Effects of dietary electrolyte balance on performance, energy balance, and expression of genes related to acid-basic balance, absorption, and transport of nutrients in broilers.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) levels on performance characteristics (feed intake, FI; body weight gain, BWG; and feed efficiency, FE), energy balance (retained energy, RE; metabolizable energy ingested, MEI; heat production, HP; and energy retention efficiency, ERE), and the expression of genes related to acid-base balance, nutrient absorption, and transport in broilers from 1 to 21 days of age. A total of 245 male Cobb chickens were used in a completely randomized design with five DEB levels (110, 175, 240, 305, and 370 mEq/kg) and seven replicates of seven birds each. The inclusion of DEB levels influenced FE; 110 mEq/kg provided the better values for this characteristic both in the pre-initial phase and in the initial phase but was different only concerning 175 mEq/kg (1-7 days) and 240 mEq/kg (1-21 days). Birds that ingested diets with a level of 240 mEq/kg of DEB had a higher MEI and HP. This DEB level caused a lesser and greater expression of the SLC12A2 gene in the liver and the ATP1A1 gene in the intestine, respectively. On the other hand, the ATP1A1 gene was less expressed in the liver and kidney of broilers supplemented with 370 mEq/kg compared to a level of 110 mEq/kg. In general, a level of 110 mEq/kg DEB in the ration seems to be the most suitable for good performance, energy balance, and gene expression of broilers from 1 to 21 days of age.

Functional and morphological analysis of isolates of phylloplane and rhizoplane endophytic bacteria interacting in different cocoa production systems in the Amazon.

Endophytic bacteria colonize different internal tissues of plants without damaging their cells. They can establish themselves in the same niche as other microorganisms and develop antagonistic activities against phytopathogens. There is little research on the functional and morphological characterization of these bacteria in production systems in the Amazon. Thus, the objective of this work was to functionally and morphologically characterize endophytic bacteria isolated from cocoa trees (Theobroma cacao L.) and evaluate their antagonistic potential against phytopathogens. A total of 197 endophytic bacteria isolates were obtained from leaves and roots of cocoa plants with different production systems and at different times of the year. The characterization of functional groups consisted of proteolytic, amylolytic and cellulolytic activity and ability to fix nitrogen and solubilize phosphate. Morphological diversity was evaluated mainly according to the following parameters: shape, color, size and elevation of the colony. Thirteen isolates of endophytic bacteria, selected by cluster analysis, were used to evaluate the antagonistic potential in paired trials against four species of phytopathogenic fungi. The largest amount of endophytic bacteria was isolated from the root (95.9%), in the dry season. The most expressive activities with regards to the enzyme index were amylolytic (71.9%), proteolytic (70.2%) and nitrogen fixing (38.6%), respectively. The similarity analysis formed two clusters with isolates CS R 2.4 and CS R 2.25 exhibiting 100% similarity. Five isolates displayed inhibitory activity against phytopathogenic fungi, most notably isolate TS R 2.19, which exhibited antagonistic activity against all fungi and mycelial growth inhibition rates between 25.7% and 50.7%. Understanding the interaction between endophytes in cocoa plants is important as a possible additional tool in biological control. Our studies are incipient and the first to be carried out in different cocoa production systems in the state of Pará, Brazil.

Selection of reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR normalization in European quail tissues.

Coturniculture has been standing out as an industrial poultry activity in several countries around the world because of the several adaptive advantages of quails. Research that considers the analysis of gene expression can enhance this activity. This study aimed to analyze the stability of reference genes (RGs) in different tissues of quails (both males and females) for the recommendation of use in gene expression studies by the quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The expression stability of ten RGs (ACTA1, ACTB, B2M, GAPDH, HMBS, SDHA, HPRT1, MRPS27, MRPS30, and RPL5) was analyzed in four tissues (breast muscle, abdominal fat, liver, and intestine), and assessed using the statistical tools geNorm, NormFinder, comparative ΔCq method, and BestKeeper. The HPRT1 gene was the most stable in all quail tissues tested, followed by MRPS27 and MRPS30 in breast muscle, B2M and RPL5 in abdominal fat, HMBS and B2M in the liver, and RPL5 and HMBS in the intestine. These results may help studies using RT-qPCR assays to assess quail tissues from both sexes because they provide data on the most stable genes, which should be tested as candidate RGs for other experimental conditions.

The Protagonism of the Brazilian Health Regulatory System in the Evolution of Patient Safety in the Country: History, Dilemmas, and Current Challenges.

