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Central nervous system (CNS) relapse of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare phenomenon with dismal prognosis, where no standard therapy exists. Since the covalent Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor ibrutinib is effective in relapsed/refractory MCL and penetrates the blood–brain barrier (BBB), on behalf of Fondazione Italiana Linfomi and European Mantle Cell Lymphoma Network we performed a multicenter retrospective international study to investigate the outcomes of patients treated with ibrutinib or chemoimmunotherapy. In this observational study, we recruited patients with MCL with CNS involvement at relapse who received CNS-directed therapy between 2000 and 2019. The primary objective was to compare the overall survival (OS) of patients treated with ibrutinib or BBB crossing chemotherapy. A propensity score based on a multivariable binary regression model was applied to balance treatment cohorts. Eighty-eight patients were included. The median age at study entry was 65 years (range, 39-87), 76% were males, and the median time from lymphoma diagnosis to CNS relapse was 16 months (range, 1-122). Patients were treated with ibrutinib (n = 29, ibrutinib cohort), BBB crossing chemotherapy (ie, high-dose methotrexate ± cytarabine; n = 29, BBB cohort), or miscellaneous treatments (n = 30, other therapy cohort). Both median OS (16.8 vs 4.4 months; P = .007) and median progression-free survival (PFS) (13.1 vs 3.0 months; P = .009) were superior in the ibrutinib cohort compared with the BBB cohort. Multivariable Cox regression model revealed that ibrutinib therapeutic choice was the strongest independent favorable predictive factor for both OS (hazard ratio [HR], 6.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2-21.3; P < .001) and PFS (HR, 4.6; 95% CI, 1.7-12.5; P = .002), followed by CNS progression of disease (POD) >24 months from first MCL diagnosis (HR for death, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.1-5.3; P = .026; HR for death or progression, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.1-4.6; P = .023). The addition of intrathecal (IT) chemotherapy to systemic CNS-directed therapy was not associated with superior OS (P = .502) as the morphological variant (classical vs others, P = .118). Ibrutinib was associated with superior survival compared with BBB-penetrating chemotherapy in patients with CNS relapse of MCL and should be considered as a therapeutic option.

This paper presents a comprehensive geological and geotechnical study of the whole area affected by liquefaction following the 2012 Emilia earthquakes, including all the available information from the field reconnaissance surveys, in situ tests, and laboratory analyses. The compilation was performed at 120 liquefied sites to verify and validate the reliability of liquefaction charts in alluvial sediments, and to assess liquefaction induced by the 2012 seismic sequence in the Emilia plain. The results reveal a wide range of grain sizes (from clean sands to sandy silts) and compositional characteristics (quartz-rich to litharenitic) in the 2012 ejecta, and show a strong relationship between the liquefaction and stratigraphic architecture of the subsurface. The availability of in situ tests at the liquefied sites makes it possible to verify and validate the reliability of the liquefaction charts in alluvial sediments with respect to the real observations. For the analyzed Emilia case studies, the use of non-liquefiable crust provides better estimations of the liquefaction manifestations when coupled with the thickness of the liquefiable layer rather than with the liquefaction potential index. Altogether, this work makes available to the international scientific community a consistent liquefaction database for in-depth earthquake studies.

Serious games can be suitable tools for educational support in different areas of knowledge, such as Medicine. These applications, combined with technologies like mixed and augmented reality, provide a differentiated user experience that can keep or improve the interest and motivation of students and teachers during the teaching and learning process. In this context, this study aimed to present the development of AnemiaAR, a mixed reality serious game to support the teaching of haematology, helpful for students and professors in the visualisation and presentation of anaemia concepts. Fourteen medical students from the University of Passo Fundo participated in a pilot study to evaluate the application, considering a sociodemographic questionnaire, a questionnaire based on the Technology Acceptance Model, and two modules of the Game Experience Questionnaire. The preliminary results were satisfactory, showing good acceptance and positive experience of the game, besides improvements. The study also pointed out differences in the game evaluation among participants, considering the prior experience in games, the previously attended haematology subject, and the time spent performing the game tasks.

The growth of dairy sheep farming in Brazil combined with consumer´s preference for concentrated yogurts and the search for innovative products with different flavors and textures demonstrate the opportunity for diversification of sheep milk derivatives. The objective of this study was to develop two novel formulations of Labneh cheese made of sheep’s milk and to verify their shelf life considering microbiological and physical-chemical quality under refrigeration storage. Formulations L1 and L2 were prepared using a similar protocol with pressing times of 4 and 3 hours respectively, and this difference caused little influence on the parameters evaluated, showing no need for this additional time. Both formulations had the desired spreadability characteristic and the final products showed moisture and fat content classified as very high moisture and semi-fat cheeses according to the Brazilian legislation. The microbiological counts in L1 and L2 after 150 days of cold storage were within legal limits for thermotolerant coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella sp. and Listeria monocytogenes. The satisfactory results in the microbiological and physical-chemical evaluations demonstrated that the Labneh formulations and processing method were efficient to produce a stable product of good quality, indicating that it can be commercialized to a specific niche market.

