abstract: Conditions during development can shape the expression of traits at adulthood, a phenomenon called developmental plasticity. In this context, factors such as nutrition or health state during development can affect current and subsequent physiology, body size, brain structure, ornamentation, and behavior. However, many of the links between developmental and adult phenotype are poorly understood. I performed a series of experiments using a common molecular currency - carotenoid pigments - to track somatic and reproductive investments through development and into adulthood. Carotenoids are red, orange, or yellow pigments that: (a) animals must acquire from their diets, (b) can be physiologically beneficial, acting as antioxidants or immunostimulants, and (c) color the sexually attractive features (e.g., feathers, scales) of many animals. I studied how carotenoid nutrition and immune challenges during ontogeny impacted ornamental coloration and immune function of adult male mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos). Male mallards use carotenoids to pigment their yellow beak, and males with more beaks that are more yellow are preferred as mates, have increased immune function, and have higher quality sperm. In my dissertation work, I established a natural context for the role that carotenoids and body condition play in the formation of the adult phenotype and examined how early-life experiences, including immune challenges and dietary access to carotenoids, affect adult immune function and ornamental coloration. Evidence from mallard ducklings in the field showed that variation in circulating carotenoid levels at hatch are likely driven by maternal allocation of carotenoids, but that carotenoid physiology shifts during the subsequent few weeks to reflect individual foraging habits. In the lab, adult beak color expression and immune function were more tightly correlated with body condition during growth than body condition during subsequent stages of development or adulthood. Immune challenges during development affected adult immune function and interacted with carotenoid physiology during adulthood, but did not affect adult beak coloration. Dietary access to carotenoids during development, but not adulthood, also affected adult immune function. Taken together, these results highlight the importance of the developmental stage in shaping certain survival-related traits (i.e., immune function), and lead to further questions regarding the development of ornamental traits. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Biology 2012

O período de transição nas vacas leiteiras é caracterizado por alterações fisiológicas como redução de consumo, balanço energético negativo, lipólise e perda de peso, hipocalcemia, queda na função imune e contaminação bacteriana do útero. O estudo avaliou o efeito de duas aplicações de vitamina ADE intramuscular sobre o perfil bioquímico, metabolismo oxidativo e a função de leucócitos polimorfonucleares de vacas holandesas multíparas e primíparas, com dieta a base de silagem de milho e concentrado, no período de transição. Foram utilizados 32 vacas holandesas, randomizadas em dois grupos, sendo que o grupo tratado recebeu vitaminas ADE (270.000 UI vitamina A, 80.000 UI vitamina D e 80 mg vitamina E/mL) na dose de 1mL/50 kg pela via intramuscular profunda, aos 20 e 10 dias antes do parto. Aos -20d;-10d; 0d; 7d; 14d; 28 dias do parto foram colhidas amostras de sangue para análise. As alterações fisiológicas do parto foram evidenciadas pelas variáveis: habilidade de redução férrica plasmática, glicose, ácidos graxos não esterificados, colesterol, aspartato aminotransferase, gamaglutamil transferase e creatinoquinase. O período de transição interferiu tanto na produção de espécies reativas a oxigênio (EROs) quanto na porcentagem de leucócitos polimorfonucleares (PMN) fagocitando sob estímulo de Staphylococcus aureus conjugada com iodeto de propídio (SAPI). Vacas primíparas apresentaram menor desafio metabólico que as vacas multíparas, demonstrado pelos maiores valores da atividade de superóxido dismutase e concentrações plasmáticas de glicose, e menores valores de betahidroxibutirato e gamaglutamil transferase nas primíparas. Além disso, as vacas primíparas apresentaram maior porcentagem de PMN fagocitando e maior produção de EROs frente ao estímulo da SAPI. A suplementação parenteral com vitaminas ADE, na dose utilizada, não foi suficiente para melhorar o status antioxidante das vacas, independente do número de partos, porém a suplementação aumentou a produção de EROs pelos leucócitos PMN quando estimulados com lipopolissacarídeos de Escherichia coli (LPS). / The transition period in dairy cattle is characterized by physiological changes such as reduced feed intake, negative energy balance, weight loss and lipolysis, hypocalcemia, reduced immune function and bacterial contamination of the uterus. This study evaluate the effect of two applications of intramuscular vitamin ADE on the biochemical profile, oxidative metabolism and function of polymorphonuclear leukocytes of primiparous and multiparous Holstein cows with diet based on corn silage and concentrate during the transition period. Thirty-two Holstein cows, randomized into two groups, the treatment group received vitamins ADE (270,000 IU vitamin A, 80,000 IU vitamin D and vitamin E 80 mg/mL) at a dose of 1mL/50 kg by intramuscular injection, at 20 and 10 days before calving. At -20d, -10d, 0d, 7d, 14d, 28 days of postpartum blood samples were collected for analysis. Physiological changes of calving were evidenced in the following variables: ferric reducing ability of plasma, glucose, nonesterified fatty acids, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, gammaglutamil transferase and creatine kinase. Furthermore the transition period interfered in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the percentage of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) phagocytosing under stimulus Staphylococcus aureus conjugated with propidium iodide (SAPI). Primiparous dairy cows had lower metabolic challenge that multiparous, demonstrated by higher values of the activity of superoxide dismutase and glucose concentrations, and lower values of betahydroxybutyrate and gammaglutamil transferase in primiparous. Moreover, primiparous cows had higher percentages of phagocytosing PMN and increased production of ROS with SAPI stimulus. Parenteral supplementation with vitamins ADE was not sufficient to improve the antioxidant status of cows, regardless of the number of calving, but supplementation increased the production of ROS by PMN leucocytes when stimulated with lipopolysaccharide of Escherichia coli (LPS).

