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The goal is to present a descriptive study related an unprecedent case of spinal myoclonus (SM) following subarachnoid anesthesia (SA). SM are sudden, brief, involuntary non-generalized spasms that can be an adverse effect of drug administration via neuraxial routes. Female, 67y, ASA II, proposed for hip replacement surgery, with normal preoperative exams. 7min after SA with 10mg of bupivacaine 0,5%, no motor blockade observed, and patient complained of unbearable pain in legs and perineum and bilateral, asymmetrical and arrhythmic myoclonic movements in the lower limbs. The latter solved after 48h of general anesthesia and rocuronium perfusion, amongst other therapeutics. Accordingly, intrathecal bupivacaine appears to be the SM most likely cause, regarding the absence of neurologic and electrolyte disorders, spinal cord direct trauma, drug exchange and normal perioperative examination, imaging and laboratory testing.It is mandatory to always take the patients' anaesthetic histories and recognize, treat and report rare anaesthetic complications.

Background: Diagnosis of paradoxical tuberculosis-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (TB-IRIS) is challenging and new tools are needed for early diagnosis as well as to understand the biochemical events that underlie the pathology in TB-IRIS. Methods: Plasma samples were obtained from participants from a randomized HIV/TB treatment strategy study (AIDS Clinical Trials Group [ACTG] A5221) with (n = 26) and without TB-IRIS (n = 22) for an untargeted metabolomics pilot study by liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry. The metabolic profile of these participants was compared at the study entry and as close to the diagnosis of TB-IRIS as possible (TB-IRIS window). Molecular features with p

Guidelines on follow-up of children with post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans(PIBO) and/or bronchiectasis(BE) are scarce. Orientations are derived from other chronic lung diseases and adult studies. Aim: describe the management plan of children with PIBO and/or BE and analyse if it varies with lung function(LF). Methods: Retrospective review of medical records of children with PIBO and BE followed in a tertiary hospital for 2consecutive years(2018-9). Diagnosis based on history, LF and HRCT findings. Frequency of physician visits, spirometries and respiratory microbiology surveillance/year were recorded, as best LF parameters and nutritional status/year.Descriptive and regression analysis was done. Results: During the study period, 28 children [20 boys, median age 13.5yrs (7.1, 18.2), median duration of follow-up 9.6yrs(2.5, 15.4)], 16 with BOPI (plus BE 6; average z-score BMI -0.7, FEV1 -3.2, FEV1/FVC -2.6) and 12 with BE (average z-score BMI 0.4, FEV1 -0.5, FEV1/FVC -0.1) were regularly observed, on average, 2.7times/year (1 to 7) and performed 1.8spirometries/year (1 to 4) but only 4 had respiratory samples collected. 14 had been prescribed mucus clearance devices or educated on respiratory rehabilitation. No association between clinic visits and FEV1 was found. During this period,3 non-residents in Portugal were also observed,7 initiated follow-up and 10 were transferred/lost to follow-up. Method: Respiratory microbiology surveillance was low. In this small sample, LF alone did not instruct on follow-up. In the absence of guidelines, management is tailored to patients. Future directions should dictate minimal follow-up requirements for children with BOPI and BE.

The changes in host lipid metabolism during leprosy have been correlated to fatty acid alterations in serum and with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) dysfunctionality. This is most evident in multibacillary leprosy patients (Mb), who present an accumulation of host lipids in Schwann cells and macrophages. This accumulation in host peripheral tissues should be withdrawn by HDL, but it is unclear why this lipoprotein from Mb patients loses this function. To investigate HDL metabolism changes during the course of leprosy, HDL composition and functionality of Mb, Pb patients (paucibacillary) pre- or post-multidrug therapy (MDT) and HC (healthy controls) were analyzed. Mb pre-MDT patients presented lower levels of HDL-cholesterol compared to HC. Moreover, Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry lipidomics of HDL showed an altered lipid profile of Mb pre-MDT compared to HC and Pb patients. In functional tests, HDL from Mb pre-MDT patients showed impaired anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress activities and a lower cholesterol acceptor capacity compared to other groups. Mb pre-MDT showed lower concentrations of ApoA-I (apolipoprotein A-I), the major HDL protein, when compared to HC, with a post-MDT recovery. Changes in ApoA-I expression could also be observed in M. leprae-infected hepatic cells. The presence of bacilli in the liver of a Mb patient, along with cell damage, indicated hepatic involvement during leprosy, which may reflect on ApoA-I expression. Together, altered compositional and functional profiles observed on HDL of Mb patients can explain metabolic and physiological changes observed in Mb leprosy, contributing to a better understanding of its pathogenesis., Author summary Leprosy is a chronic disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, which causes lesions on the skin and peripheral nerves. Some patients do not present an efficient immune response and have a disseminated infection (multibacillary, Mb). Mb patients have lipid accumulation in infected tissues that is important for microorganism survival. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is composed of proteins and lipids and is produced in the liver. It removes excess of lipids from peripheral tissues and presents anti-inflammatory activity; however, these activities are not being properly performed in leprosy. To understand more about HDL metabolism on leprosy, the chemical composition and functionality of HDL from leprosy patients were analyzed before and after treatment with antibiotics (multidrug therapy, MDT). It was observed that HDL has an altered lipid composition in Mb patients before MDT, which may lead to an impairment of its functions. Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I), the main HDL protein, seems to be highly affected during infection. These functions can be slightly recovered after MDT, but not in the levels of healthy individuals. Our data open new perspectives to elucidate the modulation of lipid metabolism in leprosy and consequently to prevent disease complications.