Cellulose crystallinity can be described according to the crystal size and the crystallinity index (CI). In this research, using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods, we studied the crystallinity of three different types of cellulose: banana rachis (BR), commercial cellulose (CS), and bacterial cellulose (BC). For each type of cellulose, we analyzed three different crystallization grades. These variations were obtained using three milling conditions: 6.5 h, 10 min, and unmilled (films). We developed a code in MATLAB software to perform deconvolution of the XRD data to estimate CI and full width at half-maximum (FWHM). For deconvolution, crystalline peaks were represented with Voigt functions, and a Fourier series fitted to the amorphous profile was used as the amorphous contribution, which allowed the contribution of the amorphous profile to be more effectively modeled. Comparisons based on the FTIR spectra and XRD results showed there were no compositional differences between the amorphous samples. However, changes associated with crystallinity were observed when the milling time was 10 min. The obtained CI (%) values show agreement with values reported in the literature and confirm the effectiveness of the method used in this work in predicting the crystallization aspects of cellulose samples.

Context To optimise litter quality, the use of gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) may be a good strategy. Brazil is the largest exporter of chicken meat in the world. The Asian market, in particular, demands chicken feet; however, quality standards for export demand that the feet have to be free (or almost free) of injuries. It is therefore essential to reduce the incidence of footpad lesions. Aims To determine whether the replacement of lime (Ca(OH)2) by gypsum in poultry broiler litter improves litter quality, pododermatitis scores, animal performance and health. Methods In total, 320, 1-day-old male Cobb 500 broilers were divided into the following four groups: control group in which no gypsum or lime were added to the litter (TC); group with 0.5 kg of lime/m2 of litter (TL 0.5); group with 0.5 kg of gypsum/m2 of litter (TG 0.5); and group with 1.0 kg of gypsum/m2 of litter (TG 1.0). The pH, dry matter, water activity and surface temperature of the litter were measured on Days 21, 35 and 42. Animal performance parameters were measured on Days 1, 21, 35 and 42; blood collection was performed on Day 42 for biochemical and haematological analysis, in addition to excreta samples and litter for bacterial counts. At the end of the experiment, 32 broilers were humanely killed for tissue analysis (liver and intestine) and histopathology. The degrees of footpad injury (Day 42) were graded using a 5-point scale, from 0 (no injury), to 1, 2, 3 and 4 (severe injury). Key results No differences were found between treatments regarding performance (P > 0.05). With respect to intestinal parameters, there were significant differences in villus height and crypt depth, with TL 0.5, and TG 1.0 showing larger villi than did the control group. The shallowest crypt depths were seen in TC and TG 0.5. Litter dry matter content was significantly higher than in the control (TC) at Day 35 in TG 0.5, and at Day 42 in the TG 1.0 treatments. The litter temperature was significantly higher in the TL 0.5 treatment than in the TG 1.0 at 21 days, but they were not different from that in the control. At Day 35, both TG treatments had significantly lower litter temperature than did the control group, but no differences were observed at Day 42. The treatments had no effect on haematology or biochemical properties, nor on litter or bacterial counts in excreta. Broilers raised on litter treated with gypsum showed 50% fewer Grade 3 and 4 footpad lesions than did the control animals on Day 42, an important finding mainly for lesion grades between 3 and 4 that could prevent export of feet. Conclusions Gypsum at 0.5 kg/m2 showed the best results regarding litter quality, reducing the incidence of footpad lesions without compromising animal health or performance. Implications Applying gypsum to litter at 0.5 kg/m2 reduces the number of broilers with pododermatitis, an economic benefit to the poultry industry.

Dairy sheep farming, as well as processing of dairy products, are consolidated activities in Brazil, mainly for the production of cheese and yogurt. Considering that sheep milk has high levels of fat and the need for product diversification, this work aimed to develop a new formulation of mascarpone cheese using sheep's milk, since the basis for this type of cheese is milk cream. The quality of this derivative was monitored for 120 days of storage under refrigeration to evaluate microorganisms that indicate quality and safety, in addition to physical-chemical parameters. The ovine mascarpone cheese showed adequate microbiological results, in accordance with the Brazilian legislation, in addition to high total fat, fat content in the dry extract and protein. The physical-chemical and microbiological parameters remained adequate throughout the storage period under maximum temperatures below 7 °C. Mascarpone cheese was classified by its moisture and fat content in the dry extract as medium moisture or semi-hard cheese and as extra fat or double cream cheese, respectively. The processing, packaging and storage conditions proved to be adequate and provided product stability. In this study a new sheep milk derivative was successfully developed, characterized, tested and proved to be adequate for the market.

The inhibitor of tryptophan hydroxylase, para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA), has been classically employed as a pharmacological tool to deplete serotonin (5-HT) in animal models and to evaluate whether this neurotransmitter is involved in the action of pharmacological compounds. PCPA is usually administrated by intraperitoneal (ip) injections, which are stressful and painful. To avoid ip injections, we designed and validated a protocol for PCPA oral administration. C57BL/6 elite male mice received PCPA during 7 days either ip or by giving the drug inside jelly cubes at an estimated dose of 500 mg/kg on days 1 and 2 and 250 mg/kg for the rest of the treatment. 5-HT levels decreased by 85% and 55% in the hippocampus of mice treated with oral or ip PCPA, respectively, whereas in the prefrontal cortex, 5-HT levels decreased by 65% (oral) and 50% (ip). Behavioral tests, like the forced swimming test (FST), the nestlet shredding test (NST), and the marble burying test (MBT), were performed. In the FST, mice received fluoxetine ip 30 min before the test. In mice with oral PCPA treatment, fluoxetine did not induce significant reductions of immobility, indicating that reduction of 5-HT levels was effective. No effect of ip or oral 5-HT depletion was observed in the NST nor in the MBT. In a second experiment, mice received oral PCPA for 8 weeks: again, serotonin levels were significantly decreased in both hippocampus and cortex, and effects on hippocampal neurogenesis replicated previous observations in hyposerotonergic mice. Therefore, neurochemical, behavioral, and neurogenic results allow us to validate this refined protocol for voluntary oral consumption of PCPA.

