Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of concentrate supplementation on carcass characteristics of heifers finished on Tifton 85 pasture. Thirty-two cross-breed heifers (Charolais and Nellore) on average aged 25.51 months and weighing 298 kg were used in a completely randomized experiment. The animals were distributed uniformly to receive four different levels of concentrates based on the body weight: 0.0; 0.4; 0.8 and 1.2%. Animals were slaughtered at 29 months of age. There was increasing linear effect of levels energy supplementation on: slaughter weight, hot and cold carcass weights,hot and cold dressing percentage, thigh thickness, carcass compactness, and L* and b* color values. It was observed quadratic effect of levels of energy supplementation on the percentage of fat in the carcass. Different levels of energy supplementation did not modify the accumulation of vital organs and visceral fat or the sensory attributes of the meat. Higher levels of energy supplementation promote increases in carcass traits of heifers when finished on Tifton 85 pasture.

RESUMO O miofibrossarcoma em cavalos é um raro tumor maligno, composto predominantemente por miofibroblastos. Um equino, de 15 anos de idade, foi encaminhado ao Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal do Paraná, para avaliação de sinais de cólica. O exame clínico inicial apresentou mucosas ictéricas e, nos exames laboratoriais, revelou anemia e aumento sérico de ALT, GGT, ALP e bilirrubina. Na laparotomia exploratória, observou-se massa abdominal vascularizada de aproximadamente 50cm x 45cm x 30cm na região do hipocôndrio esquerdo e aderida às estruturas circunvizinhas. Devido ao tamanho e às aderências ao omento, a massa foi considerada irressecável cirurgicamente, portanto foi realizada a eutanásia e a necropsia. Os resultados imuno-histoquímicos e morfológicos indicam o diagnóstico de miofibrossarcoma, visto que as células neoplásicas imunoexpressaram Vimentin, HHF35 e S100. Portanto, esse é o primeiro caso em equinos de miofibrossarcoma omental descrito na literatura.

ABSTRACT Myofibrosarcoma in horses is a rare malignant tumor composed predominantly by myofibroblasts. A 15-year-old horse was referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Parana for evaluation of colic signs. Initial physical examination showed icteric mucous membrane and laboratory analysis found anemia, increased serum activity of ALT, GGT, ALP, and bilirubin. In the exploratory laparotomy a highly vascularized abdominal mass in the left hypochondrium region of approximately 50cm x 45cm x 30cm, adhered to the surrounding structures was observed. Due to the size and adhesions to the omentum, the mass was considered surgically unresectable, and euthanasia was performed followed by necropsy. The immunohistochemical and morphological results indicate the diagnosis of myofibrosarcoma since the neoplastic cells immunoexpressed Vimentin, HHF35 and S100. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first equine case of omental myofibrosarcoma described in the literature.

RESUMO O sarcoide é a neoplasia cutânea mais comum nos equinos, não apresentando uma terapêutica estabelecida, devido à variável manifestação neoplásica e à oscilante resposta individual às terapias. A planta Euphorbia tirucalli, conhecida como Aveloz, possui em sua seiva terpenos e esteróis com atividade antitumoral, sendo amplamente empregada na medicina popular. Foram atendidos, no Hospital Veterinário, oito animais diagnosticados com sarcoide e tratados unicamente com a solução aquosa contendo a seiva de Euphorbia tirucalli. As regiões predominantemente acometidas pelos tumores eram base de orelha e peitoral; sete dos oito animais apresentaram tumores em mais de uma região. A injeção intratumoral contendo Aveloz foi aplicada até a turgência do tumor, visualizando-se, em 24 a 72 horas, o enegrecimento, o ressecamento e o desprendimento do sarcoide. O uso da seiva de Euphorbia tirucalli apresentou 87,5% de eficácia no tratamento de sarcoide, e foram observados efeitos adversos nos sete animais em que a técnica se mostrou eficaz. Os equinos tratados foram acompanhados no intervalo de três mês a sete anos e nenhum apresentou recidivas do tumor. A aplicação intralesional da seiva da Euphorbia tirucalli se apresentou eficaz, segura e de baixo custo no tratamento de sarcoide em equinos, sendo uma alternativa viável para esse tipo de neoplasia cutânea.

