Search

A adesão às Boas Práticas Higiênicas no varejo é imprescindível para a oferta de alimentos seguros. Objetivou-se avaliar a adesão às boas práticas higiênicas em supermercados antes e após ações educativas para gerentes e manipuladores de alimentos. Para isso, compararam-se dados de 18 supermercados por meio de uma lista de checagem de Boas Práticas Higiênicas, antes e após a realização de oficinas de capacitação. Os resultados demonstraram um aumento na adesão às Boas Práticas Higiênicas após as oficinas educativas e ressaltaram a importância da educação em saúde na mudança de ações, contribuindo para a oferta de alimentos seguros.

Abstract Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative joint disorder that causes disability in aged individuals, caused by functional and structural alterations of the knee joint. To investigate whether metabolic drivers might be harnessed to promote cartilage repair, a liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) untargeted metabolomics approach was carried out to screen serum biomarkers in osteoarthritic rats. Based on the correlation analyses, α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) has been demonstrated to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in various diseases. These properties make α-KG a prime candidate for further investigation of OA. Experimental results indicate that α-KG significantly inhibited H2O2-induced cartilage cell matrix degradation and apoptosis, reduced levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH)/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) levels, and upregulated the expression of ETV4, SLC7A11 and GPX4. Further mechanistic studies observed that α-KG, like Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1), effectively alleviated Erastin-induced apoptosis and ECM degradation. α-KG and Fer-1 upregulated ETV4, SLC7A11, and GPX4 at the mRNA and protein levels, decreased ferrous ion (Fe2+) accumulation, and preserved mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in ATDC5 cells. In vivo, α-KG treatment inhibited ferroptosis in OA rats by activating the ETV4/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway. Thus, these findings indicate that α-KG inhibits ferroptosis via the ETV4/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway, thereby alleviating OA. These observations suggest that α-KG exhibits potential therapeutic properties for the treatment and prevention of OA, thereby having potential clinical applications in the future.

Introdução: Com o aumento da expectativa de vida, houve também crescimento da prevalência de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, como a doença renal crônica (DRC). O tratamento de escolha da DRC terminal é o transplante renal (TR), via doador vivo (DV) ou falecido (DF). São escassos os dados na literatura sobre a qualidade de vida (QV) em pacientes transplantados e a correlação com a origem do enxerto. Objetivos: Analisar a QV em pacientes submetidos a TR antes de 2012, no Hospital Universitário Evangélico Mackenzie. Métodos: Este é um estudo transversal observacional. Foram selecionados pacientes submetidos a TR até 2012, sendo a amostra composta por 24 pacientes do sexo feminino (61,5% de DF) e 19 do sexo masculino (38,5% de DF). Foi aplicado o questionário Short Form-36 (SF-36). Os dados foram tabulados em Excel® e analisados estatisticamente. Resultados: Pacientes com DF apresentaram 39 meses excedentes de diálise (p = 0,017) e maiores níveis iniciais medianos de creatinina do que o grupo de DV (D1: p = 0,001, D3 e D7: p < 0,001), com maior decaimento mensal nos 8 anos de TR (p < 0,001) e menores níveis de creatinina nos 7º (p = 0,008) e 8º anos (p = 0,037). Com relação ao questionário SF-36, o único domínio estatisticamente significante foi “saúde mental”, melhor no grupo de DF (p = 0,008). Conclusão: A QV de pacientes transplantados por DV e DF não apresentou diferença significativa, exceto em saúde mental, que foi melhor em DF. Os achados de creatinina foram melhores nos 7º e 8º anos em DF, com taxas maiores na 1ª semana pós-TR, apontando decaimento temporal no grupo de DF.

ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and impact on executive function of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) in treating Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adolescents.MethodsA total of 129 adolescents diagnosed with MDD were enrolled in the study. Out of these, 28 adolescents were assigned to the SFBT group, while 25 were part of the Active Control group (AC group), receiving psychodynamic psychotherapy. Executive function, depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed at baseline, at the time of the third intervention, the sixth intervention, and the 10th intervention.ResultsAfter the third intervention, the scores of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) of the participants in the SFBT group decreased significantly, which had the cumulative effect at the 6th and 10th interventions. The verbal fluency task (VFT) performances of the SFBT group participants yielded significantly higher scores after the third intervention and remained increasing at the 6th and 10th interventions. The AC group steadily decreased after the intervention. Analysis of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) data revealed a progressive and significant increase in the average oxyhemoglobin (oxy-Hb) levels in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in the SFBT group compared to the AC group after the 10th intervention.ConclusionsSFBT might improve depressive and anxiety symptoms as well as executive function of adolescent depression.Clinical trial registrationhttps://www.chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR2300067909.

Ginseng has a long history of drug application in China, which can treat various diseases and achieve significant efficacy. Ginsenosides have always been deemed important ingredients for pharmacological activities. Based on the structural characteristics of steroidal saponins, ginsenosides are mainly divided into protopanaxadiol-type saponins (PDS, mainly including Rb1, Rb2, Rd, Rc, Rh2, CK, and PPD) and protopanaxatriol-type saponins (PTS, mainly including Re, R1, Rg1, Rh1, Rf, and PPT). The structure differences between PDS and PTS result in the differences of pharmacological activities. This paper provides an overview of PDS and PTS, mainly focusing on their chemical profile, pharmacokinetics, hydrolytic metabolism, and pharmacological activities including antioxidant, antifatigue, antiaging, immunodulation, antitumor, cardiovascular protection, neuroprotection, and antidiabetes. It is intended to contribute to an in-depth study of the relationship between PDS and PTS.

Abstract Background Deer antler is a traditional Chinese medicine with the function of tonifying kidney and strengthening bone, which is often used to treat orthopedic diseases. Methods Eight-week-old C57BL/6 mice were used as the fixation model of open tibial fracture with intramedullary nail. The mice were treated with deer antler extract (DAE) or PBS by oral gavage once daily. The tibial fracture samples were collected and performed to the tissue analysis, including X-ray, micro-CT, histology, qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry. MC3T3-E1 cells were used to detect the effect of deer antler extract on ability of cell proliferation and migration by CCK-8 assay and cell scratch test. Results Imaging and micro-CT showed that DAE could promote the healing of tibial fracture in mice, and histological analysis showed that DAE could promote the transformation of cartilage callus to bone callus in fracture area. The results of qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry showed that DAE could promote intrachondral ossification in fracture zone and the mechanism of promoting fracture healing may be related to the activation of BMP-2/SMAD4 signaling pathway. In the cytological experiment of DAE, it can be found that DAE promoted the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells and the migration of MC3T3-E1 cells at a certain concentration, which is also related to the promotion of fracture healing by DAE. Conclusion DAE can promote fracture healing by activating BMP-2/SMAD4 signaling pathway. DAE has the potential to be used in clinic as an important means of promoting fracture healing.

In this study, a steady-state model is developed by combining mechanical, Navier–Stokes, Maxwell–Stefan, and Butler–Volmer equations. This model is then used to investigate the influences of diffusion layer thickness deformation under a specific assembly force on the porosity distribution as an indicator of fuel cell performance. The HT-PEM (high temperature proton exchange membrane) fuel cell model is built using COMSOL Multiphysics software, simulating the changes in diffusion layer porosity under different thicknesses of the diffusion layer, thus analyzing the trends in variation of water and oxygen concentration in the cathode diffusion layer. The battery has different current densities at different operating potentials. The influence of the working potential on the mass transfer concentration and the variation in the mass transfer concentration of the diffusion layer under the different areas of flow channel and flow ridge is discussed. The simulation results have a certain reference value for the optimization of mass transfer in a diffusion layer. The results reveal the combined effect of the assembly force and flow field, which makes the porosity distribution uneven and results in remarkable lateral current in the gas diffusion layer (GDL). The thicker the diffusion layer, the less oxygen consumed, and a large amount of oxygen is retained in the gaseous diffusion layer. It can be concluded that thicker diffusion layer is conducive to more uniform mass transfer and diffusion. These results can potentially be used to promote the performance and application of HT-PEMFC.

