e GIII. A sutura empregando o dispositivo de látex (cápton) e o emprego do fio de poliglactina apresentaram-se como medidas benéficas, resultando em menor número de complicações pós-operatórias.(AU)

Acropostitis-Phimosis is an inflammatory process of the extremity of the prepuce, frequently diagnosed in bulls. The present study aimed to evaluate ultrassound exams in the definition of viability of the internal layer of prepuce and the postoperative clinical evolution. This evaluation is after the employment of catgut or poliglactin threads in homeostasis, and cloth or polyglactin threads in confection of the standard suture, Donatti, used to fix the internal layer of prepuce to the preputial in the postoperative of acropostitis-phimosis in bulls. The suture was captonated and non-captonated and the animals conducted to the surgical procedure showed at least 2/3 of viability of the internal layer of prepuce. The bulls were randomly allocated in four groups, each one containing nine animals, according to the thread used in homeostasis and confection of the Donatti standard suture. Ultrassound was shown to be important in the indication or not of the surgical treatment of acropostitis-phimosis and allowed the identification of lesions, measurement of areas of tissue reaction and locate deep lesions and narrowing points of internal layer of prepuce. The employment of latex device (capton) in suture and the employment of polyglactin thread 910 were shown as beneficial measures, resulting in a lower number of postoperative complications.(AU)

PREVALENCIA DE Cystoisospora suis EN GRANJAS PORCINAS INTENSIVAS DE LA REGIÓN CENTRAL DE VENEZUELA / PREVALENCE OF Cystoisospora suis IN SWINE INTENSIVE HERDS AT THE CENTRAL REGION OF VENEZUELA

Entre enero y junio de 2014 se condujo una investigación en la región central de Venezuela con la finalidad de determinar la prevalencia del enterococcidio Cystoisospora suis en granjas porcinas intensivas. Para la determinación parasitaria se seleccionaron 572 camadas con signos de diarrea, así como 1.712 muestras fecales de cerdos adultos. Todas las muestras se cultivaron en dicromato de potasio al 2,5% y posteriormente se procesaron mediante una técnica coproparasitológica. Los resultados señalan que C. suis se encontró en 55 granjas (82,1%) y 210 camadas (36,7%), con los mayores valores de prevalencia en las dos primeras semanas de vida (P < 0,05). Al referir los resultados en cerdos adultos se encontró correlación significativa (rho = 0,35; P < 0,05) entre excreción de ooquistes en lechones y madres, lo que sugiere que cerdas madres podrían actuar como fuentes de infección. Se encontró correlación entre el número de partos de la cerda y los valores de prevalencia en camadas y cerdas lactantes (P < 0,05) lo que indica que, a mayor número de partos, disminuye la prevalencia. Probablemente estos hallazgos se asocian con mecanismos inmunológicos desconocidos. Se concluye que C. suis se encuentra ampliamente distribuido en Venezuela y que el enterococcidio puede ser controlado mejorando las condiciones higiénicas de las granjas; sin embargo, hay mecanismos inmunológicos aún sin dilucidar que podrían incidir en la cadena de transmisión del protozoario.

It was carried out an investigation at the central region of Venezuela from January to June 2014 with the aim to determine the prevalence of coccidian Cystoisospora suis in intensive swine herds. For parasitic determination 572 litters were selected with signs of diarrhea. Likewise, 1.712 fecal samples were also collected in mature pigs. Stool samples were cultured in a 2.5% potassium dichromate solution and later processed by coprological technique. The results of this investigation indicated that C. suis was observed in 55 herds (82.1%) and 210 litters (36.7%) with the highest prevalence values in first two weeks of age (P < 0.05). Regarding to mature pigs, there was a significant correlation (rho = 0.35; P < 0.05) among oocysts excretion in piglets and sows, suggesting that sows may act as infection sources. Sows parity was statistically correlated with the prevalence values in litters as in lactating sows (P < 0.05). This might indicate that as parity increase, prevalence decreases in these groups. Probably these findings are associated with unknown immunologic mechanisms. It is concluding that C. suis is broadly distributed in Venezuela and it could be controlled by improving conditions sanitary herd, however, non elucidated immunologic mechanisms might be involved in the protozoa transmission cycle.

PrPC Governs Susceptibility to Prion Strains in Bank Vole, While Other Host Factors Modulate Strain Features.

Bank vole is a rodent species that shows differential susceptibility to the experimental transmission of different prion strains. In this work, the transmission features of a panel of diverse prions with distinct origins were assayed both in bank vole expressing methionine at codon 109 (Bv109M) and in transgenic mice expressing physiological levels of bank vole PrPC (the BvPrP-Tg407 mouse line). This work is the first systematic comparison of the transmission features of a collection of prion isolates, representing a panel of diverse prion strains, in a transgenic-mouse model and in its natural counterpart. The results showed very similar transmission properties in both the natural species and the transgenic-mouse model, demonstrating the key role of the PrP amino acid sequence in prion transmission susceptibility. However, differences in the PrPSc types propagated by Bv109M and BvPrP-Tg407 suggest that host factors other than PrPC modulate prion strain features. IMPORTANCE: The differential susceptibility of bank voles to prion strains can be modeled in transgenic mice, suggesting that this selective susceptibility is controlled by the vole PrP sequence alone rather than by other species-specific factors. Differences in the phenotypes observed after prion transmissions in bank voles and in the transgenic mice suggest that host factors other than the PrPC sequence may affect the selection of the substrain replicating in the animal model.

