Introdução: Dispepsia funcional é uma doença de alta prevalência e grande impacto econômico e social. Sua etiologia ainda é pouco conhecida, e a literatura tem sugerido a associação do aumento do número de eosinófilos em mucosa duodenal com os sintomas dispépticos. No entanto, o tema ainda é controverso. Objetivo: Avaliar se existe associação entre contagem de eosinófilos duodenais e sintomas dispépticos. Métodos: Foram incluídos pacientes dispépticos funcionais pelos critérios de Roma III (casos) e indivíduos assintomáticos do trato gastrointestinal (controles). Os dois grupos foram pareados por idade, sexo e infecção por Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Eosinófilos da segunda porção duodenal foram quantificados em 5 campos de maior aumento (CMA), selecionados randomicamente em fragmentos de biópsias endoscópicas, e o valor comparado entre os grupos. Resultados: Foram incluídos 42 dispépticos funcionais e 21 controles (idade média 39,6 e 38,7 anos respectivamente); 71,4% mulheres e 61,9% H. pylori positivos em cada grupo. Casos e controles apresentaram semelhante contagem de eosinófilos/CMA na biópsia duodenal, mediana 11,9 e 12,6 respectivamente (P=0,194). No grupo de casos a contagem de eosinófilos foi maior entre os portadores de H. pylori do que nos indivíduos não infectados (mediana 13,6 versus 6,1 P<0,001); no entanto foi semelhante no grupo de controles (mediana 12,6 versus 15,7 P=0,8). Conclusões: Não foi demonstrada diferença de contagem de eosinófilos duodenais entre dispépticos funcionais e controles. Entretanto, parece haver interação com infiltrado eosinofílico e sintomas no subgrupo de casos infectados pelo H. pylori. / Introduction: Functional dyspepsia is a highly prevalent disease with major economic and social impact. Its etiology is still poorly understood, and it has been suggested the association of increased numbers of eosinophils in duodenal mucosa with dyspeptic symptoms. However, this issue is still controversial. Objective: To determine if there is association between duodenal eosinophilia and dyspeptic symptoms. Methods: Functional dyspeptic patients according to the Rome III criteria (cases) and individuals without gastrointestinal symptoms (controls) were included. Groups were matched by age, sex and infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Eosinophils in the second duodenal portion were counted in five high-power fields (HPF), randomly selected in endoscopic biopsies and the value was compared between groups. Results: 42 functional dyspeptic patients and 21 controls (mean age 39.6 and 38.7 years old, respectively) were included; 71.4% were women and 61.9% were positive for H. pylori in each group. Cases and controls had similar eosinophil counts/HPF in the duodenal biopsy: median 11.9 and 12.6 respectively (P = 0.194). In the case group the eosinophil count was higher in H. pylori carriers than in noncarriers (median 13,6 versus 6,1 P<0,001); however this count was similar in the control group (median 12,6 versus 15,7 P=0,8). Conclusions: No difference was found in duodenal eosinophil count between functional dyspeptic patients and controls. However, there seems to be an interaction between eosinophilic infiltrate and symptoms in the subgroup of H. pylori-infected cases.