Abdominopelvic sarcoma of perivascular epithelioid cells. Report of four cases in young women, one with tuberous sclerosis

The perivascular epithelioid cell has been proposed to be the unifying proliferating cell type in a number of lesions such as angiomyolipoma, lymphangiomyomatosis, clear cell sugar tumor and renal capsuloma. With the exception of rare examples of angiomyolipoma, they are non-metastasizing. We report four examples of a new member of this family of perivascular epithelioid cell neoplasms that occur in abdominopelvic location and show metastatic properties. The patients, all women, were aged 19 to 41 years (mean, 32), and presented with a tumor mass involving the serosa of the ileum, uterus or pelvic cavity. Morphologically, the tumors were composed of sheets of large polygonal cells with glycogen-rich clear or eosinophilic cytoplasm and moderately pleomorphic nuclei, traversed by a delicate vasculature, mimicking clear cell carcinoma. There were areas of coagulative necrosis and occasional mitotic figures. Intracytoplasmic brown pigment was present in two cases. Spindly cells, smooth muscle and fat were absent. Lymphovascular invasion was present in all, lymph node metastasis was documented in two and metastasis to the ovary was present in one case. Two patients developed widespread metastatic disease after 10 and 28 months from diagnosis. One patient showed the clinical signs of tuberous sclerosis. In spite of the epithelial-like appearance, the tumor cells were negative for epithelial markers but were strongly positive with the melanogenesis-related marker HMB45. Another melanogenesis marker (MART-1) was positive in two cases. Other markers including S-100 protein, vimentin, muscle-specific actin, desmin and chromogranin A were negative. Thus, these tumors are not readily classifiable in the existing schema of known entities, and show over-lapping morpho-phenotypic features of clear cell sugar tumor of the lung and epithelioid angiomyolipoma. We consider them as sarcomas composed of a pure population of uncommitted perivascular epithelioid cell, that lack modulation toward smooth muscle or adipose cells.

Effects of buprenorphine, carprofen and saline on thermal and mechanical nociceptive thresholds in cats

To evaluate a prototype pressure stimulus device for use in the cat and to compare with a known thermal threshold device.Eight healthy adult cats weighing between 3.0 and 4.9 kg.Pressure stimulation was given via a plastic bracelet taped around the forearm. Three 2.4 mm diameter ball bearings, in a 10-mm triangle, were advanced against the craniolateral surface of the antebrachium by manual inflation of a modified blood pressure bladder. Pressure in the cuff was recorded at the end point (leg shake and head turn). Thermal threshold was also tested. Stimuli were stopped if they reached 55 degrees C or 450 mmHg without response. After four pressure and thermal threshold baselines, each cat received SC buprenorphine 0.01 mg kg(-1), carprofen 4 mg kg(-1) or saline 0.3 mL in a three period cross-over study with a 1-week interval. The investigator was blinded to the treatment. Measurements were made at 0.25. 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 24 hours after injection. Data were analyzed by using ANOVA.There were no significant changes in thermal or pressure threshold after administration of saline or carprofen, but thermal threshold increased from 60 minutes until 8 hours after administration of buprenorphine (p < 0.05). The maximum increase in threshold from baseline (Delta T-max) was 3.5 +/- 3.1 degrees C at 2 hours. Pressure threshold increased 2 hours after administration of buprenorphine (p < 0.05) when the increase in threshold above baseline (Delta P-max) was 162 +/- 189 mmHg.This pressure device resulted in thresholds that were affected by analgesic treatment in a similar manner but to a lesser degree than the thermal method. Pressure stimulation may be a useful additional method for analgesic studies in cats.