aiming Li,2,* Haisi Wu,2,* Jinyu Li,2 Yan Ding,2 Xiaolin Li,1 Zhipeng Liu,3 Huae Xu,2 Yinxing Zhu3,41The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China; 2Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China; 3Taizhou Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Taizhou, People's Republic of China; 4Taizhou People's Hospital affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, People's Republic of China *These authors contributed equally to this work Correspondence: Huae Xu; Yinxing Zhu, Email [email protected] ; [email protected] Background: The causal relationship of breast cancer (BC) with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the underlying mediating pathways remains elusive. Our study endeavors to investigate the causal association between BC and CVD, with a focus on identifying potential metabolic mediators and elucidating their mediation effects in this causality. Methods: In this study, we conducted two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to estimate the causal effect of BC (overall BC, ER+ BC, ER- BC) from the Breast Cancer Association Consortium (BCAC) on CVD including coronary heart disease (CHD), hypertensive heart disease (HHD), ischaemic heart disease (IHD), and heart failure (HF) from the FinnGen consortium. Then, we used two-step MR to evaluate 18 metabolic mediators of the association and calculate the mediated proportions. Results: Genetically predicted ER+ BC was causally associated with an increased risk of CVD including CHD (OR = 1.034, 95% CI: 1.004– 1.065, p = 0.026), HHD (OR = 1.061, 95% CI: 1.002– 1.124, p = 0.041), IHD (OR = 1.034, 95% CI: 1.007– 1.062, p=0.013), and HF (OR = 1.055, 95% CI: 1.013– 1.099, p = 0.010), while no causality was observed for overall BC and ER- BC. Furthermore, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was identified as a mediator of the association between ER+BC and CVD, including CHD (with 15.2% proportion)) and IHD (with 15.5% proportion), respectively. Conclusion: This study elucidates the potential causal impact of ER+ BC on subsequent risk of CVD, including CHD, HHD, IHD, and HF. We also outline the metabolic mediator HDL-C as a priority target for preventive measures to reduce excessive risk of CVD among patients diagnosed with ER+BC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the coinfection of feline retroviruses (feline immunodeficiency virus—FIV, and the feline leukemia virus—FeLV) with Leishmania infantum and Toxoplasma gondii and the factors associated with these pathogens in domestic cats from Mossoró, a city endemic for canine and human leishmaniasis situated in the semiarid region of Northeast Brazil. Blood samples from 120 cats were collected, and an epidemiological questionnaire was applied to investigate the risk factors associated with the infections. Retroviruses, L. infantum, and T. gondii infections were assessed using a point-of-care ELISA and quantitative PCR (qPCR), indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and qPCR, and IFAT, respectively. The overall seroprevalences observed were 35% (95% CI = 27.0–43.8%) for FIV, 0.8% (95% CI = 0.1–4.5%) for FeLV, 25.8% (95% CI = 18.8–34.3%) for T. gondii, and 4.2% (95% CI = 1.7–9.3%) for L. infantum. Coinfection with FIV and L. infantum was observed in 2.5% (3/120) of the assessed cats, while 12.5% (15/120) were coinfected with FIV and T. gondii. No significant association was found among the investigated agents (p > 0.05). The factors associated with FIV infection in the multivariable analysis were male sex and age above 78 months. The findings of this study demonstrated a high rate of FIV infection in cats from the Brazilian semiarid region and the exposure of these animals to zoonotic and opportunistic agents. Due to the immunosuppressive potential of FIV, cats infected with this retrovirus should be screened for coinfections with L. infantum and T. gondii, and preventative measures should be adopted.

