Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in childhood diarrhea.

Acute diarrhea is the second leading cause of morbidity and mortality attributed to infections in children under five years of age worldwide, with 1.7 million annual estimated cases and more than 500,000 deaths. Although hydroelectrolytic replacement is the gold standard in treating diarrhea, it does not interfere with the restoration of the intestinal microbiota. Several studies have searched for an adequate alternative in restructuring intestinal homeostasis, finding that treatments based on probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics are effective, which made such treatments increasingly present in clinical practice by reducing illness duration with minimal side effects. However, there are still controversies regarding some unwanted reactions in patients. The diversity of strains and the peculiarities of the pathogens that cause diarrhea require further studies to develop effective protocols for prevention and treatment. Here, we provide a descriptive review of childhood diarrhea, emphasizing treatment with probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics.

Systemic therapies for salivary gland carcinomas: an overview of published clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus about effective systemic therapy for salivary gland carcinomas (sgcs). Our aim was summarized the clinical trials assessing the systemic therapies (ST) on sgcs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Electronic searches were carried out through MEDLINE/pubmed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases, and gray literature. RESULTS: Seventeen different drugs were evaluated, and the most frequent histological subtype was adenoid cystic carcinoma (n=195, 45.5%). Stable disease, observed in 11 ST, achieved the highest rate in adenoid cystic carcinoma treated with sunitinib. The highest complete (11.1%) and partial response (30.5%) rates were seen in androgen receptor-positive tumors treated with leuprorelin acetate. CONCLUSIONS: Despite all the advances in this field, there is yet no effective evidence-based regimen of ST, with all the clinical trials identified showing low rates of complete and partial responses. Further, translational studies are urgently required to characterize molecular targets and effective ST.

A comprehensive resilience assessment of Mexican tree species and their relationship with drought events over the last century.

The resilience of forests to drought events has become a major natural resource sustainability concern, especially in response to climate change. Yet, little is known about the legacy effects of repeated droughts, and tree species ability to respond across environmental gradients. In this study, we used a tree-ring database (121 sites) to evaluate the overall resilience of tree species to drought events in the last century. We investigated how climate and geography affected the response at the species level. We evaluated temporal trends of resilience using a predictive mixed linear modeling approach. We found that pointer years (e.g., tree growth reduction) occurred during 11.3% of the 20th century, with an average decrease in tree growth of 66% compared to the previous period. The occurrence of pointer years was associated with negative values of the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI, 81.6%) and Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI, 77.3%). Tree species differed in their resilience capacity, however, species inhabiting xeric conditions were less resistant but with higher recovery rates (e.g., Abies concolor, Pinus lambertiana, and Pinus jeffreyi). On average, tree species needed 2.7 years to recover from drought events, with extreme cases requiring more than a decade to reach pre-drought tree growth rates. The main abiotic factor related to resilience was precipitation, confirming that some tree species are better adapted to resist the effects of droughts. We found a temporal variation for all tree resilience indices (scaled to 100), with a decreasing resistance (-0.56 by decade) and resilience (-0.22 by decade), but with a higher recovery (+1.72 by decade) and relative resilience rate (+0.33 by decade). Our results emphasize the importance of time series of forest resilience, particularly by distinguishing the species-level response in the context of legacy of droughts, which are likely to become more frequent and intense under a changing climate.

Arthroscopic evaluation of the synovial membrane and its relationship with histological changes and biomarkers in equine joint disease.