No description available.

Embora os cavalos apresentem características excepcionais frente a situações de estresse na natureza, foi considerada a possibilidade do cavalo de corrida ser submetido, por vezes, a alguma situação de estresse, que afetasse sua saúde e bem estar. Foram verificadas alterações do número e da função de populações celulares implicadas com a defesa, principalmente neutrófilos e linfócitos. Trinta cavalos de corrida da raça puro-sangue inglês, locados no Jockey Club de São Paulo, na cidade de São Paulo, foram utilizados. Os animais foram divididos em dois grupos e as amostras de sangue foram coletadas em momentos diferentes da rotina dos animais. No grupo I, foram coletadas amostras onze dias antes da corrida (-11d), imediatamente após a corrida (0d), um dia após a corrida (+1d), dois dias após a corrida (+2d) e três dias após a corrida (+3d). Enquanto, no grupo II as amostras foram coletadas oito dias antes da corrida (-8d), imediatamente após a corrida (0d), um dia após a corrida (+1d) e cinco dias após a corrida (+5d). Foram realizados ensaios de fagocitose e burst oxidativo dos neutrófilos, determinação de cortisol sérico, ensaios de apoptose, linfoproliferação e hemograma. A função de fagocitose, tanto em porcentagem, quanto em intensidade, mostrou-se diminuída nas amostras coletadas imediatamente após a corrida, nos dois grupos de animais. Os valores médios de burst oxidativo das amostras coletadas imediatamente após a corrida, dos animais do grupo I apresentaram-se diminuídos. Não foram encontradas diferenças estatísticas significantes entre os resultados obtidos em relação às células apoptóticas, quando os diferentes momentos foram comparados; o mesmo ocorreu quando foi realizado o confronto dos valores do ensaio de linfoproliferação. Os valores médios dos níveis séricos de cortisol apresentaram-se aumentados no momento imediatamente após a corrida, em relação aos valores dos outros momentos, nos dois grupos de animais. Quanto aos dados de hemograma, houve aumento do número percentual de neutrófilos no momento imediatamente após a corrida quando foi realizada comparação com os demais momentos. Nos cavalos estudados, ainda que tenha sido encontrada uma diminuição transitória na função dos neutrófilos, a função adaptativa não chegou a ser acometida, que sugere que, embora se constitua em um exercício de alta intensidade, a fugacidade da corrida acabe por evitar danos maiores, em animais bem condicionados e adaptados a situações de estresse / Although horses can present exceptional responses during stress situations in nature, it was raised the possibility that racehorses under certain stress conditions could develop changes that may affect their health and welfare. Alterations of the number and function of cells that are involved with the defense response, mainly neutrophils and lymphocytes populations were verified. Thirty Thoroughbred racehorses housed at the Jockey Club de São Paulo, in São Paulo, Brazil, were used in the present study. The animals were divided in two groups and blood samples were collected at different moments of their routine. In group I, the samples were collected eleven days before race (-11d), immediately after race (0d), one day (+1d), two days (+2d) and three days after race (+3d). In group II, the samples were collected eight days before race (-8d), immediately after race (0d), one day (+1d) and five days after race (+5d). Phagocytosis assay and oxidative burst activity of neutrophils, serum cortisol determination, apoptosis and lymphocyte proliferation assay and haematology tests were performed. The percentage and intensity of phagocytosis functions decreased in samples collected immediately after race, in both groups of animals. The mean values of oxidative burst activity of samples collected immediately after race, from animals of group I also decreased. Statistically significant differences between the results were obtained in relation to the apoptotic cells, when compared on different moments and the same occurred in Relation to the lymphocyte proliferation values. The mean values of serum cortisol levels increased at the moment immediately after race when compared with the values of the other moments, in both groups of animals. In relation to the haematologycal values, the percentage of neutrophils was increased at the moment immediately after race when compared with the other moments. Even though a transitory reduction in the neutrophils function has occurred, the adaptive function was not impaired, which suggest that, in spite of the high intensity of this exercise, the short-term race can prevent further damages in well-conditioned and stress-adapted animals