Purpose Abdominal hysterectomy is one of the most commonly performed gynecologic surgical procedures and is frequently associated with moderate to severe pain. The present study compared the effects of morphine and ketamine on postoperative analgesia, hemodynamic stability, and postoperative adverse effects in patients who underwent abdominal hysterectomy. Design This randomized controlled trial compares the effects of morphine plus adjuvants to those of ketamine plus adjuvants, administered as spinal anesthetic agents in patients who underwent abdominal hysterectomy. Methods Eighty patients were randomly assigned to two different groups: group M (morphine, 40 mcg) and group K (ketamine, 20 mg); the anesthetic agents were combined with equal quantities of other adjuvants. Postoperative analgesia was evaluated by means of a numeric pain rating scale; adverse effects (pruritus, nausea and vomiting, urinary retention, respiratory depression, and changes in bowel habits) at specific postoperative time intervals of T1 (4 hours), T2 (12 hours), and T3 (24 hours) were documented and compared. Hemodynamic stability was assessed intraoperatively. Findings Both groups displayed similar patient characteristics, comorbidities, paravertebral block level, and intraoperative hemodynamics. The present study observed a significant difference in postoperative analgesia between the two groups, 12 hours after the surgery, with group M exhibiting better results, compared with group K (P = .004). The pain scores obtained from group K were consistent with the amount of rescue medication (tramadol) administered to the subjects in the group, which showed a concomitant higher consumption of tramadol, compared with group M (42.5 and 71.8 mg in group M and group K, respectively, P = .011). Group M showed a higher incidence of pruritus, changes in bowel habits, and constipation compared with group K. Conclusions Compared with ketamine, intrathecal morphine obtained better postoperative analgesia up to 12 hours after surgery, with a higher incidence of pruritus without any significant change in other variables.

This study evaluated the effect of detoxified castor meal on the reproductive performance, metabolic stress, milk production, and kid development in peripartum goats. The diet of the animals were with (DCM, n= 20) or without (WDCM, n= 21) detoxified castor meal during the entire gestation and until weaning, 60 days post-birth. No differences were observed in the gestation period, litter size, rate of multiple births, and mortality between the two groups. The postpartum plasma concentrations of progesterone remained below 1ng/mL in all animals, thus, confirming the absence of active corpora lutea. The thickness of sternum adipose tissue and loin area, levels of urea and cholesterol, milk production, and daily weight gain in the kids were low in the DCM group when compared to those in the WDCM group (P< 0.05). To conclude, the use of detoxified castor meal in peripartum goats resulted in lower level of performance in the kids because of reductions in the amount of milk received from their mothers during lactation. In addition, the diet containing detoxified castor meals was not efficient in recovering from the loss of stored body reserves able to initiate the recovery of the cyclic activity of the goats.

Chemical composition as well as phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of underutilized plants, such as carnauba palm (Copernicia prunifera), provide an informed decision on how to maximize their benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the fruit of carnauba. The total phenolic content (gallic acid equivalents, GAE) of the ethanol extract of the whole fruit, pulp and kernel were 44.6000, 0.0447 and 0.6930 mg GAE/g extract, respectively. The respective total tannin content was 1590.932, 2977.724 and 147.650 ppm in the whole fruit, pulp and kernel. The fruit of carnauba showed 9.84 mg anthocyanins/50 g of fresh pulp. Ethanol extract of whole fruit had a potent antioxidant activity. Thus, the fruit of carnauba has add-value in food industry. Key words: Secondary compounds, carnauba ethanol extract.

In vitro culture of ovarian preantral follicles has emerged as a reproductive technology aimed at obtaining large amount of oocytes for in vitro embryo production. The addition of growth factors (GF) in the in vitro culture of preantral follicles of different species has provided superior results of follicular development, antrum formation and proliferation of granulosa cells. However, there are only few reports regarding the use of these factors on feline preantral follicle in vitro culture. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a combination of IGF-1 and EGF on in vitro viability and growth of preantral follicles and enclosed oocytes collected from domestic cats. A total of 64 follicles characterized by multilayer granulosa cells were isolated and individually cultured for 6 days (T6) in minimum essential medium supplemented with IGF-1+ EGF (100 ng/ml each) or without (control). A higher percentage of follicles were viable after culture with GF than without, and an increase in size when IGF-1+ EGF were added to the medium (170 ± 32.4 μm (T0) vs. 201 ± 22.3 μm (T6); p .05) was observed. An increase in the diameter was also observed in follicles cultured without GF, but this increase was only 8.3% compared to 15.4% of those cultured with GF (p .05). No differences were found in the diameter of oocytes contained in follicles cultured in the non-supplemented or supplemented media (107.9 ± 11.8 μm (T0) vs. 113.2 ± 15.6 μm (T6); p .05). These data suggest that the addition of IGF-1 and EGF to the culture medium promotes the in vitro development of preantral follicles of cats.

