Search

14 páginas, 6 figuras., The present work investigated the prevalence, spatial distribution, and temporal distribution of tuberculosis (TB) in free-ranging Eurasian badgers (Meles meles) and cattle in Asturias (Atlantic Spain) during a 13-year follow-up. The study objective was to assess the role of badgers as a TB reservoir for cattle and other sympatric wild species in the region. Between 2008 and 2020, 673 badgers (98 trapped and 575 killed in road traffic accidents) in Asturias were necropsied, and their tissue samples were cultured for the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) isolation. Serum samples were tested in an in-house indirect P22 ELISA to detect antibodies against the MTC. In parallel, data on MTC isolation and single intradermal tuberculin test results were extracted for cattle that were tested and culled as part of the Spanish National Program for the Eradication of Bovine TB. A total of 27/639 badgers (4.23%) were positive for MTC based on bacterial isolation, while 160/673 badgers (23.77%) were found to be positive with the P22 ELISA. The rate of seropositivity was higher among adult badgers than subadults. Badger TB status was spatially and temporally associated with cattle TB status. Our results cannot determine the direction of possible interspecies transmission, but they are consistent with the idea that the two hosts may exert infection pressure on each other. This study highlights the importance of the wildlife monitoring of infection and disease during epidemiological interventions in order to optimize outcomes., This work was funded by the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MCIU), the Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI) reference project RTI2018-096010-B-C21 (FEDER co-funded), PCTI 2018–2020 (GRUPIN: IDI2018-000237), and FEDER and Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación. C.B.V. was supported by a grant from the Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Spain. Publication costs were covered with funds from RTI2018- 096010-B-C21 (FEDER co-funded). T.D.B. was supported by a fellowship from the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES; process number 88887.511077/2020-00).

International audience; p-Cresyl sulfate (PCS), indoxyl sulfate (IS), and inorganic phosphate (Pi) are uremic toxins found in chronic kidney disease (CKD) that are closely related to endothelial extracellular vesicles (EVs) formation. The present study aimed to understand the role of EVs and their role in cell adhesion and migration, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Human endothelial cells were treated with PCS, IS, and Pi in pre-established uremic and kinetic recommendations. EVs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, flow cytometry, and NanoSight assays. The concentrations of EVs were established using Alamar Blue and MTT assays. Cell adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins was analyzed using an adhesion assay. Inflammation and oxidative stress were assessed by vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression/monocyte migration and reactive oxygen species production, respectively. The capacity of EVs to stimulate endothelial cell migration was evaluated using a wound-healing assay. Our data showed that endothelial cells stimulated with uremic toxins can induce the formation of EVs of different sizes, quantities, and concentrations, depending on the uremic toxin used. Cell adhesion was significantly (P < 0.01) stimulated in cells exposed to PCS-induced extracellular vesicles (PCSEVs) and inorganic phosphate-induced extracellular vesicles (PiEVs). Cell migration was significantly (P < 0.05) stimulated by PCSEVs. VCAM-1 expression was evident in cells treated with PCSEVs and IS-induced extracellular vesicles (ISEVs). EVs are not able to stimulate monocyte migration or oxidative stress. In conclusion, EVs may be a biomarker of endothelial injury and the inflammatory process, playing an important role in cell-to-cell communication and pathophysiological processes, although more studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms of EVs in uremia.

International audience; The residual biomass of cold-pressed green coffee oil (GCO), rich in chlorogenic acids (CGA), was reused by incorporating the press cake (CE) and sediment (SE) extracts into carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) films. The effect of these extracts combined with GCO was investigated on the physicochemical, barrier, and antioxidant properties, and on the ability of the active films to delay fish oil oxidation. The films with added CE and GCO (C-CE) or SE and GCO (C-SE) showed high antioxidant activity, 3.61 ± 0.01 and 2.03 ± 0.01 mmol Trolox eq/g dry film, respectively. These findings are in line with the CGA content in CE and SE (9.8 and 9.0% w/w, respectively), as determined by HPLC. The addition of SE and GCO slightly affects the oxygen barrier of CMC films, while providing them with high Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–Vis) absorption. The evolution of peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in fish oil samples covered by C-CE and C-SE films and inert headspace was significantly lower than those of controls (storage at 40 °C for 16 days). The antioxidant release from films with added CE and SE showed an antagonistic behaviour into the food simulants. Although both active films are promising for active packaging, the C-SE film appeared as more advantageous for oil-rich food protection.

Objectives : This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of the ethanolic extract obtained from red algae marine Meristiella echinocarpa (Areschougiaceae) – EEMe. Methods : EEMe was used in doses ranging from 10 to 40 mg/kg, administered intraperitoneally in mice. Behavioral tests were performed to assess locomotor activity (open field), anxiety (elevated plus maze), depression (tail suspension), and motor coordination (rota-rod). The anticonvulsant effect of the algae extract was evaluated in two models of seizures induced by strychnine and pentylenetetrazol. The level of oxidative stress was also evaluated in the following brain areas: the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum. Statistical analysis was performed applying ANOVA followed by the Bonferroni test. Results : EEMe reduced significantly the number of crossing (36%) and rearing (54%) in the open field test and increased 1.3x the immobility time in the tail suspension test. In brain areas EEMe also reduced significantly malondialdehyde levels (striatum: 45%, hippocampus: 38%, prefrontal cortex: 37%) and nitrite levels (striatum: 72%, hippocampus: 79%, prefrontal cortex: 63%), and increased the reduced-glutathione levels (striatum: 72%, hippocampus: 73%, prefrontal cortex: 42%). In addition, the extract significantly prolonged the latency of seizures induced by strychnine (38%) or pentylenetetrazol (57%), and the latency of death induced by pentylenetetrazol (6.1x). Conclusion : EEMe exhibits antioxidant and anticonvulsant effects, probably involving GABAergic and glycinergic pathways. extract exhibits antioxidant and anticonvulsant effects, involving GABAergic and glycinergic pathways.

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar estratégias para minimização dos riscos ergonômicos em trabalhadores de limpeza. Método: revisão integrativa, realizada nas bases LILACS, Scopus e MEDLINE/PUBMED, entre agosto e setembro de 2019. Os descritores “ergonomia”, “serviço de limpeza” e seus sinônimos foram combinados por operadores booleanos. Resultados: dos 21 artigos analisados, prevaleceram estudos de intervenção e classificados com nível de evidência 2 (52%); realizados em 2012 (33,3%), na Suécia (38%), com trabalhadores de limpeza hospitalar (47,6%). Evidenciou-se a utilização de estratégias de educação ergonômica, modificações nas ferramentas de trabalho, exercício aeróbico, método para avaliação de risco, protocolo de vigilância, diário de tarefas, contextualização com os fatores organizacionais e psicossociais do trabalho. Conclusão: as estratégias evidenciadas mostraram-se eficazes e poderão contribuir, para o campo da saúde, na promoção e recuperação de acometimentos físicos dos trabalhadores de limpeza. RESUMEN: Objetivo: identificar estrategias para la minimización de los riesgos ergonómicos en trabajadores de limpieza. Método: revisión integradora, realizada en las bases de datos LILACS, Scopus y MEDLINE/PUBMED, entre agosto y septiembre de 2019. Los descriptores “ergonomía”, “servicio de limpieza” y sus sinónimos fueron combinados por operadores booleanos. Resultados: entre los 21 artículos analizados, prevalecieron los estudios de intervención clasificados con nivel de evidencia 2 (52%); realizados en 2012 (33,3%), en Suecia (38%), con trabajadores de limpieza hospitalaria (47,6%). Se evidenció la utilización de estrategias de educación ergonómica, modificaciones en las herramientas de trabajo, ejercicio aeróbico, método para la evaluación del riesgo, protocolo de vigilancia, diario de tareas, contextualización con los factores organizacionales y psicosociales del trabajo. Conclusión: las estrategias evidenciadas se mostraron eficaces y podrán contribuir, en el campo de la salud, en la promoción de la salud y recuperación de las afecciones físicas que padecen los trabajadores de limpieza. ABSTRACT Objective: to identify strategies to minimize ergonomic risks in the cleaning staff. Method: an integrative review, carried out on LILACS, Scopus, and MEDLINE/PUBMED databases, between August and September of 2019. The descriptors “ergonomics”, “cleaning service”, and their synonyms were combined using Boolean operators. Results: from the 21 articles analyzed, intervention studies prevailed and were classified with a level of evidence 2 (52%); carried out in the year 2012 (33.3%), in Sweden (38%), with hospital cleaning staff (47.6%). The use of ergonomic education strategies, changes in work tools, aerobic exercise, a method for risk assessment, surveillance protocol, task diary, updating with organizational and psychosocial factors at work were evidenced. Conclusion: the evidenced strategies proved to be effective and may contribute, for the health area, in the promotion and recovery of the physical condition of the cleaning staff.

This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization and Encapsulation of Natural Antioxidants: Interaction, Protection and Delivery., The aim of the present work was to fortify yogurt by adding a stripped weakfish (Cynoscion guatucupa) protein hydrolysate obtained with the enzyme Protamex and microencapsulated by spray drying, using maltodextrin (MD) as wall material. The effects on the physicochemical properties, syneresis, texture, viscoelasticity, antioxidant and ACE inhibitory activities of yogurt after 1 and 7 days of storage were evaluated. In addition, microbiological and sensory analyses were performed. Four yogurt formulations were prepared: control yogurt (without additives, YC), yogurt with MD (2.1%, YMD), with the free hydrolysate (1.4%, YH) and the microencapsulated hydrolysate (3.5%, YHEn). Yogurts to which free and microencapsulated hydrolysates were added presented similar characteristics, such as a slight reduction in pH and increased acidity, with a greater tendency to present a yellow color compared with the control yogurt. Moreover, they showed less syneresis, the lowest value being that of YHEn, which also showed a slight increase in cohesiveness and greater rheological stability after one week of storage. All yogurts showed high counts of the microorganisms used as starters. The hydrolysate presence in both forms resulted in yogurts with antioxidant activity and potent ACE-inhibitory activity, which were maintained after 7 days of storage. The incorporation of the hydrolysate in the microencapsulated form presented greater advantages than the direct incorporation, since encapsulation masked the fishy flavor of the hydrolysate, resulting in stable and sensorily acceptable yogurts with antioxidant and ACE inhibitory activities., This study was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - Brasil (CAPES) - Finance Code 001. We also thank the Rio Grande do Sul State Research Foundation (FAPERGS) (17/2551-0000916-9), the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness project NANOALIVAL AGL2017-84161, cofounded with ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) and CSIC -202070E218.