Articular cartilage injuries are a common source of joint pain and dysfunction. We hypothesized that pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) would improve growth and healing of tissue-engineered cartilage grafts in a direction-dependent manner. PEMF stimulation of engineered cartilage constructs was first evaluated in vitro using passaged adult canine chondrocytes embedded in an agarose hydrogel scaffold. PEMF coils oriented parallel to the articular surface induced superior repair stiffness compared to both perpendicular PEMF (p = .026) and control (p = .012). This was correlated with increased glycosaminoglycan deposition in both parallel and perpendicular PEMF orientations compared to control (p = .010 and .028, respectively). Following in vitro optimization, the potential clinical translation of PEMF was evaluated in a preliminary in vivo preclinical adult canine model. Engineered osteochondral constructs (∅ 6 mm × 6 mm thick, devitalized bone base) were cultured to maturity and implanted into focal defects created in the stifle (knee) joint. To assess expedited early repair, animals were assessed after a 3-month recovery period, with microfracture repairs serving as an additional clinical control. In vivo, PEMF led to a greater likelihood of normal chondrocyte (odds ratio [OR]: 2.5, p = .051) and proteoglycan (OR: 5.0, p = .013) histological scores in engineered constructs. Interestingly, engineered constructs outperformed microfracture in clinical scoring, regardless of PEMF treatment (p < .05). Overall, the studies provided evidence that PEMF stimulation enhanced engineered cartilage growth and repair, demonstrating a potential low-cost, low-risk, noninvasive treatment modality for expediting early cartilage repair.

Articular cartilage defects are a common source of joint pain and dysfunction. We hypothesized that sustained low-dose dexamethasone (DEX) delivery via an acellular osteochondral implant would have a dual pro-anabolic and anti-catabolic effect, both supporting the functional integrity of adjacent graft and host tissue while also attenuating inflammation caused by iatrogenic injury. An acellular agarose hydrogel carrier with embedded DEX-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) microspheres (DLMS) was developed to provide sustained release for at least 99 days. The DLMS implant was first evaluated in an in vitro pro-inflammatory model of cartilage degradation. The implant was chondroprotective, as indicated by maintenance of Young's modulus (EY) (p = 0.92) and GAG content (p = 1.0) in the presence of interleukin-1β insult. In a subsequent preliminary in vivo experiment, an osteochondral autograft transfer was performed using a pre-clinical canine model. DLMS implants were press-fit into the autograft donor site and compared to intra-articular DEX injection (INJ) or no DEX (CTL). Functional scores for DLMS animals returned to baseline (p = 0.39), whereas CTL and INJ remained significantly worse at 6 months (p Statement of significance Articular cartilage defects are a common source of joint pain and dysfunction. Effective treatment of these injuries may prevent the progression of osteoarthritis and reduce the need for total joint replacement. Dexamethasone, a potent glucocorticoid with concomitant anti-catabolic and pro-anabolic effects on cartilage, may serve as an adjuvant for a variety of repair strategies. Utilizing a dexamethasone-loaded osteochondral implant with controlled release characteristics, we demonstrated in vitro chondroprotection in the presence of IL-1-induced degradation and improved in vivo functional outcomes following osteochondral repair. These improved outcomes were correlated with superior histological cartilage scores and minimal-to-no comorbidity, which is a risk with high dose dexamethasone injections. Using this model of cartilage restoration, we have for the first time shown the application of targeted, low-dose dexamethasone for improved healing in a preclinical model of focal defect repair.

Articular cartilage injuries are a common source of joint pain and dysfunction. As articular cartilage is avascular, it exhibits a poor intrinsic healing capacity for self-repair. Clinically, osteochondral grafts are used to surgically restore the articular surface following injury. A significant challenge remains with the repair properties at the graft-host tissue interface as proper integration is critical toward restoring normal load distribution across the joint. A key to addressing poor tissue integration may involve optimizing mobilization of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) that exhibit chondrogenic potential and are derived from the adjacent synovium, the specialized connective tissue membrane that envelops the diarthrodial joint. Synovium-derived cells have been directly implicated in the native repair response of articular cartilage. Electrotherapeutics hold potential as low-cost, low-risk, non-invasive adjunctive therapies for promoting cartilage healing via cell-mediated repair. Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) and applied direct current (DC) electric fields (EFs) via galvanotaxis are two potential therapeutic strategies to promote cartilage repair by stimulating the migration of FLS within a wound or defect site. PEMF chambers were calibrated to recapitulate clinical standards (1.5 ± 0.2 mT, 75 Hz, 1.3 ms duration). PEMF stimulation promoted bovine FLS migration using a 2D in vitro scratch assay to assess the rate of wound closure following cruciform injury. Galvanotaxis DC EF stimulation assisted FLS migration within a collagen hydrogel matrix in order to promote cartilage repair. A novel tissue-scale bioreactor capable of applying DC EFs in sterile culture conditions to 3D constructs was designed in order to track the increased recruitment of synovial repair cells via galvanotaxis from intact bovine synovium explants to the site of a cartilage wound injury. PEMF stimulation further modulated FLS migration into the bovine cartilage defect region. Biochemical composition, histological analysis, and gene expression revealed elevated GAG and collagen levels following PEMF treatment, indicative of its pro-anabolic effect. Together, PEMF and galvanotaxis DC EF modulation are electrotherapeutic strategies with complementary repair properties. Both procedures may enable direct migration or selective homing of target cells to defect sites, thus augmenting natural repair processes for improving cartilage repair and healing.

