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The objective was to evaluate through three experiments the effects of a fine cassava fibre (CA: 106 µm) on kibble characteristics, coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of macronutrients, diet palatability and faecal metabolites and microbiota of dogs. Dietary treatments consisted of a control diet (CO), without an added fibre source and with 4.3% total dietary fibre (TDF), and a diet with 9.6% CA (106 µm), with 8.4% TDF. Experiment I evaluated the physical characteristics of the kibbles. The palatability test was evaluated in experiment II, which compared the diets CO versus CA. In experiment III, 12 adult dogs were randomly assigned to one of the two dietary treatments for 15 days, totalling six replicates/treatment, to assess the CTTAD of macronutrients; faecal characteristics, faecal metabolites and microbiota. The expansion index, kibble size and friability of diets with CA were higher than the CO (p < 0.05). Additionally, the CA diet presented higher palatability than the CO (p < 0.05) but did not affect CTTAD except for those of fibre (p > 0.05). Moreover, a greater faecal concentration of acetate, butyrate and total short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) and a lower faecal concentration of phenol, indole and isobutyrate were observed in dogs fed the CA diet (p < 0.05). Dogs fed with the CA diet presented a greater bacterial diversity and richness and a greater abundance of genera considered to be beneficial for gut health, such as Blautia, Faecalibacterium and Fusobacterium when compared to the CO group (p < 0.05). The inclusion of 9.6% of a fine CA improves the expansion of kibbles and diet palatability without affecting most of the CTTAD of nutrients. Besides, it improves the production of some SCFA and modulates the faecal microbiota of dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at evaluating the coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of nutrients, metabolisable energy (ME), diet palatability, faecal fermentative products and microbiota of dogs fed yeasts from different fermentation media and its fractions. Four diets were evaluated: control, without yeast (CO); diet with 10 g/kg brewer's yeast (BY); diet with 10 g/kg brewer's yeast + corn yeast (BCY); and diet with 10 g/kg BCY + cell wall fractions (BCYF). Twelve adult dogs were distributed in a randomized block design (periods). Each of the four diets was fed to a group of three dogs per period of 20 days, totalling two periods and six repetitions per treatment. Sixteen adult dogs were used for the palatability test, which compared the CO diet versus each one of the yeast diets. Data with normal distribution were subjected to analysis of variance (p < 0.05). Means were compared by orthogonal contrasts (p < 0.05): (A) CO diet versus BY, BCY and BCYF diets; (B) BY diet versus BCY and BCYF diets; (C) BCY diet versus BCYF diet. There was no difference in the CTTAD and ME of the diets (p > 0.05). Yeast diets reduced faecal odour and indole peak area (p < 0.05). Faecal short‐chain fatty acids concentration was greater in dogs fed yeast diets compared to those fed the CO (p < 0.05). Yeast diets showed a higher intake ratio compared to the CO (p < 0.05). The BCY and BCYF diets resulted in a greater abundance of Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, Coprococcus, and Phascolarctobacterium in relation to the CO (p < 0.05). Our results suggest that dietary yeast supplementation results in beneficial changes in intestinal functionality indicators, mainly with the combination of yeasts from brewers and corn fermentation media. In addition, yeast supplementation improves diet palatability without compromising nutrient digestibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consumption of readily digestible starch sources, such as corn, can negatively impact endocrine disorders related to hyperglycaemia in predisposing animals. In this sense, starch sources containing slowly digestible and resistant fractions can assist glycemic control. The present study analyzed the postprandial glycemic response and blood variables of rats fed with four extruded diets containing corn, brown rice, sweet potato and pea as the main starch source. Thirty‐two male Wistar rats (90 days old) were divided into groups of eight animals each. The rats received one of the experimental diets for 30 days according to a completely randomised design. The glycemia was measured on the 29th and 30th days. The glycemia measured on the 29th day was analyzed at 0, 30, 60, 120 and 240 min after oral administration of 50% glucose solution. On the 30th day, the same protocol was repeated after providing 3 g of the experimental diet