© 2021 by the authors., Early diagnosis of pediatric cancer is key for adequate patient management and improved outcome. Although multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC) has proven of great utility in the diagnosis and classification of hematologic malignancies, its application to non-hematopoietic pediatric tumors remains limited. Here we designed and prospectively validated a new single eight-color antibody combination—solid tumor orientation tube, STOT—for diagnostic screening of pediatric cancer by MFC. A total of 476 samples (139 tumor mass, 138 bone marrow, 86 lymph node, 58 peripheral blood, and 55 other body fluid samples) from 296 patients with diagnostic suspicion of pediatric cancer were analyzed by MFC vs. conventional diagnostic procedures. STOT was designed after several design–test–evaluate–redesign cycles based on a large panel of monoclonal antibody combinations tested on 301 samples. In its final version, STOT consists of a single 8-color/12-marker antibody combination (CD99-CD8/numyogenin/CD4-EpCAM/CD56/GD2/smCD3-CD19/cyCD3-CD271/CD45). Prospective validation of STOT in 149 samples showed concordant results with the patient WHO/ICCC-3 diagnosis in 138/149 cases (92.6%). These included: 63/63 (100%) reactive/disease-free samples, 43/44 (98%) malignant and 4/4 (100%) benign non-hematopoietic tumors together with 28/38 (74%) leukemia/lymphoma cases; the only exception was Hodgkin lymphoma that required additional markers to be stained. In addition, STOT allowed accurate discrimination among the four most common subtypes of malignant CD45− CD56++ non-hematopoietic solid tumors: 13/13 (GD2++ numyogenin− CD271−/+ nuMyoD1− CD99− EpCAM−) neuroblastoma samples, 5/5 (GD2− numyogenin++ CD271++ nuMyoD1++ CD99−/+ EpCAM−) rhabdomyosarcomas, 2/2 (GD2−/+ numyogenin− CD271+ nuMyoD1− CD99+ EpCAM−) Ewing sarcoma family of tumors, and 7/7 (GD2− numyogenin− CD271+ nuMyoD1− CD99− EpCAM+) Wilms tumors. In summary, here we designed and validated a new standardized antibody combination and MFC assay for diagnostic screening of pediatric solid tumors that might contribute to fast and accurate diagnostic orientation and classification of pediatric cancer in routine clinical practice., This research was funded by the EuroFlow Consortium; Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (FAPERJ), numbers: E26/110.105/2014, E-26/010.101259/2018, and E26/102.191/2013; grant from Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Brasília, Brazil (CNPQ), Brasília, Brazil, numbers: 303765/2018-6, 409440/2016-7, and 400194/2014-7; and Instituto Desiderata/Chevron, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, grant “Actions to improve pediatric cancer assistance in RJ”; the EuroFlow Consortium (grant LSHB-CT-2006-018708); Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBER-ONC; Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, Madrid, Spain and FONDOS FEDER), numbers: CB16/12/00400, CB16/12/00233, CB16/12/00369, CB16/12/00489 and CB16/12/00480; grant from Bilateral Cooperation Program between Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior-CAPES (Brasília/Brazil) and Dirección General de Políticas Universitárias (DGPU)-Ministério de Educación, Cultura y Deportes (Madrid/Spain) number DGPU 311/15.

Multi-host pathogens emerging and re-emerging at the wildlife–domestic animal interface affect wildlife management and conservation. This is the case of canine distemper virus (CDV), a paramyxovirus closely related to human measles virus and rinderpest virus of cattle. With an area of 10,603 km2, Asturias region in Atlantic Spain is a hotspot of carnivore diversity, which includes the largest Eurasian brown bear (Ursus arctos arctos) population and one of the largest wolf (Canis lupus) populations in south-western Europe. In 2020–2021, we recorded mortality due to distemper in four carnivore species including three mustelids (Eurasian badger Meles meles, European marten Martes martes and European polecat Mustela putorius) and one canid (red fox, Vulpes vulpes). Clinical signs and pathology were similar across species and consistent with the emergence of a highly pathogenic viral strain, with CDV antigen mainly located in the central nervous system, lungs, spleen and lymph nodes. A molecular study in eight wild carnivore species, also including the Iberian wolf, Eurasian brown bear, American mink (Neovison vison) and stone marten (Martes foina), revealed 19.51% (16/82) of positivity. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that CDV belonged to the previously described European lineage. A retrospective serosurvey (2008–2020) showed a high seroprevalence of CDV antibodies (43.4%) in 684 analyzed badgers, indicating a long-term though not stable viral circulation in this multi-host community. The possible triggers of the 2020–2021 outbreak and the implications for carnivore management and conservation are discussed., This work has been funded by the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MCIU) and the Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI) reference project RTI2018-096010-B-C21 (FEDER co-funded) and, by PCTI 2018−2020 (GRUPIN: IDI2018-000237) and FEDER. C.B.V. was supported by a grant from the Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Spain. T.D.B. was supported by a fellowship from the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES; process number 88887.511077/2020-00). D.B. was supported by an ERASMUS Practices Grant 2021.

L. feeleii is one of the most frequent Legionella species isolated from natural pools of the central region of Spain. This study aimed to evaluate its ecology and to identify this Legionella species as a respiratory pathogen. A PCR assay for detecting the L. feeleii mip gene was developed to identify it in clinical and environmental samples. Culture and PCR were performed in environmental samples from four drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs). Free L. feeleii was only detected in raw water samples (3.4%), while L. feeleii as an Acanthamoeba endosymbiont was found in 30.7% of raw water, 11.5% of decanter biofilm, and 32% of finished water samples. Therefore, Acanthamoeba spp. plays an essential role in the multiplication, persistence, and spread of Legionella species in the environment. The first case of Legionnaires' disease caused by L. feeleii in Spain is described in this study. The case was diagnosed in an older woman through PCR and sequencing from urine and sputum samples. A respiratory infection could be linked with health care procedures, and the patient presented several risk factors (age, insulin-dependent diabetes, and heart disease). The detection of non-L. pneumophila, such as L. feeleii, is a factor that must be considered when establishing or reviewing measures for the control and prevention of legionellosis. This work was supported by Instituto de Salud Carlos III (PI12/02725) (PI17/01670) (Co-funded by European Regional Development Fund/European Social Fund “A way to make Europe”/“Investing in your future”); and Fundación Universitaria San Pablo CEU (USPCEU-PC07/2013 and USP-PC07/2014). LV was supported by Universidad San Pablo CEU/Spain (FPI Grants). TG was supported by CAPES/Brazil (BEX 9132/13-9). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. Sí

The phenomenon of suicide, an intentional act of killing oneself, has manifested itself in contemporaneity as the agenda for debates about the promotion and protection of the fundamental human right to health. This article aims to encourage the socio-juridical perception on this phenomenon - while a risk to the preservation of human life, represented through the conjuncture between life and death. Through a bibliographical study, using the hypothetical deductive method, it’s been verified as essential, initiatives that communicate strategic public policies in the fields of public health, biolaw and human rights, aiming to protect life and the human species itself.

Aim: Tall and structurally complex forests can provide ample habitat and niche space for climbing plants, supporting high liana species richness. We test to what extent canopy height (as a proxy of 3-D habitat structure), climate and soil interact to determine species richness in the largest clade of Neotropical lianas. We expect that the effect of canopy height on species richness is higher for lianas from closed tropical rain forests compared to riparian and savanna habitats. Location: Neotropics. Time period: Present. Major taxa studied: Tribe Bignonieae (Bignoniaceae). Methods: We used structural equation models to evaluate direct and indirect effects of canopy height, climate (temperature, precipitation and precipitation seasonality), and soil (cation exchange capacity and soil types) on overall Bignonieae species richness (339 liana species), as well as on species richness of lianas from forest, riparian and savanna habitats, respectively. We further performed multiple regression models with Moran's eigenvector maps to account for spatial autocorrelation. Results: Canopy height was a key driver of liana species richness, in addition to climate and soil. Species richness of forest lianas showed a strong positive relationship with canopy height whereas the relationship was less pronounced for riparian species. Richness of savanna species decreased with increasing canopy height. Climate also explained a substantial proportion of variation in liana species richness whereas soil variables showed little explanatory power. Main conclusions: The relationship between canopy height and liana species richness differs among habitats. While forest and riparian lianas benefit from tall and complex habitats that provide physical support to reach the canopy to escape low light availability in the understorey, high light availability in open habitats and an increased risk of embolism of conductive vessels for lianas with long stems living in areas with high seasonality might explain the inverse relationship between species richness and canopy height in savannas., Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico Grant Numbers: 208414/2017‐7, 301799/2016‐4, 309550/2015‐7, 310871/2017‐4, 314523/2014‐6, 381391/2018‐3, 465610/2014‐5, Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo. Grant Number: 2012/50260‐6 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior. Grant Number: Finance code 001

Chronic exposure to inorganic arsenic (As) [As(III) + As(V)], which affects millions of people, increases the incidence of some kinds of cancer and other non-carcinogenic pathologies. Although the oral pathway is the main form of exposure, in vivo studies have not been conducted to verify the intestinal toxicity of this metalloid. The aim of this study is to perform an in vivo evaluation of the intestinal toxicity of inorganic As, using female BALB/c mice exposed through drinking water to various concentrations of As(III) (20, 50, and 80 mg/L) for 2 months. An increase was observed in oxygen and/or nitrogen reactive species, and in gene and protein expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6) at concentrations equal to or greater than 50 mg/L. These changes were accompanied by a profound remodeling of the intestinal microbial profile in terms of diversity and global composition, which could be at the basis or exacerbate As(III) toxic effects. The histological study showed that there was moderate inflammation of the mucosa and submucosa, accompanied by hyperplasia of crypts at the highest administered dose. In addition, all the treatments with As(III) resulted in a decreased expression of Muc2, which encodes one of the main components of the intestinal layer of mucus. The effects described are compatible with the increased intestinal permeability observed at concentrations equal to or greater than 50 mg/L, indicative of loss of barrier function., This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (AGL2015-68920-R), for which the authors are deeply indebted. Gabriela M. Chiocchetti received a fellowship from the Brazilian Government (CAPES BEX1086/14-6). We thank M.C. Collado, C. Alcántara, M. Selma, M. Dzidic and A. Boix for their advice in metagenome analyses. We also thank Inmaculada Noguera, from the Animal Production Service from the University of Valencia, for her assistance in the animal experiments.

International audience; Advances in whole-genome sequencing (WGS) technologies have documented genetic diversity and epidemiology of the major foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) in Europe and North America, but data concerning South America are scarce. Here, we examined the population structure and genetic diversity of this major foodborne pathogen collected in Brazil. Based on core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST), isolates from lineages I (n = 22; 63%) and II (n = 13; 37%) were distributed into 10 different sublineages (SLs) and represented 31 new cgMLST types (CTs). The most prevalent SLs were SL9 (n = 9; 26%), SL3 (n = 6; 17%) and SL2 and SL218 (n = 5; 14%). Isolates belonging to CTs L2-SL9-ST9-CT4420 and L1-SL315-ST520-CT4429 were collected 3 and 9 years apart, respectively, revealing long-term persistence of Lm in Brazil. Genetic elements associated with stress survival were present in 60% of isolates (57% SSI-1 and 3% SSI-2). Pathogenic islands were present in 100% (LIPI-1), 43% (LIPI-3) and 6% (LIPI-4) of the isolates. Mutations leading to premature stop codons were detected in the prfA and inlA virulence genes. This study is an important contribution to understanding the genomic diversity and epidemiology of Lm in South America. In addition, the results highlight the importance of using WGS to reveal Lm long-term persistence.

Inorganic arsenic (As) is the most toxic form of As found in food and water. Gastrointestinal disorders have been reported in populations chronically exposed to this arsenical form or to one of its metabolites; however, studies to determine the mechanisms of inorganic As toxicity at the intestinal level are scarce. The aim of this study is to determine the mechanisms of toxicity of inorganic As [As(III) and As(V)] on intestinal epithelial cells. For this purpose, two human intestinal cell models were used: non-transformed colon epithelial cells (NCM460) and epithelial cells from a colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2). Exposure to As(III) and As(V) generates an increase in the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-8 (57–1135%) and an increase in the generation of reactive oxygen and/or nitrogen species (130–340%) in both cell lines. This pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidant response may be responsible for the structural and functional modifications demonstrated in the monolayers formed by both cell types. Treatments with As(III) and As(V) produce a redistribution of zonula occludens 1 and a reduction in the expression of claudin 1, tight junction proteins that participate in maintaining the structure of the epithelium. All these toxic effects are finally translated into a loss of the barrier function of intestinal monolayers., This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (AGL2015-68920-R), for which the authors are deeply indebted. Gabriela de Matuoka e Chiocchetti received a fellowship from the Brazilian Government (CAPES- BEX1086/14-6) to carry out this study., We acknowledge support of the publication fee by the CSIC Open Access Support Initiative through its Unit of Information Resources for Research (URICI)

A method for As determination in sulfur-containing active pharmaceutical ingredients (SC-APIs) by direct solid sampling graphite furnace atomic absorption (DSS-GF AAS) was developed. The proposed method was successfully applied to three SC-APIs (hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide and sulfadiazine). Palladium was used as chemical modifier as well as hydrogen during the pyrolysis allowing the direct determination of As in the SC-APIs without interferences caused by gaseous sulfur species. Sample masses (hydrochlorothiazide) from 0.4 to 3 mg were used and calibration with aqueous standard solutions was feasible. The limit of quantification was 0.033 mg g-1 and the calibration ranged from 0.1 to 1.6 ng As. Recoveries for As solutions added directly to the solid samples were between 95 and 103%, showing a good accuracy. The method validation highlighted its robustness, since variation in pyrolysis and atomization temperatures, as well as in Pd and sample masses, did not change significantly the results. Additional experiments showed that this method can be applied to other SC-APIs (as e.g., furosemide and sulfadiazine). Arsenic concentration in hydrochlorothiazide samples ranged from 0.13 to 0.48 mg g-1, while in furosemide and sulfadiazine samples it was from 0.49 and 0.54 mg g-1, respectively. The use of DSS-GF AAS does not require previous sample digestion and As could be directly determined in the solid samples providing some advantages, as lower risks of contamination and analyte losses, good accuracy and limits of quantification.