The synovial membrane (SM) presents itself with distinctive characteristics during arthroscopic procedures in cases of osteoarthritis (OA) as well as osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) in horses. Most of the arthroscopic findings of the SM are limited to a description of a nonspecific inflammation state. In the present study, the macroscopic and histological aspects of the SM in OA and OCD horses were compared to those of healthy horses. The expression of interleukin (IL) in SM was also investigated. Besides, the concentrations of ILs and keratan sulfate (KS) in the synovial fluid (SF), and the molecular weights of the SF hyaluronic acid (HA) were also determined and correlated to the macroscopic and histological aspects of SM. This study included 10 healthy horses (control group), 12 horses with OA, and 12 with OCD. Macroscopic scores of the SM were higher in the OA group in comparison to the control and OCD groups. However, histological scores between OA and OCD were not different, and both were higher than the control group. Only in the OA group, there was a correlation between macroscopic and histological aspects of the SM, especially between volume and quantity of villi with perivascular inflammatory cells and synovial proliferation. The OA group has shown decreased expression of IL-10 in the SM, lower IL-10 and KS, and higher IL-1ß and IL-6 in the SF in comparison to the control and OCD groups. There was a significant negative correlation between the macroscopic aspect of the SM and the molecular weights AH in the OA group. There was no correlation between the macroscopic aspect of the SM and all dosages in the OA and OCD group. In the OA joints, the evaluation of the shape of the SM during arthroscopy promotes a better indicator for joint inflammatory or tissue repair processes, while in the osteochondritic joints, investigation of the histological aspects are recommended to rule out an incipient OA development process. Both are helpful and should be considered to guide the postoperative treatment.

Anti-Candida activity of the water-soluble lectin from Moringa oleifera seeds (WSMoL).

This work reports the effects of the water-soluble lectin from Moringa oleifera seeds (WSMoL) on growth and survival of Candida species. In addition, cellular alterations linked to the antifungal effect were investigated. The minimal inhibitory (MIC) and fungicidal (MFC) concentrations were determined and 24-h growth curves in absence and presence of lectin were established. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the induction of apoptosis/necrosis, alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and occurrence of lysosomal damage. WSMoL inhibited the growth of C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei and C. parapsilosis with MIC of 20µg/mL. The lowest MFC (20µg/mL) was detected for C. glabrata and the highest (80µg/mL) for C. albicans and C. parapsilosis. The inhibitory effect started from the ninth to nineteenth hour of incubation depending on the fungal species. Incubation with the lectin at the MIC for 24h increased the number of cells undergoing apoptosis and necrosis. Hyperpolarization of the mitochondrial membrane was detected after 12-h treatment, followed by reduction of ΔΨm or depolarization after 24h. No lysosomal damage was detected in treated cells. In conclusion, WSMoL is a fungistatic and fungicide agent against Candida with differential effects depending on the species.

Perinatal cortisol and blood glucose concentrations in bitches and neonatal puppies: effects of mode of whelping.

The decision on how and when to assist whelping is crucial for the survival rate of puppies and health status of the dam. However, medical or surgical therapy in dystocia can impact both maternal and neonatal stress and glucose response differently. This study aims to compare perinatal cortisol and glucose among different modes of delivery in bitches and neonates. We analyzed 50 puppies derived from 27 healthy bitches. According to the condition at birth, bitches and their puppies were allocated into either a Eutocia Group (vaginal birth with no whelping assistance), Fetal Dystocia Group (whelping assistance with fetal manipulation), Maternal Dystocia Group (whelping assistance because of partial uterine inertia corrected by oxytocin administration), or Cesarean Section Group (fetal or maternal dystocia bitches subjected to C-section). Maternal blood cortisol and glucose concentrations were analyzed during the perinatal period (prepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, and 1 h after postpartum). Neonatal blood samples were collected within 5 min and 1 h after birth for assessment of cortisol and glucose. Maternal dystocia bitches had higher cortisol concentrations at postpartum than the Fetal Dystocia Group. At 1 h postpartum, the Cesarean Section Group had higher cortisol concentrations compared with fetal dystocia bitches. The Eutocia Group presented increased cortisol concentrations at intrapartum and postpartum, whereas fetal dystocia bitches had higher intrapartum cortisol concentrations than at 1 h postpartum. The Maternal Dystocia Group presented higher postpartum cortisol concentrations than at prepartum and 1 h postpartum. Maternal glucose had a progressive increase throughout peripartum and was higher during postpartum and at 1 h postpartum. C-section bitches had the highest blood glucose concentration. Neonatal cortisol concentrations at birth were higher than 1 h after birth. Fetal dystocia puppies had higher cortisol concentrations, whereas caesarian section puppies had lower cortisol levels. Fetal dystocia and C-section puppies had higher glucose concentrations than the Eutocia Group. In conclusion, maternal dystocia leads to high cortisol concentrations in bitches immediately postpartum, whereas only fetal dystocia causes increased neonatal cortisol concentrations. Moreover, fetal dystocia and C-section are hyperglycemic obstetrical conditions for neonatal puppies; on the other hand, only C-section causes hyperglycemia in bitches.

