Laboratory diagnosis of canine uroperitoneum based on cellular and biochemical characteristics of serum and abdominal fluid.

BACKGROUND: Literature on the laboratory diagnosis of uroperitoneum is scarce, and it is mostly based on the biochemical findings of cavitary fluid and serum. Cell count and protein concentrations measurements are rarely used and available studies on this subject are based on a relatively small cohort of individuals. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to use a large sample pool of dogs to establish cutoff points for biochemical analytes in cavitary fluids and serum for the diagnosis of uroperitoneum. We also sought to evaluate the general classification of these cavitary fluids. METHODS: In a retrospective and prospective study, 180 canine abdominal effusion cases were evaluated, 30 of which were uroperitoneum (uroperitoneum group, UG) and 150 with other etiologies (non-uroperitoneum group, NUG). RESULTS: The results showed that 83.3% of UG and 12.7% of NUG abdominal fluid cases were not classified as transudates or exudates. The use of specific cutoffs for fluid creatinine concentrations (≥2.1 mg/dL) and fluid:serum creatinine ratios (Cf: Cs ≥ 1.25) in these unclassified effusions resulted in an accuracy of 99.0% for the laboratory diagnosis of uroperitoneum. CONCLUSIONS: The adoption of a new set of criteria and cutoffs based on the combination of parameters such as TP, TNCC, fluid creatinine and Cf: Cs improves the diagnosis of uroperitoneum in dogs.

Aerobic interval exercise improves parameters of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and other alterations of metabolic syndrome in obese Zucker rats.

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a group of metabolic alterations that increase the susceptibility to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has been described as the liver manifestation of MS. We aimed to test the beneficial effects of an aerobic interval training (AIT) protocol on different biochemical, microscopic, and functional liver alterations related to the MS in the experimental model of obese Zucker rat. Two groups of lean and obese animals (6 weeks old) followed a protocol of AIT (4 min at 65%-80% of maximal oxygen uptake, followed by 3 min at 50%-65% of maximal oxygen uptake for 45-60 min, 5 days/week, 8 weeks of experimental period), whereas 2 control groups remained sedentary. Obese rats had higher food intake and body weight (P < 0.0001) and suffered significant alterations in plasma lipid profile, area under the curve after oral glucose overload (P < 0.0001), liver histology and functionality, and antioxidant status. The AIT protocol reduced the severity of alterations related to glucose and lipid metabolism and increased the liver protein expression of PPARγ, as well as the gene expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (P < 0.001). The training protocol also showed significant effects on the activity of hepatic antioxidant enzymes, although this action was greatly influenced by rat phenotype. The present data suggest that AIT protocol is a feasible strategy to improve some of the plasma and liver alterations featured by the MS.

Energy expenditure and intake comparisons in Chilean children 4-5 years attending day-care centres / Comparación entre el gasto y el consumo de energía en niños chilenos de 4-5 años asistentes a jardines infantiles

Introduction: the doubly labelled water (DLW) method has an accuracy of 1% and within-subject precision of 5-8%, depending on subject’s age and environments issues. Energy intake assessment is prone to errors (>15- 20%) depending in the method utilized. Objective: to quantify DLW methodology errors in four to five year olds that could affect the comparison with energy intake. Methods: energy expenditure (TEE, by DLW), was assessed during 14 days in 18 preschool children, who attended eight hours daily to day-care centres. Energy intake was determined by a combined method: food weighing during weekdays and recall after leaving the Centre (17h to sleep time) plus 24 h recall, during the weekend. Several assumptions affecting DLW total error were assessed to determine their influence in the comparison to energy intake (i.e. background variability, space ratio, proportion of water subject to fractionation, food quotient value). Results: the individual mean energy expenditure was 1 373 ± 177 kcal and the energy intake (1 409 ± 161 kcal). The overall difference between intake and expenditure was 42.9 kcal/day (limits of agreement + 259.1 to -112.3 kcal/day). TEE measurement error only explained a minor quantity (2.4%), between both measurements, and the observed mean isotope dilution space was 1.030 ± 0.010 confirming the value utilized in adults studies. Conclusions: energy expenditure data is similar to other studies in preschool children. The small difference found between energy intake and expenditure may be attributed to the applied energy intake methodology, the homogeneous diet at care centres during the week-days and the lower DLW methodology error (AU)