The objective of this study was to evaluate physically and chemically chicken breasts with different degrees of white striping (WS), as well as its effect on the process and quality of nuggets and hamburgers. Chicken breasts fillets were obtained from male chicken broilers weighing approximately 3 kg at the slaughterhouse and classified based on the WS degree as normal, moderate or severe. Chemical composition was evaluated (moisture, crude protein, fat, mineral matter and total collagen), as well as pH, color (CIELab), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, water holding capacity, cooking loss, shear force, dough stability, cooking yield and size reduction of nuggets and hamburgers. The presence of severe WS in chicken breasts changed its chemical composition leading to increased content of fat and collagen, higher lipid oxidation (TBARS), as well as lower crude protein. In addition, breasts with severe WS showed greater cooking loss and lower water holding capacity, besides increased yellow intensity. The presence of WS did not affect significantly the production and quality of chicken nuggets and hamburgers, causing only few changes in hamburger´s cooking loss, and therefore, it is a good destination for this kind of meat.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether infection Eimeria spp. in broiler chickens could negatively affect seric enzymes linked to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) metabolism and its relationship to oxidative stress. For this, 30 broiler chickens, 27 days-old, were divided into two groups (n = 15): the control group (C) and the group infected by Eimeria spp. (I). On days 1, 7 and 15 of the experiment, the animals were weighed, and fecal and blood samples were collected to evaluate the presence of oocysts and for serum biochemistry and enzymatic parameters, respectively. On day 15, one animal per repetition was submitted to euthanasia and intestinal fragments were collected for histopathological analyses. The body weight was lower in infected animals on day 15 of experiment, while oocyst counts were higher in infected animals on days 7 and 15 of the experiment. Serum levels of globulins were lower in infected animals on days 7 and 15 of experiment, while uric acid levels were higher in the same days, which represent changes on the immune system. Compared to the uninfected animals, on days 7 and 15, levels of serum globulins, triglycerides, creatine kinase and cholesterol were lower. Levels of adenylate kinase and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were higher on both days in infected animals, while levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were elevated on day 15. Lesions and immature forms of the parasite were observed in the intestines of infected birds. The phosphotransfer network elicited by an oxidative stress negatively affected the performance of broiler chickens with coccidiosis.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the productive impact of colibacillosis on laying hens and to investigate whether energetic metabolism and oxidative stress were involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. An experimental shed containing 270 laying hens of the Hy-Line lineage (32 weeks old) presented approximately 40% daily laying, and many birds presented with diarrhea and apathy followed by death. Necropsy revealed macroscopic lesions compatible with colibacillosis and infectious agent Escherichia coli was isolated from fecal samples of all birds in the infected group, as well as from tissue (ovary, liver and peritoneum). Sixteen chickens were selected for this study, divided into two groups: Control (animals without clinical alterations) and infected (with diarrhea and apathetic). E. coli isolates were subjected to the antimicrobial susceptibility testing according to the methodology approved by CLSI, 2018. This testing showed sensitivity to gentamicin, amoxicillin, norfloxacin and colistin. It was then determined that laying hens would be treated with norfloxacin (15 mg/kg) diluted in water offered at will to the birds for three days. Blood collections were performed via brachial vein after the diagnosis of E. coli (before starting treatment) and seven days after treatment. Three debilitated chickens died on the second day after initiating therapy. Before treatment, birds with clinical signs had higher levels of lipoperoxidation (LPO) and activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) than in the control group (asymptomatic animals). After treatment, LPO levels remained higher in birds that had clinical disease (infected group), whereas the activity of SOD and GPx enzymes did not differ between groups. Activity levels of creatine kinase (CK) and pyruvate kinase (PK) were higher in the group of chickens with clinical disease before treatment. Post-treatment, no differences were observed between groups in terms of CK; however, PK activity remained high in these animals. In the hens that died, there were lesions characteristic of avian colibacillosis, with ovary involvement, explaining the low laying activity of the birds at their peak of production. For 10 days after starting treatment, the percentage of laying increased to 90%. Therefore, we conclude that colibacillosis interferes with the phosphotransfer network by stimulating ATP production, in addition to causing oxidative stress of the birds during laying, that negatively affects health and productive efficiency.