Fauna flebotomínica e soroprevalência para leishmaniose visceral canina em área urbana na região Centro-Oeste do Brasil / [Phlebotomine fauna and seroprevalence for canine visceral leishmaniasis in urban area from Central-West region of Brazil]

A leishmaniose visceral americana (LVA) é uma zoonose de transmissão vetorial na qual o cão tem papel importante na epidemiologia da doença. No Brasil, a elevada prevalência da infecção em cães está diretamente correlacionada com o aumento no risco de ocorrência de casos de LVA. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a fauna flebotomínica e verificar a soroprevalência da leishmaniose visceral canina (LVC) na localidade Pedra 90, no município de Cuiabá. Para o levantamento entomológico, armadilhas CDC foram utilizadas de agosto de 2014 a julho de 2015. Na avaliação sorológica dos cães, o teste imunocromatográfico DPP LVC foi utilizado para a triagem das amostras, enquanto o ensaio imunoenzimático (EIE) para o diagnóstico da LVC (Bio-Manguinhos) foi empregado como teste confirmatório. O trabalho vem acrescentar à fauna flebotomínica do município de Cuiabá as espécies Lu. andersoni, Lu. braziliensis, Lu. bourrouli e Lu. scaffi, não registradas em publicações anteriores. Além disso, entre as espécies de flebotomíneos com importância médica, Lu. cruzi, Lu. flaviscutellata e Lu. whitmani foram capturadas. No inquérito canino, a prevalência de LVC observada na localidade Pedra 90 foi de 1,14%, indicando que a região pode ser considerada como área de transmissão.(AU)

American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL) is a vector-borne zoonosis in which the dog has an important role in the epidemiology of the disease. In Brazil, a high prevalence of canine infection is directly correlated with an increased risk of occurrence of AVL. The aim of this study was to investigate the phlebotomine fauna and seroprevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis in Pedra 90 region of Cuiabá municipality. For the entomological survey, CDC traps were used from August 2014 to July 2015. In the serological evaluation of dogs, the immunochromatographic test DPP LVC was employed for screening the samples while enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Bio-Manguinhos) was used as a confirmatory assay. The previously unreported phlebotomine species Lu. andersoni, Lu. braziliensis, Lu. bourrouli, and Lu. scaffi were added to the phlebotomine fauna of Cuiabá. In addition, the medically important phlebotomine species Lu. cruzi, Lu. flaviscutellata, and Lu. whitmani were identified. The canine survey revealed the prevalence of 1.14% for canine visceral leishmaniasis in the Pedra 90 region, the region being considered a transmission area.(AU)

Lipid domain formation and membrane shaping by C24-ceramide.

Ceramides are an important group of sphingolipids that modulate several cellular events. The mechanisms underlying biological actions of ceramides are not fully known, but evidence suggests that ceramides can act through regulation of the biophysical properties of the membrane. However, ceramide-induced changes on membrane properties are complex and depend on several factors. To gain further insight into this subject, we characterized the biophysical impact of very-long acyl chain C24-ceramide in a fluid model membrane under thermodynamic equilibrium and non-equilibrium conditions. Our results show that C24-ceramide readily forms two types of gel domains with distinct properties, likely corresponding to different interdigitated metastable gel phases. Upon reaching thermodynamic equilibrium, only partially interdigitated gel phase coexists with the fluid phase. In addition, C24-ceramide promotes strong changes in the shape of the vesicles, including domains with sharp edges and tubule-like structures. The results suggest that the formation of very long acyl chain ceramides in response to stress stimuli will initially induce a multitude of changes in the organization and fluidity of biological membranes that might be responsible for the activation of different cellular processes.

Morphometric and functional pulmonary changes of premature neonatal puppies after antenatal corticoid therapy.

