Imbalanced expression of functional surface molecules in regulatory and effector T cells in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Regulatory T (TREG) cells play an important role in maintaining immune tolerance and avoiding autoimmunity. We analyzed the expression of membrane molecules in TREG and effector T cells in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). TREG and effector T cells were analyzed for the expression of CTLA-4, PD1, CD28, CD95, GITR, HLA-DR, OX40, CD40L, and CD45RO in 26 patients with active disease, 31 with inactive disease, and 26 healthy controls. TREG cells were defined as CD25+/high CD127 Ø/low FoxP3+, and effector T cells were defined as CD25+CD127+FoxP3 Ø. The ratio of TREG to effector T cells expressing GITR, PD1, HLA-DR, OX40, CD40L, and CD45RO was determined in the three groups. The frequency of TREG cells was similar in patients with SLE and controls. However, SLE patients had a decreased frequency of CTLA-4+TREG and CD28+TREG cells and an increased frequency of CD40L+TREG cells. There was a decrease in the TREG/effector-T ratio for GITR+, HLA-DR+, OX40+, and CD45RO+ cells, and an increased ratio of TREG/effector-T CD40L+ cells in patients with SLE. In addition, CD40L+TREG cell frequency correlated with the SLE disease activity index (P=0.0163). In conclusion, our findings showed several abnormalities in the expression of functionally critical surface molecules in TREG and effector T cells in SLE that may be relevant to the pathogenesis of this disease.

Imbalanced expression of functional surface molecules in regulatory and effector T cells in systemic lupus erythematosus

Regulatory T (TREG) cells play an important role in maintaining immune tolerance and avoiding autoimmunity. We analyzed the expression of membrane molecules in TREG and effector T cells in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). TREG and effector T cells were analyzed for the expression of CTLA-4, PD1, CD28, CD95, GITR, HLA-DR, OX40, CD40L, and CD45RO in 26 patients with active disease, 31 with inactive disease, and 26 healthy controls. TREG cells were defined as CD25+/highCD127Ø/lowFoxP3+, and effector T cells were defined as CD25+CD127+FoxP3Ø. The ratio of TREG to effector T cells expressing GITR, PD1, HLA-DR, OX40, CD40L, and CD45RO was determined in the three groups. The frequency of TREG cells was similar in patients with SLE and controls. However, SLE patients had a decreased frequency of CTLA-4+TREG and CD28+TREG cells and an increased frequency of CD40L+TREG cells. There was a decrease in the TREG/effector-T ratio for GITR+, HLA-DR+, OX40+, and CD45RO+ cells, and an increased ratio of TREG/effector-T CD40L+ cells in patients with SLE. In addition, CD40L+TREG cell frequency correlated with the SLE disease activity index (P=0.0163). In conclusion, our findings showed several abnormalities in the expression of functionally critical surface molecules in TREG and effector T cells in SLE that may be relevant to the pathogenesis of this disease.

Evaluation of babassu meal in feed for layer hens during the growth phase

Studies were conducted to evaluate the nutritional value and inclusion levels of babassu meal (BM) in the diet of grower layer pullets in substitution to wheat meal. Digestibility, metabolism and growth trials were conducted. Twelve cecectomized roosters were used in the digestibility assay to determine the coefficients of standardized digestibility of amino acids (CSDAA). The metabolism trial was conducted with 30 adult roosters to determine the apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEn) of BM. A growth trial was performed to determine replacement levels of wheat midds by BM diet using 360 six-week-old commercial layer pullets. BM was included at the 0, 75 and 150 g/kg of BM, during grower and development rearing phases, respectively. Feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion were evaluated. BM AMEn was determined as 1,474 kcal/kg, on as-fed basis. The CSDAA determined for BM were below 88% for all AA. The inclusion of BM in the feed of grower layers (7-18 week) significantly decreased feed intake (p 0.05), but significantly improved body weight gain and feedconversion ratio (p 0.05) at 15% inclusion level. Considering the nutritional value and performance results, BM can replace wheat midds in diets of grower layer pullets.