Effects of meperidine or saline on thermal, mechanical and electrical nociceptive thresholds in cats

Objective To measure cutaneous electrical nociceptive thresholds in relation to known thermal and mechanical stimulation for nociceptive threshold detection in cats.Study design Prospective, blinded, randomized cross-over study with 1-week washout interval.Animals Eight adult cats [bodyweight 5.1 +/- 1.8 kg (mean + SD)].Methods Mechanical nociceptive thresholds were tested using a step-wise manual inflation of a modified blood pressure bladder attached to the cat's thoracic limb. Thermal nociceptive thresholds were measured by increasing the temperature of a probe placed on the thorax. The electrical nociceptive threshold was tested using an escalating current from a constant current generator passed between electrodes placed on the thoracic region. A positive response (threshold) was recorded when cats displayed any or all of the following behaviors: leg shake, head turn, avoidance, or vocalization. Four baseline readings were performed before intramuscular injection of meperidine (5 mg kg(-1)) or an equal volume of saline. Threshold recordings with each modality were made at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 minutes post-injection. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and paired t-tests (significance at p < 0.05).Results There were no significant changes in thermal, mechanical, or electrical thresholds after saline. Thermal thresholds increased at 15-60 minutes (p < 0.01) and mechanical threshold increased at 30 and 45 minutes after meperidine (p < 0.05). Maximum thermal threshold was +4.1 +/- 0.3 degrees C above baseline at 15 minutes while maximum mechanical threshold was 296 +/- 265 mmHg above baseline at 30 minutes after meperidine. Electrical thresholds following meperidine were not significantly different than baseline (p > 0.05). Thermal and electrical thresholds after meperidine were significantly higher than saline at 30 and 45 minutes (p < 0.05), and at 120 minutes (p < 0.05), respectively. Mechanical thresholds were significantly higher than saline treatment at 30 minutes (p <= 0.05).Conclusion and clinical relevance Electrical stimulation did not detect meperidine analgesia whereas both thermal and mechanical thresholds changed after meperidine administration in cats.

Efeito da Temperatura Ambiente e da Restrição Alimentar sobre o Desempenho e a Composição de Fibras Musculares Esqueléticas de Frangos de Corte

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi estudar os efeitos da temperatura ambiente e da restrição alimentar sobre o desempenho e a composição do músculo flexor longo do hálux de frangos de corte. Trezentos e vinte e quatro pintos machos da linhagem Ross, com cinco dias de idade, foram distribuídos em um delineamento em parcelas subdivididas, considerando os tratamentos principais no esquema fatorial 3x3 inteiramente casualizado (três programas de alimentação: ad libitum, restrição precoce - 8 a 14 dias e restrição tardia - 29 a 35 dias; três níveis de temperatura: termoneutra, calor e frio). Os tratamentos secundários foram as idades das aves (seis idades: 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 e 42 dias). Não houve interação entre programa de alimentação e temperatura ou entre programa de alimentação, temperatura e idade para as características de desempenho dos frangos. Independentemente do programa de alimentação, houve efeito de temperatura para peso, ganho de peso, consumo de ração e conversão alimentar. O programa de alimentação afetou o peso e o ganho de peso das aves. Houve interação entre programa de alimentação e idade e entre temperatura e idade para peso vivo ao abate e peso do músculo da perna direita. Estas interações não foram significativas para peso do músculo da perna esquerda, área da secção transversal do músculo e relação peso do músculo/peso vivo ao abate. Conclui-se que a temperatura ambiente afeta o desempenho dos frangos de corte, porém não altera o número, diâmetro e freqüência de fibras musculares no músculo flexor longo do hálux. A restrição alimentar precoce pode ser adotada como prática de manejo, sem que se observem alterações do desempenho na idade de abate e nem na composição das fibras musculares esqueléticas dos frangos de corte.

Morfologia das fibras musculares esqueléticas de frangos de corte de diferentes linhagens criados em sistemas de confinamento e semiconfinamento

Avaliou-se o efeito da linhagem, do sistema de criação e do sexo sobre o peso vivo, o rendimento de carcaça e de pernas e os aspectos morfológicos das fibras musculares esqueléticas do músculo flexor longo do hálux de frangos de corte. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 4 x 2 x 2, ou seja, quatro linhagens (Ross-308, Pescoço Pelado Label Rouge, Caipirinha e Paraíso Pedrês), dois sistemas de criação (confinamento e semiconfinamento) e dois sexos, com duas repetições por tratamento, sendo que cada ave retirada ao acaso aos 56 dias de idade foi considerada uma unidade experimental, totalizando 64 aves. A linhagem Ross apresentou maior peso vivo e maiores pesos de carcaça, de pernas, de carne de penas e do músculo flexor longo do hálux e maiores rendimentos de carcaça e de carnes de pernas que as outras linhagens. A maior massa muscular das aves selecionadas para alta taxa de crescimento está relacionada ao aumento na área dos três tipos de fibras musculares (SO, FOG e FG). Machos apresentaram maior massa muscular e musculatura mais glicolítica que fêmeas. O sistema de semiconfinamento alterou a composição de fibras musculares esqueléticas dos machos, tornando-a mais oxidativa, porém, esse efeito não foi observado nas fêmeas.

