Small for gestational age very preterm infants present a higher risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

INTRODUCTION: Several studies assessed the influence of a low birth weight on bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), but not all could find a significant association. Our aim was to assess the association between low birth weight and BPD in preterm infants, prospectively recruited at 11 level III Portuguese neonatal centers. METHODS: Obstetrical and neonatal data on mothers and preterm infants with gestational ages between 24 and 30 weeks, born during 2015 and 2016 after a surveilled pregnancy, were analyzed. Neonates were considered small for gestational age (SGA) when their birthweight was below the 10th centile of Fenton's growth chats and BPD was defined as the dependency for oxygen therapy until 36 weeks of corrected age. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS® statistics 23 and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Out of 614, a total of 494 preterm infants delivered from 410 women were enrolled in the study; 40 (8.0%) infants with SGA criteria. SGA were more often associated with a single pregnancy, had greater use of antenatal corticosteroids, increased prevalence of gestational hypertensive disorders, C-section, rupture of membranes below 18 hours, rate of intubation in the delivery room, use of surfactant treatment, oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation need, BPD, cystic periventricular leukomalacia, nosocomial sepsis and pneumonia; had lower prevalence of chorioamnionitis, and lower Apgar scores. The multivariate analysis by logistic regression, adjusted for BPD risk factors revealed a significant association between SGA and BPD: OR = 5.2 [CI: 1.46-18.58]; p = 0.01. CONCLUSION: The results of this study increase the scientific evidence that SGA is an independent risk factor for BPD.

Coste de la fractura de cadera osteoporótica en España por comunidad autónoma / Cost of osteoporotic hip fracture in Spain per Autonomous Region

Objetivo: Se estimó la utilización de recursos sanitarios (URS) y costes asociados durante los 12 meses posteriores a una primera fractura de cadera osteoporótica (FCO) por comunidad autónoma (CC.AA.). Métodos: Estudio observacional, prospectivo, que incluyó pacientes ≥65años hospitalizados por una primera FCO en Andalucía, Cataluña, Comunidad Valenciana, Galicia, Madrid y País Vasco. Se registró la URS relacionada con la FCO, la calidad de vida y la autonomía del paciente, y se estimaron los costes asociados. Resultados: Participaron 487 pacientes (edad media: 83,1años, 77% mujeres), con características demográficas similares entre CC.AA. La duración media del ingreso fue más prolongada en Madrid y en Galicia (mujeres/hombres: 15,0/18,6 y 16,9/12,6 días) y menor en Andalucía y en la Comunidad Valenciana (8,2/7,2 y 8,4/9,4días). Las sesiones de rehabilitación y días de asistencia domiciliaria formal fueron más numerosos en Cataluña y en Madrid (mujeres/hombres: 16/21 y 17/29 sesiones; 19/20 y 30/27días) comparado con Andalucía y Galicia (4/1 y 3/0 sesiones; 3/1 y 1/0días). Los costes medios fueron más altos en Madrid y menores en Andalucía (mujeres/hombres: 12.321/12.297€ y 7.031/6.115€, respectivamente). Conclusiones: Las FCO implican un coste elevado para los sistemas sanitarios autonómicos, observándose diferencias notables entre CC.AA., derivadas principalmente de la duración diferencial de la primera estancia hospitalaria, así como al cuidado ambulatorio durante los meses posteriores. Estas diferencias podrían estar relacionadas con diferencias en la demora quirúrgica. Es deseable un abordaje y consenso a nivel nacional de este problema sanitario, con pautas de actuación comunes, ya que podría suponer grandes beneficios socioeconómicos y sanitarios globales

