The implementation of portable air-cleaning technologies in healthcare settings - a scoping review.

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed opportunities to improve prevention practices in healthcare settings, mainly related to the spread of airborne microbes (also known as bioaerosols). This scoping review aimed to map methodologies used to assess the implementation of portable air cleaners in healthcare settings, identify gaps, and propose recommendations for future research. The protocol was registered in the Open Science Framework and reported following the checklist provided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis - an extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) statement. The search strategy was performed in five databases and one grey literature source. At the last selection phase, 24 articles that fulfilled our inclusion criteria were summarized and disseminated. Of these, 17 studies were conducted between 2020 and 2022; one of them was a protocol of a multicentre randomized controlled trial. The outcomes measured among the studies include airborne microbe counts, airborne particle concentrations, and rate of infections/interventions. The leading healthcare settings assessed were dental clinics (28%), patient's wards (16%), operating rooms (16%), and intensive care units (12%). Most of the devices demonstrated a significant potential to mitigate the impact of bioaerosols. Although some indoor air quality parameters can influence the mechanics of aerosols, only a few studies controlled these parameters in their analyses. Future clinical research should assess the rate of infections through randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up and large sample sizes to determine the clinical importance of the findings.

Effectiveness and Adverse Events of Use of Natalizumab in a Brazilian Cohort of Patients With Multiple Sclerosis.

PURPOSE: Natalizumab (NTZ) is a monoclonal antibody with confirmed efficacy in white populations with recurrent-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS); there are few studies, however, in mixed-race populations. Real-world studies of NTZ are needed to better understand the drug's effectiveness. This study evaluated the effectiveness and adverse events of NTZ in a cohort of Brazilian patients with MS, as well as the impact of clinical and demographic factors on patient response to treatment. METHODS: This multicenter, Brazilian observational study was conducted from January 2011 until December 2016 and included patients with RRMS (McDonald criteria 2005 and 2010) aged ≥18 years treated with NTZ for at least 3 months. Demographic, clinical, and radiologic data were obtained from medical records and during follow-up visits. The primary outcomes investigated were the absolute number of relapses and annualized rate of relapses, change in Expanded Disability Status Scale value, and presence of new lesions on magnetic resonance imaging after starting NTZ treatment; the occurrence and type of adverse events were also analyzed. In addition, the impact of demographic and clinical prognostic factors and radiologic activity on the effectiveness of NTZ was measured. Descriptive and univariate statistical analyses used a significance level of P < 0.05. RESULTS: The study enrolled 56 patients; 64% were women, and 36% were of African descent. There was a significant reduction in the mean absolute number (P = 0.001) and in the annualized rate (P = 0.001) of relapses and in the radiologic activity of the disease (P = 0.001). Furthermore, 71% of patients showed no increase in Expanded Disability Status Scale score after 1 year of treatment. The effectiveness of NTZ was not associated with the presence of clinical and demographic prognostic factors, and the most frequent adverse events during the use of NTZ were gastrointestinal symptoms; there were no cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. IMPLICATIONS: According to patients' reports and clinicians' observations regarding clinical and radiologic benefits and tolerability to adverse events, the use of NTZ was favorable in this Brazilian MS cohort, regardless of the presence of unfavorable prognostic factors.

Boas práticas agropecuárias na produção leiteira: diagnóstico e ajuste de não conformidades / Good agricultural practices for milk production: diagnosis and non-compliances adjustment

Objetivou-se com este estudo desenvolver e validar uma ferramenta semiológica para diagnóstico do nível de adoção e conformidade das boas práticas agropecuárias em fazendas de produção de leite, segundo requisitos preconizados pela Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) e pela International Dairy Federation (IDF). A ferramenta foi testada em 62 fazendas de produção de leite, em seis diferentes regiões do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, como parte das ações do Projeto Protambo - "Transferência de tecnologias para o desenvolvimento da atividade leiteira no RS com base nas boas práticas agropecuárias" - da Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Embrapa, entre janeiro de 2014 e março de 2017. A validação da ferramenta não apontou divergências estatisticamente significativas entre avaliadores, satisfazendo o parâmetro de exatidão para métodos de medições exigidos pela ISO/IEC 17025. Foi evidenciado um espaço de variação que mostrou desenvolvimento de métrica, em que se obteve consistência (coerência) de medição. O teste t-Student aproximado para a comparação de médias de não conformidades nas BPA mostrou melhora significativa no grupo tratamento (diagnóstico seguido de plano de ajuste) quando comparado ao controle (diagnóstico sem plano de ajuste subsequente). Essa nova abordagem semiológica contribui para a adoção das BPA em fazendas leiteiras, para a melhoria da qualidade do leite e da segurança na cadeia produtiva de lácteos.(AU)

