Effect of glycoelectrolytic supplement on post-weaning piglet performance and intestinal integrity

This study evaluated the effects of glycoelectrolytic supplements on the performance, blood parameters, and intestinal morphology of piglets during the post-weaning period. In the study, a total of 240 piglets weaned aged 17 22.60 + 1.10 days were used. The control group (n = 120) received only water, and the treatment group (n = 120) received an oral glycoelectrolytic supplement diluted in water (0.75%) during the first three days after weaning. Feed intake, daily weight gain, final weight, feed conversion ratio, and post-weaning mortality were evaluated. On the third day after weaning, the blood glucose levels of all piglets were analyzed. Blood was collected from 12 piglets from each treatment group on day 3 after weaning for blood count analysis, and intestinal fragments were collected for anatomopathological and morphometric evaluation. Better feed conversion ratio (1.29) and higher consumption of liquids (0.639 L/day) were observed in the piglet group supplemented with glycoelectrolytes on day 3 after weaning (P < 0.05). The supplemented group presented a higher glycemic index (80.78 mg/dL), average corpuscular volume (67.35 fL), and average corpuscular hemoglobin (20.46 pg) than the control group (P < 0.05). The evaluation of intestinal integrity and the probability of diarrhea occurrence were similar between the groups (P > 0.05). Oral glycoelectrolytic supplementation can be an option for piglets immediately after weaning as it improves feed conversion and consumption of liquids, in addition to increasing blood glucose without the occurrence of diarrhea, thus reducing dehydration and energy deficit.

Long-acting injectable progesterone treatment prior to puberty induction in gilts

Progesterone (P4) has a pivotal role on female puberty attainment in most farm animals. However, there are no studies evaluating the effect of P4 treatment previously to boar exposure for puberty induction in gilts. Therefore, serum P4 concentration, estrus expression and reproductive performance after boar stimuli were evaluated in gilts intramuscularly treated with long-acting P4 before boar exposure. In Experiment I, prepubertal gilts received either 1 mL of saline (control) or intramuscular (I.M.) P4 treatment (150 mg, 300 mg or 600 mg; n = 6 per treatment). Serum P4 concentration for P4-treated gilts was greater than for control gilts for at least 8 d for P4300 and P4600 groups (P < 0.05), but greater until after 16 d only for those treated with 600 mg (P < 0.05). In Experiments II (prepubertal) and III (peripubertal), gilts received either saline (control) or 300 mg P4 I.M. and those showing estrus signs were artificially inseminated (AI), whereas gilts without estrus expression were culled. In prepubertal gilts (Exp. II), estrus expression rate did not differ (P < 0.05) for control (79.1%; n = 110) and P4-treated gilts (81.5%; n = 108). In peripubertal gilts (Exp. III), although estrus expression did not differ between control (77.6%; n = 106) and P4-treated (69.6%; n = 102) gilts (P > 0.05), P4-treated gilts presented longer (23.1 ± 1.4 days) interval from treatment to estrus expression than control gilts (17.1 ± 1.3 days; P < 0.05). In Experiments II and III, the proportion of culled gilts with ovarian structures consistent with normal estrous cycles, farrowing rate, and litter size did not differ between treatments (P > 0.05). In conclusion, I.M. treatment with 300 or 600 mg of long-acting P4 was efficient in maintaining high P4 concentrations in prepubertal gilts for at least 8 days. However, P4 treatment over this time interval did not benefit the reproductive performance of prepubertal and peripubertal gilts.

Removal or substitution of in feed antimicrobials in swine production

Antimicrobial substitutes are being used in pig production systems, to maintain the health of the animals without compromising their performance. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of either the removal of in feed antimicrobials or their substitution for feed additives, at the nursery and growing/finishing stages. At weaning, 1091 piglets were sexed, vaccinated, homogenized by weight and allocated to six treatments during the nursery stage (26-63 d): T1- feed with no antimicrobials nor additives; T2 - feed with antimicrobials; T3 - feed with prebiotic; T4 - feed with probiotic; T5 - feed with essential oils; T6 - feed with organic acids. The same treatments were applied to 840 pigs during the growing/finishing stages (64-167 d). There was no effect of the treatments on feed conversion at the nursery (P = 0.222) and the growing/finishing (P = 0.809) stages. The average daily gain did not differ across treatments in the nursery (P = 0.342) and in growing/finishing (P = 0.050). The cost of the interventions with injectable drugs was not different between the treatments neither at the nursery (P = 0.990) nor at the growing/finishing (P = 0.310). However, the pneumonia and pleurisy index for all treatments was equal or above 1.0, which indicates a respiratory challenge. There was an increase in the cost with antimicrobials or additives per kg of feed produced, which impacts the cost per kg of pig produced. In conclusion, the removal of antimicrobials in pig diets is financially feasible and their substitution by additives did not impact growing performance.

Maxillary sinusitis caused by retained dental impression material: An unusual case report and literature review

Surgical procedures in posterior area of maxillary might cause an oroantral communication and iatrogenic sinusitis. An undetected oroantral communication can cause the penetration of foreign bodies, such as dental impression materials, in the maxillary sinus, thereby contributing to persistent sinusitis. Given the occurrence of a very rare clinical and medicolegal case of persistent and drug-resistant sinusitis due to radiologically undetected fragments of silicone paste for dental impression in the maxillary antrum, a literature review was pursued through sensitive keywords in relevant databases for health sciences. All retrieved articles were considered and data about the kind of impression materials thrusted into the maxillary sinus, the diagnostic issues, the reported range of symptoms, and the occurrence of medicolegal issues were analyzed. The diagnosis resulted to be quite challenging and belatedly especially in case of healed oroantral communication and when the material retained in the maxillary sinus has similar radiodensity compared to the surrounding normal or inflammatory tissues. The case was then discussed in comparison with the reviewed literature for both clinical and medicolegal issues. Hints were provided to professionals to face the challenging diagnosis in similar rare cases and to avoid the possible related litigation.

