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Bats have been reported as reservoir host of Leishmania spp. worldwide, mostly by molecular detection. However, it is still unclear whether bats act as reservoirs of Leishmania infantum to sandflies vectors. In this sense, the investigation of amastigotes forms in the target organs, and the characterization of their associated inflammation, may help to clarify the epidemiological importance of bats in endemic areas for leishmaniasis. The aim of this work was to investigate the host-parasite relationships under microscopic evaluation and predict the epidemiological role of two phyllostomid bats species naturally infected by L. infantum in an endemic area for human leishmaniasis. Fragments of skin, liver and spleen of L. infantum positive and negative bats (Artibeus planirostris and Carollia perspicillata) by qPCR, were studied by histological and immunohistochemical techniques. Both groups, positive and negative, did not show differences in the histopathological study, presenting only discrete tissue changes. Liver and skin showed mild inflammatory reactions. Findings on spleen consisted of reactivity of the lymphoid follicles, expressive presence of apoptotic cells and macrophages containing abundant phagocytic cells debris. We did not find amastigote forms in tissues by histological and IHC techniques in positive qPCR bats. Our results allow us to hypothesize that phyllostomid bats seem to have an important role in reducing the risk of transmission, possibly acting as dead-end host. [Display omitted] • Relationship between phyllostomid bats and Leishmania infantum at microenvironment. • Amastigote forms were not detected in the skin, liver and spleen tissues of phyllostomid bats positive for L. infantum by PCR. • Phyllostomid bats may act as dead-end hosts for L. infantum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pregnant dwarf hamster (Phodopus sungorus), of approximately 1 year old, was attended at the veterinary clinic of a higher education institution with clinical suspicion of dystocia. According to the owner, the patient presented signs of labor but failed to deliver. During labor, conservative pharmacological therapy with intramuscular oxytocin was attempted, but without success, resorting to laparotomy. When the peritoneal cavity was accessed, twisting of the right uterine horn was observed, which was congested and with hematomas. Due to fetal infeasibility, ovariohysterectomy was successfully performed and the patient recovered well, without intercurrence. Uterine horn torsion is a well-known and commonly described condition in the reproductive sphere of domestic animals, causing life threat to both mother and the unborn offspring, usually occurring in the final gestation period in several species. However, no previous reports of gravid uterine horn torsion in dwarf hamster were found, making the condition rare in pet rodents, although life-threatening. The present report demonstrates the importance of including uterine torsion, even if rare, within the spectrum of causes of dystocia in hamsters and other pet rodents, and how rapid decision-making by the veterinarian is crucial to favorable evolution of the condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The ingestion of detritus by sea turtles results in high mortality and morbidity. The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of free-living sea turtles that ingested anthropogenic inorganic detritus in comparison to those that did not. A total of 186 necropsy files were analyzed in marine turtles from the beaches of the Microregion dos Lagos, Rio de Janeiro. Among the turtles that ingested detritus, the mean turtle was female and cachectic, with a carapace length of 36,6 cm, detritus accumulated in the large intestine, and fecal compaction. It seems most likely that's low food transit, combined with the multiplicity of ingestion, favored the accumulation of detritus. This ingestion resulted in cachexia associated with fecal compaction, since the greatest accumulation was in the large intestine. The intake of detritus by turtles was not punctual but continuous. These studies demonstrated the vulnerability of these animals to environmental pollution. Highlights • Nearly half of the sea turtle deaths in Rio de Janeiro result from the ingestion of litter. • The greatest accumulation of detritus in the gastrointestinal tract is in the large intestine. • Fecal compaction was 6,3 times greater in turtles who ate garbage. • Ingesting of detritus is recurrent throughout life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ezrin expression in microcotyledons and trophoblastic cells plays an important role in vascularization and maternal-fetal exchange. Ezrin is a membrane cytoskeletal crosslinker protein that helps regulate several cytoskeletal-related functions, including cell adhesion (Souza.et.al. Research in Veterinary Science.2023. 