Cortisol fecal em ovinos: curva de excreção e estabilidade

O presente estudo foi dividido em dois experimentos, tendo como objetivo determinar a curva de excreção do cortisol fecal e sua estabilidade nas fezes perante exposição à diferentes períodos de tempo e temperatura entre as colheitas e análises, correlacionando os níveis de cortisol fecal com o pico de cortisol sanguíneo. No experimento 1, seis fêmeas mestiças (Dorper x Santa Inês) tiveram suas fezes totais colhidas durante 24 horas após a aplicação do hormônio adrenocorticotrófico (ACTH), além de colheitas de sangue realizadas antes da aplicação do ACTH, 60, 120 e 300 minutos depois; durante as quais foram atribuídos escores de reatividade para cada animal. Logo após as análises foi iniciado o experimento 2, no qual 9 cordeiros mestiços (Dorper x Santa Inês) foram submetidos a uma situação de estresse térmico durante os horários das 11 às 15 horas da tarde, tendo suas fezes colhidas às 23 horas do mesmo dia. Após a colheita, as fezes foram agrupadas e homogeneizadas em três grupos distintos, de onde retiraram-se alíquotas referentes aos tratamentos propostos: três temperaturas (15°, 25° e 35°) e quatro tempos (1, 3, 6 e 12 horas). Os dados da curva de excreção foram analisados por ANOVA, bem como pela correlação entre os valores de cortisol sanguíneo, fecal e reatividade. Para análise da estabilidade foi utilizada ANOVA multifatorial com dois fatores (temperatura e intervalo de tempo). Para avaliação das variáveis comportamentais foi realizada a transformação de escala dos dados para \"arco-seno raiz de porcentagem\", procedendo-se à análise de variância. O modelo estatístico contemplou os efeitos de dia (1, 2 e 3) com análise individual por animal. Os parâmetros de cortisol sanguíneo, frequência respiratória e temperatura retal foram analisados pelo teste t e correlação de Pearson. Todas as comparações de médias foram realizadas por teste F e teste t (PDIFF). A reatividade durante a colheita não exerceu efeito significativo sobre os valores de cortisol sanguíneo, os quais demonstraram médias maiores 60 minutos após a aplicação do ACTH e, após 300 minutos as ovelhas apresentaram níveis de cortisol considerados normais para ovinos sem estresse. Por outro lado, o pico de cortisol nas fezes foi verificado aproximadamente 10 a 12 horas após o pico de cortisol no sangue, não sendo verificadas diminuições significativas nas concentrações que indicassem o retorno aos níveis basais durante o período de 24 horas (P>0,05). Não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os tempos e temperaturas aos quais as amostras de fezes foram submetidas (P>0,05), verificando-se uma tendência a manutenção da concentração do cortisol fecal em ovinos durante o período de 12 horas após a colheita.

Desempenho, mortalidade e escore fecal de bezerros aleitados com diferentes dietas líquidas e terapias de reidratação quando acometidos por diarreias

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da utilização de sucedâneo lácteo com alto conteúdo proteico de origem vegetal no desempenho e saúde de bezerros, e avaliar métodos de reidratação para o tratamento de diarreias. No primeiro estudo foram utilizados 33 bezerros da raça Holandês distribuídos nos tratamentos: 1) Alto volume e baixa proteína (AV/BP): 8 litros, 21,4% PB; 2) Alto volume e alta proteína (AV/AP): 8 litros, 23,7% PB e 3) Baixo volume e alta proteína (BV/AP): 6 litros, 23,7% PB. Os bezerros foram alojados em abrigos individuais, com livre acesso a água e concentrado. Não houve efeito dos tratamentos para o desempenho animal (P>0,05). Os tratamentos AV/BP e AV/AP resultaram em maior consumo de sucedâneo (P<0,05), mas não afetaram o consumo de concentrado nem o consumo total (P>0,05). O escore fecal foi maior (P>0,05) para animais nos tratamentos AV/AP e BV/AP. Os animais nos tratamentos AV/BP permaneceram maior número de dias em diarreia (P<0,05), em comparação aqueles aleitados com BV/AP, os quais tiveram menos dias com vida (P<0,05). A concentração de lactato foi maior (P<0,05) para animais nos tratamentos AV/BP e AV/AP enquanto a concentração de proteína total foi maior (P<0,05) nos tratamentos AV/BP e BV/AP. Sucedâneos com elevado conteúdo de proteína de origem vegetal afetam negativamente o desempenho de bezerros podendo levar o animal a morte. No segundo estudo foram comparados três soluções de hidratação oral quanto a sua eficiência em repor eletrólitos e água, além de manter o desempenho de bezerros. Foram utilizados 42 bezerros mestiços Holandês-Jersey, distribuídos nos tratamentos: 1) Soro comum, 2) Glutellac® e 3) Soro comum + Aminogut®. Os animais foram aleitados com 4 L/d de sucedâneo lácteo até a oitava semana de vida quando foram desaleitados de forma abrupta. As terapias de reidratação foram oferecidas quando os animais apresentavam escore fecal >= 3 na escala de 1 a 5. Não houve efeito das terapias de reidratação no desempenho nem em metabólitos sanguíneos (P>0,05). O consumo voluntário de água foi maior para os animais reidratados com Glutellac®, mas o consumo total maior para os animais reidratados com Soro comum. As concentrações de HCO3 e Na+ foram maiores para os animais no tratamento Glutellac® (P=0,088 e P=0,073 respectivamente), sendo a concentração de glicose também afetada pelo protocolo de hidratação (P<0,05). A concentração de HCO3 aumentou do primeiro para o segundo dia, a de K+ e glicose diminuíram do primeiro para o segundo dia, enquanto que o Beecf teve um comportamento variável segundo a terapia de reidratação utilizada. Houve efeito da interação tratamento x dia de avaliação apenas para a concentração de BUN (P<0,05). O pH, a concentração de Na+ e Beecf foram maiores em animais mais velhos, enquanto K+, hematócrito e hemoglobina, foram menores (P<0,05). O consumo voluntário de água foi maior em animais reidratados com Glutellac®, o que junto com a simplicidade de uso, representam as principais vantagens deste método de reidratação.

