Evaluation of the oxidative stress in growing pigs by microplate assays.

The ability of pigs to neutralize the reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a key role in their welfare. Two micromethods were developed to evaluate the oxidative stress and the anti-oxidative response in sera. We tested these methods for linearity, repeatability and reproducibility. A hydroxyl radicals (HR) test, based on the Fenton reaction, showed a linearity between 0.26 and 4.5 mM H2O2 (r = 0.997), with a coefficient of repeatability (CVr) of 1.9 and a coefficient of reproducibility (CVR) of 2.9. An anti-oxidant power (AOP) test, based on the capability of sera to neutralize a titred hypochlorous acid solution (HClO), showed a linearity between 55 and 880 microM HClO neutralized (r = 0.984), with CVr = 3.1 and CVR = 4.9. We assessed the applicability of such tests in field conditions on three different farms. Farm A recorded a positive anamnesis of Mulberry heart disease. Dietary Vitamin E supplementation was given at 50 p.p.m. in farms A and B and at 150 p.p.m. in farm C, respectively. The group from farm A showed HR sera levels higher than those of farm B and farm C (farm A, mean = 31.61 +/- 2.87 mM H2O2, n = 10; farm B, 28.53 +/- 2.30, n = 10; and farm C, 25.63 +/- 1.03, n = 10; P < 0.01). The AOP test was not able to discriminate between farms. The AOP levels found (mean = 472.50 microM HClO neutralized: n = 30) probably represent the maximum response of the organism to compensate the oxidative stress. HR and AOP are stable in sera stored at +4 degrees C. We discuss the application of such methods for the assessment of farmed animals' welfare.

Effect of long-term oral administration of an immunostimulant diet on innate immunity in sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax).

Immunostimulants represent a modern and promising tool in aquaculture, enhancing the resistance of cultured fish to disease and stress. This study investigated the effect of a combination of dietary glucans, alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid on the innate immune response of cultured sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). After 5 weeks of adaptation on a commercial diet containing 100 p.p.m. ascorbic acid and 200 p.p.m. alpha-tocopherol, sea bass were switched to a diet supplemented with 2% beta-1.3/beta-1.6 glucans and ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol at 500 p.p.m. The supplemented diet was given at 2% of body weight per day over a 2-week period, every 3 months. Plasma lysozyme concentration, content and distribution of major plasma proteins and complement activity were measured prior to feeding the supplemented diet and after 40 weeks. Alternative pathways of complement activation and lysozyme activity were both significantly enhanced in fish fed on glucans and elevated doses of vitamins. No significant differences were observed in protein content or in albumin/globulin ratio. Compared to lysozyme activity, which showed marked individual variation, complement-mediated haemolytic activity has been shown to be a more reliable indicator of sea bass immunocompetence. Further studies are in progress to clarify the effect of each dietary component on the innate immune response and disease resistance.

Piperacillin versus cefotetan as single-dose prophylaxis in abdominal hysterectomy: a prospective, randomized, multicenter study.

Five hundred and sixty-six women, consecutively admitted to nine different hospitals for elective abdominal hysterectomy, were randomized to receive a single 2 g i.v. dose of either cefotetan or piperacillin at induction of anesthesia. Five patients were excluded and 561 (287 given cefotetan and 274 given piperacillin) could be evaluated. In 10 patients (5 for each drug) the concentrations of either cefotetan or piperacillin in serum and subcutaneous tissue at the beginning and at the end of surgery and in uterus, salpinx and ovary samples, were microbiologically assessed. No significant differences could be found between cefotetan and piperacillin groups for any of the considered infectious complications (bacteremia, wound or vaginal cuff infection, pelvic cellulitis and febrile morbidity) nor for the pooled data (cefotetan group: 4.9%, piperacillin group: 5.8%, p:NS). As for the concentrations of prophylactic drugs, serum levels throughout surgery were found to be adequate.

Profiles and endocrine correlations in endometrial carcinoma.

The Authors compared the mean LH, FSH, PRL, E1, E2, Testosterone, Androstenedione plasmatic levels in a group of post-menopausal women affected by endometrial carcinoma (EK), with those of a control group presenting clinical characteristics as close as possible to those of the pathologic group. The case series was significant. They found no significant difference between the two groups' hormonal levels. On the other hand, E1 levels were found to increase along-side with obesity. In patients affected by EK, E1 plasma levels significantly increased alongside with the post-menopausal age. Conversely, in the control group, this hormonal value significantly and progressively decreased from the menopause onwards. Furthermore, the Authors studied the effects of surgical intervention on the hormonal picture in EK bearers.