Among prematurity complications, the most important disorder is structural immaturity and inadequate production of pulmonary surfactant. Betamethasone is the drug of choice to artificially improve pulmonary capacity, thus we aimed to verify the effect of prenatal maternal treatment on lung development of premature puppies. Pregnant bitches were allocated in Term Group (n = 7), Preterm-Treated Group (interrupted pregnancies with maternal administration of betamethasone; n = 7), Preterm-Control Group (untreated interrupted pregnancies; n = 7), Extremely-Preterm Group (interrupted pregnancies at 55d; n = 6). Puppies were subjected to chest radiographic at birth, morphometric description of pulmonary structures and immunohistochemical analysis of surfactant protein B, proliferating cell nuclear antigen and cytokeratin were performed. In Preterm-Treated Group it was possible to more clearly identify cardiac silhouette and lung parenchyma by X-Ray. Saccular formation was higher in Preterm Groups, while Term Group had higher subsaccular development. Lung septation was higher in Treated and Term Groups. Term Group had higher number of cells marked for SP-B, whereas higher proliferation was observed in Extreme-Preterm and Preterm-Control Groups. Preterm Treated and Term Groups had higher tissue differentiation. In conclusion, antenatal maternal corticotherapy in dogs acted by increasing lung morphology and development of areas of gas exchange, regulate metabolism of pulmonary fluids rather than stimulate surfactant production.

Anticryptococcal activity of hexane extract from Spondias tuberosa Arruda and associated cellular events.

Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic systemic mycosis whose treatment is limited to three drugs. In this work, we evaluated the antifungal activity of a hexane extract (HE) from Spondias tuberosa leaves against Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined, and putative mechanisms were evaluated by flow cytometry. In addition, an in vivo infection assay was performed using Tenebrio molitor larvae. Treatment with HE inhibited the growth of standard and clinical isolates of C. neoformans and C. gattii (MICs ranging from 0.78 to 3.12mg/mL), significantly (P<0.05) increased mitochondrial superoxide anion levels, and induced mitochondrial membrane depolarization, loss of lysosomal membrane integrity, and phosphatidylserine externalization. The mean survival time of C. gattii-infected T. molitor larvae significantly (P<0.05) increased from 1.225 days in control to 3.067 and 3.882 days in HE-treated groups (78 and 156mg/kg, respectively). In conclusion, HE showed anticryptococcal activity, induced mitochondrial and lysosomal damage in yeast cells, and exhibited anti-infective action against C. gattii in T. molitor larvae.

Colheita farmacológica de sêmen de onças-pardas (Puma concolor: Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) / Pharmacological semen collection in cougars (Puma concolor: Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae)

Objetivou-se, por meio do presente estudo, avaliar o método de colheita farmacológica de sêmen com sondagem uretral, em machos de onças-pardas (Puma concolor) mantidos em cativeiro. A técnica proposta (Cat; N=3) foi comparada com a eletroejaculação (EE; N=4). Para a colheita farmacológica, utilizou-se medetomidina para induzir a liberação de sêmen na uretra e sonda uretral para gatos, sem janela lateral, para colheita do sêmen por capilaridade. O método foi eficaz em todos os animais usados. Por meio dessa técnica, colheram-se amostras com menor volume (106,7±30,5aµL) e maior concentração (524,1±54,3b x 106 espermatozoides/mL) em relação à EE (450,0±0,1bµL e 205,0±141,8a x 106 espermatozoides/mL). As avaliações de vigor, motilidade e patologia espermática demonstraram que a técnica não afeta a qualidade do sêmen em relação à EE (P>0,05). Dessa forma, o método proposto consiste em uma técnica mais prática e eficiente para a colheita de sêmen com boa qualidade, dispensando o eletroejaculador.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacological semen collection method with urethral catheterization (CT) in captive cougar (Puma concolor) males. The pharmacological method (CT; N= 3) was compared to the electroejaculation technique (EE; N= 4). For CT collection, medetomidine was administrated to induce semen release using a tomcat catheter inserted into the urethra to collect by capillarity. The proposed method was efficacious on all animals used. Through the CT method, semen collected yielded smaller volume (106,7±30,5aµL) and higher concentration (524,1±54,3b x 106sperm/mL) compared to EE (450,0±0,1bµL and 205,0±141,8a x 106 sperm /mL). Evaluations of vigor, motility and sperm pathology demonstrated that CT does not affect semen quality when compared to EE (P> 0.05). Thus, the proposed method consists of a more practical and efficient technique for semen collection with good quality, eliminating the need for eletroejaculation.(AU)

Fe3O4@Au nanoparticles-based magnetoplatform for the HMGA maize endogenous gene electrochemical genosensing.