Evaluation of babassu meal in feed for layer hens during the growth phase

Studies were conducted to evaluate the nutritional value and inclusion levels of babassu meal (BM) in the diet of grower layer pullets in substitution to wheat meal. Digestibility, metabolism and growth trials were conducted. Twelve cecectomized roosters were used in the digestibility assay to determine the coefficients of standardized digestibility of amino acids (CSDAA). The metabolism trial was conducted with 30 adult roosters to determine the apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEn) of BM. A growth trial was performed to determine replacement levels of wheat midds by BM diet using 360 six-week-old commercial layer pullets. BM was included at the 0, 75 and 150 g/kg of BM, during grower and development rearing phases, respectively. Feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion were evaluated. BM AMEn was determined as 1,474 kcal/kg, on as-fed basis. The CSDAA determined for BM were below 88% for all AA. The inclusion of BM in the feed of grower layers (7-18 week) significantly decreased feed intake (p 0.05), but significantly improved body weight gain and feedconversion ratio (p 0.05) at 15% inclusion level. Considering the nutritional value and performance results, BM can replace wheat midds in diets of grower layer pullets.(AU)

Avaliação do mesocarpo de babaçu (Orbignya ssp) na alimentação de frangos de corte / Evaluation of babassu mesocarp meal in feed for broiler chickens

Esta pesquisa objetivou avaliar o valor nutricional e a utilização do mesocarpo de babaçu na alimentação de frangos de corte. Inicialmente, a composição química foi analisada para caracterizar o ingrediente. Em seguida dois ensaios foram conduzidos: o primeiro para determinar os valores energéticos e o segundo o nível ideal de inclusão na ração. O ensaio de metabolismo foi realizado utilizando 20 galos Legorne, distribuídos em dois tratamentos com cinco repetições de duas aves cada. O período experimental foi de dez dias, cinco dias de adaptação e cinco dias de coleta de excretas. Em seguida, 500 pintos de corte com um dia de idade foram utilizados em ensaio de crescimento, delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram de quatro níveis de inclusão do mesocarpo de babaçu: 0, 3, 6 e 9%. O ensaio de crescimento teve duração de 21 dias e foram avaliadas as respostas para consumo de ração, ganho de peso e conversão alimentar. Com base na matéria natural, o mesocarpo de babaçu apresentou 87,5%; 3,29%; 1,1%; 2,7%; 75,1% e 3.618 kcal/kg de matéria seca, proteína bruta, matéria mineral, fibra bruta, amido e energia bruta, respectivamente. A energia metabolizável aparente corrigida foi determinada em 2.671 kcal/kg, na matéria natural. O mesocarpo de babaçu, pela sua composição com baixo teor de proteína bruta e elevado teor de amido, pode ser classificado como ingrediente energético. A inclusão do mesocarpo na alimentação de frangos de corte afetou negativamente o desempenho das aves na fase inicial de criação.(AU)

This study evaluates nutritional value and use of babassu mesocarp supplementation in the feeding of broilers. Initially, the chemical composition was determined in order to characterize the ingredient. Then two tests were conducted: the first, to determine the energy values ​​and the second, the optimal supplementation level in the diet. The metabolism trial was conducted using 20 Leghorn cockerels divided into two treatments with five replicates of two birds each. The experiment lasted ten days, five adaptation days and five days for stool collection. Subsequently, 500 one-day-old broiler chicks were used in the growth trial. The design was completely randomized, with four treatments and five replications. Treatments consisted of four levels of babassu mesocarp supplementation: 0, 3, 6 and 9%. The growth trial lasted 21 days and the responses to feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion were evaluated. Based on natural matter,[RMVK1] the babassu mesocarp has 87.5%, 3.29%, 1.1%, 2.7%, 75.1% and 3,618 kcal/kg for the variables dry matter, crude protein, ash, crude fiber, starch and gross energy, respectively. The corrected apparent metabolizable energy determined was 2,671 kcal/kg, based on the natural matter. The babassu mesocarp due to its low crude protein content and high starch level can be classified as an energy ingredient. The babassu mesocarp supplemented in the feed of broilers adversely affected the performance of broilers during the initial stages of growth.(AU)

EVALUATION OF BABASSU MESOCARP MEAL IN FEED FOR BROILER CHICKENS / Avaliação do mesocarpo de Babaçu (Orbignya ssp) na alimentação de frangos de corte.