Ultrasonographic imaging of the temporomandibular joint in healthy cattle and pathological findings in one clinical case.

AIMS: To describe the normal ultrasonographic appearance of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in cattle, and to describe the ultrasonographic pathology of the TMJ as assessed in one cow with TMJ disease. METHODS: The TMJ of 12 healthy Holstein-Friesian cows were examined using a portable ultrasonographic unit with a 7.5 MHz linear probe and a 6.0 MHz convex probe. Each TMJ was scanned in a rostrolateral, lateral and caudolateral plane. In addition, the TMJ of one 2-year-old cow with clinical signs of food retention in the mouth, head tilt, swelling and pain in the right TMJ region and an infected horn fracture was examined ultrasonographically. RESULTS: The bone surfaces of the temporal process, the zygomatic process and the temporal bone, the larger muscles of the TMJ region, the superficial temporal vein, and the parotid salivary gland could be imaged in all normal healthy cattle. Using the linear probe, the joint capsule was visible in 17/24 (71%) cases in the caudolateral plane, but the articular disc could not be visualised. With the convex probe, the joint capsule could be imaged in all cases in the caudolateral plane, and the articular disc in 13/24 (54%) cases in the caudolateral plane. It was never possible to see the synovial pouch in healthy cattle using either probe. By contrast, in the cow diagnosed with septic arthritis of the right TMJ, a marked anechoic and heterogeneous hypoechoic effusion of the TMJ with distension of the joint capsule was visualised. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this descriptive study serve to provide a reference for ultrasonography of pathological conditions of the TMJ region in cattle. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: As many veterinarians are equipped with ultrasound machines with 5-8 MHz linear rectal probes, the authors recommend using these probes for further investigation of clinical cases with swelling of the TMJ region and/or masticatory problems of unclear origin to exclude or diagnose TMJ disorders.

Plant growth-promoting Burkholderia species isolated from annual ryegrass in Portuguese soils.

AIMS: To search for culturable Burkholderia species associated with annual ryegrass in soils from natural pastures in Portugal, with plant growth-promoting effects. METHODS AND RESULTS: Annual ryegrass seedlings were used to trap Burkholderia from two different soils in laboratory conditions. A combined approach using genomic fingerprinting and sequencing of 16S rRNA and recA genes resulted in the identification of Burkholderia strains belonging to the species Burkholderia graminis, Burkholderia fungorum and the Burkholderia cepacia complex. Most strains were able to solubilize mineral phosphate and to synthesize indole acetic acid; some of them could produce siderophores and antagonize the phytopathogenic oomycete, Phytophthora cinnamomi. A strain (G2Bd5) of B. graminis was selected for gnotobiotic plant inoculation experiments. The main effects were the stimulation of root growth and enhancement of leaf lipid synthesis and turnover. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and confocal laser microscopy evidenced that strain G2Bd5 is a rhizospheric and endophytic colonizer of annual ryegrass. CONCLUSIONS: This work revealed that annual ryegrass can naturally associate with members of the genus Burkholderia. A novel plant growth promoting strain of B. graminis was obtained. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The novel strain belongs to the plant-associated Burkholderia cluster and is a promising candidate for exploitation as plant inoculant in field conditions.

Finasteride Quantification in Human Plasma by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry. Application to a Comparative Pharmacokinetics Study.

A specific, fast and sensitive LC-MS/MS assay was developed for the determination of finasteride in human plasma using betamethsone dipropionate as the internal standard (IS). The limit of quantification was 1.0 ng/ml and the method was linear in the range of 1.0-25.0 ng/ml. The retention times were 0.75 min for finasteride and 0.85 min for IS. Method intra-batch precision and accuracy ranged from 3.6 to 7.1%, and 96.6 to 103.9%, respectively. Inter-batch precision ranged from 2.5 to 3.4%, while Inter-batch accuracy ranged from 100.3 to 103.5%. The analytical method was applied to evaluate the pharmacokinetic and relative bioavailability of 2 different pharmaceutical formulations containing 1.0 mg of finasteride. This study evaluated 38 volunteers in a randomized, 2-period crossover study with 7 days washout period between doses. The geometric mean and respective 90% CI of finasteride test/reference percent ratios were 95.68% (91.2 - 104.6%) for Cmax, 97.5% (92.1-103.3%) for AUC0-t and 98.1 (92.67-103.8) for AUC0-inf. Based on the 90% confidence interval of the individual ratios (test formulation/reference formulation) for Cmax and AUC0-inf, it was concluded that the test formulation is bioequivalent to the reference one with respect to the rate and extent of absorption of finasteride.