Aluminum (Al), which is omnipresent in human life, is a potent neurotoxin. Here, we have tested the potential for Egg White Hydrolysate (EWH) to protect against changes in cognitive function in rats exposed to both high and low levels of Al. Indeed, EWH has been previously shown to improve the negative effects induced by chronic exposure to heavy metals. Male Wistar rats received orally: Group 1) Low aluminum level (AlCl3 at a dose of 8.3 mg/kg b.w. during 60 days) with or without EWH treatment (1 g/kg/day); Group 2) High aluminum level (AlCl3 at a dose of 100 mg/kg b.w. during 42 days) with or without EWH treatment (1 g/kg/day). After 60 or 42 days of exposure, rats exposed to Al and EWH did not show memory or cognitive dysfunction as was observed in Al-treated animals. Indeed, co-treatment with EWH prevented catalepsy, hippocampal oxidative stress, cholinergic dysfunction and increased number of activated microglia and COX-2-positive cells induced by Al exposure. Altogether, since hippocampal inflammation and oxidative damage were partially prevented by EWH, our results suggest that it could be used as a protective agent against the detrimental effects of long term exposure to Al., This work was supported by the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico [CNPq 406715/2013-0, 203503/2015-5]; the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior; Programa Nacional de Cooperação Acadêmica; Pró-reitoria de Pesquisa - Universidade Federal do Pampa [N°10.134.14] and by the Spanish Goverment [MINECO - AGL2012-32387, CSIC – Intramural 201570I028 and SAF2015-69294-R]. PBMC was supported by For Women in Science Program – L’Oreal Foundation and UNESCO.

International audience; Unlabelled - The study was aimed at the identification of a potential anti-cancer compound from the leaf extract of , against pancreatic cancer cells (PANC-1). Out of different extracts tested, methanolic extract showed significant cytotoxicity at an IC of 289.5 ± 0.03 µg/mL after 24 h (MTT assay). The safety of the extract was ascertained using normal pancreatic cells (hTERT-HPNE). Methanolic extract was able to induce apoptosis in 28.9 ± 0.01% of PANC-1 cells as determined by flow cytometry. RT-PCR analysis of PANC-1 cells also recorded an increase in the mRNA expression of pro-apoptotic genes i.e., (12.82 folds), (10 folds) and (8.74 folds) after treatment. Expression of other pro-apoptotic genes such as and was also upregulated by 4.04 and 4.01 folds, respectively. However, the mRNA expression of anti-apoptotic genes, , and was found to be downregulated. The bioactive extract was then fractionated on preparative silica gel plates into 24 bands. Out of these, band fraction 9 exhibited significant cytotoxicity (IC 219 ± 0.04 µg/mL) on the PANC-1 cells. The mass spectral (HPLC-MS) and FTIR analysis of the fraction indicated the bioactive compound to be a derivative of Diosgenin, which can be a possible candidate for cancer therapeutics in future. Supplementary information - The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-022-03155-w.

International audience; ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Green tea, traditionally used as antidiabetic medicine, positively affects the diabetic nephropathy. It was assumed that these beneficial effects were due to the hypoglycemiant capacity of the tea, wich reduces the glycemic overload and, consequently, the advanced glycation end products rate and oxidative damage. However, these results are still controversial, since tea is not always able to exert a hypoglycemic action, as demonstrated by previous studies. AIM: Investigate if green tea infusion can generate positive outcomes for the kidney independently of glycemic control, using a model of severe type 1 diabetes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We treated streptozotocin type 1 diabetic young rats with 100 mg/kg of green tea, daily, for 42 days, and evaluated the serum and tissue markers for stress and function. We also analyzed the ion dynamics in the organ and the morphological alterations promoted by diabetes and green tea treatment. Besides, we analyzed, by an in silico approach, the interactions of the green tea main catechins with the proteins expressed in the kidney. RESULTS: Our findings reveal that the components of green tea can interact with the proteins participating in cell signaling pathways that regulate energy metabolism, including glucose and glycogen synthesis, glucose reabsorption, hypoxia management, and cell death by apoptosis. Such interaction reduces glycogen accumulation in the organ, and protects the DNA. These results also reflect in a preserved glomerulus morphology, with improvement in pathological features, and suggesting a prevention of kidney function impairment. CONCLUSION: Our results show that such benefits are achieved regardless of the blood glucose status, and are not dependent on the reduction of hyperglycemia.

[Background]: A key challenge for conservation biology in the Neotropics is to understand how deforestation affects biodiversity at various levels of landscape fragmentation. Addressing this challenge requires expanding the coverage of known biodiversity data, which remain to date restricted to a few well-surveyed regions. Here, we assess the sampling coverage and biases in biodiversity data on fruit-feeding butterflies at the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, discussing their effect on our understanding of the relationship between forest fragmentation and biodiversity at a large-scale. We hypothesize that sampling effort is biased towards large and connected fragments, which occur jointly in space at the Atlantic forest., [Methods]: We used a comprehensive dataset of Atlantic Forest fruit-feeding butterfly communities to test for sampling biases towards specific geographical areas, climate conditions and landscape configurations., [Results]: We found a pattern of geographical aggregation of sampling sites, independently of scale, and a strong sampling bias towards large and connected forest fragments, located near cities and roads. Sampling gaps are particularly acute in small and disconnected forest fragments and rare climate conditions. In contrast, currently available data can provide a fair picture of fruit-feeding butterfly communities in large and connected Atlantic Forest remnants., [Discussion]: Biased data hamper the inference of the functional relationship between deforestation and biodiversity at a large-scale, since they are geographically clustered and have sampling gaps in small and disconnected fragments. These data are useful to inform decision-makers regarding conservation efforts to curb biodiversity loss in the Atlantic Forest. Thus, we suggest to expand sampling effort to small and disconnected forest fragments, which would allow more accurate evaluations of the effects of landscape modification., Thadeu Sobral-Souza, Juliana Stropp and Jessie Pereira Santos were supported by CNPq PDJ grants #151003/2018-1, #152816/2016-0 and # 150178/2019-0, respectively. Juliana Stropp and Joaquín Hortal also benefited from the European Union's research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action (grant agreement # 843234; project TAXON-TIME). The authors' meeting was supported by Profa. Dra. Rosane Collevatti by Procad/CAPES (project # 88881.068425/2014-01). We also acknowledge institutional support from the Unit of Information Resources for Research at the Unit of Information Resources for Research at the "Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas" (CSIC) for the article-processing charges contribution.

Jaboticaba, a popular Brazilian berry, has been studied due to its relevant polyphenol composition, health benefits and potential use for the development of derived food products. Considering that around 200 articles have been published in recent years, this review aims to provide comprehensive and updated information, as well as a critical discussion on: (i) jaboticaba polyphenolic composition and extraction methods for their accurate determination; (ii) jaboticaba polyphenol's metabolism; (iii) biological effects of the fruit and the relationship with its polyphenols and their metabolites; (iv) challenges in the development of jaboticaba derived products. The determination of jaboticaba polyphenols should employ hydrolysis procedures during extraction, followed by liquid chromatographic analysis. Jaboticaba polyphenols, mainly anthocyanins and ellagitannins, are extensively metabolized, and their metabolites are probably the most important contributors to the relevant health effects associated with the fruit, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective and hypolipidemic. Most of the technological processing of jaboticaba fruit and its residues is related to their application as a colorant, antioxidant, antimicrobial and source of polyphenols. The scientific literature still lacks studies on the metabolism and bioactivity of polyphenols from jaboticaba in humans, as well as the effect of technological processes on these issues., This work was supported by Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro [E-26/203.276/2016, E-26/202.694/2019, E-26/202.708/2018, E-26/210.151/2018, E-26/210.003/2020]. This study was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior – Brasil (Finance Code 001).

The development of new antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2 is a valuable long-term strategy to protect the global population from the COVID-19 pandemic complementary to the vaccination. Considering this, the viral main protease (Mpro) is among the most promising molecular targets in light of its importance during the viral replication cycle. The natural flavonoid quercetin 1 has been recently reported to be a potent Mpro inhibitor in vitro, and we explored the effect produced by the introduction of organoselenium functionalities in this scaffold. In particular, we report here a new synthetic method to prepare previously inaccessible C-8 seleno-quercetin derivatives. By screening a small library of flavonols and flavone derivatives, we observed that some compounds inhibit the protease activity in vitro. For the first time, we demonstrate that quercetin (1) and 8-(p-tolylselenyl)quercetin (2d) block SARS-CoV-2 replication in infected cells at non-toxic concentrations, with an IC50 of 192 μM and 8 μM, respectively. Based on docking experiments driven by experimental evidence, we propose a non-covalent mechanism for Mpro inhibition in which a hydrogen bond between the selenium atom and Gln189 residue in the catalytic pocket could explain the higher Mpro activity of 2d and, as a result, its better antiviral profile, This work was supported by the University of Perugia “Fondo per la Ricerca di Base 2019”(C.S.); Fundación hna (to A.V.C. and O.A.); Miguel Servet Program from Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CPII13/00017 to O.A.); Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, and the European Union (ERDF/ESF, “Investing in your future”) (PI18/00349 to O.A. and an FIS Research Contract to L.C.L.); Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (BFU2016-78232-P to A.V.C.); Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (FPI Predoctoral Research Contract BES-2017-080739 to D.O.A.); Diputación General de Aragón (Predoctoral Research Contract 2019 to A.J.A., “Protein Targets and Bioactive Compounds Group” E45_20R to A.V.C., “Digestive Pathology Group” B25_20R to O.A.); and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd). This study was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior—Brasil (CAPES)—Finance Code 001. FAPERGS, CNPq, and FINEP are acknowledged for financial support. CNPq is also acknowledged for fellowships to E.J.L. and D.A. This work was supported by the subsidy from the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education for research on the

International audience; Objective: The aim of this study was to understand the transmission dynamics of the HIV-1 subtype B epidemic in French Guiana and the factors that shaped the expansion of major phylogenetic transmission clusters.Design: HIV-1 subtype B pol sequences with associated epidemiological data obtained from 703 treatment-naive patients living in French Guiana between 2006 and 2012, which correspond to 91% of all HIV cases diagnosed in that period, were employed in this study.Methods: Maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods were used to construct phylogenetic trees, identify transmission clusters and estimate intervals between successive infections. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate epidemiological characteristics associated with cluster membership.Results: HIV-1 subtype B pol sequences from French Guiana were distributed in 10 large/medium transmission clades (LMTC, n > 10, 55%), 19 small transmission clades (STC, n = 3–8, 10%), 36 dyads (10%) or were nonclustered (25%). The rate of clustering did not differ by sex or clinical stage, but sex workers, crack-cocaine users, young individuals (15–20 years) and nationals or migrants from neighbouring South American countries were more likely to cluster within LMTC than individuals from other groups. We estimated that 53–63% of immigrants were infected after the arrival in French Guiana and that 50% of HIV transmissions within LMTC occurred during the first 2 years after infection.Conclusion: These findings reinforce the notion that high-risk sexual behaviours among young individuals and migrants (postmigration) combined with late HIV diagnosis are key drivers of onward dissemination of major HIV transmission clusters in French Guiana.