Esta pesquisa objetivou avaliar o valor nutricional e a utilização do mesocarpo de babaçu na alimentação de frangos de corte. Inicialmente, a composição química foi analisada para caracterizar o ingrediente. Em seguida dois ensaios foram conduzidos: o primeiro para determinar os valores energéticos e o segundo o nível ideal de inclusão na ração. O ensaio de metabolismo foi realizado utilizando 20 galos Legorne, distribuídos em dois tratamentos com cinco repetições de duas aves cada. O período experimental foi de dez dias, cinco dias de adaptação e cinco dias de coleta de excretas. Em seguida, 500 pintos de corte com um dia de idade foram utilizados em ensaio de crescimento, delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram de quatro níveis de inclusão do mesocarpo de babaçu: 0, 3, 6 e 9%. O ensaio de crescimento teve duração de 21 dias e foram avaliadas as respostas para consumo de ração, ganho de peso e conversão alimentar. Com base na matéria natural, o mesocarpo de babaçu apresentou 87

Avaliação do mesocarpo de babaçu (Orbignya ssp) na alimentação de frangos de corte / Evaluation of babassu mesocarp meal in feed for broiler chickens

Esta pesquisa objetivou avaliar o valor nutricional e a utilização do mesocarpo de babaçu na alimentação de frangos de corte. Inicialmente, a composição química foi analisada para caracterizar o ingrediente. Em seguida dois ensaios foram conduzidos: o primeiro para determinar os valores energéticos e o segundo o nível ideal de inclusão na ração. O ensaio de metabolismo foi realizado utilizando 20 galos Legorne, distribuídos em dois tratamentos com cinco repetições de duas aves cada. O período experimental foi de dez dias, cinco dias de adaptação e cinco dias de coleta de excretas. Em seguida, 500 pintos de corte com um dia de idade foram utilizados em ensaio de crescimento, delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram de quatro níveis de inclusão do mesocarpo de babaçu: 0, 3, 6 e 9%. O ensaio de crescimento teve duração de 21 dias e foram avaliadas as respostas para consumo de ração, ganho de peso e conversão alimentar. Com base na matéria natural, o mesocarpo de babaçu apresentou 87,5%; 3,29%; 1,1%; 2,7%; 75,1% e 3.618 kcal/kg de matéria seca, proteína bruta, matéria mineral, fibra bruta, amido e energia bruta, respectivamente. A energia metabolizável aparente corrigida foi determinada em 2.671 kcal/kg, na matéria natural. O mesocarpo de babaçu, pela sua composição com baixo teor de proteína bruta e elevado teor de amido, pode ser classificado como ingrediente energético. A inclusão do mesocarpo na alimentação de frangos de corte afetou negativamente o desempenho das aves na fase inicial de criação.

This study evaluates nutritional value and use of babassu mesocarp supplementation in the feeding of broilers. Initially, the chemical composition was determined in order to characterize the ingredient. Then two tests were conducted: the first, to determine the energy values ​​and the second, the optimal supplementation level in the diet. The metabolism trial was conducted using 20 Leghorn cockerels divided into two treatments with five replicates of two birds each. The experiment lasted ten days, five adaptation days and five days for stool collection. Subsequently, 500 one-day-old broiler chicks were used in the growth trial. The design was completely randomized, with four treatments and five replications. Treatments consisted of four levels of babassu mesocarp supplementation: 0, 3, 6 and 9%. The growth trial lasted 21 days and the responses to feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion were evaluated. Based on natural matter,[RMVK1] the babassu mesocarp has 87.5%, 3.29%, 1.1%, 2.7%, 75.1% and 3,618 kcal/kg for the variables dry matter, crude protein, ash, crude fiber, starch and gross energy, respectively. The corrected apparent metabolizable energy determined was 2,671 kcal/kg, based on the natural matter. The babassu mesocarp due to its low crude protein content and high starch level can be classified as an energy ingredient. The babassu mesocarp supplemented in the feed of broilers adversely affected the performance of broilers during the initial stages of growth.