O presente estudo avaliou o uso do fruto da carnaubeira desidratado em 28 cabras no periodo pos-parto alimentadas com dieta contendo feno de Tifton e concentrado comercial a base de milho (WCWP) ou com o fruto da carnaubeira (CWP). A sincronizacao de estro foi realizada aos 90 dias pos-parto e todas as femeas foram cobertas. No grupo CWP, em relacao ao grupo WCWP, o consumo de materia seca foi significativamente menor (646.48 ± 11.03 g vs. 739.29 ± 3.24 g, respectivamente; P < 0.01). O tempo para o aparecimento do primeiro corpo luteo funcional foi semelhante entre os grupos, ocorrendo em media aos 66 dias pos-parto. No momento da sincronizacao do estro, o grupo CWP apresentou uma menor espessura do tecido adiposo subcutâneo esternal quando comparado ao grupo WCWP (13,69 ± 0,57 mm vs. 11,93 ± 0,45 mm, respectivamente; P < 0,05) e uma menor taxa de gestacao (86,67% vs. 46,15%, respectivamente; P < 0.02). A taxa de crescimento da vesicula embrionaria e do comprimento crânio-caudal, assim como no diâmetro biparietal, toracico e abdominal aos 45 dias de gestacao estavam em ambos os grupos dentro do esperado para a especie em questao. Ao parto a prolificidade nao diferiu entre os grupos, com media de 1,39 ± 0,11. Em conclusao, a substituicao total do milho pelo fruto da carnaubeira no concentrado fornecido as femeas caprinas no periodo pos-parto nao apresentou efeitos positivos. A reducao da ingestao da dieta nas femeas alimentadas com carnauba levou a uma diminuicao das reservas corporais, a qual provavelmente foi a principal causa da diminuicao na taxa de gestacao nas femeas.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of de-oiled castor cake on reproductive traits of crossbreed goats. Fourteen males were grouped into two lots (n = 7/group), as described: group without de-oiled castor cake (WCC) and group fed with de-oiled castor cake (CC). Goats received two diets containing a mixture of Bermudagrass hay and concentrates with the same energy (73% total digestive nutrients) and protein content (15% crude protein) during 150 days, corresponding to ages from 40 (puberty) to 60 weeks. Blood plasma concentrations of urea, albumin, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase and testosterone were determined. We also evaluated scrotal circumference, sperm parameters, quantitative aspects of spermatogenesis and daily sperm production (DSP), as well as the proteome of seminal plasma and sperm membrane. Seminal fluid and sperm proteins were analyzed by 2D SDS–PAGE and mass spectrometry. After 150 days of castor cake feeding, animals had no changes in the biochemical composition of blood plasma, suggesting the absence of intoxication by ingestion of ricin. There were no alterations in dry mater intake, weight gain, testis size, peripheral concentrations of testosterone, sperm concentration, motility and morphology. Sertoli and germ cell populations in the testis and DSP were not affected either. However, there were significant variations in the expression of five seminal plasma proteins and four sperm membrane proteins. In conclusion, the replacement of soybean meal by castor cake (with ricin concentrations of 50 mg/kg) did not interfere with the growth and core reproductive development of male goats. However, the diet with ricin altered the expression of certain seminal plasma and sperm membrane proteins, which play roles in sperm function and fertilization. Lower expression of these proteins may impair the ricin-fed animals to perform as high-fertility sires.

Changes in the nutritional plan have been shown to affect oocyte quality, crucial to oocyte donors animals used in cloning. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of diets with increasing nutritional levels (maintenance diet=M; 1.3M; 1.6M; 1.9M) fed to goats for four weeks on follicular fluid composition, gene expression and oocyte competence used to cloning in goats. Donor females were superovulated for the retrieval of matured oocytes and physical measurements reported. After four weeks, groups receiving diets above maintenance increased thickness of subcutaneous adipose tissue and body weight, with higher values in 1.9M Group (P

This study aimed to assess the effects of dietary supplementation with crude glycerin on embryo quality and expression profile of genes from superovulated goats. Twenty-four hours (1 day) and 72 h (3 days) after mating animals received an oral drench of 200 mL saline solution (Control group), 100 mL glycerol (100 mL group) or 200 mL glycerol (200 mL group). Both insulin and glucose levels were measured after glycerol drenching. The relative expression of genes (Glut-1, IGF-1, Hsp70, Sod and Bax) in grade I and II embryos from groups was analyzed by sensitive TaqMan qPCR. Administration of crude glycerin raised insulin and glucose (p 0.05). A higher relative abundance of IGF-1 transcripts was observed in 200 mL group. Also none differences were observed for transcripts of apoptotic (Bax) and stress (Hsp70) genes. In conclusion, enhancement of circulating glucose and insulin generated from drenching crude glycerin after mating was associated with higher IGF-I expression and increased proportion of transferable embryos.