Objective: We estimated the health resource utilization (HRU) and associated costs during the 12months after a first osteoporotic hip fracture (OHF) in six Spanish Regions. Methods: Observational, prospective study including patients ≥65years-old hospitalized due to a first OHF in: Andalusia, Catalonia, Valencian Community, Galicia, Madrid and the Basque Country. HRU related to OHF, quality of life and patient autonomy were collected, and HRU-associated costs were estimated. Results: Four hundred and eighty-seven patients (mean age: 83.1years, 77% women) were included, with demographic characteristics that were similar across the Regions. Mean hospital stay was longest in Madrid and Galicia (women/men: 15.0/18.6 and 16.9/12.6days, respectively) and shortest in Andalusia and the Valencian Community (8.2/7.2 and 8.4/9.4days). There were more rehabilitation sessions and formal home care days in Catalonia and Madrid (women/men: 16/21 and 17/29 sessions; 19/20 and 30/27days) and fewer in Andalusia and Galicia (4/1 and 3/0 sessions; 3/1 and 1/0days). Mean HRU costs were higher in Madrid and lower in Andalusia (women/men: 12,321€/12,297€ and 7,031€/6,115€, respectively). Conclusions: OHF place a large burden on Spanish Regional Health Systems, including high economic costs. We found notable differences in mean costs across the Regions, mainly caused by the differential length of the first hospital stay and the outpatient care in subsequent months. These differences may be associated with differences in surgical delay. A national consensus on the management of OHF is desirable; moreover, agreeing common guidelines could have major socio-economic and healthcare benefits

Cost of osteoporotic hip fracture in Spain per Autonomous Region. / Coste de la fractura de cadera osteoporótica en España por comunidad autónoma.

OBJECTIVE: We estimated the health resource utilization (HRU) and associated costs during the 12months after a first osteoporotic hip fracture (OHF) in six Spanish Regions. METHODS: Observational, prospective study including patients ≥65years-old hospitalized due to a first OHF in: Andalusia, Catalonia, Valencian Community, Galicia, Madrid and the Basque Country. HRU related to OHF, quality of life and patient autonomy were collected, and HRU-associated costs were estimated. RESULTS: Four hundred and eighty-seven patients (mean age: 83.1years, 77% women) were included, with demographic characteristics that were similar across the Regions. Mean hospital stay was longest in Madrid and Galicia (women/men: 15.0/18.6 and 16.9/12.6days, respectively) and shortest in Andalusia and the Valencian Community (8.2/7.2 and 8.4/9.4days). There were more rehabilitation sessions and formal home care days in Catalonia and Madrid (women/men: 16/21 and 17/29 sessions; 19/20 and 30/27days) and fewer in Andalusia and Galicia (4/1 and 3/0 sessions; 3/1 and 1/0days). Mean HRU costs were higher in Madrid and lower in Andalusia (women/men: 12,321€/12,297€ and 7,031€/6,115€, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: OHF place a large burden on Spanish Regional Health Systems, including high economic costs. We found notable differences in mean costs across the Regions, mainly caused by the differential length of the first hospital stay and the outpatient care in subsequent months. These differences may be associated with differences in surgical delay. A national consensus on the management of OHF is desirable; moreover, agreeing common guidelines could have major socio-economic and healthcare benefits.

Genetic diversity, anti-microbial resistance, plasmid profile and frequency of the Vi antigen in Salmonella Dublin strains isolated in Brazil.

Salmonella Dublin is strongly adapted to cattle causing enteritis and/or systemic disease with high rates of mortality. However, it can be sporadically isolated from humans, usually causing serious disease, especially in patients with underlying chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to molecularly type S. Dublin strains isolated from humans and animals in Brazil to verify the diversity of these strains as well as to ascertain possible differences between strains isolated from humans and animals. Moreover, the presence of the capsular antigen Vi and the plasmid profile was characterized in addition to the anti-microbial resistance against 15 drugs. For this reason, 113 S. Dublin strains isolated between 1983 and 2016 from humans (83) and animals (30) in Brazil were typed by PFGE and MLVA. The presence of the capsular antigen Vi was verified by PCR, and the phenotypic expression of the capsular antigen was determined serologically. Also, a plasmid analysis for each strain was carried out. The strains studied were divided into 35 different PFGE types and 89 MLVA-types with a similarity of ≥80% and ≥17.5%, respectively. The plasmid sizes found ranged from 2 to >150 kb and none of the strains studied presented the capsular antigen Vi. Resistance or intermediate resistance was found in 23 strains (20.3%) that were resistant to ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, imipenem, nalidixic acid, piperacillin, streptomycin and/or tetracycline. The majority of the S. Dublin strains studied and isolated over a 33-year period may descend from a common subtype that has been contaminating humans and animals in Brazil and able to cause invasive disease even in the absence of the capsular antigen. The higher diversity of resistance phenotypes in human isolates, as compared with animal strains, may be a reflection of the different anti-microbial treatments used to control S. Dublin infections in humans in Brazil.

