La cadena de producción industrial de carne aviar incluye procedimientos que afectan el bienestar animal y consecuentemente la calidad del producto obtenido. Para evaluar el efecto del transporte y la manipulaciónpre-faena sobre el nivel de mied en pollos, se han empleado pruebas de diferente tipo entre las cuales la inmovilidad tónica (IT) se destaca por su fácil determinación. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto del tiempo de espera en playa de faena y la ubicación de la jaula en los camiones, sobre la duración de la IT en pollos parrilleros. El análisis comparativo se realizó mediante ANOVA en un arreglo factorial, tomándose como efectos principales el tiempo en playa de espera y la localización de la jaula en el camión. Se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p=0,0001) para IT, con valores de 248,88±12,86 s para el grupo espera larga y 167,88±13,4 s para espera corta. La zona térmica del camión también registró diferencias significativas (p=0,03) con valores de 189,06±14,74 s (zona ventilada) y 227,69±17,23 s (zona no ventilada). No se observaron diferencias significativas para el número de intentos de inducción a la inmovilidad en función del tiempo de espera y zona térmica del camión (p=0,08). No existieron correlaciones significativas entre las variables dependientes en ambos grupos experimentales. Los resultados de este trabajo permiten inferir que tiempos de espera en la playa pre-faena superiores a 3½ horas y altas temperaturas, provocan aumento en la duración de la IT, lo que la transforma en una herramienta útil para medir el estado de miedo de los pollos como consecuencia de ambas situaciones.

ABSTRACT. The objective of the current investigation work was to compare body condition score (BCS) to reproductive performance in milking dairy cows in Paraguay. We used 1169 dairy cows of 13 farms from October 2013 to August 2015. Data were analyzed using SAS Enterprise Guide version 4.3. BCS in early and mid lactation period were lower than in the late period (p < 0.05), although it had large variation. In addition, daily milk yields of Holstein cows were higher than cows mixed with various breed (p < 0.01); however, BCS between two breeds was mostly similar. In addition, we compared BCS between cows on farm with the calving interval less than 365 days (n = 243, good reproduction) and other cows (n = 710) except 6 farms without reproductive record. In cows with good reproductive performance, calving interval (p < 0.0001) and days open (p < 0.0001) were shorter and daily milk yield was lower (p < 0.0001) than cow of other farms. During the all lactation period, BCS of cows with good reproductive performance were higher than others (p < 0.05). In addition, BCS of cows with good reproductive performance did not decrease after calving, whereas BCS of cows on other farms decreased during early and peak lactation period compared with dry period (p < 0.05). Moreover, BCS did not differ between cows with higher and lower milk yield. In conclusion, the results under the running conditions of the experiment indicate that BCS affect reproductive performance of Holstein and crossbreed milking cows in eastern region of Paraguay. Our data suggests that controlling the decrease of BCS after calving for milk production may improve the reproductive performance.

RESUMEN. El objetivo del presente trabajo de investigación fue evaluar la condición corporal (CC) de vacas en lactación y comparar la CC de vacas con buen desempeño reproductivo (alta tasa de preñez) con vacas que tuvieron menor tasa de preñez en la Región Oriental del Paraguay. Fueron evaluadas 116 vacas de 13 diferentes establecimientos. Los datos obtenidos fueron analizados usando el programa SAS Enterprise Guide versión 4.3. A pesar de la gran variación en la CC durante el periodo evaluado, la CC fue menor en la fase temprana y media de la lactación que en la fase tardía (p <0,05). La producción de leche fue mayor en vacas de fenotipos lecheros y otros fenotipos (p<0,01); sin embargo los cambios en la CC observados en las cruzas Holando y en las razas híbridas durante el presente trabajo fueron casi similares. Las vacas con mayor calificación de la CC tuvieron mejor desempeño reproductivo (intervalo entre partos y días abiertos más cortos) (p<0,0001), y la producción diaria de leche fue menor en vacas con mejor CC de otros tambos. Durante el periodo de lactación, la CC de vacas con buen desempeño reproductivo fue mayor que aquellas con baja CC. Además, la CC de vacas con buen desempeño reproductivo no se redujo después del parto, mientras la CC de vacas con menor desempeño reproductivo se redujo durante la fase temprana y el pico de lactación, comparado con el periodo seco (p<0,05). No se han observado diferencias en la CC entre vacas con mayor o menor producción de leche. Los resultados obtenidos bajo las condiciones experimentales, sugieren que la condición corporal afecta el desempeño reproductivo en vacas de fenotipos lecheros y de otros fenotipos, controlando la disminución de la CC en el periodo post-parto debido al efecto de la lactación se puede mejorar el desempeño reproductivo en vacas lecheras.