Twenty-five adult crossbred goats, divided in two groups, were fed over a period of 16 months with diets based on Tifton hay and concentrate feed with (DCO) or without (WDCO) detoxified castor bean meal as a substitute for soybean meal. Throughout 480 days, blood samples were taken to measure lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, urea, albumin and creatinine. The animals were euthanized, and the anatomical components (lungs, heart, spleen, liver, kidneys, tongue, empty stomach, empty intestines, omentum, cardiac and renal adipose tissue), carcass and commercial cuts (shoulder, ham, loin, ribs and neck) were weighed. Thereafter, an anatomic dissection of the loin was performed, separating the muscle, adipose and bone tissues. On the muscular part of the loin, longissimus dorsi , the proximate composition, fatty acid profile and the expression of SEW-1, IGF-I and IGF-II were analyzed. A higher incidence of bone tissue was observed in the anatomical dissections of the loin and a lower incidence of fat in the proximate composition of the longissimus dorsi of the DCO group compared to the WDCO group (p

Evidence about disease progression in PIBO is scarce. Although it seems to stabilize over time there are no clear markers of outcome. Aims: To ascertain if clinical and lung function(LF) indices qualify stability in PIBO. Methods: Retrospective chart review of the medical records of 45 children with PIBO on follow-up at a tertiary hospital. Twenty-eight (62,2%) patients with at least 8 years of follow-up were included (diagnosis based on history, chest HRCT and fixed airway obstruction). Clinical stability was assumed if ≤2 exacerbations/year; LF stability if ≤5% variation in %PredFEV1 (ATS/ERS, GLI2012)between yearly tests, all for 2 consecutive years. Descriptive analysis SPSS®. Results: Twenty(71%) patients were boys, initial injury occurred at median age of 11(0,6-68) months, 9(32%) needed mechanical ventilation. Adenovirus was the most common etiologic agent(10; 36%). Sixteen(57%) patients were atopic (positive skin prick tests/IgE). Median time of follow-up was 17,4(8,3-23,0)y; 4 had long-term home oxygen. Clinically, all patients stabilized at a median of 4,2(0,7-12,1)y after initial lung injury, yet only 9(32%) had no lung exacerbations for 2 years, which occurred at 8,0(3,1-17,4)y after initial injury. LF never stabilized by study criteria, but in 7(35%) it improved over time and in 50% varied ≤10% in %PredFEV1 from start to end of follow-up. Conclusion: Number of exacerbations/year showed to be a more sensible marker to define stability in PIBO. Assuming 10% variation in %PredFEV1 is probably wiser due to the propensity of PIBO/asthma overlap syndrome. Increasing sample size and analyzing trends in LF may inform about PIBO9s prognosis and help design specific interventions.

Introduction: Tobacco smoke is a risk factor for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and a major public health problem. Prenatal maternal smoking and post-natal environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) lead to dose-dependent decrease in lung function and respiratory morbidity. Influence of different socioeconomic indicators and ETS in the home has also been suggested. Methods: Data on 313 children (52 % male) from 4 public schools in Lisbon was analyzed [1st (46 %) and 4th graders]. ETS assessment and respiratory symptoms were based on a self-answered questionnaire. All children performed standard spirometry in the school setting and 54 % were acceptable according to ATS/ERS criteria. Descriptive and bivariate analysis of the most relevant variables was done, followed by multiple logistic regression analysis adjusted to the variables with clinical/statistical relevance. Results: ETS in the home was found in 41 % (maternal smoking during pregnancy 18 %, smoking mother 32 %, smoking father 38 %). Smoking fathers had lower education and less qualified occupation. Cough was more frequent in children with a smoking mother (adjusted ORÂ =Â 2.1; 95 %CI, 1.1â4) and wheezing in children with maternal smoking during pregnancy and smoking parents. All differences were significant (pÂ

Resumo: Introdução: A exposição ao fumo do tabaco (EFT) é factor de risco para Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crónica e um problema major de saúde pública. A EFT pré e/ou pós-natal determina redução precoce da função pulmonar e aumento da morbilidade respiratória, dependente da dose. Tem sido sugerido que a EFT domiciliária é influenciada por factores socioeconómicos. Métodos: Estudo de rastreio epidemiológico transversal de dados de 313 crianças (52% rapazes) de 4 Escolas Básicas de Lisboa [1.° ano (54%) e 4.° ano]. A EFT e sintomatologia respiratória foram avaliadas a partir de questionário auto-preenchido pelos pais. Todas as crianças efectuaram espirometria na escola e 54% foram consideradas aceitáveis de acordo com critérios ATS/ERS. Efectuou-se análise descritiva e bivariada das variáveis com maior interesse e análise de regressão logística múltipla ajustada para as variáveis com significado clínico/estatístico. Resultados: Em 41% dos casos a criança convivia com fumadores no domicílio (EFT na gravidez 18%, mãe fumadora 32%, pai fumador 38%). Os pais fumadores tinham escolaridade inferior e ocupações menos qualificadas. Tosse foi mais frequente nas crianças com mãe fumadora (OR ajustado = 2,1 95%CI 1,1â4,0) e sibilância nas crianças com EFT na gravidez e com mãe/pai fumadores. Todas as diferenças foram significativas (p <  0,05). Não se encontrou associação entre educação parental e sintomatologia respiratória ou ETF e infecções respiratórias/asma/diminuição de valores espirométricos. Conclusão: A EFT é frequente em crianças em idade escolar em Lisboa e condiciona morbilidade respiratória significativa. Intervenções dirigidas devem ter em conta condições sociais. Neste estudo a espirometria de campo foi pouco útil na detecção precoce de diminuição da função pulmonar em crianças associada à EFT. Abstract: Introduction: Tobacco smoke is a risk factor for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and a major public health problem. Prenatal maternal smoking and post-natal environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) lead to dose-dependent decrease in lung function and respiratory morbidity. Influence of different socioeconomic indicators and ETS in the home has also been suggested. Methods: Data on 313 children (52% male) from 4 public schools in Lisbon was analyzed [1st (46%) and 4th graders]. ETS assessment and respiratory symptoms were based on a self-answered questionnaire. All children performed standard spirometry in the school setting and 54% were acceptable according to ATS/ERS criteria. Descriptive and bivariate analysis of the most relevant variables was done, followed by multiple logistic regression analysis adjusted to the variables with clinical/statistical relevance. Results: ETS in the home was found in 41% (maternal smoking during pregnancy 18%, smoking mother 32%, smoking father 38%). Smoking fathers had lower education and less qualified occupation. Cough was more frequent in children with a smoking mother (adjusted OR = 2.1 95CI 1.1â4.0) and wheezing in children with maternal smoking during pregnancy and smoking parents. All differences were significant (pÂ

