Serum iron analysis of adults receiving three different iron compounds

Iron deficiency is one of the most prevalent nutritional problems in the world. Iron compounds are used for the prevention and treatment of this deficiency. A double-blind randomized crossover study with 12 volunteers was carried out to compare the effect of three iron compounds, ferrous glycine chelate (GLY), ferric EDTA (EDTA), and ferrous sulfate (FS) on serum iron, and to examine serial serum iron levels. The products were offered as tablets, and blood samples were drawn hourly for 4 hours. FS produced higher serum iron levels than EDTA or GLY (P <0.05). Data for GLY and EDTA were similar. The areas under the curve (AUC) for serum iron for the different compounds gave AUCFS > AUCGLY = AUCEDTA (P < 0.05). Iron from FS had a significantly greater bioavailability than for the other two compounds. © 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Série plaquetaŕria: Valores de referência e correlações observadas entre os parâmetros plaquetários em uma população aparentemente saudável

Mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW) and plateletcrit (PCT) platelet parameters can be important to improve the initial identification of platelet disorders. The purpose of this study is to establish reference values for the platelet count (PLT), MPV, PDW and PCT in a population of 1346 apparently healthy adults, from both sexes, as well as to evaluate the correlations among these platelet parameters and to build the necessary nomograms for the clinical interpretations of the platelet indices. The platelet parameters were analyzed in blood samples collected into dipotassium ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid (K 2 EDTA) by an electrical aperture-impedance method. There were non-linear and an inverse correlations between MPV and PLT, and between PDW and PLT, throughout the reference range of platelet count: the change in MPV and PDW was most accentuated at the lower platelet counts. Because of this non-linear inverse correlation, MPV versus PLT and PDW versus PLT nomograms were built. These correlations among the platelet parameters on a normal population provide a better understanding of these indices and may contribute to establish the real clinical significance of these platelet parameters in many diseases.

Resistance of Santa Inês and Ile de France suckling lambs to gastrointestinal nematode infections.

A trial was carried out to determine the resistance to natural infection by gastrointestinal nematodes in 12 Santa Inês and nine Ile de France lambs before weaning. Faecal samples were obtained for faecal nematode egg counts (FEC). Blood samples were collected to determine packed cell volume (PCV), total plasma protein levels and peripheral eosinophil counts. Most Ile de France lambs (77.8%) were treated with an anthelmintic at 43 days of age, while 50% off Santa Inês lambs were treated at weaning, 57 days of age. The mean PCV values were normal in Santa Inês lambs, while in Ile de France lambs showed lower values reaching 22.3% at 43 days of age. The lowest mean plasma protein values were observed in Ile de France lambs (4.13 g/dl) at 43 days of age and in Santa Inês lambs (5.0 g/dl) at 57 days of age. Before weaning, Santa Inês lambs were susceptible to natural infections by gastrointestinal nematodes but with a greater capacity to stand the adverse effects of parasitism compared to Ile de France lambs.

Kappa-casein gene study with molecular markers in female buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Caseins comprise make up about 80% of the total protein content of milk and present polymorphism with change in the amino acid sequence. Within this abundance of proteins, kappa-casein is noteworthy, since it has been associated with differences in milk yield, composition and processing. The objective of this study was to observe the existence of polymorphism in the kappa-casein gene in female buffaloes. For this purpose, blood samples from 115 female buffaloes, collected with vacutainer by needle punctionure of the jugular vein, were used. for genomic DNA extraction was done from blood samples. The PCR-RFLP and SSCP techniques demonstrated that the studied animals were monomorphic for the kappa-casein gene. Only allele B was observed in these animals, which was present in homozygosis. Therefore, it was not possible to quantify the gene action on milk yield and its constituents. The monomorphism observed in the population studied would allow the development of a method to identify mixtures of cow and buffalo milk in mozzarella cheese production, especially because, in cattle, the kappa-casein gene is polymorphic. Copyright by the Brazilian Society of Genetics.

Comparison of hemodynamic, clinicopathologic, and gastrointestinal motility effects and recovery characteristics of anesthesia with isoflurane and halothane in horses undergoing arthroscopic surgery

Objective - To compare hemodynamic, clinicopathologic, and gastrointestinal motility effects and recovery characteristics of halothane and isoflurane in horses undergoing arthroscopic surgery. Animals - 8 healthy adult horses. Procedure - Anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane or halothane (crossover study). At 6 intervals during anesthesia and surgery, cardiopulmonary variables and related derived values were recorded. Recovery from anesthesia was assessed; gastrointestinal tract motility was subjectively monitored for 72 hours after anesthesia. Horses were administered chromium, and fecal chromium concentration was used to assess intestinal transit time. Venous blood samples were collected for clinicopathologic analyses before and 2, 24, and 48 hours after anesthesia. Results - Compared with halothane-anesthetized horses, cardiac index, oxygen delivery, and heart rate were higher and systemic vascular resistance was lower in isoflurane-anesthetized horses. Mean arterial blood pressure and the dobutamine dose required to maintain blood pressure were similar for both treatments. Duration and quality of recovery from anesthesia did not differ between treatments, although the recovery periods were somewhat shorter with isoflurane. After isoflurane anesthesia, gastrointestinal motility normalized earlier and intestinal transit time of chromium was shorter than that detected after halothane anesthesia. Compared with isoflurane, halothane was associated with increases in serum aspartate transaminase and glutamate dehydrogenase activities, but there were no other important differences in clinicopathologic variables between treatments. Conclusions and clinical relevance - Compared with halothane, isoflurane appears to be associated with better hemodynamic stability during anesthesia, less hepatic and muscle damage, and more rapid return of normal intestinal motility after anesthesia in horses undergoing arthroscopic procedures.

