Total rupture of Achilles tendon induces inflammatory response and glial activation on the spinal cord of mice.

Rupture of Achilles tendon is a common accident affecting professional and recreational athletes. Acute and chronic pain are symptoms commonly observed in patients with rupture. However, few studies have investigated whether Achilles tendon rupture is able to promote disorders in the central nervous system (CNS). Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate nociceptive alterations and inflammatory response in the L5 lumbar segment of Balb/c mice spinal cord after Achilles tendon rupture. We found increased algesia in the paw of the ruptured group on the 7th and 14th days post-tenotomy compared with the control group. This phenomenon was accompanied by overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase-2 (NOS-2) as well as hyperactivation of astrocytes and microglia in nociceptive areas of L5 spinal cord as evidenced by intense GFAP and IBA-1 immunostaining, respectively. Biochemical studies also demonstrated increased levels of nitrite in the L5 spinal cord of tenotomized animals compared with the control group. Thus, we have demonstrated for the first time that total rupture of the Achilles tendon induced inflammatory response and nitrergic and glial activation in the CNS in the L5 spinal cord region.

Local treatment with ascorbic acid accelerates recovery of post-sutured Achilles tendon in male Wistar rats.

Tendon rupture is a very frequent accident involving average people and high-performance athletes. Clinical studies describe tendon recovery as a painful and slow process involving different biochemical and histological events. Ascorbic acid (AA) is a potent antioxidant as well as an important cofactor for collagen synthesis. In the current study, we evaluated if local treatment with AA is able to promote tendon repair in tenotomized rats. Animals were submitted to Achilles tendon rupture followed by surgical suture. Control and AA groups received in loco injection of saline solution (0.9% NaCl) and 30 mM AA, respectively. Histological and functional recovery of Achilles tendon tissue was evaluated at 7, 14, and 21 days post-surgery. Hematoxylin/eosin staining and collagen fluorescence analysis showed intense disarrangement of tendon tissue in the saline group. Tenotomized animals also showed hypercellularity in tendon tissue compared with non-tenotomized animals. The Achilles functional index (AFI) showed a significant decrease of tendon functionality in tenotomized animals at 7, 14, and 21 days post-surgery. AA accelerated tissue organization and the recovery of function of the Achilles tendons. The beneficial effect of AA treatment was also observed in the organization of the collagen network. Data presented in the current work showed that in loco treatment with AA accelerated the recovery of injured Achilles tendon post-surgery.

Methane emission, milk yield and behavior of ewes kept on pastures or supplemented with concentrate based on corn grain or whole cottonseed / Emissão de metano, produção de leite e comportamento de ovelhas mantidas em pastagem ou suplementadas com concentrado à base de milho grão ou caroço de algodão

This study aimed to evaluate methane emission, milk yield and behavior of ewes kept exclusively on irrigated pasture of Tifton 85 grass (Cynodon spp.) or supplemented with ground corn or whole cottonseed (WCS) based concentrates. Twelve Lacaune x Santa Ines ewes (43.07±0.83 kg of body weight, 77±24 days after parturition, on average) were distributed in replicated 3x3 Latin square. Treatments consisted of three diets: pasture (no concentrate supplementation); corn (pasture + corn-based supplement); whole cottonseed (pasture + whole cottonseed-based supplement), offering 0.5 kg/ewe/day. The WCS group showed the highest concentrate dry matter intake (DMI) (p=0.049) and crude protein (CP) intake (p=0.001) compared to the others. There was no difference on total DMI (p=0.115) for the tested diets. Animals exclusively kept on pasture had the greatest forage DMI (p=0.004), lowest CP digestibility (p=0.015), showed longer grazing time (p=0.01) and shorter idle time (p=0.01) compared to the supplemented groups. Milk yield (0.36 kg/ewe/day) (p=0.15) and methane emission (33.12 g/ewe/day) (p=0.95) were similar for all three evaluated groups. Supplementation with concentrate based on corn or whole cottonseed does not improve productive performance nor decrease methane emission. However, lactating ewes kept exclusively in pasture show longer grazing time, without changes in milk yield and methane emission.