Objetivou-se avaliar a influencia da suplementação de ácidos graxos ω3 e ω6, sobre desempenho produtivo, perfil metabólico, qualidade oocitária e embrionária, função imune em vacas leiteiras no período de transição e inicio de lactação. Foram selecionadas 42 vacas da raça holandesa, multíparas e gestantes, com parto previsto para 35 dias após o início da avaliação e fornecimento das dietas experimentais. As vacas foram alojadas em estábulo tipo “free-stall”, providos de baias individuais. Os animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente para receber uma das quatro dietas experimentais fornecidas a partir de 35 dias antes da data prevista para o parto até 84 dias do pós-parto: controle (n=11) (C): dieta sem adição de gordura; semente de linhaça (n=10) (SL): inclusão de 60 a 80 g/kg de MS (fonte de ômega 3); grão de soja cru e integral (n=11) (GS): inclusão de 120 a 160 g/kg de MS (fonte de ômega 6); sais de cálcio de ácidos graxos insaturados (n=11) (SC): inclusão de 24 a 32 g/kg de MS (fonte de ômega 6). As dietas experimentais tiveram a mesma concentração de ácidos graxos insaturados, porém o perfil de ácidos graxos das fontes foi diferente. Os animais foram arraçoados de acordo com o consumo de matéria seca no dia anterior, de forma a ser mantido porcentual de sobras das dietas, diariamente, entre 5 e 10%. As amostras dos alimentos e sobras foram coletadas diariamente e armazenadas a -20ºC. Semanalmente as amostras coletadas diariamente foram misturadas e foi retirada uma amostra composta referente a um período de uma semana, a fim de mensurar o consumo de matéria seca e nutrientes. Amostras de fezes foram coletadas nos dias -28, -14, 21, 42 e 84 dias em relação ao parto, com o propósito de mensurar a digestibilidade da matéria seca e nutrientes. A produção de leite foi mensurada diariamente e para a composição dos teores de gordura, proteína, lactose e perfil de ácidos graxos foram coletados amostras semanalmente e analisadas a fresco. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas nos dias -21, -14, -7, parto (até 24 horas), 7, 14, 21, 42 e 84 dias em relação ao parto, a fim de mensuração a concentração dos metabólitos plasmáticos e função imune. O scaneamento das estruturas ovarianas por ultrassonografia foi realizada do 14° ao 72° dia de lactação a fim de analisar a dinâmica folicular dos animais. Aspirações foliculares foram realizadas nos dia 35±7 e 65±7, com o objetivo de avaliar a quantidade e qualidade oocitária e embrionária, por fertilização” in vitro”. Foi observado maior CMS para a dieta SL em relação às dietas GS e SC no pré-parto. No pós-parto não foi observado diferenças no CMS. Foi observado maior consumo de EE para as dietas SL, GS e SC no pré e pós-parto em relação à dieta C. Não foi observado diferença na digestibilidade da matéria seca no pré e pós-parto entre as dietas experimentais. Foi obtido maior digestibilidade do EE para a dieta SL em relação às dietas GS e SC no pós-parto. Não foi observada diferença no balanço de energia no pré-parto. No entanto no período pós-parto foi observado melhor balanço de energia para as dietas SL, GS e SC em relação à dieta C. Não foi observada diferença para o balanço de nitrogênio nos períodos pré e pós-parto entre as dietas avaliadas. Foi observado maior teor e produção de gordura no leite para a dieta GS em relação às dietas SL e SC, porém não foi observado diferença para a produção de leite entre as dietas experimentais. No perfil de ácidos graxos do leite foi obtido maior concentração de C18: 1 trans e CLA cis-9 trans-11 para a dieta SC em relação as demais dietas experimentais, maior concentração de C18:2 para a dieta GS e SC em relação a dieta SL e C18:3 para a dieta SL em relação as dietas GS e SC. Não foi observada diferença no escore de condição corporal e peso corporal no pré e pós-parto. Foi observada maior concentração de glicose no pré e pós-parto para a dieta SL em relação às dietas GS e SC. Foi observado maior concentração de colesterol total para as dietas SL, GS e SC em relação a dieta C no pós-parto. Não foi observadas diferenças nas concentrações de ácidos graxos não esterificados e β-hidroxibutirato no pré e pós-parto. Foi observado menor número total de folículos e folículos de classe1 para a dieta C em relação as dietas SL, GS e SC. Foi observado maior número de oócitos viáveis na aspiração dos 65±7 dias em relação a dos 35±7 dias de lactação. Foi obtido maior número e porcentagem de embriões viáveis para a dieta SL em relação às dietas GS e SC. Foi observada maior porcentagem de leucócitos e monócitos positivos a fagocitose para as dietas SL, GS e SC em relação à dieta C, no pré e pós-parto, para os neutrófilos no pré e pós-parto e monócitos no pós-parto foi observado maior porcentagem de células positivas para a dieta SL em relação às dietas SC e GS. Foi observado maior expressão das células de adesão CD4+, CD8+, CD25+ e CD62L para as dietas SL, GS e SC em relação as dieta C, para o CD14+ foi observado maior expressão para as dietas GS e SC em relação à dieta SL. A suplementação de ácidos graxos ω3 e ω6 melhorou o balanço energético, e não influenciou negativamente os parâmetros produtivos, melhorou a qualidade oocitária e embrionária, bem como a função imune de imune de vacas leiteiras em período de transição e inicio de lactação. / The objective was to evaluate the influence of ω3 and ω6 fatty acid supplementation, on productive performance, metabolic profile, oocyte and embryo quality, immune system function in dairy cows during the transition period and early lactation. Were selected forty-two Holstein cows, and multiparous pregnant with calving provided for 35 days after the beginning of the evaluation and supply of experimental diets. The cows were housed in stable type \"free-stall\", provided with individual stalls. The animals were randomly assigned to one of four experimental treatments provided from 35 before the expected date of calving up to 84 days postpartum: control (n = 11) (C) diet without added