Effects of ecologically relevant concentrations of cadmium in a freshwater fish.

Sub-chronic effects of ecologically relevant concentrations of cadmium (Cd) were evaluated in the catfish Rhamdia quelen. The fish were exposed to Cd (0, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100µgL(-1)) for 15 days. Bioconcentration was observed in the liver of fish exposed to 10 and 100µgL(-1) of cadmium. The liver glutathione S-transferase activity decreased at 0.1 and 1µgL(-1) and increased at 100µgL(-1) and lipoperoxidation increased in all tested concentrations. Fish exposed to 0.1, 1 and 100µgL(-1) Cd presented increase in hepatic lesion index. In the kidney, the catalase activity and LPO reduced in all exposed groups. The gluthatione peroxidase, etoxiresorufin-O-deethylase activities and metallothionein increased at the highest concentration of Cd, but the level of reduced glutathione decreased. The genotoxicity was observed at 0.1 and 100µgL(-1). Neurotoxicity was not observed. The results showed that low concentrations (range of µgL(-1)) of Cd caused hepato-, nephro- and hematological alterations in this freshwater fish species.

Postprandial blood hormone and metabolite concentrations influenced by feeding frequency and feeding level in veal calves.

This study hypothesized that increased feeding frequency (FF) decreases problems with glucose homeostasis seen at high feeding levels (FL) in heavy veal calves. Effects of FF and FL on hormone and metabolite concentrations were studied in 15 heavy veal calves fed once (FF1; at 12:00), twice (FF2; at 12:00 and 24:00) or four times daily (FF4; at 06:00, 12:00, 18:00 and 24:00). In period 1, all calves were fed at a low FL (FL(low); 1.5 x metabolizable energy requirements for maintenance, ME(m)). In period 2, FF2 and FF4 calves were fed at high FL (FL(high); 2.5 x ME(m)), whereas FF1 calves were still fed at FL(low). Blood was sampled every 30 min from 12:00 to 18:00 and postprandial integrated plasma hormone and metabolite concentrations (AUC(12-18 h)) were calculated. Glucose AUC(12-18 h) increased with increasing FL, but decreased with increasing FF, urea AUC(12-18 h) increased with increasing FL, whereas non-esterified fatty acid AUC(12-18 h) were unaffected by FL and FF. Insulin AUC(12-18 h) decreased with increasing FF and decreasing FL. Glucagon AUC(12-18 h) increased with increasing FL and FF. Growth hormone AUC(12-18 h) decreased, whereas insulin-like growth factor-1 and leptin AUC(12-18 h) increased with increasing FL. Mean thyroxine and 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine concentrations were modified by FF and FL. There were no FF x FL interactions, except for plasma glucose. In conclusion, postprandial hormone and metabolite responses were differentially affected by FF and (or) FL. Glucose and insulin concentrations were maximally increased at high FL and low FF. Hyperglycemia, glucosuria and excessive insulinemia were prevented by increasing FF and decreasing FL.

Separation of protein and lactose intake over meals dissociates postprandial glucose and insulin concentrations and reduces postprandial insulin responses in heavy veal calves.

The present study examined, at identical daily nutrient intakes, the impact of separating protein and lactose intakes across two daily meals on the metabolic and endocrine status in heavy veal calves. Calves were assigned to one of six degrees of separating protein and lactose over the two meals (termed nutrient synchrony, SYN 1-6; 6 calves/treatment). They were fed the protein-rich (P-)meal and the lactose-rich (L-)meal at 06:00 and 18:00h, respectively, or vice versa. At SYN 1, calves were fed with 50% of the daily protein and 50% of the daily lactose intake in each meal. Protein and lactose were iso-energetically exchanged between the two daily meals from SYN 1 to 6. At SYN 6, 85% of the daily protein and 20% of the daily lactose was fed in the P-meal and the remainder in the L-meal. Blood samples were collected hourly during 24h. Mean 24h glucose concentrations increased and insulin concentrations decreased from SYN 1 to 6. Postprandial 5h areas under concentration curves (AUC(0-5h)) of glucose increased with increasing meal lactose content. AUC(0-5h) of non-esterified fatty acids increased after P- and L-meals from SYN 1 to 6. Urea concentrations increased after L-meals from SYN 1 to 6, but decreased after P-meals from SYN 1 to 6. Insulin AUC(0-5h) decreased after L-meals and after P-meals from SYN 1 to 6. Nutrient asynchrony did not affect insulin-like growth factor-1, glucagon, growth hormone, leptin, 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine and thyroxine. In conclusion, separation of protein and lactose intake over meals inhibited insulin responses to a lactose-rich meal in heavy veal calves despite high plasma glucose concentrations.

Dental extraction in congenital hemorrhagic patients.

125 dental extractions were performed in patients with hemophilia A, B, von Willebrand disease and rare coagulopathies. The missing factor was brought to a level of 15-40% according to the degree of surgical trauma. In the majority of cases a single pre-extraction administration of concentrate was sufficient. Antifibrinolytics were administered to the patients (tranexamic acid, 60 mg/kg/day) for 8-10 days. After tooth extraction, a fibrin sponge was positioned using anti-traumatic cross suture. In 90% of cases there was no bleeding, in the others modest easily controllable hemorrhagic episodes. Our results show that it is sufficient in hemophilia A and B to use low doses of antihemophilic concentrate (10-20 U/kg) and frequently a single pre-extraction administration. In rare coagulopathies the hemostatic procedure and dental management have also to be similar to those used in hemophilia A and B.

The effect of low-dose estroprogestinic preparations on prothrombin complex factors: no significant increase after an 8-month trial.

The behavior of the prothrombin complex factors in 16 healthy women during low-dose estroprogestinic treatment (laevonorgestrel 0.15 mg and ethynilestradiol 0.30 mg) at basal conditions and during 8 months of therapy has been investigated. We found a statistically significant decrease of the PTT (Partial Thromboplastin Time). The prothrombin time, on the other hand, became slightly decreased, but not to a statistically significant extent. Among the prothrombin time derived tests for evaluating the prothrombin complex only the PP test (Prothrombin Proconvertin test) was significantly shortened. Of the coagulation factors (factors II, VII and X) only a modest, but not statistically significant, increase in Factor VII and Factor X was noted. We conclude that, during the 8 month observation period, prothrombin complex factors are not altered substantially.

PIP: The behavior of the prothrombin complex factors in 16 healthy women during low-dose estroprogestinic treatment (levonorgestrel 0.15 mg and ethyinyl estradiol 0.35 mg) at basal conditions and during 8 months of therapy has been investigated. A statistically significant decrease of the partial thromboplastin time (PTT) was found. The prothrombin time, on the other hand, became slightly decreased, but not to a statistically significant extent. Among the protrombin time derived tests for evaluating the protrombin complex only the protrombin proconvertin (PP) test was significantly shortened. Of the coagulation factors (factors II, VII, and X) only a modest, but not statistically significant, increase in Factors VII and Factor X was noted. The authors conclude that, during the 8 month observation period, prothrombin complex factors are not altered substantially.