It is well known that the aminoglycoside antibiotic gentamicin is capable of causing damage to kidney cells. Given the known involvement of Ca2+ in the nephrotoxic action of gentamicin, the purpose of this study was to establish a relationship between the concentration of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and cellular cytotoxicity using MDCK-C11 cells, a clone that has several properties that resemble those of intercalated cells of the distal nephron. Changes in [Ca2+]i was determined using fluorescence microscopy. Cell viability was evaluated by the neutral red method, and cell cytotoxicity by the MTT method. The [Ca2+]i gradually increased when cells were exposed to 0.1 mM gentamicin for 10, 20, and 30 min. The presence of extracellular Ca2+ was found to be necessary to stimulate the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by gentamicin, since this stimulus disappeared by using 1.8 mM EGTA (a Ca2+ chelator). Morphological changes were observed with scanning electron microscopy in epithelial cells exposed to the antibiotic. Furthermore, with the MTT method, a decrease in metabolic activity induced by gentamicin was observed, which indicates a cytotoxic effect. In conclusion, gentamicin was able to alter [Ca2+]i, change the morphology of MDCK-C11 cells, and promote cytotoxicity.

The aim of this study was to measure the energy expenditure for locomotor activities usually performed by soccer referees during a match (walking, jogging, and running) under laboratory conditions, and to compare forward with backward movements. The sample was composed by 10 male soccer referees, age 29±7.8 years, body mass 77.5±6.2 kg, stature 1.78±0.07 m and professional experience of 7.33±4.92 years. Referees were evaluated on two separate occasions. On the first day, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) was determined by a maximal treadmill test, and on the second day, the oxygen consumption was determined in different speeds of forward and backward movements. The mean VO2max was 41.20±3.60 mL·kg-1·min-1 and the mean heart rate achieved in the last stage of the test was 190.5±7.9 bpm. When results of forward and backward movements were compared at 1.62 m/s (walking speed), we found significant differences in VO2, in metabolic equivalents, and in kcal. However, the same parameters in forward and backward movements at jogging velocities (2.46 m/s) were not significantly different, showing that these motor activities have similar intensity. Backward movements at velocities equivalent to walking and jogging are moderate-intensity activities, with energy expenditure less than 9 kcal. Energy expenditure was overestimated by at least 35% when calculated by mathematical equations. In summary, we observed that backward movements are not high-intensity activities as has been commonly reported, and when calculated using equations available in the literature, energy expenditure was overestimated compared to the values obtained by indirect calorimetry.

Background: Oral chemotherapy agents offer advantages including cost, patient comfort and potential improvement in quality of life versus intravenous drugs. However ensuring adherence and monitoring adverse effects is more difficult. The aim of this study was to examine the real adherence in patients with oral chemotherapy agents in our hospital, to assess the influence of patient and treatment characteristics, to identify reasons for non adherence, to identify opportunities for improvement pharmaceutical care and to assess the potential relation between adherence and treatment outcomes. Method: observational, prospective study for a period of four month, in the patients who were dispensing oral chemotherapy agents in outpatient setting. The medical prescriptions, medical history and patient interviews were used to collect data. Results: 141 patients were assessing. 72% were considered as fully adherent, while 28% reported some kind of non adherence. Adherence was influenced by time from diagnosis and adverse effects. No relationship between adherence and treatment outcomes was found. Conclusions: Adherence to oral chemotherapy was 72%, identifing opportunities for improvement pharmaceutical care to prevent adverse effects and to improve our patient adherence.

