Effects of a continuous rate infusion of butorphanol in isoflurane-anesthetized horses on cardiorespiratory parameters, recovery quality, gastrointestinal motility and serum cortisol concentrations

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

General anesthesia type does not influence serum levels of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin during the perioperative period in video laparoscopic bariatric surgery

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Apical periodontitis and periodontal disease increase serum IL-17 levels in normoglycemic and diabetic rats

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Blood and seminal plasma concentrations of selenium, zinc and testosterone and their relationship to sperm quality and testicular biometry in domestic cats

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Binding of antioxidant flavone isovitexin to human serum albumin investigated by experimental and computational assays

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Effect of hemolysis on canine, bovine and earn e serum chemistry

Hemolysis is the main cause of biochemical analysis rejection's in veterinary laboratories, however the relative error caused by hemoglobin on serum biochemical profile has not been properly established on several species. In order to establish criteria for aproval and rejection of hemolyzed samples for serum biochemical tests, the hypothesis that hemolysis causes biochemical changes in canine, cattle and horses and that laboratorial error depends on species and hemolysis degree was tested. Thus, non-hemolyzed serum was contaminated with crescent hemoglobin levels and using commercial routine reagents, the serum concentrations of uric acid, albumin, cholesterol, triglycerides and urea, besides the activity of ALT, AST, CK and GUT were quantified in triplicate samples. The relative error was calculated by the comparison between hemolyzed and non-hemolyzed samples. Hemolys is did not cause significant error on the albumin determination in all three species, AST in canine and cattle, ALT in horses, UK and cholesterol in canine. There was a linear increase on uric acid levels in horses and cattle, triglycerides in all three species. A linear increase in serum urea in all species serum, UK and cholesterol in cattle and cholesterol in horses was observed. Serum AST activity on equine serum and ALT in cattle decreased linearly due to hemolysis. It was concluded that hemolysis promotes changes in canine, equine and bovine serum chemistry profile, however the laboratorial error not necessarily compromises the diagnosis in all cases, because the changes depends on species and degree of in vitro hemolysis.

Blood pressure and lipid profile in young women: the role of anthropometric measurement

Body composition has fundamental importance in the quality of life and is a powerful predictor of mortality and morbidity in humans. The identification and monitoring of the amount of body fat have been receiving special attention in aspects related to health promotion, not just for its actions in the prevention and in the control of cardiovascular diseases but also for their induction and association with risk factors, especially in the plasmatic lipid levels and arterial pressure. It was investigated the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (%BF) by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) with the blood pressure levels (systolic and diastolic) and serum lipids (TC, HDL-c, LDL-c, VLDL-c, TG). In a group of fifty seven women (aged 18 to 26 years old ), obesity was detected in 5 and 19 women by BMI (≥ 30 kg/m2) and %BF (≥ 30%), respectively. BMI and % BF were positively correlated with blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), and highly significant in the obese group by %BF. Moreover, BMI and % BF were significantly correlated with all lipids and lipoprotein fractions VLDL-c and triglyceride, respectively. These results suggest that %BF is a good indicator of “occult obesity” in subjects with normal body mass index. The associated use of BMI and %BF to better evaluate obesity may improve the study of blood pressure levels and serum lipid changes that are commonly associated with obesity.

Vitamin D serum levels are associated with handgrip strength but not with muscle mass or length of hospital stay after hip fracture

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between serum levels of 25(OH) vitamin D-3 with midupper arm muscle circumference (MUAMC), handgrip strength and length of hospital stay (LOS) after hip fracture.Methods: In total, 102 consecutive patients with hip fracture over the age of 65 were admitted to the orthopedic unit and prospectively evaluated. All of the patients were treated according to specific protocols depending on the type of fracture. Anthropometric measurements and handgrip strength were performed, and blood samples were taken for serum biochemistry and 25(OH) vitamin D-3 analysis within the first 72 h of admission. All of the patients were followed during their hospital stay, and the length of stay was recorded.Results: Of the patients, two were excluded because of pathologic fractures. In total, 100 patients with a mean age of 80 +/- 7 y were included in the analysis. Among these patients, 73% were female, and 37% had vitamin D deficiency. The median LOS was 7 (5-11) d. Patients with vitamin D deficiency had lower handgrip strength in univariate analysis. In the multiple linear regression analysis with robust standard error, serum vitamin D levels adjusted by age and sex were associated with handgrip strength but not with MUAMC and LOS after hip fracture.Conclusions: In conclusion, vitamin D serum levels were associated with handgrip strength but not with muscle mass or length of hospital stay after hip fracture. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Elevated serum folic acid concentrations were associated with higher mRNA expression of DHFR gene in patients with hereditary spherocytosis