Acidifiers blend on digestibility, blood metabolites and performance of nursery piglets

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of inclusion of two acidifiers blend (with different protection levels) on the acidification potential in vitro, apparent total tract digestibility of diet nutrients, blood metabolites, and average daily gain of nursery piglets. Two commercial acidifiers blend additives (AC1 and AC2) were evaluated. The acidification potential of the two acidifiers blend added to the diet were tested by buffering capacity and initial pH in vitro. For the evaluation of apparent digestibility of diet nutrients, blood metabolites and average daily gain, two experiments were carried out. The AC2 acidifier had a greater effect on the initial reduction in pH and a lower linear buffering rate of the diet. The use of acidifiers did not improve the nutrient digestibility of the diets and had no effect on the blood metabolite concentrations of urea, total protein, albumin, globulin, and lactate. Although the inclusion of acidifiers in the diets did not affect the apparent total tract digestibility of the diet nutrients the inclusion of the AC2 acidifier at different levels showed a negative quadratic effect on the average daily gain, with the best inclusion level being 0.26%.

Effects of in feed removal of antimicrobials in comparison to other prophylactic alternatives in growing and finishing pigs

ABSTRACT The utilization of antimicrobials in animal production, causes selection of resistant bacteria. The objective of this study was to compare the utilization of alternatives in association with preventive antibiotic therapy in swine feed during the growing and finishing phases. 1,045 animals were used from 60 to 190 days of age and were subjected to six treatments with 16 repetitions as follows: 1) antibiotic free; 2) antibiotics; 3) prebiotic; 4) probiotic; 5) essential oils; and 6) organic acid. Animals were weighted, and clinical history was recorded including mortality and diarrhea. At the abattoir, pneumonia index and gastric ulcers were investigated. The cost for each treatment was discussed. No difference between treatments were observed (P>0.05) regarding feed conversion rate (2.64±0.03), overall average weight gain (107.06±0.9kg), average daily weight gain (856.49±7.7g) and carcass weight (92.4±0.7kg). The application injectable drugs in animals presenting clinical symptoms, represented US$ 0.56/intervention, without difference between the treatments (P>0.05). Furthermore, independently of the treatment, high frequency of pneumonia was observed (>0.90). No difference for the degree of gastric ulcer nor feces consistency were observed (P>0.05). The utilization of antibiotic therapy and alternatives to antibiotics in feed did not produce benefits to the production indices and sanitary performances of the animals.

Produção leiteira de vacas em sistema semi-extensivo e sua relação com o estresse calórico

Considerando as caraterísticas subtropicais sul do Brasil, onde o verão é caracterizado por sua extensa duração com elevadas temperaturas e altos níveis de umidade, o estresse calórico é fator recorrente e pronunciado na bovinocultura leiteira. TTendo em vista o número expressivo de pequenos produtores e agricultura familiar na região de Santa Catarina, é imprescindível a análise dos impactos do estresse calórico em produções com menores dimensões. Por essas razões, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o impacto do estresse calórico na produção leiteira de vacas de baixa produção.11 animais foram analisados durante 4 meses (novembro a março), e as produções individuais diárias de leite foram obtidas através de copo coletor acoplado ao sistema de ordenha tipo espinha de peixe, com circuito fechado. Os dados das temperaturas diárias mínima e máxima, bem como a umidade relativa do ar durante o período experimental foram obtidos na estação meteorológica do Instituto Federal Catarinense Campus Araquari. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas com o auxílio do software SAS (versão 9.3, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Os dados foram submetidos a análise de variância (PROC MIXED) para avaliar o efeito do mês sobre o índice temperatura e umidade e a produção média de leite, e avaliar o efeito do ITU abaixo ou acima de 72 sobre a produção média de leite, além de correlação de Pearson (PROC CORR) e regressão (PROC REG) para avaliar a relação entre o ITU e a produção média de leite. As médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade de erro. Os animais estudados não tiveram queda na produção quando o ITU foi mais pronunciado, sendo justificado pela baixa produção leiteira dos animais, tendo menor desafio metabólico.

Nutritional and quality changes in piglet concentrate affected by formulation and storage

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the variations in the stability and nutrient concentration in concentrates for piglet feeding. Five treatments were established: T1 - Control, standard concentrate formulation (SCF); T2 - PXMore5, SCF with more 5% vitamin-mineral premix (VMP); T3 - PXLess5, SCF with less 5% VMP. All these three treatments used 400kg batches in an INTECNIAL mixer; T4 - FeedMixer, SCF using a 4,000kg batch in an IMOTO mixer; T5 - PremixMixer, SCF using a 1,200kg batch in an MUYANG mixer. For each treatment, bags of 20kg were stored in three storage places for four months where room temperature and relative humidity was recorded daily. The concentration of nutrients was evaluated through centesimal and mineral analysis. The water activity of concentrate was affected by temperature and relative air humidity in different storage places. The greatest variation in concentration of crude protein, mineral residue, copper, zinc, and selenium was due to the PremixMixer treatment. Regarding the guaranteed levels, the critical value was verified only for the chrome concentration.

Nutritional and quality changes in piglet concentrate affected by the mix

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the reasons of quality deviation of a concentrate from a predefined standard. Five treatments were established: T1 - Control, standard concentrate formulation (SCF); T2 - PXMore5, SCF with more 5% vitamin-mineral premix (VMP); T3 - PXLess5, SCF with less 5% VMP. All three treatments used a 400kg batches in an INTECNIAL mixer; T4 - FeedMixer, SCF using a 4,000kg batch in an IMOTO mixer; T5 - PremixMixer, SCF using a 1,200kg batch in an MUYANG mixer. For each treatment, bags of 20 kg were stored in three storage places for four months. Water activity of concentrate was affected by temperature and air relative humidity in different storage places. Regarding the kind of mixer, the greatest variation in concentration of crude protein, mineral residue, copper, zinc, and selenium was observed in the PremixMixer. Adjustments are imperative in the handling and use procedures of this kind of mixer to meet the quality requirements required in the concentrate production. Analyzing the effect of the mineral-vitamin premix level, no difference could be defined with the evaluated parameters.

Comparison of the third molar maturity index (I3M) between left and right lower third molars to assess the age of majority: a multi-ethnic study sample

The diagnostic accuracy of the I_3M to assess the legal age of 18 years has already been tested in several specific-population samples. The left lower third molar has been extensively used for discriminating between minors and adults. This research aimed to compare the usefulness of lower third molar maturity indexes, from both left and right side (I_3ML and I_3MR), in samples originating from four distinct continents in order to examine possible differences in their accuracy values. For this purpose, a sample of 10,181 orthopantomograms (OPGs), from Europe, Africa, Asia and America, was analysed and previously scored in other studies. The samples included healthy subjects with no systemic disorders with both third molars and clear depicted root apices. Wilcoxon Signed Rank test for left and right asymmetry did not show any significant differences. Data about sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, likelihood ratio and accuracy were pooled together and showed similar results for I_3ML and I_3MR, respectively. In addition, all these quantities were high when only the I_3MR was considered to discriminate between adults and minors. The present referable database was the first to pool third molar measurements using panoramic radiographs of subjects coming from different continents. The results highlighted that both I_3ML and I_3MR are reliable indicators for assessing the legal age of 18 years old in those jurisdictions where this legal threshold has been set as the age of majority.