Avaliaram-se iogurtes de leite de cabra contendo ou não Bifidobacterium longum, B. breve, B. pseudolongum ou B. bifidum, adicionados ou não de aroma de morango. Os dados obtidos nas análises higiênico-sanitárias e físico-químicas foram dentro dos valores exigidos pela legislação brasileira; apenas o valor encontrado para lactose esteve abaixo do recomendado. Quanto às bactérias do iogurte, não houve diferença na contagem de Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus durante a estocagem, e não foi detectado Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus nas diluições utilizadas. A enumeração de Bifidobacterium spp. manteve-se entre 10(6) e 10(8)UFC/mL e não diferiu entre as espécies ao longo do tempo. Considerando-se a adição ou não de aroma, a análise das variáveis tempo e aroma não mostrou diferença estatística. A contagem entre os Bifidobacterium spp. demonstrou que nenhum microrganismo apresentou um comportamento superior a outro. Na análise sensorial, as amostras de iogurtes adicionados ou não de Bifidobacterium spp. e adicionados de aroma de morango não apresentaram diferenças entre si. O estudo mostrou ser possível a elaboração de iogurte de leite de cabra adicionado de Bifidobacterium spp. e de aroma de morango com qualidade assegurada, potencial para uso probiótico e boa aceitação pelo consumidor. Goat milk yogurt with or without Bifidobacterium longum, B. breve, B. pseudolongum, or B. bifidum, and supplemented or not with strawberry aroma were evaluated. Data obtained from hygienic-sanitary and physicochemical analyses were within the values recommended by the Brazilian legislation, except for lactose contents, which were lower than the recommended. In relation to the yogurt bacteria, there was no difference in the counts of Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus during the storage, and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus was not detected. The counts of Bifidobacterium spp.ranged from 10(6) to 10(8)CFU/mL, without difference between the species along the time. Considering the addition of flavor or not, the analysis of aroma and time variables showed no statistical difference. The counts of Bifidobacterium spp. demonstrated that none showed a superior value. For the hedonic scale test, there was no difference between yogurts supplemented or not with Bifidobacterium spp., and added or not with strawberry aroma. The study showed to be possible the elaboration of goat milk yogurt supplemented with Bifidobacterium spp. and strawberry aroma, presenting safety, potential for probiotic use, and good acceptability by consumers.

Introduction The tumour microenvironment is a complex and dynamic niche that has a fundamental role in tumour cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis. Macrophages (Mac) are described as having a central role in tumour progression and dendritic cells (DC) as having an immature/immunosuppressive profile, which limits T cells activity. Therapeutic strategies targeting these cells have been emerging as adjuvants to anticancer conventional treatments, aiming at their recruitment and repolarization towards an immunostimulatory phenotype favouring cancer cell elimination. Here, we focused on the potential of Chitosan/Poly(γ-glutamic acid) nanoparticles (NPs) to modulate cellular immunity and, consequently, to affect cancer-cell related activities. Material and methods NPs were prepared by co-acervation method. Primary human monocyte-derived M2 Mac (obtained by stimulation with IL-10) were incubated with NPs. Control experiments with unstimulated Mac and LPS-stimulated Mac (M1 phenotype) were performed. After 72 hour, cell metabolic activity, cell phenotype and cytokine production were evaluated. Mac ability to induce T cell proliferation/activation and tumour cell invasion were also assessed. The same studies were performed with human-monocyte derived DC. For in vivo models, 1 × 106 E0771 cells were injected in the mammary fat pad of C57BL/6 mice. After 10 days of tumour implantation, animals were treated every two days with NPs. Tumour growth was assessed by calliper every two days. Results and discussions NPs re-educated IL-10-stimulated Mac towards a pro-inflammatory profile, decreasing CD163 expression and promoting IL-12p40 and TNF-α secretion. NPs also induced an immunostimulatory phenotype on DC, enhancing the expression of the co-stimulatory molecules CD86, CD40 and HLA-DR, and secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-12 and IL-6. Interestingly, these phenotypic alterations induced both CD4+ and CD8+ T cell activation/proliferation and counteracted cancer cell invasion, in vitro. Regarding the in vivotumour model, we observed a decrease in tumour growth in NPs-treated animals comparing to the control, after 23 days of E0771 cell implantation. Additional experiments with other tumour models are currently being explored. Conclusion Overall, our findings open new perspectives on the use of NPs as an immunomodulatory therapy for tumour microenvironment reprogramming, providing a new tool for anticancer therapies.