This work addresses a technological advance applied to the construction of a magnetogenoassay with electrochemical transduction for the maize taxon-specific (HMGA gene) detection using gold-coated magnetic nanoparticles as nanosized platform. Superparamagnetic core-shell Fe3O4@Au nanoparticles (10.4 ±â€¯1.7 nm) were used to assemble the genoassay through the covalent immobilization of HMGA DNA probes onto carboxylated self-assembled monolayers at the nanoparticles surface. A hybridization reaction using sandwich format was selected to prevent inefficient hybridization connected with stable secondary DNA structures using also fluorescein isothiocyanate as DNA signaling tag. The labelling of the hybridization reaction with enzymes allowed the chronoamperometric measurement of the peroxidase activity linked to the nanoplatform located on gold surface. Using this electrochemical magnetogenoassay a linear concentration range from 0.5 to 5 nM and a LOD of 90 pM with a RSD <1.2% was calculated. Certified maize was evaluated without further purification after PCR amplification. This work highlights the efficacy of the electrochemical magnetogenoassay for the HMGA detection, showing its potential as alternative procedure for the verification of the compliance of the legislation.

Self-Perceptions of the Impact of Oral Problems on the Social Behavior of Preschoolers.

INTRODUCTION: Investigating preschool children's social behaviors and the association with oral health variables helps to understand child development. Besides that, different perceptions need to be explored regarding the impact of oral problems on the social behavior between the child's self-report and parent's/caregiver's proxy report. OBJECTIVE: To determine which socioeconomic and oral factors are associated with difficulty sleeping and playing and the avoidance of smiling in preschoolers. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a representative random sample of 769 pairs of parents/caregivers and 5-y-old preschoolers. The preschoolers answered a questionnaire on difficulty sleeping, difficulty playing, and the avoidance of smiling for reasons related to oral problems. The parents/caregivers answered a questionnaire addressing socioeconomic characteristics as well as the use of dental services. Two calibrated dentists examined the children for the determination of dental caries, traumatic dental injury (TDI), malocclusion, and bruxism. Descriptive and Poisson regression analysis for complex samples with robust variance was used to test the associations (α = 5%). RESULTS: The variables associated with difficulty sleeping were low household income (confidence interval [CI]: 1.40-3.01), number of untreated dental caries (CI, 1.02-1.04), dental pain (CI, 1.76-3.59), TDI (CI, 1.08-2.11), and anterior open bite (CI, 1.11-2.20). Difficulty playing also was associated with the low household income (CI, 1.34-3.15), number of untreated dental caries (CI, 1.01-1.04), dental pain (CI,1.42-3.61), and TDI (CI, 1.13-2.33). The number of untreated dental caries (CI, 1.02-1.05), dental pain (CI, 1.03-2.88), anterior open bite (CI, 1.30-3.26), and not using dental services (CI, 1.13-2.73) were determinant factors for the avoidance of smiling. CONCLUSION: Socioeconomic, symptomatic, and/or oral esthetic problems exerted an impact on the social behavior of the preschoolers analyzed, such as playing, sleeping, and smiling. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT: The results of the present study may help parents and clinicians to understand better the association of oral problems with the social behavior of preschool children. Moreover, this study shows the importance of listening to children in clinical decisions. These results also can help in the elaboration of oral health policies.

CD1a+ and CD207+ cells are reduced in oral submucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study investigated the distribution of immature dendritic cells (DCs), Langerhans cells and plasmacytoid DCs in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), OSMF associated with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSMF-OSCC), oral leukoplakia (OL), and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fourteen cases of OSMF, 9 of OSMF-OSCC, 8 of OL¸ 45 of OSCC and 8 of normal epithelium were retrospectively retrieved and their diagnoses confirmed. Immunoreactions against CD1a, CD207 e CD303 were performed and the number of positive cells quantified. RESULTS: A significant decrease of CD1a+ was found in OSMF (p≤0.05), OSMF-OSCC (p ≤ 0.01), and OSCC (p ≤ 0.001) when compared to normal epithelium. For CD207+ the significance decrease was observed in OSMF-OSCC (p ≤ 0.05), and OSCC (p ≤ 0.01) when compared with normal epithelium, and in OSMF when compared with OL (p ≤ 0.05). There was no significant difference for CD303, but increased in CD303+ was observed in OSCC when compared with normal epithelium. CONCLUSION: The decrease in the number of CD1a+ and CD207+ cells may be associate to the development of oral OSCC, and in OPMDs they might be indicators of malignant transformation.

