Risposta corticosurrenalica nel cavallo quarter horse in corso di sedute di allenamento e di gara simulata di barrel racing

ABSTRACT - Cortisol changes of 12 Quarter horses utilized in both training and not competitive Barrel Racing sessions were examined before and after both activities. The subjects in the study were divided into 2 groups, group A (control) and group B (exercise). From the comparison between cortisol basal levels of both groups, the statistical analysis showed a significant training effect on cortisol (F=8.86; P=0.011) changes. In the comparison between the last training session (the 6th) and the race simulation, statistical analysis showed a significant effect of not competitive race on cortisol (F=10.91; P=0.02) levels. One-way RM-ANOVA showed a significant effect of exercise on cortisol changes during both all-training weeks and not competitive sessions, with significant (F=10.91; P=0.02) higher levels in the not competitive session compared to the last training session

Modificazioni endocrino-ematologiche in cavalli P.S.I. in corso di prove di cross-country a differente altitudine

The endocrine and hematological changes were studied in 24 healthy horses before and after cross-country sessions, performed at different altitudes. On the basis of different altitude and stabling, horses were distinguished in group I (200 m), group II (500 m), group III (800 m), group IV (control group: 1200 m). Compared to basal values, horses submitted to cross-country sessions showed higher cortisol levels post exercise, both at T1 (after the 1st hour) and T2 (after the 2nd hour), irrespective of different altitude, with significant effects of exercise on cortisol changes. Significant effects of different altitude were observed on the post-exercise cortisol changes in group I and III. Compared to basal values, Wbc, Rbc Hgb, Plt and Pct were higher after exercise, at T1, both in group I and group II, with higher Plt and Pct after exercise (T1) in group III. Basal Wbc, Rbc, Hgb, Hct and Plt values of groups III and IV were significantly higher than basal values of group I. Statistical analysis showed significant effects of exercise and altitude on the hematological variables

Open versus laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for clinical T1a renal masses: a matched-pair comparison of 280 patients with TRIFECTA outcomes (RECORd Project).

To report a matched-pair comparative analysis between open (OPN) and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) for clinical (c) T1a renal masses from a large prospective multicenter dataset.The RECORd Project includes all patients who underwent OPN and LPN for kidney cancer between January 2009 and January 2011 at 19 Italian centers. Open and laparoscopic groups were compared regarding clinical, surgical, pathologic, functional results and TRIFECTA outcome. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze predictors of WIT >25 min, surgical complications (SC) and the achievement of the TRIFECTA outcome.Overall, 301 patients had OPN and 149 LPN. Groups were matched 1:1 (140 matched pairs) for clinical diameter, tumor location and type of indication. Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy was associated with a significantly mean longer WIT (19.9 vs. 15.1 min; p 25 min (RR 6.29, p < 0.0001). The TRIFECTA was achieved in 78.6 and 74.3\% after OPN and LPN (p = ns), respectively, and the surgical approach was not a predictor of a negative TRIFECTA and SC at multivariable analysis. At 6-month follow-up, no significant differences were observed between the OPN and LPN group both in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (∆GFR 1.1 vs. 4.1 mL/min) and in new-onset stage III-V chronic kidney disease (CKD) rate (0 vs. 0.7\%).No significant difference in achieving the TRIFECTA outcome was reported after OPN and LPN. LPN was associated with a significantly longer WIT. However, eGFR at 6-month follow-up did not differ significantly between the two surgical approaches

Polymorphisms of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) gene in preeclampsia: a candidate-gene association study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene (<it>NOS3</it>) has been proposed as a candidate gene for preeclampsia. However, studies so far have produced conflicting results. This study examines the specific role of variants and haplotypes of the <it>NOS3 </it>gene in a population of Caucasian origin.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We examined the association of three common variants of the <it>NOS3 </it>gene (4b/a, T-786C and G894T) and their haplotypes in a case-control sample of 102 patients with preeclampsia and 176 women with a history of uncomplicated pregnancies. Genotyping for the <it>NOS3 </it>variants was performed and odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were obtained to evaluate the association between <it>NOS3 </it>polymorphisms and preeclampsia.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The single locus analysis for the three variants using various genetic models and a model-free approach revealed no significant association in relation to clinical status. The analysis of haplotypes also showed lack of significant association.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Given the limitations of the candidate-gene approach in investigating complex traits, the evidence of our study does not support the major contributory role of these common <it>NOS3 </it>variants in preeclampsia. Future larger studies may help in elucidating the genetics of preeclampsia further.</p

Exoerythrocytic Plasmodium Parasites Secrete a Cysteine Protease Inhibitor Involved in Sporozoite Invasion and Capable of Blocking Cell Death of Host Hepatocytes

Plasmodium parasites must control cysteine protease activity that is critical for hepatocyte invasion by sporozoites, liver stage development, host cell survival and merozoite liberation. Here we show that exoerythrocytic P. berghei parasites express a potent cysteine protease inhibitor (PbICP, P. berghei inhibitor of cysteine proteases). We provide evidence that it has an important function in sporozoite invasion and is capable of blocking hepatocyte cell death. Pre-incubation with specific anti-PbICP antiserum significantly decreased the ability of sporozoites to infect hepatocytes and expression of PbICP in mammalian cells protects them against peroxide- and camptothecin-induced cell death. PbICP is secreted by sporozoites prior to and after hepatocyte invasion, localizes to the parasitophorous vacuole as well as to the parasite cytoplasm in the schizont stage and is released into the host cell cytoplasm at the end of the liver stage. Like its homolog falstatin/PfICP in P. falciparum, PbICP consists of a classical N-terminal signal peptide, a long N-terminal extension region and a chagasin-like C-terminal domain. In exoerythrocytic parasites, PbICP is posttranslationally processed, leading to liberation of the C-terminal chagasin-like domain. Biochemical analysis has revealed that both full-length PbICP and the truncated C-terminal domain are very potent inhibitors of cathepsin L-like host and parasite cysteine proteases. The results presented in this study suggest that the inhibitor plays an important role in sporozoite invasion of host cells and in parasite survival during liver stage development by inhibiting host cell proteases involved in programmed cell death

Circulating β-endorphin, adrenocorticotrophic hormone and cortisol levels of stallions before and after short road transport: stress effect of different distances

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Since transport evokes physiological adjustments that include endocrine responses, the objective of this study was to examine the responses of circulating β-endorphin, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol levels to transport stress in stallions.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Forty-two healthy Thoroughbred and crossbred stallions were studied before and after road transport over distances of 100, 200 and 300 km. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein: first in a single box immediately before loading (pre-samples), then immediately after transport and unloading on arrival at the breeding stations (post-samples).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>An increase in circulating β-endorphin levels after transport of 100 km (<it>P </it>< 0.01), compared to basal values was observed. Circulating ACTH levels showed significant increases after transport of 100 km (<it>P </it>< 0.001) and 200 km (<it>P </it>< 0.001). Circulating cortisol levels showed significant increases after road transport over distances of 100, 200 and 300 km (<it>P </it>< 0.001). An effect of transport on β-endorphin, ACTH and cortisol variations was therefore evident for the different distances studied. No significant differences (<it>P </it>> 0.05) between horses of different ages and different breeds were observed for β-endorphin, ACTH and cortisol levels.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The results obtained for short term transportation of stallions showed a very strong reaction of the adrenocortical system. The lack of response of β-endorphin after transport of 200–300 km and of ACTH after transport of 300 km seems to suggest a soothing effect of negative feedback of ACTH and cortisol levels.</p