Introduction Prism adaptation is a form of sensorimotor learning where participants have to regain normal pointing accuracy under circumstances where their entire visual field is shifted to one side by prism glasses. Once the goggles are removed, prism aftereffects are expressed as pointing errors in the direction opposite to that of the prismatic shift. When coupled with prism adaptation, anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) to the primary motor cortex (M1) increases retention of prism aftereffects in healthy participants. However, the mechanisms by which this motor memory boost occurs remain largely unknown. Objectives We sought to investigate the brain mechanisms underlying stimulation-enhanced motor memory by examining how inter-individual differences in neurochemical and functional response to a-tDCS relate to inter-individual differences in its effect on prism aftereffects. Materials and methods Participants underwent two MR scanning sessions during which they either received sham or real a-tDCS to M1. We used Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) and resting state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (rs-fMRI) to characterise individuals’ neurochemical and functional response to a-tDCS ( Bachtiar et al., 2015 , Stagg et al., 2009 ). Participants also underwent two behavioural sessions during which prism adaptation was either combined with sham or real a-tDCS. Results Preliminary results suggest that the bigger the reduction in GABA concentration in M1 following a-tDCS, the stronger the effect of a-tDCS on the retention of prism aftereffects. Conclusion This result supports the idea that the effect of anodal tDCS on motor memory depends on its effect on the GABAergic system. Further analyses will also consider the influence of the a-tDCS induced changes in functional connectivity within the motor network.

A expressão de RNAm para leptina, receptor de leptina (obRb), adiponectina, receptor de adiponectina (AdipoR1) e resistina foi avaliada por meio da técnica de PCR em tempo real, em tecidos ovariano, hipofisário, adiposo do omento e da região perirrenal, em ovelhas alimentadas sem farelo de mamona ou com farelo de mamona detoxificada durante 14 meses. O tipo de dieta não afetou os níveis de RNAm para leptina, obRb, adiponectina, AdipoR1 e resistina nos diferentes tecidos avaliados (P>0,05). Nos tecidos ovariano e hipofisário, não foi verificada a expressão da adiponecina e da resistina, respectivamente. Como consequência, pode-se concluir que o farelo de mamona detoxificada pode ser utilizado como fonte proteica na dieta de ovelhas, sem afetar a expressão do gene resistina e dos genes leptina e adiponectina, bem como de seus receptores.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of supplementation with detoxified castor meal (DCM) in the diet of ewes during pregnancy, partum, and post-partum on the weight development of their offspring and at slaughter. The study included 56 ewes with synchronized estrus that were naturally mated. At the beginning of pregnancy and in post-partum, hepatic and renal function-related parameters and progesterone levels were measured. At slaughter, the proximate composition and fatty acid profile were determined in the loin of ewes. There was no effect of diet on reproductive response after estrus synchronization. At the beginning of pregnancy, albumin and creatinine levels were lower in the DCM group. Supplementation with DCM did not alter the weight or body condition of ewes at partum. However, at weaning, the DCM group showed a higher loin-eye area (LEA) in relation to the group fed diets without detoxified castor meal (WDCM). At partum, as well as at weaning, the offspring of the ewes supplemented with DCM had a larger LEA than the WDCM group. In post-partum, levels of glucose, urea, protein, and cholesterol were lower in the DCM group. The return to cyclicity was similar in both groups, with an average of 47 days after partum. At slaughter, neither anatomical and carcass components nor the results of the proximate analysis were affected by the type of diet, except for an increase in heptadecanoic acid in the DCM group. Supplementation with detoxified castor meal in the diet of ewes does not affect lambing, pregnancy, prolificacy, return to cyclicity, milk production, blood biochemical parameters, or carcass characteristics.

The aim of this study was to determine whether the consumption of detoxified castor meal (DCM) by goats over a long period of time affects mRNA levels in oocytes, and in mural granulosa and cumulus cells. A total of 41 adult does were supplemented (DCM group, n=21) or not (control group, n=20) with detoxified castor meal (DCM) for a period of 500 days. Then, 13 and 12 does were randomly selected for slaughter from the DCM and control treatments groups, respectively, for the determination of the number of visible ovarian follicles, retrieved cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), and viable and non-viable oocytes. The relative expression levels for distinct genes were determined by quantitative PCR in viable immature oocytes prior to in vitro maturation (IVM), in oocytes attaining or not the metaphase stage after IVM, as well as in granulosa cells obtained upon oocyte collection, and in cumulus cells obtained after IVM. The number of follicles ≥4 mm did not differ between treatments (overall mean 23.3 ± 2.0) and no significant differences were observed in the recovery of viable, non-viable, or total mean numbers of oocytes (control group: 44.7 ± 4.6, DCM group: 54.9 ± 5.9, respectively) between control and DCM fed goats. The maturation rate was significantly higher for control than DCM oocytes (58.0% vs. 45.3%; P

Lipid-rich and energy-dense diets can have significant effects on the reproductive physiology, including the ovarian function and fertility. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of cashew nut bran supplementation as a lipid source on follicle development, plasma and intrafollicular concentrations of cholesterol, and developmental competence of in vitro-matured goat oocytes. The inclusion of cashew nut bran as 24% of the goats' diet for 28 days increased the percentage and number of degenerated oocytes compared with the control (P0.05), and also the plasma cholesterol levels and the proportion of grade IV oocytes compared with all other treatments (P0.05). Moreover, a significant reduction was observed in the proportion of viable oocytes compared with the control and in the percentage of grade II oocytes compared with all other treatments (P0.05). Oocyte maturation, cleavage, and blastocyst rates after parthenogenetic activation of viable oocytes were not affected by the type of diet. In conclusion, the inclusion of cashew nut bran as 24% of the diet of adult goats for 28 days changed plasma cholesterol levels and reduced the proportion of viable immature oocytes; however, the 12% and 24% diet supplementations with cashew nut bran did not interfere with competence of resulting viable oocytes to reach the metaphase II stage after IVM, and to develop after parthenogenetic activation.

