Serum biochemical reference ranges for pregnant sheep

Late pregnancy is accompanied by dramatic changes in the metabolism of sheep, in which the nutrient requirements increase and the metabolic capacity of ewes is under severe stress due to the rapid foetal growth and development of the mammary gland. The blood metabolic profile can be used to monitor these alterations, which can lead to metabolic disorders such as pregnancy toxaemia. However, data available on serum parameters in sheep do not consider physiological state. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the biochemical reference ranges for pregnant ewes, including serum energy, protein and enzyme-related metabolites. Data from a variety of metabolites were obtained from experiments performed in several institutions and commercial farms using Santa Inês, Dorper, Lacaune, Morada Nova, Bergamacia and Suffolk ewes reared under different conditions (grazing, feedlot, semi-feedlot, collective and/or individual pens, and metabolic cages) from 2006 to 2017. All animals were healthy and without feed restriction. Data from ewes with any clinical manifestations were removed. The metabolic energy profile included data of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein and very-low-density lipoprotein levels; the metabolic protein profile included the metabolites total protein, uric acid, urea, albumin, and creatinine; and the metabolic enzymatic profile included the enzymes aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase. The reference ranges were estimated using the software RefVal 4.11. Dixon's test was used to identify and remove outliers. The confidence intervals and percentiles were estimated using the nonparametric method of bootstrap when data were not normally distributed. A 95% confidence level was used. The serum biochemical reference ranges for pregnant sheep determined in our study were strongly divergent from those established by one of the most cited books on the topic, especially considering the high serum urea and cholesterol concentrations and low levels of blood glucose observed. Therefore, it is essential to consider physiological status when evaluating the blood metabolic profile of pregnant ewes in order to maintain an adequate nutritional management and to prevent health disorders that may lead to productive and reproductive losses.

Metabolic profile during pregnancy in BRISA birth cohorts of Ribeirão Preto and São Luís, Brazil

During pregnancy, metabolic changes that develop in women may increase the risk of diseases and conditions that may also harm the life of the growing fetus. The aim of the present study was to identify and compare the metabolic profile (MP) during pregnancy in two birth cohorts in 2010 in the cities of Ribeirão Preto (RP) and São Luís (SL), Brazil. Pregnant women (1393 in RP and 1413 in SL) were studied; information was obtained through questionnaires in addition to anthropometric, biochemical, and blood pressure measurements. Data are presented as means and proportions. To compare the characteristics of pregnant women in both cities, chi-squared and Student's t-tests were applied, with 5% significance level. Ribeirão Preto presented higher mean values than SL for pre-gestational body mass index (24.5 vs 23 kg/m2, P<0.001), systolic (108.4 vs 102.8 mmHg, P<0.001) and diastolic (65.9 vs 61.8 mmHg, P<0.001) blood pressure, total cholesterol (226.3 vs 213.7 mg/dL, P<0.001) and fractions, and glycemia (84.5 vs 80.2 mg/dL, P<0.001), except for triglycerides (P=0.135). Women from RP also showed higher rates of pre-gestational overweight and obesity compared with SL (40.1 vs 25.8%). In the present study, pregnant women in RP had a worse gestational metabolic profile than those in SL, with higher pre-gestational excess weight, indicating that nutritional transition was more advanced in the more developed city.

Mating with seminal vesicle-excised male can affect the uterus phospholipid fatty-acids composition during implantation in an experimental mouse model

ABSTRACT Purpose No comprehensive information is available about uterus fatty acid (FA) change during implantation period and possible effects of the seminal vesicle secretion on it. Materials and Methods In this study, we evaluated FA composition of uterus phospholipids during the implantation period in intact and seminal vesicle-excised (SVX) mated female mice. Forty NMRI female mice were divided into control (mated with intact male) and seminal vesicle excised (SVX)-mated (mated with SVX-male) groups. The phospholipid fatty acids composition was monitored during the first five days of pregnancy using gas chromatography and also implantation rate was evaluated on fifth day of pregnancy. Results We found that levels of linoleic acid (LNA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) showed a decreasing trend from the first to the third day of pregnancy and then started to increase on the fourth day and peaked on the fifth day. In contrast, the level of saturated FA (SFA) increased on the second and third day of pregnancy compared to the first (p<0.05) and then decreased on the fourth and fifth. We also found that the seminal vesicle secretion could affect the levels of LNA, ARA, SFA, and PUFA in uterine phospholipids especially on second and third day. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between ARA level and implantation rate in control but not SVX-mated groups. Conclusions It can be concluded that several uterus FA that have important roles in early pregnancy could be affected by seminal vesicle secretion.