Acaricidal activity of essential oil of Syzygium aromaticum, hydrolate and eugenol formulated or free on larvae and engorged females of Rhipicephalus microplus.

The cattle tick, Rhipicephalus microplus (Canestrini, 1888) (Ixodida: Ixodidae), is the most important ectoparasite in cattle-breeding areas and is responsible for severe economic losses. Synthetic acaricides have been used to control this parasite. However, the need for safer products has stimulated the search for new acaricides, such as those to be obtained from medicinal plants. The essential oil of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) has many biological properties and shows great potential for use in veterinary applications. In the context of the need for new agents, this study investigated the in vitro properties of the hydrolate, essential oil and the main constituent of S. aromaticum, eugenol, in formulated and free applications against larvae and females of R. microplus. Eugenol and the essential oil caused 100% mortality in larvae at starting applications of 2.5 mg/mL and 5.0 mg/mL, respectively. The hydrolate showed no activity. Both eugenol and essential oil had good efficacy in adult immersion tests at 50 mg/mL and achieved 100% efficacy at a concentration of 100 mg/mL. The results of these tests reaffirm the important potential of clove essential oil and eugenol.

Fluorene-containing tetraphenylethylene molecules as lasing materials.

A series of star-shaped oligofluorene molecules, each containing a TPE core, have been specifically designed and produced to show effective aggregation-induced emission (AIE). Each molecule differs either in the number of fluorene units within the arms (e.g., 1 or 4, compounds 4 and 5), or the terminal group positioned at the end of each arm (e.g., H, TMS, or TPA, compounds 4, 6, and 7). Although they are all poor emitters in solution phase they become efficient yellow-green luminogens in the condensed state. Their AIE properties were investigated in THF/H2O mixtures, with each molecule exhibiting a clear emission enhancement at specific water contents. An all-organic distributed feedback (DFB) laser was fabricated using compound 4 as the gain material and exhibited an average threshold energy fluence of 60 ± 6 µJ/cm2 and emission in the green region. Furthermore, piezofluorochromism studies on a thin film of this material displayed a linear dependence of the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) peak position on applied pressure, indicating potential applications as lasing-based pressure sensors. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 734-746.

High levels of whole raw soya beans in dairy cow diets: digestibility and animal performance.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of high levels of whole raw soya beans in the diets of lactating cows. Twelve Holstein dairy cows were used, randomized in three 4 ×  4 balanced and contemporary Latin squares and fed the following diets: (i) control (C), without including whole raw soya beans; (ii) 80 g/kg in DM of whole raw soya beans (G80); (iii) 160 g/kg in DM of whole raw soya beans (G160); and (iv) 240 g/kg in DM of whole raw soya beans (G240). There was significant reduction (p < 0.05) in dry matter intake (kg/day) in cows supplemented with G240 compared with C (23.8 vs. 25.3 respectively). G240 diets presented lower crude protein digestibility (g/kg) (p < 0.05) in comparison with C diet (683 vs. 757 respectively). There was significant effect of experimental rations in nitrogen balance (p < 0.05), G240 diet presenting significant reduction in comparison with the other diets, and faecal excretion of nitrogen was higher for G240 diet. The concentration of ruminal ammoniacal nitrogen was significantly higher (p < 0.05) for cows receiving control diet, compared to other diets. G240 diet resulted in significantly lower milk and protein yield (p < 0.05) in comparison with C diet. Significant C18:2 cis fatty acids were observed in milk concentrations (p < 0.05) for G240 diet. The use of high level of whole raw soya beans in dairy cow diets improves the unsaturated fatty acid profile in milk, and the diets (G80 and G160) led to minor alterations in the digestive processes and animal metabolism.

Contribuição da inclusão de polpa cítrica e casca de soja para a qualidade da silagem de resíduo úmido de cervejaria / Contribution of citrus pulp and soybean hulls for silage quality of brewery waste