Little is known about the critical role of the synovium in joint homeostasis and osteoarthritis (OA). We describe a novel in vitro tissue-engineered (TE) model to investigate the structure–function of synovium through quantitative solute transport measures. This TE synovium model was developed using healthy bovine, CD14(−) fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS, or Type B synoviocytes) encapsulated in a Matrigel scaffold. The bovine system is well established in musculoskeletal research, allowing comparisons to be made to previous work. Sheet-like TE constructs were precultured to attain native protein composition and polarized structure, as determined by immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy, and subsequently exposed to interleukin-1α (IL) or dexamethasone (DEX). The biological responses, including nitric oxide and hyaluronic acid (HA) secretion, of engineered synovium paralleled that of native synovium. While HA media content increased in response to both IL and DEX, a higher proportion of HA was low molecular weight (

Suitable control of immune and inflammatory responses is a critical determinant of fish health, and the cholinergic system, through the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), displays an important role in these responses by regulation on acetylcholine (ACh) levels. In fish, exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is associated with reduced immune responsiveness and immunosuppression, but the pathways involved on the impairment of fish immune system during AFB1 exposure remains poorly understood. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether AChE activity in splenic tissue and immune cells is able to modulate the inflammatory and immune responses in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) fed with a diet contaminated by AFB1. AChE activity in spleen tissue, as well as in peripheric and splenic lymphocytes were lower on days 14 and 21 post-feeding in animals fed with AFB1 contaminated feed compared to the control group. Based on these evidences, the results indicate that AChE activity is capable to modulate immune and inflammatory responses in tissue and immune cells of fish fed with a diet containing AFB1, leading to the development of an anti-inflammatory profile in an attempt to improve immune response and reduce or prevent tissue damage due to the inflammatory response.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the addition of curcumin in concentrate of nursing lambs exerts benefits on their growth and health, as well as on the prevention of coccidiosis. For this, 64 lambs 15 day-old Lacaune breed were randomly distributed into four groups (four repetitions per group with four animals per experimental unit): two groups that received concentrate without curcumin, corresponding to the negative control group (Control) and the positive control group (Baycox) that received the coccidiostatic toltrazuril at an unique dose on day 1 of the experiment; and two groups that received curcumin at concentrations of 100 (the group T100) and 200 (the group T200) mg/kg for 30 days. Animals from groups T100 and T200 showed higher weight gain when compared to the other two groups. A significant reduction of total leukocytes as a consequence of the reduction on lymphocytes was observed in animals that received curcumin, and the same was observed for serum total protein and globulin levels. In some moments of the experiment, groups that received curcumin (mainly those treated with higher dose) showed alterations on serum levels of glucose, urea, triglycerides and cholesterol. Serum antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals increased on groups T100 and T200, while lipoperodixation decreased in the group T200 on day 30. Serum creatine kinase activity was higher on group T200 compared to other groups, while serum pyruvate kinase activity was lower. With the exception of the Baycox group, all groups had animals positive for Eimeria sp., but without significant difference between groups. In summary, the addition of curcumin in the diet increased total antioxidant levels and exerted anti-inflammatory action, as well as altered the activity of enzymes involved on adenosine triphosphate (ATP) metabolism, which may have contributed to weight gain. Therefore, curcumin supplementation in the concentrate of nursing lambs can be an interesting approach to improve animal health.

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine (Ado) are the main molecules of the purinergic signalling involved in toxicological mechanisms induced by pesticides. These molecules participate in the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses due to their interaction with purinereceptors in the extracellular medium. In the literature, the ATP and Ado are related with pro-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, respectively. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether the purinergic signalling can be considered a potential target for trichlorfon-induced inflammation and impairment of the immune response. Seric and splenic triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (NTPDase) activities using ATP as substrate were reduced at 22 mg/L after 48 h of exposure compared to the control group, while NTPDase activity using ADP as substrate was lower only in the serum of silver catfish at the same period. On the other hand, seric and splenic adenosine deaminase (ADA) activities and metabolites of nitric oxide (NOx) levels were increased at 22 mg/L after 48 h of exposure compared to the control group. The enzymatic activity of the purinergic signalling did not return to control levels after 48 h of recovery period in trichlorfon-free water. Based on these evidences, we concluded that trichlorfon interferes with the purinergic signalling, causing impairment of the immune and inflammatory responses by reducing ATP hydrolyses, possible leading to its accumulation in the extracellular environment. In addition, there is an increase in Ado desamination and possible reduction of it in the extracellular medium, leading to a self-sustained pro-inflammatory deleterious cycle. In summary, the purinergic signalling can be considered a potential target for trichlorfon-induced inflammation and impairment of the immune response in freshwater silver catfish at exposure to 22 mg/L.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a phytogenic feed additive (PFA) based on essential oils such as carvacrol, thymol and cinnamic aldehyde, could be considered a replacement for antimicrobials used as growth promoters in broiler chickens, as well as to investigate its effect on total bacterial count, biochemical profiles, meat quality and meat fatty acid profile. A total of 240 broiler chicks were randomly distributed into 4 groups with 4 replicates of 15 animals each, as follow: T1 (basal diet only; the control group), T2 (basal diet supplemented with zinc bacitracin), T3 (basal diet with 0.5% of the PFA), T4 (basal diet with 1.0% of the PFA). The addition of 0.5% of the PFA improved live body weight of supplemented birds compared to the control group at 35 and 42 days of age, while the total bacterial count in the environment was reduced when 1.0% of the PFA was used. In addition, intestinal villi height and crypt depth suffered variations during the entire experiment in birds treated with both concentrations of the PFA and zinc bacitracin. Total erythrocyte counts were higher on days 14, 28 and 42 in both treated groups (PFA) compared to the control group, as well as hemoglobin content on days 28 and 42. On the other hand, leukocyte counts were lower on days 14, 28 and 42 due to reduced lymphocyte counts in both PFA treated groups compared to the control group. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were lower in broilers fed with either concentration of PFA on day 14 of life, and the same was observed regarding aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in broiler treated with 0.5% of the PFA. Also, total protein and globulin levels were lower on days 14 and 28 in groups fed with phytogenic compared to the control group. Regarding meat quality, breast meat showed higher red intensity and shear force in groups fed with both concentrations of phytogenic compared to the control group, while weight loss by cooking was lower. Finally, 1.0% of phytogenic showed lower docosadienoic acid (C22:2) content in breast meat. In conclusion, results showed that the use of PFAs based on carvacrol and thymol may be considered an interesting alternative to increase broilers performance, replacing the use of antimicrobials as growth promoters, as well as an interesting alternative to reduce the total bacterial count in the environment of broiler chickens. Moreover, the diet containing phytogenic also showed hepaprotective effects but deserves attention regarding possible alterations on the immune response.