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o potencial antioxidante do capim-limão (Cymbopogon citratus (D.C.) Stapf) sobre a qualidade do leite de cabra (produção, composição, características físico-químicas, contagem de células somáticas, contagem bacteriana total e oxidação lipídica) antes (Fase 1) e após a administração pontual de ACTH (Fase 2), bem como a apoptose do tecido mamário (Fase 3) de cabras leiteiras da raça Saanen em lactação. Nas Fases 1 e 2, 44 cabras foram alimentadas com ração composta por 53,2% de silagem de milho na matéria seca (MS) (T1), sendo a silagem de milho substituída em 33,5% (T2), 66,5% (T3) e 100% (T4) pelo feno de capim-limão peletizado, sendo que na Fase 3, doze cabras ao final do período de lactação (264,67 ± 31,86 dias) foram submetidas à biópsia de glândula mamária. Houve aumento numérico do consumo de matéria seca (CMS) com o aumento da inclusão de capim-limão nas duas fases experimentais (Fase 1 e 2) sem, no entanto, afetar a produção de leite. Os teores de gordura e sólidos totais na Fase 2 foram maiores nos tratamentos T1 e T3 após a indução de estresse via ACTH e reduziram linearmente com a inclusão de teores crescentes de capim-limão. Não houve diferença na contagem bacteriana total do leite nas duas fases experimentais. Já a contagem de células somáticas foi menor no tratamento T2 após a indução de estresse via ACTH e reduziu linearmente com a inclusão de níveis crescentes de capim-limão na Fase 2. A oxidação lipídica na Fase 1 não foi influenciada pelo capim-limão, mas na Fase 2 houve redução linear com a inclusão de capim-limão. A administração de ACTH não influenciou a oxidação lipídica do leite (Fase 2). Não houve efeito da inclusão de capim-limão sobre as concentrações de DNA e RNA, bem como na fragmentação do DNA (Fase 3) em gel de poliacrilamida 8%, no entanto, foi verificado efeito quadrático na contagem de células apoptóticas, com maior valor para o tratamento T2. A inclusão de níveis crescentes de capim-limão na alimentação de cabras leiteiras não reduziu a apoptose da glândula mamária, no entanto, aumentou a estabilidade oxidativa do leite, comprovando seu efeito antioxidante. / The objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant potential of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citrates (D.C.) Stapf) on the quality of goat\'s milk (production, composition, physical-chemical characteristics, somatic cell count, total bacterial count and lipid oxidation) before (Phase 1) and after punctual administration of ACTH (Phase 2), as well as mammary gland apoptosis (Phase 3) of milk goats of Saanen breed in lactation. In phases 1 and 2, 44 goats were fed ration composed by 53.2% of corn silage in dry matter (DM) (T1), where corn silage was substituted in 33.5% (T2), 66.5% (T3) and 100% (T4) by lemongrass pelletized hay. In phase 3, twelve goats at the end of lactation period (264.67 ± 31.86 days) were submitted to mammary gland biopsy. It was observed a numeric increase in dry matter intake (DMI) with the increase of lemongrass inclusion in two experimental phases (Phase 1 and 2) without, however, affecting milk production. The contents of fat and total solid in Phase 2 were higher in treatments T1 and T3 after stress induction through ACTH and were linearly reduced with increasing levels of lemongrass. There was no difference in total bacteria counts in milk in two experimental phases. Somatic cell counts were lower in treatment T2 after stress induction through ACTH and linearly reduced with the inclusion of increasing levels of lemongrass in Phase 2. Lipid oxidation in Phase 1 was not influenced by lemongrass inclusion but in Phase 2 there was linear reduction with lemongrass inclusion. The administration of ACTH did not influence milk lipid oxidation (Phase 2). There was no effect of lemongrass inclusion on DNA and RNA concentration, as well as in DNA fragmentation (Phase 3) in polyacrylamide gel 8%. However, it was observed quadratic effect in apoptotic cells counts with higher value for treatment T2. The inclusion of increasing levels of lemongrass in the feeding of dairy goats did not reduce the apoptosis of mammary gland, however, increased the oxidative stability of milk, proving its antioxidant effect.