Photohydroionisation for disinfection of poultry litter

1. This study evaluated photohydroionisation efficiency on the disinfection of new shavings used as substrate for litter in the poultry industry, pre-inoculated with bacterial, fungal and viral agents.2. Each replicate consisted of 250 g of new shavings sterilised by autoclaving, challenged with bacterial (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella enterica, serovar Abony), fungal (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and viral inoculum (Gumboro disease virus). The experiment consisted of six replicates at four times (0, 1, 5 or 10 min exposure) of photohydroionisation. The disinfection process was performed in a bench photohydroionisation device with four ultraviolet lamps. The agents inoculated in the shavings were analysed after the disinfection process.3. The counts of enterobacteria and total bacteria showed a quadratic effect. In contrast, the counts of fungi and viruses showed a negative linear effect with an increase in the time of photohydroionisation. The enterobacteria showed a linear response plateau effect (LRP), with a minimum time point of 5.498 minutes at a minimum contamination of 0.666 CFU/g and a reduction of 82.27% of the pre-established inoculum. Total bacteria had an LRP effect with a minimum time point of 1.902 minutes at minimum contamination of 1.739 CFU/g and a reduction of 50.0% of the pre-established inoculum. An LRP effect was found for fungi, with a minimum time point of 7.931 minutes in minimum contamination of 3.380 CFU/g, and with a reduction of 11.0% of the pre-established inoculum. For viruses, there was an LRP effect with a minimum time point of 5.012 minutes in minimum contamination of 0.000 viral titre per 100 g of shavings, which was reduced by 100% of the pre-established inoculum.4. Photohydroionisation in the disinfection of new shavings used as poultry litter has partial potential as a microbiological control tool, as a complete reduction occurred only for the viruses, whereas for bacteria and fungi only partial reductions of these microorganisms were observed.

Evaluation of reproductive and animal welfare parameters of swine females of different genetic lines submitted to different reproductive management and housing systems during pregnancy

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate swine females of different genetic lines submitted to different reproductive management and housing systems during pregnancy on reproductive performance and animal welfare parameters. After artificial insemination protocol, 524 females were divided into two gestation housing systems: PEN1=animals housed in individual stalls during the breeding and after group-housed; PEN32=animals housed in individual stalls from breeding until 32 days of pregnancy and after group-housed. The number of piglets born, and the pregnancy and farrowing rates were evaluated. Welfare parameters related to the pregnancy phase were used. Females who weaned more piglets in the previous farrowing had a higher number of piglets born at the next farrowing. The pregnancy rate was affected by the number of semen doses. The farrowing rate was not influenced by the evaluated parameters, with average value of 91.36%. There was no effect of the gestation housing system and the genetic lines on pregnancy and farrowing rates, with values above 90.0%. The animal welfare indicators showed more compromised parameters in PEN1 system. PEN1 system did not impair the reproductive performance although it presented more compromised animal welfare parameters.

A contribution for the forensic odontologist's safety in the autopsy room

The Covid 19 pandemic we are currently facing all over the world is undoubtly an emergency condition which exposes all workers to the risks of a serious infection. The personnel working in the autoptic room is at high risk for the possible contact with infected material from corpses, splashes and aerosols diffusion, and must be always prepared to stay safe and healthy. We offer to the forensic odontologists' community a short summary of some old and new hints on the treatment of dead bodies in the autopsy room during this pandemic emergency time.

The tongue protrusion in post-mortem fire

Burned bodies raise relevant issues for forensic patologist and odontologist both for the identification and the cause of death and possible vital burning.. The tongue protrusion is regularly investigated for the death caused by strangulation or hanging, whilst seems to be overlooked in case of charred remains as the significance of this sign is still discussed. Different mechanims are hypothized in literature to explain the toungue protrusion both for vital and non-vital burning. This paper retrospectively evaluates some cases of carbonized corpses examined at the Forensic Pathology service of the University of Florence. The tongue protrusion shows a high occurrence both in vital (100%) and non-vital fires (66%). The involvement of a forensic odontologist in the cadaver examination result to be limited to one third of the cases. In two non-vital cases the tongue was described as protruded and clenched between the dental arches. The rigor of the genioglossus induced by the heat could explain the phenomenon. Further research on fire fatalities is required to analyze the tongue bleeding as a possible parameter to discriminate the vital by the non-vital tongue protrusion. Moreover, the mechanism at the origin of vital and non-vital tongue protrusion, the different position of the tongue (protruded from an open mouth, protruded and clenched between the dental arches, etc.) in different death circumstances, should be furtherly investigated with a meaningful collaboration between forensic pathologists and odontologists for a complete registration and interpretation of all the mouth originated evidence.

Effect of porcine somatotropin on metabolism, testicular size and sperm characteristics in young boars

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pST injections on metabolism, testicular size, and sperm characteristics in young boars. Sixty 22-day old piglets were divided into two groups: pST (n=30) and Control (n=30). The pST group was submitted to pST injections (90µg/kg body weight) every three days up to 330 days of age. Blood collections were performed weekly. Testicular weight was measures at 22, 82, 142, 202 and 365 days of age. Libido and fresh semen characteristics were evaluated between 150 and 210 days of age. Semen characteristics were also evaluated during a 72h storage period (15ºC). Testosterone, albumin, and phosphorus blood concentrations were higher in the pST group (P<0.05). The pST group had a higher IGF-I concentration in seminal plasma (P=0.05) and higher testicular weight (P<0.001) compared to the Control group. The pST group had higher ejaculate volume (P<0.001), total sperm count (P=0.047) and number of inseminating doses/ejaculate (P=0.047). During the 72h storage period, the pST group had a lower number of morphological alterations (P<0.001) compared to the Control group. In sum, pST injection in young boars increased testosterone concentration, testicular size, and sperm quality.

Antioxidant Effect of Xanthan Gum on Ram Sperm after Freezing and Thawing

BACKGROUND

Xanthan gum is used as thickener in media to preserve food products, having cryoprotectant and antioxidant properties that may be relevant for sperm cryopreservation.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of adding xanthan gum to freezing extenders on post-thawing quality and oxidant activity of ram sperm.