Uso de probiótico e antibiótico sobre o desempenho, o rendimento e a qualidade de carcaça de frangos de corte

Dois mil e quatrocentos pintos de corte foram distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com esquema fatorial 2 x 2 x 2 (sexo, com e sem probiótico, com e sem antibiótico), totalizando oito tratamentos e seis repetições com 50 aves cada uma. Independente da suplementação recebida, os machos sempre foram mais pesados que as fêmeas. Entretanto, a análise de desempenho apresentou maiores peso corporal e ganho de peso para os machos que receberam suplementação de antibiótico, quando comparados aos não-suplementados. Até 42 dias de idade, o uso do antibiótico determinou aumento do consumo de ração, mas não influiu nas demais características de desempenho. No período de 1 a 21 dias e 1 a 42 dias de idade, a suplementação com probiótico influenciou negativamente o peso corporal, ganho de peso e consumo de ração das aves. Houve interação probiótico x antibiótico para rendimento de carcaça das aves, obtendo-se maior rendimento de carcaça com o uso da associação dos produtos na ração. Nenhum dos produtos afetou o rendimento de partes (cabeça, pés, asas, perna, peito e dorso), o rendimento de vísceras (coração, fígado e vísceras não-comestíveis), gordura abdominal e características sensoriais (intensidade de aroma, aroma estranho, sabor, sabor estranho, maciez, suculência, preferência, cor característica e aparência geral) da carne de peito e pernas. No presente estudo, não foram encontrados efeitos benéficos da suplementação de probiótico para frangos de corte.

Common factors method to predict the carcass composition tissue in kid goats

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

Efeitos da energia da dieta sobre desempenho, rendimento de carcaça e gordura abdominal de frangos de corte

Um experimento foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito do nível de energia da dieta sobre desempenho, rendimento de carcaça e porcentagem de gordura abdominal de frangos de corte. Foram utilizados 2400 pintos de um dia da linhagem Ross 308, criados em boxes até 42 dias de idade. O delineamento experimental adotado foi o inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 6 x 2 (energia x sexo). Os tratamentos consistiram de combinações de seis níveis de energia (2.900, 2.960, 3.020, 3.080, 3.140 e 3.200 kcal EM/kg) e dos sexos, com quatro repetições de 50 aves cada. No período de 1 a 42 dias de idade, houve redução no consumo de ração e melhora na conversão alimentar à medida que se aumentou o nível de energia da ração. Os machos apresentaram melhores resultados de desempenho que as fêmeas, exceto para mortalidade. À medida que se acrescentou energia na dieta, houve efeito linear na porcentagem de gordura abdominal e no rendimento de asas, mas não houve efeito sobre o rendimento de carcaça e das demais partes. Os machos apresentaram maiores porcentagens de pernas e de carne de pernas e menores de carne de peito e de gordura abdominal que as fêmeas.