fat; flaxseed whole (n = 10) (FW): inclusion of 60 to 80 g / kg DM (source of omega 3); whole raw soybean raw (n = 11) (WS) including 120-160 g / kg MS (source of omega 6), calcium salts of insatured fatty acids (n = 11) (CS): inclusion 24-32 g / kg DM (source of omega 6). The experimental diets had the same concentration of unsaturated fatty acids, but the fatty acid profile of the sources was different. The animals were fed according to the dry matter intake the day before, so as to be maintained orts a percentage of the diet every day, between 5 and 10%. Samples of feeds and orts were collected daily and stored at -20 º C. Weekly samples were collected daily mixed and a sample was taken corresponding to a period of a week in order to measure the intake of dry matter and nutrients. Feces samples were collected on days -28, -14, 21, 42 and 84 days in relation at calving, in order to measure the digestibility of dry matter and nutrients. Milk yield was measured daily and the composition of fat, protein and lactose samples were collected weekly and analyzed fresh. For the fatty acid profile of milk samples were collected weekly and were grouped for analysis of the week 1-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12, totaling 4 points of analysis. The measurement of body weight and body condition score were measured weekly. Blood samples were collected on days -21, -14, -7, calving (+24 hours), 7, 14, 21, 42 and 84 days in relation at calving in order to measure the concentration of plasma metabolites and immune function. The scanning of ovarian structures by ultrasonography was performed from 14th to 72nd day of lactation in order to analyze the dynamics of follicular animals. Follicular aspirations were performed on day 35 ± 7 and 65 ± 7, in order to assess the quantity and quality oocyte and embryo by fertilization \"in vitro\". It was observed higher DMI for the diet FW in relation to CS and WS diets pre-partum. Postpartum was not observed differences in DMI. It was observed higher intake of fat to the FW, WS and CS in the pre and postpartum compared to C diet. There was no difference in dry matter digestibility in pre-and postpartum. It was obtain the highest digestibility of fat to the diet FW in relation to WS and CS diets postpartum. There was no difference in the balance of energy in prepartum. Postpartum was observed better energy balance for diets FW, WS and CS in relation to the C diet. No differences were observed for nitrogen balance in the pre-and postpartum between diets evaluated. It was observed a higher content and yield of milk fat for diet WS in relation to FW and CS, but no difference was observed for milk yield. In the fatty acid profile of milk was obtained higher concentration of C18: 1 trans and CLA cis-9 trans-11 for diet CS in relation the others and higher concentration of C18: 2 for diet WS and CS in relation FW and and C18: 3 for FW diet in relation diets WS and CS. There was no difference in body condition score and body weight in pre-and postpartum. Higher value was observed of glucose in the pre and postpartum diet for FW in relation to CS and WS. It was observed higher concentrations of total cholesterol to the diets FW, WS and CS in relation to Cl diet in postpartum. There was no difference in concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate in pre and postpartum. It was observed a shorter total number of follicles and follicles class1 to the C diet compared with diets FW, WS and CS. It was observed a higher number of viable oocytes in aspiration of 65 ± 7 days compared to the 35 ± 7 days of lactation. Obtained the highest number and percentage of viable embryos for FW diet compared to diets CS and WS. There was a higher percentage of leukocytes and monocytes positive for phagocytosis for diets FW, WS and CS compared to the C diet, in pre and postpartum, for neutrophils in pre and postpartum and postpartum monocytes was observed higher percentage of positive cells for FW diet compared to diets CS and WS. It was observed increased expression of cell adhesion CD4 +, CD8 +, CD25 + and CD62L for diets FW, WS and CS in relation to the C diet. For CD14 + was observed increased expression for diets WS and CS in relation to diet FW. The fatty acid supplementation ω3 and ω6 improved energy balance, and did not influence the performance, improved oocyte and embryo quality and immune function of dairy cows in the transition period and early lactation

To date, the exercise-induced immune response in has only been evaluated in subjects performing aerobic exercise. The primary purpose of this study is to determine if repeated bouts of anaerobic exercise will induce a similar immune response in human subjects as exhibited by aerobic exercise. Secondary to immune function, an analysis of performance from trial to trial will be made. Nine males between the ages of 18-25 were selected on a volunteer basis to participate in this study. Subjects performed Wingate tests set in 3 series with 120 seconds between trials within series and 405 seconds between series for an exercise duration of 30 minutes. Blood samples were taken again immediately post test, and 1 hour post test and analyzed for cytokine secretion, epinephrine, and Caspase-3. The present study found that repeated bouts of anaerobic exercise did not alter immune function.