Introducción: Los tratamientos antineoplásicos orales presentan ventajas en cuanto a coste, comodidad y mejora potencial en la calidad de vida respecto al tratamiento endovenoso, pero es más difícil controlar la adherencia y monitorizar los efectos adversos. El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer la adherencia real en pacientes con antineoplásicos orales en nuestro centro, analizar la influencia de las características del paciente y del tratamiento, identificar motivos de no adherencia, oportunidades de mejora en la atención farmacéutica y evaluar la posible relación adherencia y respuesta al tratamiento. Método: estudio prospectivo observacional de cuatro meses de duración, en los pacientes con tratamiento antineoplásico oral dispensado desde la consulta de farmacia oncológica. Para la recogida de datos se utilizaron: orden médica, historia clínica y visita con entrevistas al paciente. Resultados: Se evaluaron un total de 141 pacientes. Un 72% se consideró totalmente adherente, mientras que en un 28% se detectó algún tipo de no adherencia. El tiempo desde el diagnóstico y la presencia de efectos adversos fueron las variables que afectaron a la adherencia. No se pudo demostrar relación entre adherencia y respuesta al tratamiento. Conclusiones: La adherencia al tratamiento antineoplásico oral en nuestro centro fue del 72%, identificando oportunidades de mejora en la atención farmacéutica dirigidas a prevenir los efectos adversos y a potenciar la adherencia de nuestros pacientes.

ABSTRACT With the aim of improving animal welfare in nocturnal birds of prey at the Botanical Garden and Zoo of Asuncion , environmental enrichment was implemented in three different species of birds: owl (Bubo virginianus / Ñacurutú in guarani language) with 5 specimens, eared owl (Asio clamator / ñacurutu -i) 2 specimens and shorteared owl (Pulsatrix perspicillata / urukure ´a guazú) 1 specimen distributed in three cages, regardless sex or age. Three freedoms were evaluated: freedom from hunger or thirst, discomfort, and normal behavior expression. After observation, certain areas were determined that needed an environmental enrichment. Results showed that birds of prey have positively reacted to prey presentation, to hunt them and tearing them as done in wild freedom. Similarly, days in which has been proceeded to exchange raw meat with live prey, the birds continued with normal behavior and showed to be more at ease when fed at dusk. It was also possible to perceive greater comfort with the use of new hangers, it stay longer in new than in old ones.

RESUMEN Con el objetivo de mejorar el Bienestar Animal en aves rapaces nocturnas del Jardín Botánico y Zoológico de Asunción, fue implementado el enriquecimiento ambiental en tres especies diferentes de aves: Búho, de nombre científico Bubo virginianus y nombre guaraní Ñacurutú, con 5 ejemplares, el Lechuzón orejudo de nombre científico Asio clamator y nombre guaraní Ñacurutu-i con 2 ejemplares y el Lechuzón de anteojos de nombre científico Pulsatrix perspicillata y nombre guaraní Urukure´a guazú con 1 ejemplar, distribuidos en tres jaulas sin distinción de sexo ni edad. Fueron evaluadas las 3 libertades: libertad de hambre y sed, libertad de incomodidad y libertad de expresión de un comportamiento normal. Luego de la observación, fueron determinadas las áreas que necesitaban de un enriquecimiento ambiental. Los resultados obtenidos demostraron que las aves rapaces nocturnas han reaccionado positivamente a la presentación de presas vivas, al cazarlas y desgarrarlas como lo hubiesen hecho estando en libertad. De igual manera, los días en los cuales se procedió a intercalar carne cruda con presas vivas, los ejemplares continuaron con un comportamiento normal y demostraron estar más a gusto al ser alimentadas al atardecer. Además fue posible percibir una mayor comodidad respecto a la utilización de nuevas perchas, al permanecer durante más tiempo en éstas que en las anteriores.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of volume and composition of fluid replacement on the physical performance of male football referees. Ten referees were evaluated during three official matches. In one match the participants were asked to consume mineral water ad libitum, and in the others they consumed a pre-determined volume of mineral water or a carbohydrate electrolyte solution (6.4% carbohydrate and 22 mM Na+) equivalent to 1% of their baseline body mass (half before the match and half during the interval). Total water loss, sweat rate and match physiological performance were measured. When rehydrated ad libitum (pre-match and at half time) participants lost 1.97 ± 0.18% of their pre-match body mass (2.14 ± 0.19 L). This parameter was significantly reduced when they consumed a pre-determined volume of fluid. Sweat rate was significantly reduced when the referees ingested a pre-determined volume of a carbohydrate electrolyte solution, 0.72 ± 0.12 vs 1.16 ± 0.11 L/h ad libitum. The high percentage (74.1%) of movements at low speed (walking, jogging) observed when they ingested fluid ad libitum was significantly reduced to 71% with mineral water and to 69.9% with carbohydrate solution. An increase in percent movement expended in backward running was observed when they consumed a pre-determined volume of carbohydrate solution, 7.7 ± 0.5 vs 5.5 ± 0.5% ad libitum. The improved hydration status achieved with the carbohydrate electrolyte solution reduced the length of time spent in activities at low-speed movements and increased the time spent in activities demanding high-energy expenditure.

