Carcass and meat quality traits in Nellore and F1 Nellore-Araguaia crosses.

We evaluated and compared carcass traits and meat quality in Nellore cattle and F1 crosses between Nellore and Araguaia, where 17 individuals were from the Nellore group and 19 were ½ Nellore and ½ Araguaia crosses. All animals belonged to the same birth season and were raised in pasture systems under the same nutritional, environmental, and management conditions. When the animals reached slaughter weight, they were taken to an industrial slaughterhouse where food was not provided for 24 h (free access to water); they were then stunned, bled, the leather was removed, and they were eviscerated. The carcasses were weighed (hot weight), kept in chilled storage for approximately 24 h at 4°C, and weighed again to obtain the chilled carcass weight. Carcass yield, carcass length, carcass width, leg length, thigh perimeter, loin eye area (LEA), retail cuts, cooling loss, pH, fat depth, marbling rate, intramuscular fat, color, and shear force were analyzed and sensory analysis of the meat was conducted. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed for the following variables: slaughter weight, hot and chilled carcass weights, carcass and leg lengths, thigh perimeter, LEA, retail cuts, and lightness (L*), where the ½ Nellore ½ Araguaia individuals showed higher means for all of these traits, except leg length and L*. Therefore, crossbreeding between Nellore and Araguaia did not affect the meat's sensory characteristics, but contributed to an improvement in carcass traits, providing an alternative for farmers that aim for good meat quality, with a higher meat percentage.

Teores proteicos em dietas para vacas Holandesas leiteiras em confinamento / Protein contents in the diet of holstein milking cows in a tie stall

Avaliou-se o efeito de dietas com níveis de proteína bruta ‒ PB (10, 12, 14 e 16% na matéria seca ‒ MS) em vacas Holandesas mestiças com produção de leite médio (PL) de 13kg/dia. Utilizou-se silagem de milho como volumoso, e a relação volumoso:concentrado foi de 75:25. Houve aumento linear para o consumo de todos os componentes da dieta, exceto para o consumo de carboidratos totais e carboidratos não fibrosos (CNF), que reduziram linearmente. O consumo dos nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT) apresentou comportamento quadrático, com valor máximo estimado de 10,13kg/dia, na dose de 15,62% de PB na dieta. As digestibilidades de PB, EE, FDN e FDNcp aumentaram linearmente. Já os valores de digestibilidade de MS, MO, CNF e NDT apresentaram efeito quadrático, estimando-se ponto de máximo de 65,09; 67,23; 78,35 e 67,92 nas doses de 15,39; 15,22; 15,62 e 15,68% de PB, respectivamente. A PL, sem e com correção para 3,5% de gordura, a variação de peso corporal e a composição do leite aumentaram linearmente, exceto para lactose, que não apresentou efeito. O nível de 14% de PB na dieta é o mais indicado para alimentação de vacas com produção média de 13kg/dia de leite.

The effect of diets with crude protein ‒ CP (10, 12, 14 and 16% in dry matter ‒ DM) levels in crossbred Holstein cows with milk production (MP) of 13 kg/day were evaluated. The feed consisted of 75% corn silage and 25% concentrate. There was a linear increase in the intake of all components of the diet, except for total carbohydrates and non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC), which decreased linearly. The intake of total digestible nutrients (TDN) presented a quadratic effect, with maximum estimated value of 10.13kg/day at a level of 15.62% of CP in the diet. The digestibility of CP, EE, neutral detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein increased linearly. However, the digestibility values for DM, OM, NFC and TDN presented a quadratic effect, with maximum estimated values of 65.09, 67.23, 78.35 and 67.92 at levels of 15.39, 15.22, 12.62 and 15.68% CP, respectively. The MP, without and with a correction to 3.5% fat, body weight variation and composition of the milk increased linearly, except for lactose which had no effect. The level of 14% CP in the diet is more suitable for feeding cows with average milk production of 13kg/day.