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Effect of oral infections on serum creatinine levels in diabetic rats

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between pulpal and/or periodontal disease and serum creatinine levels in a rat model of diabetes mellitus. Methods: Eighty male rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus, Wistar) were divided into the following 8 groups compris-ing 10 animals each: normal (G1), with pulpal disease (G2), with periodontal disease (G3), with both pulpal and periodontal disease (G4), diabetic (G5), diabetic with pulpal disease (G6), diabetic with periodontal disease (G7), and diabetic with both pulpal and periodontal disease (G8). Diabetes was induced by injecting streptozotocin, pul-pal disease were induced by exposing pulpal tissue to the oral environment, and periodontal disease was induced by periodontal ligature. After 30 days, blood was collected by cardiac puncture and the animals were killed. The maxillae were processed for histopathology. Serum creatinine levels were measured by the enzymatic method. The total assessed values were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance and Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). Results: Serum creatinine levels were significantly higher in diabetic rats than that in all normoglycemic rats (p < 0.05). The presence of pulpal and periodontal disease increased the serum creatinine levels in normoglycemic and diabetic rats, but there was no statistical difference between the groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: We found that the serum creatinine level was higher in diabetic rats and may be related to the pres-ence of oral infections. Clinical significance: Changes in serum creatinine level may be related to the presence of oral infections and diabetes.

Effects of primovaccination and booster vaccination on serum cortisol and humoral immune response in cattle

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of one or two doses of the anti-rabies vaccination on the serum concentration of cortisol and the humoral immune response in cattle as well as the correlation between serum cortisol concentrations and the titers of rabies-neutralizing antibodies. Nelore cattle were randomly assigned to one of three groups, which were vaccinated with one dose of rabies vaccine (group GVSR, N = 15), two doses of rabies vaccine (group GVR, N = 15) or were not vaccinated (group Gc, N = 15). A commercial liquid inactivated rabies vaccine was used. The stressors imposed on the cattle were vaccination, corral handling and the presence of people. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 30 and 60 post-vaccination. Serum cortisol concentrations were determined using a solid-phase radioimmunoassay, and rabies antibody titers were determined using a serum neutralization test with BHK21 cells (RFFIT). Both serum cortisol concentrations and antibody titers increased after the second (booster) vaccination (P < 0.05). In all the groups, the serum cortisol concentrations increased after the cattle were handled in the corral (P < 0.05). No correlation was observed between the serum cortisol concentrations and the antibody titers with any treatment or on any observation day. In conclusion, booster vaccination is indispensable for primovaccinated cattle in achieving high and protective levels of rabies antibodies. Although booster vaccination and frequent cattle handling in corrals are stressors, the response is not strong enough to cause immunosuppression in cattle.

Effects of selenium supplementation on serum cortisol in repeatedly handled cattle

This study evaluated the relationship between Se supplementation and serum cortisol in repeatedly handled cattle. Sixty Nellore calves were randomly distributed into four experimental groups, which were fed a mineral-protein mixture added with Se to achieve individual daily supplementation of 0 (Gc), 3.6 (G3.6), 5.4 (G5.4) and 6.4 (G6.4) mg Se. Stressful handling procedures and blood sampling were performed on days 0, 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120. Serum cortisol increased until day 90 and decreased on day 120, irrespective of Se supplementation. This finding shows that cattle reached a stress state but adapted. Cortisol and Se levels were not markedly correlated. Serum Se increased over the course of the experiment in the supplemented groups. However, because serum Se decreased in Gc, it may have mobilized to form the selenoproteins needed to remove metabolic wastes from handling-related oxidative stress.