Objetivou-se avaliar a emissão de metano, a produção de leite e o comportamento de ovelhas mantidas exclusivamente em pastagem irrigada de Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.) ou suplementadas com concentrados à base de milho grão ou caroço de algodão. Doze ovelhas Lacaune x Santa Inês (43,07±0,83 kg de peso corporal e 77±24 dias após a parição, em média) foram distribuídas em quadrados latinos 3x3 replicados. Os tratamentos consistiram em três dietas: pastagem (sem suplementação concentrada); milho (pastagem + suplemento à base de milho); caroço de algodão integral (pastagem + suplemento à base de caroço de algodão), oferecendo 0,5 kg/ovelha/dia. O grupo caroço de algodão apresentou maior consumo de matéria seca (CMS) (P=0,049) e consumo de proteína bruta (PB) (P=0,001) em relação aos demais. Não houve diferença no CMS total (P=0,115) para as dietas testadas. Os animais exclusivamente em pastagem apresentaram maior consumo de forragem (P=0,004), menor digestibilidade da PB (P=0,015), maior tempo em pastejo (P=0,01) e menor tempo em ócio (P=0,01), em relação aos grupos suplementados. A produção de leite (0,36 kg/ovelha/dia) (P=0,15) e a emissão de metano (33,12 g/ovelha/dia) (P=0,95) foram semelhantes nos três grupos avaliados. A suplementação com concentrado à base de milho grão ou caroço de algodão não melhorou o desempenho produtivo e não reduziu a emissão de metano. Entretanto, as ovelhas lactantes mantidas exclusivamente em pastagem apresentaram maior tempo em pastejo, sem alterações na produção de leite e na emissão de metano.

Total rupture of Achilles tendon induces inflammatory response and glial activation on the spinal cord of mice

Rupture of Achilles tendon is a common accident affecting professional and recreational athletes. Acute and chronic pain are symptoms commonly observed in patients with rupture. However, few studies have investigated whether Achilles tendon rupture is able to promote disorders in the central nervous system (CNS). Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate nociceptive alterations and inflammatory response in the L5 lumbar segment of Balb/c mice spinal cord after Achilles tendon rupture. We found increased algesia in the paw of the ruptured group on the 7th and 14th days post-tenotomy compared with the control group. This phenomenon was accompanied by overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase-2 (NOS-2) as well as hyperactivation of astrocytes and microglia in nociceptive areas of L5 spinal cord as evidenced by intense GFAP and IBA-1 immunostaining, respectively. Biochemical studies also demonstrated increased levels of nitrite in the L5 spinal cord of tenotomized animals compared with the control group. Thus, we have demonstrated for the first time that total rupture of the Achilles tendon induced inflammatory response and nitrergic and glial activation in the CNS in the L5 spinal cord region.

Local inhibition of nitrergic activity in tenotomized rats accelerates muscle regeneration by increasing fiber area and decreasing central core lesions.

Muscular atrophy is a progressive degeneration characterized by muscular proteolysis, loss of mass and decrease in fiber area. Tendon rupture induces muscular atrophy due to an intrinsic functional connection. Local inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) by Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) accelerates tendon histological recovery and induces functional improvement. Here we evaluate the effects of such local nitrergic inhibition on the pattern of soleus muscle regeneration after tenotomy. Adult male Wistar rats (240 to 280 g) were divided into four experimental groups: control (n=4), tenotomized (n=6), vehicle (n=6), and L-NAME (n=6). Muscular atrophy was induced by calcaneal tendon rupture in rats. Changes in muscle wet weight and total protein levels were determined by the Bradford method, and muscle fiber area and central core lesion (CCL) occurrence were evaluated by histochemical assays. Compared to tenotomized (69.3±22%) and vehicle groups (68.1%±17%), L-NAME treatment induced an increase in total protein level (108.3±21%) after 21 days post-injury. A reduction in fiber areas was observed in tenotomized (56.3±1.3%) and vehicle groups (53.9±3.9%). However, L-NAME treatment caused an increase in this parameter (69.3±1.6%). Such events were preceded by a remarkable reduction in the number of fibers with CCL in L-NAME-treated animals (12±2%), but not in tenotomized (21±2.5%) and vehicle groups (19.6±2.8%). Altogether, our data reveal that inhibition of tendon NOS contributed to the attenuation of atrophy and acceleration of muscle regeneration.