Mammalian sphingoid bases: Biophysical, physiological and pathological properties.

Sphingoid bases encompass a group of long chain amino alcohols which form the essential structure of sphingolipids. Over the last years, these amphiphilic molecules were moving more and more into the focus of biomedical research due to their role as bioactive molecules. In fact, free sphingoid bases interact with specific receptors and target molecules and have been associated with numerous biological and physiological processes. In addition, they can modulate the biophysical properties of biological membranes. Several human diseases are related to pathological changes in the structure and metabolism of sphingoid bases. Yet, the mechanisms underlying their biological and pathophysiological actions remain elusive. Within this review, we aimed to summarize the current knowledge on the biochemical and biophysical properties of the most common sphingoid bases and to discuss their importance in health and disease.

Mammalian sphingoid bases: Biophysical, physiological and pathological properties.

Sphingoid bases encompass a group of long chain amino alcohols which form the essential structure of sphingolipids. Over the last years, these amphiphilic molecules were moving more and more into the focus of biomedical research due to their role as bioactive molecules. In fact, free sphingoid bases interact with specific receptors and target molecules, and have been associated with numerous biological and physiological processes. In addition, they can modulate the biophysical properties of biological membranes. Several human diseases are related to pathological changes in the structure and metabolism of sphingoid bases. Yet, the mechanisms underlying their biological and pathophysiological actions remain elusive. Within this review, we aimed to summarize the current knowledge on the biochemical and biophysical properties of the most common sphingoid bases and to discuss their importance in health and disease.

Occurrence of gastric ulcers and serum gastrin levels in jumping horses / Ocorrência de úlceras gástricas e níveis séricos de gastrina em cavalos de hipismo

The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of EGUS and to quantify serum gastrin levels in jumping horses during competition season and interseason period. Forty jumping horses, competing at high level were randomly allocated into two groups, the Training Group: twenty jumping horses undergoing intense training and participating in competitions, and the Rest Group: twenty jumping horses in the interseason (resting period). The gastroscopic examinations and blood samples of the horses in the training group were performed 1-2 days following the competition while in the horses of the rest group, following 4 weeks of rest. The serum gastrin levels were measured at two different times: pre-feeding and two hours after feeding the horses (postprandial) by ELISA kit. Gastric lesion score data were compared by the Mann-Whitney U test (α= 0.05) and the mean gastrin values were compared between the groups and between the two moments by the paired tet tests, respectively (α= 0, 05). Squamous gastric ulcers were detected in 42.5% of all jumping horses examined independent of the period, competition season or interseason. Serum gastrin levels were significantly higher in the Training Group with no difference between pre-feeding and postprandial values.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a ocorrência de EGUS e quantificar os níveis séricos de gastrina em cavalos de hipismo durante a época de competições e o período de férias. Quarenta cavalos de hipismo de alta performance foram aleatoriamente distribuídos em dois grupos, grupo treinamento: vinte cavalos de hipismo submetidos a treinamento intenso e participando de competições, e grupo descanso: vinte cavalos de hipismo em férias (período de descanso). As avaliações gastroscópicas e as coletas de sangue dos cavalos em treinamento foram realizadas um ou dois dias após as competições, enquanto nos cavalos do grupo descanso foram realizadas após quatro semanas de repouso. Os níveis séricos de gastrina foram mensurados por kit de ELISA, em dois momentos: antes da alimentação e duas horas após. Os dados de escore das lesões gástricas foram comparados pela prova U de Mann-Whitney (α= 0,05) e os valores médios de gastrina foram comparados entre os grupos e entre os dois momentos pelos testes t e t pareado, respectivamente (α= 0,05). Foram encontradas úlceras gástricas em 42,5% de todos os cavalos examinados, independentemente do período de competições ou repouso. Os níveis séricos de gastrina foram significativamente maiores no grupo treinamento, sem diferença entre os períodos pré e pós-alimentação.(AU)