for each animal to obtain the glycemic curve. After the euthanasia on the 30th day, 7 ml of blood was collected via cardiac puncture for glycated haemoglobin (HBA1c), triglycerides, cholesterol, and aspartate and alanine aminotransferases analysis. Diets with pea and sweet potato provided lower glycemic index, average and maximum glycemia, and glycemic increment in relation to the other starch sources (p < 0.05). Animals fed with the corn diet had higher serum concentrations of triglycerides and HBA1c than the other treatments (p < 0.05). Results demonstrated that pea and sweet potato are interesting starch sources for the control of metabolic disorders related to glycemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to evaluate the effects of the reduction in dietary crude protein (CP) on blood urea, uric acid, performance, immunity, and intestinal histology of broilers. Four diets were formulated with 22.50%, 21.50%, 20.50%, and 19.50% of CP (1 to 21 days) and 19.20%, 18.20%, 17.20%, and 16.20% of CP (22 to 42 days), meeting the requirements of essential amino acids in all diets. A total of 800 male Ross chicks were randomly allocated to 32 pens, with 25 birds each (n = 8). Blood and intestines had been collected for analysis. Uric acid decreased and urea increased with the reduction of CP (p < 0.05). Reduction in performance and intestinal parameters (villus, crypt, and goblet cells) was observed with the reduction of CP (p < 0.05). Lower levels of CP resulted in alteration (p < 0.05) in CD4 and CD8 lineages (21 and 42 days). Broken-line models estimated (p < 0.05) the CP requirement for growth between 21% and 21.3% (1 to 21 days) and between 17.2% and 17.4% (22 to 42 days) and CP requirements between 17.2% and 18.2% for maximum response of immune cells (42 days). Reduction in dietary CP has a negative impact on performance, immune response, and intestinal histology of broilers, even with adequate levels of essential amino acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leishmaniasis corresponds to a group of neglected tropical diseases caused by flagellated protozoa belonging to the Leishmania genus. This widely spread illness is found in over 90 countries in tropical and sub‐tropical regions and also in southern Europe. As parasites exclusively infect highly phagocytic cells (macrophages), this aspect can be exploited for targeted delivery making use of nanoparticles. Drug‐loaded nanoparticles have been proposed for improving the bioavailability of classical drugs commonly in use as standard leishmania therapy, to overcome parasitic resistance and side effects and to improve treatment efficacy. Infected macrophages are expected to recognize drug‐loaded nanoparticles, which undergo phagocytosis releasing the drug inside the macrophages. This approach can further be exploited for the development of nanovaccines. This paper provides an overview of the current disease status worldwide, its classical pharmacological treatments and how these can be improved by the use of featured nanoparticles specifically tailored for such a complex disease. Several types of nanoparticles have been proposed while others have already reached clinical trials. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of zinc (Zn) supplementation on metabolic and neuroinflammatory parameters in cafeteria diet (CAF)‐induced obesity in Wistar rats. Methods: Animals were divided into four groups: control diet (CT); CT+Zn; CAF; CAF+Zn. The diet was administered for 20 weeks; Zn treatment (10 mg/kg/d) started at week 16 and it was conducted until the end of the diet protocol. Weight gain, visceral fat, and plasma levels of glucose, triglycerides, insulin, TNF‐α, and IL‐6, as well as homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, were assessed. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba‐1) expression in the cerebral cortex and toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR‐4) in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus were evaluated. Memory was assessed by the novel object recognition test. Results: CAF diet increased weight gain, visceral fat, and plasma glucose, triglyceride, and TNF‐α levels. Zn reversed the hyperglycemia caused by CAF diet and reduced IL‐6 levels. In the cerebral cortex, GFAP was similar between groups; Iba‐1 was increased by CAF diet but reduced in the CAF+Zn group. Zn reduced CAF‐dependent TLR‐4 increase in the hippocampus but not in the cerebral cortex. CAF‐fed animals showed impaired recognition memory, whereas Zn reversed it. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that Zn partially reverted obesity‐related metabolic dysfunction and reduced neuroinflammation and memory deficit caused by CAF diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of dietary nutrients, endogenous fat loss (EFL), dietary metabolizable energy (ME) content, coefficient of true digestibility (CTD) of fat and faecal parameters of dogs. A total of 16 puppies and 8 adult dogs were distributed according to a double Latin square experimental design. A basal diet was formulated, to which increasing levels (60, 120 and 180 g/kg) of poultry offal fat oil were added. EFL was estimated using hyperbolic and linear regression as a function of LW/day and dry matter (DM) intake, respectively, and the CTD of fat was calculated. The CTTAD of acid‐hydrolysis ether extract (AHEE) and ME content increased as dietary poultry offal fat level increased both in adult dogs and in puppies (p <.05). The CTTAD of DM and crude protein were higher in adult dogs than in puppies. EFL was estimated by hyperbolic regression as y = 98.1094 − 13.6202/x and y = 99.1280 − 26.1366/x, where y = CTTAD of AHEE (%) and x = AHEE intake/kg BW, for adult dogs and puppies, respectively, which yielded EFL values of 138 and 262 mg AHEE per kg BW per day for adult dogs and puppies respectively. The EFL estimated by linear regression was 7.89 g and 8.97 g/kg DM intake for adult dogs and puppies respectively. The CTD estimated by both methodologies was higher in puppies than in adults (p <.05). Lower faecal DM and score, and higher ammonia production were obtained in puppies than adult dogs (p <.05). The results indicate good fat utilization and that fat digestibility is underestimated, as the CTTAD of AHEE does not take into account EFL, particularly at low‐fat inclusion levels and in growing dogs, which have greater EFL than adult dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Idiopathic facial paralysis, also known as Bell's palsy, exerts a negative effect on the quality of life. Although the prognosis is good in the majority of cases, a significant percentage of affected individuals may have sequelae that can negatively affect their lives. The use of therapeutic measures as early as possible can improve the prognosis. This article describes the successful use of laser-photobiomodulation as a single therapy in a patient with Bell's palsy and confirms the possibility of using this therapeutic modality as a good choice, since it is a therapy that is painless, comfortable, and without systemic side effects. The findings demonstrate that the adequate use of laser-photobiomodulation can be an effective therapeutic option for patients with Bell's palsy, regardless of the age, shortening the recovery time obtained with conventional therapies and avoiding sequelae. Further studies are needed for the establishment of adequate protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the microalgae Schizochytrium sp., as a dietary source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), on diet palatability, coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of nutrients and metabolizable energy (ME), blood variables and indicators of immunity in dogs. We also evaluated oxidative stability. Two diets containing 0 and 0.4% of microalgae Schizochytrium sp. were evaluated in three experiments. On Experiment I the palatability of diets containing 0% versus 0.4% microalgae was compared. In Experiment II test diets were offered for 30 days to determine digestibility, fecal characteristics, and blood parameters. In Experiment III, the oxidative stability of diets containing microalgae versus anchovy oil was evaluated. There was a higher intake ratio of the diet containing microalgae (p < .05). The ME and CTTAD of nutrients increased (p < .05), except for ether extract after acid hydrolysis, with the inclusion of the microalgae in diet. The amount of monocytes and phagocytic granulocytes was higher (p < .05) in dogs fed 0.4% microalgae. There was greater oxidative stability for the sample containing microalgae. The addition of 0.4% microalgae presented high palatability, increased phagocytic cell numbers, and demonstrated oxidative stability superior to anchovy oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycerol is one of the substrates used for glycogen production by the chicken embryo, which is the predominant energy source during the last days of incubation and during hatching. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the in ovo feeding (IOF) of glycerol in the light and heavy broiler eggs derived from breeders of two different ages. Two experiments, with 672 eggs each, were carried out. The only difference between the experiments was breeder age: 32 weeks old in Exp. I and 60 weeks old in Exp. II. A completely randomized experimental design in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement was applied. Treatments consisted of three glycerol IOF doses (0, 6, or 12 mg/ml) and two egg weights (light or heavy). Incubation parameters, glycogen reserves and live performance parameters (1–7 days of age) were evaluated. Hatch of fertile eggs, embryo mortality after IOF and the number of early‐hatching chicks were not affected by the treatments in both experiments. Hatchlings from heavy eggs (68.03 ± 0.64 g) laid by young breeders and receiving 6 mg glycerol/ml showed higher liver glycogen levels than those injected with 0 or 12 mg/ml. Glycerol IOF of embryos from young breeders increased feed intake and weight gain at 7 days of age, independently of egg weight. However, different glycerol dosages had no effect on the performance of the progeny of 60‐week‐old breeders. These results show that glycerol may be used as an IOF ingredient without affecting incubation parameters. The chickens from young breeders had greater glycogen deposition with inoculation of 6 mg/ml of glycerol and better performance with glycerol administration. However, glycerol IOF did not improve the performance of the progeny of 60‐week‐old breeders. Therefore, glycogen IOF may be recommended for eggs laid by young breeders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the use of an occlusal splint on postural balance considering the occlusal splint as a device for treating temporomandibular joint disorder. A randomized, controlled, prospective clinical trial was conducted. The research group consisted of 49 patients (36 as test group and 13 as control group) between 18 and 75 years old, both genders, diagnosed as temporomandibular disorder by Research Diagnostic Criteria/Temporomandibular Disorders questionnaire and magnetic resonance imaging of the temporomandibular joints. Test group was treated with orientations for physiotherapeutic exercises and occlusal splint, whereas control group received orientation for physiotherapeutic exercises only. Postural equilibrium was evaluated by means of a force plate. After 12 weeks, the groups were re‐evaluated. Patients from both groups presented a significant increase in antero‐posterior speed with eyes closed, test group (P < 0.001) and control group (P = 0.046). Only patients of the test group presented a significant increase in antero‐posterior speed with eyes opened (P = 0.023). We concluded that the use of occlusal splint affected the postural balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights We analyzed total carotenoids, anthocyanins and phenolic acids in grains, leaves and silks of maize landraces., Higher amounts of secondary metabolites were found in leaves and silks., High performance liquid chromatography revealed the xanthophylls lutein and zeaxanthin as the major carotenoids in grains., Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry of crude extracts showed a higher richness of anthocyanin in leaf samples than in silks., Abstract This research aimed to determine the biochemical profile of leaf, silk and grain samples of eight maize landraces ( Z ea mays L.) cultivated in southern Brazil. To accomplish this, reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography- UV-visible ( RP-HPLC- UV-vis), UV-vis spectrophotometry, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry ( MALDI- TOF MS) and chemometrics were used to examine carotenoids and their isomers, anthocyanin and phenolic acids. Leaf tissue samples showed higher amounts of carotenoids (838.6 μg/g - Língua de Papagaio variety), anthocyanins (405.8 μg/g - Palha Roxa variety) and phenolics (655.0 μg/g - Roxo variety), followed by maize silks and grains. RP- HPLC- UV-vis analysis of grain extracts revealed xanthophylls lutein and zeaxanthin as the major compounds. The anthocyanin profile by MALDI- TOF MS identified pelargonidin, cyanidin, peonidin, malvidin and glucoside derivatives in leaf extracts, and silk samples were shown to contain cyanidin, peonidin and 7-methoxy-apigeninidin glucoside. These findings indicate that the discarded material, i.e., leaves and silks, can be prospected as bioactive biomasses useful to industrial sectors. Practical Applications The present study indicates that leaves and silks of maize landraces, typically discarded in the normal process of agricultural production, can be prospected in food systems as potential sources of antioxidant compounds, such as carotenoids, anthocyanins and phenolics. Moreover, acquisition of these raw materials for development of new products in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics industries can be accomplished with no or negligible cost. Thus, the preservation of this valuable germplasm is to be encouraged, as it will increase the possibility of economic return to small farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Canine