The lyophilized powder of velvet antler blood (VAB) is a by-product of pilose antler, a supplement rich in amino acids, fatty acids, trace elements and vitamins, and it is expected to have anti-osteoporosis effects. The aim of our study was to provide a comprehensive assessment of the anti-osteoporosis effects of VAB in vivo and in vitro. In vivo results indicated that VAB had the protective effects on bone tissue microarchitecture degeneration and bone mass loss in ovariectomized mice. Through an in vitro study, the ability of VAB to promote proliferation, migration and differentiation of primary osteoblasts was confirmed. Further studies have shown that VAB influences cell cycle by regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, thus promoting proliferation and differentiation of primary osteoblasts and preventing osteoporosis. According to our research results, VAB is considered to be a potential anti-osteoporosis nutrient, which may help to improve the quality of life of patients with osteoporosis.

Objectives The aim of the present study was to assess the frequency of hemoplasma, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infections in cats living in an on-campus shelter and free-roaming cats within a university campus in Brazil. Methods Blood samples were tested using quantitative PCR for hemoplasma, FIV and FeLV. Positive hemoplasma samples were sequenced. Associations between hemoplasma detection and living situation, sex, flea and/or tick parasitism, and coinfection with FIV and FeLV, were assessed using Fisher’s exact test and the respective odds ratios were calculated. Results Overall, 6/45 (13.3%) cats tested positive: four (8.9%) were infected with ‘ Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ and two (4.4%) with Mycoplasma haemofelis . All positive samples were from free-roaming cats (6/15; 40.0%) and had statistically significantly lower packed cell volumes ( P = 0.037). Although 5/23 (21.7%) males and 1/22 (4.6%) females were positive, no statistically significant association between sex and hemoplasma infection was found ( P = 0.19). Viral quantitative PCR (qPCR) was performed on 43/45 samples, among which 2/43 (4.7%) were positive for FIV and none for FeLV. Only one cat (2.3%) was coinfected with hemoplasma and FIV ( P = 0.26). In addition, 4/6 (66.7%) cats that tested positive for hemoplasmas were infested by fleas ( P = 0.0014) and/or ticks ( P = 0.25). Conclusions and relevance These results show that even if the free-roaming cat population is clinically healthy and has adequate access to food, it may present flea infestation and hemoplasma infection with lower packed cell volume values.

Abstract Background Keratinocytes and fibroblasts represent the major cell types in the epidermis and dermis of the skin and play a significant role in maintenance of skin homeostasis. However, the biological characteristics of keratinocytes and fibroblasts remain to be elucidated. The purpose of this study was to compare the gene expression pattern between keratinocytes and fibroblasts and to explore novel biomarker genes so as to provide potential therapeutic targets for skin-related diseases such as burns, wounds, and aging. Methods Skin keratinocytes and fibroblasts were isolated from newborn mice. To fully understand the heterogeneity of gene expression between keratinocytes and fibroblasts, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two cell types were detected by RNA-seq technology. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the known genes of keratinocytes and fibroblasts and verify the RNA-seq results. Results Transcriptomic data showed a total of 4309 DEGs (fold-change > 1.5 and q-value

BackgroundAdolescence is a period of high incidence for depression. However, there is a limited treatment option for the adolescent depression. For treatment-resistant major depressive disorder, HF-rTMS of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) appears therapeutically effective. The aim of the study is to explore the early effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in combination with sertraline in adolescents with first-episode major depressive disorder.MethodsA total of 100 teenage patients with first-episode depression were randomly divided into the study groups. Both groups were treated with sertraline. In addition, the study group was treated with ten sessions of add-on rTMS. The control group was given sertraline only. The depressive symptom and cognitive function were assessed by the Hamilton depression rating scale 17 version (HAMD-17), Children’s Depression Rating Scale-Revised (CDRS-R), Integrated visual and auditory continuous performance test (IVA-CPT), and THINC-it.ResultsThe number of early improvers after 2 weeks of treatment in the study group was statistically significant higher compared to the control group (95.83% vs 73.47%, χ2 = 9.277, P = 0.002). There was significant difference observed in responder rates (62.50% vs. 28.57%, χ2 = 11.262, P = 0.001) or in remission rates (31.25% vs. 6.12%, χ2 = 10.130, P = 0.001) between the two groups at 4 weeks. The score of HAMD-17 and CDRS-R in the study group were significantly lower than the control group (Fgroup = 12.91 vs 10.21, P < 0.05). Attention Quotient (listening, visual and full-scale) attention quotient of IVA-CPT in the study group were higher than those in the control group after treatment, and the differences were statistically significant(P < 0.05). The study group showed higher score in Spotter than the control group after treatment (P < 0.05).DiscussionThis is the most extensive blinded, randomized clinical study to date examining the efficacy of 10-Hz add-on rTMS for first-onset adolescent depression. Our results support that add-on rTMS accelerates the efficacy of the antidepressants, improving the depressive symptoms and cold cognitive function in first-episode adolescent depression.Clinical Trial Registration[www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [ChiCTR2100048534].