This study aimed to assess the antimicrobial activity of various honeys against strains of gram-negative and -positive bacteria, as well as to determine the physicochemical parameters of these honeys. Seven honeys from various species of stingless bees were evaluated. The physical-chemical parameters evaluated were pH, moisture, water activity, acidity, ash, electrical conductivity and color. Antimicrobial activity was determined using disc diffusion agar tests and minimum inhibitory concentrations. We found that there was a relationship between the physical-chemical parameters and the antimicrobial activity. The minimum inhibitory concentration of 25% honey was able to inhibit the growth of both gram-positive and -negative bacteria; the greatest efficacy was verified for the species of bees Melipona mondury, M. quadrifasciata, Scaptotrigona bipunctata and Tetragona clavipes. Regarding synergism, Escherichia coli maintained its sensitivity profile in relation to all studied honeys combined with antimicrobials. An important factor to consider is the concentration of honey capable of sensitizing the microorganism, as it has been shown to be dependent on the species of the stingless bee. Nevertheless, all honeys showed antimicrobial activity in various methods of analysis. These data suggest that honey is a promising alternative to sensitize resistant microorganisms, for the health of humans and animals alike. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la actividad antimicrobiana de diversas mieles frente a cepas de bacterias gram negativas y positivas, así como determinar los parámetros físico-químicos de estas mieles. Se evaluaron siete mieles de varias especies de abejas sin aguijón. Los parámetros físico-químicos evaluados fueron pH, humedad, actividad del agua, acidez, ceniza, conductividad eléctrica y color. La actividad antimicrobiana se determinó mediante pruebas de agar de difusión en disco y concentraciones inhibitorias mínimas. Encontramos que existe una relación entre los parámetros físico-químicos y la actividad antimicrobiana. La concentración mínima inhibitoria del 25% de miel fue capaz de inhibir el crecimiento de bacterias tanto grampositivas como negativas; la mayor eficacia se verificó para las especies de abejas Melipona mondury, M. quadrifasciata, Scaptotrigona bipunctata y Tetragona clavipes. En cuanto al sinergismo, Escherichia coli mantuvo su perfil de sensibilidad en relación a todas las mieles estudiadas combinadas con antimicrobianos. Un factor importante a considerar es la concentración de miel capaz de sensibilizar al microorganismo, ya que se ha demostrado que depende de la especie de abeja sin aguijón. Sin embargo, todas las mieles mostraron actividad antimicrobiana en varios métodos de análisis. Estos datos sugieren que la miel es una alternativa prometedora para sensibilizar a los microorganismos resistentes, tanto para la salud de los seres humanos como de los animales. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana de mel de abelhas frente a cepas de bactérias gram-negativas e positivas, bem como determinar os parâmetros físico-químicos desse mel. Foram avaliadas sete amostras mel de espécies de abelhas sem ferrão. Os parâmetros físico-químicos avaliados foram pH, umidade, atividade de água, acidez, cinzas, condutividade elétrica e cor. A atividade antimicrobiana foi determinada por meio de testes de ágar de difusão em disco e concentrações inibitórias mínimas. Verificamos que existe uma relação entre os parâmetros físico-químicos e a atividade antimicrobiana. A concentração inibitória mínima de 25% de mel foi capaz de inibir o crescimento de bactérias gram-positivas e-negativas; a maior eficácia foi verificada para as espécies de abelhas Melipona mondury, M. quadrifasciata, Scaptotrigona bipunctata e Tetragona clavipes. Em relação ao sinergismo, Escherichia coli manteve seu perfil de sensibilidade em relação a todos os méis estudados associados a antimicrobianos. Um fator importante a se considerar é a concentração de mel capaz de sensibilizar o microrganismo, pois tem se mostrado dependente da espécie de abelha sem ferrão. No entanto, todas as amostras de mel apresentaram atividade antimicrobiana em diferentes métodos de análise. Esses dados sugerem que o mel é uma alternativa promissora para sensibilizar microrganismos resistentes, para a saúde de humanos e animais.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-12T01:24:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-10-01 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa e Inovação do Estado de Santa Catarina Brazil is the number one exporter of chicken meat, and this industry maintains constant microbiological vigilance. The objective of this study was to characterize the pathogenicity, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the profile of biofilm production of Escherchia coli strains isolated from raw refrigerated cuts of chicken meat sold in retail markets of the four largest poultry companies in Brazil. We collected 150 samples of chicken meat, in order to isolate E. coli and performed susceptibility tests (to amoxicillin associated with clavulanic acid, ceftiofur, enrofloxacin, gentamicin, and trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole). In addition, the disc approximation test to detect extended spectrum beta-lactamases enzymes (ESBLs) producers was performed. E. coli ability to form biofilm was checked using polystyrene microplates. We also searched for ESBLs genes (blaCTY-M2, blaSHV-1, blaTEM-1, blaCTX-M2, blaOXA-1, blaPSE-1 and AmpC) and adhesion genes (sfa/foc, afa/draB, iha, hrla, fimC, tsh, papC, mat, cr1, felA, fimH and papG) in ESBL-E. coli producers and in those E. coli classified as strongly biofilm formers, respectively. The overall percentage of E. coli isolation was 58.66%, with brand A having the highest percentage (70%), followed by brands D, B and C (60, 53.3 and 50%, respectively). The highest resistance profile was observed for beta-lactams (39.5%), followed by sulfonamide associated to trimethoprim (36.9%) and polymyxin (33.4%). Of the isolates obtained, 77% were non-susceptible to at least one antimicrobial. Brand A showed the highest overall percentage of resistance with 95.23%, followed by brands C (80%), B (75%) and D (69.44%). Overall, 73.86% of the isolates were non susceptible to at least one antibiotic and 36.3% were multiresistants. A total of 17.04% of E. coli strains were identified as ESBLs producers and 70.44% were able to form biofilms (moderate-to-strong). The blaTEM-1 gene was the most prevalent (73.33%), followed by blaSHV-1 (46.66%) and blaCMY-2 (6%). Of the 31 strongly biofilm-forming strains, 26 (83.87%), 24 (77.41%) and 20 (64.51%) expressed fimC, papG and crl genes, respectively. Taken together, our results show that Brazilian chicken meat can be contaminated with E. coli that are non-susceptible to multiple antibiotics, able to form biofilm and showing a diverse repertoire of adhesins linked to pathogenicity depending on the brand evaluated. Graduate Program in Animal Science Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC-Oeste) Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) Laboratory of Applied Statistics Department of Mathematics São Paulo State University (Unesp) School of Engineering Laboratory of Applied Statistics Department of Mathematics São Paulo State University (Unesp) School of Engineering