Foram utilizados 10 eqüinos clinicamente sadios, machos, adultos, de diferentes raças, pesando entre 350 e 450 Kg, escolhidos aleatoriamente e divididos em dois grupos: em cinco animais foi realizada biópsia renal guiada por laparoscopia com agulha descartável do tipo tru-cut, e nos outros cinco através de pinça de biópsia laparoscópica de 5mm. Os procedimentos foram efetuados com os animais em posição quadrupedal, mediante sedação e analgesia, e bloqueio anestésico local em 2 pontos no flanco esquerdo, sendo um para introdução do trocarte e óptica, e outro para introdução da agulha ou pinça. Parâmetros clínicos e laboratoriais foram avaliados dois dias antes do procedimento e acompanhados nas três semanas subseqüentes, permitindo determinar as alterações decorrentes. As técnicas foram comparadas quanto à segurança, qualidade, tempo de execução e significância da amostra colhida. Durante o acompanhamento pós-operatório dos animais, não houve variação clínica e laboratorial significativa em ambos os grupos, porém, a análise histológica dos fragmentos demonstrou uma maior porcentagem de biópsias adequadas no grupo em que foi utilizada pinça laparoscópica. / Ten healthy adult male horses, of different breeds, weighing between 350 and 450kg were randomly chosen and divided into two groups of five animais each: in one group, laparoscopic guided renal biopsy was pertormed using tru-cut needles and in the other group using 5mm forceps. Procedures were carried out with animais in quadrupedal position, under sedation and analgesia and local anesthetic nerve block was made in two points on the left flank: one for the introduction of the trocar and optical system and one for the introduction of the needle or forceps. Laboratory and clinical parameters were evaluated two days prior to the proceeding and followed up in the subsequent three weeks in order to verify the resulting alterations. The techniques were compared as regards safety, quality, time for execution and significance of the sample obtained. During the post-surgery follow-up period, no significant clinical and laboratory alterations were observed in either group, although the histological analysis of the fragments a higher percentage of adequate biopsies in the group where Laparoscopic forceps were used.

As doenças do trato digestório nos equinos apresentam altas taxas de morbidade e mortalidade, com diferentes etiologias. Em alguns casos, o emprego da biopsia intestinal se faz necessário para auxílio no diagnóstico dessas enfermidades. No entanto, as técnicas convencionais podem trazer riscos aos pacientes, por serem invasivas, ou não serem elucidativas por apresentarem limitações de acesso a determinados segmentos. O presente estudo teve como objetivo validar uma técnica de biopsia intestinal, intracorpórea, assistida por videolaparoscopia, ainda não descrita na literatura, para coleta de fragmentos de mucosa de jejuno e cólon menor de equinos, que sejam considerados adequados para avaliação histológica. Para tanto, foram utilizados seis equinos machos, da raça Puro Sangue Árabe, com idade de dois anos, sem histórico prévio de doenças do trato digestório, com peso médio de 267 kg. Todos os animais foram submetidos ao mesmo procedimento laparoscópico, instituindo-se apenas jejum alimentar prévio de oito horas. Os equinos foram acompanhados com exame físico e de ultrassonografia abdominal, desde o dia precedente às laparoscopias, até o 15º dia do período pós-operatório, bem como avaliados por meio de hemograma, provas de funções hepática e renal, e análise do líquido peritoneal nos dias 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, 21 e 30. O tempo cirúrgico foi cronometrado, sendo registrado o tempo total, iniciado na criação do primeiro portal de acesso e finalizado ao término da sutura de pele, e os tempos parciais para biopsia de jejuno e cólon menor separadamente, com início na apreensão do segmento intestinal e término quando constatada a polimerização da cola cirúrgica sobre o orifício de acesso da agulha. De cada segmento obtiveram-se dez fragmentos, e posteriormente submetidos à análise histológica. Atribuiu-se escore para cada um deles, sendo considerado 0 fragmentos com qualidade ruim; 1 para qualidade boa e 2 para qualidade ótima. Por sua vez, os considerados viáveis foram somente os que se enquadraram nos escores 1 e 2. Amostras avaliadas como adequadas 11 apresentaram no mínimo 50% dos fragmentos viáveis. A média do tempo total de procedimento foi de 66,50 minutos (± 7,87), enquanto a média do tempo parcial para biopsia de jejuno foi de 14,2 minutos (± 4,3) e a de cólon menor 12,7 minutos (± 5,0). Clinicamente, os animais apresentaram desconforto abdominal nas primeiras 48 horas. Os