Avaliação on-farm dos níveis de energia na dieta sobre a produção e a composição físico-química de leite de cabras / [On farm evaluation of the energy levels in the diet on the production and physical-chemical composition of dairy goats]

Objetivou-se, com este estudo, avaliar o efeito de dietas com diferentes níveis de energia no consumo de nutrientes, na produção e na composição do leite, no peso corporal e na relação benefício:custo de uma produção de cabras leiteiras. Foram utilizadas nove cabras, distribuídas em quadrado latino triplo 3 x 3. O ensaio teve duração de 60 dias, divididos em três períodos de 20 dias. Avaliaram-se rações completas contendo três níveis de energia: 65%, 70% e 75% de NDT. Os consumos de matéria seca, proteína bruta e matéria mineral foram superiores (P<0,05) nas dietas com maiores níveis de energia em comparação à dieta com 65% de NDT. A produção de leite foi semelhante (P>0,05) nas cabras recebendo dietas contendo 70% e 75% de NDT, todavia foi superior (P<0,05) à produção de leite das cabras recebendo dieta com 65% de NDT. A dieta com 75% de NDT possibilitou maior (P<0,05) peso corporal final, quando comparada com as dietas contendo 65% e 70% de NDT. Não foi observada diferença (P>0,05) para os parâmetros físico-químicos de gordura, lactose, proteína bruta, extrato seco desengordurado, densidade, sais e condutividade do leite. Portanto, cabras alimentadas com níveis de energia entre 70% e 75% de NDT na dieta total aumentam a produção de leite, porém 75% de NDT na dieta proporciona melhor relação benefício:custo, havendo, para cada R$ 1,00 no custo investido na alimentação, R$ 1,52 de retorno financeiro.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of diets with different energy levels on nutrient intake, milk production and composition, body weight and benefit:cost ratio of a dairy goat production. Nine goats were distributed in a triple 3 x 3 latin square design. The experiment lasted for 60 days, divided into three 20-day periods. Complete rations containing three energy levels were evaluated: 65%, 70% and 75% of TDN. The dry matter intake, crude protein and mineral matter consumption were higher (P <0.05) in the diets with higher levels of energy compared to the diet with 65% of TDN. Milk production was similar (P> 0.05) in goats receiving diets containing 70% and 75% TDN, but these diets produced more milk (P<0.05) than the diet with 65% of TDN. The diet with 75% of TDN allowed a higher (P<0.05) final body weight (P<0.05) when compared to diets containing 65% and 70% TDN. There was no difference (P> 0.05) in the physical-chemical parameters of fat, lactose, crude protein, defatted dry extract, density, salts and conductivity of the milk. Therefore, goats fed with diets of 70% and 75% of TDN in the total diet increased milk production. However, the diet with 75% of TDN provides a better benefit:cost ratio, as for every $ 1.00 in the cost invested, there was $ 1.52 of financial return.(AU)

Avaliação on-farm dos níveis de energia na dieta sobre a produção e a composição físico-química de leite de cabras / [On farm evaluation of the energy levels in the diet on the production and physical-chemical composition of dairy goats]

