Effects of β-(1→3,1→6)-d-glucan and density of diets on the blood profiles of immunologically challenged weaned piglets

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of two levels of the β-(1→3,1→6)-d-glucan (0 and 500ppm) from yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and two levels of energy (3300 and 3450kcalMEkg(-1)) on the hematological, immunological and, biochemical profiles of thirty-six 21-days-old weaned piglets, challenged with 150μgkg(-1) of BW lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Escherichia coli serotype 055:B5. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design in a 2×2 factorial arrangement with nine replicates per treatment and, one animal per experimental unit. The data were analyzed in accordance with the multivariate analysis procedure of SAS and, the treatment means of parametric and non-parametric data were compared by Bonferroni's test (P<0.05) and, by Dunn's test (P<0.05), respectively. The data of the blood profiles of alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and, creatinine showed that LPS did not cause kidney or liver damage in the animals. The addition of beta-glucan in the diets did not prove the robustness of its effect and biological relevance when provided with low nutrient-density. However, its addition combined with the high-nutrient-density diets showed less marked hypoglobulinemia in piglets, which may have contributed to the decreasing of the synthesis of inflammatory mediators.

High blood pressure and sedentary behavior in adolescents are associated even after controlling for confounding factors

The aim of this study was to determine whether high blood pressure (HBP) is associated with sedentary behavior in young people even after controlling for potential confounders (gender, age, socioeconomic level, tobacco, alcohol, obesity and physical activity). In this epidemiological study, 1231 adolescents were evaluated. Blood pressure was measured with an oscillometric device and waist circumference with an inextensible tape. Sedentary behavior (watching television, computer use and playing video games) and physical activity were assessed by a questionnaire. We used mean and standard deviation to describe the statistical analysis, and the association between HBP and sedentary behavior was assessed by the chi-squared test. Binary logistic regression was used to observe the magnitude of association and cluster analyses (sedentary behavior and abdominal obesity; sedentary behavior and physical inactivity). HBP was associated with sedentary behaviors [odds ratio (OR) = 2.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.41-3.96], even after controlling for various confounders (OR = 1.68, CI = 1.03-2.75). In cluster analysis the combination of sedentary behavior and elevated abdominal obesity contributed significantly to an increased likelihood of having HBP (OR = 13.51, CI 7.21-23.97). Sedentary behavior was associated with HBP, and excess fat in the abdominal region contributed to the modulation of this association.

Increased DNA damage is related to maternal blood glucose levels in the offspring of women with diabetes and mild gestational hyperglycemia

This study aimed at correlating maternal blood glucose levels with DNA damage levels in the offspring of women with diabetes or mild gestational hyperglycemia (MGH). Based on oral glucose tolerance test results and glycemic profiles, 56 pregnant women were allocated into 3 groups: nondiabetes, MGH, and diabetes. The offspring of these women (56 infants) were also evaluated. Maternal peripheral blood and umbilical cord blood samples were collected and processed for biochemical and DNA damage analysis by the comet assay. A positive correlation between maternal blood glucose mean and increased offspring DNA damage levels was observed. Hyperglycemia played a role in offspring DNA damage, but other diabetes-induced complications were also involved. Increased maternal blood glucose levels can lead to increased offspring DNA damage levels. Therefore, the monitoring, control, and treatment of pregnant women with diabetes and MGH are highly important to ensure a risk-free pregnancy and healthy infants.

Análise da modulação autonômica em repouso e em resposta ao Tilt Test ativo em crianças com diabetes tipo 1

Pós-graduação em Fisioterapia - FCT