Utilidad y aplicación del ecodoppler en el embarazo de alto riesgo / Utility and application of ecodoppler in high risk pregnancy

Introducción: La detección de alteraciones en la circulación fetal y materna advierte sobre las alteraciones hemodinámicas que comienza a sufrir el feto. Si la edad gestacional garantiza la viabilidad fetal no se requiere prolongar la gestación, evitando complicaciones por hipoxia crónica. Sin embargo, en fetos con inmadurez pulmonar se esperan trastornos más severos por alteraciones en el sistema venoso fetal. En embarazos de alto riesgo, la ecografía fetal con Doppler es el método de elección debido a su alta sensibilidad que, además de ser no invasivo y accesible, permite la identificación de alteraciones que ponen en riesgo la vida del feto, ayudando al diagnóstico y monitoreo de las mismas. Su buen uso reduce el riesgo de muerte fetal en casos de alto riesgo. La evaluación de las arterias uterinas en el tamizaje de patologías del embarazo es de utilidad en preeclampsia, restricción de crecimiento intrauterino, desprendimiento de placenta y muerte fetal. El estudio de la morfología de onda de la arteria umbilical se utiliza ante sospecha de hipoxia, siendo el mejor indicador para interrupción de la gestación ante la presencia de anomalías, mientras que los cambios en la velocimetría de la arteria cerebral media son de utilidad en la evaluación de fetos con insuficiencia placentaria y anemia. El índice cerebro-placentario es el marcador más sensible para diagnosticar la redistribución cerebral como primer fenómeno adaptativo del feto ante la injuria. El estudio del sistema venoso fetal detecta estados más avanzados de hipoxia fetal, acompañados de acidemia e insuficiencia cardíaca. Objetivo: Describir aspectos a evaluar con EcoDoppler fetal para identificar alteraciones sugerentes de patología materno-fetal. Destacar su utilidad en embarazos de alto riesgo. Revisión de bibliografía actualizada. Materiales y Método: Para la localización de la bibliografía se utilizaron varias fuentes documentales, abarcando una búsqueda crítica en internet desde Google Académico, incluyendo artículos publicados a partir del año 2002, utilizando los descriptores: ecografía, ecoDoppler, embarazo, control prenatal, preeclampsia, restricción del crecimiento intrauterino. Se seleccionaron aquellos documentos que informasen sobre los aspectos físicos del ecoDoppler, aplicación del ecoDoppler en embarazos de alto riesgo y metodología del estudio

Introduction: The detection of alterations in the fetal and maternal circulation warns about the hemodynamic alterations that the fetus begins to suffer. If gestational age guarantees fetal viability, it is not necessary to prolong gestation, avoiding complications due to chronic hypoxia. However, in fetuses with pulmonary immaturity more severe disorders are expected due to alterations in the fetal venous system. In high-risk pregnancies, fetal ultrasound with Doppler is the method of choice due to its high sensitivity that, in addition to being non-invasive and accessible, allows the identification of alterations that put the life of the fetus at risk, aiding diagnosis and monitoring from the same. Its good use reduces the risk of fetal death in high-risk cases. The evaluation of the uterine arteries in the screening of pathologies of pregnancy is useful in preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, placental abruption and fetal death. The study of the wave morphology of the umbilical artery is used when hypoxia is suspected, being the best indicator for interruption of gestation in the presence of anomalies, while changes in the velocimetry of the middle cerebral artery are useful in the evaluation of fetuses with placental insufficiency and anemia. The brain-placental index is the most sensitive marker to diagnose cerebral redistribution as the first adaptive phenomenon of the fetus before injury. The study of the fetal venous system detects more advanced stages of fetal hypoxia, accompanied by acidemia and heart failure. Objective: Describe aspects to be evaluated with Fetal EcoDoppler to identify alterations suggestive of maternal-fetal pathology. Highlight its usefulness in high risk pregnancies. Review of updated bibliography. Materials and Method:Several documentary sources were used to locate the bibliography, covering a critical search on the Internet from Google Scholar, including articles published since 2002, using the descriptors: ultrasound, ecoDoppler, pregnancy, prenatal control, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction . We selected those documents that reported on the physical aspects of ecoDoppler, application of ecoDoppler in high-risk pregnancies and study methodology.

Alterações metabólicas e inflamatórias na gestação / Metabolic and inflammatory changes in pregnancy

Em gestantes, ocorrem alterações hormonais, metabólicas e hematológicas, fisiologicamente importantes. As alterações metabólicas observadas estão associadas ao aumento do efeito hepático da progesterona, estradiol e lactogênio placentário nesse período. Estrogênios são conhecidos por aumentar a produção de colesterol VLDL e diminuir a atividade da lipase hepática. Nesse grupo de mulheres, notase também um aumento do número de neutrófilos e monócitos para a circulação periférica, notadamente em gestantes com pré-eclampsia, tendo como consequência produção e secreção da mieloperoxidase. Assim, torna-se importante determinar quais alterações metabólicas e inflamatórias estão relacionadas com a gestação, para auxiliar no diagnóstico e prognóstico de doenças cardiovasculares futuras nesta população. Além dos fatores de risco, esta revisão aponta novos biomarcadores, tais como a mieloperoxidase, capacidade antioxidante total do soro, marcadores inflamatórios e proteína plasmática A.(AU)