Objetivou-se, com este estudo, avaliar o efeito de dietas com diferentes níveis de energia no consumo de nutrientes, na produção e na composição do leite, no peso corporal e na relação benefício:custo de uma produção de cabras leiteiras. Foram utilizadas nove cabras, distribuídas em quadrado latino triplo 3 x 3. O ensaio teve duração de 60 dias, divididos em três períodos de 20 dias. Avaliaram-se rações completas contendo três níveis de energia: 65%, 70% e 75% de NDT. Os consumos de matéria seca, proteína bruta e matéria mineral foram superiores (P<0,05) nas dietas com maiores níveis de energia em comparação à dieta com 65% de NDT. A produção de leite foi semelhante (P>0,05) nas cabras recebendo dietas contendo 70% e 75% de NDT, todavia foi superior (P<0,05) à produção de leite das cabras recebendo dieta com 65% de NDT. A dieta com 75% de NDT possibilitou maior (P<0,05) peso corporal final, quando comparada com as dietas contendo 65% e 70% de NDT. Não foi observada diferença (P>0,05) para os parâmetros físico-químicos de gordura, lactose, proteína bruta, extrato seco desengordurado, densidade, sais e condutividade do leite. Portanto, cabras alimentadas com níveis de energia entre 70% e 75% de NDT na dieta total aumentam a produção de leite, porém 75% de NDT na dieta proporciona melhor relação benefício:custo, havendo, para cada R$ 1,00 no custo investido na alimentação, R$ 1,52 de retorno financeiro.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of diets with different energy levels on nutrient intake, milk production and composition, body weight and benefit:cost ratio of a dairy goat production. Nine goats were distributed in a triple 3 x 3 latin square design. The experiment lasted for 60 days, divided into three 20-day periods. Complete rations containing three energy levels were evaluated: 65%, 70% and 75% of TDN. The dry matter intake, crude protein and mineral matter consumption were higher (P <0.05) in the diets with higher levels of energy compared to the diet with 65% of TDN. Milk production was similar (P> 0.05) in goats receiving diets containing 70% and 75% TDN, but these diets produced more milk (P<0.05) than the diet with 65% of TDN. The diet with 75% of TDN allowed a higher (P<0.05) final body weight (P<0.05) when compared to diets containing 65% and 70% TDN. There was no difference (P> 0.05) in the physical-chemical parameters of fat, lactose, crude protein, defatted dry extract, density, salts and conductivity of the milk. Therefore, goats fed with diets of 70% and 75% of TDN in the total diet increased milk production. However, the diet with 75% of TDN provides a better benefit:cost ratio, as for every $ 1.00 in the cost invested, there was $ 1.52 of financial return.(AU)

[Dose-response effect of risk factors for ischemic heart disease]. / Efeito dose-resposta de fatores de risco para a doença isquêmica do coração.

Several authors have reported hypertension, smoking and hypercholesterolemia as independent risk factors to ischaemic heart disease (IHD). However few of them have investigated the existence of a linear gradient related to the levels of these exposures and IHD. The effect of different levels of these exposures and IHD after adjusting for known confounders of effect, is assessed. The project was designed as a case-control study and the data were collected over one year from March/93 to February/94. The sample was composed of a total of 833 individuals of both genders aged 30-69 living in the city of S. Paulo, SP (Brazil), 280 of whom were compared with 553 controls (285 neighbourhood controls and 268 hospital controls). Logistic regression was the statistical method wold for the analysis of the data. The results showed a linear gradient for known duration of hypertension and daily number of cigarettes consumed. Although the variables duration of hypercholesterolemia and duration of the habit smoking presented statistically significant odds ratio in the respective strata there was no indication of a linear gradient. Some methodological issues are presented to explain this absence of a linear gradient for known duration of hypercholesterolemia and duration of the smoking habit. It is concluded that the dose response effect detected for known duration of hypertension and daily number of cigarettes consumed were independent of the presence of major risk factors ischaemic heart disease.

[Diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease: case-control study]. / Diabetes mellitus e doença isquêmica do coração: estudo tipo caso-controle.