Teores proteicos em dietas para vacas Holandesas leiteiras em confinamento / Protein contents in the diet of holstein milking cows in a tie stall

Avaliou-se o efeito de dietas com níveis de proteína bruta ‒ PB (10, 12, 14 e 16% na matéria seca ‒ MS) em vacas Holandesas mestiças com produção de leite médio (PL) de 13kg/dia. Utilizou-se silagem de milho como volumoso, e a relação volumoso:concentrado foi de 75:25. Houve aumento linear para o consumo de todos os componentes da dieta, exceto para o consumo de carboidratos totais e carboidratos não fibrosos (CNF), que reduziram linearmente. O consumo dos nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT) apresentou comportamento quadrático, com valor máximo estimado de 10,13kg/dia, na dose de 15,62% de PB na dieta. As digestibilidades de PB, EE, FDN e FDNcp aumentaram linearmente. Já os valores de digestibilidade de MS, MO, CNF e NDT apresentaram efeito quadrático, estimando-se ponto de máximo de 65,09; 67,23; 78,35 e 67,92 nas doses de 15,39; 15,22; 15,62 e 15,68% de PB, respectivamente. A PL, sem e com correção para 3,5% de gordura, a variação de peso corporal e a composição do leite aumentaram linearmente, exceto para lactose, que não apresentou efeito. O nível de 14% de PB na dieta é o mais indicado para alimentação de vacas com produção média de 13kg/dia de leite.(AU)

The effect of diets with crude protein ‒ CP (10, 12, 14 and 16% in dry matter ‒ DM) levels in crossbred Holstein cows with milk production (MP) of 13 kg/day were evaluated. The feed consisted of 75% corn silage and 25% concentrate. There was a linear increase in the intake of all components of the diet, except for total carbohydrates and non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC), which decreased linearly. The intake of total digestible nutrients (TDN) presented a quadratic effect, with maximum estimated value of 10.13kg/day at a level of 15.62% of CP in the diet. The digestibility of CP, EE, neutral detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein increased linearly. However, the digestibility values for DM, OM, NFC and TDN presented a quadratic effect, with maximum estimated values of 65.09, 67.23, 78.35 and 67.92 at levels of 15.39, 15.22, 12.62 and 15.68% CP, respectively. The MP, without and with a correction to 3.5% fat, body weight variation and composition of the milk increased linearly, except for lactose which had no effect. The level of 14% CP in the diet is more suitable for feeding cows with average milk production of 13kg/day.(AU)

Lung inflammation is induced by renal ischemia and reperfusion injury as part of the systemic inflammatory syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI) are mainly caused by leukocyte activation, endothelial dysfunction and production of reactive oxygen species. Moreover, IRI can lead to a systemic response affecting distant organs, such as the lungs. AIM: The objective was to study the pulmonary inflammatory systemic response after renal IRI. METHODS: Male C57Bl/6 mice were subjected to 45 min of bilateral renal ischemia, followed by 4, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h of reperfusion. Blood was collected to measure serum creatinine and cytokine concentrations. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected to determine the number of cells and PGE(2) concentration. Expressions of iNOS and COX-2 in lung were determined by Western blot. Gene analyses were quantified by real time PCR. RESULTS: Serum creatinine increased in the IRI group compared to sham mainly at 24 h after IRI (2.57 +/- 0.16 vs. 0.43 +/- 0.07, p < 0.01). The total number of cells in BAL fluid was higher in the IRI group in comparison with sham, 12 h (100 x 10(4) +/- 15.63 vs. 18.1 x 10(4) +/- 10.5, p < 0.05) 24 h (124 x 10(4) +/- 8.94 vs. 23.2 x 10(4) +/- 3.5, p < 0.05) and 48 h (79 x 10(4) +/- 15.72 vs. 22.2 x 10(4) +/- 4.2, p < 0.05), mainly by mononuclear cells and neutrophils. Pulmonary COX-2 and iNOS were up-regulated in the IRI group. TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, MCP-1, KC and IL-6 mRNA expression were up-regulated in kidney and lungs 24 h after renal IRI. ICAM-1 mRNA was up-regulated in lungs 24 h after renal IRI. Serum TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and MCP-1 and BALF PGE(2) concentrations were increased 24 h after renal IRI. CONCLUSION: Renal IRI induces an increase of cellular infiltration, up-regulation of COX-2, iNOS and ICAM-1, enhanced chemokine expression and a Th1 cytokine profile in lung demonstrating that the inflammatory response is indeed systemic, possibly leading to an amplification of renal injury.