Resíduo de acerola em dietas para codornas / Acerola residue in feed for quails

Objetivou-se avaliar a inclusão do resíduo da acerola em dietas de codornas de corte sobre o desempenho produtivo, rendimento de carcaça, biometria intestinal e viabilidade econômica das aves, aos 42 dias de idade. Foram utilizadas 400 codornas europeias, não sexadas, de um dia de idade, distribuídas em delineamento experimental inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco níveis de inclusão (0,0; 3,0; 6,0; 9,0 e 12,0%) de resíduo da acerola, com oito repetições e 10 aves por unidade experimental. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas (P>0,05) para o ganho de peso, o consumo de ração, a conversão alimentar, os pesos absolutos e os rendimentos de carcaça e os cortes nobres (peito, coxa e sobrecoxa). Houve efeito (P<0,05) linear para os pesos absolutos e relativos de fígado e moela. A biometria intestinal das aves não foi (P>0,05) influenciada pelos níveis de inclusão do resíduo de acerola. O resíduo de acerola pode ser utilizado como ingrediente alternativo nas dietas de codornas europeias, até o nível de 12% de inclusão, sem comprometer o desempenho produtivo, o rendimento de carcaça das aves e a viabilidade econômica.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of the acerola residue in broiler quail diets on productive performance, carcass yield, intestinal biometry, and poultry economic viability at 42 days of age. Four hundred one-day unsexed European quail were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with five inclusion levels (0.0, 3.0, 6.0, 9.0 and 12.0%) of residue of acerola, with eight replicates and 10 birds per experimental unit.No significant differences (P>0.05) were observed for weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, absolute weights and carcass yields, and noble cuts (chest, thigh and sobrecoxa). There was a linear effect (P<0.05) for absolute and relative weights of liver and gizzard. The intestinal biometry of the birds were not (P>0.05) influenced by the inclusion levels of the acerola residue. The acerola residue can be used as an alternative ingredient in European quails diets up to a 12% inclusion level, without compromising productive performance, poultry carcass yield and economic viability.(AU)

1-Deoxysphingolipids.

Sphingolipids (SLs) are fundamental components of eukaryotic cells. 1-Deoxysphingolipids differ structurally from canonical SLs as they lack the essential C1-OH group. Consequently, 1-deoxysphingolipids cannot be converted to complex sphingolipids and are not degraded over the canonical catabolic pathways. Pathologically elevated 1-deoxySLs are involved in several disease conditions. Within this review, we will provide an up-to-date overview on the metabolic, physiological and pathophysiological aspects of this enigmatic class of "headless" sphingolipids.

Reliability of a two-colour chewing gum test to assess masticatory performance in complete denture wearers.

The aim of this study was to test the reliability of a method to measure the masticatory performance of complete denture wearers employing a colour-mixing ability test and assessment by visual and electronic colourimetric analysis. A sample of 75 subjects was selected from patients who received new conventional complete dentures. Masticatory tests were performed using a two-colour chewing gum that was masticated for 5, 10, 20, 30 and 50 chewing cycles, performed in a random order. The mixing level of the two colours of the chewed gum was assessed visually by two independent raters based on a 5-point ordinal scale. The specimens were flattened into a 1-mm-width wafer, scanned and saved as a two-sided digital image. Each pair of images was submitted to an electronic colourimetric analysis to assess the level of colour mixture, measured by the circular variance of hue (VOH). Overall inter- and intra-rater agreements in visual analysis were 64% and 68%, respectively (almost 99% of scores ranged within ±1 point), whilst overall weighted kappa was >0.80. A proportional increase in the level of mixture occurred with increased number of chewing cycles (P < .001). Similarly, VOH and the visual analysis were highly correlated (r = -.89; P < .001). Bland-Altman plots revealed excellent agreement and extremely low systematic error between duplicated VOH measures. It was concluded that the two-colour chewing gum test is a reliable method to assess the masticatory performance in complete denture wearers using both visual and electronic colourimetric analyses.