In pregnant women, hormonal, metabolic and hematologic physiologically important changes occur. The metabolic changes observed are associated with increased hepatic effect of estradiol, progesterone and placental lactogen during this period. Estrogens are known to increase production of VLDL cholesterol and decrease the activity of hepatic lipase. In this group of women, we can note an increased number of neutrophils and monocytes into the peripheral circulation, especially in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia, resulting in production and secretion of myeloperoxidase. Thus, it becomes important to determine which metabolic and inflammatory changes are related to pregnancy, to assist in the diagnosis and prognosis of future cardiovascular disease in this population. In addition to the risk factors, this review shows new biomarkers such as myeloperoxidase, total antioxidant capacity of serum, inflammatory markers and plasma protein A.(AU)

The Proteomic Analysis of Human Placenta with Pre-eclampsia and Normal Pregnancy

Preeclampsia is one of the most important and complexed disorders for women's health. Searching for novel proteins as biomarkers to reveal pathogenesis, proteomic approaches using 2DE has become a valuable tool to understanding of preeclampsia. To analyze the proteomic profiling of preclamptic placenta compared to that of normal pregnancy for better understanding of pathogenesis in preeclampsia, placentas from each group were handled by use of proteomics approach using 2DE combined with MALDI-TOF-MS. The 20 spots of showing differences were analysed and identified. Among differentially expressed protein spots Hsp 27 and Hsp 70 were selected for validation using Western blot analysis. In preeclamptic placenta 9 differentially expressed proteins were down-regulated with Hsp 70, serum albumin crystal structure chain A, lamin B2, cytokeratin 18, actin cytoplasmic, alpha fibrinogen precursor, septin 2, dihydrolipoamide branched chain transacylase E2 and firbrinogen beta chain. The 11 up-regulated proteins were fibrinogen gamma, cardiac muscle alpha actin proprotein, cytokeratin 8, calumenin, fibrinogen fragment D, F-actin capping protein alpha-1 subunit, Hsp 27, Hsp 40, annexin A4, enoyl-CoA delta isomerase and programmed cell death protein 6. The western blot analysis for validation also showed significant up-regulation of Hsp 27 and down-regulation of Hsp 70 in the placental tissues with preeclmaptic pregnancies. This proteomic profiling of placenta using 2DE in preeclampsia successfully identifies various proteins involved in apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, as well as three Hsps with altered expression, which might play a important role for the understanding of pathogenesis in preeclampsia.

Interdisciplinarity and nursing research: opportunities and challenges / Interdisciplinaridade e pesquisa em enfermagem: oportunidades e desafios / La interdisciplinariedad y la investigación en enfermería: oportunidades y desafíos

Interdisciplinary collaboration is widely recognized and considered essential for optimizing the development of knowledge and practice. However, interdisciplinarity is commonly accepted as an unquestioned good; rarely examined as both a source of benefit as well as difficulty for nursing and other disciplines. The aim of this article is to critically examine the opportunities and challenges that interdisciplinarity can provide for research in nursing and other disciplines. Based on a North American perspective, I describe the emergence of uni-disciplinary nursing research and the knowledge exchanges that occurred between nursing and other disciplines. I discuss the rise of interdisciplinary research, outline several examples of nursing participation in interdisciplinarity, and highlight the prominent benefits and difficulties associated with interdisciplinary research. I argue that authentic collaboration is required to conduct meaningful interdisciplinary research and describe how this can be promoted.

Colaboração interdisciplinar é amplamente reconhecida e considerada essencial para a otimização do desenvolvimento do conhecimento e prática. No entanto, a interdisciplinaridade é comumente aceita como um bem inquestionável, raramente examinado tanto como uma fonte de benefícios, bem como dificuldade para a enfermagem e outras disciplinas. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar criticamente as oportunidades e desafios que a interdisciplinaridade pode oferecer para a pesquisa em enfermagem e outras disciplinas. Com base em uma perspectiva norte-americana, descreve-se o surgimento de pesquisas em enfermagem unidisciplinar e as trocas de conhecimento que ocorreram entre a enfermagem e outras disciplinas. Discute-se a ascensão da pesquisa interdisciplinar, delineiam-se vários exemplos de participação da enfermagem na interdisciplinaridade, e destacam-se os benefícios proeminentes e dificuldades associadas com a pesquisa interdisciplinar. Defende-se que a colaboração autêntica é necessária para conduzir a pesquisa interdisciplinar significativa e descreve-se como isso pode ser promovido.

La colaboración interdisciplinaria es ampliamente reconocida y considerada esencial para optimizar el desarrollo del conocimiento y la práctica. Sin embargo, la interdisciplinariedad es comúnmente aceptada como un bien incuestionable; rara vez examinada tanto como una fuente de beneficio, así como de dificultad para la enfermería y otras disciplinas. El objetivo de este artículo es examinar críticamente las oportunidades y desafíos que la interdisciplinariedad puede proporcionar para la investigación en enfermería y otras disciplinas. Sobre la base de una perspectiva norteamericana, describe-se el surgimiento de la investigación en enfermería unidisciplinaria y los intercambios de conocimientos que se produjeron entre la enfermería y otras disciplinas. Se discute el aumento de la investigación interdisciplinaria, esbozan-se varios ejemplos de la participación de enfermería en la interdisciplinariedad, y destacan-se los beneficios y las dificultades asociadas con la investigación interdisciplinaria. Argumenta-sé que se requiere auténtica colaboración para llevar a cabo la investigación interdisciplinaria significativa y describe-se la forma en que esto puede ser promovido. .