METHODS

Ejaculates from seven rams extended TRIS-egg yolk-glycerol were split in three treatments including xanthan gum (0.15%; 0.20%; and 0.25%) and a control with no xanthan gum.

RESULTS

After thawing, motility and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with 0.20% and 0.25% xanthan gum were lower than for the control (P < 0.05), but mitochondrial functionality and integrity of membrane, acrosome and DNA did not differ (P > 0.05). Xanthan gum at 0.20% and 0.25% may be an efficient antioxidant for frozen-thawed ram sperm, due to the reduction in ROS production.

Phytotoxicity as an indicator of stability of broiler production residues

Beddings used for successive broiler lots act as substrate to absorb water and feed from the excreta and may be subsequently used as agricultural fertilizers. This study evaluated the physicochemical characteristics and the phytotoxicity of beddings used to raise five consecutive broiler lots in five aviaries. Samples were collected for beddings not used yet and for beddings used at each of the five broiler lots. Lettuce and cucumber seeds were considered as phytotoxicity bioindicators. As beddings were used for greater number of lots, N, Ca, K, Mg and P contents generally increased, but the C content decreased, the pH alkalinized and humidity was reduced (P < 0.05). The germination index for lettuce and cucumber seeds was reduced with increased bedding (P < 0.05). Beddings used for at least five broiler lots presented decreased C:N ratio and would not recommended for agricultural use due to its toxicity for both tested seeds.

Crustal anisotropy across northern Japan from receiver functions

Northern Japan is a tectonically active area, with the presence of several volcanoes, and with frequent earthquakes among which the destructive M_w  = 8.9-9.0 Tohoku-oki occurred on 11 March 2011. Tectonic activity leaves an imprint on the crustal structures, on both the upper and the lower layers. To investigate the crust in northern Japan, we construct a receiver function data set using teleseismic events recorded at 58 seismic stations belonging to the Japanese National (Hi-net) network. We isolate the signals, in the receiver function wavelet, that witness the presence of anisotropic structures at depth, with the aim of mapping the variation of anisotropy across the northern part of the island. This study focuses on the relation among anisotropy detected in the crust, stresses induced by plate convergence across the subduction zone, and the intrinsic characteristics of the rocks. Our results show how a simple velocity model with two anisotropic layers reproduces the observed data at the stations. We observe a negligible or small amount of signal related to anisotropy in the eastern part of the study area (i.e., the outer arc) for both upper and lower crust. Distinct anisotropic features are observed at the stations on the western part of the study area (i.e., the inner arc) for both upper and lower crust. The symmetry axes are mostly E-W oriented. Deviation from the E-W orientation is observed close to the volcanic areas, where the higher geothermal gradient might influence the deformation processes.

Contribution of boars to reproductive performance and paternity after homospermic and heterospermic artificial insemination

Heterospermic AI is commonly used in swine despite preventing precise evaluation of individual boar fertility. The present study compared the contribution of four boars (A, B, C and D) for reproductive performance and for paternity using homospermic and heterospermic (AB, AC, AD, BC, BD and CD) AI (n = 204 for homospermic AI; n = 307 for heterospermic AI). Blood samples from the four boars, from all sows inseminated with heterospermic doses and from the umbilical cords of their piglets, as well as tissue smears from mummified fetuses, were genotyped using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Differences among boars were detected for the in vitro oocyte penetration rate and for the number of spermatozoa per oocyte (P < 0.05), but not for sperm motility, mitochondrial functionality and integrity of the membrane, acrosome and DNA (P > 0.05). Homospermic and heterospermic AI resulted in similar (P > 0.05) farrowing rates (90.5% and 89.9%, respectively) and total litter size (12.4 ± 0.4 and 12.7 ± 0.7, respectively). Farrowing rate was lower for Boar B than for Boar C (P < 0.05), but no other differences in reproductive performance among boars were observed with homospermic AI. The SNPs determined the paternity of 94.2% of the piglets sired by heterospermic AI. In the AC pool, paternity contribution per boar was similar (P > 0.05), but differences between boars occurred in all other pools (P < 0.05). Boar D achieved the greatest paternity contribution in all pools and parity categories (nearly 60%), whereas Boar B sired the fewest piglets (at most 40%). Reproductive performance was similar with homospermic and heterospermic AI, but differences in performance among boars undetected with homospermic AI were only evident after genotyping the piglets sired through heterospermic AI.

Seismic signature of the Alpine indentation, evidence from the Eastern Alps

The type of collision between the European and the Adriatic plates in the easternmost Alps is one of the most interesting questions regarding the Alpine evolution. Tectonic processes such as compression, escape and uplift are interconnected and shape this area. We can understand these ongoing processes better, if we look for signs of the deformation within the Earth's deep crust of the region. By collecting records from permanent and temporary seismic networks, we assemble a receiver function dataset, and analyze it with the aim of giving new insights on the structure of the lower crust and of the shallow portion of the upper mantle, which are inaccessible to direct observation. Imaging is accomplished by performing common conversion depth stacks along three profiles that crosscut the Eastern Alpine orogen, and allow isolating features consistently persistent in the area. The study shows a moderately flat Moho underlying a seismically anisotropic middle-lower crust from the Southern Alps to the Austroalpine nappes. The spatial progression of anisotropic axes reflects the orientation of the relative motion and of the stress field detected at the surface. These observations suggest that distributed deformation is due to the effect of the Alpine indentation. In the shallow upper mantle right below the Moho interface, a further anisotropic layer is recognized, extended from the Bohemian Massif to the Northern Calcareous Alps.

Avaliação de diferentes crioprotetores intra e extracelulares na criopreservação de sêmen de touros

Em um delineamento experimental usando o fatorial 3x2, três crioprotetores internos, glicerol (GLI), etilenoglicol (EG) e dimetilformamida (DMF), e dois externos, gema de ovo (GEMA) e lipoproteína de baixa densidade (LDL), avaliaram-se a motilidade ao descongelamento de GLI-GEMA 53,9±1,96, sendo superior aos demais tratamentos (P<0,05). Na avaliação de morfologia ao descongelamento, não houve diferença (P>0,05) entre os tratamentos EG-GEMA 68,3±1,58, EG-LDL 72,2±2,39 e DMF-GEMA 68,7±1,67 que foram mais altos que os demais (P<0,05). A avaliação de integridade de membrana por fluorescência ao descongelamento GLI-GEMA 34,2±2,28 e EG-GEMA 30,9±1,32 não diferiram entre si (P>0,05), mas foram mais elevados que os demais (P<0,05), enquanto que a HOST dos tratamentos DMF-GEMA 13,6±1,30 e DMF-LDL 9,8±0,78 diferirem entre si (P<0,05) e foram mais baixas que as demais (P<0,05). O uso de etilenoglicol associado à gema de ovo pode ser uma alternativa ao uso de glicerol nos protocolos de congelamento de sêmen de touros.