Com o objetivo de avaliar a produção da silagem e o uso de aditivos no processo de ensilagem do resíduo úmido de cervejaria, foram realizados 5 tratamentos: controle (C: ensilagem de 100% de resíduo úmido de cervejaria); PC15 (15% de polpa cítrica); PC30 (30% de polpa cítrica); CS15 (15% de casca de soja); CS30 (30% de casca de soja) - com base na matéria fresca do resíduo de cervejaria. As silagens foram confeccionadas em baldes plásticos com 252mm de altura e 245mm de diâmetro (0,06174m³), e amostras foram coletadas para análises bromatológicas, pH, nitrogênio amoniacal, digestão in vitro de matéria seca, ácidos orgânicos e perfil microbiológico. Os resultados foram analisados pelo programa computacional Statistical Analysis System (Statistical..., 1985), sendo verificada a normalidade dos resíduos pelo Teste de Shapiro-Wilk (PROC UNIVARIATE), e as variâncias, pelo Teste de Hartley. Os efeitos dos níveis de adição foram separados por meio de contrastes polinomiais utilizando o nível de significância de 5%. Houve aumento do teor de matéria seca, carboidratos solúveis, ácido lático, digestão in vitro de matéria seca, da população de bactérias ácido láticas e redução do pH, ácido butírico, propiônico e nitrogênio amoniacal a partir das inclusões de polpa cítrica e casca de soja, sendo os melhores resultados encontrados para o tratamento com inclusão de 30% de polpa cítrica (P<0,05). A ensilagem do bagaço de malte por si só é uma alternativa para o produtor rural como suporte alimentar e confecção de silagem de qualidade que pode ser incrementada com o uso de aditivos a serem avaliados de acordo com a relação custo-benefício para eficiência da produção.

In order to evaluate the production and use of silage additives in ensiling process of brewery residue were distributed in a completely randomized 5 treatments and 4 replicates: control (C: 100% silage brewery residue); PC15 (15% citrus pulp), PC30 (30% citrus pulp), CS15 (15% soybean hulls), CS30 (30% soybean hulls) - based on the fresh matter brewer. The material was ensiled in plastic buckets with 252 mm height and 245mm in diameter (0.06174m³) and samples were collected for chemical analyzes, pH, ammonia nitrogen, digestion "in vitro" dry matter, organic acids and microbial profile. The results were analyzed by the computer program Statistical Analysis System ( Statistical... , 1985), and verified the normality of residuals by the Shapiro-Wilk (PROC univariate) and the variances for the Test of Hartley. The effects of addition levels were separated by means of contrasts polynomial using a significance level of 5%. There was an increase in dry matter content, soluble carbohydrates, lactic acid, digestion "in vitro" dry matter, the population of lactic acid bacteria and reduced pH, butyric acid, propionic acid and ammonia nitrogen from the inclusion of citrus pulp and peel soybean, being the best results for the treatment including 30% of citrus pulp (P<0.05). The ensiling of spent grain by itself is an alternative for farmers as food support and making silage quality can be enhanced with the use of additives to be evaluated according to the cost: benefit ratio for production efficiency.

Efeito da suplementação de cobre e selênio na dieta de novilhos Brangus sobre o desempenho e fermentação ruminal / The effects of copper and selenium supplementation in the diet of Brangus steers on performance and rumen fermentation

Vinte e oito bovinos Brangus foram usados para determinar o efeito da suplementação de cobre e selênio no desempenho e na fermentação ruminal. Os animais foram divididos em: 1) C(Controle) - sem a suplementação de cobre e selênio; 2) Se - 2mg Se/kg de matéria seca na forma de selenito de sódio; 3) Cu - 40mg Cu/kg de matéria seca na forma de sulfato de cobre; 4) Se/Cu - 2mg Se/kg de matéria seca na forma de selenito de sódio e 40mg Cu/kg de matéria seca na forma de sulfato de cobre. As pesagens dos animais foram feitas em intervalos de 28 dias, após jejum completo de 18 horas. Foram colhidas amostras de líquido ruminal para análises de ácidos graxos voláteis e pH. O ganho de peso diário aumentou com a suplementação de Se (P<0,05). A ingestão de matéria seca não foi alterada pelos tratamentos (P>0,05). Os animais submetidos à suplementação com Cu apresentaram menor pH ruminal quando comparado com a suplementação Se/Cu (P<0,05). Os animais suplementados com Se/Cu apresentaram maior proporção de ácido acético quando comparado com o controle (P<0,05). Para o ácido propiônico e butírico, não houve diferenças significativas (P>0,05) entre os tratamentos. Apesar do pouco efeito na fermentação ruminal, as suplementações de selênio, cobre e selênio/cobre proporcionaram uma melhor eficiência alimentar.