Cancer vaccines represent a promising form of immunotherapy employed in the treatment of cancer. However, their efficiency in eliciting immune responses is limited, and satisfactory results have yet to be achieved. Optimizing adjuvants and antigens is an important approach to promoting the anti‐tumor efficacy of cancer vaccines. Here, a novel nanoadjuvant (LNP/siRNA) designed to silence T‐cell immunoglobulin and mucin‐domain containing‐3 (TIM3) and activate Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) is presented. The LNP/siRNA demonstrates significant potential in promoting dendritic cell (DC) maturation and enhancing the anti‐tumor response. Furthermore, desialylated cancer cell membrane is utilized as antigens, providing a variety of tumor antigens for DCs and enhancing their function. Additionally, they are integrated to create a core‐shell structured nanovaccine (dClip‐LNP/siRNA) through coextrusion, which collectively enhances the cross‐presentation ability of DCs, thus achieving a dual enhancement strategy. The dClip‐LNP/siRNA significantly silences TIM3 expression in DCs and promotes antigen presentation by DCs. Besides, dClip‐LNP/siRNA significantly promotes the activation of T cells in lymph nodes and induces robust and durable anti‐tumor immunity in tumor sites to eliminate established B16‐OVA tumors, prevent tumor occurrence, and suppress tumor lung metastasis. The dClip‐LNP/siRNA is also suitable for combination with adoptive OT‐I cell therapy to enhance cancer immunotherapy. The dClip‐LNP/siRNA represents a robust vaccine platform for personalized cancer immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simulate daily oriental dietary pattern (a blend of lard and soybean oil) was performed in this research to investigate influence on liver and kidney function. Sixty mice were randomly divided into 6 groups with diets of different fat added oils respectively for 12 weeks. Malondialdehyde and uric acid contents in mice fed with blended oil were significantly lower than in those fed only with soybean oil and lard due to the improved activities of antioxidant enzymes. Daily use of a blend of lard with soybean oil significantly increased antioxidant capacity, reduced lipid peroxidation of liver and serum uric acid production, thus protected liver and renal function. It also suggests that the oriental dietary pattern might reduce the risk of gout.

Abstract Background To evaluate the effect of orthokeratology on precision of measurements in children using a new swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) optical biometer (OA-2000), and agreement between its measurements and those provided by the commonly used IOLMaster based on partial coherence interferometry (PCI). Methods This study recruited fifty-one eyes of 51 normal children (8–16 years). An operator took measurements with the two biometers. Then, a second operator took measurements with the SS-OCT biometer. After orthokeratology was performed for one month, the same operators repeated the same procedures. Axial length (AL), mean keratometry (Km) at 2.5 mm and 3.0 mm diameters (Km2.5 and Km3.0), central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT) and corneal diameter (CD) were analyzed. Results With the SS-OCT optical biometer, the test-retest repeatability of AL measurements was 0.95. The 95% limits of agreement of difference between the two devices for CD parameter were up to 1.53 mm. After orthokeratology, the fluctuation ranges of difference for Km3.0 measurement was 1.11 times higher than before orthokeratology, while the absolute values of difference for AL, Km2.5, ACD and CD measurements were comparable. Conclusions Before and after orthokeratology, the SS-OCT biometer showed high repeatability and reproducibility for all measurements. Wearing orthokeratology contact lenses affected the agreement between SS-OCT and PCI biometers for Km3.0 measurements. The CD measurement showed poor agreement between the two devices.