ABSTRACT Sarcoid is the most common cutaneous neoplasm in horses, with no established therapy, due to the variable neoplastic manifestation and the oscillating individual response to therapies. The Euphorbia tirucalli plant, known as Aveloz, has terpenes and sterols in its latex with antitumor activity, being widely used in popular medicine. Eight horses were referred to the Veterinary Hospital diagnosed with sarcoid, and they were treated only with an aqueous solution containing Euphorbia tirucalli. The most common location of tumors was base of the ear and pectoral; seven of the eight animals had tumors in more than one region. The intratumoral injection containing the sap of Aveloz was applied until the tumor became turgent, visualizing blackening, dryness, and a detachment of the sarcoid in 24 to 72 hours. The use of Euphorbia tirucalli sap showed 87.5% efficacy in the treatment of sarcoids and adverse effects were observed in the seven animals in which the technique was effective. The treated horses were evaluated for three months to seven years, and none had tumor recurrences. The intralesional application of Euphorbia tirucalli sap has been proved to be effective, safe, and low-cost in the treatment of sarcoid in horses, being a viable alternative for this type of cutaneous neoplasm.

Abstract Objective Allergic sensitization is one of the key components for the development of allergies. Polysensitization seems to be related to the persistence and severity of allergic diseases. Furthermore, allergic sensitization has a predictive role in the development of allergies. The aim of this study was to characterize the pattern of sensitization of atopic patients treated at different pediatric allergy referral centers in Brazil. Methods A nation-wide transversal multicenter study collected data on patients attended in Brazil. Peripheral blood samples were collected to determine the serum levels of allergen-specific IgE. If allergen-specific IgE was higher than 0.1 kUA/L, the following specific components were quantified. Results A total of 470 individuals were enrolled in the study. Mite sensitization was the most frequent kind in all participants. A high frequency of sensitization to furry animals and grasses featured in the respiratory allergies. Regarding components, there was a predominance of sensitization to Der p 1 and Der p 2. It has been verified that having a food allergy, atopic dermatitis, or multimorbidity are risk factors for the development of more severe allergic disease. Conclusion Studies on the pattern of allergic sensitization to a specific population offer tools for the more effectual prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of allergic diseases. Sensitization to dust mites house was the most prevalent in the evaluated sample. High rates of sensitization to furry animals also stand out. Patients with food allergy, atopic dermatitis, or multimorbidity appear to be at greater risk for developing more severe allergic diseases.

Resumo Objetivo Comparar concentrações séricas de IgE específica e diâmetros médios das pápulas induzidas no teste cutâneo de leitura imediata com leite de vaca e suas frações com resultados do teste de provocação oral e estabelecer pontos de corte, capazes de predizer reatividade clínica ao leite de vaca em pacientes atendidos em um serviço de referência. Métodos Cento e vinte e duas crianças (mediana 17 meses), com história de reações imediatas ao leite de vaca e presença de IgE específicas para leite de vaca e/ou frações (testes cutâneos e/ou IgE sérica positivos) foram submetidas ao teste de provocação oral aberto com leite de vaca. Resultados O teste de provocação oral foi positivo em 59,8% das crianças, 49% eram do sexo masculino. Os níveis séricos de IgE específica, assim como os diâmetros médios das pápulas para leite de vaca, foram significantemente maiores nos alérgicos (medianas: 3,39kUA/L vs. 1,16 kUA/L; 2,5 mm vs. 0 mm). Os "pontos de corte ótimos" (Índice de Youden) das IgE séricas específicas para o leite de vaca e suas frações capazes de predizer a reatividade ao leite de vaca (teste de provocação oral positivo) foram: 5,17kUA/L para o leite de vaca, 0,95 kUA/L para α-lactoalbumina, 0,82kUA/L para β-lactoglobulina e 0,72kUA/L para caseína e para os diâmetros de pápulas foram 3,5 mm para leite de vaca e 6,5 mm, 9,0 mm e 3,0 mm para as frações α-lactoalbumina, β-lactoglobulina e caseína, respectivamente. Conclusões Os níveis de corte capazes de predizer reatividade clínica ao leite de vaca foram: 5,17kUA/L para IgE sérica específica e 3,5 mm para a medida do diâmetro da pápula, valores considerados discriminatórios para o diagnóstico da alergia ao leite de vaca.