Introducción: el método del agua doblemente marcada (ADM) tiene una precisión del 1% y en un mismo sujeto es de 5-8%, dependiendo de la edad y el entorno del sujeto. La evaluación de la ingesta energética es propensa a errores (> 15-20%), dependiendo del método utilizado. Objetivo: cuantificar los errores metodológicos del ADM en niños de 4-5 años que podrían afectar la comparación con la ingesta de energía. Métodos: el gasto de energía (GTE, por ADM), se evaluó durante 14 días en 18 preescolares, asistentes a guarderías infantiles. La ingesta energética se determinó mediante un método combinado: pesaje de alimentos durante los días de la semana y registro después de salir del centro (17 horas en adelante), además de un recordatorio de 24 horas, durante un día del fin de semana. Resultados: el promedio individual del gasto energético total fue 1373 ± 177 kcal y la ingesta de energía (1.409 ± 161 kcal). La diferencia global entre la ingesta y el gasto fue 42,9 kcal/día. El error de medición del GET explicó una variación del 2,4%, entre ambas mediciones, y el espacio de dilución de isótopos fue 1030 ± 0.010, confirmando el valor utilizado en los estudios de adultos. Conclusiones: los datos de GET fueron similares a otros estudios realizados en niños en edad preescolar. La pequeña diferencia encontrada entre la ingesta y el gasto energético se puede atribuir a la metodología de la ingesta de energía aplicada, la dieta homogénea en los centros de atención, durante los días de la semana, y el bajo error metodológico del ADM (AU)

ENERGY EXPENDITURE AND INTAKE COMPARISONS IN CHILEAN CHILDREN 4-5 YEARS ATTENDING DAY-CARE CENTRES.

INTRODUCTION: the doubly labelled water (DLW) method has an accuracy of 1% and within-subject precision of 5-8%, depending on subject's age and environments issues. Energy intake assessment is prone to errors (>15- 20%) depending in the method utilized. OBJECTIVE: to quantify DLW methodology errors in four to five year olds that could affect the comparison with energy intake. METHODS: energy expenditure (TEE, by DLW), was assessed during 14 days in 18 preschool children, who attended eight hours daily to day-care centres. Energy intake was determined by a combined method: food weighing during weekdays and recall after leaving the Centre (17h to sleep time) plus 24 h recall, during the weekend. Several assumptions affecting DLW total error were assessed to determine their influence in the comparison to energy intake (i.e. background variability, space ratio, proportion of water subject to fractionation, food quotient value). RESULTS: the individual mean energy expenditure was 1 373 ± 177 kcal and the energy intake (1 409 ± 161 kcal). The overall difference between intake and expenditure was 42.9 kcal/day (limits of agreement + 259.1 to -112.3 kcal/day). TEE measurement error only explained a minor quantity (2.4%), between both measurements, and the observed mean isotope dilution space was 1.030 ± 0.010 confirming the value utilized in adults studies. CONCLUSIONS: energy expenditure data is similar to other studies in preschool children. The small difference found between energy intake and expenditure may be attributed to the applied energy intake methodology, the homogeneous diet at care centres during the week-days and the lower DLW methodology error.

Introducción: el método del agua doblemente marcada (ADM) tiene una precisión del 1% y en un mismo sujeto es de 5-8%, dependiendo de la edad y el entorno del sujeto. La evaluación de la ingesta energética es propensa a errores (> 15-20%), dependiendo del método utilizado. Objetivo: cuantificar los errores metodológicos del ADM en niños de 4-5 años que podrían afectar la comparación con la ingesta de energía. Métodos: el gasto de energía (GTE, por ADM), se evaluó durante 14 días en 18 preescolares, asistentes a guarderías infantiles. La ingesta energética se determinó mediante un método combinado: pesaje de alimentos durante los días de la semana y registro después de salir del centro (17 horas en adelante), además de un recordatorio de 24 horas, durante un día del fin de semana. Resultados: el promedio individual del gasto energético total fue 1373 ± 177 kcal y la ingesta de energía (1409 ± 161 kcal). La diferencia global entre la ingesta y el gasto fue 42,9 kcal/día. El error de medición del GET explicó una variación del 2,4%, entre ambas mediciones, y el espacio de dilución de isótopos fue 1030 ± 0.010, confirmando el valor utilizado en los estudios de adultos. Conclusiones: los datos de GET fueron similares a otros estudios realizados en niños en edad preescolar. La pequeña diferencia encontrada entre la ingesta y el gasto energético se puede atribuir a la metodología de la ingesta de energía aplicada, la dieta homogénea en los centros de atención, durante los días de la semana, y el bajo error metodológico del ADM.