RBCs are expected to have high sodium and low potassium ( LK) concentrations. However, some dogs have a low sodium and high potassium ( HK) phenotype due to a Na-K pump in the mature RBC membrane. Awareness of this particularity avoids misinterpretation of hyperkalemia in affected dogs. Objective The purpose of this study was to compare the CBCs, serum biochemistry profiles, urinalysis data, and electrocardiography data in HK and LK Akita dogs. Methods In this study, the intra- RBC potassium ( KRBC) was measured in 48 healthy adult Akita dogs. The HK group included dogs with KRBC concentration at least 5-fold that of plasma, while the LK dogs served as controls. Results The HK phenotype was determined in 10 dogs (21%). With the exception of higher plasma potassium concentrations in the HK group compared with LK controls (6.6 mmol/L vs 4.4 mmol/L, P < .001), there were no other differences in serum biochemistry variables. In hematology, mean HGB concentration (13.5 vs 15.9, P < .001), PCV (42.9 vs 46.7, P = .009), RBC (6.1 vs 7.4, P < .001), and MCHC (31.3 vs 34.0, P < .001) were significantly lower in the HK group, while MCV (70.0 vs 63.4, P < .001) was higher compared with the LK controls. There were no significant differences in urinalysis or electrocardiography data between groups. Conclusions HK Akita dogs showed significant differences in several hematologic variables, as well as higher plasma potassium concentration. Therefore, the HK phenotype should be considered in the interpretation of these variables in this breed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Phyllorhiza punctata ( P. punctata) is a jellyfish native to the southwestern Pacific. Herewith we present the biochemical and pharmacological characterization of an extract of the tentacles of P. punctata. The tentacles were subjected to three freeze-thaw cycles, homogenized, ultrafiltered, precipitated, centrifuged and lyophilized to obtain a crude extract (PHY-N). Paralytic shellfish poisoning compounds such as saxitoxin, gonyautoxin-4, tetrodotoxin and brevetoxin-2, as well as several secretory phospholipase A2 were identified. PHY-N was tested on autonomic and somatic neuromuscular preparations. In mouse vas deferens, PHY-N induced phasic contractions that reached a peak of 234 ± 34.7% of control twitch height, which were blocked with either 100 μ m of phentolamine or 1 m m of lidocaine. In mouse corpora cavernosa, PHY-N evoked a relaxation response, which was blocked with either L-NG-Nitroarginine methyl ester (0.5 m m) or 1 m m of lidocaine. PHY-N (1, 3 and 10 μg ml−1) induced an increase in tonus of the biventer-cervicis neuromuscular preparation that was blocked with pre-treatment of galamine (10 μ m). Administration of 6 mg kg−1 PHY-N intramuscularly produced death in broilers by spastic paralysis. In conclusion, PHY-N induces nerve depolarization and nonspecifically increases neurotransmitter release. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: ‘ Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’ ( CMtc) is a hemotrophic bacterial species that can, alone or in combination, induce anemia in cats. The diagnostic test of choice for hemoplasma infections is PCR. Conventional PCR assays have been developed for the detection of Mycoplasma haemofelis ( Mhf) and ‘ Candidatus M. haemominutum’ ( CMhm) but not for CMtc. Although real-time PCR assays have been reported for all of the feline hemoplasmas, the expense of necessary instrumentation precludes its use in Brazil and many other countries. Objectives: The goals of this study were to develop and optimize a conventional PCR assay to diagnose CMtc using an internal control to detect false-negative results, and to evaluate the occurrence of CMtc infection in domestic cats from Brazil. Methods: Species-specific primers were designed and a PCR assay was developed for the detection of CMtc 16S rDNA in cat blood. Sensitivity was determined by serial 10-fold dilutions of plasmid and DNA extracted from blood from an experimentally infected cat. EDTA blood samples from 373 cats were collected. DNA was extracted using a silica-based protocol and tested using the PCR assay. Results: Primer concentration, annealing temperature, and MgCl2 concentration were optimized in the presence and absence of the internal control. Two samples negative for the internal control were excluded. Of the remaining 371 samples (117 healthy and 254 unhealthy cats), 17 (4.6%) were positive for CMtc. Conclusion: These results demonstrate the utility of an optimized PCR assay to detect CMtc in feline blood samples. We also report for the first time the prevalence of CMtc infection in domestic cats in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]