Tuberculosis is a world widespread disease, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb). Although considered an obligate aerobe, this organism can resist life-limiting conditions such as microaerophily mainly due to its set of enzymes responsible for energy production and coenzyme restoration under these conditions. One of these enzymes is fumarate reductase, an heterotetrameric complex composed of a catalytic (FrdA), an iron-sulfur cluster (FrdB) and two transmembrane (FrdC and FrdD) subunits involved in anaerobic respiration and important for the maintenance of membrane potential. In this work, aiming to further characterize this enzyme function in mycobacteria, we analyzed the expression of FrdB-containing proteins in M.tb and Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) Moreau, the Brazilian vaccine strain against tuberculosis. We identified three isoforms in both mycobacteria, two of them corresponding to the predicted encoded polypeptides of M.tb (27 kDa) and BCG Moreau (40 kDa) frd sequences, as due to an insertion on the latter’s operon a fused FrdBC protein is expected. The third 52 kDa band can be explained by a transcriptional slippage event, typically occurring when mutation arises in a repetitive region within a coding sequence, thought to reduce its impact allowing the production of both native and variant forms. Comparative modeling of the M.tb and BCG Moreau predicted protein complexes allowed the detection of subtle overall differences, showing a high degree of structure and maybe functional resemblance among them. Axenic growth and macrophage infection assays show that the frd locus is important for proper bacterial development in both scenarios, and that both M.tb’s and BCG Moreau’s alleles can partially revert the hampered phenotype of the knockout strain. Altogether, our results show that the frdABCD operon of Mycobacteria may have evolved to possess other yet non-described functions, such as those necessary during aerobic logarithmic growth and early stage steps of infection.

This work includes the second/sequential stage of a green-based valorization strategy of mango peel. An exhausted biomass from a pilot-scale CO2 supercritical extraction process was reused for obtaining phenolic-rich extracts with high antioxidant and anti-proliferative activity, employing microwave-assisted extraction. The effects of microwave power (400–800 W), liquid-to-solid ratio (10–50 mL/g) and extraction time (60–120 s) on process yield, phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity were investigated using a Box-Behnken design. A solution consisting of 60% aqueous ethanol was used as extraction solvent. The results showed that microwave power and liquid-to-solid ratio were the most influential factors on the responses variables. The highest total phenolic content (52.08 mg gallic acid eq./g d. w.) and antioxidant activities (2.75 mmol trolox eq./g extract, and of 6.47 μg/mL expressed in DPPH, EC50) were obtained at 800 W, 50 g/mL, and 90 s. Mango peel extract recovered at optimal conditions provided high anti-proliferative activity against HT-29 colon cancer cells line, after 24 h treatment (IC50 = 22.98 μg/mL). Gallic acid derivatives, such as galloyl-esters, xanthones like mangiferin, flavonoids, including quercetin and quercetin glycosides were tentatively identified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Most probably, the compounds responsible for the outstanding anti-proliferative activity., A.P.S-C. thanks to Ministerio de Ciencia Tecnología e Innovación (Colombia) for her postdoctoral fellowship (784-2017). A.P.S-C and S.R.S.F thank to CAPES-PRINT, Project number 88887.310560/2018-00 for the financial support.

Background : Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common malignant skin tumors in domestic animals. Histologically, they are characterized by a proliferation of neoplastic keratinocytes with varied keratin production. Some SCCs have peculiar histological characteristics that permit them to be classified into uncommon to rare histological subtypes, reported in animals and humans. However, according to the authors' knowledge, the mucin-producing subtype described in humans has not yet been reported in animals. In this study, we report the occurrence of two mucin-producing SCCs in dogs, a histological presentation similar to that seen in cutaneous SCCs with mucinous metaplasia in humans. Cases : Two dogs, a 5-year-old Yorkshire female and a 17-year-old Dachshund male, had a skin nodule near the tail and on the right eyelid. The nodules varied from 1 to 5 cm in diameter, were firm and covered with skin and hair. The cut surface was firm and white. Histological findings were compatible with squamous cell carcinoma, characterized by a neoplastic proliferation of keratinocytes originating in the epidermis and infiltrating the dermis. The keratinocytes were arranged in islands and occasional anastomosed cords, supported by a fibrous stroma. The formation of pearls varied from moderate to sparse. The nuclear and cellular pleomorphism was accentuated in case two and moderate in case one. Mitosis figures ranged from two to five in a high magnification field. Within the neoplasm, there were large vacuolated neoplastic cells with slightly fibrillar intracytoplasmic basophilic content. This content has been rarely observed in an extracellular medium. The presence of mucin was confirmed by positive Alcian Blue (AA) staining. In immunohistochemistry (IHC), tumor cells showed strong immunostaining for pancitokeratin, and in areas with marked mucin deposition, immunostaining was predominantly moderate to weak. No tumor cells were immunostained for CD34 and Blc-2 antibodies. Compared to AA and Harris' hematoxylin, it was possible to demonstrate the presence of mucin in the cytoplasm of neoplastic keratinocytes using IHC. No vascular or lymphatic invasion by neoplastic cells was observed. The average cell proliferation index assessed by counting the nucleolar argyrophilic organizing regions (AgNOR) was 3.4 in case 1 and 4.5 in case 2. Discussion : Although the SCC routinely does not present a diagnostic challenge in veterinary practice, the histological presentation of the reported cases does not fit the current classification available in veterinary medicine. The histological presentation observed in these two dogs is similar to that described for cutaneous SCCs with mucinous metaplasia in humans, and so far not described in animals. The observation of intracytoplasmic mucin in humans is an essential finding for the diagnosis of SCC with mucin metaplasia. In the present cases, we observed a slightly basophilic amorphous substance in the cytoplasm of proliferated neoplastic keratinocytes, which stained strongly in blue when applied the Alcian Blue (AA) histochemical technique. This observation became more evident when using IHC counterstained with AA and Harris hematoxylin . In the histological analysis, the absence of an adenoid growth pattern or glandular formation amid neoplastic proliferation ruled out the possibility of a mucinous adenocarcinoma or a mucoepidermoid carcinoma. In addition, we could rule out a follicular neoplasia, including keratinizing infundibular acanthoma due to the absence of a central pore and the absence of immunostaining for CD34 and Bcl-2. These immunohistochemical findings, together with histological findings, reinforce the diagnosis of SCC with mucinous metaplasia in our dogs.

Background : Ionophore antibiotics are food additives with coccidiostatic or antimicrobial action; they are also used as growth promoters, ruminal pH regulators, volatile fatty acid molar modifiers, and methanogenesis reducers. However, these compounds have the potential to cause microbial resistance, in addition to the risk of intoxication. Ionophore poisoning may be caused by excessive intake, sensitivity of certain animal species, and concomitant use with other drugs. In Brazil, cases of ionophore poisoning in buffalos are rare. This study aims to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and pathological findings of lasalocid poisoning in buffalo calves. Case : A visit was made to a farm in the municipality of Moju, Para state to care for Murrah buffalo calves. After weaning, the buffalos were grazed in paddocks with Panicum spp . , and received a supplement of mineral, protein, and vitamin. This supplement contained, per kg, 250 g PB, 50 g Ca, 20 g P, 8 g S, 39 g Na, 20 mg Co, 557 mg Cu, 200 mg Fe, 12.4 mg Se, 2040 mg Zn, 0.19 mg biotin, 26750 IU of vitamin A, 4175 IU of vitamin D, 155 IU of vitamin E and 300 mg/kg of lasalocid. The product was made available to all calves, at 1-2 g/kg body weight (BW), according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Older calves were raised together with those less than 30 days old; as a result, the older calves tended to eat more, which could lead to a supplementation consumption of more than 1 kg body weight per animal per day. It was reported that between 40 and 60 days after the introduction of this supplement, 16 calves fell ill and died due to apathy, motor instability, tremors, and distended neck. The herd had a mortality rate of 33.3%. Two calves underwent a necroscopic examination at the Pathology Section of the Veterinary Institute of the Federal University of Para. Macroscopic examination revealed extensive pale areas in the skeletal muscles, myocardium, and tongue. Fragments of these muscles and various organs were collected, fixed in 10% buffered formalin, processed according to the routine histological technique, and stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome stain. Microscopic examination of the histologic samples revealed foci of muscle atrophy and necrosis characterized by an increase in cytoplasmic eosinophilia associated with the loss of stretch marks, and hyperchromatic nuclei that were displaced to the periphery. The necrosis of the muscle fibers was highlighted by Masson's trichrome staining. Discussion : The diagnosis of lasalocid poisoning in buffalo calves was based on epidemiological data, clinical findings, results of macroscopic and histopathological examination, and based on the estimated ionophore intake, obtained directly from the supplement label and by the calf's handler. Based on the absence of stratification of the calves by similarity of age and because the buffalo calves older than 30 days could eat more than 1 kg of the supplement (containing 300 mg/kg of lasalocid), it was possible to estimate the intake of lasalocid per kg CP (body weight). Therefore, the intake of lasalocid by a 70-kg buffalo calf in approximately 90 days and daily supplement consumption between 1 and 1.5 kg would be between 4.2 and 6.4 mg/kg of body weight. This report reinforces that notion that buffalo calves should never ingest ionophores; however, if necessary, strict protocols must be followed to avoid poisoning in these animals. This study highlighted the fact that stratification of buffaloes by different age groups during feeding became a risk factor that allowed greater consumption by older animals; this led to the estimated consumption of 4.2-6.4 mg/kg of lasalocid. Keywords: ionophores, ruminants, buffalo calves, muscle necrosis. Descritores: ionoforos, ruminantes, bezerros bufalos, necrose muscular. Titulo: Intoxicacao por lasalocida em bezerros bufalos no Estado do Para, Brasil

Background : Rectal tumors are uncommon in dogs and cats. The clinical signs result from intra- and extraluminal compression. Diagnosis and treatment of rectal tumors are challenging due to their intraplevic location. Owing to considerable bone superposition, computed tomography is the best exam to evaluate the tumor and plan surgery; however, poor availability and high costs may hinder its use. The objective of this case report is to describe the successful use of a combination of diagnostic techniques, namely transrectal ultrasound, transrectal fine-needle aspiration, and colonoscopy, for diagnosis and surgery planning in a case of intrapelvic intestinal leiomyoma in a dog. Case : A 13-year-old female mongrel dog with tenesmus, low stool production, and hematochezia for two months was presented for examination. During this two-month period, a symptomatic treatment was administered, but there was no clinical improvement. In the clinical evaluation revealed a painless mass on the left dorsolateral region, at a depth of around 4 cm, with considerable luminal reduction. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a mass close to the descending colon; however, bone superposition precluded identification of its origin or delimitation of its boundaries. The patient was subjected to transrectal ultrasound imaging, colonoscopy, and cytological examination of fine-needle aspiration biopsy material collected under general anesthesia. The mass was located at the final portion of the descending colon; it was extraluminal, and measured around 7 x 7 cm. The integrity of the intestinal wall was preserved. Next, radiographic examination of the thorax using three projections (ventrodorsal, left lateral, and right lateral) was performed to check for metastases, and no alteration was detected. Cytology suggested presence of leiomyoma. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy with pubic osteotomy for intrapelvic access. The extraluminal mass was found adhered to the dorsal colorectal surface, whose serosa was compromised. The mass, which occupied around 80 to 90% of the pelvic canal, was completely removed and submitted to histopathological examination, which confirmed presence of proliferative neoplastic mesenchymal cells (intestinal leiomyoma). The patient's clinical picture evolved without intercurrences, and the patient was discharged 40 days after the pubic bone consolidation procedure. Discussion : The occurrence of leiomyomas in the colorectal segment of the intestine is rare in dogs. Neoplasms that develop in such a region of the intestine are usually more frequently found in elderly animals, such as the patient of this report. Leiomyomas are benign (non-invasive) neoplasms with slow growth. Consequently, clinical signs emerge when the mass exhibits a large size, which causes intra- or extraluminal compression, tenesmus, diminished production or absence of defecation, and hematochezia, as observed in the present case. Even though the clinical signs are similar in these cases, they are unspecific; consequently, for reaching a diagnosis, biopsy and histological investigation are required. In spite of the usefulness of these procedures for diagnosis, computed tomography is the exam of choice to investigate neoplasms in intrapelvic intestinal segments because it allows three-dimensional reconstruction of the affected structures and facilitates surgical planning. Unfortunately, computed tomography was not available for this case. Consequently, colonoscopy, transrectal ultrasound, and transrectal fine-needle aspiration biopsy were performed. When combined, these procedures allowed determination of the location, size and type of neoplasm, which were crucial pieces of information for the correct diagnosis and surgical planning, thus contributing for the successful management of the patient.

Ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds and carotenoids were extracted from acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) by-products using gas-expanded liquids (GXLs) based on carbon dioxide expanded ethanol at 40 °C and 7 MPa. The by-products generated in the processing of acerola: bagasse (seed and peel) and non-pomace (from the juice clarification step), were studied separately. The overall extraction yields obtained were 3.8 and 12.9 g/100 g for bagasse and non-pomace, respectively. Ascorbic acid was not detected in the bagasse extract, while 158.2 mg/gextract was found in non-pomace extract, and 193.7 mg/g was found in the acerola juice powder. The higher the concentration of ascorbic acid, the higher the antioxidant activity of the extracts. The phytochemical profile obtained by LC-Q-TOF-MS/MS showed a higher number of phenolic compounds (hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonoids) in the bagasse and non-pomace extracts when compared to acerola juice. In addition, GXL promoted the extraction of a pool of carotenoids (lutein and β-carotene), pheophytin and chlorophyll derivatives detected by LC-APCI-MS/MS. The obtained extracts, rich in bioactive compounds, open an opportunity for the valorization of acerola by-products, meeting the current demand for natural nutraceuticals rich in vitamin C and polyphenols., The authors are grateful to CAPES-PRINT, project number 88887.310560/2018-00472 (Brazil) and Project AGL2017-89417-R (MINECO, Spain).

Background : Ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne disease highly prevalent in Brazil, and is relevant in canine clinical practice due to its high morbidity and mortality. Its clinical signs are nonspecific and its phases are acute, lasting 2 to 4 weeks; subclinical, i.e., asymptomatic; and chronic, resembling an autoimmune disease. The purpose of this study was to identify the occurrence of reactivity to Ehrlichia canis of bitches treated at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of the Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF) - Niteroi, RJ, Brazil , based on serological examination by iELISA, and to compare the hematological, biochemical, urinary protein-creatinine and urinary density profiles of reactive and non-reactive animals. Materials, Methods & Results : This study involved solely bitches, regardless of breed, starting at 1 year of age. One hundred and thirty bitches, 1 to 16 year-old (mean age 7.02 ± 4.00), weighing 1.5 to 50 kg (mean weight 12.12 ± 10.65) were subjected to clinical examination and abdominal ultrasound. Complete blood count, biochemical measurements, urinalysis and serology for E. canis were also performed. The serum was used in the iELISA to identify immunoglobulin G (IgG), using a canine Ehrlichia Imunotest® diagnostic kit (Imunodot®, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Sixty animals (46.20%) were reactive to E. canis . According to their owners, only 5 (8.3%) of the 60 seroreactive animals had a history of tick-borne disease. The most common profile was that of mixed breed animals living with their owners, older than 7 years, who had not been treated preventatively with specific drugs against ectoparasites. Laboratory tests showed significant differences between groups in terms of total protein (TP), and calcium and urinary protein-creatinine ratio (UPC). TP and UPC were elevated in the non-reactive group, while the only significant change in the reactive group was mild hypocalcemia. In this study, 30% (18/60) of the bitches were seroreactive to E. canis and had hypocalcemia. Of these, 50% (9/18) had a UPC above 0.5. Furthermore, 66.7% (12/18) of this group with hypocalcemia also showed urine density (UD) of less than 1024. Among these 18 bitches, 5 had both alterations, i.e., UPC > 0.5 and UD < 1024. Discussion : In this study, a high prevalence of bitches seroreactive to Ehrlichia canis was observed, despite the absence of clinical and/or laboratory signs indicative of the disease. In the investigation of IgG class antibodies, it is not possible to determine the exact time of infection, and titers may remain high for a period of more than 11 months, even after treatment and elimination of the bacterium. The fact that most seroreactive bitches showed no symptoms compatible with the disease either before or during the study suggests that they were in the subclinical phase of ehrlichiosis. The main reason for calcium metabolism disorders is a phosphorus imbalance, a condition that occurs in kidney diseases. Isosthenuria reflects the kidney’s inability to concentrate urine. This finding may be one of the first clinical manifestations of chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially in dogs. On the other hand, the UPC ratio may increase with the progression of CKD. The presence of hypocalcemia, isosthenuria and increased UPC associated with seroreactivity suggests that infection by E. canis may be associated with the onset of CKD. Veterinarians should keep in mind the complexity of the pathophysiology of ehrlichiosis to ensure the disease is not underdiagnosed in any of its phases, thereby ensuring the correct treatment is provided. Such awareness is expected to reduce the chronicity of the disease and underlying sequelae among dogs. Keywords: Ehrlichia canis , serology, tick, clinic, renal. Descritores: Ehrlichia canis , sorologia, carrapato, clinica, renal. Titulo: Perfil clinico e laboratorial de cadelas sororeativas para erliquiose tratadas em um Hospital Veterinario Universitario em Niteroi, Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Background : Canine Leishmaniasis (CanL) is a multisystemic and chronic inflammatory disease characterized by nonspecific clinical manifestations. In CanL, inflammatory cells and chemical mediators released in response to the parasite play a role in disease development and progression. Alterations on hematological parameters have been documented in CanL. These changes can also be assessed in relation to systemic inflammation caused by this disease. T he circulating leukocyte counting, such as neutrophils, as well as the albumin level, are considered direct indicators of an inflammatory host environment. Several studies point to the use of biomarkers on the assistance in diagnosis and prognosis of several canine pathologies. The present study investigated the Neutrophils to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Albumin to Globulin Ratio (AGR), and Neutrophils to Albumin Ratio (NAR) on systemic inflammatory response induced by Canine Leishmaniasis (CanL) . Materials, Methods & Results : For this purpose, adult dogs with confirmed diagnosis to CanL were divided into symptomatic (SD, n = 33) and asymptomatic (AD, n = 20) dogs for L. infantum and control dogs (CD, n = 20). Routine hematological and biochemical parameters were determined in blood samples using a veterinary automatic hematology and biochemical analyzers. Asymptomatic dogs (AD) had a higher number of white blood cells and neutrophils (16.48 ± 4.93 ; 13 .41 ± 3.60, respectively ) in relation to symptomatic dogs (SD) (13.54 ± 5.13; 10.42 ± 3.69, respectively) ( P = 0.015 and P < 0.0001, respectively) . Neutrophils to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) was higher in dogs with leishmaniasis (9.45 ± 3.76 ) than in healthy dogs (3.39 ± 1.19 ) ( P < 0.0001). Serum total proteins (STP) and globulins increased in CanL, while albumin and AGR decreased in CanL, when compared to CD and references values to canine species. Neutrophils to Albumin Ratio (NAR) was higher in AD and SD (5 .02 ± 1.14; 4.79 ± 1.07 , respectively) when compared to CD ( 2.36 ± 0.55) ( P < 0.0001). Discussion : As reported in scientific researches, dogs with Leishmaniasis present alterations in circulating cell counts. Based on these data, we decided to expand this information using the NLR as a parameter in an attempt to better clarify the changes in these cells in CanL. We observed that NLR was increased on CanL in relation to healthy dogs, which could be a consequence of relative neutrophilia rather than lymphopenia. Neutrophils to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) is a biomarker that conveys information about inflammatory conditions. An elevated NLR can reflect an upregulated innate immune response, since neutrophils are effector cells of innate immunity and are involved in several acute and chronic inflammatory processes. Albumin is an acute phase protein that is considered an immune-inflammatory biomarker, which can be found reduced systemically in progressive inflammatory response . Serum total proteins (STP) and globulins were increased in CanL. These data are already well documented in CanL, which serum globulins are mainly associated with the increase of acute phase proteins, cytokines, and increase of specific antibodies to Leishmania infantum . Our results showed neutrophilia with hypoalbuminemia in CanL. So, in an attempt to assess the relationship of these two available markers, we used NAR calculation in order to evaluate the changes induced by CanL. In this study NAR was higher in CanL when compared to control dogs. Thus, our data indicate that NLR and NAR could be used as biomarkers in veterinary medical clinics in order to assess inflammatory profile in CanL, mainly in asymptomatic dogs. These parameters obtained from routine blood tests might be useful as cost-effective, easily accessible and helpful markers in order to distinguish the inflammatory response intensity in CanL.

Leishmania infantum causes visceral leishmaniasis, a deadly vector-borne disease introduced to the Americas during the colonial era. This non-native trypanosomatid parasite has since established widespread transmission cycles using alternative vectors, and human infection has become a significant concern to public health, especially in Brazil. A multi-kilobase deletion was recently detected in Brazilian L. infantum genomes and is suggested to reduce susceptibility to the anti-leishmanial drug miltefosine. We show that deletion-carrying strains occur in at least 15 Brazilian states and describe diversity patterns suggesting that these derive from common ancestral mutants rather than from recurrent independent mutation events. We also show that the deleted locus and associated enzymatic activity is restored by hybridization with non-deletion type strains. Genetic exchange appears common in areas of secondary contact but also among closely related parasites. We examine demographic and ecological scenarios underlying this complex L. infantum population structure and discuss implications for disease control., Philipp Schwabl, Mariana Boité, and colleagues analyze 126 Leishmania infantum genomes to determine how demographic and selective consequences of the parasite’s invasive history have contributed to intricate population genetic heterogeneity across Brazil. Their data suggest a complex interplay of population expansion, secondary contact and genetic exchange events underlying diversity patterns at short and long-distance scales. These processes also appear pivotal to the proliferation of a drug resistance-associated multi-gene deletion on chromosome 31.

HLA-G is a promiscuous immune checkpoint molecule. The HLA-G gene presents substantial nucleotide variability in its regulatory regions. However, it encodes a limited number of proteins compared to classical HLA class I genes. We characterized the HLA-G genetic variability in 4640 individuals from 88 different population samples across the globe by using a state-of-the-art method to characterize polymorphisms and haplotypes from high-coverage next-generation sequencing data. We also provide insights regarding the HLA-G genetic diversity and a resource for future studies evaluating HLA-G polymorphisms in different populations and association studies. Despite the great haplotype variability, we demonstrated that: (1) most of the HLA-G polymorphisms are in introns and regulatory sequences, and these are the sites with evidence of balancing selection, (2) linkage disequilibrium is high throughout the gene, extending up to HLA-A, (3) there are few proteins frequently observed in worldwide populations, with lack of variation in residues associated with major HLA-G biological properties (dimer formation, interaction with leukocyte receptors). These observations corroborate the role of HLA-G as an immune checkpoint molecule rather than as an antigen-presenting molecule. Understanding HLA-G variability across populations is relevant for disease association and functional studies., We acknowledge Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq/Brazil, #302060/2019-7), Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES/Brazil, Finance code: 001), INCTC/FAPESP (Grant #465539/2014-9) for financial support, and FAPESP/Brazil (#Grant 2017/19223-0).