EVALUATION OF BABASSU MESOCARP MEAL IN FEED FOR BROILER CHICKENS / Avaliação do mesocarpo de Babaçu (Orbignya ssp) na alimentação de frangos de corte

Esta pesquisa objetivou avaliar o valor nutricional e a utilização do mesocarpo de babaçu na alimentação de frangos de corte. Inicialmente, a composição química foi analisada para caracterizar o ingrediente. Em seguida dois ensaios foram conduzidos: o primeiro para determinar os valores energéticos e o segundo o nível ideal de inclusão na ração. O ensaio de metabolismo foi realizado utilizando 20 galos Legorne, distribuídos em dois tratamentos com cinco repetições de duas aves cada. O período experimental foi de dez dias, cinco dias de adaptação e cinco dias de coleta de excretas. Em seguida, 500 pintos de corte com um dia de idade foram utilizados em ensaio de crescimento, delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram de quatro níveis de inclusão do mesocarpo de babaçu: 0, 3, 6 e 9%. O ensaio de crescimento teve duração de 21 dias e foram avaliadas as respostas para consumo de ração, ganho de peso e conversão alimentar. Com base na matéria natural, o mesocarpo de babaçu apresentou 87

Stringhalt in Brazilian horses caused by Hypochaeris radicata.

Two outbreaks of Hypochaeris radicata-induced Australian stringhalt involving two farms and seven horses from southern Brazil are reported here. Subsequently, the disease was experimentally reproduced in a feeding trial with one colt fed H. radicata from the suspect paddocks. Fresh H. radicata was fed to the experimental animal for 50 days at an average daily dosage of 9.8 kg. Initially, the plant was collected from the paddock where the clinical disease occurred and was fed for 19 consecutive days producing mild clinical signs. However, on days 20-23 fresh plant was collected from a neighboring farm where the disease had not been reported and fed to the colt at which time the colt appeared to recover. Therefore, plant collections from the original suspect paddock resumed and feeding trials continued with clinical signs reoccurring by day 36, and increasing in intensity from days 43-50 after which plant administration was stopped. Within 15 days after ending the feeding trial with H. radicata, the colt appeared to have recovered. This experimental reproduction of stringhalt in a single colt fed H. radicata demonstrated that the two outbreaks of the disease resulted from this plant. Interestingly, the change in location for collection of plant material 19 days into the treatment, and the subsequent recovery of the colt, would suggest that plant material may differ in toxicity depending on location.

Mimosa tenuiflora as a cause of malformations in ruminants in the northeastern Brazilian semiarid rangelands.

Craniofacial anomalies, eye malformations, and permanent flexures of the forelimbs are common malformations seen in ruminants grazing semiarid rangelands of Northeastern Brazil. To investigate the cause of these malformations, we fed 2 suspected plants, Mimosa tenuiflora or Prosopis juliflora, to groups of 4 pregnant goats each. Fresh green M. tenuiflora was collected daily and fed ad libitum to 4 goats in group 1 throughout pregnancy. This treatment group also received a supplemental feed concentrate equivalent to 1% body weight. Four goats in group 2 received a ration with 70% of P. juliflora pods and 30% hay throughout pregnancy. Four control goats were fed supplemental feed concentrate (1% body weight) and hay ad libitum throughout pregnancy. Goats treated with P. juliflora pods and the control goats delivered 9 normal kids. The four goats that were fed M. tenuiflora during pregnancy delivered 4 kids, 3 of which had abnormalities similar to those observed in field cases, including cleft lip, unilateral corneal opacity, ocular bilateral dermoids, buphthalmos with a cloudy brownish appearance of the anterior chamber due to an iridal cyst, and segmental stenosis of the colon. Malformations induced experimentally by M. tenuiflora were similar to those observed in field cases, suggesting that M. tenuiflora is a cause of the field cases observed in the Brazilian semiarid rangelands.

[Phlebotomus (Diptera, Phlebotominae) from Saint Luis Island, Maranhão Gulf region, Brazil]. / Flebótomos (Diptera, Phlebotominae) da Ilha de São Luis, zona do Golfão Maranhense, Brasil.