154: 84-88). Here, we describe the histopathological findings and expression as detected by an ezrin-specific antibody in pregnant and non-pregnant uterine horns of normal equine placentas. Eighteen placentas from embryo recipient mares of the Mangalarga Machador breed were collected at delivery (n=18; age 4-8 years). All placentas were evaluated for macroscopic characteristics. As part of the histopathological evaluation, pregnant and non-pregnant horn samples underwent hematoxylin-eosin staining to grade and compare the arrangement and vascularity of microcotyledons and allantochorions. Silanized slides were immunostained with an ezrin-specific antibody (clone: H-276; rabbit polyclonal-IgG; Santa Cruz; dilution: 1:500μl; LSAB+ Dako, Carpenteria, California, USA). A sample of human breast ductal adenocarcinoma was used as the positive control. For the negative control, the primaryantibody was replaced with a primary antibody isotype. In the microscopic analysis, the microcotyledonary arrangement in the pregnant horn was more intense than in the non-pregnant horn, except for one case. In terms of vascularization, the horns did not differ in the number or intensity of vessels in the microcotyledons and allantochorion. Ezrin antibody expression in placental horns was more intense in the proximal region of the microcotyledons compared with the basal lamina of the allantochorion and was diffused throughout the microcotyledonary network. The pregnant horn showed greater ezrin expression in trophoblasts compared to the non-pregnant horn. The two horn types showed similar color intensity in most samples however, ezrin was expressed mildly in the pregnant horn, while the non-pregnant horn from the same placenta showed moderate to intense ezrin expression. These observations may reflect a way of modulating maternal–fetal exchange, because trophoblast cells have this function. In summary, ezrin was expressed in trophoblast cells located in the microcotyledons of equine placentas, suggesting that this protein may play a role at the maternal–fetal interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to describe, in detail, the lesions and pathogenesis observed in free-living sea turtles that ingested fishing lines and to relate the physical characteristics of these lines with tissue damage. Thirty sea turtles were analyzed and eight of these had ingested fishing line. Three out of eight had severe macroscopic lesions, but all eight had microscopic lesions. Therefore, ingestion of fishing line by free-living sea turtles is frequent and always causes injury, with predominance of microscopic lesions, and characterized by decrease, degeneration, congestion, and hemorrhage of the villi. The ingested fishing lines can be long or short, and monofilament or multifilament. In the severe cases, the development of intestinal plication, twisting, intussusception, and fecalomas in different portions of the gastrointestinal tract can be observed, with the ingested fishing lines. In less severe cases, there were only small quantities of line fragments. The severity of injuries to the gastrointestinal tracts of sea turtles that ingested fishing lines was revealed in this study, which demonstrated that these injuries impair quality of life and can result in death. [Display omitted] • Thirty sea turtles were analyzed and eight of these ingested fishing line. • All turtles that ingested fishing line suffered microscopic injury. • The most relevant microscopic changes affected the mucosa. • Three turtles developed intestinal plication, torsion, intussusception and fecaloma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We analyzed polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethane and its metabolites, hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and hopanes, in plastic resin pellets collected from nine locations along the Portuguese coast. Concentrations of a sum of 13 PCBs were one order of magnitude higher in two major cities (Porto: 307ng/g-pellet; Lisboa: 273ng/g-pellet) than in the seven rural sites. Lower chlorinated congeners were more abundant in the rural sites than in the cities, suggesting atmospheric dispersion. At most of the locations, PAH concentrations (sum of 33 PAH species) were ∼100 to ∼300ng/g-pellet; however, three orders of magnitude higher concentrations of PAHs, with a petrogenic signature, were detected at a small city (Sines). Hopanes were detected in the pellets at all locations. This study demonstrated that multiple sample locations, including locations in both urban and remote areas, are necessary for country-scale pellet watch. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Depth concentration profiles of PAHs, organic carbon and dissolved oxygen in non-colonised sediments and sediments colonised by Sarcocornia fruticosa from Mitrena salt marsh (Sado, Portugal) were determined in November 2004 and April 2005. Belowground biomass and PAH levels in below and aboveground material were also determined. In both periods, colonised sediments were oxygenated until 15-cm, rich in organic carbon (max 4.4%) and presented much higher PAH concentrations (max. 7.1μgg−1) than non-colonised sediments (max. 0.55μgg−1). Rooting sediments contained the highest PAH concentrations. The five- and six-ring compounds accounted to 50–75% of the total PAHs in colonised sediments, while only to 30% in non-colonised sediments. The elevated concentrations of PAHs in colonised sediments may be attributed to the transfer of dissolved PAH compounds towards the roots as plant uptake water and subsequent sequestration onto organically rich particles. A phase-partitioning mechanism probably explains