This study was aimed to investigate the follicular growth of Morada Nova sheep supplemented with crude glycerin before mating. Eighteen ewes were subjected to follicular wave and estrus synchronization with three injections of D-cloprostenol administered via IM, on days -14, -7 and -1 before mating. Animals were randomized into two groups, the control (n = 9), which received an oral drench of solution of 200 mL of saline solution, and the glycerin group (n = 9), which was supplied with 200 mL glycerol (n = 9), administered as an oral drench of crude glycerin in saline solution (9:1), 1h after morning feeding. Glycerin was supplied for 6 days, beginning 7 days from the mate. Growth follicular pattern was monitored daily by transrectal ultrasonography during the period of glycerin supplementation. Blood samples were taken during glycerin administration for progesterone and glucose analysis. There was a significant increase (P < 0.001) in blood glucose after supplementation with glycerin (mean of 66.2 ± 1.3 vs 56.5 ± 0.8 mg/dL). The greater availability of energy near to ovulation was beneficial to Morada Nova ewes, leading to a significant increase (P < 0.001) of large follicles (> 3 mm). At diagnosis of pregnancy, it was observed that approximately 87% (13/15) (87.5% control group vs. 85.7% glycerin group) of the ewes were pregnant. The group treated with glycerin presented an increase of more than 40% of prolificacy (1.7 ± 0.3 vs. 1.2 ± 0.2; P=0.21). In conclusion, the monitoring of follicular growth reveals that crude glycerin increases the follicular population of Morada Nova ewes, when applied before mating.

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of respiratory disease in school-aged children and to determine the value of field spirometry. Methods: Data on 313 1st and 4th graders from four public schools in Lisbon were analyzed. A respiratory self-answered questionnaire and standard spirometry were performed. Descriptive and bivariate analysis was followed by multiple logistic regression. Results: Thirty-five percent of the children presented at least one episode of wheezing (18% ≥ 2 episodes), and 4% had asthma. Wheezing was more frequent with family history of atopy (adjusted OR = 2.7; 95%CI 1.4-5.1), maternal smoking during pregnancy, lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) (adjusted OR = 2.8; 95%CI 1.2-6.2), bronchiolitis (adjusted OR = 3.3; 95%CI 1.3-8.2), and allergy to aeroallergens (adjusted OR = 3.2; 95%CI 1.4-7.2). Asthma was more frequent with previous history of LRTI (adjusted OR = 14.6; 95%CI 1.7-122.9) and allergy to aeroallergens (adjusted OR = 8.2; 95%CI 2.0-34.2). Fifty-five percent of spirometry measurements met the acceptability criteria of the American Thoracic Society and of the European Respiratory Society. Wheezers presented mean lower z scores for forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), ratio between FEV1 and forced vital capacity (FVC) (FEV1/FVC), and forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75% (FEF 25-75) (p < 0.05), as well as higher percentage of abnormal FEV1, FEV1/FVC and FEF25-75 (FEF25-75, p < 0.05). Conclusions: This pilot study showed a high prevalence of obstructive airway symptoms in school-aged children in Lisbon. Symptoms assessed by the questionnaire showed good correlation with spirometric values. The small prevalence of asthma leads us to speculate that asthma is under-diagnosed in this population. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2011;87(2)123-130: Questionnaire, wheezing, asthma, portable spirometry.

The use of alternative protein sources that do not impair animal performance is a feasible option to reduce costs associated with animal supplementation. Previous studies indicate that castor cake has a high protein value and good ruminal degradability, making it an attractive alternative dietary source for ruminants. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects from ingestion of castor cake (treatment CC) or detoxified castor cake (treatment DCC) on serum IgG levels, in vivo production of goat embryos, and the expression profile of genes related to embryonic development, metabolism, and oxidative stress. The results showed the presence of IgG against ricin only in animals of the CC group. The ovulation rate and the production of transferable embryos in animals of the CC group were lower (P < 0.05) than in the animals fed without castor cake (WCC), but neither group differed significantly from the DCC group. There was no effect of type of diet on the expression of the IGF-IR, IGF-II, and GLUT-1 genes in goat embryos produced in vivo. However, the relative expression of mRNA for the HSP 70.1 gene was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the CC group than in the WCC group, but did not differ from that of the DCC group. In conclusion, this study showed that supplementation with detoxified castor cake can be used for goat feeding, but caution is necessary when providing castor bean meal in the feed of superovulated breeding females, because ricin in the diet, even at low concentrations, altered IgG levels and the expression of mRNA for HSP 70.1, effects that were accompanied by a lower rate of transferable embryos.