xxi, 234 p. : ill. (some col.) A print copy of this thesis is available through the UO Libraries. Search the library catalog for the location and call number. / Life history theory examines the allocation of resources among competing demands, including growth, immune function, and reproduction. Immune function can itself be divided into innate, cell mediated, and humoral responses. For humans, factors like economic condition, disease exposure. and social milieu are all hypothesized to affect life history allocations. For the Shuar of Amazonian Ecuador these factors are rapidly changing as traditional subsistence hunting and horticulture give way to wage labor and Western medicine. This dissertation presents fieldwork conducted amongst the Shuar between 2005 and 2009. It is among the first studies to test for life history trade-offs between different branches of immunity and growth across market conditions. Shuar data include anthropometrics (n=1,547), biomarkers (n=163), and household compositions (n=292). Comparison samples include the Shiwiar of Ecuador (n=42), non-indigenous Ecuadorian colono children (n=570), the Tsimane of Bolivia (n=329), and the 2005-2006 U.S. NHANES (n=8,336). The dissertation finds significant differences between both populations and Shuar villages in growth and immunity. Increasing market integration is associated with poorer growth, but household factors mediate these changes. Adult males have positive effects on child growth in acculturated areas with wage labor and in distant areas where fishing and hunting remain important but not in intermediate areas. Children have consistent negative effects on one another's growth, suggesting competition for resources. Poorer growth is also associated with higher levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), a humoral response to helminths. In contrast, C-reactive protein, an inflammatory marker, has a positive association with growth. This divergence between humoral and innate immunity is consistent with a lasting reallocation of immune resources towards a T H 2 response in helminth infected individuals. The age-profile of IgE also varies across market conditions: comparing the Shuar with samples from the U.S. and Bolivia, the age of peak IgE is correlated with the level of peak IgE in each population, providing some of the first evidence for a "peak shift" in immune response. Overall, these results support the hypothesis that local conditions lead to the adaptive "tuning" of trade-offs between branches of immunity and growth. This dissertation includes previously published and unpublished co-authored material. / Committee in charge: Lawrence Sugiyama, Chairperson, Anthropology; James Snodgrass, Member, Anthropology; Frances White, Member, Anthropology; John Orbell, Outside Member, Political Science

Embora os cavalos apresentem características excepcionais frente a situações de estresse na natureza, foi considerada a possibilidade do cavalo de corrida ser submetido, por vezes, a alguma situação de estresse, que afetasse sua saúde e bem estar. Foram verificadas alterações do número e da função de populações celulares implicadas com a defesa, principalmente neutrófilos e linfócitos. Trinta cavalos de corrida da raça puro-sangue inglês, locados no Jockey Club de São Paulo, na cidade de São Paulo, foram utilizados. Os animais foram divididos em dois grupos e as amostras de sangue foram coletadas em momentos diferentes da rotina dos animais. No grupo I, foram coletadas amostras onze dias antes da corrida (-11d), imediatamente após a corrida (0d), um dia após a corrida (+1d), dois dias após a corrida (+2d) e três dias após a corrida (+3d). Enquanto, no grupo II as amostras foram coletadas oito dias antes da corrida (-8d), imediatamente após a corrida (0d), um dia após a corrida (+1d) e cinco dias após a corrida (+5d). Foram realizados ensaios de fagocitose e burst oxidativo dos neutrófilos, determinação de cortisol sérico, ensaios de apoptose, linfoproliferação e hemograma. A função de fagocitose, tanto em porcentagem, quanto em intensidade, mostrou-se diminuída nas amostras coletadas imediatamente após a corrida, nos dois grupos de animais. Os valores médios de burst oxidativo das amostras coletadas imediatamente após a corrida, dos animais do grupo I apresentaram-se diminuídos. Não foram encontradas diferenças estatísticas significantes entre os resultados obtidos em relação às células apoptóticas, quando os diferentes momentos foram comparados; o mesmo ocorreu quando foi realizado o confronto dos valores do ensaio de linfoproliferação. Os valores médios dos níveis séricos de cortisol apresentaram-se aumentados no momento imediatamente após a corrida, em relação aos valores dos outros momentos, nos dois grupos de animais. Quanto aos dados de hemograma, houve aumento do número percentual de neutrófilos no momento imediatamente após a corrida quando foi realizada comparação com os demais momentos. Nos cavalos estudados, ainda que tenha sido encontrada uma diminuição transitória na função dos neutrófilos, a função adaptativa não chegou a ser acometida, que sugere que, embora se constitua em um exercício de alta intensidade, a fugacidade da corrida acabe por evitar danos maiores, em animais bem condicionados e adaptados a situações de estresse / Although horses can present exceptional responses during stress situations in nature, it