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This study aims to gather knowledge about the use of deoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP) by Western European Veterinarians (WEV) in dogs with typical hypoadrenocorticism. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey, translated into four languages and disseminated to veterinary affiliates and mailing lists in six countries of Western Continental Europe. Respondents were tasked to share their therapeutic approach to hypoadrenocorticism, whether they preferred DOCP or fludrocortisone and the specific practical use of DOCP. One-hundred and eighty-four responses were included. Of these, 79.9% indicated that they preferred prescribing DOCP over fludrocortisone as a first-line treatment for mineralocorticoid supplementation. A total of 154 respondents had used DOCP at least once. Eighty percent of those who reported their initial dosage prescribed 2.2 mg/kg. After starting DOCP, 68.2% of the respondents assess electrolytes 10 and 25 days after administration following manufacturer instructions. In stable dogs, electrolytes are monitored quarterly, monthly, semi-annually, and annually by 44.2%, 34.4%, 16.9%, and 4.6% of respondents respectively. When treatment adjustment is required, 53% prefer to reduce dosage while 47% increase the interval between doses. Overall, DOCP is the preferred mineralocorticoid supplementation among WEV. Reported variability underlies the need to investigate the best strategies for DOCP use and therapeutic adjustments.

Dissertação para obtenção do Grau de Mestre em Genética Molecular e Biomedicina Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium capable of surviving and infecting a healthy human stomach and it is estimated that infect more than a half of world population. Despite of being almost always asymptomatic, in some cases, the infection can evolve to several gastric disease as chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, gastric cancer and MALT lymphoma. Vaccination against H. pylori is a promising option due to emerging problems of antibiotics treatment. It is thought that oral immunization could be a good approach for a more effective protection against infections by H. pylori, creating a first line of defense in mucosal surfaces. Chitosan nanoparticles are a suitable vehicle for oral vaccines delivery due to its immunogenic and mucoadhesive properties, protecting the DNA and allowing high levels of transfected cells. Thus, this work aims to evaluate a new pDNA- and recombinant protein-based vaccine, with multi epitopes of different H. pylori antigens. Following production and purification of plasmid DNA and recombinant proteins, vaccines were formulated for oral and intramuscular administration with the antigens encapsulated with chitosan nanoparticles. The type of immune response induced and the effectiveness of protective immunity elicited were assessed by ELISA, through analysis of specific IgGs, mucosal SIgA and cytokines levels produced by immunized BALB/C mice. When give by the intramuscular route, the formulated pDNA and recombinant protein-based vaccines efficiently stimulated the production of specific IgG2a and IgG1, which is supported by cytokines levels, revealing a better and balanced systemic immune response than oral immunizations. Nevertheless as expected, oral immunizations with either pDNA vaccines or recombinant protein revealed high levels of SIgA, showing to be effective in gastric mucosal immunization for a more protective immune response, contrasting with intramuscular immunizations which did not induce SIgA. The immunization results showed that both pDNA and recombinant proteins vaccines encapsulated with chitosan nanoparticles are good candidates for the development of a future vaccine to prophylactic and therapeutic use to improve the eradication of H. pylori infections. Fundação da Ciência e Tecnologia - (PTDC/BIO/69242/2006); FEDER - (PEst-OE/SAU/UI4013/2011)