Selecting appropriate bedding to reduce locomotion problems in broilers

Two experiments were carried out at the Poultry Sector of the School of Agrarian Sciences of the Federal University of Grande Dourados to evaluate the incidence of leg problems in broilers reared on two distinct types of bedding material: rice husks or wood shavings, both new and reused. In both trials, a randomized experimental design was applied in factorial arrangement (2 x 2 x 2) using two genetic strains (Cobb® or Ross®); two sexes (male or female), and two litter materials (rice husks or wood shavings). In each trial 1080 one day pullets were reared equally divided in the treatments. The birds were placed in 4.5 m² boxes at a density of 10 birds m-2. All birds were fed diets with equal nutritional density, and water was offered ad libitum. Feeds were divided in three phases: starter diet (1 - 21 days), grower diet (22 - 35 days), and finisher diet (36 - 45 days). on day 45, fifty birds were randomly selected in each experiment to evaluate flock leg problems. The following parameters were analyzed: gait score, incidence of valgus and varus disorder, footpad dermatitis, femoral degeneration, tibial dyschondroplasia, and spondylolisthesis. Ambient temperature during rearing and litter caking and moisture content were recorded in four boxes per treatment. The analytical hierarchy process was used to organize the data into specific criteria. Several criteria, related to the attributes that were determinant according to the statistical analysis, were chosen in order to provide the best input to the process. Results indicated that new wood-shavings bedding was the most appropriate bedding to prevent locomotion problems, followed by new rice husks, reused wood shavings, and reused rice husks. However, when leg problems were associated to sex and genetic strain, male Ross birds strain presented less problems when reared on new rice husks, followed by new wood shavings

Avaliação de desempenho, rendimento de carcaça e qualidade da carne do peito em frangos de linhagens de conformação versus convencionais

O trabalho foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito de diferentes linhagens (conformação versus convencionais) sobre o desempenho, rendimento de carcaça e partes, medidas físicas (espessura, largura e comprimento do filé do peito) e qualidade da carne do peito (perda de peso por cozimento, maciez e pH) em frangos de corte com 35, 42 e 49 dias. Foram utilizados 2400 pintos de um dia, distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado em fatorial 5x2, com cinco linhagens (conformação A, B e C ; e convencionais D e E) e dois sexos, com quatro repetições de 60 aves cada. O crescimento das aves foi diferente, havendo linhagens com maior crescimento tanto entre as de conformação quanto entre as convencionais. As linhagens apresentaram desempenho diferenciado para ganho de peso, consumo de ração e conversão alimentar. Os animais de algumas linhagens de conformação apresentaram desempenho superior às convencionais, mas o oposto também foi verificado. O rendimento de carcaça diferiu aos 35 dias, com as linhagens de conformação apresentando os maiores rendimentos. O rendimento de pernas e carne de pernas foi semelhante ou melhor nas linhagens convencionais e os maiores rendimentos de peito e carne de peito ocorreram nas linhagens de conformação. A gordura abdominal diferiu aos 42 dias somente entre as linhagens de conformação. A espessura, largura e comprimento dos filés do peito também foram diferentes, com as linhagens de conformação apresentando valores semelhantes entre si e superiores aos das linhagens convencionais. Não houve diferenças nos parâmetros de qualidade da carne. O sexo das aves teve influência tanto no desempenho quanto no rendimento de carcaça e partes, porém não afetou a qualidade da carne do peito.

Effects of twenty-four hour transport or twenty-four hour feed and water deprivation on physiologic and performance responses of feeder cattle

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of 24-h road transport or 24-h feed and water deprivation on acute-phase and performance responses of feeder cattle. Angus x Hereford steers (n = 30) and heifers (n = 15) were ranked by gender and BW (217 +/- 3 kg initial BW; 185 +/- 2 d initial age) and randomly assigned to 15 pens on d -12 of the experiment (3 animals/pen; 2 steers and 1 heifer). Cattle were fed alfalfa-grass hay ad libitum and 2.3 kg/animal daily (DM basis) of a corn-based concentrate throughout the experiment (d -12 to 28). on d 0, pens were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: 1) transport for 24 h in a livestock trailer for 1,200 km (TRANS), 2) no transport but feed and water deprivation for 24 h (REST), or 3) no transport and full access to feed and water (CON). Treatments were concurrently applied from d 0 to d 1. Total DMI was evaluated daily from d -12 to d 28. Full BW was recorded before treatment application (d -1 and 0) and at the end of experiment (d 28 and 29). Blood samples were collected on d 0, 1, 4, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28. Mean ADG was greater (P < 0.01) in CON vs. TRANS and REST cattle but similar (P = 0.46) between TRANS and REST cattle (1.27, 0.91, and 0.97 kg/d, respectively; SEM = 0.05). No treatment effects were detected for DMI (P >= 0.25), but CON had greater G: F vs. TRANS (P < 0.01) and REST cattle (P = 0.08) whereas G: F was similar (P = 0.21) between TRANS and REST cattle. Plasma cortisol concentrations were greater (P <= 0.05) in REST vs. CON and TRANS cattle on d 1, 7, 14, and 28 and also greater (P = 0.02) in TRANS vs. CON cattle on d 1. Serum NEFA concentrations were greater (P < 0.01) in REST and TRANS vs. CON cattle on d 1 and greater (P < 0.01) in REST vs. TRANS cattle on d 1. Plasma ceruloplasmin concentrations were greater (P = 0.04) in TRANS vs. CON cattle on d 1, greater (P = 0.05) in REST vs. CON on d 4, and greater (P <= 0.05) in REST vs. TRANS and CON on d 14. Plasma haptoglobin concentrations were greater (P < 0.01) in TRANS vs. CON and REST cattle on d 1 and greater (P <= 0.05) for REST vs. TRANS and CON cattle on d 7. In conclusion, 24-h transport and 24-h nutrient deprivation elicited acute-phase protein reactions and similarly reduced feedlot receiving performance of feeder cattle. These results suggest that feed and water deprivation are major contributors to the acute-phase response and reduced feedlot receiving performance detected in feeder cattle transported for long distances.