This study lists 32 species of sand flies, 1 of them belonging to the genus Brumptomyia and 31 to the genus Lutzomyia, distributed among the following subgenera: Psychodopygus (6), Nyssomyia (5), Pressatia (3), Evandromyia (2), Psathyromyia (2), Sciopemyia (2), Lutzomyia (1), Micropygomyia (1), Viannamyia (1), and the groups Oswaldoi (5) and Migonei (3). The sand flies were captured in the wild (forest) and in peridomicile (pigpen, hen house and stable) and intradomicile (bedroom) areas from 06:00 PM to 06:00 AM, once a month, for 4 years on the Island of São Luis, Maranhão. All species sampled were present in the forest. Among them, 16 were found in the peridomicile, while 11 were found inside the houses. A total of 22,581 specimens were captured, 65.1% of them in the peridomicile, 17.5% in the forest and 17.4% in the intradomicile. The most common species was Lutzomyia longipalpis (66.4% of the captured specimens), followed by Lutzomyia whitmani (24%) and Lutzomyia evandroi (5.9%). The remaining 29 species represented 3.7% of the total sample.

Effective management of marked lymphedema of the leg.

BACKGROUND: Several conservative and surgical treatment methods have been demonstrated to be useful in the management of lymphedema. METHODS: In a patient with an enormous lymphedema of the leg, we first used complex decongestive physiotherapy as proposed by Földi et al. in 1989, and then followed it with surgery. RESULTS: Satisfactory results were obtained in a short period of time and were maintained during the 2-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend a combined medical, surgical, and physiotherapeutic approach in patients with marked lymphedema.

Iron overload augments the development of atherosclerotic lesions in rabbits.

Iron, a major oxidant in vivo, could be involved in atherosclerosis through the induction of the formation of oxidized LDL, a major atherogenic factor. This study was designed to test this hypothesis experimentally. Four groups of New Zealand White rabbits were included: iron-overloaded/hypercholesterolemic (group A, n = 8), iron-overloaded (group B, n = 6), hypercholesterolemic (group C, n = 6), and untreated (group D, n = 6). Iron overload was achieved by the intramuscular administration of 1.5 g of iron dextran divided in 30 doses. Hypercholesterolemia was produced by feeding rabbit chow enriched with 0.5% (wt/wt) cholesterol. Serum iron, ferritin, cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoperoxides in serum were measured throughout the study. Lipoperoxides were measured at the end of the study in liver, aorta, and spleen homogenates. Aortas of groups A and C had multiple lesions; however, group A had greater lesional involvement than group C (P < .05). Lesions were not observed in rabbits fed normal chow (group D). As expected, serum iron and ferritin were above normal levels in groups A and B. Serum cholesterol increased in groups A and C. Lipoperoxides in liver and spleen homogenates of iron-overloaded rabbits were increased. Interestingly, iron deposits were seen by ultrastructural studies in the arterial walls of rabbits in groups A and B. Our study suggests that iron overload augments the formation of atherosclerotic lesions in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

[Malignant diphtheric myocarditis]. / Miocardite diftérica de tipo maligno.

PURPOSE: In the current study we analyzed clinical evolution and therapeutic aspects of malignant diphtheric myocarditis. METHODS: Fourteen patients with primary diagnosis of diphtheria were prospectively evaluated. Cardiac involvement was detected after 11.5 (mean) days. The diagnosis of diphtheric myocarditis was done in clinical basis. RESULTS: Seven (50%) patients died. Cardiac failure was a common finding in all cases. Complete A-V block was identified in eight (57%) patients. Temporary pacemaker was implanted in 10 cases, six of them died due to myocardial failure. Definitive pacemaker was necessary in two patients with persistent complete A-V block after one-month follow-up. One patient with atrial fibrillation died with sepsis. Respiratory infection was the commonest extracardiac complication (six cases) and two patients developed Guillain-Barré syndrome. We also identified neurologic, renal and adrenal complications. CONCLUSION: Cardiac rhythm disturbances in diphtheric myocarditis are associated with high probability of necessity of temporary pacemaker and high mortality. Definitive pacemaker can be implanted in persistent complete A-V block.