Several works have been reported diabetes as an independent risk factor for ischaemic heart disease. The use of different methodologies have been an obstacle to a comparison of these studies. The study realized has sought to test the association between diabetes and ischaemic heart disease, after adjusting for known confounders and/or modifiers of effect. The study was designed as a case control study and the period of data collection was one year (March/93 to February/94). The cases were compared with three kinds of controls in two base-populations: primary and secondary. The sample was composed of 833 individuals of both genders of 30-69 years of age living in the city of S. Paulo, Brazil. Logistic regression was the statistical method used for the analysis of the data. The results showed that diabetes was not an independent risk factor for IHD. Hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, smoking and family antecedents of cardiovascular diseases were considered major risk factors for ischaemic heart disease. The interaction between diabetes and exposure levels of the others variables did not present statistical significance. Some methodological issues are presented to explain different magnitudes of effect according to the different kinds of controls. It is concluded that the presence of major risk factors in the models contributed to the disappearance of the association between diabetes and ischaemic heart disease.

[Case-control design in cardiovascular disease epidemiology. II--Analysis of data]. / Metodologia caso-controle em epidemiologia de doenças cardiovasculares. II--Análise de dados.

The wide spread distribution of statistical software recommended for multivariate analysis as well as the ease in handling it can lead the users into adopting wrong measures if they do not pay attention to the theoretical principles behind those methods. With a view to bringing out some of these principles some steps for the data analysis of a case-control study undertaken in the city of S. Paulo-Brazil from March, 1993 to February, 1994 in order to test the association between diabetes mellitus and ischaemic heart disease after adjusting for potential confounders and/or modifiers of effect are presented. Methodologic issues are emphasized in the development of four steps: a) the data bank structure: b) the calculation of statistical power; c) the definition of variables strata and codification and d) the choice of the logistic regression method.

[Dose-response effect of risk factors for ischemic heart disease in males]. / Efeito dose-resposta de fatores de risco para a doença isquêmica do coração em população masculina.

PURPOSE: Several authors have reported hypertension, smoking and hypercholesterolemia as independent risk factors for ischemic heart disease (IHD), but few of them have investigated the existence of a linear gradient related to the levels of these exposures and IHD. We evaluated the effect of different levels of these exposures and IHD after adjusting for known confounders. METHODS: The study was designed as a case-control and the period of data collection was from March/93 until February/94. The sample was composed of 547 men aged 30-69 years living in the city of São Paulo. We compared 192 cases with 355 controls (172 neighbourhood controls and 183 hospital controls). Logistic regression was the statistical method used to analyse of the data. RESULTS: The results showed a linear gradient for known duration of hypertension, known duration of hypercholesterolemia and daily number of cigarettes smoked. The variables known duration of diabetes mellitus and duration of smoking did not present such a tendency. CONCLUSION: Some methodological issues are presented to explain the absence of a linear gradient for known duration of diabetes mellitus and duration of smoking. It is concluded that the dose-response effect detected for known duration of hypertension, known duration of hypercholesteremia and daily number of cigarettes consumed were independent of the presence of major risk factors for ischemic heart disease.

[Diabetes mellitus and ischemie heart disease. Comparison by gender]. / Diabetes mellitus e doença isquêmica do coração. Comparação por sexo.

PURPOSE: To test the association between diabetes mellitus and ischaemic heart disease (IHD) in males and females, after adjusting for known confounders and/or modifiers of effect. METHODS: The study was designed as a case-control and the period of data collection was one year (March/93 until February/94). The association between diabetes mellitus and IHD was evaluated in each one of two groups: one composed by men the other by women, aged 30-69 years living in the city of São Paulo. The respective samples sizes were 547 and 286. Logistic regression was the statistical method used to do the analysis of the data. RESULTS: There were similar odds ratios in both genders and diabetes was not considered an independent risk factor for IHD. In each one of the groups the variables hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, smoking and familial history were considered independent risk factors to IHD. The interaction between diabetes and exposures levels of other variables was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The presence of major risk factors in the models contributed to the disappearance of the association between diabetes mellitus and IHD.