Deaths from homicides: a historical series / Mortes por homicídios: série histórica / Muertes por homicidios: serie histórica

OBJECTIVE: to describe mortality from homicides in Itabuna, in the State of Bahia. METHOD: study with hybrid, ecological and time-trend design. The mortality coefficients per 1,000 inhabitants, adjusted by the direct technique, proportional mortality by sex and age range, and Potential Years of Life Lost were all calculated. RESULTS: since 2005, the external causes have moved from third to second most-common cause of death, with homicides being responsible for the increase. In the 13 years analyzed, homicides have risen 203%, with 94% of these deaths occurring among the male population. Within this group, the growth occurred mainly in the age range from 15 to 29 years of age. It was ascertained that 83% of the deaths were caused by firearms; 57.2% occurred in public thoroughfares; and 98.4% in the urban zone. In 2012, the 173 homicides resulted in 7,837 potential years of life lost, with each death causing, on average, the loss of 45.3 years. CONCLUSIONS: mortality by homicide in a medium-sized city in Bahia reaches levels observed in the big cities of Brazil in the 1980s, evidencing that the phenomenon of criminality - formerly predominant only in the big urban centers - is advancing into the rural area of Brazil, causing changes in the map of violent homicide in Brazil. .

OBJETIVO: descrever a mortalidade por homicídios em Itabuna, Bahia. MÉTODO: estudo com delineamento híbrido, ecológico e de tendência temporal. Foram calculados os coeficientes de mortalidade por 1.000 habitantes, ajustados pela técnica direta, mortalidade proporcional segundo sexo e faixa etária e anos potenciais de vida perdidos. RESULTADOS: desde 2005 as causas externas passaram de terceira para segunda causa de morte, sendo os homicídios responsáveis pelo incremento. Nos 13 anos analisados, os homicídios ascenderam 203%, com 94% desses óbitos incidindo na população masculina. Entre essa, o crescimento se deu principalmente na faixa etária de 15 a 29 anos de idade. Apurou-se que 83% das mortes foram por arma de fogo, 57,2% ocorreram em via pública e 98,4% na zona urbana. Em 2012, os 173 homicídios ocasionaram 7.837 anos potenciais de vida perdidos, com cada óbito provocando, em média, a perda de 45,3 anos. CONCLUSÕES: a mortalidade por homicídios em uma cidade de médio porte, na Bahia, atinge índices observados nas grandes metrópoles do país na década 1980, evidenciando que o fenômeno da criminalidade violenta - antes predominante apenas nos grandes centros urbanos - avança para o interior, provocando mudanças no mapa da violência homicida do país. .

OBJETIVO: describir la mortalidad por homicidios en Itabuna-Bahía. MÉTODO: estudio con delineamiento híbrido, ecológico y de tendencia temporal. Fueron calculados los coeficientes de mortalidad por 1.000 habitantes ajustados por la técnica directa, la mortalidad proporcional según sexo e intervalo de edad y los Años Potenciales de Vida Perdidos. RESULTADOS: desde 2005 las causas externas pasaron de la tercera para la segunda causa de muerte, siendo los homicidios responsables por el incremento. En los 13 años analizados, los homicidios ascendieron 203%, con 94% de esas muertes ocurriendo en la población masculina. Entre esta, el crecimiento sucedió principalmente en el intervalo de edad de 15 a 29 años de edad. Se encontró que 83% de las muertes fueron por arma de fuego; 57,2% ocurrieron en la vía pública; y 98,4% en la zona urbana. En 2012, los 173 homicidios ocasionaron 7.837 años potenciales de vida perdidos, con cada muerte provocando, en promedio, la pérdida de 45,3 años. CONCLUSIONES: la mortalidad por homicidios en una ciudad de porte medio en Bahía alcanza índices observados en las grandes metrópolis del país en la década de 1980, evidenciando que el fenómeno de la criminalidad violenta - antes predominante apenas en los grandes centros urbanos - avanza para el interior provocando cambios en el mapa de la violencia homicida del país. .

Diagnostic accuracy of hemoglobin for iron deficiency in pregnancy: disclosing results of a cited clinical trial / Precisión diagnóstica de los valores de hemoglobina para determinar la carencia de hierro durante el embarazo: revelación de los resultados de un estudio clínico citado