was raised the possibility that racehorses under certain stress conditions could develop changes that may affect their health and welfare. Alterations of the number and function of cells that are involved with the defense response, mainly neutrophils and lymphocytes populations were verified. Thirty Thoroughbred racehorses housed at the Jockey Club de São Paulo, in São Paulo, Brazil, were used in the present study. The animals were divided in two groups and blood samples were collected at different moments of their routine. In group I, the samples were collected eleven days before race (-11d), immediately after race (0d), one day (+1d), two days (+2d) and three days after race (+3d). In group II, the samples were collected eight days before race (-8d), immediately after race (0d), one day (+1d) and five days after race (+5d). Phagocytosis assay and oxidative burst activity of neutrophils, serum cortisol determination, apoptosis and lymphocyte proliferation assay and haematology tests were performed. The percentage and intensity of phagocytosis functions decreased in samples collected immediately after race, in both groups of animals. The mean values of oxidative burst activity of samples collected immediately after race, from animals of group I also decreased. Statistically significant differences between the results were obtained in relation to the apoptotic cells, when compared on different moments and the same occurred in Relation to the lymphocyte proliferation values. The mean values of serum cortisol levels increased at the moment immediately after race when compared with the values of the other moments, in both groups of animals. In relation to the haematologycal values, the percentage of neutrophils was increased at the moment immediately after race when compared with the other moments. Even though a transitory reduction in the neutrophils function has occurred, the adaptive function was not impaired, which suggest that, in spite of the high intensity of this exercise, the short-term race can prevent further damages in well-conditioned and stress-adapted animals

Objetivou-se avaliar a influencia da suplementação de ácidos graxos ω3 e ω6, sobre desempenho produtivo, perfil metabólico, qualidade oocitária e embrionária, função imune em vacas leiteiras no período de transição e inicio de lactação. Foram selecionadas 42 vacas da raça holandesa, multíparas e gestantes, com parto previsto para 35 dias após o início da avaliação e fornecimento das dietas experimentais. As vacas foram alojadas em estábulo tipo “free-stall”, providos de baias individuais. Os animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente para receber uma das quatro dietas experimentais fornecidas a partir de 35 dias antes da data prevista para o parto até 84 dias do pós-parto: controle (n=11) (C): dieta sem adição de gordura; semente de linhaça (n=10) (SL): inclusão de 60 a 80 g/kg de MS (fonte de ômega 3); grão de soja cru e integral (n=11) (GS): inclusão de 120 a 160 g/kg de MS (fonte de ômega 6); sais de cálcio de ácidos graxos insaturados (n=11) (SC): inclusão de 24 a 32 g/kg de MS (fonte de ômega 6). As dietas experimentais tiveram a mesma concentração de ácidos graxos insaturados, porém o perfil de ácidos graxos das fontes foi diferente. Os animais foram arraçoados de acordo com o consumo de matéria seca no dia anterior, de forma a ser mantido porcentual de sobras das dietas, diariamente, entre 5 e 10%. As amostras dos alimentos e sobras foram coletadas diariamente e armazenadas a -20ºC. Semanalmente as amostras coletadas diariamente foram misturadas e foi retirada uma amostra composta referente a um período de uma semana, a fim de mensurar o consumo de matéria seca e nutrientes. Amostras de fezes foram coletadas nos dias -28, -14, 21, 42 e 84 dias em relação ao parto, com o propósito de mensurar a digestibilidade da matéria seca e nutrientes. A produção de leite foi mensurada diariamente e para a composição dos teores de gordura, proteína, lactose e perfil de ácidos graxos foram coletados amostras semanalmente e analisadas a fresco. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas nos dias -21, -14, -7, parto (até 24 horas), 7, 14, 21, 42 e 84 dias em relação ao parto, a fim de mensuração a concentração dos metabólitos plasmáticos e função imune. O scaneamento das estruturas ovarianas por ultrassonografia foi realizada do 14° ao 72° dia de lactação a fim de analisar a dinâmica folicular dos animais. Aspirações foliculares foram realizadas nos dia 35±7 e 65±7, com o objetivo de avaliar a quantidade e qualidade oocitária e embrionária, por fertilização” in vitro”. Foi observado maior CMS para a dieta SL em relação às dietas GS e SC no pré-parto. No pós-parto não foi observado diferenças no CMS. Foi observado maior consumo de EE para as dietas SL, GS e SC no pré e pós-parto em relação à dieta C. Não foi observado diferença na digestibilidade da matéria seca no pré e pós-parto entre as dietas experimentais. Foi obtido maior digestibilidade do EE para a dieta SL em relação às dietas GS e SC no pós-parto. Não foi observada diferença no balanço de energia no pré-parto. No entanto no período pós-parto foi observado melhor balanço de energia para as dietas SL, GS e SC em relação à dieta C. Não foi observada diferença para o balanço de nitrogênio nos períodos pré e pós-parto entre as dietas avaliadas. Foi observado