Trends in mortality due to ischemic heart disease in the municipality of Goiania, Brazil, during the years between 1980 and 1994.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the trends of specific, standardized coefficients of mortality due to ischemic heart disease according to sex and age during the years 1980 and 1994 in the municipality of Goiania, GO, Brazil. METHODS: Data on deaths were retrieved from the Information on Mortality System of the Ministry of Health; population data were obtained from the Foundation of the Brazilian Institute for Geography and Statistics (IBGE). The trends of the specific coefficients were analyzed by triennia of the historical series, including individuals of both sexes from 25 years of age on, partitioned into 6 age groups of ten years intervals. The population data corresponding to the year 1980 were used as the standard for the calculation of each age group coefficient. Analyses were carried out by straight linear regression. RESULTS: Coefficients were greater for males in each triennium of the series and increased with age in both sexes. The study of the trends of the specific age coefficients of both sexes revealed a stable pattern of evolution up to the age of 65-74 years (P > 0.05). From 75 years on, a clear-cut decline in mortality due to ischemic heart disease was shown by both sexes. The standardized coefficients also showed a significant decline (p < or = 0.05). CONCLUSION: The municipality of Goiânia is at present in a stage of epidemiological transition similar to that of developed countries, even though the observed decline is predominantly influenced by the mortality of older individuals (75 years of age or older).

[Needs of chronic degenerative diseases among adults in a basic health unit in Sao Carlos--SP]. / Demanda por doenças crônico-degenerativas entre adultos matriculados em uma unidade básica de saúde em São Carlos--SP.

The purpose of this study was to find out the profile of the larger clientele more than 12 years old of a Basic Health Unit (BHU), according to socio-demographic variables such as sex,, age group, color, marital status, origin and to characterize the diseases profile according to the chapters of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD X-Revision) and group specific diagnoses standing out the group of the chronic-degenerative diseases, searching for its its characterization in the context of the demographic-epidemiology transition. The study was of the transversal type and the population was constituted by the clientele registered in the BHU until August 31, 1996. Individuals in situation of abandonment, the ones transferred to another units and those who died were excluded. The population studied was formed by 1013 individuals. Data were processed in the software FOXPRO vs 2.0 and the analysis developed in EPIINFO vs 6.04. Authors verified that the studied population was basically formed by women (87.1%). Regarding age, 69.6% were between 12 and 40 years old, 95.6% were of white color, 57.2% were married and 97% coming from the urban zone. The classification according to ICD chapters showed disturbances of the urinary tract and of the genital system (35.5%), breathing system (11.5%) and symptoms and signs (9.9%). The classification according to specific groups of causes showed similar proportions among the infect-parasitic diseases (24.8%) and the chronic-degenerative diseases (24.5%). In the group of chronic-degenerative diseases 50% of ICD chapters were formed by the groups: circulatory, endocrine causes and mental-behaviour. Authors observed that the profile of diseases at the BHU resembles the polarized model of transition where the chronic-degenerative diseases coexist with the infect-parasitic ones. The traditional model of care of the unit that focuses the maternal infant health seems not to adapt to the population progressive aging when prioritizing a clientele that although still young need collective actions for primary and secondary prevention of the chronic-degenerative diseases.

Local treatment with ascorbic acid accelerates recovery of post-sutured Achilles tendon in male Wistar rats

Tendon rupture is a very frequent accident involving average people and high-performance athletes. Clinical studies describe tendon recovery as a painful and slow process involving different biochemical and histological events. Ascorbic acid (AA) is a potent antioxidant as well as an important cofactor for collagen synthesis. In the current study, we evaluated if local treatment with AA is able to promote tendon repair in tenotomized rats. Animals were submitted to Achilles tendon rupture followed by surgical suture. Control and AA groups received in loco injection of saline solution (0.9% NaCl) and 30 mM AA, respectively. Histological and functional recovery of Achilles tendon tissue was evaluated at 7, 14, and 21 days post-surgery. Hematoxylin/eosin staining and collagen fluorescence analysis showed intense disarrangement of tendon tissue in the saline group. Tenotomized animals also showed hypercellularity in tendon tissue compared with non-tenotomized animals. The Achilles functional index (AFI) showed a significant decrease of tendon functionality in tenotomized animals at 7, 14, and 21 days post-surgery. AA accelerated tissue organization and the recovery of function of the Achilles tendons. The beneficial effect of AA treatment was also observed in the organization of the collagen network. Data presented in the current work showed that in loco treatment with AA accelerated the recovery of injured Achilles tendon post-surgery.