This study reports the development and validation of a novel diagnostic tool, based on the FAO and IDF ¨Guide to Good Dairy Farming Practice¨. Sixty-two dairy farms over six different regions within the State of Rio Grande do Sul were selected, evaluated and ranked, from January 2014 to March 2017; as part of the PROTAMBO- Dairying Technology Transfer Project (EMBRAPA). Results indicated that the proposed diagnostic tool was significantly consistent among different field evaluators, meeting trueness validation parameter for ISO/IEC 17025 validation requirement. Binomial distribution of probabilities of positive changes showed significant kind of metric evolution for the treatment group when compared to the control, in addition to significant consistency. Approximated t-Student test for comparison of the means of GAP non-compliances demonstrated significant improvements for the treatment group relative to the control. This novel approach could assist in overcoming existing and emerging GAP challenges to maximize dairy quality.(AU)

Influência de diferentes sistemas e curvas de congelamento na congelabilidade e fertilidade do sêmen equino / Influence of systems and freezing curve in equine semen freezability and fertility

Avaliou-se o efeito de curvas de congelação nos parâmetros espermáticos e na fertilidade, usando sêmen de alta e baixa congelabilidade. Experimento 1 - utilizou-se sêmen de quatro garanhões resistentes à congelação: grupo 1, palhetas refrigeradas até 5°C e congeladas com curva de -8°C/min; grupos 2 e 3, palhetas refrigeradas até 5°C (0,5°C/min.) e congeladas com curvas de -20°C/min e -10°C/min, respectivamente. Experimentos 2 e 3 - utilizaram-se cinco garanhões (Mangalarga Marchador), respectivamente, de alta e baixa congelabilidade: grupo 4, a mesma metodologia descrita no grupo 1; grupos 5 e 6, palhetas refrigeradas até 5°C (0,5°C/min) e congeladas com curva de -20°C/min, entre 5°C e -60°C, e -10°C/min, entre -60°C e -100ºC (grupo 5), e -25°C/min, de 5°C até -100°C (grupo 6). O sêmen foi avaliado após descongelamento pelo método computadorizado. No experimento 1, não houve diferença nos parâmetros avaliados. No experimento 2, os parâmetros motilidade total (MT) e motilidade progressiva foram superiores aos do grupo 6 em relação ao grupo 4. No experimento 3, a MT foi superior no grupo 6 em relação ao grupo 4. As curvas de congelação mais rápidas apresentaram melhores parâmetros de cinética espermática, após a descongelação, para o sêmen de garanhões da raça Mangalarga Marchador.(AU)

The effect of freezing curves on sperm parameters and fertility, using resistant and sensitive semen to cryopreservation, was evaluated. In experiment 1, Semen from 4 stallions resistant to freezing was used: Group 1, straws were cooled to 5°C and frozen with a curve of - 8°C/min; Groups 2 and 3, straws were cooled to 5°C (0.5°C/min) and frozen with curves of - 20°C / min and - 10°C/min, respectively. In experiments 2 and 3, 5 stallions (Mangalarga Marchador) presenting respectively resistant and sensitive sperm to cryopreservation were used: Group 4, same methodology described for Group 1 was performed; Groups 5 and 6, straws were cooled to 5°C (0.5°C/min) and frozen with a curve of - 20°C/min. between 5°C and - 60°C and -10°C/min. between - 60°C and - 100°C (Group 5) and - 25°C/min. 5°C to - 100°C (Group 6). Thawed-semen was evaluated by the computerized method CASA. In Experiment 1, there was no difference in the evaluated parameters. In Experiment 2, total motility (MT) and progressive motility (PM) were higher in Group 6 compared to Group 4. In Experiment 3, TM was higher in Group 6 than Group 4. The faster freezing curves showed better parameters of sperm kinetics after thawing, for the Mangalarga Marchador stallion semen.(AU)

The effect of flunixin meglumine, firocoxib and meloxicam on the uterine mobility of equine embryos.