Vacuolar H+-ATPase is a large multi-subunit protein that mediates ATP-driven vectorial H+ transport across the membranes. It is widely distributed and present in virtually all eukaryotic cells in intracellular membranes or in the plasma membrane of specialized cells. In subcellular organelles, ATPase is responsible for the acidification of the vesicular interior, which requires an intraorganellar acidic pH to maintain optimal enzyme activity. Control of vacuolar H+-ATPase depends on the potential difference across the membrane in which the proton ATPase is inserted. Since the transport performed by H+-ATPase is electrogenic, translocation of H+-ions across the membranes by the pump creates a lumen-positive voltage in the absence of a neutralizing current, generating an electrochemical potential gradient that limits the activity of H+-ATPase. In many intracellular organelles and cell plasma membranes, this potential difference established by the ATPase gradient is normally dissipated by a parallel and passive Cl- movement, which provides an electric shunt compensating for the positive charge transferred by the pump. The underlying mechanisms for the differences in the requirement for chloride by different tissues have not yet been adequately identified, and there is still some controversy as to the molecular identity of the associated Cl--conducting proteins. Several candidates have been identified: the ClC family members, which may or may not mediate nCl-/H+ exchange, and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. In this review, we discuss some tissues where the association between H+-ATPase and chloride channels has been demonstrated and plays a relevant physiologic role.

Chagas disease is a major public health problem in Bolivia. In the city of Cochabamba, 58% of the population lives in peripheral urban districts ("popular zones") where the infection prevalence is extremely high. From 1995 to 1999, we studied the demographics of Chagas infections in children from five to 13 years old (n = 2218) from the South zone (SZ) and North zone (NZ) districts, which differ in social, environmental, and agricultural conditions. Information gathered from these districts demonstrates qualitative and quantitative evidence for the active transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi in urban Cochabamba. Seropositivity was high in both zones (25% in SZ and 19% in NZ). We observed a high risk of infection in children from five to nine years old in SZ, but in NZ, a higher risk occurred in children aged 10-13, with odds ratio for infection three times higher in NZ than in SZ. This difference was not due to triatomine density, since more than 1,000 Triatoma infestans were captured in both zones, but was possibly secondary to the vector infection rate (79% in SZ and 37% in NZ). Electrocardiogram abnormalities were found to be prevalent in children and pre-adolescents (SZ = 40%, NZ = 17%), indicating that under continuous exposure to infection and re-infection, a severe form of the disease may develop early in life. This work demonstrates that T. cruzi infection should also be considered an urban health problem and is not restricted to the rural areas and small villages of Bolivia.