Human genetic syndromes deficient in nucleotide excision repair (NER), such as xeroderma pigmentosum and Cockayne syndrome, may present neurological abnormalities and premature aging symptoms. Unrepaired endogenously generated DNA damage that hampers transcription is a strong candidate that contributes to the development of these severe effects in neuronal tissue. Endogenous lesions include those generated due to byproducts of cellular metabolisms, such as reactive oxygen species. This review presents much of the evidence on the mechanisms related to neurodegenerative processes associated with DNA damage responses. The primary focus is on the effects of the transcription machinery, including the accumulation of DNA•RNA hybrids (R-loops) that, in turn, influence DNA damage and repair metabolism. Moreover, several neuronal tissues present higher expression of long genes, a genomic subset more affected by DNA lesions, which may explain part of the neurological abnormalities in these patients. Also, neuronal tissues have different DNA repair capabilities that might result in different neurological consequences, as observed in patients and NER deficient animal models. The better understanding of how the accumulation of transcription blocking lesions can lead to neurological abnormalities and premature aging-like phenotypes may assist us in finding potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets that might improve the lives of these patients, as well as other neurological disorders in the general population., This work was supported under the International Collaboration Research Funding from São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP, SP, Brazil) and the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research – NWO (Grant #2019/19435-3). Financial support was also received from Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq, Grant #308868/2018-8) and Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal do Ensino Superior (CAPES, Brasília, DF, Brazil, financial code 001).

Background: Swine enzootic pneumonia (SEP), caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, is one of the main respiratory diseases of pigs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of SEP in one farm with an independent production system, low level of technification and high losses in the meat packing plant, based on slaughterhouse, clinical and laboratory monitoring.Materials, Methods & Results: This study consisted of three monitoring steps, divided into three periods: P1, P2 and P3. In the first step of the study, slaughterhouse reports were analyzed and slaughtering was monitored at one meatpacking plant in Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. The second step of the study started by drawing up a profile of the farm that supplied the pigs to the aforementioned slaughterhouse, after which clinical monitoring was performed on three occasions. The third step of the study (laboratory monitoring) involved collecting lung fragments containing suspected SEP lesions from the meatpacking plant and subjecting them analysis. The average measured enzootic pneumonia (EP) in P3 was 38.54% (P < 0.05) higher than in P1 and 29.79 higher than in P2. The mean frequency of pulmonary emphysema (PE) in P3 was 59.13% (P < 0.05) higher than in P1 and 48.04% higher than in P2. The mean number of lung adhesions (LA) did not differ statistically (P > 0.05) between P1, P2 and P3. As for the mean frequency of pulmonary hepatization (PH), P3 was 48.80% higher (P < 0.05) than P1 and 41.78% higher than P2. With regard to the mean frequency of craniodorsal lung lesions (CLL), P3 was 48.26% higher (P < 0.05) than P1 and 40.77% higher than P2. The mean frequency of disseminated lesions (DL) and the pneumonia severity index (PSI) showed no statistical difference (P > 0.05) between the three evaluated periods. On the other hand, in the finishing period (FP), the frequency of coughing and sneezing was 37.56% (P < 0.05) higher in P1 than in P3. The frequency of coughing and sneezing evaluated in the nursery phase (CF) did not differ (P > 0.05) between periods. The samples sent to the laboratory MicroVet tested positive for M. hyopneumoniae, Influenza virus and Pasteurella multocida capsular type A. In the samples sent to the laboratory LABAC, the mean PCRmo (PCR for identification of mollicutes) did not differ (P > 0.05) in the analyzed periods, although the presence of DNA from bacteria of the class Mollicutes was confirmed in the fragments. In addition, the mean results of PCRmy (PCR for identification of M. hyopneumoniae) also did not differ (P > 0.05), although they revealed positivity for M. hyopneumoniae. Discussion: In relationship to the mean frequency of PE in each analyzed period, our study revealed an increase in the number of pulmonary lesions at slaughter during the periods under analysis. This finding is in agreement with those of other authors, who explain that pneumonias is one of the main health problems for swine producers. Some lesions are identified more frequently in routine inspections in meatpacking plants, including pulmonary emphysema, lung adhesions and pneumonia caused by M. hyopneumoniae. In our study, we found that the clinical signs of respiratory distress decline between the periods under evaluation, but during slaughter, the lesions suggestive of SEP continued to show an upward trend, mainly because they were chronic. Other authors state that several control measures should be adopted to ensure good zootechnical indices, including vaccination, strategic medication and the reduction of risk factors, thereby minimizing the level of M. hyopneumoniae infection in the herd.

© 2021 by the authors., B-cell regeneration during therapy has been considered as a strong prognostic factor in multiple myeloma (MM). However, the effects of therapy and hemodilution in bone marrow (BM) B-cell recovery have not been systematically evaluated during follow-up. MM (n = 177) and adult (≥50y) healthy donor (HD; n = 14) BM samples were studied by next-generation flow (NGF) to simultaneously assess measurable residual disease (MRD) and residual normal B-cell populations. BM hemodilution was detected in 41 out of 177 (23%) patient samples, leading to lower total B-cell, B-cell precursor (BCP) and normal plasma cell (nPC) counts. Among MM BM, decreased percentages (vs. HD) of BCP, transitional/naïve B-cell (TBC/NBC) and nPC populations were observed at diagnosis. BM BCP increased after induction therapy, whereas TBC/NBC counts remained abnormally low. At day+100 postautologous stem cell transplantation, a greater increase in BCP with recovered TBC/NBC cell numbers but persistently low memory B-cell and nPC counts were found. At the end of therapy, complete response (CR) BM samples showed higher CD19− nPC counts vs. non-CR specimens. MRD positivity was associated with higher BCP and nPC percentages. Hemodilution showed a negative impact on BM B-cell distribution. Different BM B-cell regeneration profiles are present in MM at diagnosis and after therapy with no significant association with patient outcome., This work has been supported by the International Myeloma Foundation-Black Swan Research Initiative, the EuroFlow Consortium (grant LSHB-CT-2006-018708); Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBER-ONC; Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, Madrid, Spain and FONDOS FEDER), numbers: CB16/12/00400, CB16/12/00233, CB16/12/00369, CB16/12/00489 and CB16/12/00480; grant from Bilateral Cooperation Program between Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior-CAPES (Brasília/Brazil) and Dirección General de Políticas Universitárias (DGPU)-Ministério de Educación, Cultura y Deportes (Madrid/Spain) number DGPU 311/15; Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro of Brazil (FAPERJ) numbers: E26/110.105/2014 and E26/102.191/2013; grant from Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico of Brazil (CNPQ), number: 400194/2014-7. R.M.d.P. was supported by a grant from Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES/DGPU), number: 000281/2016-06 and CAPES/PROEX 641/2018, Brazil; Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro of Brazil (FAPERJ) number: E01/200/537/2018.

The aim of the present study was to assess the risks of four different pharmaceutical active compounds (PhACs; diazepam, metformin, omeprazole and simvastatin). Acute and chronic toxicities were studied using the bacterium Aliivibrio fischeri and the microalgae Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata; while the repellency and attractiveness were assessed by avoidance tests with juvenile Cypirinus carpio using a multi-compartmented exposure system. Omeprazole was found to be an acutely toxic drug (EC50: 0.015 mg/L), while the other PhACs, except simvastatin, showed some chronic toxicity. Regarding avoidance, simvastatin and omeprazole induced an escape response for 50% of the fish population at 0.032 and 0.144 mg/L, respectively; contrarily, diazepam was attractive, even at lethal concentrations, representing a dangerous trap for organisms. The toxicity of the PhACs seemed not to be directly related to their repellency; and the mode of action seems to determine the repellency or attractiveness of the chemicals. Contamination by PhACs is of concern due to the environmental disturbance they might cause, either due to their acute and chronic toxicity (at the individual level), repellency (at the ecosystem level: loss of local biodiversity) or attraction to potentially lethal levels., This research was funded by: Coordination of Superior Level Staff Improvement (CAPES); National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq); Foundation for Research Support of the State of Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG) and the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). C.V.M. Araújo received the Ramón y Cajal contract (RYC-2017-22324) from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation.

Background : Pregnancy losses are a major concern in livestock industry due to their economic impact on producers. Campylobacter fetus subspecies fetus (Cff) and C. fetus subspecies venerealis (Cfv) are directly related to reproductive failures in ruminants. Cff colonizes the gastrointestinal tract of a wide range of hosts leading to abortion, while Cfv is restricted to genital tract being generally associated to infertility in bovine. Considering the great economic losses related to campylobacteriosis in cattle and ovine herds, this study aims to investigate the occurrence of C. fetus , considering Cff and Cfv subspecies, in bovine and ovine spontaneously aborted fetuses in state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Materials, Methods & Results : In this study, samples of abomasal fluid collected from 30 spontaneously aborted bovine (n = 18) and ovine (n = 12) fetuses were investigated for the detection of C ampylobacter fetus throughout conventional PCR. Positive fetuses for C. fetus presence were further analyzed by molecular assays for Cff and Cfv detection, in order to determine subspecies identification. When available, samples of the main organs of the thoracic and abdominal cavities, as well as the brain, skeletal muscle, eyelid, skin, and placenta were collected for further histopathological analyses and bacterial culture, aiming to assess the presence of infection lesions and pathogens in those sites, respectively. Additionally, RT-qPCR assays were also performed for the detection of ruminant pestivirus, in order to detect bovine viral diarrhea cases. Throughout the present methodology, C. fetus was detected in the abomasal fluid samples of 2 bovine fetuses, being both identified as Cfv subspecies by PCR . Histopathological analyses demonstrated that macroscopic and microscopic changes found in the Cfv-positive animals were not either specific or directly related to Campylobacter infections. Moreover, no significant bacterial growth was observed in microbiological culture from the collected tissues, and both fetuses were negative for ruminant pestivirus. Differently, there was no detection of C. fetus in any of the analyzed ovine fetuses. Discussion : Considering that abortion diagnosis rates reported in cattle and sheep industry are highly variable among the published studies, and that abortion diagnoses are commonly inconclusive due to difficulties in sampling methodology and inadequate identification of the pathogen involved, it is important to investigate the etiological causes of abortion the herds for better understanding the causes of pregnancy issues and monitoring their occurrence. In addition, the absence of pathognomonic lesions in the tissues investigated in the histopathological analyses observed in this study strongly suggests that well-known etiological agents commonly associated to abortion, such as Leptospira spp., Toxoplasma spp. , Chlamydia spp. and Neospora caninum, are unlikely to be the cause of infection of the analyzed fetuses. Taking this into account, the presence of C. fetus in the abomasal fluid samples from two bovine fetuses demonstrated in the present study suggests the possible association of Cfv not only with infertility, but also with cases of bovine abortion, highlighting the importance of investigating unusual causal agents of abortions in sheep and cattle. Overall, an adequate diagnosis is essential for establishing better prevention strategies to avoid the circulation of abortion-related infectious agents in the herds. Keywords: campylobacteriosis, molecular diagnosis, venereal disease, abortion, reproductive disease.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) asymptomatically colonizes the female reproductive tract but is a common causative agent of meningitis. GBS meningitis is characterized by extensive infiltration of neutrophils carrying high concentrations of calprotectin, a metal chelator. To persist within inflammatory sites and cause invasive disease, GBS must circumvent host starvation attempts. Here, we identified global requirements for GBS survival during calprotectin challenge, including known and putative systems involved in metal ion transport. We characterized the role of zinc import in tolerating calprotectin stress in vitro and in a mouse model of infection. We observed that a global zinc uptake mutant was less virulent than the parental GBS strain and found calprotectin knockout mice to be equally susceptible to infection by wild-type (WT) and mutant strains. These findings suggest that calprotectin production at the site of infection results in a zinc-limited environment and reveals the importance of GBS metal homeostasis to invasive disease., Nutritional immunity is an elegant host mechanism used to starve invading pathogens of necessary nutrient metals. Calprotectin, a metal-binding protein, is produced abundantly by neutrophils and is found in high concentrations within inflammatory sites during infection. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonizes the gastrointestinal and female reproductive tracts and is commonly associated with severe invasive infections in newborns such as pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis. Although GBS infections induce robust neutrophil recruitment and inflammation, the dynamics of GBS and calprotectin interactions remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that disease and colonizing isolate strains exhibit susceptibility to metal starvation by calprotectin. We constructed a mariner transposon (Krmit) mutant library in GBS and identified 258 genes that contribute to surviving calprotectin stress. Nearly 20% of all underrepresented mutants following treatment with calprotectin are predicted metal transporters, including known zinc systems. As calprotectin binds zinc with picomolar affinity, we investigated the contribution of GBS zinc uptake to overcoming calprotectin-imposed starvation. Quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed a significant upregulation of genes encoding zinc-binding proteins, adcA, adcAII, and lmb, following calprotectin exposure, while growth in calprotectin revealed a significant defect for a global zinc acquisition mutant (ΔadcAΔadcAIIΔlmb) compared to growth of the GBS wild-type (WT) strain. Furthermore, mice challenged with the ΔadcAΔadcAIIΔlmb mutant exhibited decreased mortality and significantly reduced bacterial burden in the brain compared to mice infected with WT GBS; this difference was abrogated in calprotectin knockout mice. Collectively, these data suggest that GBS zinc transport machinery is important for combatting zinc chelation by calprotectin and establishing invasive disease.