the higher retention of the heavier PAHs. In addition oxygenated conditions of the rooting sediments favour the degradation of the lighter PAHs and explain the elevated proportion of the heavier compounds. Below and aboveground materials presented lower PAH concentrations (0.18–0.38μgg−1) than colonised sediments. Only 3- and 4-PAHs were quantified in aboveground material, reflecting either preferential translocation of lighter compounds from roots or atmospheric deposition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Quality in cultural heritage attractions is mainly approached from the visitors' satisfaction perspective, and the literature does not contain a clear definition of quality in the management of cultural heritage sites open to the public. The present study aims to reframe this trend. By way of theoretical contribution, we propose a definition of quality in cultural heritage attractions management based on dimensions such as the capacity of preserving the cultural assets, the ability to communicate effectively their significance, the quality of commodification for visitor use, and the ability to boost intercultural competence and promote intercultural dialogue. Based on the above, an empirical, qualitative study was conducted on the cultural heritage managers' current perceptions of quality. The results suggest that a profound asymmetry exists among practitioners' opinions and practices, and four types of cultural heritage managers were defined with regard to their perception of quality: Reactionary, Reticent, Pragmatic, Enthusiastic. • We approach quality from a TQM point of view rather than a visitor satisfaction perspective. • We provide the first definition of quality in cultural heritage management. • Based on their perception of quality, a categorisation of cultural heritage managers is proposed. • The principles of the Faro Convention (2005) are still controversial among practitioners. • Non-quality in cultural heritage entails economic and social costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The reaction of Cu(ClO4)2·6H2O with dimethylglyoxime (H2dmg) in a 1:1 mole ratio in aqueous methanol at room temperature affords the dinuclear complex [Cu2(μ-Hdmg)4] (1). Reaction of 1 with [Cu(bpy)(H2O)2](ClO4)2 (bpy=2,2′-bipyridine) in a 1:1 mole ratio in aqueous methanol at room temperature yields the tetranuclear complex [Cu4(μ-Hdmg)2(μ-dmg)2(bpy)2(H2O)2](ClO4)2 (2). The direct reaction of Cu(ClO4)2·6H2O with H2dmg and bpy in a 2:2:1 mole ratio in aqueous methanol at room temperature also yields 2 quantitatively. The complexes 1 and 2 were structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. Unlike the binding in Ni/Co-dmg, two different types of N−O bridging modes during the oxime based metallacycle formation and stacking of square planar units have been identified in these complexes. The neutral dinuclear complex 1 has CuN4O coordination spheres and complex 2 consists of a dicationic [Cu4(μ-Hdmg)2(μ-dmg)2(bpy)2(H2O)2]2+ unit and two uncoordinated ClO4 − anions having CuN4O and CuN2O3 coordination spheres. The two copper(II) ions are at a distance of 3.846(8)Å in 1 for the trans out of plane link and at 3.419(10) and 3.684(10)Å in 2 for the trans out of plane and cis in plane arrangements, respectively. The average Cu–Noxime distances are 1.953 and 1.935Å, respectively. The average basal and apical Cu−Ooxime distances are 1.945, 2.295 and 2.429Å. The UV–Vis spectra of 2 is similar to the spectrum of the reaction mixture of 1 and [Cu(bpy)(H2O)2]2+. Variable temperature magnetic properties measurement shows that the interaction between the paramagnetic copper centers in complex 1 is antiferromagnetic in nature. The EPR spectra of frozen solution of the complexes at 77K consist of axially symmetric fine-structure transitions (ΔM S =1) and half-field signals (ΔM S =2) at ca. 1600G, suggesting the presence of appreciable Cu–Cu interactions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The influence of molecular oxygen in the interactions of emeraldine base form of polyaniline (EB-PANI) with Fe(III) or Cu(II) ions in 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) solutions has been investigated by UV–vis–NIR, resonance Raman and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopies. Through the set of spectroscopic results it was possible to rationalize the role of O2 and to construct a scheme of preferential routes occurring in the interaction of EB-PANI with Fe(III) or Cu(II). Solutions of 4.0mmolL−1 EB-PANI with 0.8, 2.0 and 20mmolL−1 Fe(III) or Cu(II) ions in NMP were investigated and the main observed reactions were EB-PANI oxidation to pernigraniline (PB-PANI) and EB-PANI doping process by pseudo-protonation, or by a two-step redox process. In the presence of O2, PB-PANI is observed in all Fe(III)/EB solutions and EB-PANI doping only occurs in solutions with high Fe(III) concentrations through pseudo-protonation. On the other hand, emeraldine salt (ES-PANI) is formed in all Fe(III)/EB solutions under N2 atmosphere and, in this case, doping occurs both by the pseudo-protonation and two-step redox mechanisms. In all Cu(II)/EB solutions PB-PANI is formed both in the presence and absence of O2, and only for solutions with high Cu(II) concentrations doping process occurs in a very low