The objective of this work was to develop innovative formulations of dulce de leche made with sheep's milk with and without the addition of sheep’s milk cream and evaluate the shelf life of these products. Physicochemical and microbiological evaluations were performed on sheep’s pasteurized milk and cream, as well as on dulce de leche right after production and during the storage time. Addition of cream to sheep dulce de leche did not change the physicochemical and microbiological parameters between formulations. The dulce de leche showed dark color and adequate results of protein, fat, total and microbiological counts (thermotolerant coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella sp. in all evaluations, and total mesophilic aerobic up to 150 days of storage). Innovative formulations of dulce de leche made by sheep’s milk were developed, differentiated from those existing in the Brazilian market, but a specific legislation is required in Brazil focused on the specific characteristics and quality parameters of sheep’s milk and its derivatives.

The objective of this study was to determine whether inoculating honey from Apis mellifera into broiler chick eggs (in ovo nutrition) during incubation would improve hatchability and performance. Initially, four hundred eggs were incubated; at 12 days of incubation, ovoscopy was performed to select the fertile eggs and divide them into three groups: control, saline and honey groups. On the 17th day of incubation we inoculated 0.2 mL of each solution directly into the amniotic cavity. After hatching, the chicks were housed in an experimental house until 28 days of age, when two birds per experimental unit were sacrificed to evaluate carcass yield. The hatchability was not affected by inoculation of saline or honey (p>0.05). However, mortality was higher in the honey and saline groups than in the control group (p0.05). These results show that the in ovo nutrition with bee honey resulted in lower production costs, that is, the birds consumed less food (feed) and had the same weight gain as other treatments. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar se a inoculação de mel de Apis mellifera em ovos de frangos de corte (nutrição in ovo) durante a incubação melhoraria a eclodibilidade e o desempenho. Inicialmente, quatrocentos ovos foram incubados; aos 12 dias de incubação, foi realizada ovoscopia para selecionar os ovos férteis e dividi-los em três grupos: controle, solução salina e mel. No 17º dia de incubação, inoculamos 0,2 mL de cada solução diretamente na cavidade amniótica. Após a eclosão, os pintos foram alojados em um galpão experimental até os 28 dias de idade, quando duas aves por unidade experimental foram submetidas a euthanasia para avaliar o rendimento de carcaça. A eclodibilidade não foi afetada pela inoculação de soro fisiológico ou mel (p>0,05). No entanto, a mortalidade foi maior nos grupos mel e soro fisiológico do que no grupo controle (p0,05). Esses resultados mostram que a nutrição in ovo com mel de abelha resultou em menores custos de produção, ou seja, as aves consumiram menos alimento (ração) e tiveram o mesmo ganho de peso que os demais tratamentos.