exames ultrassonográficos do abdômen não revelaram alterações condizentes com peritonite ao longo de todo experimento. Os parâmetros laboratoriais apresentaram apenas características inflamatórias, sendo que o líquido peritoneal permaneceu alterado até o 21º de pós-operatório, havendo normalização de todos os seus valores no 30º dia do estudo. Na inspeção laparoscópica de dois equinos (E2, E4) foi identificada aderência de porção de omento no diafragma. Nas avaliações histológicas de jejuno, uma amostra (E5) de seis foi considerada inadequada, com 5/12 fragmentos viáveis, e em cólon menor, duas (E1, E2) de seis, foram inadequadas, com 4/9 e 5/10 fragmentos viáveis respectivamente. A nova técnica de biopsia intestinal possibilitou a coleta de amostras adequadas de mucosa para análise histológica, de forma segura para os animais, uma vez que as alterações clínicas e laboratoriais foram aquelas relacionadas ao processo inflamatório, compatível com procedimentos laparoscópicos na espécie / Gastrointestinal diseases in horses result in high rates of morbidity and mortality, with different aetiologies. In some cases, an intestinal biopsy is needed to aid in the diagnosis of such diseases. However, the conventional techniques can pose risks to patients for being invasive or for not being elucidating due to having limitations in accessing certain segments. The objective of this study was to validate an intestinal biopsy technique, intracorporeal, assisted by laparoscopy, which has not yet been described in the literature, to collect mucosal fragments from the jejuno and small colon, which might be considered suitable for histological assessment. For such, six male horses were used, Arabian breed, with two years of age, without any records of abdominal diseases, weighing 267 kg in average. All horses were subjected to the same laparoscopic procedure, fasting for eight hours previously to the procedure. All horses were monitored through physical examination and abdominal ultrasonography, from the day previous to laparoscopy, until the 15th postoperative day, as well as hemogram, tests of liver and kidney functions, and analysis of the peritoneal fluid in days 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, 21 and 30. The total laparoscopic procedure time was registered, starting at the moment of the first incision and ending at the moment of the skin closure. The partial times for the jejunal biopsy and small colon biopsy were recorded as well, starting at the grasping of the intestinal segment and ending at the moment of polymerization of the surgical adhesive on the needle access site. From each segment, ten fragments were collected and later subjected to histological analysis. A score was assigned for each one of them, being scored \"0\" fragments of poor quality; \"1\" fragments of good quality and \"2\" fragments of optimal quality. The samples considered viable were only the ones which scored 1 and 2. The samples deemed as adequate showed at least 50% of it fragments to be viable. The average of the surgery total time was of 66,50 minutes (± 7.87), whereas the average of the jejunal biopsy was of 14.2 minutes (± 4.3) and the small colon biopsy time was of 12.7 minutes ( ± 5.0). Clinically, the animals showed mild abdominal 13 discomfort in the first 48 hours. Ultrasonographic examination of the abdomen did not reveal any alterations consistent with peritonitis throughout the entire experiment period. Laboratory parameters presented inflammatory characteristics, and the peritoneal fluid remained altered until the 21th postoperative day, with normalization of all its values on the 30th day of the study. During the laparoscopic inspection of two horses (E2, E4) was identified partial omental adhesion with the diaphragm. In the jejunal histological evaluations, one sample (E5) of six was considered inadequate, with 5/12 viable fragments, and as for the small colon, two (E1, E2) of six were inadequate, with 4/9 and 5/10 viable fragments respectively. The new technique proposed allowed a safe collection of adequate mucosal samples for histological analysis, since clinical and laboratory abnormalities identified were related to the inflammatory process associated to the laparoscopic techniques in horses