Embryo mobility occurs as a result of prostaglandin production by the embryo and endometrium, promoting uterine smooth muscle contractions, which propels the embryonic vesicle through the lumen. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as flunixin meglumine, are routinely used in equine medicine and can alter the conceptus mobility if applied in early pregnancy, which may impair maternal recognition of pregnancy. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of flunixin meglumine (FM; 1.1 mg/kg IV), firocoxib (FIRO; 0.2 mg/kg PO), and meloxicam (ML; 0.6 mg/kg, IV), on the embryo mobility. Thirty mares were divided into three groups (n = 10 per treatment). After the pregnancy diagnosis on day 12 after ovulation, the embryo mobility was evaluated by transrectal ultrasonography every 5 min for 1 h in order to visualize the location of the embryo. In all mares, three evaluations were performed: immediately before treatment (pre-treatment), after NSAID administration and 24 h after treatment. In group FM, embryo mobility decreased, from 5.8 ±â€¯0.3 movements/hour (m/h) to 2.3 ±â€¯0.5 m/h (p < 0.05) and, after 24 h the values were similar to the pre-treatment evaluation (5.9 ±â€¯0.2 m/h). Likewise, ML treatment caused a decrease of embryo movements, from 5.9 ±â€¯0.3 to 1.9 ±â€¯0.3 m/h (p < 0.05), 24 h after treatment values were 5.7 ±â€¯0.4 m/h. Treatment with FIRO did not interfere with embryo mobility (5.7 ±â€¯0.4; 5.8 ±â€¯0.3 and 5.6 ±â€¯0.3 embryo movements in the first, second and third evaluation, respectively). In conclusion, FIRO was the only NSAID that did not alter the embryo mobility and may be the safest NSAID for use in early pregnant mares.

Variable Inter-assay Estimation of Sperm DNA Fragmentation In Stallions Classified as Good and Bad Semen Freezers.

BACKGROUND: Semen cryopreservation causes DNA damage, thus requiring continuous monitoring. OBJECTIVE: To compare two assays for sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) from stallions with contrasting semen freezability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen stallions were classified as good semen freezers (GSF) or bad semen freezers (BSF). Ejaculates were cryopreserved with three diluents. Semen was subject to SDF evaluation using the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) and Halomax after thawing (0 h) and after a 4 h thermoresistance test. RESULTS: On semen of BSF, analysis by SCSA was similar between evaluations, but Halomax showed increased SDF at 4 h. The GSF group was similar between time points in both assays. Diluents did not affect SDF, irrespective of the assay. Halomax showed differences for BSF between time points, differently from SCSA. Linear regression did not show any correlation between assays. CONCLUSION: The use of Halomax should be encouraged for sperm DNA fragmentation analysis in horse frozen-thawed semen, particularly under field conditions.

Inhibin-A and inhibin-B in cyclic and pregnant mares, and mares with granulosa-theca cell tumors: Physiological and diagnostic implications.

Studies in mares have examined serum inhibin concentrations using immuno-assays unable to distinguish dimeric inhibin-A from inhibin-B isoforms. Inhibin-A and inhibin-B immuno-assays were used to investigate concentrations in cyclic mares, young and old (6 vs 19 years old, respectively) mares following hemi-ovariectomy, mares during pregnancy and in mares with confirmed granulosa cell tumors (GCTs). Mares with inter-ovulatory intervals of 26 days had ovulatory peaks of inhibin-A averaging 80 pg/mL with a mid-cycle nadir of 5 pg/mL. Inhibin-A and inhibin-B concentrations were highly correlated (r = + 0.79, P < 0.01) though peak and nadir concentrations of inhibin-B were not significantly different. However, the ratio of inhibin-A to inhibin-B (A/B) changed significantly through the cycle, highest at ovulation and <1 (more inhibin-B than -A) at mid-cycle. Two mares with grossly extended inter-ovulatory intervals demonstrated mid-cycle inhibin-A (and inhibin-B) excursions suggestive of follicular waves. Follicle-stimulating hormone was negatively correlated with inhibin-A and -B concentrations in all 6 mares. Hemi-ovariectomy in young mares resulted in a significant decrease in inhibin-A and inhibin-B concentrations one day later (P < 0.05) but older mares did not, suggesting a possible extra-ovarian source(s) of these hormones. Both inhibin isoforms dropped to very low levels during pregnancy (P < 0.0001), inhibin-A (P < 0.0001) more rapidly than -B (P < 0.05), so that inhibin-B became the predominant measured form throughout most of gestation (P < 0.05). Mares with confirmed GCTs had elevated inhibin-B concentrations more reliably than inhibin-A but neither inhibin-A or -B was correlated with anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations. Collectively, concentrations of inhibin-A and -B were aligned with physiological events in healthy mares, though more pronounced cyclic changes were seen with inhibin-A. Inhibin-B concentrations were significantly associated with GCTs (P < 0.01), inhibin-A concentrations were not. While both inhibin-A and -B concentrations track physiological events such as cyclic follicular activity, only inhibin-B concentrations effectively signal ovarian neoplasia in mares.