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the accuracy of hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations as a diagnostic indicator of iron deficiency in pregnant women and to measure the efficacy of oral iron therapy using Hb z-scores rather than Hb absolute values. METHODS: The sensitivity and specificity of Hb < 11.0 g/dL, and its receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, in the diagnosis of iron deficiency (serum ferritin (SF) < 12.0 ng/mL) were determined in 318 women in their second trimester of pregnancy who had been screened for a clinical trial conducted in 2001 in Northeast Brazil. A secondary analysis of iron therapy efficacy was carried out using data from the trial's three different treatments (60 mg of oral iron once per week (n = 46), twice per week (n = 50), and once per day (n = 44)). The mean differences between post- and pre-treatment Hb absolute values (g/dL) and z-scores (standard deviation (SD)) were calculated for the three treatment groups for study participants with and without iron deficiency. RESULTS: Hb sensitivity, specificity, and area under the ROC curve were 60.7%, 44.3%, and 0.54 respectively. Women without iron deficiency showed improvements in Hb absolute values (as in the clinical trial's overall results) but did not have improved Hb z-scores (with scores of - 0.6 SD (95% confidence interval (CI): - 0.99, - 0.28); - 0.2 SD (95% CI: - 0.47, 0.08); and - 0.1 SD (95% CI: - 0.33, 0.18) for weekly, twice-per-week, and daily iron treatment schemes respectively). In contrast, iron-deficient women treated with the intermittent schemes had reductions in both Hb absolute values and Hb z-scores, respectively: weekly = - 0.42 g/dL (95% CI: - 0.72, - 0.12) and - 1.4 SD (95% CI: - 1.74, - 0.99); twice per week = - 0.14 g/dL (95% CI: - 0.46, 0.17) and - 1.1 SD (95% CI: - 1.44, - 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: These analyses revealed that Hb concentrations were not an accurate indicator of either iron needs or iron-therapy response in pregnant women.

OBJETIVO: Analizar la precisión de las concentraciones de hemoglobina (Hb) como indicador diagnóstico de la carencia de hierro en mujeres embarazadas, y medir la eficacia del tratamiento con hierro por vía oral empleando las puntuaciones z de Hb en lugar de sus valores absolutos. MÉTODOS: Se determinaron la sensibilidad y la especificidad de un valor de Hb < 11,0 g/dl, y su curva de eficacia diagnóstica (ROC, por sus siglas en inglés), en el diagnóstico de la carencia de hierro (ferritina sérica [FS] < 12,0 ng/ml) en 318 mujeres que estaban en su segundo trimestre de embarazo y habían sido sometidas a tamizaje para un estudio clínico llevado a cabo en el noreste del Brasil el año 2001. Se realizó un análisis secundario de la eficacia del tratamiento con hierro mediante el empleo de los datos de tres pautas de tratamiento diferentes incluidas en el estudio (60 mg de hierro por vía oral una vez por semana [n = 46], dos veces por semana [n = 50], y una vez al día [n = 44]). Se calcularon las diferencias medias entre los valores absolutos (en g/dl) de Hb y las puntuaciones z (desviaciones estándar [DE]), posteriores y previos al tratamiento, correspondientes a los tres grupos de tratamiento de participantes en el estudio con y sin carencia de hierro. RESULTADOS: La sensibilidad, la especificidad y el área bajo la curva ROC de la Hb fueron de 60,7, 44,3 y 0,54%, respectivamente. Las mujeres que no tenían carencia de hierro mostraron incrementos de los valores absolutos de Hb (de manera similar a los resultados globales del estudio clínico) pero no presentaron mejores puntuaciones z de Hb (puntuaciones de - 0,6 DE [IC de 95%: - 0,99, - 0,28]; - 0,2 DE [IC de 95%: - 0,47, 0,08]; y - 0,1 DE [IC de 95%: - 0,33, 0,18], correspondientes a las pautas de ferroterapia de una vez por semana, dos veces por semana y una vez al día, respectivamente). Por el contrario, las mujeres que tenían carencia de hierro y fueron tratadas mediante las pautas intermitentes presentaron reducciones tanto de los valores absolutos como de las puntuaciones z de Hb, respectivamente: una vez por semana = - 0,42 g/dl (IC de 95%: - 0,72, - 0,12) y - 1,4 DE (IC de 95%: - 1,74, - 0,99); dos veces por semana = - 0,14 g/dl (IC de 95%: - 0,46, 0,17) y - 1,1 DE (IC de 95%: - 1,44, - 0,75). CONCLUSIONES: Estos análisis revelaron que las concentraciones de Hb no eran un indicador preciso de las necesidades de hierro ni de la respuesta al tratamiento con hierro en las mujeres embarazadas.

Antepartal insulin-like growth factor concentrations indicating differences in the metabolic adaptive capacity of dairy cows

Cows with different Insulin-like Growth Factor-I (IGF-I) concentrations showed comparable expression levels of hepatic growth hormone receptor (GHR). Suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 (SOCS2), could be responsible for additional inhibition of the GHR signal cascade. The aims were to monitor cows with high or low antepartal IGF-I concentrations (IGF-I(high) or IGF-I(low)), evaluate the interrelationships of endocrine endpoints, and measure hepatic SOCS2 expression. Dairy cows (n = 20) were selected (240 to 254 days after artificial insemination (AI)). Blood samples were drawn daily (day -17 until calving) and IGF-I, GH, insulin, thyroid hormones, estradiol, and progesterone concentrations were measured. Liver biopsies were taken (day 264 +/- 1 after AI and postpartum) to measure mRNA expression (IGF-I, IGFBP-2, IGFBP-3, IGFBP-4, acid labile subunit (ALS), SOCS2, deiodinase1, GHR1A). IGF-I concentrations in the two groups were different (p 0.05). Thyroxine levels and ALS expression were higher in the IGF-I(high) cows compared to IGF-I(low) cows. Estradiol concentration tended to be greater in the IGF-I(low) group (p = 0.06). It was hypothesized that low IGF-I levels are associated with enhanced SOCS2 expression although this could not be decisively confirmed by the present study.