Religious communities and HIV prevention: an intervention study using a human rights-based approach.

Religious communities have been a challenge to HIV prevention globally. Focusing on the acceptability component of the right to health, this intervention study examined how local Catholic, Evangelical and Afro-Brazilian religious communities can collaborate to foster young people's sexual health and ensure their access to comprehensive HIV prevention in their communities in Brazil. This article describes the process of a three-stage sexual health promotion and HIV prevention initiative that used a multicultural human rights approach to intervention. Methods included 27 in-depth interviews with religious authorities on sexuality, AIDS prevention and human rights training of 18 young people as research-agents, who surveyed 177 youth on the same issues using self-administered questionnaires. The results, analysed using a rights-based perspective on health and the vulnerability framework, were discussed in daylong interfaith workshops. Emblematic of the collaborative process, workshops are the focus of the analysis. Our findings suggest that this human rights framework is effective in increasing inter-religious tolerance and in providing a collective understanding of the sexuality and prevention needs of youth from different religious communities, and also serves as a platform for the expansion of state AIDS programmes based on laical principles.

Sexual abuse victimisation and perpetration in a cohort of men living with HIV/AIDS who have sex with women from São Paulo, Brazil.

Sexual abuse leads to physical harm and devastating psychosocial consequences. It increases risk of HIV transmission and is associated with risky behaviour. Little is known about sexual abuse victimisation (SAV) and perpetration (SAP) among HIV-positive men who have sex with women (MSW). We investigated self-reported SAV and SAP among 242 Brazilian MSW selected at HIV care centres. Patients were questioned about sociodemographic data, mode of HIV acquisition, sexual practices, drug use and history of SAV or SAP. Prevalence of outcomes was estimated and risk factors for SAP investigated by logistic regression. Fifty-eight (24.1%) interviewees reported SAV. Of patients abused before 15 years of age, 64.3% reported events before the age of ten. Aggressors included relatives, friends and teachers. Among those victimised after 15 years old, 57.7% described events before 17 and 38.5% had acquainted aggressors. Fourteen (5.8%) interviewees reported SAP and most knew their victims. Sexual abuse perpetration was associated with lower schooling, marital status, illicit drug use and self-reported SAV. Sexual abuse was frequently reported by MSW from this cohort. Identifying predictors of violence and addressing SAV and SAP in comprehensive HIV care may help reduce violent behaviour, psychological distress and contribute to maximise benefits of preventive and care interventions.

Sexual abuse victimisation and perpetration in a cohort of men living with HIV/AIDS who have sex with women from São Paulo, Brazil

Sexual abuse leads to physical harm and devastating psychosocial consequences. It increases risk of HIV transmission and is associated with risky behaviour Little is known about sexual abuse victimisation (SAV) and perpetration (SAP) among HIVpositive men who have sex with women (MSW). We investigated self-reported SAV and SAP among 242 Brazilian MSW selected at HIV care centres. Patients were questioned about sociodemographic data, mode of HIV acquisition, sexual practices, drug use and history of SAV or SAP. Prevalence of outcomes was estimated and risk factors for SAP investigated by logistic regression. Fifty-eight (24.1%) interviewees reported SAV. Of patients abused before 15 years of age, 64.3%reported events before the age of ten. Aggressors included relatives, friends and teachers. Among those victimised after 15 years old, 57.7 described events before 17 and 38.5 had acquainted aggressors. Fourteen (5.8%) interviewees reported SAP and most knew their victims. Sexual abuse perpetration was associated with lower schooling, marital status, illicit drug use and self-reported SAV. Sexual abuse was frequently reported by MSW from this cohort. Identifying predictors ofviolence and addressing SAVand SAP in comprehensive HIV care may help reduce violent behaviour, psychological distress and contribute to maximise benefits of preventive and care interventions