The interaction between H+ extrusion via H+-ATPase and Cl- conductance was studied in the C11 clone of MDCK cells, akin to the intercalated cells of the collecting duct. Cell pH (pHi) was measured by fluorescence microscopy using the fluorescein-derived probe BCECF-AM. Control recovery rate measured after a 20 mM NH4Cl acid pulse was 0.136 ± 0.008 pH units/min (dpHi/dt) in Na+ Ringer and 0.032 ± 0.003 in the absence of Na+ (0 Na+). With 0 Na+ plus the Cl- channel inhibitor NPPB (10 µM), recovery was reduced to 0.014 ± 0.001 dpHi/dt. 8-Br-cAMP, known to activate CFTR Cl- channels, increased dpHi/dt in 0 Na+ to 0.061 ± 0.009 and also in the presence of 46 nM concanamycin and 50 µM Schering 28080. Since it is thought that the Cl- dependence of H+-ATPase might be due to its electrogenic nature and the establishment of a +PD (potential difference) across the cell membrane, the effect of 10 µM valinomycin at high (100 mM) K+ was tested in our cells. In Na+ Ringer, dpHi/dt was increased, but no effect was detected in 0 Na+ Ringer in the presence of NPPB, indicating that in intact C11 cells the effect of blocking Cl- channels on dpHi/dt was not due to an adverse electrical gradient. The effect of 100 µM ATP was studied in 0 Na+ Ringer solution; this treatment caused a significant inhibition of dpHi/dt, reversed by 50 µM Bapta. We have shown that H+-ATPase present in MDCK C11 cells depends on Cl- ions and their channels, being regulated by cAMP and ATP, but not by the electrical gradient established by electrogenic H+ transport.

In this work we evaluate different variables in relation with the reproductive output in two traditional breed chicken types one of them semi-heavy for egg production (Negra and Rubia INTA) and the other one heavy whose offsprings are destined to meat chicken production (Campero INTA). We found significative differences in the settables egg number (191 and 110 eggs per hen per year) in the fertility percent (93 and 88) in the hatchability (88 and 83) and in the chick number per hen per year (158 and 82) between semi-heavy an heavy chickens respectively. These results agree with the references in relation with reproductive fitness in laying and meat type chickens.

En el presente trabajo se evaluaron distintas variables que se relacionan con el rendimiento reproductivo en dos tipos de aves de líneas tradicionales, una semi-pesada, seleccionada para la producción de huevos para consumo (Negra y Rubia INTA) y otra pesada, cuya progenie se destina a la producción de carne aviar (Campero INTA). Se hallaron diferencias significativas en el número de huevos incubables (191 y 110 huevos por ave/año), en los porcentajes de fertilidad (93 y 88%), incubabilidad (88 y 83%) y en el número de pollitos por ave por año (158 y 82) entre las aves semi-pesadas y pesadas, respectivamente. Dicho comportamiento coincide con lo referido por la bibliografía con relación a la aptitud reproductiva de razas productoras de huevo para consumo y razas productoras de carne.

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is the commonest cause of infantile blindness in Chile. 30-35% of children with a birth weight of less than 1 500 gm present some degree of ROP, 5% develop threshold ROP with a high risk of becoming blind. For this reason a screening programme was implemented. Objectives: To determine the incidence of ROP and maximum stages related to birth weight and gestational age. To describe the incidence of threshold ROP, the outcome of early treatment, and the advantages of this programme. Patients and Methods: A programme designed to detect and treat all children with a birth weight of less than 1 500 gm, using retinal examination from day 30 until maturation of the retinal vessels. The inicial and ultimate examination were registered. A treatment protocol was designed for threshold ROP. Results: 205 children (95,8%) of the study were evaluated, 146 (71,2%) presented with some stage of ROP, of whom 18 (12,3%) developed threshold ROP. An inverse relationship between the incidence of ROP and higher birth weight and gestational age were noted, but not with threshold ROP. 18 children with threshold ROP were treated with laser photocoagulotherapy with a favourable outcome. Conclusions: The incidence of ROP is higher in our centre than in others in Chile, even though the risk factors are similar. The absence and associated advantages justifies the implementation and extension of this plan to other centers