In order to investigate the total number, relative proportions, size variations and distribution patterns of fibres of different types in human skeletal muscles, a technique was developed which allows whole muscle cross-sections to be collected and stained enzyme histochemically. Necropsy material was obtained from m. tibialis anterior and m. vastus lateralis of previously healthy young adults who had suffered sudden accidental deaths. The muscle specimens were extirpated within 72 hours post morten, frozen in liquid nitrogen, embedded in carboxymethylcellu- lose, sectioned and enzyme histochemically stained for myofibrillar ATPase in order to permit light microscopic identification of type 1 and type 2 muscle fibres. The present results show that there is a large variation in both the total number of fibres and the size of the whole muscle cross-sectional area between different individuals and, also, between different levels of the same muscle. The distribution of fibres of different types over the muscle cross-section was heterogeneous. Usually the relative proportion of type 2 fibres showed a peak along a medio- lateral line passing through the centre of the muscle cross-section. When comparing the left and right m. tibialis anterior of the same individual, one of the- muscles (usually the left one) was found to contain a larger number of fibres than the contralateral one. However, the pattern of distribution of fibres of different types was similar in the two muscles. The fibre sizes were also found to vary between different regions of the muscle cross-section. Both type 1 and type 2 fibres were significantly larger in the deep muscle region compared to the central or superficial sites. The mean fibre size as well as the total number of fibres correlated strongly with the whole muscle cross-sectional area. The female m. tibialis anterior contained fewer and smaller fibres than the corresponding male muscle, although the whole muscle cross-sectional area was of similar magnitude. The distribution of fibre types over the muscle cross-section differed somewhat between females and males. The variation in fibre sizes between different muscle sites was less pronounced in the females, but as in male muscles the type 2 fibres were always larger than the type 1 fibres. In conclusion, systematic variations in fibre type distribution and fibre size occurs over the muscle cross-section. The total number of fibres in the cross- section seems to vary with individual, sex, distance from muscle origin and left- right leg. The combination of fewer and smaller fibres in females compared to males leads to about 40 % smaller total muscle fibre cross-sectional area in female m. tibialis anterior. The results are discussed in relation to previous studies using muscle biopsy techniques. The possible contibution of variations in number, sizes or distribution patterns of muscle fibres to adaptation of muscle to varying functional demands is also discussed. / <p>S. 1-27: sammanfattning, s. 28-91: 5 uppsatser</p> / digitalisering@umu.se

Magister Chirurgiae Dentium - MChD / Background and Aims: While a single “high quality” oral liquid based cytology (LBC) study has shown a high sensitivity and specificity for the technique in detection of oral dysplasia and malignancy, the high unit cost of this technology cannot be borne by the developing African countries. This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of an alternative cost-effective technique, Shandon PapSpin (PS) LBC in diagnosis of oral and oropharyngeal dysplasia and malignancy. Materials and Methods.We compared the diagnostic accuracy of Shandon PS LBC with that of scalpel biopsy in 69 patients. Transepithelial cytology specimens were obtained using a cervical Cytobrush. The cytology specimens were graded and scored using a novel oral cytologic grading and scoring system respectively. Results: Histological diagnosis of dysplasia or invasive squamous cell carcinoma was made in 51 of the 69 cases. Histology confirmed the cytological diagnosis of dysplasia or malignancy in 49 of the 51 cases. There were two false negative and no false positive cases. The sensitivity was 96% and the specificity 100%. The cytologic grade correlated positively with histologic grade. The best cut off value for distinguishing reactive/mildly dysplastic lesions from high 9 grade/invasive squamous cell carcinoma was determined as a cytologic score of 3, representing a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 96%. Conclusion: The Shandon PS LBC in association with transepithelial brush biopsy technique (TBBT) is a highly sensitive, specific and economical screening test in detection of oral and oropharyngeal dysplasia and malignancy. The proposed oral cytologic grading system correlates well with histology. The novel oral cytologic scoring system shows promise as a simple, reliable and reproducible scoring system. In addition, the liquid residual allows for immunocytochemical (Podoplanin) testing. / South Africa