[Weight control attempts among Portuguese adults: prevalence, motives and behavioral strategies]. / Tentativas de Controlo do Peso na População Adulta Portuguesa: Prevalência, Motivos e Comportamentos.

INTRODUCTION: In Portugal, there are no representative data on how many people are actively trying to control their weight and which strategies and motives underlie those attempts. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of weight loss/maintenance attempts and to identify the associated behavioral strategies and motives, in a representative sample of Portuguese adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study with a sample of 1098 Portuguese adults. Sociodemographic information, anthropometric data and weight loss/maintenance strategies and motives were assessed by telephone interview. RESULTS: About 44% of Portuguese adults (53% women and 35% men) are actively trying to control their weight. About 22% of women with normal weight are trying to lose weight while 53% of men and 34% of women with excess weight are not trying to manage their weight. About 49% of men with higher educational level are trying to control their weight, which compares to 32% among the least educated men. The most frequently used strategy to manage weight is regular vegetable consumption and the motives most frequently reported were improving health/preventing diseases and improving wellbeing. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: More than half of Portuguese women and about one-third of men are actively trying to control their weight, using behavioral strategies which are generally consistent with public health recommendations. The predominant motives are related to improving health and wellbeing. This study contributes to understanding weight management in Portugal, and could be useful in the development of obesity prevention strategies that match the population profile.

Introdução: Em Portugal não existem dados atuais sobre tentativas de controlo do peso nem sobre estratégias e motivos na base dessas tentativas na população. Este estudo teve como objectivos determinar a prevalência das tentativas de perda/manutenção do peso e identificar as estratégias comportamentais e os motivos associados, numa amostra representativa da população adulta portuguesa. Material e Métodos: Estudo transversal constituído por 1098 indivíduos adultos. A informação sociodemográfica, os dados antropométricos e as estratégias e motivos associados à perda/manutenção do peso foram recolhidos por entrevista telefónica. Resultados: Cerca de 44% dos adultos portugueses (53% de mulheres e 35% dos homens) estão ativamente a tentar controlar o peso. Salienta-se que 22% das mulheres com peso normal tentam perder peso e que 53% dos homens e 34% das mulheres com peso excessivo não o fazem. Entre os homens, 49% com nível educacional superior estão a tentar controlar o peso versus 32% com nível educacional básico. A estratégia mais frequentemente adoptada para gerir o peso é o consumo regular de hortícolas e os motivos mais referenciados são melhorar a saúde/prevenir doenças e melhorar o bem-estar. Discussão e Conclusão: Mais de metade das mulheres e cerca de um terço dos homens em Portugal estão ativamente a tentar gerir o seu peso, utilizando estratégias comportamentais consistentes com as recomendações de saúde pública. Os motivos de saúde e bem-estar predominam sobre os restantes. Este estudo contribui para o conhecimento da gestão do peso em Portugal, alertando para o desenvolvimento de estratégias de prevenção da obesidade adequadas ao perfil da população.

Improvement of the antioxidant and hypolipidaemic effects of cowpea flours (Vigna unguiculata) by fermentation: results of in vitro and in vivo experiments.