Long-term creatine supplementation improves the aerobic capacity of horses

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of long-term oral supplementation of creatine on the physiological responses to aerobic training. Twelve purebred Arabian horses were submitted to aerobic training for 90 days, with and without creatine supplementation which consisted of the daily administration of 75g of creatine monohydrate mixed into the ration for 90 days of training. Physical conditioning was conducted on a high performance treadmill and training intensity was stipulated by calculating the V 4 (velocity at which blood lactate reaches 4mmol L -1) determined monthly for each animal. The individual intensity of physical force at 80% of aerobic threshold was established. An incremental exercise test was used to set the individual V4. After a warm up period of 4 min at 4m s -1), the speed was increased at 2min intervals to 6, 8 and 10m s -1). The blood samples were collected 15s before the end of each step to determine the concentration of lactate, packed cell volume, hemoglobin and red cell values. The results demonstrated a significant increase (P<0.05) in V4 in the groups that received creatine supplementation for 60 days or more when compared to the animals without creatine supplememntation. The other hematological variables were similar to all groups. The results showed that the prolonged creatine supplementation may have a beneficial al effect on the equine athletic performance.

Utilization of different methodologies for the characterization of Hb Hasharon heterozygotes

Hb Hasharon has an electrophoretic mobility similar to that of Hb S in cellulose acetate and a mobility between Hb S and C at acid pH. In high-performance liquid chromatography, Hb Hasharon shows a distinct chromatographic profile and retention time. The origin of this variant is a mutation in codon 47 (GAC → CAC) of the α2-globin gene, resulting in the replacement of asparagine by histidine during the translation process. Ten blood samples from individuals suspected of being Hb Hasharon carriers were analyzed. In addition to classic laboratory tests and high-performance liquid chromatography, molecular analysis by polymerase chain reaction with restriction fragment length polymorphism designed in the laboratory was performed to confirm this mutation. The study of these cases showed that a combination of classical and molecular methodologies is necessary in the diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies for a correct hemoglobin mutant identification. The accurate identification of hemoglobin variants is essential for genetic counseling and choice of therapy. ©FUNPEC-RP.

Serological profile of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in apparently healthy dogs of the city of Botucatu, São Paulo state, Brazil

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a coccidian protozoan of worldwide distribution. The seroprevalence in canine population can be an alternative for measuring T. gondii urban spreading. A total of 780 blood samples from dogs were collected, during the yearly anti-rabies campaign, carried out by the Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry (FMVZ), São Paulo State University, UNESP, together with the county health authorities, in August 1999. Using Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT) for detecting antibodies anti-T. gondii in the sera samples, we observed that 258 dogs (33.1%) were positive. The associations between the serological results and the epidemiological variables were studied. Statistically significant differences were not found regarding sex (32.2% male and 34.3% female reactors). Dogs without a defined breed showed seropositivity statistically higher than the pedigreed group. The occurrence of infection was considered higher with age.

Avaliação de diferentes híbridos suínos submetidos à insensibilização elétrica e gasosa (CO 2). Parte 1 - Mensuração de indicadores sanguíneos de estresse

Pigs of three genetics lineages A, B and C marketed in Brazil, with alive weight from 100 to 120 kg were submitted to the manual electric stunning (Karl Schermer 220-230/250 volts, 45-60 Hz and 1.4 -1.5 A) and to the collective gaseous system (COMBI-BUTINA 90% CO 2). Blood samples, for levels determination of creatine phosphokinase (CPK), lactate and cortisol, as well as samples of the semimembranosus muscle (10 g) for the determination of the gene halothane, were collected. Being compared the electric and gaseous stunning systems, the electric stunning did demonstrate to be more stressful providing larger plasmatic concentrations of cortisol (p ≤ 0.001) and lactate (p ≤ 0.001) for the genetic lineages A and C, in the studied conditions. However it didn't observe significant differences beween the sanguine indicators and stunning systems in subject when the lineage B was considered. Significant differences among the genetic lineages A, B and C were obtained being compared the plasmatic values of creatine phosphokinase (p ≤ 0.001), lactate (p ≤ 0.001) and cortisol (p ≤ 0.001) when stunned with the gaseous system, however when the electric system was used only the cortisol values presented significant differences (p ≤ 0.001). The presence of the gene halothane (Nn) was only observed in the lineage B.