Substituição parcial do milho por sorgo granífero na alimentação de matrizes suínas primíparas nos períodos de puberdade e gestação / Partial substitution of corn by sorghum in the feeding of primiparous female pigs during puberty and pregnancy

Avaliou-se o efeito da substituição parcial do milho por sorgo granífero na dieta de matrizes suínas híbridas durante a puberdade e a gestação. Foram utilizadas 25 leitoas, distribuídas em três tratamentos com porcentagens crescentes de sorgo granífero - 0%, 25% e 50% - em substituição ao milho. As fêmeas foram avaliadas durante as fases de pré-puberdade, puberdade e gestação, tendo sido mensurados o peso vivo (PV) e a idade à puberdade nas jovens e o PV e a espessura de toucinho (ET) nas fêmeas gestantes - à cobrição e aos 30, 60, 90 e 110 dias de prenhez. Na fase de pré-puberdade, o ganho de peso diário diminuiu com o aumento da utilização do sorgo, e durante a puberdade não houve efeito dos tratamentos. Houve efeito linear da substituição sobre o PV aos 90 dias de gestação. Nos demais períodos, não foram encontrados efeitos significativos. Conclui-se que o sorgo granífero pode substituir o milho em até 50% na dieta de fêmeas suínas durante a puberdade e a gestação, sem comprometer as variáveis produtivas e reprodutivas.

The effect of partial substitution of corn by sorghum on the diets of hybrid female pigs during puberty and pregnancy was evaluated. Twenty-five females were distributed in three treatments with increasing percentage of grain sorghum - 0%, 25% and 50% - as a partial substitute for corn. The females were evaluated during the growth, puberty and pregnancy phases, measuring live weight (LW) and age at puberty in young females and LW and backfat thickness (BT) during gestation - at mating, 30, 60, 90 and 110 days of pregnancy. During the growth period, daily gain decreased with increased use of sorghum and there was no effect of treatments on puberty. For pregnancy, there was a linear effect on LW at day 90. Thus, it was concluded that grain sorghum can replace corn up to 50% on the diet of female pigs during puberty, pregnancy and lactation without compromising the productivity and reproductive variables.

Taxas de perda gestacional até 60 dias são afetadas por características cíclicas da égua receptora de embrião Mangalarga Marchador / Rates of pregnancy loss up to 60 days are affected by cyclic characteristics of the Mangalarga Marchador recipient mare

Foram avaliadas taxas de gestação aos 15 dias e perda gestacional entre 15 e 60 dias em 430 transferências de embrião (TE) em éguas Mangalarga Marchador. Diagnósticos de gestação foram realizados entre 15 e 60 dias após TE. Para avaliar os efeitos da duração da fase folicular da receptora, foram formados três grupos: até três dias (<3d); quatro a seis dias (4-6d); sete ou mais dias (>7d). Para avaliar os efeitos do tamanho do folículo pré-ovulatório da receptora, foram formados outros três grupos: menor ou igual a 35mm (Ø<35); maior que 35 e menor ou igual a 45mm (35<Ø<45); maior que 45mm (Ø>45). Os grupos foram comparados pelo teste qui-quadrado (P<0,05). Quanto à duração da fase folicular, as taxas de gestação foram semelhantes (<3d - 83,1%; 4-6d - 86,4%; >d - 86,0%), e a perda gestacional maior em >7d (24,4%) que em <3d(12,0%) e 4-6d (13,3%), estas semelhantes entre si. Quanto ao tamanho folicular, as taxas de gestação foram semelhantes (Ø<35 - 86,4%; 35<Ø<45 - 86,5%; Ø>45 - 81,9%), assim como as de perda gestacional (Ø<35 - 13,2%; 35<Ø<45 - 18,1%; Ø>45 - 10,5%). Razões para a maior perda gestacional no grupo >7dnão foram esclarecidas, mas conclui-se que a duração da fase folicular pode ser fator de escolha de receptoras.

Pregnancy rates were evaluated at 15 days and pregnancy loss between 15 and 60 days on 430 embryo transfers (ET) in Mangalarga Marchador mares. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed between 15 and 60 days after ET. To evaluate the effects of the duration of the follicular phase of the recipient mare, three groups were formed: up to 3 days (<3d); 4 to 6 days (4-6d); 7 or more days (>7d). To evaluate the effects of the size of the pre-ovulatory follicle of the recipient mare, three other groups were formed: below or equal to 35mm (Ø<35); greater than 35 and below or equal to 45mm (35<Ø<45); greater than 45mm (Ø>45). The groups were compared by Chi-square test (P<0.05). Regarding the duration of the follicular phase, pregnancy rates were similar (<3d - 83.1%; 4-6d - 86.4%; >7d - 86.0%), and greater pregnancy loss in >7d (24.4%) than in <3d (12.0%) and 4-6d (13.3%), which were similar. Regarding the follicle size, pregnancy rates (Ø<35 - 86.4%; 35<Ø<45 - 86.5%; Ø>45 - 81.9%) and pregnancy loss (Ø<35 - 13.2%; 35<Ø<45 - 18.1%; Ø>45 - 10.5%) were similar. Reasons for the greatest pregnancy loss in the >7d group have not been elucidated, but we conclude that the duration of the follicular phase may be a factor for choosing recipient mares.