Sexual orientation, use of drugs and risk perception among HIV-positive men in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The aim of this cross-sectional study, carried out among 250 HIV-positive (HIV+) men who have sex with women, was to describe their risk perception before learning of their HIV+ status and their sexual and drug use behaviour. Of the 250 men, 62.0% were heterosexuals and 38.0% where bisexuals. They most often reported becoming infected through unprotected sex (24.5%) and injecting drug use (11.0%). They were usually tested because they became ill (42.2%). Condom use with women in all episodes of sexual intercourse before HIV+ diagnosis was reported by 22.6% of heterosexuals and 34.7% of bisexuals (P < 0.05). With respect to drug use, 58.0% reported the use of drugs at some period in their lifetime. A higher proportion of individuals who had used drugs perceived themselves at risk (P < 0.05). Findings showed that most HIV+ men who have sex with women, regardless of sexual orientation or injecting drug use, did not use condoms and did not perceive themselves at risk before learning of their HIV+ status, and only undergo testing due to illness. The implications for heterosexual transmission of HIV are discussed.

[Study of preoperative risk factors for bacteriobilia in patients with acute calculosis cholecystitis]. / Estudos dos fatores de risco pré-operatórios para bacteriobilia em doentes portadores de colecistite aguda calculosa.

OBJECTIVE: to determine an association between the preoperative clinical status and the result of bile and gallbladder wall cultures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 28 variables regarding history, physical examination and labatorial assessment in 38 patients with acute calculosis cholecystitis submitted to urgency surgery were prospectively studied during a 19-month period, between November 1995 and May 1997. Cultures for aerobic and anaerobic agents from both the gallbladder wall and the bile were performed, in three different culture media (BACTEC 9240, BHI and HEMOBAC). RESULTS: bacteria were isolated in at least one culture medium, in 68.2% of the patients. At univariate analysis, five preoperative factors were identified as predictors of bactibilia: over 55 years of age, a greater than 0.4 degrees C difference in the axillary-rectal temperature, a greater than 12.000 cels/m3 blood leukocyte count, a greater than 75% neutrophil percentage and a greater than 4% rod neutrophil percentage. Owing to the small sample size, statistical significance of the series could not be noted by logistic regression, although a trend to preoperative determination could be observed in 98% of the subjects with positive culture, by means of the model based on age and percentage of rod neutrophil. By analyzing predictive factors jointly, it was noted that patients with more than one predictive factor have a significantly greater possibility to yielding positive culture when compared to those with up to one predictive factor for bactibilia. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that, in patients with acute calculosis cholecystitis, bactibilia may be predicted yet at the preoperative period, by using simple and easily obtained data.

Estudos dos fatores de risco pré-operatórios para bacteriobilia em doentes portadores de colecistite aguda calculosa / Study of preoperative risk factors for bactibilia in patients with calculosis acute cholecystitis

OBJETIVO: Determinar uma associaçäo entre o quadro clínico pré-operatório e os resultados das culturas de bile e da parece vesicular. CASUISTICA E METODOS: Foram estudadas 28 variáveis considerando-se história clínica, exame físico e investigaçäo laboratorial em 38 doentes portadores de colecistite aguda calculosa, submetidos à cirurgia de urgência. Este estudo prospectivo foi realizado em 19 meses, entre novembro de 1995 a maio de 1997. Foram realizadas culturas para agentes anaeróbios e aeróbios, em três diferentes meios de cultura (BACTEC 9240, BHI e HEMOBAC). RESULTADOS: Foram isoladas bactérias em pelo menos um meio de cultura em 68,2 por cento dos doentes. Pela anßlise univariada, foram identificadas cinco variáveis pré-operatórias como preditivas de bacteriobilia: idade acima de 55 anos, temperatura diferencial axilo-retal maior do que 0,4 C, leucocitose acima de 12000 cels/mmÝ, neutrofilia acima de 75 por cento e neutrófilos bastonetes acima de 4 por cento. Devido ao pequeno tamanho da amostra, näo pôde ser observada significância estatística por regressäo logística, embora pudesse ser observada em 98 por cento uma tendência para determinaçäo pré-operatória dos indivíduos com cultura positiva por meio do modelo baseado na idade e porcentagem de neutrófilos bastonetes. Pela análise em conjunto dos fatores preditivos, pôde-se observar que doentes com mais de um fator preditivo têm uma possibilidade significantemente maior para cultura positiva, quando comparado com aqueles com fator preditivo de bacteriobilia. CONCLUSAO: Conclui-se, portanto, que pela utilizaçäo de dados facilmente disponíveis em doentes com colecistite aguda calculosa, a bacteriobilia pode ser previsível no pré-operatório,