Chemical characteristics of beddings for swine: effects of bedding depths and of addition of inoculums in a pilot-scale

The effect of depths and of addition of inoculums on the chemical content of swine beddings was evaluated. For beddings 0.25m (25D) and 0.50m (50D) deep, three treatments were tested in two repeats with the same beddings: control (no inoculums); T1 (250g of Bacillus cereus var. toyoii at 8.4×10(7)CFU/g); and T2 (250g of a pool of Bacillus sp. at 8.4×10(7)CFU/g) (250g for 25D and 500g for 50D). For 25D, the C:N ratio was lower, but N, K and C contents were greater than for 50D (P<0.05). The inoculums did not benefit any chemical parameter (P>0.05). In the second repeat, beddings presented lower C:N ratio and greater N, P and K contents than in the first repeat (P<0.05). Thus, the compost produced after using 25D twice had greater fertilizer value than that of 50D.

Addition of Bacillus sp. inoculums in bedding for swine on a pilot scale: effect on microbial population and bedding temperature

Thermal and microbiological characteristics of beddings for swine were compared according to their depth and of addition of inoculums. Bedding was added to boxes at 0.25 (25D) and 0.50 m (50D), with three treatments: control (no inoculums); T1, with 250 g of Bacillus cereus var. toyoii at 8.4 × 10(7) CFU; and T2, with 250 g of a pool of B. subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus polymyxa at 8.4 × 10(7) CFU (250 g for 25D and 500 g for 50D). Mean temperatures were 28.5 ± 3.9 at the surface and 35.2 ± 8.9 inside the beddings. The most probable number (MPN) of thermophilic bacteria was higher for T1 and T2 than for the control (P<0.05). The MPN of thermophilic bacteria and fungi was greater for D50 than for D25 (P<0.05). The use of 25D without inoculums is recommended due to the reduction of thermophilic microbiota.

Systemic adverse events during 2005 phacoemulsifications under monitored anesthesia care: a prospective evaluation

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to evaluate the systemic adverse events triggering on-call anesthesiologist's intervention during 2005 phacoemulsification under topical anesthesia on a day-surgery monitored anesthesia care regimen.

METHODS

Adverse events triggering an anesthesiologist call by the attending nurse were registered. Comorbidities (7 categories), age, gender, body mass index, ASA status, length of surgery, time of the day of surgery and operated eye (first/second) were analyzed as potentially predictive factors. Odds Ratios are expressed as OR (95% CI).

RESULTS

The anesthesiologist was called in 433 (21.6%) cases: age (5-yr-OR 0.95 [0.91-0.99]), ASA status 3-4 (OR 1.37 [1.02-1.85]), positive neurological history (OR 1.60 [1.06-2.40]), positive psychiatric history (OR 2.56 [1.34-4.93]) and length of surgery (OR 1.03 [1.01-1.06]) were predictive of the anesthesiologist call. Arterial hypertension (10.3%) and agitation (9.5%) were the most frequent adverse events. Age (5-yr-OR 1.27 [1.16-1.38]) and ASA status 3-4 (OR 1.83 [1.30-2.56]) were predictive of arterial hypertension. Age (5-yr-OR 0.80 [0.76-0.85]), positive neurological history (OR 1.86 [1.10-3.14]) and positive psychiatric history (OR 4.48 [2.26-8.88]) were predictive of agitation. Interruption of surgery was never required.

CONCLUSION

One-day cataract surgery performed under topical anesthesia with monitored anesthesia care required anesthesiologist intervention in 21.6% of cases, mainly because of agitation or hypertension. Agitation occurred more often in younger patients with neurological or psychiatric comorbidities. Hypertension occurred more often in older patients with higher ASA scores.

Genetic association of Fc receptor-like 3 polymorphisms with susceptibility to primary biliary cirrhosis: ethnic comparative study in Japanese and Italian patients

A functional variant in the Fc receptor-like 3 (FCRL3) gene is associated with the susceptibility to several autoimmune diseases. In this study, we examined whether the FCRL3 is associated with susceptibility to primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) by comparing the two different ethnic groups, Japanese and Italians. We enrolled 232 patients with PBC and 230 controls in Japanese, and 216 PBC and 180 controls in Italians. Minor allele frequency of fcrl3_3 (-169 T>C) in the patients with PBC and controls was 0.20 and 0.09 in Japanese and 0.24 and 0.21 in Italians, respectively. We found a significant association of fcrl3_3 with PBC only in Japanese (P = 9.64 × 10(-7) ). These findings support the presence of common FCRL3-related pathological pathways in several autoimmune diseases, especially in Asians.

Chemical and microbiological characteristics of rice husk bedding having distinct depths and used for growing-finishing swine

This study compared the effects of different bedding depths on the chemical and microbiological characteristics of the bedding material used to raise pigs during growing and finishing. The experiment was conducted in two pens housing 5 pigs from 60 to 145 days of age, with rice husk beddings 0.50 or 0.25 m deep. Four lots of pigs (replicates) were raised over time in each bedding depth: each bedding was used by two consecutive lots. Bedding samples were collected quarterly to determine the most probable number (MPN) of thermophilic and mesophilic bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes. Contents of N, P, K, C, organic, mineral and dry matter, C:N ratio and pH were also determined. The MPN of thermophilic bacteria was higher for the 0.50 m than for the 0.25 m bedding (p<0.05). The compost of 0.25 m deep bedding had a higher N, P and K content than that from the 0.50 m bedding (p<0.05). Thus, the use of the 0.25 m deep bedding would be recommended due to its greater agronomical value in comparison with the deeper bedding.

Effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin on plasma concentrations of insulin-like growth factor I, insulin and membrane integrity of bull spermatozoa

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the exogenous recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) on plasma concentrations of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), insulin and semen quality of bulls. Twenty bulls (Aberdeen Angus and Brangus) were divided by breed into two groups. Placebo group was injected with NaCl 0.9% (s.c.) and treatment group with rbST (s.c., 500 mg) at days 0 and 14 of the experiment. Immediately after semen collection, blood samples were taken on days 0, 14, 28, 42 and 56 of the experiment. Semen was also collected on day 70 of the experiment. Evaluation of sperm motility was performed at pre-freezing and post-thawing stage, whereas assessment of sperm membrane integrity was performed after freezing and thawing. Analysis of data revealed that the effect of treatment and treatment-by-collection day on plasma concentrations of IGF-I and insulin was not significant. However, mean plasma concentrations of IGF-I and insulin were affected (p < 0.0001) by days of blood sampling. Effect of treatment and treatment-by-collection day on motility of spermatozoa was similar (p > 0.05) at pre-freezing and post-thawing stage. Intactness of plasmalemma and tail membrane of spermatozoa at post-thawing stage was higher (p < 0.05) in rbST-treated group than in control. In conclusion, rbST did not affect plasma concentrations of IGF-I and insulin, however, it did improve post-thaw sperm membrane integrity.

Fator do plasma seminal associado à integridade de membrana de espermatozóides suínos pós-descongelamento

Neste estudo, identificaram-se polipeptídeos associados à integridade da membrana plasmática (IMP) de espermatozóides suínos após o processo de congelamento/descongelamento. Por meio do perfil protéico do plasma seminal em SDS-PAGE, observou-se a presença de nove bandas polipeptídicas com pesos moleculares que variaram de 11,97 a 122,52kDa. Detectou-se que uma banda de 26,58kDa esteve associada à baixa IMP (<55%). Não foi verificada associação entre as outras bandas e a IMP. Conclui-se que o fator polipeptídico de 26,58kDa está associado à baixa integridade da membrana plasmática do espermatozóide suíno após o congelamento/descongelamento.

Spinal deformity in a sandtiger shark, Carcharias taurus Rafinesque: a clinical-pathological study

The present study investigated spinal deformity in a captive sandtiger shark and describes the clinical and histopathological features of the lesion. Clinically, the shark presented a marked spinal curvature in the region between the pectoral girdle and cranial dorsal fin. Radiographic studies revealed scoliosis and kyphosis of the vertebral column with a modification of the basic structure of five vertebrae. Post-mortem examination confirmed the results of radiographic studies and histological examination showed remodelling and cartilaginous proliferation of the vertebral bodies together with necrosis, haemorrhage and signs of a local chronic inflammatory response extending to the surrounding muscle. Different aetiologies are proposed and discussed but nutritional imbalance (dietary vitamin deficiency) and/or traumatic injury are considered the most likely contributing factors.

Transient or persistent asthma-like symptoms and lung growth over 2-year follow-up in pre-adolescent children

BACKGROUND

The main purpose of this study was to assess the effect of transient and continued asthma-like symptoms on lung function growth in preadolescent children.

METHODS

The follow-up respiratory health survey has been conducted on the sample of 1,129 children aged 9 years over 2 years follow-up. The basic health end-points were the occurrence of asthma-like symptoms and slower lung function growth (SLFG), which was defined as the lung function gain over 2 years within the lowest quintile of the distribution of a given spirometric test.

RESULTS

Adjusted odds ratios (OR) for SLFG [forced vital capacity (FVC)] were significantly higher only in the children having continued symptoms [OR = 3.39: 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.39-8.27]. There was a consistent trend of adjusted ORs for SLFG [forced expiratory volume (FEV,) with the category of symptoms, where OR was 2.00 (95% Cl = 1.17-3.42) in children with transient symptoms: while 4.10 (95% Cl = 1.71-9.86) in children who had persistent symptoms. The corresponding ORs for SLFG [maximal mid-expiratory flow (FEF25_75c)] were 2.27 (95% Cl = 1.37-3.76); and 5.43 (95% Cl = 2.38-12.40).

DISCUSSION

The association between asthma-like symptoms and lung function gain in preadolescent children confirmed the clinical significance of the symptoms in question. The observed slower lung function gain in preadolescence may have implications for the development of chronic lung disease later in adulthood.

Cohort study on low physical activity level and recurrent acute respiratory infections in schoolchildren

The purpose of the study was to explain childhood respiratory infections in terms of life-style factors like being overweight or physically inactive. In the course of the cohort study we gathered data on respiratory health of 1028 preadolescent children in Krakow. Recurrent acute respiratory infections (RARI) in children have been defined as frequent spells (10 or more infections) over the two-year follow-up. In scoring the physical activity level, the data on regularly exercising sport and the number of hours spent daily TV watching or doing homework have been used. Excessive weight was based on the BMI index. In the total sample, the RR estimates of RARI adjusted to BMI and other potential confounders were consistently higher in children with low physical exercise (RR = 2.96; 95% CI: 1.78-4.93) or with moderate exercise (RR = 1.87; 95% CI: 1.33-2.65). Than among the highly active group. In the subgroups of allergic and non-allergic or overweight and not-overweight children the adjusted RR estimates were consistent with those found in the total sample. We concluded that physical exercise in preadolescent children may lessen the risk of acute respiratory infections and that the low physical activity is an independent predictor of increased risk of RARI besides excessive weight and other potential risk factors.

Reversibility of asthma-like symptoms and lung function growth over two-year follow-up in preadolescent children

BACKGROUND

The interesting feature of childhood asthma is the great reversibility of symptoms. The main purpose of this study was to assess the effect of persistent and reversed asthma-like symptoms on lung function growth in preadolescent children.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The follow-up respiratory health survey has been conducted in the sample of 1129 children aged 9 yrs over two years follow-up. The basic health end-points was the occurrence of asthma-like symptoms and the slower lung function growth (SLFG).

RESULTS

Adjusted OR for SLFG(FVC) was significantly higher only in the children having the continued symptoms(OR = 3.40; 95% CI: 1.32-8.77). There was a consistent trend of adjusted ORs for SLFG(FEV1) with the category of symptoms, where OR was 1.46 (95% CI: 1.02-2.10) in children with recent new symptoms; 2.06; (95% CI: 0.93-4.58) in those with symptoms remitted, while 3.46; (95% CI: 1.43-8.40) in children who had persistent symptoms. The corresponding ORs for SLFG(FEF25-75%) were 2.03; (95% CI: 0.97-4.28), 2.63; (95% CI: 1.38-4.99), and 5.84; (95% CI: 2.53-13.50).