Herpesviruses, known as large DNA viruses, have a wide host range. In addition to human beings, cattle, and horses, even carp can be hosts for herpesvirus infection. Herpesviruses are pathogens possessing elaborate mechanisms that regulate host cell components for its replication, assembly and generating mature virus particles that can infect humans and most animals, usually causing multiple and lifelong infections. In addition, several human diseases, such as genital or mouth herpes, mononucleosis, and Burkitt lymphoma, are usually associated with herpesvirus infection. Blocking the steps of viral infection, such as entry, replication and assembly, may be an effective way for many different herpes viruses and their related diseases. Therefore, we aim to describe antiviral agents that are able to prevent herpesvirus entry, replication and assembly in host cells. We summarize antiviral strategies, including certain small molecular drugs, RNA interference and CRISPR/Cas9 system-based antiviral approaches, which represent promising approaches.

Histone deacetylases (HDAC) are frequently overexpressed in tumors, and their inhibition has shown promising anti-tumor effects. However, the synergistic effects of HDAC inhibition with immune cell therapy have not been fully explored. Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes for anti-tumor immune surveillance, with immunotherapy potential. We showed that a pan-HDAC inhibitor, panobinostat, alone demonstrated anti-tumor and anti-proliferative activities on all tested tumors in vitro. Additionally, panobinostat co-treatment or pretreatment synergized with NK cells to mediate tumor cell cytolysis. Mechanistically, panobinostat treatment increased the expression of cell adhesion and tight junction-related genes, promoted conjugation formation between NK and tumor cells, and modulates NK cell-activating receptors and ligands on tumor cells, contributing to the increased tumor cytolysis. Finally, panobinostat therapy led to better tumor control and synergized with anti-PD-L1 therapy. Our data highlights the anti-tumor potential of HDAC inhibition through tumor-intrinsic toxicity and enhancement of NK –based immunotherapy.

Ginseng has a long history of drug application in China, which can treat various diseases and achieve significant efficacy. Ginsenosides have always been deemed important ingredients for pharmacological activities. Based on the structural characteristics of steroidal saponins, ginsenosides are mainly divided into protopanaxadiol‐type saponins (PDS, mainly including Rb1, Rb2, Rd, Rc, Rh2, CK, and PPD) and protopanaxatriol‐type saponins (PTS, mainly including Re, R1, Rg1, Rh1, Rf, and PPT). The structure differences between PDS and PTS result in the differences of pharmacological activities. This paper provides an overview of PDS and PTS, mainly focusing on their chemical profile, pharmacokinetics, hydrolytic metabolism, and pharmacological activities including antioxidant, antifatigue, antiaging, immunodulation, antitumor, cardiovascular protection, neuroprotection, and antidiabetes. It is intended to contribute to an in‐depth study of the relationship between PDS and PTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) are opportunistic bacteria that attach to the erythrocyte surface, causing infectious anemia in several mammalian species, including rodents. Studies surveying native Azara's agoutis (Dasyprocta azarae) in Brazil are lacking. Accordingly, the present study aimed to assess hemoplasmas infection in free-ranging agoutis from an urban environmental conservation area in Curitiba, southern Brazil. Overall, 11/35 (31.43%) agoutis were positive to hemoplasmas by quantitative PCR (cycle threshold≤34.4). Sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene indicated Mycoplasma haemomuris infection, closely related to M. haemomuris subsp. ratti, suggesting hemoplasma transmission from urban rats to agoutis. Because the main route of M. haemomuris transmission has been direct rodent-to-rodent infection, the relatively lower positivity that we detected may be the result of low intraspecies contact due to the smaller social units of agoutis, generally consisting of two to four individuals, and low interspecies contact due to only sporadic agouti-rat interactions in urban settings, compared with other rodent species interactions. Further studies should be conducted to determine whether the hemoplasma infection that we found can cause clinical onset and life-threatening anemia in agoutis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]