BACKGROUND: The antioxidant capacity and hypolipidaemic effects of Vigna unguiculata, as well as their potential improvement by different fermentation and thermal processes were studied using in vitro and in vivo methods. RESULTS: Phenolic content and reducing capacity of legume acetone extract were significantly increased by different fermentation processes, and by the thermal treatment of fermented legume flours. TBARS inhibiting capacity was increased by fermentation but not by thermal treatment. A higher ability to decrease Cu(2+)/H2O2-induced electrophoretic mobility of LDL was found in fermented when compared to raw legume extracts, and a higher protective effect on short term metabolic status of HT-29 cells was found for raw and lactobacillus-fermented Vigna followed by naturally fermented Vigna extracts. Significant improvements in plasma antioxidant capacity and hepatic activity of antioxidant enzymes were observed in rats that consumed fermented legume flours when compared to the untreated legume or a casein-methionine control diet. In addition, liver weight and plasma levels of cholesterol and triglycerides were also positively affected by untreated or naturally fermented Vigna. CONCLUSION: V. unguiculata has demonstrated its potential as a functional food with interesting antioxidant and lipid lowering properties, which can be further augmented by fermentation processes associated or not to thermal processing.

Does eating slowly influence appetite and energy intake when water intake is controlled?

BACKGROUND: Slow eating has been associated with enhanced satiation, but also with increased water intake. Therefore, the role of water ingestion in regard to eating rate needs to be discerned. This study examined the influence of eating rate on appetite regulation and energy intake when water intake is controlled. METHODS: In a randomized design, slow and fast eating rates were compared on two occasions, in 30 women (22.7±1.2 y; BMI=22.4±0.4 kg/m²) who consumed an ad libitum mixed-macronutrient lunch with water (300 mL). Satiation was examined as the main outcome by measuring energy intake during meals. At designated times, subjects rated hunger, satiety, desire-to-eat, thirst, and meal palatability on visual analogue scales. Paired t-tests were used to compare hypothesis-driven outcomes. Appetite ratings were compared across time points and conditions by repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) using a within-subject model. RESULTS: Energy intake and appetite ratings did not differ between conditions at meal completion. However, subjects rated less hunger and tended to rate lower desire-to-eat and greater satiety at 1 hour following the slow condition. CONCLUSIONS: Results tend to support a role of slow eating on decreased hunger and higher inter-meal satiety when water intake is controlled. However, the lack of significant differences in energy intake under these conditions indicates that water intake may account for the effects of eating rate on appetite regulation.

The effect of physical activity on weight loss is mediated by eating self-regulation.

OBJECTIVE: This study tested whether different forms of physical activity (PA) were associated with eating self-regulation during weight control, and if changes in eating behavior mediated the relationship between PA and weight loss, in overweight/obese women. METHODS: 239 women (37.6+/-7.0 years; 31.3+/-4.1kg/m(2)) participated. The intervention group received a 12-month group behavioral treatment designed to increase autonomy and self-regulation for weight control. Controls received a health education program. Assessments included body weight, structured and lifestyle exercise/PA, and eating self-regulation. RESULTS: Moderate+vigorous and lifestyle PA were associated with 12-month change in most eating variables (p<0.05) and with body weight change (p<0.01). Mediation analysis showed that flexible cognitive restraint and emotional eating fully mediated the relation between lifestyle PA and weight change (effect ratio: 0.63). About 34% of the effect of moderate+vigorous PA on weight change was explained by these same mediators (partial mediation). CONCLUSION: Exercise and PA may positively influence weight control through eating self-regulation. Flexible dietary control and reduced emotional overeating are mechanisms by which an active lifestyle can contribute to long-term weight management. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Regular exercise and PA can contribute to improved eating behaviors during weight management. This could represent an important incentive for people seeking weight control.

Motivational "spill-over" during weight control: increased self-determination and exercise intrinsic motivation predict eating self-regulation.