OBJECTIVE: This article aims to identify and analyze the legal and regulatory frameworks with an interface with patient safety, considering the historical path of the patient safety policy in Brazil. METHODS: This is a historical review based on the relevant literature to the topic such as papers, legislation, and official documents with an interface with public health policies from 1988 to 2019. We also performed a documentary search to include data from the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) such as normative and nonnormative regulatory instruments. After organizing the data, the process of content analysis was performed. RESULTS: We debated initially the historical aspects of sanitary surveillance of health services in addition to main actions taken by the Brazilian Health Regulatory System, which includes sanitary regulation and patient safety challenges. We identified a diversity of regulations published by ANVISA in the past decade related to patient safety, in addiction to sanitary actions. These initiatives culminated in the establishment of the National Patient Safety Program in 2013, followed by other health improvements, such as surveillance, incidents monitoring, and safe practices self-assessment. CONCLUSIONS: The regulation and sanitary actions directed to patient safety in Brazil have increased after the creation of ANVISA. In the face of this activities, the social role played by the Brazilian Health Regulatory System toward the advancement in the field of risk minimization in health services can be highlighted as a protagonist in the process of promoting patient safety.

[Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and open cholecystectomy in acute cholecystitis: critical analysis of 520 cases]. / Colecistectomia por Laparoscopia e por Laparotomia na Colecistite Aguda: Análise Crítica de 520 Casos.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the skepticism with which it was initially seen, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is now the technique of choice for acute cholecystitis. It is, however, important to evaluate the results in comparison with classic cholecystectomy, since the latter is still used by some surgeons in certain situations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our research corresponds to the analysis of 520 patients operated on for acute cholecystitis performed in the department of surgery at the SÉo JoÉo Hospital in Oporto - 412 (79.2%) laparoscopic cholecystectomies and 108 (20.8%) open cholecystectomies - from 2007 to 2013. We evaluated comorbidities, leukocytosis, time between diagnosis and surgery, ASA, per and postoperative complications, mortality, reoperations, lesion of main bile duct, conversion rate and hospital stay, in order to compare these two techniques. The conversion group was included in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Statistical analysis was based on descriptive statistic procedures and the evaluation of contrast between groups was based on Fishers' exact test. Significant values were considered for p < 0.05. RESULTS: Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy versus Open Cholecystectomy: Mortality: 0.7% vs 3,7% (p = 0.0369); Peroperative complications: 3.6% vs 12.9% (p = 0.0006); Surgical postoperative complications: 7.7% vs 17.5% (p = 0.0055); Medical postoperative complications: 4.3% vs 5.5% (p = 0.6077); Lesion of the main bile duct: 0.9% vs 1.8% (p = 0.6091); Reoperation: 2.9% vs 5.5% (p = 0.2315); Hospital stay up to 4 days after surgery: 64.8% vs 18.5% (p < 0.001). The convertion rate was of 10.7%: 8.8% in early surgery (before 4 days after de diagnosis) and 13.7% in the late surgery (after this time but in the same stay) (p = 0.1425). Multiple causes led to convertion: surgical complications (biliary lesions, iatrogenic lesion of the small bowel, perfurations of the gallbladder with spillage of stones); complications during the pneumoperitoneum, unclear anatomy and scoliosis. Postoperative complications in laparoscopic cholecystectomies converted group vs non-converted: surgical 20.4% vs 6.2% (p = 0.0034) and medical 6.8% vs 4.1% (p = 0.4484). DISCUSSION: There are few investigations concerning the comparison of laparoscopic cholecystectomy vs acute cholecystitis in patients with acute cholecystitis, corresponding mostly to multicenter studies. For this reason, we carry out an analysis inherent to 520 patients operated on with that disease in the surgery department of Hospital S. JoÉo in Oporto of which 412 were by laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 108 by acute cholecystitis. We found better results in laparoscopic cholecystectomy than in acute cholecystitis with respect to mortality, per and post-operative surgical complications and hospital stay. The incidence of main bile duct injury, medicalcomplications and reoperations, although less evident in laparoscopic cholecystectomy, were not statistically significant. There were more complications in the group of laparoscopic cholecystectomy converted than in those where it was not be necessary the conversion. This raises the need, in complications during the laparoscopic cholecystectomy, not to perform the conversion too late. The analysis of this study, therefore, properly values laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the surgery of patients with acute cholecystitis. CONCLUSION: The results justify the frequency with which laparoscopic cholecystectomy is performed in acute cholecystitis, in comparison to open surgery, thus taking an increasingly prominent place in the treatment of this disease.