Abstract Objective To compare serum concentrations of specific IgE and mean papule diameters induced in the immediate skin reactivity test with cow's milk and its fractions with results of the oral challenge test, and to establish cutoff points capable of predicting clinical reactivity to cow's milk in patients treated at a referral service. Methods One hundred and twenty-two children (median of 17 months) with a history of immediate reactions to cow's milk and presence of specific IgE for cow's milk and/or its fractions (positive skin and/or IgE serum tests) were submitted to open oral challenge test with cow's milk. Results The oral challenge test was positive in 59.8% of the children, 49% of whom were males. Serum levels of specific IgE, as well as mean cow's milk papule diameters, were significantly higher in allergic patients (medians: 3.39 kUA/L vs. 1.16 kUA/L, 2.5 mm vs. 0 mm). The optimal cutoff points (Youden's index) of serum IgE specific for cow's milk and its fractions capable of predicting cow's milk reactivity (positive oral challenge test) were: 5.17 kUA/L for cow's milk, 0.95 kUA/L for α-lactalbumin, 0.82 kUA/L for β-lactoglobulin, and 0.72 kUA/L for casein, whereas for papule diameters the cutoff points were 3.5 mm for cow's milk and 6.5 mm, 9.0 mm, and 3.0 mm for the α-lactalbumin, β-lactoglobulin, and casein fractions, respectively. Conclusions The cutoff points capable of predicting clinical reactivity to cow's milk were: 5.17 kUA/L for serum-specific IgE and 3.5 mm for papule diameter measurement, values considered discriminatory for the diagnosis of cow's milk allergy.

The Sancti Spiritus settlement was established at some undetermined time between May and August 1527 at the Carcarañá and Coronda rivers confluence, when an expedition commanded by Sebastián Caboto arrived. This archaeological site focus on the beginning of the European presence and the introduction of new plant species in the region. The results obtained from the phytoliths and archaeological charcoals analysis contribute with new data because plants introduced in a Hispano-indigenous context of the early 16th century were identified. Charcoals assigned to gymnosperms had to be introduced by colonizers from Europe because material was identified as wild pine (Pinus sylvestris) and yew (Taxus baccata). The presence of gymnosperms in an Argentine archaeological site represents the oldest material evidence of exotic wood in historical moments. The identified phytolytic associations respond to plants related to local grasses (Maideae and Oryzoideae) and a type of introduced plant, as is the case of the forms related to wheat (Triticeae). The archaeobotanical analyzes contribute information that, with historical records, provide elements for the reconstruction of this event relevant to Hispanic American history.

El asentamiento español de Sancti Spiritus se estableció en algún momento indeterminado entre mayo y agosto de 1527 en la confluencia de los ríos Carcarañá y Coronda, cuando arribó una expedición al mando de Sebastián Caboto. Este sitio arqueológico marca el inicio de la presencia europea en la región y con ello la introducción de nuevas especies vegetales. Los resultados obtenidos a partir del análisis de los fitolitos y los carbones arqueológicos del sitio contribuyen con información novedosa debido a que en ambos casos se identificaron vegetales introducidos en un contexto hispano-indígena de principios del siglo XVI. Los carbones debieron ser introducidos por los colonizadores, dado que fueron asignados a gimnospermas afines a pino silvestre (Pinus sylvestris) y tejo (Taxus baccata). La presencia de gimnospermas en un sitio arqueológico argentino representa la evidencia material más antigua de maderas de origen exótico en  momentos históricos. Las asociaciones fitolíticas identificadas responden a vegetales afines a gramíneas locales (Maideae y Oryzoideae) y un tipo de vegetal introducido, como es el caso de las formas afines a trigo (Triticeae). Los análisis arqueobotánicos aportan información que sumada a los registros históricos, proporcionan elementos para la reconstrucción de este acontecimiento relevante para la historia hispanoamericana.