Avaliação das respostas fisiológicas de bezerros Zebuínos puros e cruzados nascidos em clima subtropical

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Distribution of antibodies against Neospora caninum, BVDV and BHV-1 among cows in brazilian dairy herds with reproductive disorders.

Neospora caninum, bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and bovine herpes virus 1 (BHV-1) are worldwide spread pathogens associated with reproductive problems in cattle. The present work aimed to observe the infection pattern of these three pathogens in two dairy herds with distinct reproductive managements from Triângulo Mineiro, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The herds were not vaccinated against either N. caninum, BVDV or BHV-1. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for presence of specific antibodies, and N. caninum IgG avidity was measured in N. caninum positive samples. In herd 1, 34 out of 174 sampled cows (20%) had antibodies to N. caninum and the seropositivity of BVDV and BHV-1 were 62% and 86%, respectively. Of 69 sampled cows in herd 2. 7 (10%) had antibodies to N. caninum, and 49% and 39% were seropositive to BVDV and BHV-1, respectively. The IgG avidity profiles indicated that N. caninum had been present in both herds for some years and that herd 1 had an ongoing horizontal spread of the parasite. The results indicate that the studied reproductive pathogens were present in the herds and partly may have contributed to their reproductive problems.

Interval between first dose and booster affected antibody production in cattle vaccinated against rabies

In this study, we compared the levels of neutralizing antibodies induced by inactivated rabies vaccine in cattle by using three alternative immunization procedures. Forty-five bovines (breed nelore) were then organized in three groups (A, B and C, with 15 animals/group). Group A received only one vaccine dose at day zero and Group B received the first dose at day zero and then another dose at day 30 (early booster). Group C was also immunized with two doses; however, the booster was postponed until day 180 after the first dose (delayed booster). Blood samples were withdrawn at days zero (before the first dose) and 30, 210, 390, and 540 after the beginning of immunization and the antibody titers were evaluated by mouse neutralization test. The protocol used to immunize Group C (booster at day 180) was clearly more efficient. In this group, antibody levels were higher and also remained higher for longer periods in comparison with the other two groups. These results show that booster timing significantly affected antibody levels. Therefore, programs addressed to control this disease in cattle should consider not only the use of a booster but also its administration time.

Daytime variations in glucose tolerance in people with impaired glucose tolerance

To determine whether glucose tolerance varies throughout the day in people with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). We studied 15 healthy IGT, and 18 matched normal glucose tolerant (NGT) individuals. Blood samples were taken every 30-120 min during a 24 h period in which all individuals had three mixed meals and nocturnal sleep. We measured glucose, free fatty acids, specific insulin, intact proinsulin, cortisol and growth hormone. Variable responses were considered as concentrations and areas under the curves. Comparison between the groups was by Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney, and analysis of variance. Higher total glucose response, inappropriate normal total insulin response, and unproportionally increased proinsulin total response were observed in the IGT group. Lower glucose tolerance occurred in IGT after dinner, as in the NGT, and after breakfast associated with increased insulin response after breakfast, and similar proinsulin response after all three meals. IGT had higher glucose response than NGT after breakfast and lunch, similar insulin responses, and increased proinsulin-insulin ratio after all three meals. Data from this study demonstrate that IGT individuals present lower glucose tolerance in the evening, as those with NGT, and in the morning, as reported in patients with type 2 diabetes. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mensuração de hormônios andrógenos, estrógeno, fosfatase ácida prostática (PAP) e antígeno prostático específico (PSA) em cães adultos com próstata normal e hiperplásica

Prostatic diseases have been a common problem in middle age and older intact male dogs. Among these, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP) is the most frequent, age-related and hormonal-dependent condition of human and canine prostate. Blood samples were collected from 37 male intact dogs, tree years old dogs or more to determine androgens, estrogen, prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) and prostatic specific antigen (PSA) according to histopathological aspects. Low levels of estrogen and high levels of prostatic specific antigen (PSA) were founded in dogs with BHP, respectively. Seric and urinary PAP levels were high in dogs with hyperplasia.

Avaliação de fatores de risco de cães sororreagentes à leptospira spp. e sua distribuição espacial, em área territorial urbana

We aimed to evaluate the risk factor of serum reactive dogs to antileptospire agglutinin and their spatial distribution in an urban area. We collected 1,000 blood samples from dogs at 20 immunization centers, homogeneously distributed in the urban area (32 km²) of Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Diagnosis was made by microscopic serum agglutination using 24 serovars of Leptospira spp. Statistical analysis was performed by Goodman's test with 5% of significance. Spatial clusters were tested by spatial scan statistic using SaTScan. We found that 17.9% dogs reacted to Leptospira spp. (p<0.0001). Dogs with street access (22.14%) were more reactive (p<0.05) than those without (14.83%). The scan test indicated only one significant cluster influenced by age. Incorporating each one of the co-variables gender, breed, and street access to age, we found that street access was the most important. Street access and age were the most important risk factors in the large number of reactive animals in the cluster, with the castellonis serovar being the most reactive in urban dogs. The identification of a cluster with more reactive dogs than expected allows local preventive measures to be taken.