Estudos têm mostrado que o treinamento de força de baixa intensidade com oclusão vascular (TFOV) tem apresentado resultados similares nos ganhos de força e hipertrofia comparado ao treinamento de força (TF) de alta intensidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os efeitos de três diferentes programas de TF nos ganhos de força e hipertrofia musculares e na expressão da miostatina (MSTN) e seus antagonistas. Para isso, vinte e nove jovens do sexo masculino, sem experiência em TF, foram recrutados e divididos randomicamente nos grupos: treinamento de força de baixa intensidade sem oclusão (BI), treinamento de força de baixa intensidade com oclusão (BIO) e treinamento de força de alta intensidade sem oclusão (AI). Os grupos BIO e BI treinaram com intensidade de 20% 1RM, enquanto o grupo AI treinou com intensidade de 80% 1RM. A ANOVA one way foi utilizada para testar as diferenças percentuais nos ganhos de força (1RM) e na área de secção transversa (AST) do músculo quadríceps femoral. O modelo misto para análise das medidas repetidas foi utilizado para testar as diferenças nas variáveis miostatina (MSTN), folistatina-3 (FLST-3), SMAD-7 e GASP-1 nos grupos BI, BIO e AI nas condições pré e pós-treinamento. Os resultados mostraram que os aumentos de força e hipertrofia musculares nos grupos BIO e AI foram similares, entretanto superiores ao grupo BI. Esses resultados podem ser atribuídos a maior diminuição na expressão da MSTN nos grupos BIO (45%) e AI (41%) comparados com o grupo BI (16%) e o aumento na expressão dos genes que antagonizam sua atividade (SMAD-7, FLST-3 e GASP-1). Podemos concluir que a inibição na atividade da MSTN dos grupos BIO e AI podem responder em parte a similaridade nos ganhos de força e hipertrofia entre os grupos e a diferença para o grupo BI / It has been demonstrated that low intensity training associated to vascular occlusion (LIO) promotes similar gains in strength and muscle mass when compared to high intensity strength training (HI). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of three different training programs on skeletal muscle hypertrophy and atrophy related gene expression. Twenty nine young male, with no previous experience in strength training were randomly allocated in three groups: low intensity strength training (i.e. 20% - 1-RM) (LI); low intensity strength training associated to vascular occlusion (i.e. 20% - 1-RM) (LIO); high intensity strength training (HI) (i.e. 80% - 1-RM). One-way ANOVA was used to assess differences in % delta change values of 1-RM and cross sectional area (CSA) of the quadriceps femoris. Mixed model analysis was used to compare myostatin (MSTN), folistatyn-3 (FLST-3), SMAD-7 e GASP-1 changes between groups pre and post training. Results demonstrated similar increases in strength and muscle hypertrophy for LIO and HI groups. Moreover, such increases were significantly greater when compared to LI. These results may be, at least in part, explained by a significant decrease in MSTN mRNA expression in LIO (45%) and HI (41%) when compared to LI (16%); additionally, SMAD-7; FLST-3 and GASP-1 mRNA expression were significantly increased. In conclusion, LIO training promotes similar gains than HI training. The results may be explained by changes in MSTN and related genes mRNA expression

Orientador: Juliana Regina Peiró / Banca: Marion Burkhardt de Koivisto / Banca: Carlos Augusto Araújo Valadão / Resumo: A eficiência reprodutiva em éguas é geralmente baixa, sendo que 43% de éguas puro-sangue falham em conceber um potro vivo. Infecção bacteriana no lúmen uterino é uma das principais causas de infertilidade em éguas. O exame citológico do endométrio é o mais importante método auxiliar no controle da saúde genital da égua devido ao seu baixo custo, fácil emprego e a possibilidade de rápido diagnóstico de processos inflamatórios, mesmo que subclínicos. A indução experimental de endometrite por inóculos de E. coli em éguas promoveu um aumento significativo nas proteínas de fase aguda (APPs) sistemicamente demonstrado pelo aumento nas concentrações da proteína amiloide sérica A (SAA) e fibrinogênio, leucopenia transitória e aumento da expressão de mRNA de citocinas e SAA no endométrio (METTE et al., 2010). Os objetivos do presente estudo foram correlacionar os achados de exames ultrassonográficos e hematológicos com culturas microbiológicas, citologia e histopatologia endometrial de éguas que apresentam endometrite ou histórico reprodutivo insatisfatório, avaliar a influência das lavagens uterinas no ambiente uterino e determinar qual(is) proteína(s) de fase aguda poderia(m) ser utilizada(s) como marcador(es) da resposta inflamatória sistêmica. Doze éguas da raça Quarto de Milha, divididas em dois grupos: controle e com endometrite (n=6), foram avaliadas quanto aos parâmetros hematológicos, swab uterino para cultivo microbiológico, citologia endometrial, biópsia uterina, e eletroforese do soro para determinação das concentrações de proteínas de fase aguda, antes e após o processo de lavagem uterina. Os resultados do presente estudo mostraram que a cultura microbiológica associada ao exame citológico do endométrio possibilitaram a fácil identificação e classificação da endometrite já instalada...(Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The reproductive efficiency of mares is generally low, and 43% of Thoroughbred mares fail to conceive a live foal. Bacterial infection of the uterine lumen is a major cause of infertility in mares. The cytological examination of the endometrium is the most important method to assist in controlling the genital health of the mare due to its low cost, is easy to use and provides a rapid diagnosis of inflammatory processes. Experimental induction of endometritis by an inoculum of E. coli in mares caused a significant increase in acute phase proteins (APPs) systemically demonstrated by increased concentrations of serum amyloid A protein (SAA) and fibrinogen, transient leucopenia and increased mRNA expression of cytokines and SAA in the endometrium.The aim of this study was to correlate the ultrasonographic and hematological findings with results of the microbiological cultures, endometrial cytology and histopathology in mares with endometritis or poor reproductive history, assess the influence of uterine flushings in the uterine environment and determine which acute phase protein(s) might be used as a marker of systemic inflammatory response and evaluate the influence of uterine lavages on the uterine environment. Twelve Quarter Horse mares were divided into 2 groups: control and with endometritis (n=6) and were evaluated for hematological variables, uterine swab for microbiological culture, endometrial cytology, uterine biopsy and serum electrophoresis for determination of acute phase proteins concentrations before and after uterine lavage. The results of this study showed that the microbial culture associated with endometrial cytology allowed easy identification and classification of endometritis, and the histopathology was necessary to identify subclinical and/or chronic... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

No description available.

The purposes of this dissertation were to 1) determine what tapering and peaking practices appear to be most effective via systematic review, 2) to identify the tapering and peaking practices used by North American powerlifters, 3) to experimentally compare muscular adaptations and performance changes following two different training cessation periods, and 4) to experimentally compare the two most common taper models following a training program aimed at peaking maximal strength. Based on the scientific literature, a step and exponential taper appeared to be the most effective tapering models used when volume-load is reduced by half over 2±1 week. Interestingly, North American powerlifters reported that the step taper was most often used while reducing volume-load by 41-50% over 7-10 days. Furthermore experimentally, there were no changes in lower body maximal strength following 3 or 5 days of training cessation. However, upper body maximal strength decreased following 5 days of training cessation. Thus, at the end of a taper, a training cessation period of 3 days appears to be effective for maintaining upper and lower body maximal strength. Furthermore, a work-matched step taper and exponential taper produced similar outcomes for 1RM back squat, bench press, and deadlift, powerlifting total and Wilks Score in strength athletes, yet deadlift 1RM changes favored the exponential taper. However, there were clear physiological differences observed at the whole muscle and muscle fiber levels that appeared to contribute to performance outcomes. This was one of the first investigations demonstrating whole muscle and muscle fiber hypertrophy following a peaking program in strength athletes. Immunohistochemical and immunoblotting analyses demonstrated an increase in myosin-heavy chain IIA content with concomitant decreases in myosin-heavy chain I and IIX content, particularly following the step-taper. These myosin isoform shifts towards a faster, higher quality phenotype were related to changes in underlying myocellular signaling (i.e. Sox6 upregulation, micro RNA-499a downregulation) responsible for fiber-type transitions. These findings indicate a shorter taper may produce favorable muscular adaptations followed by a period of short-term training cessation to prevent the loss of taper-induced performance adaptations. Overall, the findings from these investigations support the use of tapering to enhance maximal strength.