Twenty-eight Brangus cattle were used to determine the effect of copper and selenium supplementation on performance and rumen fermentation. The animals were divided in: 1) (Control) - without supplementation of copper and selenium; 2) Se - 2mg Se/kg of dry matter as sodium selenite; 3) Cu - 40mg Cu/kg of dry matter as copper sulphate; 4) Se/Cu - 2mg Se/kg of dry matter as sodium selenite and 40mg Cu/kg of dry matter as copper sulphate. Animal weighing was performed in 28 day intervals, after 18 hours of fasting. Samples of rumen liquid were collected for analysis of volatile fatty acid and pH. The daily weight gain increased with selenium supplementation (P<0.05). The dry matter intake was not altered by treatments (P>0.05). The animals that received copper supplementation had lower pH rumen compared with selenium/copper supplementation (P<0.05). The animals supplemented with selenium/copper had a high proportion of acetic acid when compared to control (P<0.05). For propionic and butyric acid, there was no difference (P>0.05) among treatments. Despite the little effect on rumen fermentation, the supplementations of selenium, copper and selenium/copper provided better feed efficiency.

Sunscreen protection against ultraviolet-induced oxidative stress: evaluation of reduced glutathione levels, metalloproteinase secretion, and myeloperoxidase activity.

Several studies have demonstrated the skin protection by sunscreens considering the aspects skin penetration, photostability, and protection against erythema and sunburn. However, little is known about the effect of topically applied sunscreen formulations on the antioxidant defense, metalloproteinases, and inflammatory processes of skin in response to UVR exposure. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the use of a cream gel formulation containing the UV filters benzophenone-3, octyl methoxycinnamate, and octyl salicylate to prevent skin damage from a single dose of UVR (2.87 J/cm2). This protective effect was evaluated in vivo by measuring the following biochemical parameters: reduced glutathione levels, secretion of matrix metalloproteinases, and myeloperoxidase activity. The results showed that the sunscreen formulation, despite having sun protection factor (SPF) 15, was not completely effective to protect the skin against GSH depletion, MMP-9 secretion and the inflammatory process induced by UVR. These results demonstrate the importance of analyzing UV-altered biochemical parameters of skin in order to propose new sunscreen formulations that can completely protect skin against UVR-induced damage.

Persistencia en el tratamiento para la osteoporosis en pacientes posmenopáusicas en el ámbito de la Atención Primaria / Continuance of treatment for osteoporosis in postmenopausal patients in the Primary Care setting

Objetivo: Estimar la persistencia a los tratamientos para la osteoporosis posmenopáusica en el ámbito de Atención Primaria. Material y metodología: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo, realizado en seis centros de atención primaria. Criterios de inclusión: mujeres ≥ 50 años, diagnosticadas de osteoporosis que iniciaron tratamiento oral con bisfosfonatos, ranelato de estroncio o raloxifeno, entre enero de 2004 y junio de 2008. El objetivo principal fue estimar la persistencia global a un primer tratamiento para la osteoporosis posmenopáusica y la persistencia específica para cada tratamiento. En el análisis principal se consideró un cambio en el tratamiento como una interrupción y en el análisis secundario se permitió el cambio de tratamiento. Se consideraron tres cohortes de seguimiento: 1, 2 y 3 años. Los principales análisis estadísticos realizados fueron curvas de Kaplan-Meier, regresión logística y modelo de ANCOVA. Resultados: Se incluyeron 3.049 mujeres osteoporóticas. Grupos farmacológicos: 65% bisfosfonatos, 30% raloxifeno y 5% ralenato de estroncio. Edad media: 68 años; promedio del índice de Charlson: 0,4. En la cohorte 1 (N = 3.049) la persistencia global fue del 30%; en la cohorte 2 (N = 2.698) 35% y 16% a 1 y 2 años, respectivamente; en la cohorte 3 (N = 2.163) del 36%, 20% y 9% a 1,2 y 3 años, respectivamente (p < 0,01). La mediana de tiempo de persistencia para ácido alendrónico, risedrónico, raloxifeno y ralenato de estroncio fue de 149, 178, 210 y 89 días respectivamente (p < 0,001). Las variables asociadas a interrupción fueron: demencia, fracturas óseas y edad. Conclusiones: La persistencia en el tratamiento para la osteoporosis fue baja. Son necesarias nuevas estrategias para mejorar la persistencia de los tratamientos (AU)