Haematological and biochemical blood study in baby alpaca with diarrhoea

The aim of this study was to determine the haematological value and biochemical blood in baby alpacas with enteric disorder. A total of 30 blood and serum samples were collected from alpacas of 1 month old with diarrhoea and 5 blood samples of clinically healthy baby alpacas (controls). The animals were from communities in the central Andes from Peru. About haematology were determined haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration, red blood count and white blood count that were not significantly different between control animals and animals with diarrhoea. Moreover, biochemical blood parameters as total protein, albumin and calcium decrease significantly (p<0.05). We conclude that our results could be considered as factors in the mortality of baby alpaca by infectious diarrhoea.

Washout hole for bi-ventricular assist device (BVAD) centrifugal blood pump

The shortage of donor hearts for patients with end stage heart failure has accelerated the development of ventricular assist devices (VAD) that act as a replacement heart. Mechanical devices involving pulsatile, axial and centrifugal devices have been proposed. Recent clinical developments indicate that centrifugal devices are not only beneficial for bridge to transplantation applications, but may also aid myocardial recovery. The results of a recent study have shown that patients who received a VAD have extended lives and improved quality of life compared to recipients of drug therapy. Unfortunately 25% of these patients develop right heart failure syndrome, sepsis and multi-organ failure. It was reported that 17% of patients initially receiving an LVAD later required a right ventricular assist device (RVAD). Hence, current research focus is in the development of a bi-ventricular assist device (BVAD). Current BVAD technology is either too bulky or necessitates having to implant two pumps working independently. The latter requires two different controllers for each pump leading to the potential complication of uneven flow dynamics and the requirements for a large amount of body space. This paper illustrates the combination of the LVAD and RVAD as one complete device to augment the function of both the left and right cardiac chambers with double impellers. The proposed device has two impellers rotating in counter directions, hence eliminating the necessity of the body muscles and tubing/heart connection to restrain the pump. The device will also have two separate chambers with independent rotating impeller for the left and right chambers. A problem with centrifugal impellers is the fluid stagnation underneath the impeller. This leads to thrombosis and blood clots.This paper presents the design, construction and location of washout hole to prevent thrombus for a Bi-VAD centrifugal pump. Results using CFD will be used to illustrate the superiority of our design concept in terms of preventing thrombus formation and hemolysis.

The S.T.A.B. Trial - Standardised Testing of Artificial Blood. A comparative study of various products that may be used as artificial blood for high fidelity simulation training in the critical care setting