Objective: To evaluate the frequency of fatigue in patients with PsA and its association with other disease variables. Methods: We included patients ≥18 years of age with PsA according to CASPAR criteria. Fatigue, morning stiffness, pain and global activity by both patients and physicians were assessed using visual analogue scales (VAS). ASQoL, PsAQoL, HAQ-A, BASFI and BASDAI were completed. DAS28, DAPSA and CPDAI were calculated. Results: We included 112 patients. Median fatigue VAS was 3 cm (IQR 0-6). Fatigue had an acceptable correlation with BASDAI (r:0.63), BASDAI question Nº1 (r:0.48), DAS28 (r:0.45), DAPSA (Rho:0.5), HAQ-A (Rho:0.42), PsAQoL (Rho:0.49), ASQoL (Rho:0.48), BASFI (Rho:0.47), pain (Rho:0.48) and morning stiffness (Rho:0.55) and a regular correlation with CPDAI (Rho:034). 30% of our cohort had fatigue, as defined by a VAS equal or greater than 6 cm. In multiple linear regression analysis, adjusting for sex, age and disease duration, peripheral disease activity (DAPSA βcoeff: 0.36, p=0.0001) and quality of life (PsAQoL βcoeff: 0.27, p=0.009) were associated with fatigue. Conclusion: Prevalence of fatigue in this cohort was 30% and it was associated with greater peripheral disease activity and worse quality of life.

Objetivo: Evaluar la frecuencia de fatiga en pacientes con APs y su asociación con otras variables de la enfermedad. Métodos: Pacientes ≥18 años con diagnóstico de APs según criterios CASPAR. Se evaluó fatiga, rigidez matinal, dolor, actividad de la enfermedad por el paciente y el médico por escala visual graduada (EVG). Se completaron los autocuestionarios ASQoL, PsAQoL, HAQ-A, BASFI y BASDAI. Se calcularon los índices compuestos DAS28, DAPSA y CPDAI. Resultados: Se incluyeron 112 pacientes. La mediana de fatiga fue de 3 cm (RIC 0-6). Fatiga tuvo aceptable correlación con BASDAI (r:0,63), pregunta Nº1 del BASDAI (r:0,48), DAS28 (r:0,45), DAPSA (r:0,5), HAQ-A (r:0,42), PsAQoL (r:0,49), ASQoL (r:0,48), BASFI (r:0,47), EVG de dolor (r:0,48) y de rigidez matinal (r:0,55). El 30% de nuestra cohorte presentó fatiga definida como EVG ≥6 cm. En el análisis de regresión lineal múltiple, la actividad de la enfermedad articular periférica (DAPSA coef β: 0,36, p=0,0001) y la calidad de vida (PsAQoL coef β: 0,27, p=0,009) se asociaron significativamente a fatiga. Conclusión: El 30% de nuestra cohorte de pacientes presentó EVG de fatiga ≥6 cm. La fatiga se asoció independientemente con la actividad de la enfermedad articular periférica y la calidad de vida.

É relatado o caso de uma menina de sete anos de idade com infecções de vias aéreas de repetição (otites, pneumonias e sinusites) desde os cinco meses de vida. A avaliação imunológica demonstrou produção inadequada de anticorpos ao Streptococcus pneumoniae após imunização para todos os sorotipos (1, 3, 5, 6, 9 e 14) testados, embora a paciente apresentasse níveis normais de imunoglobulinas. A avaliação radiológica, no momento da admissão, demonstrou presença de atelectasias difusas associadas a bronquiectasias. Após início do tratamento com imunoglobulina endovenosa e fisioterapia respiratória houve esvaecimento gradual até reversão das alterações radiológicas. Demonstrou-se, assim, a importância de um diagnóstico preciso para início de tratamento específico, com melhora gradual do quadro clínico e radiológico, evitando seqüelas pulmonares irreversíveis.

The authors report the case of a 7-year-old girl, with a history of recurrent respiratory infections since five months of age. Immunological evaluation at four years of age revealed a normal level of total serum immunoglobulins, but a deficient humoral response to Streptococcus pneumoniae. Although having all normal IgG subclasses, the patient had inadequate antibody levels to all serotypes tested (1, 3, 5, 6, 9, and 14). Concurrent radiological evaluation showed diffuse atelectasis and bronchiectasis. Patient was started on IVIG, and subsequent chest CT scan revealed resolution of the above-mentioned lesions. To prevent irreversible damage to lung parenchyma, due to recurrent lower respiratory infections, it is important to identify immunocompromised individuals and treat them accordingly.