IntroduçÉo: Apesar do cepticismo com que inicialmente foi encarada, a colecistectomia laparoscópica é hoje a técnica de eleiçÉo na colecistite aguda. Torna-se, porém, importante avaliar os seus resultados, em comparaçÉo com a colecistectomia clássica, uma vez que esta última ainda é seguida por alguns cirurgiões em determinadas situações.Material e Métodos: No nosso estudo foram incluídos 520 doentes com colecistites agudas operados no Serviço de Cirurgia Geral do Hospital de S. JoÉo, entre 2007 e 2013, dos quais 412 (79,2%) por laparoscopia e 108 (20,8%) por via aberta, com uma incidência de conversÉo de 10,7%. Procedeu-se ao estudo relativo às doenças coexistentes, leucocitose, tempo decorrido entre o diagnóstico na urgência e a cirurgia, classificaçÉo ASA, complicações intra e pós-operatórias, mortalidade, reintervenções, lesÉo biliar e estadia hospitalar. Os doentes convertidos foram incluídos no grupo das colecistectomias laparoscópicas. A análise estatística baseou-se em processos descritivos e a avaliaçÉo das diferenças entre grupos foi realizada com base no teste exato de Fisher, sendo considerados valores significativos para p < 0,05.Resultados: Colecistectomia laparoscópica versus Colecistectomia aberta: Mortalidade: 0,7% vs 3,7% (p = 0,0369); Complicações per-operatórias: 3,6% vs 12,9% (p = 0,0006); Complicações pós-operatórias cirúrgicas: 7,7% vs 17,5% (p = 0,0055); Pós-operatórias médicas: 4,3% vs 5,5% (p = 0,6077); LesÉo da via biliar principal: 0,9% vs 1,8% (p = 0,6091); Reintervenções: 2,9% vs 5,5% (p = 0,2315); Internamento hospitalar inferior ou igual a quatro dias: 64,8% vs 18,5% (p < 0,0001). Na colecistectomia laparoscópica houve 10,7% de conversões: nas precoces (intervenções realizadas antes das 96 h após o diagnóstico na urgência) esta taxa foi de 8,8% e nas tardias (após aquele período de tempo mas no mesmo internamento) de 13,7% (p = 0,1425); Complicações nos doentes convertidos vs nÉo convertidos: nas cirúrgicas 20,4% vs 6,2% (p = 0,0034) e nas médicas 6,8% vs 4,1% (p = 0,4484). As causas de conversÉoforam condicionadas por complicações cirúrgicas (lesões biliares, lacerações entéricas, perfurações vesiculares com a disseminaçÉo de cálculos), intoler'ncia ao pneumoperitoneo, indefiniçÉo do pedículo biliar e escoliose.DiscussÉo: Há poucas investigações relativas à comparaçÉo da colecistectomia laparoscópica vs colecistectomia aberta nos doentes com colecistectomia aberta, correspondendo a maior parte delas a estudos multicêntricos. Por esta razÉo, julgamos de interesse proceder a uma análise inerente a 520 operados com aquela doença no Serviço de Cirurgia Geral do Hospital de S. JoÉo dos quais 412 por colecistectomia laparoscópica e 108 por colecistectomia aberta. Verificamos na colecistectomia laparoscópica melhores resultados do que na colecistectomia aberta no que se refere à mortalidade, complicações per e pós-operatórias cirúrgicas e estadia hospitalar. A incidência da via biliar principal, complicações médicas e reintervenções, embora menos evidentes na colecistectomia laparoscópica, nÉo se revelaram com significado estatístico. Merece referência o maior número de complicações no grupo das colecistectomias laparoscópicasconvertidas do que naquelas em que tal nÉo foi necessário confirmando-se, assim, o já referido em estudos multicêntricos citados na literatura. Este facto levanta a necessidade de, mediante complicações ocorridas durante a colecistectomia laparoscópica, nÉo se proceder à conversÉo tardiamente. A análise do presente estudo valoriza, assim, devidamente a colecistectomia laparoscópica na cirurgia dos doentes com colecistite aguda.ConclusÉo: Os resultados obtidos justificam a frequência com que a colecistectomia laparoscópica é realizada na colecistite aguda, em comparaçÉo com a via aberta, ocupando cada vez mais, um lugar primordial, no tratamento desta doença.

Progesterone and maternal aggressive behavior in rats.

Females usually display low levels of aggressiveness; however, during lactation, the aggressive behavior against intruders to the nest area is an important component of the maternal behavioral repertoire. The present study aimed to analyze the influence of progesterone (P4) on the maternal aggressive behavior in rats. Lactating rat were ovariectomized on the first day after delivery and, on the 6th postpartum day, aggressive behaviors against a male intruder were recorded. Also in the 6th PPD, the effects of a P4 receptor antagonist (RU 486) as well as of finasteride - which inhibits the conversion of P4 to its metabolite allopregnanolone - on the aggressive behavior of non-ovariectomized lactating rats were analyzed. Finally, plasma concentration of prolactin was measured on the 8th PPD. This study shows, for the first time, that ovariectomy just after parturition reduces some aspects of the maternal behavior (frequency of licking) and the aggressive behavior and increased plasma prolactin. On the other hand, the administration of RU486 induced a marked increase in the aggressiveness of lactating females. No changes were detected after finasteride injection. Gonadal hormones after parturition seem necessary for the development of maternal aggressive behavior. Furthermore, our results suggest that the increase in P4 levels throughout the postpartum period could be one of the causes for the natural reduction of the aggressive behavior in lactating rats.