Consumo, digestibilidade aparente de nutrientes e balanços de nitrogênio e hídrico de ovinos alimentados com silagens de cultivares de capim-búfel / Intake, apparent digestibility of nutrients and nitrogen and water balances of sheep fed with buffel grass cultivars silages

Objetivou-se no presente estudo determinar o consumo, digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca e nutrientes, além dos balanços de nitrogênio (BN) e hídrico (BH), de ovinos alimentados com silagens de capim-búfel. As silagens das cultivares de capim-búfel avaliadas foram Tanzânia, Buchuma e Biloela. Utilizaram-se 21 ovinos, machos, castrados, mestiços Santa Inês x Sem Padrão de Raça Definido, com peso corporal médio inicial de 31,8±3,16kg, mantidos em gaiolas metabólicas. Foi utilizado um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com sete repetições. Não foram observadas diferenças nos consumos de MS em g/dia (919,2) e porcentagem do peso corporal (2,9). De modo geral, os coeficientes de digestibilidade da matéria seca variaram de 37,7% a 60,0%. Os BN e BH foram positivos, sendo observados maiores valores de BN para os ovinos alimentados com silagens de capim-búfel dos cultivares Tanzânia (5,1g/dia) e Biloela (3,9g/dia), e maiores BH para os animais alimentados com silagens de capim-búfel dos cultivares Buchuma (1,38kg/animal/dia) e Biloela (1,42kg/animal/dia). Os cultivares de capim-búfel Tanzânia, Buchuma e Biloela apresentaram bom valor nutritivo, sendo que o capim-búfel na forma de silagem promoveu 60% do consumo total de água diário do animal.

The objective of this present experiment was to determine intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, nitrogen (NB) and water balances (WB) of sheep fed with buffel grass silages. The buffel grass cultivars used were Tanzania, Buchuma and Biloela. 21 male, castrated, crossbred Santa Ines x Non defined genotype sheep, with initial body weight of 31.8±3.16kg were used, kept in metabolic cages. The experimental design was completely randomized with seven replicates. No differences were observed in dry matter intake in g/day (919.2) and % of body weight (2.9). In general, digestibility coefficients of dry matter varied from 37.7% to 60.0%. The NB and WB were positive, with higher NB values in sheep fed with Tanzania (5.1g/day) and Biloela (3.9g/day) and higher WB in animals fed with Buchuma (1.38kg/animal/day) and Biloela (1.42kg/animal/day). All cultivars of buffel grass evaluated (Tanzania, Buchuma and Biloela) presented adequate chemical composition, where the silage of buffel grass used corresponded to 60% of the total daily water intake by sheep.

Consumo, digestibilidade aparente de nutrientes e balanços de nitrogênio e hídrico de ovinos alimentados com silagens de cultivares de capim-búfel / Intake, apparent digestibility of nutrients and nitrogen and water balances of sheep fed with buffel grass cultivars silages

Objetivou-se no presente estudo determinar o consumo, digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca e nutrientes, além dos balanços de nitrogênio (BN) e hídrico (BH), de ovinos alimentados com silagens de capim-búfel. As silagens das cultivares de capim-búfel avaliadas foram Tanzânia, Buchuma e Biloela. Utilizaram-se 21 ovinos, machos, castrados, mestiços Santa Inês x Sem Padrão de Raça Definido, com peso corporal médio inicial de 31,8±3,16kg, mantidos em gaiolas metabólicas. Foi utilizado um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com sete repetições. Não foram observadas diferenças nos consumos de MS em g/dia (919,2) e porcentagem do peso corporal (2,9). De modo geral, os coeficientes de digestibilidade da matéria seca variaram de 37,7% a 60,0%. Os BN e BH foram positivos, sendo observados maiores valores de BN para os ovinos alimentados com silagens de capim-búfel dos cultivares Tanzânia (5,1g/dia) e Biloela (3,9g/dia), e maiores BH para os animais alimentados com silagens de capim-búfel dos cultivares Buchuma (1,38kg/animal/dia) e Biloela (1,42kg/animal/dia). Os cultivares de capim-búfel Tanzânia, Buchuma e Biloela apresentaram bom valor nutritivo, sendo que o capim-búfel na forma de silagem promoveu 60% do consumo total de água diário do animal.(AU)