OBJECTIVE: Successful weight management relies on at least two health behaviors, eating and exercise. However, little is known about their interaction on a motivational and behavioral level. Based on the Hierarchical Model of Motivation the authors examined whether exercise-specific motivation can transfer to eating regulation during a lifestyle weight control program. The authors further investigated whether general, treatment-related, and exercise motivation underlie the relation between increased exercise and improved eating regulation. DESIGN: Overweight/obese women participated in a 1-year randomized controlled trial (N = 239). The intervention focused on promoting physical activity and internal motivation for exercise and weight loss, following Self-Determination Theory. The control group received general health education. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: General and exercise specific self-determination, eating self-regulation variables, and physical activity behavior. RESULTS: General self-determination and more autonomous exercise motivation predicted eating self-regulation over 12 months. Additionally, general and exercise self-determination fully mediated the relation between physical activity and eating self-regulation. CONCLUSION: Increased general self-determination and exercise motivation seem to facilitate improvements in eating self-regulation during weight control in women. These motivational mechanisms also underlie the relationship between improvements in exercise behavior and eating regulation.

Eating slowly led to decreases in energy intake within meals in healthy women.

Although reducing eating rate is frequently advocated for control of food intake and thus body weight, empirical evidence is extremely limited and inconsistent. We sought to compare the impact of slow and quick eating rates on development of satiation in healthy women. In a randomized design, 30 healthy women (22.9+/-7.1 years; body mass index [calculated as kg/m(2)] 22.1+/-2.9) were studied on two test visits to compare slow and quick eating rates. Satiation was examined as the main outcome, using the objective measure of energy intake during ad libitum meals. At designated times, subjects also rated perceived hunger, satiety, desire to eat, thirst and meal palatability on visual analogue scales. Slow rates of ingestion led to significant decreases in energy intake (quick: 645.7+/-155.9 kcal; slow: 579.0+/-154.7 kcal; P<0.05) and significant increases in water consumption (quick: 289.9+/-155.1 g; slow: 409.6+/-205.8 g; P<0.05). Despite higher energy intake upon meal completion under the quick condition, satiety was significantly lower than the slow condition (P<0.05). Accordingly, the quick condition showed a lower Satiating Efficiency Index (quick: 0.1; slow: 0.2; P<0.05). After meal completion, pleasantness ratings tended to be higher under the slow condition (P=0.04; but not significant after Bonferroni adjustment). Ad libitum energy intake was lower when the meal was eaten slowly, and satiety was higher at meal completion. Although more study is needed, these data suggest that eating slowly may help to maximize satiation and reduce energy intake within meals.

Influence of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on soluble cellular adhesion molecules as biomarkers of cardiovascular risk in young healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Serum levels of soluble cellular adhesion molecules (CAMs) and blood lipid parameters have been used as markers of inflammatory processes associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. The present study evaluated the effects of the intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in fish and fish oil within energy-restricted diets, on soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble vascular adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1). METHODS AND RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy-five healthy European subjects aged between 20 and 40 years, were randomized to one of four hypocaloric dietary groups: control (sunflower oil capsules, no seafood), lean fish (3 x 150 g portions of cod/week), fatty fish (3 x 150 g portions of salmon/week), fish oil ((docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)+eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) capsules, no seafood)). Diets rich in lean fish significantly decreased ICAM-1 levels, around 5% from baseline to endpoint (p<0.05), and had no effect on VCAM-1 levels. No significant differences were observed in sICAM-1 levels after the intervention with fatty fish or fish oils. On the other hand, these two seafood based diets were responsible for a significant increase of VCAM-1 levels [fatty fish; 16.1% and fish oil; 21.9%] respectively (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CAMs as inflammatory biomarkers in young and healthy subjects are not conclusive for the evaluation of CVD risk. Hypocaloric fish diets had a different effect on CAMs, being lean fish responsible for the highest decrease in ICAM-1. On the other hand, VCAM-1 results allow speculation that a low dose of n-3 PUFA may be anti-inflammatory contrarily to a high dose which can have a pro-inflammatory effect. CAMs mechanism is complex and affected by multiple factors such as lifestyle, gender, and n-3 dose and source.

The practice of physicians and nurses in the Brazilian Family Health Programme - evidences of change in the delivery health care model.

The article analyzes the practice of physicians and nurses working on the Family Health Programme (Programa de Saúde da Família or PSF, in Portuguese). A questionnaire was used to assess the evidences of assimilation of the new values and care principles proposed by the programme. The results showed that a great number of professionals seem to have incorporated the practice of home visits, health education actions and planning of the teams' work agenda to their routine labour activities.