Influence of spermatozoal lipidomic profile on the cryoresistance of frozen spermatozoa from stallions.

The membrane of spermatozoa, which contributes to cellular cryoresistance, contains numerous lipids with a composition that directly affects membrane fluidity and the fertilization process. In light of variations in the degree of sensitivity in equine seminal freezing, this study aimed to correlate equine semen lipids with post-thawing characteristics of spermatozoa. We used ejaculates from 34 stallions, which were evaluated (total motility ≥ 60%), frozen and thawed and reevaluated for motility of spermatozoa, membrane integrity and lipid peroxidation. Lipid extraction of the fresh semen samples was performed by liquid-liquid extraction, and fingerprinting lipid analysis was conducted by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). Based on the characteristics of spermatozoa after thawing, the animals could be separated into two groups: resistant (Good Freezers, n = 5) and sensitive (Bad Freezers, n = 6) to freezing, and their MALDI-MS data were then compared. The Good Freezers group showed a higher abundance of phosphatidylcholines (m/z 796.6, 846.6, 810.6, 854.6 and 732.6). The ions of m/z 812.6, 832.6, 836.6 and 838.6 belonging to the phosphatidylcholine lipid class were also positively correlated with motility of spermatozoa, whereas that of m/z 794.6 was negatively correlated with lipid peroxidation in thawed semen. The Bad Freezer group, displayed higher abundance of one phosphatidylcholines (m/z 806.6), as well as a sphingomyelins (m/z 703.5), which were negatively correlated (univariate analysis) with kinetics of spermatozoa after thawing (m/z 703.5) and with membrane integrity (m/z 792.6). The ion of m/z 717.5, assigned to phosphatidic acid, was negatively correlated with lipid peroxidation. In general therefore, the phosphatidylcholines are associated with higher quality of spermatozoa after thawing, especially in functional capacity, and that lipid semen composition was found to influence the resistance of spermatozoa to cryopreservation and may interfere with motility, membrane integrity and lipid peroxidation in stallions.

Identificação dos colágenos I, III, IV e α-SMA e participação dos miofibroblastos no processo fibrótico das endometroses equinas / Identification of collagens types I, III, IV and α-SMA and the participation of myofibroblasts in the fibrotic process in equine endometrosis

A endometrose é uma alteração degenerativa das glândulas uterinas e do estroma circundante, caracterizada pelo arranjo periglandular de miofibroblastos e pela deposição de matriz extracelular (ECM). O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a expressão de colágenos tipos I, III e IV e α-actina de músculo liso (α-SMA) nas endometroses equinas, procurando esclarecer a participação dos miofibroblastos na progressão desses processos. Foram utilizadas 24 biópsias uterinas com diagnóstico de endometrose, recebidas pelo Serviço de Patologia Veterinária e de Reprodução Animal da FMVZ, Unesp, Botucatu, SP. Cortes histológicos foram submetidos às técnicas histoquímicas de tricrômico de Masson, picrosirius red sob luz polarizada e ácido periódico de Schiff (PAS) e imuno-histoquímicas para os três tipos de colágeno citados e α-SMA. Ainda, traçou-se um paralelo entre a técnica de picrosirius red e a imunomarcação dos colágenos tipos I e III. A análise histológica revelou que as fibras de colágeno denso correspondem ao colágeno tipo I, predominantes nas endometroses inativa e inativa destrutiva. As fibras de colágeno frouxo correspondem ao colágeno tipo III, predominantes nas endometroses ativas e ativas destrutivas. Nesses mesmos processos, a membrana basal revelou espessamento, aparentemente não relacionado ao colágeno tipo IV, e uma maior imunomarcação de miofibroblastos periglandulares em relação às endometroses inativa e inativa destrutiva. Dessa forma, nota-se que os miofibroblastos estão relacionados ao aumento na deposição de colágeno tipo III nos ninhos fibróticos ativos.(AU)