Objective: To assess persistence to treatments for postmenopausal osteoporosis in primary care. Material and methodology: This retrospective, observational study was carried out in six Primary Care centers. Inclusion criteria: osteoporotic women 50 years or older, who initiated an oral treatment with bisphosphonates, raloxifene or strontium ranelate, between January 2004 and June 2008. The primary objective was to estimate persistence to treatment combining all treatments and by drug and regimen. In a primary analysis, switching treatments for postmenopausal osteoporosis was considered discontinuation, whereas in a secondary analysis, switching was allowed. Both analyses were performed on three follow-up-based cohorts according to data availability at 1, 2 and 3 years. Main statistical analyses performed were Kaplan-Meier curves, logistic regression and an ANCOVA model. Results: A total of 3,049 osteoporotic women were included. Pharmacological groups: 65% were treated with bisphosphonates, 30% with raloxifene and 5% with strontium ranelate. Mean age was 68 years; average Charlson co-morbidity index was 0.4. In cohort 1 (N = 3,049), persistence was 30%; in cohort 2 (N = 2,698), it was 35% and 16% at 1 and 2 years, respectively; in cohort 3 (N = 2,163), it was 36%, 20% and 9% at 1, 2 and 3 years, respectively (p < 0.01). Median duration of persistence to alendronic acid, risedronic acid, raloxifene and strontium ranelate was 149, 178, 210 and 89 days, respectively (p < 0.001). Variables associated with discontinuation were dementia, bone fractures and age (AU)

Biodisponibilidade de fontes orgânicas e inorgânicas de zinco em ovinos / Bioavailability of organic and inorganic zinc sources in sheep

Compararam-se os efeitos de diferentes fontes e doses de zinco na dieta de ovinos Santa Inês sobre os níveis de zinco plasmático e de fosfatase alcalina. Foram utilizados 40 cordeiros, recém-desmamados, com média de peso de 18,4kg, distribuídos em 10 tratamentos: 1- dieta basal sem suplementação de zinco; 2- dieta basal + 200mg de Zn/kg de MS na forma de óxido de zinco; 3- dieta basal + 400mg de Zn/kg de MS na forma de óxido de zinco; 4- dieta basal + 600mg de Zn/kg de MS na forma de óxido de zinco; 5- dieta basal + 200mg de Zn/kg de MS na forma de zinco aminoácido; 6- dieta basal + 400mg de Zn/kg de MS na forma de zinco aminoácido; 7- dieta basal + 600mg de Zn/kg de MS na forma de zinco aminoácido; 8- dieta basal + 200mg de Zn/kg de MS na forma de zinco proteinato; 9- dieta basal + 400mg de Zn/kg de MS na forma de zinco proteinato; 10- dieta basal + 600mg de Zn/kg de MS na forma de zinco proteinato. A cada 28 dias, os animais foram pesados e tiveram seu sangue colhido para análise de zinco (Zn), análise de fosfatase alcalina e análises de imunoglobulinas G (IgG) e M (IgM). No final do experimento, foram coletadas amostras de fígado para estudo dos níveis de zinco hepático. Não houve diferença entre tratamentos nos níveis de fosfatase alcalina e de zinco hepático, e no ganho de peso (P>0,05), mas houve diferença (P<0,05) nos níveis de Zn plasmático e nos níveis de IgG e IgM. Baseando-se no acúmulo no fígado, a estimativa da biodisponibilidade de zinco, por intermédio das equações de regressão, mostrou que as fontes orgânicas e inorgânicas de zinco não diferiram entre si.

This research was done to compare the effects of different zinc sources and doses in the Santa Ines sheep diet. Forty lambs at weaning, with 18,4kg BW were randomly allotted and fed 10 treatments: 1- base diet without zinc supplementation; 2- base diet + 200mg Zn/kg of DM as zinc oxide; 3- base diet + 400mg Zn/kg of DM as zinc oxide; 4- base diet + 600mg Zn/kg of DM as zinc oxide; 5- base diet + 200mg Zn/kg of DM as amino acid zinc; 6- base diet + 400mg Zn/kg of DM as amino acid zinc; 7- base diet + 600mg Zn/kg of DM as amino acid zinc; 8- base diet + 200mg Zn/kg of DM as proteinato zinc; 9- base diet + 400mg Zn/kg of DM as proteinato zinc; 10- base diet + 600mg Zn/kg of DM as proteinato zinc. The animals were weighed and sampled for blood zinc analysis, phosphatase alkaline analysis and immunoglobulins G and M analysis. At the end of the experiment liver samples were collected to study the zinc hepatic levels. There was no difference in phosphatase alkaline levels, hepatic zinc levels and weight gain (P>0,05) but differences (P<0,05) in plasmatic zinc levels and in IgG and IgM levels were observed. Based on liver tissue uptake, estimates of the zinc bioavailability, through the regression equations showed that the organic and inorganic sources of zinc did not differ.