CONCLUSIONS

The consistent association between reversibility of asthma-like symptoms and lung function gain in preadolescent children confirmed the clinical significance of the symptoms in question. The observed slower lung function gain in preadolescence may have implications for the development of chronic lung disease later in adulthood.

Capsular type distribution and susceptibility to antibiotics of Streptococcus pneumoniae clinical strains isolated from Uruguayan children with systemic infections. Pneumococcus Study Group

Children under 24 months of age are at high risk for serious infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae but they do not elicit effective immune responses to the currently available capsular polysaccharide vaccines. A polysaccharide protein conjugated vaccine involving the most frequent types has become an urgent need. To produce such a vaccine for Latin America, information on type distribution is required. Recently, Uruguay was 1 of the 6 countries in Latin America where surveillance for invasive pneumococcal infections in children under the age of 5 years was carried out. Seventy percent of the 182 invasive S. pneumoniae isolates were recovered from patients under 24 months of age, and 19% were recovered from infants under 6 months. The 7 most frequent types were 14, 5, 1, 6B, 3, 7F, and 19A; representing 80% of invasive isolates. Twenty-one types were identified, 16 in pneumonia and 14 in meningitis. Resistance to penicillin increased during the study period, from 29% in 1994, to 40% in 1995-1996, mainly because of the spread of type 14 strains resistant to penicillin and trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazol (89% of resistant isolates). The high proportion of systemic pneumococcal infections recorded in patients under 24 months of age and the increasing resistance of these agents to first-choice antibiotics point to an urgent need for a capsular polysaccharide protein conjugated vaccine.

Clinical efficacy and tolerability of a steady dosage schedule of local nasal immunotherapy. Results of preseasonal treatment in grass pollen rhinitis

BACKGROUND

Local nasal immunotherapy (LNIT) is an effective and safe alternative to conventional subcutaneous immunotherapy. A specific nasal provocation test (SNPT) could be used to indicate the optimal subclinical dose to carry out LNIT.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesize that LNIT could be carried out with only one predefined dose for all patients, so we have evaluated the efficacy and the tolerability of LNIT administered at steady dosages in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis.

METHODS

Twenty grass pollen-sensitized patients suffering from seasonal allergic rhinitis were studied in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The treatment was carried out according to a schedule based on the administration of a steady subclinical dosage of the allergenic extract, selected on the basis of the sensitivity threshold of the SNPT. The patients were divided into two groups of 10 people each, which were treated either with grass pollen extract in a hydroglyceric solution or with placebo.

RESULTS

During the peak pollen period, with regard to the placebo (P) group, in the grass treated (GT) group a significant decrease of both nasal symptoms (P = .021) and consumption of antihistamines (P = 0.047) was found. Furthermore, only in the GT group was the provocative dose assessed by the SNPT significantly lower (P = .049) at the end of the treatment. In this group of patients an inverse correlation between such provocative dose and the nasal symptom score reported during the peak pollen period was also evidenced (r = 0.708; P = .038). Adverse reactions to LNIT were mild, rare, and did not interfere with the completion of the therapeutic schedule.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicates that LNIT, when administered at steady dosages, may be proposed as a treatment for grass pollen seasonal allergic rhinitis as it appears to be effective and well tolerated.

Predisposition to acute respiratory infections among overweight preadolescent children: an epidemiologic study in Poland

This cross-sectional field health survey has as its subjects 1129 preadolescent children resident in Krakow. Trained health visitors interviewed the mothers at the children's schools or at the parents' homes in order to gather standardized information regarding the families' social background and the families' and children's respiratory health and episodes of respiratory infections. Predisposition to respiratory infections in children has been defined as frequent spells (3 or more) of acute respiratory infections experienced by a given child over the 12 months preceding the interview. Clinical examination of children consisted of anthropometric measurements and spirometric testing. Anthropometric measurements (weight and height) were used for calculation of the body mass index (kg/m2). A child whose BMI was 20 or higher was defined as overweight (90th percentile). Susceptibility to acute respiratory infections was related significantly to body mass index. The children with BMI > or = 20 experienced twice as high a risk for acute respiratory infections than children with low BMI (OR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.13-3.59). Out of other potential factors possibly involved in the occurrence of respiratory infections only the presence of chronic respiratory symptoms (OR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.64-3.59), allergy (OR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.34-2.66), and Environmental Tobacco Smoke (OR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.05-2.25) increased the susceptibility of children to acute respiratory infections. Central heating in the household was shown to have a protective effect (OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.43-1.00) when compared with children from households where coal or gas was used for home heating.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of preventive immunotherapy with E.P.D., in the treatment of seasonal allergic disease

Control of seasonal symptoms by means of a preventive and easy to use (only one intradermal injection eight weeks before the pollen peak) immunotherapy, is recommended nowadays. We verified the clinical efficacy of E.P.D. (Enzyme Potentiated Desensibilization) in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. This particular immunotherapy consists of an intradermal injection mix, made up of allergenic extracts at extremely low doses and an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase. The vaccine is administered once a year, eight weeks before pollen peaks. We studied a group of 40 patients allergic to grass pollen. The results, analysed statistically on the basis of a symptoms score, showed good clinical efficacy and a significant reduction of drug consumption during the high pollen period. Due to the clinical effectiveness, easy administration (only on injection) and excellent tolerance of the immunotherapy, E.P.D. is particularly suited for the prevention of seasonal symptoms in patients allergic to grass pollen.

Environmental pollution in central and eastern European countries: a basis for cancer epidemiology

The main objective of this paper is to discuss the environmental issues in the countries of central and eastern Europe (CCEE) and to show their significance for cancer epidemiology. Of known cancer risk factors that may be related to environmental exposure in the CCEE, tobacco smoking is probably the most important. The worsening trends in cancer mortality noted in middle-aged men in the CCEE can be attributed to smoking. Other lifestyle factors that interact with environmental hazards include high alcohol consumption and unhealthy nutrition. Among other factors, the most common environmental exposure in the CCEE that has potential adverse effects on health in terms of cancer incidence is related to high levels of ambient and indoor pollutants exceeding the air quality guidelines of the World Health Organization. Millions of people, usually in urban areas, are estimated to be exposed to such levels of pollution. Outdoor air pollution is a substantial environmental problem in many areas of the CCEE, where heavy industries are concentrated without adequate technology for emission control. Chemically contaminated drinking water provides a major route of exposure for many potential environmental health hazards. The pollution of water resources, including groundwaters, by industrial and agricultural wastes is a widespread problem in both the CCEE and the former USSR. An estimated 13% of treatment plants in the Russian Federation lack the necessary equipment to treat drinking water, particularly for disinfection, to meet the required standards. Many countries in the region have problems in rural areas, where the networks are small or consumers depend on private wells, and treatment of drinking water is either poor or nonexistent. Consequently, because the standards are difficult to meet, drinking-water accumulates high levels of arsenic and nitrates. The main concern is nitrate, arsenic, fluoride, and pesticides. In countries like Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia, locations are known where nitrate concentration in drinking water are high enough to cause methemoglobinemia. Lack of appropriate data hamper valid estimates of the extent of unhealthy working conditions or of poor housing conditions. Unsafe industrial installations are potential environmental health hazards, the possible scale of which is difficult to estimate reasonably.