degree. The most important result from EPR spectra was providing evidence for redox steps. The determined Cu(II) signal areas under oxygen are higher than under N2 and, further, the initial metal proportions (1:2:20) are maintained in these spectra, indicating that Cu(I) formed are re-oxidized by O2 and, so, Cu(II) ions are being recycled. Consistently, for the solutions prepared under nitrogen, the corresponding areas and proportions in the spectra are much lower, confirming that a partial reduction of Cu(II) ions actually occurs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The interactions of emeraldine base form of polyaniline (EB-PANI) and Eu(III) ions in 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) solution and in films have been investigated by UV–vis–NIR, resonance Raman, luminescence and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopies. These spectroscopic techniques allowed to characterize quinone and semiquinone segments in the polymeric chains, and the oxidation state of europium ions in Eu-PANI samples. For high values of Eu(III)/N molar ratio (24/1) the presence of a weak polaronic absorption band at 980nm in UV–vis–NIR spectrum and the observation of bands at 1330 and 1378 (νC–N +)cm−1 due to emeraldine salt in the Raman spectrum at 1064nm indicate a low doping degree. Oxidation of EB-PANI to pernigraniline base (PB-PANI) occurs in diluted solutions. The experimental data showed that the solvent plays an important role on the nature of formed species. The narrow EPR signal at g =2.006 (line width 8G) confirms the presence of PANI radical cations in Eu-PANI film. The absence of broad signal characteristic of Eu(II) in EPR spectrum suggested that europium ions are primarily at Eu(III) oxidation state. The luminescence spectra of Eu-PANI film presented emission bands at 405 and 418nm assigned to PANI moieties and bands at 594, 615 and 701nm assigned to 5D0 → 7F J (J =1, 2 and 4, respectively) transitions of Eu(III). EPR and photoluminescence data confirm that europium ions are mainly in Eu(III) oxidation state in Eu(III)/PANI films. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We characterized the pro-apoptotic activity of two new synthesized isatin-Schiff base copper(II) complexes, obtained from isatin and 1,3-diaminopropane or 2-(2-aminoethyl)pyridine: (Cu(isapn)) and (Cu(isaepy)2), respectively. We demonstrated that these compounds trigger apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway. The early induction of the p53/p21 system indicates a role for p53 in cell death, however, experiments carried out with small interfering RNA against p53, or with cells lacking p53, support that a p53-independent mechanism can also occur. The extent of apoptosis mirrors the kinetics of intracellular copper uptake. Particularly, Cu(isaepy)2 enters the cells more efficiently and specifically damages nuclei and mitochondria, as evidenced by atomic absorption analysis of copper content and by the extent of nuclear and mitochondrial integrity. Conversely, Cu(isapn), although less permeable, induces a wide- spread oxidative stress, as demonstrated by analyses of reactive oxygen species concentration, and oxidation of proteins and lipids. The increase of the antioxidant defense, through the over- expression of Cu,Zn-SOD, partially counteracts cell death; whereas retinoic acid-mediated differentiation completely rescues cells from apoptosis induced by both compounds. The activation of JNK- and Akt-mediated phosphorylative pathways has been found to be not functional for apoptosis induction. On the contrary, apoptosis significantly decreased when the analogous zinc complex was used or when Cu(isaepy)2 was incubated in the presence of a copper chelator. Altogether, our data provide evidence for a dual role of these copper(II) complexes: they are able to vehicle copper into the cell, thus producing reactive oxygen species, and could behave as delocalized lipophilic cation-like molecules, thus specifically targeting organelles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: For the first time resonance Raman, X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) of Fe, Cu and N and electronic paramagnetic resonance (EPR) techniques were employed to characterize the complexes formed by the interaction of Fe(III), Cu(II) and Zn(II) with polyaniline (PANI), in emeraldine base form (EB-PANI). The formation of semiquinone segments (radical cation) upon coordination of Cu(II) and Fe(III) to EB-PANI were undoubtedly demonstrated by resonance Raman spectroscopy. The characteristic doublet band at ca. 1330cm−1 attributed to is observed. Through Cu and Fe XANES spectra, no change in the metal ions oxidation state after PANI doping is observed. The EPR spectra of Cu-PANI and Fe-PANI are dominated by metal cation signal showing a broad signal for Cu(II) at g iso =2.138 and a typical low spin signal of Fe(III) at g =4.421 and 1.903. The presence of radical cations segments is confirmed in Zn-PANI complex both through the very sharp EPR signal at g =2.004, and the characteristic radical cation resonance Raman spectrum. In addition, thermogravimetric data of Cu-PANI and Fe-PANI show a remarkable decrease in the polymer stability both in air and in nitrogen atmosphere. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]