La retinopatía del prematuro (ROP) es la primera causa de ceguera infantil en Chile. El 30 a 45% de los menores de 1 500 gramos presenta algún grado de ROP y de ellos el 5% alcanza ROP umbral con un alto riesgo de ceguera, lo cual motivó la implementación de un plan de pesquisa y tratamiento. Objetivos: Determinar la incidencia de ROP y etapas máximas alcanzadas según peso de nacimiento y edad gestacional, describir la incidencia de ROP umbral y el resultado de su oportuno tratamiento, y considerar las ventajas de este proyecto. Pacientes y Método: Plan ideado para detectar y tratar ROP en los menores de 1 500 gramos efectuando fondo de ojo desde los 30 días de vida hasta la maduración completa de la retina. Se registró edad del primer fondo de ojo y etapa máxima alcanzada. En ROP umbral se elaboró protocolo de tratamiento consignando número de ojos comprometidos y evolución. Resultados: Se evaluaron 205 niños con 95,8% de cobertura. El 71,2% (146) presentó algún grado de ROP y de éstos el 12,3% (18) alcanzó ROP umbral. Hubo una relación inversa entre incidencia de ROP con mayor peso de nacimiento y edad gestacional pero no así con ROP umbral. Los 18 niños con ROP umbral fueron oportunamente tratados con panfotocoagulación láser obteniéndose buenos resultados en el seguimiento. Comentario: Nuestra incidencia de ROP es mayor que la de otros centros del país aun cuando los factores de riesgo son similares. La ausencia de ceguera por ROP y sus ventajas asociadas justifica la implementación de este plan y su extensión a otros centros

In the present study we determined the effect of chronic diet supplementation with n-3 PUFA on renal function of healthy and cachectic subjects by providing fish oil (1 g/kg body weight) to female rats throughout pregnancy and lactation and then to their offspring post-weaning and examined its effect on renal function parameters during their adulthood. The animals were divided into four groups of 5-10 rats in each group: control, control supplemented with fish oil (P), cachectic Walker 256 tumor-bearing (W), and W supplemented with fish oil (WP). Food intake was significantly lower in the W group compared to control (12.66 ± 4.24 vs 25.30 ± 1.07 g/day). Treatment with fish oil significantly reversed this reduction (22.70 ± 2.94 g/day). Tumor growth rate was markedly reduced in the P group (16.41 ± 2.09 for WP vs 24.06 ± 2.64 g for W). WP group showed a significant increase in mean glomerular filtration rate compared to P and control (1.520 ± 0.214 ml min-1 kg body weight-1; P < 0.05). Tumor-bearing groups had low urine osmolality compared to control rats. The fractional sodium excretion decreased in the W group compared to control (0.43 ± 0.16 vs 2.99 ± 0.87%; P < 0.05), and partially recovered in the WP group (0.90 ± 0.20%). In summary, the chronic supplementation with fish oil used in this study increased the amount of fat in the diet by only 0.1%, but caused remarkable changes in tumor growth rate and cachexia, also showing a renoprotective function.

A new species of phlebotomine sand fly, Lutzomyia adamsi n. sp., is described and illustrated from specimens collected during August 1994, in Sandia, Department of Puno-Peru. According to the Oficina Nacional de Evaluacion de Recursos Naturales(ONERN 1976), this locality is situated in the life zone known as humid, mountain, low tropical forest (bh-MBT). Many areas in the northern part of Puno, mainly in the Inambari and Tambopata basins, are endemic to leishmaniasis. These areas are the continuation of others, largely known as "leishmaniasic" in the departments of Cusco and Madre de Dios. The morphological characteristics indicated that this species belongs to the genus Lutzomyia, subgenus Helcocyrtomyia Barretto, 1962

The phlebotomine sand fly Lutzomyia pastazaensis n. sp. is described and illustrated from specimens collected from the edge of primary forest near Andoas, Department of Loreto, Peru (03º00'S, 76º05'W). This species appears to belong to the subgenus Trichophoromyia Barreto 1962, whose members are generally restricted to the Amazon Basin.