The infection caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi affects humans and is called as Chagas disease. Currently, the main measures available to reduce the incidence of this disease are drug treatment and vector control. Traditionally, the development of vaccines occurs mainly through the use of antigenic candidates of the etiologic agent in the form of a vaccine preparation. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are structures analogous to viral capsids composed essentially of structural proteins and are widely used in vaccination protocols because of their immunostimulatory properties. In this context, the objective of this study was to use strategies in a murine immunization model to characterize the immunostimulatory capacity of VLPs from Triatoma virus (TrV-VLPs), analysed in the presence or absence of the aluminium vaccine adjuvant. In parallel, to characterize the immunogenic behaviour of four T. cruzi chimeric recombinant proteins (mix-IBMP) associated with TrV-VLPs or aluminium vaccine adjuvant., This research was funded by Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (grant number COOPB20503 - CSIC, Spain) and Global Health and Tropical Medicine [grant number GHTM-UID/multi/04413/2013] and partially supported by grants to DMAG, from the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación [BFU2012-36241], Grupos Investigación UPV/EHU 2018 [GIU18/172], and Gobierno Vasco [Elkartek KK-2017/00008], Programa de empresas Innovadoras A1 2020 EKINZAILE, The Basque Country, Spain. This study also was supported by Coordenação de Aperfeiçaomento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES, Brazil).

This study aimed to verify whether dietary quercetin protects against the detrimental effects induced by oxytetracycline (OTC) administration in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen). Fish were divided into different experimental groups that received OTC and/or quercetin, either during 14 or 21 days. To determine the endocrine system stress response, we have measured the brain mRNA expression levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone (crh), proopiomelanocortins (pomca and pomcb) and some of the pituitary hormones (growth hormone [gh], somatolactin [sl], and prolactin [prl]). We have also quantified the levels of cortisol as well as some metabolites (glucose, glycogen, lactate, and triglycerides) in the plasma. Moreover, the enzymatic activity of hexokinase, phosphorylase (active GPase), fructose-biphosphatase (FBP), glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and gill Na+/K+-ATPase were measured. The results demonstrated that OTC activates the silver catfish stress response by increasing the plasma cortisol and decreasing the glucose levels at 14 and 21 days. Additionally, OTC also altered the fish hepatic metabolic status as demonstrated by an increase in triglycerides levels and the enzymatic activity of both FBP and GDH after 14 days. OTC also stimulated Na+/K+-ATPase activity in the gill after 14 days and altered the hypophyseal expression of gh (at 14 and 21 days) and prl (at 14 days). The co-treatment with 1.5 g of quercetin could prevent most of the alterations caused by OTC, strongly suggesting quercetin as a beneficial compound when added to the fish diet., This work was funded by Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation - MICINN (AGL2016-76069-C2-1-R) awarded to JMM. IJC was supported by a contract from the University of Cádiz (PIF UCA/REC02VIT/2014; 2018-011/PU/AY.PUENTE/CD). The authors (IJC and JMM) belong to the Fish Welfare and Stress Network (AGL2016-81808-REDT), which is supported by the Agencia Estatal de Investigación (MICINN, Spanish Government). The authors wish to thank the financial support received by Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico-CNPq (Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brazil) through the program CSF (Programa Ciência sem Fronteiras (CONCF) - Process: 207329/2015-0) awarded to Tanise da Silva Pês and Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES).

[Aim]: We investigated the antioxidant protective power of egg white hydrolysate (EWH) against the vascular damage induced by mercury chloride (HgCl2) exposure in resistance arteries., [Methods]: Male Wistar rats received for 60 days: (I) intramuscular injections (i.m.) of saline and tap water by gavage – Untreated group; (II) 4.6 μg/kg of HgCl2 i.m. for the first dose and subsequent doses of 0.07 μg/kg/day and tap water by gavage – HgCl2 group; (III) saline i.m. and 1 g/kg/day of EWH by gavage – EWH group, or (IV) the combination of the HgCl2 i.m. and EWH by gavage – EWH + HgCl2 group. Blood pressure (BP) was indirectly measured and dose-response curves to acetylcholine (ACh), sodium nitroprusside (SNP), and noradrenaline (NE) were assessed in mesenteric resistance arteries (MRA), as in situ production of superoxide anion, nitric oxide (NO) release, vascular reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant status., [Results]: Egg white hydrolysate prevented the elevation in BP and the vascular dysfunction after HgCl2 exposure; restored the NO-mediated endothelial modulation and inhibited the oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways induced by HgCl2., [Conclusion]: Egg white hydrolysate seems to be a useful functional food to prevent HgCl2-induced vascular toxic effects in MRA., This work was supported by National Council for Scientific and Technological Development – CNPq [CNPq 307399/2017-6]; Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior; Programa Nacional de Cooperação Acadêmica; Pró-reitoria de Pesquisa - Universidade Federal do Pampa [N° 20180615102630]; Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Rio Grande do Sul – FAPERGS/Brazil [PQG:19/2551-0001810-0]; Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa e Inovação do Espírito Santo – FAPES/CNPq/PRONEX [N° 80598773], and Spanish Goverment (MICINN) [AGL-2017-89213].

Biopsychosocial aspects seem to influence the clinical condition of rotator cuff related shoulder pain (RCRSP). However, traditional bivariate and linear analyses may not be sufficiently robust to capture the complex relationships among these aspects. This study determined which biopsychosocial aspects would better classify individuals with acute and chronic RCRSP and described how these aspects interact to create biopsychosocial phenotypes in individuals with acute and chronic RCRSP. Individuals with acute (&lt, six months of pain, n = 15) and chronic (&ge, six months of pain, n = 38) RCRSP were included. Sociodemographic data, biological data related to general clinical health status, to shoulder clinical condition and to sensory function, and psychosocial data were collected. Outcomes were compared between groups and a decision tree was used to classify the individuals with acute and chronic RCRSP into different phenotypes hierarchically organized in nodes. Only conditioned pain modulation was different between the groups. However, the tree combined six biopsychosocial aspects to identify seven distinct phenotypes in individuals with RCRSP: three phenotypes of individuals with acute, and four with chronic RCRSP. While the majority of the individuals with chronic RCRSP have no other previous painful complaint besides the shoulder pain and low efficiency of endogenous pain modulation with no signs of biomechanical related pain, individuals with acute RCRSP are more likely to have preserved endogenous pain modulation and unilateral pain with signs of kinesiophobia.

International audience; Sustained transcriptional activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) promotes tumour growth and impairs the immune defence, at least for cutaneous melanoma and glioma. AhR ligands are produced by the tumour microenvironment (TME) and by the tumour itself (intracrine). The recent identification of interleukin-4-induced-1 (IL4I1), a parallel pathway to indoleamine 2 3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1)/ tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO), and its ability to generate AhR ligands, confirms that a complete inhibition of AhR ligand production might be difficult to reach. Here, we have focused on recent discoveries explaining the large varieties of AhR ligands and the functional consequences in terms of cancer cell plasticity and consecutive therapy resistance. We also examined therapeutic strategies targeting the AhR signalling pathway and their possible adverse effects. Since the end of 2019, two phase I clinical trials have investigated the ability of the AhR antagonist to ’reset’ the immune system and re-sensitize the cancer cells to therapies by preventing their dedifferentiation.

Cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica DC) is an ellagitannin-containing Myrtaceae fruit from Cerrado biome. This fruit seems to be a promising candidate for an adjuvant in glucose regulation in healthy subjects. However, it is not known whether cagaita juice would have the same effect on dysglycemic subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Therefore, the present work aimed to evaluate the effect of cagaita fruit juice on postprandial glycemia in dysglycemic subjects with MetS, and whether cagaita ellagitannins could be metabolized to urolithins. To evaluate glycemic effects, two different meals were consumed by volunteers (n = 12) with a 1-week interval among them. The first one consisted of white bread (50 g) plus water (300 mL) as a control; the second one, white bread (50 g) plus clarified cagaita juice (300 mL). Bioavailability was assessed in 24 h urine, after the consumption of a single amount of 300 mL of cagaita juice by healthy (n = 16) and MetS subjects (n = 7). The results showed that dysglycemic subjects with MetS presented a 53% reduction of incremental area under the curve (iAUC) of glucose, 38% reduction of insulin, 78% reduction of GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), and 58% reduction of C-peptide (p < 0.05), after the consumption of cagaita juice along with bread, in comparison to control water. However, both GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and glucagon were not affected by cagaita juice ingestion. Concerning bioavailability, it was observed, for the first time, the metabolization of cagaita ellagitannins to urolithins by healthy and dysglycemic individuals with MetS, with a prevalence of metabotype B in both groups (44% and 42%, respectively), followed by metabotype A (37% and 29%, respectively), and metabotype 0 (19% and 29%, respectively)., We thank all volunteers, nursing staff, the support of the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), and Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) – Brasil (protocol number: 8881.187903/2018-01)

International audience; Nitric oxide (NO) and nitroxyl (HNO) have gained broad attention due to their roles in several physiological and pathophysiological processes. Remarkably, these sibling species can exhibit opposing effects including the promotion of angiogenic activity by NO compared to HNO, which blocks neovascularization. While many NO donors have been developed over the years, interest in HNO has led to the recent emergence of new donors. However, in both cases there is an expressive lack of iron-based compounds. Herein, we explored the novel chemical reactivity and stability of the trans-[Fe(cyclam)(NO)Cl]Cl2 (cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) complex. Interestingly, the half-life (t1/2) for NO release was 1.8 min upon light irradiation, vs 5.4 h upon thermal activation at 37 °C. Importantly, spectroscopic evidence supported the generation of HNO rather than NO induced by glutathione. Moreover, we observed significant inhibition of NO donor- or hypoxia-induced HIF-1α (hypoxia-inducible factor 1α) accumulation in breast cancer cells, as well as reduced vascular tube formation by endothelial cells pretreated with the trans-[Fe(cyclam)(NO)Cl]Cl2 complex. Together, these studies provide the first example of an iron-nitrosyl complex with anti-angiogenic activity as well as the potential dual activity of this compound as a NO/HNO releasing agent, which warrants further pharmacological investigation.