Aim: In the current climate of medical education, there is an ever-increasing demand for and emphasis on simulation as both a teaching and training tool. The objective of our study was to compare the realism and practicality of a number of artificial blood products that could be used for high-fidelity simulation. Method: A literature and internet search was performed and 15 artificial blood products were identified from a variety of sources. One product was excluded due to its potential toxicity risks. Five observers, blinded to the products, performed two assessments on each product using an evaluation tool with 14 predefined criteria including color, consistency, clotting, and staining potential to manikin skin and clothing. Each criterion was rated using a five-point Likert scale. The products were left for 24 hours, both refrigerated and at room temperature, and then reassessed. Statistical analysis was performed to identify the most suitable products, and both inter- and intra-rater variability were examined. Results: Three products scored consistently well with all five assessors, with one product in particular scoring well in almost every criterion. This highest-rated product had a mean rating of 3.6 of 5.0 (95% posterior Interval 3.4-3.7). Inter-rater variability was minor with average ratings varying from 3.0 to 3.4 between the highest and lowest scorer. Intrarater variability was negligible with good agreement between first and second rating as per weighted kappa scores (K = 0.67). Conclusion: The most realistic and practical form of artificial blood identified was a commercial product called KD151 Flowing Blood Syrup. It was found to be not only realistic in appearance but practical in terms of storage and stain removal.

Skin preparation with alcohol versus alcohol followed by any antiseptic for preventing bacteraemia or contamination of blood for transfusion (Review)

Background: Blood for transfusion may become contaminated at any point between collection and transfusion and may result in bacteraemia (the presence of bacteria in the blood),severe illness or even death for the blood recipient. Donor arm skin is one potential source of blood contamination, so it is usual to cleanse the skin with an antiseptic before blood donation. One-step and two-step alcohol based antiseptic regimens are both commonly advocated but there is uncertainty as to which is most effective.----- Objectives: To assess the effects of cleansing the skin of blood donors with alcohol in a one-step compared with alcohol in a two-step procedure to prevent contamination of collected blood or bacteraemia in the recipient.----- Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register (March 10 2009); The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials(CENTRAL) The Cochrane Library 2009, Issue 1; Ovid MEDLINE - (1950 to February Week 4 2009); Ovid EMBASE - (1980 to 2009 Week 9); and EBSCO CINAHL - (1982 to February Week 4 2009). We also searched the reference lists of key papers.----- Selection criteria: All randomised trials (RCTs) comparing alcohol based donor skin cleansing in a one-step versus a two-step process that includes alcohol and any other antiseptic for pre-venepuncture skin cleansing were considered. Quasi randomised trials were to have been considered in the absence of RCTs.----- Data collection and analysis: Two review authors independently assessed studies for inclusion.----- Main results: No studies (RCTs or quasi RCTs) met the inclusion criteria. Authors’ conclusions We did not identify any eligible studies for inclusion in this review. It is therefore unclear whether a two-step, alcohol followed by antiseptic skin cleansing process prior to blood donation confers any reduction in the risk of blood contamination or bacteraemia in blood recipients, or conversely whether a one-step process increases risk above that associated with a two-step process.

Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) concentrations decrease with age : analysis of pooled human blood serum in the Australian population

Introduction Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are considered to be a cost effective and efficient way to reduce the possibility of product ignition and inhibit the spread of fire, thereby limiting harm caused by fires. PBDEs are incorporated into a wide variety of manufactured products and are now considered an ubiquitous contaminant found worldwide in biological and environmental samples . In comparison to “traditional” persistent organic pollutants (POPs), the exposure modes of PBDEs in humans are less well defined, although dietary sources, inhalation (air/particulate matter) and dust ingestion have been reported 2-4. Limited investigations of population specific factors such as age or gender and PBDE concentrations report: no conclusive correlation by age in adults ; higher concentrations in children ; similar concentrations in maternal and cord blood ; and no gender differences . After preliminary findings of higher PBDE concentrations in children than in adults in Australia11 we sought to investigate at what age the PBDE concentrations peaked in an effort to focus exposure studies. This investigation involved the collection of blood samples from young age groups and the development of a simple model to predict PBDE concentrations by age in Australia.

The influence of age and gender on triclosan concentrations in Australian human blood serum

The bactericide triclosan has found wide-spread use in e.g. soaps, deodorants and toothpastes. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that triclosan might exert adverse effects in humans. Triclosan has previously been shown to be present in human plasma and milk at concentrations that are well correlated to the use of personal care products containing triclosan. In this study we investigated the influence of age, gender, and the region of residence on triclosan concentrations in pooled samples of Australian human blood serum. The results showed no influence of region of residence on the concentrations of triclosan. There was a small but significant influence of age and gender on the serum triclosan concentrations, which were higher in males than in females, and highest in the group of 31–45 year old males and females. However, overall there was a lack of pronounced differences in the triclosan concentrations within the dataset, which suggests that the exposure to triclosan among different groups of the Australian population is relatively homogenous. A selection of the dataset was compared with previous measurements of triclosan concentrations in human plasma from Sweden, where the use of triclosan is expected to be low due to consumer advisories. The triclosan concentrations were a factor of 2 higher in Australian serum than in Swedish plasma.