Lobomycosis. Literature Review and Future Perspectives / Revisión de la literatura y perspectivas futuras

Lobomycosis is a cutaneous infection of tropical and subtropical regions caused by the fungus Lacazia loboi, which still has a controversial taxonomical position. The first description of the disease and fungus was made in 1930 by Jorge Lobo.1t is a chronic disease with predominance of lesions similar to keloids, in exposed areas, limited to skin and semimucosa. There is no systemic involvement and patients maintain a good general health. Diagnosis is confirmed by direct or histopathologic exam and, until present, the fungus has not been cultivated. Surgery is the treatment of choice for isolated lesions, but there are frequent recurrences. Good therapeutic responses have been reported with clofazimine, with or without itraconazole, and with 5-fluorocytosine. This disease should be recognized by dermatologists worldwide because, although restricted to the Amazon region, it has been observed in other locations. Research development and achievement of new knowledge in molecular biology and genetic engineering of lobomycosis are of utmost importance because they may, in the future, lead to the culture of the fungus in the laboratory and to a better understanding of its pathogenesis, transmission mechanism, and new methods of diagnosis, prevention and treatment (AU)

La lobomicosis es una infección cutánea de las regiones tropicales y subtropicales que está causada por el hongo Lacazia loboi, y cuya posición taxonómica continúa siendo controvertida. Jorge Lobo realizó la primera descripción de la enfermedad y del hongo en 1930. Se trata de una enfermedad crónica con predominio de lesiones que se asemejan a queloides, en áreas fotoexpuestas, limitadas a la piel y a la semimucosa. No existe afectación sistémica y los pacientes presentan buen estado general. El diagnóstico se confirma por el examen directo o el estudio histológico y, hasta el momento, el hongo no se ha podido cultivar. La escisión quirúrgica es el tratamiento de elección para lesiones aisladas, pero las recurrencias son frecuentes. Se han descrito respuestas favorables con clofazimina, con o sin itraconazol, y con 5-fluorocitosina. Aunque es una enfermedad propia de la región del Amazonas, los dermatólogos de todo el mundo deben reconocerla, ya que también se ha observado en otras regiones. El desarrollo de la investigación y la consecución de nuevos conocimientos en biología molecular e ingeniería genética sobre la lobomicosis son de gran importancia ya que, en un futuro, permitirán el cultivo del hongo en el laboratorio, 10 que facilitará una mejor comprensión de su patogenia, mecanismo de transmisión y nuevos métodos de diagnóstico, prevención y tratamiento (AU)

Evaluación de la toxicidad del extracto acuoso de las hojas de yacón (Smallanthus sonchifolius) administrado por vía oral en ratas / Evaluation of the subchronic toxicity of oral admnistration of aqueous extract of yacon leaves (Smallanthus sonchifolium) in rats

El Smallanthus sonchifolius, oriundo de los Andes y llamado vulgarmente yacón, es conocido por su uso como normoglicemiante e hipolipemiante así como por su utilidad como antioxidante. En la presente investigación evaluamos la toxicidad subcrónica del extracto acuoso de sus hojas, luego de su administración oral en ratas albinas Holtzman. Objetivo: Evaluar la toxicidad del extracto acuoso de las hojas de yacón en ratas albinas sanas. Material y método: Se realizó un estudio experimental en 40 ratas Holtzman, distribuidas en dos grupos (hembras y machos), a las cuales se administró, por vía oral, durante 90 días, dosis de 100, 200 y 500 mg/Kg/día, del extracto acuoso de hojas de yacón. Se tomaron muestras de sangre del plexo orbital del ojo a los 0, 45 y 90 días para llevar a cabo análisis bioquímicos y hermatológicos. Se realizaron, además exámenes histopatológicos de cerebro, hígado y riñones. Resultados: No se encontraron variaciones significativas en ninguno de los exámenes en comparación con las ratas controles (p ø 0.05). Conclusión: El consumo del extracto de hojas de yacón, durante 90 días, no produjo signos de toxicidad en los órganos estudiados.