maior teor e produção de gordura no leite para a dieta GS em relação às dietas SL e SC, porém não foi observado diferença para a produção de leite entre as dietas experimentais. No perfil de ácidos graxos do leite foi obtido maior concentração de C18: 1 trans e CLA cis-9 trans-11 para a dieta SC em relação as demais dietas experimentais, maior concentração de C18:2 para a dieta GS e SC em relação a dieta SL e C18:3 para a dieta SL em relação as dietas GS e SC. Não foi observada diferença no escore de condição corporal e peso corporal no pré e pós-parto. Foi observada maior concentração de glicose no pré e pós-parto para a dieta SL em relação às dietas GS e SC. Foi observado maior concentração de colesterol total para as dietas SL, GS e SC em relação a dieta C no pós-parto. Não foi observadas diferenças nas concentrações de ácidos graxos não esterificados e β-hidroxibutirato no pré e pós-parto. Foi observado menor número total de folículos e folículos de classe1 para a dieta C em relação as dietas SL, GS e SC. Foi observado maior número de oócitos viáveis na aspiração dos 65±7 dias em relação a dos 35±7 dias de lactação. Foi obtido maior número e porcentagem de embriões viáveis para a dieta SL em relação às dietas GS e SC. Foi observada maior porcentagem de leucócitos e monócitos positivos a fagocitose para as dietas SL, GS e SC em relação à dieta C, no pré e pós-parto, para os neutrófilos no pré e pós-parto e monócitos no pós-parto foi observado maior porcentagem de células positivas para a dieta SL em relação às dietas SC e GS. Foi observado maior expressão das células de adesão CD4+, CD8+, CD25+ e CD62L para as dietas SL, GS e SC em relação as dieta C, para o CD14+ foi observado maior expressão para as dietas GS e SC em relação à dieta SL. A suplementação de ácidos graxos ω3 e ω6 melhorou o balanço energético, e não influenciou negativamente os parâmetros produtivos, melhorou a qualidade oocitária e embrionária, bem como a função imune de imune de vacas leiteiras em período de transição e inicio de lactação. / The objective was to evaluate the influence of ω3 and ω6 fatty acid supplementation, on productive performance, metabolic profile, oocyte and embryo quality, immune system function in dairy cows during the transition period and early lactation. Were selected forty-two Holstein cows, and multiparous pregnant with calving provided for 35 days after the beginning of the evaluation and supply of experimental diets. The cows were housed in stable type \"free-stall\", provided with individual stalls. The animals were randomly assigned to one of four experimental treatments provided from 35 before the expected date of calving up to 84 days postpartum: control (n = 11) (C) diet without added fat; flaxseed whole (n = 10) (FW): inclusion of 60 to 80 g / kg DM (source of omega 3); whole raw soybean raw (n = 11) (WS) including 120-160 g / kg MS (source of omega 6), calcium salts of insatured fatty acids (n = 11) (CS): inclusion 24-32 g / kg DM (source of omega 6). The experimental diets had the same concentration of unsaturated fatty acids, but the fatty acid profile of the sources was different. The animals were fed according to the dry matter intake the day before, so as to be maintained orts a percentage of the diet every day, between 5 and 10%. Samples of feeds and orts were collected daily and stored at -20 º C. Weekly samples were collected daily mixed and a sample was taken corresponding to a period of a week in order to measure the intake of dry matter and nutrients. Feces samples were collected on days -28, -14, 21, 42 and 84 days in relation at calving, in order to measure the digestibility of dry matter and nutrients. Milk yield was measured daily and the composition of fat, protein and lactose samples were collected weekly and analyzed fresh. For the fatty acid profile of milk samples were collected weekly and were grouped for analysis of the week 1-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12, totaling 4 points of analysis. The measurement of body weight and body condition score were measured weekly. Blood samples were collected on days -21, -14, -7, calving (+24 hours), 7, 14, 21, 42 and 84 days in relation at calving in order to measure the concentration of plasma metabolites and immune function. The scanning of ovarian structures by ultrasonography was performed from 14th to 72nd day of lactation in order to analyze the dynamics of follicular animals. Follicular aspirations were performed on day 35 ± 7 and 65 ± 7, in order to assess the quantity and quality oocyte and embryo by fertilization \"in vitro\". It was observed higher DMI for the diet FW in relation to CS and WS diets pre-partum. Postpartum was not observed differences in DMI. It was observed higher intake of fat to the FW, WS and CS in the pre and postpartum compared to C diet. There was no difference in dry matter digestibility in pre-and postpartum. It was obtain the highest digestibility of fat to the diet FW in relation to WS and CS diets postpartum. There was no difference in the balance of energy in prepartum. Postpartum was observed better energy balance for diets FW, WS and CS in relation to the C diet. No differences were observed for nitrogen balance in the pre-and postpartum between diets evaluated. It was observed a higher content and yield of milk fat for diet WS in relation to FW and CS, but no difference was