Endometriosis is a degenerative change of the uterine glands and surrounding stroma, characterized by periglandular arrangement of myofibroblasts and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of collagen type I, III and IV and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in equine endometriosis, and investigate the role of myofibroblasts in the progression of these processes. A parallel was made with histochemical techniques of Masson's trichrome, Picrosirius Red under polarized light and Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS). Twenty four uterine biopsies received by the Veterinary Pathology Service and Animal Reproduction of FMVZ, UNESP, Botucatu, SP, were diagnosed with endometriosis. Histological analysis revealed that the orange dense collagen fibers correspond to type I collagen, being prevalent in inactive and inactive destructive endometriosis. The green loose collagen fibers correspond to type III collagen, and are predominant in active and active destructive endometriosis. In the same processes, a greater amount of periglandular myofibroblasts were observed in comparison to inactive and inactive destructive endometriosis. The presence of these cells in active processes are strongly related to an increased deposition of collagen type III in fibrotic nests. Regarding the basement membrane, the active destructive and active endometriosis shows thickening, apparently not related to an increase in expression of type IV collagen. The active destructive and inactive destructive endometriosis exhibited disruption areas in type IV collagen fibers. Thus, it is noted that the myofibroblasts are related to increased deposition of type III collagen in active fibrotic nests.(AU)

Epidemiology of neuromyelitis optica in Latin America.

A major development over the past two decades was the recognition of recurrent neuromyelitis optica (NMO) as a particular central nervous system disorder different from multiple sclerosis (MS). Here we reviewed the epidemiology of NMO in Latin America (LATAM). A predominance of a mixed population is found in this region. Recurrent NMO in black women was described in the Caribbean Islands and in Rio de Janeiro. The prevalence of NMO in LATAM varied from 0.37/100,000 (Volta Redonda city) to 4.2/100,000 inhabitants (Caribbean Islands). NMO differs significantly from MS with respect to gender, ethnicity, morbidity and genetic susceptibility. An association of the HLA DRB1*03 alleles with NMO was described in the French Antilles, Ribeirão Preto, Rio de Janeiro and Mexico. It is not common to find familial forms of NMO. NMO represents 11.8% of all inflammatory idiopathic diseases in South America (SA). In SA, the highest frequency of NMO occurs in African Brazilian young women. The overall relative frequency of NMO among MS cases in this region was 14%, decreasing following a north-south gradient, which parallels the percentage of nonwhite people.

The HLA DRB1*03:01 allele is associated with NMO regardless of the NMO-IgG status in Brazilian patients from Rio de Janeiro.

The aim of this study was to analyze the HLA class II alleles in neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and MS patients from Rio de Janeiro to clarify whether the pattern of genetic predisposition in NMO is different from the one seen in MS or whether it is possible to determine specific alleles of susceptibility or resistance. The DR3 haplotype was over represented in NMO while the DR15 was over represented in MS. The HLA-DRB1*03:01 allele was associated with NMO regardless the NMO-IgG status but did not influence the long term disability. The comparison of the allele and haplotype frequencies significantly discriminated patients with NMO vs. MS.

Seminal plasma arising from the whole boar sperm-rich fraction increases the stability of sperm membrane after thawing.