The Smallanthus sonchifolius, vulgarly known as yacon, an Ades's species is well known for its use as by it's normoglycemic, hipolipemic and antioxidant effects. There are only few studies on this plant. At present we have investigations about it's chemical composition, harverts process, and medical use. In this paper we evaluated the toxicity of the aqueous extract of the organic leaves of Smallanthus sonchifolius on Holtzman albin rats subcronic oral administration of the extract during 90 days. Objective: To evaluate the subchronic toxicity of aqueous extract of the yacon leaves on healthy albina rats. Material and method: An experimental study has been performed on 40 Holtzman rats. Male a female rats were grouped separately. They received oral daily doses of 100, 200 y 500 mg/Kg/ yaconÆs leaves aqueous extract. Blood samples were taken from the rat orbital plexus of the rats at 0,45 and 90 days of treatment for biochemical and haematologic analysis. Histological examination of brain, liver and kigneys was also done. Results: Non significant differences were found in the examinations of the three groups in comparison with control (p ø 0.05). Conclusion: The Smallanthus sonchifolius aqueous extract consumption during 90 days did not produce toxicity signs in the organs studied.

Lobomycosis. Literature review and future perspectives.

Lobomycosis is a cutaneous infection of tropical and subtropical regions caused by the fungus Lacazia loboi, which still has a controversial taxonomical position. The first description of the disease and fungus was made in 1930 by Jorge Lobo. It is a chronic disease with predominance of lesions similar to keloids, in exposed areas, limited to skin and semimucosa. There is no systemic involvement and patients maintain a good general health. Diagnosis is confirmed by direct or histopathologic exam and, until present, the fungus has not been cultivated. Surgery is the treatment of choice for isolated lesions, but there are frequent recurrences. Good therapeutic responses have been reported with clofazimine, with or without itraconazole, and with 5-fluorocytosine. This disease should be recognized by dermatologists worldwide because, although restricted to the Amazon region, it has been observed in other locations. Research development and achievement of new knowledge in molecular biology and genetic engineering of lobomycosis are of utmost importance because they may, in the future, lead to the culture of the fungus in the laboratory and to a better understanding of its pathogenesis, transmission mechanism, and new methods of diagnosis, prevention and treatment.

Prevalence of Hepatozoon spp. (Apicomplexa, Hepatozoidae) among recently captured Brazilian snakes

The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of Hepatozoon spp. infection in recently captured snakes from Botucatu, Säo Paulo State, Brazil. Blood was collected from all snakes by ventral tail venipuncture. Blood smears were air dried, fixed with methanol, and stained with 10 percent Giemsa solution. The slides were microscopically examined for detection of hemoparasites by light microscopy at 250x magnification. A total of 238 snakes from 23 species were examined, of which 135 (56.7 percent) were venomous and 103 (43.3 percent) non-venomous snakes. The more numerous venomous species sampled were Crotalus durissus terrificus (n=108) and Bothrops jararaca (n=17) and non-venomous snakes were Oxyrhopus guibei (n=35), Boa constrictor amarali (n=18), and Waglerophis merremi (n=13). Hepatozoon spp. infection was detected in 39 (16.4 percent) snakes. The prevalence in venomous and non-venomous snakes was 20.0 percent and 11.7 percent, respectively. The highest prevalences observed were 38.9 percent for Boa constrictor amarali, 35.3 percent for Bothrops jararaca, and 19.4 percent for Crotalus durissus terrificus.

Trichomoniasis in Bothrops jararaca (Serpentes, Viperidae)

We describe a case of trichomoniasis in a Bothrops jararaca (Serpentes, Viperidae) donated to the Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals - CEVAP/UNESP. The animal had diarrhea with great quantity of flagellated protozoa in the feces. Microscopic examination of fecal smears stained with Giemsa revealed the presence of trichomonads, morphologically similar to Trichomonas acosta. Trichomonas were not detected in fecal exams after treatment with a single dose of 40 mg/kg metronidazole (Flagyl).