Introduction Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients develop sleep hypoxemia and hypercapnia in the course of disease.The magnitude of nocturnal oxygen desaturation (NOD) may correlate with the severity of lung disease and the development of pulmonary hypertension.In children studies are scarce and controversial.Aim: to identify predictive factors of NOD using nocturnal Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI) and its association with clinical severity in CF children. Materials and methods Twenty-four CF patients were included, January 2012 to June 2013.Clinical files were reviewed and data about nutritional status (BMI z -score), hospitalizations, bacterial isolates and pattern, and X-ray imaging findings were collected.Patients underwent a nocturnal pulse oximetry and ODI was classified as normal ( Results Twenty-four patients, median age 12.5 years (min7; max 18), twelve (50%) are homozygous for delF508.Twelve (50%) patients had nocturnal hypoxemia, either mild (6;50%), moderate (3;25%) or severe (3;25%).Twenty-two patients (92%) had bacterial isolates, sixteen (67%) of which were chronic.Seven patients (29%) had been hospitalized during the period of study.None children had a normal imaging and sixteen (67%) had bronchiectasis.No correlation was found between ODI and number of hospitalizations, total number and chronic isolates, microorganisms identified, BMI z-score and imaging changes.After ODI severity stratification, a significant correlation was found between moderate ODI and number of chronic isolates ( ρ = 0.999, p = 0.021).Although non significant, we found a moderate correlation between mild ODI and total number of isolates ( ρ = 0.639, p = 0.172) and isolation of MRSA ( ρ = 0.644, p = 0.150), moderate ODI and isolation of MRSA ( ρ = 0.866, p = 0.333) and severe ODI and isolation of B. cepacia ( ρ = 0.866, p = 0.333). Conclusion We couldn’t find a correlation between ODI and clinical severity.The only factor that showed a strong and statistically significant ODI correlation was the number of chronic bacterial isolations in the moderate ODI group.The small number of patients may explain some of the non-significant correlations, further and larger studies in children are needed. Acknowledgements - Dr. Rita Jotta – Patients and their families.

Sleep disturbance has been described in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients as relevant to clinical and lung function predictive factors helping to improve the diagnosis and early intervention. Related paediatric studies are scarce. Objective: To describe respiratory sleep disturbance (RSD) and its association with spirometric indices in a population of CF children. A second aim was to determine if spirometric indices and wake-time SpO2 are predictors of sleep disturbance. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 33CF paediatric patients. All participants underwent in-lab polysomnography (PSG), pulse oximetry and spirometry. A standardized sleep questionnaire was completed for each patient. Two subgroups were considered: I â Normal (FEV1 > â1.64 z-score); II â Obstructed (FEV1 â¤Â â1.64 z-score). Results: Participant's median age was 12 (6â18) years, 16 (48.5%) were male. Twenty-nine patients (87.9%) presented sleep complaints. Sleep efficiency was reduced; sleep latency and waking after sleep onset (WASO) increased. N1 increased, N2, N3, REM and awakenings were normal. The apnoeaâhypopnoea index was 0.6/h (sd 0.9); respiratory disturbance index (RDI) was 6.6/h (sd 5.2). Mean awaking (97% (sd 1.1)) and sleep SpO2 (95% (sd 2.7)) were normal; mean nocturnal oximetry desaturation index was 2.36/h; minimal nocturnal SpO2 was 89% (sd 4.1).We found associations between mean nocturnal SPO2 and mean values of FEV1 (r = 0.528; p = 0.002) and FEF25â75 (r = 0.426; p = 0.013). There were significant differences in nocturnal SpO2 between normal and obstructed patients (pÂ

In the present study, we evaluated the effect of long-term ingestion of detoxified castor meal on in vitro development of sheep preantral follicles as well as on the developmental competence of oocytes from antral follicles. Ovarian fragments were cultured for one or seven days and further analyzed by histology and fluorescence microscopy (experiment 1). The cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) obtained from antral follicles were matured in vitro and activated by parthenogenesis or fertilization in vitro (experiment 2). Even after 1 day of culture, in both tested groups, a significant reduction in the percentage of primordial follicles and a concomitant increase in the percentage of intermediate follicles were observed when compared to non cultured tissue. After 7 days of culture, the percentage of primary follicles in both tested groups was significantly higher when compared to the non cultured tissue or the tissue cultured for 1 day (P

Background Type 1 reaction (T1R) is an acute T-helper type 1 (Th1) inflammatory episode in patients with leprosy. While immunological responses associated with T1R have been investigated, the corresponding metabolic responses that could contribute to T1R pathology have received little attention. Methods Metabolomics-based analyses of sera from 7 patients with and 9 without T1R were conducted via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Serum metabolites present at levels that significantly differed (P < .05) with a log2 fold change of ≥ 1.0 between patient groups were interrogated against known metabolic pathways. The structural identification of targeted metabolites was confirmed and abundance changes validated by mass spectrometry and enzyme-linked immunoassay. Results Forty metabolic pathways were perturbed in patients with T1R, with 71 dysregulated metabolites mapping to pathways for lipid mediators of inflammation. Of note was an increase in the abundance of the proinflammatory leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and a corresponding decrease in the level of proresolving resolvin D1 (RvD1). Also, levels of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) and lipoxin A4 (LXA4) in patients with T1R were significantly increased, while the level of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was decreased. Conclusions The dysregulation of metabolic pathways leading to abundance shifts between proinflammatory and proresolving lipid mediators provides a link between metabolic and cellular immune responses that result in the Th1-mediated pathology of T1R.