Detection of dengue virus in sera of Brazilian blood donors

BACKGROUND: Dengue is the most important arboviral disease in the world. Dengue viruses (DENVs) have produced huge outbreaks in Brazil in the past 25 years with more than 5 million reported cases. During these epidemics, asymptomatic individuals infected with DENV could donate blood and serve as a source of virus dissemination in the community. Here, we studied the circulation of DENV in healthy individuals during an epidemic outbreak. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The study included 500 serum samples from healthy blood donors collected at the Hemotherapy Center of Ribeirao Preto, Brazil, during a dengue outbreak. The presence of DENV RNA in the serum samples was screened by real-time reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (PCR). The virus serotype was determined by a heminested PCR procedure. A partial fragment of the NS5 gene sequence was used for phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS: DENV RNA was detected in the serum sample of 2 of 500 (0.4%) individuals. Both of them were infected with DENV-3 Genotype III, a virus that has been circulating in Brazil in the past decade. CONCLUSION: Individuals with asymptomatic DENV infection can be blood donors and serve as a source of virus dissemination in the community. Further studies are needed to determine the risk of recipient infection by DENV as a result of transfusion in Brazil, especially during epidemic periods.

The effects of high-intensity resistance exercise on the blood lipid profile and liver function in hypercholesterolemic hamsters

It is well established that atherogenic dyslipidemia, characterized by high levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, constitutes important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Regular exercise has been associated with a reduced risk for metabolic diseases. However, studies supporting the concept that resistance exercise is a modifier of blood lipid parameters are often contradictory. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of high-intensity resistance exercise on the serum levels of TG, TC, HDL and non-HDL cholesterol, glucose, and the liver function enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT, EC 2.6.1.2) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST, EC 2.6.1.1) in golden Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus (Waterhouse, 1839)) fed a hypercholesterolemic diet. Sedentary groups (S) and exercise groups (E) were fed a standard diet (SS and ES) or a cholesterol-enriched diet (standard plus 1% cholesterol, SC and EC). Resistance exercise was performed by jumps in the water, carrying a load strapped to the chest, representing 10 maximum repetitions (10 RM, 30 s rest, five days per week for five weeks). Mean blood sample comparisons were made by ANOVA + Tukey or ANOVA + Kruskal-Wallis tests (p < 0.05) to compare parametric and nonparametric samples, respectively. There were no differences in blood lipids between the standard diet groups (SS and ES) (p > 0.05). However, the EC group increased the glucose, non-HDL, and TC levels in comparison with the ES group. Moreover, the EC group increased the TG levels versus the SC group (p < 0.05). In addition, the ALT levels were increased only by diet treatment. These findings indicated that high-intensity resistance exercise contributed to dyslipidemia in hamsters fed a hypercholesterolemic diet, whereas liver function enzymes did not differ in regards to the exercise protocol.

Evaluation of the Effects of a Preoperative 2-Hour Fast With Maltodextrine and Glutamine on Insulin Resistance, Acute-Phase Response, Nitrogen Balance, and Serum Glutathione After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Controlled Randomized Trial

Background: Prolonged preoperative fasting increases insulin resistance (IR). The authors investigated whether an abbreviated preoperative fast with glutamine (GLN) plus a carbohydrate (CHO)-based beverage would improve the organic response after surgery. Methods: Forty-eight female patients (19-62 years) were randomized to either standard fasting (control group) or to fasting with 1 of 3 different beverages before video-cholecystectomy. Beverages were consumed 8 hours (400 mL; placebo group: water; GLN group: water with 50 g maltodextrine plus 40 g GLN; and CHO group: water with 50 g maltodextrine) and 2 hours (200 mL; placebo: water; GLN: water with 25 g maltodextrine plus 10 g GLN; and CHO: water with 25 g maltodextrine) before anesthesia. Blood samples were collected pre- and postoperatively. Results: The mean (SEM) postoperative homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance was greater (P < .05) in control patients (4.3 [1.3]) than in the other groups (placebo, 1.6 [0.3]; CHO, 2.3 [0.4]; and GLN, 1.5 [0.1]). Glutathione was significantly higher (P < .01) in the GLN group than in both CHO and control groups. Interleukin-6 increased in all groups except the GLN group. The C-reactive protein/albumin ratio was higher (P < .05) in controls than in CHO and GLN groups. The nitrogen balance was less negative in GLN (-2.5 [0.8] gN) than in both placebo (-9.0 [2] gN; P = .001) and control (-6.6 [0.4] gN; P = .04) groups. Conclusions Preoperative intake of a GLN-enriched CHO beverage appears to improve IR and antioxidant defenses and decreases the inflammatory response after video-cholecystectomy. (JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2012; 36: 43-52)