observed for milk yield. In the fatty acid profile of milk was obtained higher concentration of C18: 1 trans and CLA cis-9 trans-11 for diet CS in relation the others and higher concentration of C18: 2 for diet WS and CS in relation FW and and C18: 3 for FW diet in relation diets WS and CS. There was no difference in body condition score and body weight in pre-and postpartum. Higher value was observed of glucose in the pre and postpartum diet for FW in relation to CS and WS. It was observed higher concentrations of total cholesterol to the diets FW, WS and CS in relation to Cl diet in postpartum. There was no difference in concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate in pre and postpartum. It was observed a shorter total number of follicles and follicles class1 to the C diet compared with diets FW, WS and CS. It was observed a higher number of viable oocytes in aspiration of 65 ± 7 days compared to the 35 ± 7 days of lactation. Obtained the highest number and percentage of viable embryos for FW diet compared to diets CS and WS. There was a higher percentage of leukocytes and monocytes positive for phagocytosis for diets FW, WS and CS compared to the C diet, in pre and postpartum, for neutrophils in pre and postpartum and postpartum monocytes was observed higher percentage of positive cells for FW diet compared to diets CS and WS. It was observed increased expression of cell adhesion CD4 +, CD8 +, CD25 + and CD62L for diets FW, WS and CS in relation to the C diet. For CD14 + was observed increased expression for diets WS and CS in relation to diet FW. The fatty acid supplementation ω3 and ω6 improved energy balance, and did not influence the performance, improved oocyte and embryo quality and immune function of dairy cows in the transition period and early lactation

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) together with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a world wide pandemic. Sub Sahara Africa, of which South Africa forms a part, is host to the highest HIV population in the world. In the light of this, it is significant to conduct a study of the effect that aerobic exercise might have on the management of disease symptoms. HIV and AIDS seriously affect the quality of life of the infected person. Decreased quality of life leads to decreases in productivity and increase in absenteeism. This has a negative effect on the economy. Several symptoms of HIV and AIDS cause quality of life to decrease. In this study the following parameters of health related quality of life were investigated: body composition, functional capacity, pain, anxiety and depression and fatigue. Absenteeism was monitored. The study further investigates how and why each of these parameters affects health related quality of life, and also the effect of aerobic exercise on the above mentioned parameters. The body composition of HIV positive persons is affected in one of three ways: wasting of muscle mass due to the virus, obesity because of too high energy intake and too little activity in an attempt to stop wasting, or lipodystrophy due to anti retroviral therapy. HIV patients have a decreased functional capacity. This may lead to fatigue, another common symptom in HIV patients. The prevalence of anxiety and depression is high in the HIV population, and even more so in South Africa. It is clear from the literature that aerobic exercise for HIV patients is safe. It is also clear that aerobic exercise has a positive effect on the mentioned parameters – not only on the HIV population, but also on other diseases and the healthy population. Thus the assumption was made that aerobic exercise can be used as a tool to increase health related quality of life in HIV positive persons. Initially, a quantitative pre-post test experimental design was proposed. In an attempt to recruit enough participants, the discovery was made that HIV is still a highly stigmatised disease in both Mpumalanga and Gauteng. After eighteen months of negotiations with AIDS clinics, mine groups and a newspaper advertisement, only three participants were enrolled. It must be kept in mind, however, that an important factor which influenced recruitment of participants was availability of funds. The indication was that HIV patients are willing to participate if there is proper compensation. In order to continue with the study, the design changed to a case study. It combined two approaches: qualitative and quantitative. This seems to work well in HIV research. The qualitative and quantitative data supported each other and provided the bigger picture. The results of this study support the expectation that aerobic exercise enhances the quality of life in HIV infected persons. Body composition and functional capacity improved. Feelings of anxiety and depression decreased and there were indications that pain and fatigue decreased as well. Absenteeism from work decreased in one person. The conclusion was made that aerobic exercise definitely contributes to the enhancement of quality of life in HIV positive employees. Biokineticists, as exercise specialists, are ideally positioned to provide exercise tests and program prescriptions to this population and should play a bigger role in the management of HIV and AIDS symptoms. Copyright / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Biokinetics, Sport and Leisure Sciences / unrestricted