The objective of this present experiment was to determine intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, nitrogen (NB) and water balances (WB) of sheep fed with buffel grass silages. The buffel grass cultivars used were Tanzania, Buchuma and Biloela. 21 male, castrated, crossbred Santa Ines x Non defined genotype sheep, with initial body weight of 31.8±3.16kg were used, kept in metabolic cages. The experimental design was completely randomized with seven replicates. No differences were observed in dry matter intake in g/day (919.2) and % of body weight (2.9). In general, digestibility coefficients of dry matter varied from 37.7% to 60.0%. The NB and WB were positive, with higher NB values in sheep fed with Tanzania (5.1g/day) and Biloela (3.9g/day) and higher WB in animals fed with Buchuma (1.38kg/animal/day) and Biloela (1.42kg/animal/day). All cultivars of buffel grass evaluated (Tanzania, Buchuma and Biloela) presented adequate chemical composition, where the silage of buffel grass used corresponded to 60% of the total daily water intake by sheep.(AU)

Prospective assessment of estrogen replacement therapy and cognitive functioning: atherosclerosis risk in communities study.

Studies of humans have not confirmed the suggestion from animal studies that estrogen replacement therapy may have an inverse relation with cognitive function decline. Because many of these studies have been marred by design or methodological problems, such as a small sample size, failure to control for confounding variables, or the use of a cross-sectional design, the present study was conducted in a large cohort of middle-aged postmenopausal women participating in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. The study population consisted of 2,859 women aged 48-67 years, whose cognitive function was tested at the second (1990-1992) and fourth (1996-1998) visits of the ARIC Study using three instruments: the Delayed Word Recall Test, Digit Symbol Subtest of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised, and Word Fluency Test. After multiple adjustment, no consistent patterns of cognitive changes between the two cohort visits could be detected according to current use or duration of use of estrogen replacement therapy. Thus, the results of the present study do not support the hypothesis that estrogen replacement therapy may slow age-related cognitive decline, at least as it applies to relatively young postmenopausal women.

Diabetes mellitus e doença isquêmica do coraçäo. Comparaçäo por sexo / Diabetes mellitus and ischaemic heart disease. Comparison by gender

Objetivo - testar a associaçäo do diabetes mellitus com a doença isquêmica do coraçäo (DIC), em cada sexo, procedendo-se ao ajustamento simultâneio para possíveis variáveis de confusäo e/ou modificadoras de efeito. Métodos - O estudo teve um delineamento tipo caos controle e a coleta de dados foi processada entre março/93 e fevereiro/94. Utilizou-se a estratégia de compor dois bancos de dados (um para cada sexo) que permitiram analisar, separadamente, a associaçäo de principal interesse. Os respecvos tamanhos das amostras foram de 547 indivíduos para o sexo masculino e 286 para o feminino. Cada um dos bancos foi composto por indivíduos na faixa etária de 30 a 69 anso, residentes no município de Säo Paulo. A técnica estatística utilizada para a análise dos dados foi a regressäo logística multivariada. Resultados - foram identificadas medidas de efeito semelhantes em cada uma das composiçöes do estudo, näo se constituindo o diabetes em fator de risco independente para a DIC. Verificou-se, em ambasa composiçöes , um efeito independente para as variáveis hipertensäo arterial, hipercolesterolemia, hábito de fumar e antecedente familiares de cardiopatia. As interaçöes entre o diabetes e as categorias de exposiçäo de outras variáveis näo apresentaram significância estatística. Conclusäo- conlcuiu-se que o desaparecimento da associaçäo diabetes mellitus vs DIC foi decorrente da presença, nos modelos de potentes fatores de risco para a DIC.