Relationship between obsessive-compulsive personality disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder

This study investigated the presence of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) in a group of 277 patients (88 with obsessive-compulsive disorder [OCD], 58 with major depressive disorder [MDD], and 131 with panic disorder [Panic]) to test the specificity of the relationship between OCPD and OCD. OCPD is statistically significantly more frequent in patients with OCD than in those with Panic and MDD. The distribution of single criteria of OCPD in the three groups does not differ significantly. Discriminant analysis selects a list of items that provide a correct classification rate of 66% based on OCPD criteria selected by canonical function. OCD patients with and without OCPD do not differ in sex, age of onset, duration of illness, positive family history for Tics disorder/Tourette syndrome (TS), or morbidity risk for OCD.

Individual susceptibility to inhaled pollutants--identification, mechanisms and public health policy implications

In every community, there are individuals whose chances of illness or accident are greater than those of others. In susceptible persons, adverse health effects occur at a lower exposure than in the majority of population. The reason for this, though often weak, can usually be ascertained. The paper focuses primarily on host factors that may increase an individual's susceptibility to air pollutants present in the general environment. These factors include genetic background, age, gender, nutritional status, physiological status, presence of coexisting lung disease, and lifestyle. They relate to various mechanisms of individual susceptibility to air pollutants from the environment into the body, to alterations in detoxification and immunological reactions, and to variations in the responsiveness of lung tissues. Several epidemiological techniques to detect biological events relevant to host susceptibility and disease progression are mentioned. They are mainly based on genetic traits, host characteristics, pulmonary function tests, biochemical and immune changes. Measuring the variations in risk among susceptible individuals is necessary to assess correctly respiratory health risk due to inhaled pollutants at the population level, and subsequently to develop rational public health policy to reduce the incidence of those diseases in a given population. Before being able to formulate this policy, however, one must know how to detect those individuals who are susceptible to air pollutants.

Effects of Deomestic Gas Cooking and Passive Smoking on Chronic Respiratory Symptoms and Asthma in Elderly Women

The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of indoor air pollution resulting from the use of gas stoves for cooking on women more than 65 years old, who may be more susceptible than younger women to the harmful effects of pollutants. A total of 1,544 women living in Cracow took part in a survey. The data were collected to standardized interviews dealing with respiratory symptoms (coughing, phlegm production, dyspnea on exertion), chronic chest diseases diagnosed by a doctor, active and passive smoking, educational level, type of cooking fuel used, and average time spent daily in cooking. Lung function was tested with a spirometer. Comparison of the prevalence of respiratory symptoms by daily duration of cooking of smokers with that of never-smokers showed more symptoms in smokers even in the low-exposure category. In multivariate analysis, the effects of duration of cooking with gas on asthma for the highest exposure category in terms of odds ratios (ORs) were 2.8 for the never-smokers and 2.4 for the smokers; however, passive smoking had no significant effect. As regards dyspnea on exertion, both gas cooking and passive smoking had significant effects in never-smokers (OR for gas cooking 7.2, for passive smoking 2.2). The OR for dyspnea due to cooking with gas in smokers was 3.1. Mean FVC and FEV&inf1; levels were not decreased among passive smokers or those who were subject to high levels of gas-cooking exposure.

Better perspectives on use of biological markers in monitoring of lung cancer risk in occupational settings

Although conventional approaches in cancer epidemiology and prevention have provided a wealth of information, they are seriously limited in their ability to detect and evaluate carcinogenic hazards. However, traditional methods combined with newly developed laboratory procedures provide biological markers of molecular or biochemical events linked to carcinogen exposure and open a new approach to the study of human cancer risk assessment. The goal of the new approach is to identify as precisely as possible specific carcinogenic hazards in the environment, to assess their biologically effective dose and biological effect, and to provide a means of appraising host factors that modify susceptibility. A particular promising new tool of cancer risk assessment is the highly sensitive immunoassay for carcinogen-DNA adducts. These assays may provide a tissue dosimeter of carcinogen exposure. In this paper research studies were mentioned that aimed at assessing the levels of benzo[a]pyrene-DNA adducts and protein adducts, utilizing white blood cells, or tissue specimens obtained from tissue biopsy or autopsy. Another promising method in discovering BAP exposure are levels of carcinogen-metabolizing enzymes. The potential significance in surveillance and monitoring of aryl-hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) has been discussed.

Erythrocytes parameters due to aging, smoking, alcohol consumption and occupational activity in a working population of petrochemical industry. The Pavia Study

The main purpose of the study was to assess the red blood cell disorders in works employed in the petrochemical industry in the Lombardia region (ENI). In the analysis of the data the confounding factors such as age, smoking habit, alcohol consumption, nutritional status based on body mass index have also been taken into consideration. In total, material consisted of 1175 male workers in whom red blood cell examination of the peripheral fasting blood was carried out. The results of the study showed that clinical anemia has been found in 1.7% of subjects examined. The distribution of anemia cases was not related to job category or physical occupational activity, neither to age, smoking or alcohol consumption. However, the results of the study suggest that aging processes are associated with weakening of hemopoietic system which affect in a great extent hemoglobin production. The effect of smoking on hemopoietic system appeared to have different features from that attributed to aging. Smoking increased hemoglobin level and hematocrit significantly in comparison to nonsmokers, but had no effect on the number of erythrocytes. It was concluded that adaptation to carbon monoxide inhaled with cigarette smoke is reflected by an increased red cell mass and hemoglobin. Occupational factors measured by the type of job (manual vs nonmanual) appeared to have no harmful effect on the hemopoietic system, however, respondents who reported working physically in an intensive way, showed significantly lower mean corpuscular concentration hemoglobin level than those having a sedentary job or engaged in very small physical activity at work.