Boar spermatozoa arising from the sperm-rich ejaculate fraction are reported to have a more stable plasma membrane and are more resistant to cold shock and premature acrosome reaction than spermatozoa from the whole ejaculate. Furthermore, seminal plasma (SP) can increase the cryotolerance of boar spermatozoa, and in other domestic species, it has the ability to reverse cryopreservation damage. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of boar SP arising from the whole sperm-rich ejaculate fraction (SP-SRF) on the integrity, stability, and peroxidation of sperm membranes after thawing. Each ejaculate ( = 24) was divided among 4 treatments: control (CT), centrifuged and suspended in autologous SP-SRF (CS), centrifuged with withdrawn SP-SRF (CW), and post-thawed SP arising from the whole sperm-rich fraction addition to CW (CWSP). After thawing, all treatments were incubated for 5, 60, and 120 min and were analyzed for membrane integrity, fluidity, and peroxidation by flow cytometer. The absence of SP-SRF increased the lipid disorder ( < 0.05) but had no effect on lipid peroxidation ( > 0.05) or membrane integrity ( > 0.05). However, the increase in lipid disorder by withdrawal of SP-SRF was reversed by SP-SRF addition ( < 0.05) to the post-thawing medium, whereas plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity ( > 0.05) and lipid peroxidation ( > 0.05) were unchanged. In conclusion, despite the centrifugation effects, the addition of SP arising from the whole sperm-rich fraction to post-thawed boar semen decreased sperm lipid disorder without an influence of the sperm membrane integrity and peroxidation.

Comparison of cushioned centrifugation and SpermFilter filtration on longevity and morphology of cooled-stored equine semen.

This study compares two methods for seminal plasma removal by evaluating sperm recovery rates, and motility and morphology of cooled-stored semen. Ejaculates were divided into three groups: control, filtration and cushioned centrifugation. Semen was extended to 25 million sperm/ml using a skim-milk-based extender and stored at 5°C for all groups. Sperm motility (total motility (%TM) and progressive motility (%PM)) was determined at 0, 24, 48 and 72 hours by a computer-assisted sperm analyser. Sperm morphology was assessed using differential interference microscopy. Overall, %TM of the centrifugation group was significantly higher than the filter group, but not significantly different than the control. No significant difference in %TM or %PM was detected for the control group and filter. Cushioned centrifugation was a superior method to obtain progressively motile sperm compared with control (P=0.03) and filter groups (P<0.001). No significant difference was found for the per cent of normal sperm cells and detached heads between the groups. This study demonstrated that cushioned centrifugation was a superior method to remove seminal plasma while preserving %TM and enhancing %PM for stallions under cooled storage over three days. However, as the differences appear to be negligible, the SpermFilter may represent an alternative for farms lacking a centrifuge.

Does Clinical Treatment with Phenylbutazone and Meloxicam in the Pre-ovulatory Period Influence the Ovulation Rate in Mares?

The presence of anovulatory haemorrhagic follicles during the oestrous cycle of mares causes financial impacts, slowing conception and increasing the number of services per pregnancy. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as meloxicam and phenylbutazone are used in the treatment of several disorders in mares, and these drugs can impair the formation of prostaglandins (PGs) and consequently interfere with reproductive activity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of treatment with NSAIDs on the development of pre-ovulatory follicles in mares. In total, 11 mares were studied over three consecutive oestrous cycles, and gynaecological and ultrasound examinations were performed every 12 h. When 32-mm-diameter follicles were detected, 1 mg of deslorelin was administered to induce ovulation. The first cycle was used as a control, and the mares received only a dose of deslorelin. In the subsequent cycles, in addition to receiving the same dose of deslorelin, each mare was treated with NSAIDs. In the second cycle, 4.4 mg/kg of phenylbutazone was administered, and in the third cycle, 0.6 mg/kg of meloxicam was administered once a day until ovulation or the beginning of follicular haemorrhage. All of the mares ovulated between 36 and 48 h after the induction in the control cycle. In the meloxicam cycle, 10 mares (92%) did not ovulate, while in the phenylbutazone cycle, nine mares (83%) did not ovulate. In both treatments, intrafollicular hyperechoic spots indicative of haemorrhagic follicles were observed on ultrasound. Thus, our results suggested that treatment with meloxicam and phenylbutazone at therapeutic doses induced intrafollicular haemorrhage and luteinization of anovulatory follicles.

Eating attitudes of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and obesity without eating disorder female patients: differences and similarities.