Metabolismo Basal durante a gestação: revisão sistemática / Basal metabolism during pregnancy: a systematic review

O gasto energético (GE) na gestação é fundamental no aconselhamento dietético e no controle da massa corporal. O presente estudo teve como objetivo realizar revisão sistemática nas bases de dados bibliográficas sobre a taxa metabólica basal (TMB), maior componente do GE, durante a gestação de feto único de mulheres saudáveis. Segundo os critérios de inclusão, 37 artigos foram selecionados (24 estudos de coorte e 13 seccionais). O aumento da TMB (entre 8,0 e 35,0%) ocorreu na maioria de estudos de coorte dependendo do tempo de seguimento e do estado nutricional. Nos seccionais, o aumento na TMB foi de 8,0-28,0% na fase final da gestação sobre a fase inicial ou no pós-parto. Informação precária sobre idade materna, perdas de seguimento e curto tempo de acompanhamento durante a gestação foram limitações dos estudos revisados. Em conclusão, a TMB aumenta durante a gestação e o aumento é mais intenso a partir do 2º trimestre. As estimativas mais confiáveis provêm dos poucos estudos de coorte iniciados na fase pré-gestacional.

Gestational energy expenditure (EE) is the basis for nutritional counseling and body weight control. The objective of this study was to systematically review the behavior of the basal metabolic rate (BMR), the major component of EE, during non gemelar pregnancy of healthy women. Based on the inclusion criteria, 37 articles were identified (24 cohort and 13 cross-sectional studies). Increases in BMR (between 8% and 35%) were observed in most cohort studies and it was related to the duration of follow-up and nutritional status. In the cross-sectionals, the increase in BMR varied from 8% to 28% close to delivery in comparison with the first trimester or post-partum. Lack of information on maternal age, loss of follow-up and short duration of follow-up during the pregnancy were serious limitations in the identified studies. In conclusion, BMR increases during pregnancy, and the increase is more intense after the second trimester. The most reliable data come from the few cohort studies that initiated before pregnancy.

Association between gingival crevicular fluid prostaglandin E 2 level and preterm low birth weight.

Background: Periodontal infections, which serve as a reservoir of inflammatory mediators such prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ), may pose a threat to the fetal-placental unit and cause preterm delivery. Aim: This study was conducted to estimate the PGE 2 levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and to explore the association between GCF-PGE 2 levels and preterm low birth weight (PLBW). Materials and Methods: Twenty-two pregnant patients were selected for the study. GCF samples were collected from these patients before delivery and again at 1 month after delivery. PGE 2 level was estimated using a commercially available ELISA kit (Neogen™). Results: The mean GCF-PGE 2 level was 5.8 ng/ml before parturition and 5.5 ng/ml after parturition, but the difference was not statistically significant. There was negative correlation between PGE 2 levels and gestational age at birth. Conclusion: The study provides weak evidence that there is correlation between GCF-PGE 2 levels and birth outcome. Further clinical trials with large samples are required to confirm the association between GCF-PGE 2 levels and PLBW.

Efeitos precoces da dieta materna hiperlipídica sobre o crescimento e fisiopatologia do pâncreas em camundongos / Early Effects of maternal-fat diet on the growth and pathophysiology of the pancreas in mice

Dieta materna hiperlipídica (HF) em roedores ocasiona o desenvolvimento de resistência à insulina e o diabetes mellitus tipo 2 na prole adulta. Camundongos fêmeas foram alimentadas com dieta SC (standard chow) ou HF (hiperlipídica) durante oito semanas anteriores ao acasalamento, durante o período gestacional e metade da lactação. Os filhotes machos foram avaliados ao nascimento (0 dia) e aos 10 dias de idade. Nas progenitoras, foram avaliados o ganho de massa corporal (MC), a pressão arterial (PA), a eficiência alimentar (EA) e o teste oral de tolerância à glicose (TOTG). Na prole, foram avaliadas a evolução da massa corporal (MC), a glicemia, a estrutura da ilhota do pâncreas e a massa de célula-beta. Nas progenitoras, a ganho de massa corporal (MC) e a eficiência alimentar (EA) do grupo HF apresentaram um aumento de 50% em relação ao grupo SC durante o período pré-gestacional e um aumento de 70% do ganho de MC e 250% na EA, durante a gestação (P<0,0001). A pressão arterial e os níveis de corticosterona foram maiores no grupo HF quando comparados ao grupo SC (P=0,001). Em relação à massa corporal das proles, não houve diferença ao nascimento, contudo aos 10 dias de idade o grupo HF apresentou um aumento neste parâmetro, assim como um aumento dos níveis de glicemia e aumento do diâmetro da ilhota em relação ao grupo SC (P<0,001). Ao nascimento, a razão da massa de célula-beta/massa do pâncreas (MCB/MP), foi menor no grupo HF quando comparado ao grupo SC (-54%, P<0,0001), no entanto essa diferença não foi observada aos 10 dias de idade. A MCB/MP foi maior no grupo HF aos 10 dias de idade em relação ao grupo SC (+146%, P<0,0001)...