Risk perception and counselling among HIV-positive women in São Paulo, Brazil.

This study of HIV-positive women at a clinic for HIV/AIDS in São Paulo examined their risk perception for HIV before they had learned of their diagnosis and their experiences with pre- and post-test counselling. A sample of 148 women was interviewed regarding demographics, HIV risk factors and risk perception, pre- and post-test counselling, and sexual and reproductive conduct. The majority (77%) had been infected by their partners--37% by an injecting drug user partner. More than half (53%) did not perceive themselves at risk before learning of their HIV status and, of 68 who had perceived themselves at risk, 29% did so only after their partners became ill. The majority (64%) did not receive any kind of pre-test counselling. Post-test counselling was reported by 83% but 14% reported being mishandled by a physician in the process. Findings suggest the importance of prevention efforts to reduce women's barriers to learning about HIV status and the necessity of improving the quality of pre- and post-test counselling.

Evaluating an AIDS sexual risk reduction program for young adults in public night schools in São Paulo, Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: To describe sexual risk for HIV infection among adult night school students in São Paulo, Brazil, and to evaluate the effect of an HIV/AIDS prevention workshop to reduce sexual risk. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A longitudinal study was conducted among four demographically similar public night schools in the inner city of São Paulo. Schools were randomized into intervention and control conditions. Of 394 young adults who took part in the baseline survey, 304 (77%) completed a postintervention questionnaire. INTERVENTIONS: In a workshop consisting of four sessions of 3 h each, the students discussed AIDS symbolism, the impact of AIDS on their lives, risk perception, the way in which sexual norms shape knowledge and attitudes, AIDS-related knowledge, reproduction and sexual pleasure, and condom use negotiation. We fostered community-building through AIDS training courses for teachers in the schools, peer support programs and public events. RESULTS: At baseline, 87% had been sexually active at some time and 76% had had sex in the past 6 months. Among those who reported vaginal intercourse and/or anal intercourse, condom use was low. The workshops were positively process-evaluated and supported by the community, the students, their teachers and their parents. We obtained statistically significant effects from the workshops for females only, who reported improved communication with partners about sex and AIDS and less unprotected sex with non-monogamous partners after the intervention. CONCLUSION: These data show that the sexual risk of HIV infection can be lowered when Brazilian disenfranchized communities support AIDS prevention workshops. Even more impressive results may be achieved if the need to address socioeconomic obstacles and gendered sexual roles is emphasized through further long-term community development programs.

[Condoms and cucumbers. Contact with young people]. / Condoms et concombres. Contact avec les jeunes.