The objective was to compare eating attitudes, conceptualized as beliefs, thoughts, feelings, behaviors and relationship with food, of anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder (BED) patients and a group of obese (OBS) without eating disorders (ED). Female patients from an Eating Disorder (ED) Unit with AN (n=42), BN (n=52) and BED (n=53) and from an obesity service (n=37) in Brazil answered the Disordered Eating Attitude Scale (DEAS) which evaluate eating attitudes with 5 subscales: relationship with food, concerns about food and weight gain, restrictive and compensatory practices, feelings toward eating, and idea of normal eating. OBS patients were recruited among those without ED symptoms according to the Binge Eating Scale and the Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Patterns. ANOVA was used to compare body mass index and age between groups. Bonferroni test was used to analyze multiple comparisons among groups. AN and BN patients presented more dysfunctional eating attitudes and OBS patients less dysfunctional (p<0.001). For DEAS total score, AN and BN patients were similar and all other were different (p<0.001). Similarities suggested between BN and BED were true just for the "Relationship with food" and "Idea of normal eating." BED patients were worst than OBS for "Relationship with food" and as dysfunctional as AN patients - besides their behavior could be considered the opposite. Differences and similarities support a therapeutic individualized approach for ED and obese patients, call attention for the theoretical differences between obesity and ED, and suggest more research focused on eating attitudes.

Determination of equine fetal sex by Doppler ultrasonography of the gonads.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING THE STUDY: The identification of fetal sex in horses by location of the genital tubercle between 55 and 70 days of pregnancy is hampered by the large amount of allantoic fluid, extensive fetal movements and the extremely long umbilical cord; however, reliable results have been achieved by ultrasonographic evaluation of the fetal gonads at 110-150 days of pregnancy. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to diagnose the sex of equine fetuses using B-mode and/or colour Doppler transrectal ultrasonography in fetuses of different ages. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study comparing 2 methods of determining fetal sex. METHODS: The evaluations were performed in 86 mares at 90-180 days of pregnancy using transrectal B-mode and colour Doppler mode ultrasonography. Fetuses that had gonads with a homogeneous texture and a thin central longitudinal echogenic line were considered to be male. Females were identified by the presence of gonads with a central circular echogenic structure surrounded by a hypoechogenic external halo. RESULTS: Using B-mode ultrasonography, it was possible to determine the sex of 75% of the males, while determination of sex based on differences between the medullary and cortical layers of the ovary allowed 91.1% of females to be correctly identified. Using Doppler ultrasonography, 100% of males were successfully identified, while characteristic vascularisation of the female gonad could be detected in 98% of the evaluated female fetuses. CONCLUSIONS: Colour Doppler ultrasonography combined with B-mode ultrasonography allows the determination of fetal sex with greater accuracy than B-mode ultrasonography alone, particularly for the identification of the male gonad. The use of Doppler ultrasonography enables the identification of sex in older fetuses.

Use of cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin: an alternative for bad cooler stallions.

During the cooling process, sperm may suffer irreversible damage that compromises the fertility rate. Incorporating cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin (CLC) represents a strategy to increase sperm resistance at low temperatures; however, high levels of cholesterol in the cell membrane can interfere with sperm capacitation. The goals of this study were to determine the CLC concentration and cooling temperature that produce optimal kinetic parameters and viability of sperm from stallions identified as bad coolers (BCs) and good coolers (GCs), as well as the effect of adding CLC on the occurrence of the acrosome reaction (ACR) and on the fertility rate of cooled sperm. In experiment 1, each ejaculate was divided into four groups: Control and treated with 1 (CLC-1), 1.5 (CLC-1.5), or 2 mg (CLC-2) of CLC/120 × 10(6) sperm and cooled for 48 hours at 5 °C. In experiment 2, each ejaculate was divided into four groups: Control and CLC-1.5 cooled at 15 °C or 5 °C for 24 hours. For experiment 3, GC and BC stallions were used, and the ejaculates were divided into control and CLC-1.5 cooled at 5 °C for 48 hours. According to experiment, the sperm kinetics (SK) and plasma membrane integrity (PMI) were analyzed before and after 24 and 48 hours of cooling. In experiment 4, the ejaculates were divided into four groups: Control and CLC-1.5 maintained at room temperature or cooled at 5 °C for 24 hours. Each group was incubated with ionophore calcium at 37 °C for 3 hours. The incidence of ACR was analyzed before and after 1, 2, and 3 hours of incubation. For experiment 5, two cycles of 10 mares for a GC stallion and two cycles of 25 for a BC stallion were used. The inseminations were performed with control and CLC-1.5 groups cooled at 5 °C for 24 hours. According to results, all groups treated with CLC exhibited higher PMI compared with controls, and CLC-1.5 and CLC-2 exhibited the best SK results. The cooling temperature of 5 °C was superior to 15 °C when the sperm was treated with CLC. The GC and BC stallions benefited from the CLC-1.5 treatment, but the BCs were more evident, which presented greatly increased PMI and SK. There was a delay in capacitation of at least 3 hours for the fresh sperm and at least 1 hour for cooled sperm supplemented with CLC-1.5. After adding CLC-1.5, the fertility of BC stallion significantly increased, but that of the GC was not altered. Thus, incorporating CLC is an effective technique to cool equine semen, although it is indicated mainly for BC stallions.