Náuseas y vómitos durante el embarazo / Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy

Se hace una revisión de la etiología, fisiopatología y factores de riesgo de las náuseas y vómitos que ocurren durante el embarazo, así como del impacto, en casos severos o persistentes, en la salud de la madre, y del feto y del recién nacido. Se revisan los tratamientos propuestos, farmacológicos unos, no farmacológicos otros, resaltando el evidente beneficio terapéutico de la combinación de piridoxina con doxilamina y la evidencia de su inocuidad, que estuvo en entredicho a principio de la década de 1980...

Cushing's syndrome in pregnancy: an overview: [review]

Cushing's syndrome (CS) during pregnancy is a rare condition with fewer than 150 cases reported in the literature. Adrenal adenomas were found to be the commonest cause, followed by Cushing's disease. The gestation dramatically affects the maternal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, resulting in increased hepatic production of corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG), increased levels of serum, salivary and urinary free cortisol, lack of suppression of cortisol levels after dexamethasone administration and placental production of CRH and ACTH. Moreover, a blunted response of ACTH and cortisol to exogenous CRH may also occur. Therefore, the diagnosis of CS during pregnancy is much more difficult. Misdiagnosis of CS is also common, as the syndrome may be easily confused with preeclampsia or gestational diabetes. Because CS during pregnancy is usually associated with severe maternal and fetal complications, its early diagnosis and treatment are critical. Surgery is the treatment of choice for CS in pregnancy, except perhaps in the late third trimester, with medical therapy being a second choice. There does not seem to be a rationale for supportive treatment alone.

A ocorrência de síndrome de Cushing (SC) durante a gravidez é rara, com menos de 150 casos reportados na literatura. Os adenomas adrenais parecem ser a causa mais comum seguidos da doença de Cushing. A gestação afeta de maneira dramática o eixo hipotálamo-hipófise-adrenal materno resultando em aumento da produção hepática da globulina ligadora de corticosteróides (CBG), aumento dos níveis séricos, salivares e livres urinários de cortisol, falta de supressão do cortisol após administração de dexametasona e produção placentária de CRH e ACTH. Além disso, pode também ocorrer bloqueio da resposta do ACTH e do cortisol ao CRH exógeno. Assim, o diagnóstico de SC durante a gravidez torna-se muito mais difícil. A falha em diagnosticar SC é também comum, já que a síndrome pode ser facilmente confundida com pré-eclampsia ou diabetes gestacional. Uma vez que a SC de ocorrência na gravidez é usualmente associada com graves complicações materno-fetais, seu diagnóstico e tratamento precoces tornam-se críticos. A cirurgia é o tratamento de escolha para a SC na gravidez, exceto, talvez, no final do 3º trimestre, sendo o tratamento medicamentoso a segunda escolha. Não parece haver nenhum arrazoado para o tratamento de suporte isoladamente.

Insulin-like growth factors-I and -II and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 during normal pregnancy: pattern of secretion and correlation with other placental hormones.

OBJECTIVES: To describe pattern of secretion of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, IGF-II, IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-1 and their correlation with each other and major placental hormones during normal pregnancy. DESIGN: Longitudinal study. SETTING: Academic Institutions and a Tertiary Care Maternity Hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Healthy women with singleton uncomplicated pregnancies (N = 35). MEASUREMENTS: Serum levels of IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-1, chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), placental lactogen (HPL), prolactin, oestradiol and progesterone were studied thrice during the antenatal period and within 24 h of delivery. RESULTS: IGF-I, IGFBP-1, HPL, prolactin, oestradiol and progesterone increased and HCG decreased significantly with advancing gestation (Repeated measures ANOVA: P < 0.01 to 0.0001). IGF-II levels were not significantly affected by period of gestation. Significant negative correlations (multiple regression analysis) were seen between IGFBP-1 and prolactin at 28 +/- 2 (P = 0.0226) and 36 +/- 2 (P = 0.0417) weeks of amenorrhoea (WOA) and between oestradiol and IGF-II at 36 +/- 2 WOA (P = 0.037). Prolactin and IGF-I at 14 +/- 2 WOA (P = 0.0225) and progesterone and IGFBP-1 at 28 +/- 2 WOA (P = 0.0216) correlated positively. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal IGF-I and IGFBP-1 but not IGF-II significantly increase as pregnancy advances. Components of the IGF system regulate or are affected by some of the placental hormones and the effects vary with the period of gestation.