PIP: In Brazil, NEPAIDS developed an AIDS workshop for 5000 adolescents and young adults attending a night school in a poor urban neighborhood. The found that youth were hoping to thoroughly examine feelings of fear, prejudice, and powerlessness associated with AIDS; sexual pleasure as well as responsibility without linking sex to sickness and death; sexuality, including pregnancy, contraception, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs); inequalities between men and women; and homosexual intercourse. The workshop uses participatory methods such as role playing. The workshop consists of 5 meetings of 3 hours each over several weeks. The first 4 meetings have males and females separated so they can talk freely and think about questions linked to gender. The 2 groups come together during the last meeting. The first meeting focuses on identifying and confronting fears and stereotypes. This allows the youth to realize that they could be exposed to HIV risks and to accept different life styles. The second meeting focuses on sexuality, contraception, and reproduction, since most youth know little about these issues even though many of them are sexually active. During this meeting, participants produce models of body parts associated with sex and reproduction so they can discuss how HIV is transmitted. Sexual practices that reduce the HIV risk and condom use comprise the third meeting. Participants use cucumbers to practice putting on condoms correctly. Communication is the theme of the fourth meeting. Participants practice negotiating skills to refuse unwanted sexual relations, to propose sex without penetration, or to use a condom. Both the young men and young women discuss their different experiences during the other meetings and how they are going to pursue this work without the intervention of adult facilitators.^ieng

[Plasma levels of antiepileptic agents in the treatment of epilepsy]. / Estudio de los niveles plasmáticos de los antiepilépticos en el tratamiento de la epilepsia.

From a total of 560 different epileptics visited during 16 months, we have practiced 140 plasmatic dosifications of antiepileptic drugs according to EMIT technic. The antiepileptic drugs studied were: PB, DPH, PRM, VPA, CBZ and ESM. In this study only the 70 patients treated with PB in monotherapy or combined with DPH, CBZ, VPA and PRM are considered. From the 70 patients, 45 have been controlled; from them 21 (46,5%) did not reach efficient levels from anyone of the used antiepileptics. From the 70 patients 25 have been partially or bad controlled, 20 of them (80%) had PB in efficient levels, 13 (52%) had the other antiepileptic in efficient levels, 12 (47%) had both antiepileptics in efficient levels and 4 (16%) had no antiepileptic drug in efficient levels in spite of using the efficient dose in mg/Kg/day. The conclusions of this results are: we reached a good effect by using PB alone or combined under the considered efficient levels in a 46.5% of the patients; the bad controlled patients, kept on being bad controlled in spite of having 80% of them PB, the other antiepileptic or both in efficient levels.

[Basilar trunk obstruction: report of 3 cases]. / Obstrução do tronco basilar: registro de tres casos.

Three cases of complete basilar obliteration are reported, ocurring at ages arteriosclerosis is unusual. The obliteration was verified angiographically in these three cases. The evolution was quite different in each one: "restitutio ad integrum", death, and definitive persistency of a locked-in syndrome.

Obstrucao do tronco basilar. Registro de tres casos. / Basilar trunk obstruction. Report of 3 cases

Registro de tres casos de obliteracao do tronco basilar, todos eles em uma idade em que a arteriosclerose e infrequente. O diagnostico foi confirmado angiograficamente. A evolucao foi diferente em cada um deles

Estudio de los niveles plasmaticos de los antiepilepticos en el tratamiento e la epilepsia. / Plasma levels of antiepileptic agents in the treatment of epilepsy

De un total de 560 epilepticos diferentes visitados en el transcurso de 16 meses, hemos practicado 140 dosificaciones plasmaticas de farmacos antiepilepticos utilizando la tecnica EMIT. Los antiepilepticos que hemos dosificado han sido: PB,DPH,PRM, VPA, CBZ y ESM. En este trabajo hemos revisado unicamente los 70 pacientes que tomaban PB en monoterapia o asociado a DPH, CBZ, VPA y PRM. De los 70 pacientes en 45 estaban controlados. De entre ellos 21 (46,5%) no llegaban a niveles eficaces de ninguno de los antiepilepticos utilizados, y sin embargo hemos conseguido un buen efecto terapeutico tanto en mono como biterapia. De estos mismos 70 pacientes, 25 estaban parcialmente o mal controlados. De entre ellos 20 (80%) tenian el PB en niveles eficaces, 13 (52%) tenian el otro antiepileptico en niveles eficaces, 12 (47%) tenian ambos antiepilepticos en niveles eficaces y 4 (16%) no tenian ningun antiepileptico en niveles eficaces a pesar de utilizar en todos, la dosis media considerada como eficaz y expresada en mg/kg/dia