Cooling of ejaculated and epididymal stallion sperm / Refrigeração de espermatozoides do ejaculado e epidídimo em garanhões

After a serious injury or sudden death, epididymis cauda sperm recovery and cryopreservation may present as the last opportunity to obtain genetic material from a valuable stallion. This study evaluated the viability of cooled equine sperm collected by three different methods: sperm of ejaculated (G1), sperm recovered from the epididymal cauda immediately after orchiectomy (G2) and sperm recovered from the epididymal cauda after storage for 24 hours at 5°C (G3). To obtain G1 sperm, two ejaculates were collected. After 1 week, all stallions underwent a bilateral orchiectomy, and one of the removed epididymides was flushed to obtain G2 sperm. The contralateral epididymis was stored at 5°C for 24 hours before being flushed to obtain G3 sperm. The sperm samples were evaluated immediately after the addition of the refrigeration extender, and after 24 and 48 hours of storage at 5°C. After 24 and 48 hours of storage, the epididymal sperm demonstrated higher motility traits when compared to the ejaculated sperm (P<0.05). These results indicate that sperm recovered from the epididymal cauda of stallions are more resistant to the cooling process, with higher kinetic parameters and plasma membrane integrity when compared to the ejaculated sperm.

A recuperação de espermatozoides da cauda do epidídimo pode ser a última chance para preservação do germoplasma quando ocorre morte súbita ou lesão grave em garanhões de alto valor genético. O presente trabalho comparou a viabilidade após refrigeração dos espermatozoides do ejaculado (G1), recuperados da cauda do epidídimo imediatamente após a orquiectomia (G2) e recuperados após armazenamento do epidídimo por 24 horas a 5ºC (G3). No G1 foram colhidos dois ejaculados. Uma semana após a colheita dos ejaculados os garanhões foram submetidos à orquiectomia bilateral e realizada a colheita dos espermatozoides da cauda do epidídimo de um testículo de cada garanhão (G2). O testículo contralateral permaneceu a 5°C por 24 horas, antes da recuperação espermática (G3). A análise das amostras foi realizada imediatamente após a adição do meio de refrigeração, e após 24 e 48 horas de armazenamento a 5°C. Após 24 e 48 horas de armazenamento, os espermatozoides do epidídimo demonstraram características de cinética maiores que os do ejaculado (P<0.05). Estes resultados indicam que espermatozoides recuperados da cauda do epidídimo foram mais resistentes ao processo de refrigeração, com maiores parâmetros de cinética espermática e integridade da membrana plasmática quando comparados aos espermatozoides do ejaculado.

New seminal plasma removal method for freezing stallion semen.

Seminal plasma removal, an indispensable step in equine semen cryopreservation, is usually done by centrifugation, but this might cause mechanical damage to sperm. A new method for seminal plasma removal from stallion semen, namely a filter composed of a synthetic hydrophilic membrane (Sperm Filter, BotuPharma, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil), was recently proposed. The objective of this study was to test the use of the Sperm Filter in the removal of seminal plasma before freezing stallion semen. Ejaculates from 31 stallions were divided into two groups and cryopreserved. In group 1 (G1), seminal plasma was removed with the Sperm Filter, and in group 2 (G2), seminal plasma was removed by centrifugation (600×g for 10 minutes). There were no differences (P < 0.05) between G1 and G2 in sperm kinetic parameters or plasma membrane integrity before or after cryopreservation. However, sperm recovery rate was higher (P < 0.05) for G1 versus G2 (mean ± SD, 89.4 ± 7.4% vs. 80.9 ± 5.5%). Therefore, the Sperm Filter was as efficient as centrifugation in removing seminal plasma from the stallion ejaculate. However, filtering was more practical and had significantly fewer sperm lost than the centrifugation technique.