This research aimed to investigate the biological properties of different hydrolysates derived from industrial and laboratory defatted rice bran proteins. Industrial and laboratory defatted rice bran protein concentrates were hydrolyzed with alcalase or flavorzyme. The degree of hydrolysis (DH), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), reducing power, total phenolic compounds (TPC), and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity, were determined in the hydrolysates and the molecular fractions lower than 3 kDa. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured using the tail-cuff method before and after oral administration of 80 mg/kg of different rice bran protein hydrolysate (RBPH) fractions lower than 3 kDa in male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar&ndash, Kyoto (WKY) rats. The highest values of in vitro antioxidant activity and TPC were observed in RBPH with alcalase defatted by industry (RBPH2A), and, in all cases, these bioactivities were higher in the molecular fractions lower than 3 kDa. Once again, fractions lower than 3 kDa obtained with alcalase showed a potent ACE inhibitory activity (RBPH1A&lt, 3 and RBPH2A&lt, 3). The administration of RBPH1A&lt, 3 caused a significant decrease in the SBP in SHR, where the maximum decrease was reached at 8 h after administration. SBP in WKY rats was not modified after the administration of RBPH1A&lt, 3. These results suggest that the rice bran protein hydrolysates obtained from industry after treatment with alcalase could be an interesting source of bioactive peptides, with potential action on hypertension and other related pathologies.

Birds living near airports can reduce the noise interference by advancing their dawn chorus timing and avoiding the start of airport operations. Data supporting this finding come from temperate areas, but little is known from tropical environments, where seasonal variation is lower and biodiversity is higher. Here, we investigated whether 15 tropical bird species are able to advance their dawn song and avoid aircraft noise interference. We sampled dawn song in three airports and three control sites in Brazil, using automated recording units. We found that dawn song times were not globally affected by the exposure to airport noise. Instead, changes were highly variable and species-specific, as dawn song onset was significantly advanced in two and delayed in four species. This large variation in responses was surprising given patterns found in previous studies. Indeed, this is the first time that a significant delay is reported for bird’s dawn song. We explored whether between-species differences in this response could be explained by additional variables (song frequency, degree of urbanity, and noise release), but none of them explained the direction or the strength of the changes. We suggest that earlier airport activity and shorter variations in day length and in twilight duration of tropical areas may be restricting birds’ ability to change dawn song timing. Further studies should consider these differences and analyze to what extent populational declines in noisy areas and the resultant reduced competition for acoustic space may be affecting the changes in dawn chorus onset time. Significance statement: Birds have been shown to advance the timing of their song at dawn to avoid airport noise in Europe. However, we did not find a similar pattern in the birds near three Brazilian airport-affected sites, where the tropical environment can be a key factor (higher biodiversity and lower seasonal variation). We found that of the 15 studied species, only two followed this pattern, 9 species showed no changes in their timing, and 4 species showed the opposite trend, delaying their dawn song in an apparently non-adaptive manner. Neither differences in the birds’ song frequencies and degree of urbanity nor the noise release could account for delays in dawn song. We suggest that the birds’ ability to change their song timing may be limited by shorter seasonal light variations in tropical areas and by earlier airport activity in studied sites., This work was supported by the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico–CNPq), as part of the “Ciências sem Fronteiras”project, type “Visiting Researcher”(406911/2013-4). DG and JS were supported by funds from researchgrant (CGL2014-55577-R) from the Spanish Ministry of Science to DG. RHM received a fellowship from CNPq for the duration of the study. RDA was supported by scholarships from both CNPq and CAPES (Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento Pessoal de Nível Superior).

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-10T20:03:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-06-17 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Background: Mast cell tumors (MCT) are among the most common malignant cutaneous neoplasm in dogs with variable biologic behavior and remain a therapeutic challenge in high-grade cases. Surgery remains the primary treatment for canine MCT; however, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are commonly used to treat aggressive cases. The combination of vinblastine (VBL) at a dose of 2 mg/m(2) and prednisone is the classically described protocol for MCT treatment. Studies have shown the safety of higher VBL doses for dogs with MCT, but there is a lack of information regarding dose intensity and outcome as a goal after chemotherapy. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a higher dose of VBL on MCT treatment outcome. Materials, Methods & Results: This was an observational and comparative study conducted in two different Veterinary Teaching Hospitals. Client-owned dogs with histopathological diagnosis of grade II or III MCT were selected and underwent at least four chemotherapy sessions with VBL and prednisone. The experimental group (EG) consisted of 18 dogs that received a dose of 3 mg/m(2) VBL treated in one institution. The control group (CG) included 31 dogs that received a dose of 2 mg/m(2) VBL treated at the other institution. All dogs treated in both groups had a clinical and complete blood count (CBC) evaluation performed previous the start of chemotherapy (T0) and before each weekly treatment (T1, T2, T3, and T4). After treatment, dogs in both groups were followed-up for the recurrence rate and overall survival time after diagnosis. There was no significant difference in clinical variables between EG and CG. During treatment, dogs of EG showed a significant reduction in erythrocyte, hemoglobin, and hematocrit values between T0 and T1, T2, T3, and T4 (P < 0.001). Comparatively, the CG showed significant reduction in hemoglobin ( P = 0.02) and total leucocytes (P = 0.001) values in the same period. Despite these findings, these hematological parameters did not exceed the lower limit for the species in both groups. There was a higher-grade neutropenia one week after the first VBL application (T2) in both groups, with no statistical difference in neutrophil counts at T2 or during the whole treatment. There were discrete and self-limited episodes of anorexia, vomiting, and diarrhea in both groups. After chemotherapy, dogs in EG showed a significantly lower rate of recurrence than dogs in CG (P = 0.02). There was no significant difference in the overall survival time between groups. Discussion: The absence of significant differences in clinical variables (e.g. sex, age, histological grading, and tumor location) between EG and CG suggests that the groups may be similar regarding these parameters. All dogs included in this study had a recommendation for MCT post-operative chemotherapy treatment. VBL action is non-selective and anemia is not a commonly described adverse effect associated with its administration. Despite that, EG dogs exhibited a reduction in erythrocytes, hematocrit, and hemoglobin, and CG dogs in hemoglobin throughout T0 to T4. The highest number of neutropenia episodes occurred during T2, after the first VBL application in both groups with a trend of stabilization after T2, which is compatible with findings described in the literature. Any dog of EG or CG had to interrupt the treatment due to hematological or gastrointestinal toxicity or died during treatment. The role of VBL dose intensity in outcome is still debatable for dogs with MCT, once it is a multifactorial disease with variable presentation. In this study, there was no difference in overall survival time after diagnosis between groups, and EG dogs treated with a higher VBL dose showed significantly less tumor recurrence than CG. Pontifical Catholic Univ Parana PUCPR, Sch Life Sci, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil Sao Paulo State Univ, UNESP, FCAV, Dept Clin & Vet Surg,Sch Agr & Vet Sci, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil Sao Paulo State Univ, UNESP, FCAV, Dept Clin & Vet Surg,Sch Agr & Vet Sci, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil CAPES: 001

No cenário mundial as atividades antrópicas têm interferido de maneira crescente na saúde ambiental e humana afetando, de maneira mais intensa, áreas vulneráveis. O nordeste brasileiro caracteriza-se por um déficit hídrico marcante, além de ser uma área rica em minerais, o que leva à exploração desses recursos. A percepção ambiental da população inserida em áreas vulneráveis contribui para entender o cenário social e ambiental além de suas consequências em nível sanitário. O presente estudo objetivou caracterizar o cenário ambiental e os potenciais impactos da atividade extrativista, em municípios situados no Estado do Rio Grande do Norte. O estudo envolveu a aplicação de questionários semiestruturados descrevendo características sociodemográficas, ambientais e sanitárias da população no município de Lajes Pintadas e na área residencial de uma mineradora em Currais Novos. Neste estudo, reportam-se diferenças significativas nos estilos de vida, ocupação e perfil sanitário incluindo ocorrência de má formação genética, aborto e câncer entre outros. Além disso, foi observado um perfil diferencial na percepção ambiental dos cenários estudados. Os resultados alcançados demostram a existência de fatores que diferenciam, ao menos em parte, a contribuição do cenário ambiental na percepção dos moradores salientando a relevância de aspectos socioeconômicos e culturais. En el escenario mundial, las actividades humanas han interferido cada vez más en la salud ambiental y humana, afectando áreas más intensamente vulnerables. El noreste brasilero se caracteriza por un marcado déficit hídrico, además de ser un área rica en minerales que conduce a la explotación de estos recursos. La percepción ambiental de la población en áreas vulnerables, contribuye a comprender el escenario social y ambiental además de sus consecuencias a nivel de salud. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo caracterizar el escenario ambiental y los posibles impactos de las actividades extractivas en municipios ubicados en el estado de Rio Grande do Norte. El estudio incluyó la aplicación de cuestionarios semiestructurados describiendo características sociodemográficas, ambientales y de salud de la población en los municipios de Lajes Pintadas y en el área residencial de una empresa minera. En este estudio se observan diferencias significativas en los estilos de vida, la ocupación y el perfil de salud, incluida la aparición de malformaciones, abortos y cáncer, entre otros. Además, se observó un perfil diferencial en la percepción ambiental de los escenarios estudiados. Los resultados obtenidos demuestran la existencia de factores que diferencian, al menos en parte, la contribución del escenario ambiental en la percepción de los residentes, destacando la relevancia de los aspectos socioeconómicos y culturales. Human activities worldwide are increasingly affecting environmental and human health, vulnerable areas being more intensely affected. The Brazilian Northeast is characterized by marked water scarcity, apart from being an area rich in minerals, which leads to the exploitation of these resources. Studying the environmental perception of the population in vulnerable areas helps to understand both the social and the environmental scenario in addition to its health consequences. The present study aimed to characterize the environmental scenario and the potential impacts of extractive activities in municipalities located in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. The study involved the giving of semi-structured questionnaires describing sociodemographic, environmental and health characteristics of the population in the municipalities of Lajes Pintadas and in the residential area of a mining company. Significant differences in lifestyles, occupation and health profiles, including the occurrence of birth defects, abortions, and different types of cancer, among others, are reported in this study. In addition, a differential profile in the environmental perception of the studied scenarios was observed. The results obtained showed there are factors that differentiate, at least in part, the contribution of the environmental scenario to the perception of residents, thus highlighting the relevance of socioeconomic and cultural aspects.

Objectives The one-compartment iohexol plasma clearance has been proposed as a reliable alternative to renal inulin clearance. However, this method’s performance depends on the formula used to calculate glomerular filtration rate (GFR). This study reports on performance comparisons between various mathematical formulas proposed for iohexol plasma clearance vs. inulin urinary clearance. Methods GFR was simultaneously determined by inulin and iohexol clearance in 144 participants (age: 10–84 years; glomerular filtration rate: 15–169 mL/min/1.73 m2). A retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated the performance of four formulas proposed to calculate plasma iohexol clearance (Brøchner–Mortensen, Fleming et al., Jødal–Brøchner–Mortensen, and Ng–Schwartz–Munoz). The performance of each formula was assessed using bias, precision (standard deviation of the bias), accuracy (percentage iohexol within 5, 10, and 15%), root mean square error, and concordance correlation coefficient vs. renal inulin clearance as reference. Results Regarding accuracy, there was no difference in root mean square error (RMSE), P5, P10, or P15 between the four formulas. The four concordance correlation coefficients (CCC) between the value from each formula and in-GFR were high and not significantly different. At in-GFR ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2, Ng–Schwartz–Munoz formula performed slightly better than other formulas regarding median bias (−0.5; 95% CI [−3.0 to 2.0] and accuracy P15 (95.0; 95% CI [88.0–100.0]). Conclusions The studied formulas were found equivalent in terms of precision and accuracy, but the Ng–Schwartz–Munoz formula improved the accuracy at higher levels of in-GFR.