Use of prebiotics and probiotics of bacterial and yeast origin for free-range broiler chickens

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of probiotics and prebiotics of bacterial and yeast origin on the performance, development of the digestive system, carcass yield and meat quality of free-range broiler chickens. Five hundred and sixty male chicks of the strain ISA S757-N were reared from one to 84 days old. The birds were distributed in four treatments according to a completely randomized block design: T1 = Control, T2 = Probiotics and Prebiotics of bacterial origin, T3 = Probiotics and prebiotics of yeast origin, T4 = Probiotics and prebiotics of bacterial origin + probiotics and prebiotics of yeast origin. There were four repetitions with 35 birds per repetition, and the birds had access to a pasture area after 35 days of age. Characteristics evaluated were performance, development of the digestive system, carcass and parts yield, abdominal fat, breast meat physical measurements (length, width and height) and meat quality parameters (pH from breast and leg meat, cooking loss and shearing force from breast meat). Lower mortality (p<0.05) and higher weight gain from 64 to 77 and 64 to 84 days of age were seen in birds supplemented with probiotics and prebiotics of bacterial origin compared to the non-supplemented birds (control). There were significant differences (p<0.05) among treatments for carcass yield. Birds supplemented with both probiotics and prebiotics of microbial and yeast origin (T4) showed higher carcass yield than control birds. Supplementation with probiotics and prebiotics of bacterial origin (T2) or the supplementation of these together with those of yeast origin (T4) reduced mortality and increased the carcass yield in free-range broiler chickens.

Surface Roughness Analysis of Four Restorative Materials Exposed to 10% and 15% Carbamide Peroxide

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of carbamide peroxide (CP) on surfaces of different restorative materials. Porcelain, composite resin, glass ionomer, and amalgam were analyzed in this study. Surface roughness (Ra) was measured before and after treatment with 10% and 15% CP. Fifteen percent CP increased Ra values in both the glass ionomer and amalgam subgroups, while 10% CP increased Ra values in the glass ionomer subgroup only. Changes in restorative material surfaces can be more severe when bleaching is completed without a clinician's supervision. Hence, thorough patient examinations must be done before, during, and after bleaching treatment. Int J Prosthodont 2011;24:155-157

Antibacterial activity of four glass ionomer cements used in atraumatic restorative treatment

The in vitro antibacterial activity of four glass ionomer cements ( Fuji IX, Ketac Molar, Vidrion R and Vitromolar) indicated for Atraumatic Restorative Treatment ( ART) was studied against strains of bacteria involved in the development of oral diseases, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Actinomyces viscosus. The agar plate diffusion test was used for the cultures, which included chlorhexidine as a positive control. The results demonstrated that all the cements evaluated presented antibacterial activity. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that Fuji IX and Ketac Molar presented the most effective antibacterial activity considering the ART approach.

Photodynamic inactivation of four Candida species induced by photogem®

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)