Context Access to primary care (PC) improves health outcomes and decreases health care costs. The shortage of PC physicians and shifting physician workforce makes this an ongoing concern. Osteopathic medical schools are making strides to fill this void. Considering the critical need for PC physicians in the United States, this study aims to identify factors related to choosing a PC specialty. Objective To understand possible motivations of osteopathic medical students pursuing a career in PC specialties by examining the role of sex and the influence of 5 key factors in this decision. Methods Responses from the annual American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine graduate survey (2007-2016) were analyzed. Self-reported practice decision considerations of 5 key factors, including (1) intellectual and technical content, (2) debt level, (3) lifestyle, (4) prestige/income level, and (5) personal experience and abilities were summarized, and their subjective value was contrasted between osteopathic medicine graduates pursuing PC specialties vs those pursuing non-PC specialties. Results The mean percentage of graduates pursuing PC and non-PC specialties from 2007 to 2016 was 31.3% and 68.7%, respectively. Women were 1.75 times more likely to choose PC than men (95% CI, 1.62-1.89). Regardless of specialty choice, lifestyle was the most important factor each year (1027 for PC [75.3%] vs 320 for non-PC [63.3%] in 2016; PPP Conclusion Sex was found to significantly influence a graduate's choice of specialty, and female graduates were more likely to enter practice in PC. Each of the 5 survey factors analyzed was significantly different between students entering PC and students entering non-PC specialties. Lifestyle was deemed a major influencing factor, and responses suggested that debt level is a strong influencing factor among students pursuing non-PC specialties.

The inhibitor of tryptophan hydroxylase

Fusarium verticillioides is often responsible for contamination of poultry feed with the mycotoxin fumonisin. The aim of this study was to determine whether oxidative stress caused by intake of fumonisin-contaminated feed affects broiler performance at an early stage of development, as well as to test whether the addition of acai residue flour to contaminated feed would minimize these negative effects of redox metabolism. Birds were divided into four groups, with four repetitions of five animals each: control (TC) - birds that received basal feed; TCA treatment - basal feed supplemented with 2% acai flour; TF treatment - feed experimentally contaminated with fumonisin (10 ppm); TFA treatment – fumonisin-contaminated feed (10 ppm) and supplemented with acai fluor (2%). The experiment lasted 20 days, that is, the first 20 days of the chicks’ lives. At the end of the experiment, the birds were weighed, and blood, intestine and liver samples were collected. The TCA and TFA had greater body weights and weight gain than did TF. Further, TCA and TFA had lower feed conversion than did TF. Acai flour intake (TCA and TFA) stimulated albumin synthesis and reduced serum AST activity. Nitrate/nitrite (NOx) levels were higher in serum of fumonisin-challenged (TF) birds than in groups; NOx levels were also higher in the livers of all test groups (TF, TCA and TFA) than in TC. Serum glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was lower in fumonisin-consuming groups (TF and TFA); this was different from what occurred in the liver, that is, higher GST activity in TF and lower activity in TFA than in TC. Catalase activity (CAT) was also higher in the fumonisin-challenged groups (TF and TFA) and the groups supplemented with acai flour (TCA) than in TC. Serum reactive species (RS) and TBARS (lipid peroxidation) levels in the liver were lower in birds supplemented with acai flour and exposed to fumonisin. These data suggest that the addition of acai flour in the feed of early chickens improves animal performance and minimizes the effects of hepatic oxidative stress in birds fed fumonisin-contaminated feed.

Several evidences have suggested the involvement of enzymes belonging to the phosphotransfer network, formed by creatine kinase (CK), pyruvate kinase (PK) and adenylate kinase (AK), as well the oxidative stress on the pathogenesis of infectious diseases associated with the central nervous system (CNS). Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether listeriosis alters the brain energy metabolism and/or causes oxidative stress in different brain structures of cattle experimentally infected by Listeria monocytogenes. The cytosolic CK activity was inhibited in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, brainstem and hippocampus of infected animals compared to uninfected animals, while the mitochondrial CK activity was increased. The PK activity was inhibited in all brain structures of infected animals, while the AK activity was unchanged. Na+, K+-ATPase activity decreased in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum and hippocampus of animals infected by L. monocytogenes. Regarding the oxidative strees variables, the cerebellum and brainstem of infected animals showed increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, while the catalase activity was inhibited. Glutathione S-transferarase was inhibited in the cerebral cortex and brainstem of infected animals, and it was increased in the cerebellum. L. monocytogenes was quantified in the liver (n = 5/5) and cerebral cortex (n = 4/5) of the infected cattle. Based on these evidences, the nucleocytoplasmic communication between CK isoenzymes was insufficient to avoid an impairment of cerebral bioenergetics. Moreover, the inhibition on brain PK activity caused an impairment in the communication between sites of ATP generation and ATP utilization. The lipid peroxidation and alteration on antioxidant status observed in some brain structures were also involved during the disease. In summary, these alterations contribute to disease pathogenesis linked to CNS during cattle listeriosis.

La infestación por garrapatas (Rhipicephalus microplus), genera importantes pérdidas en la producción bovina. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar si el aceite esencial de Eucalyptus globulus en diferentes nanosistemas (nanoemulsiones y nanocápsulas) es capaz de potenciar el efecto negativo sobre la reproducción de la garrapata, interfiriendo en su oviposición y eclosión de los huevos. Las hembras engordadas de R. microplus se obtuvieron de vacas naturalmente infestadas. En condiciones experimentales, estas hembras fueron sumergidas en soluciones de ensayo a concentraciones de 1, 5 y 10%, conteniendo aceite esencial puro de eucalipto; Y soluciones de la misma en nanocápsulas y nanoemulsiones, a concentraciones de 0,5, 1 y 5%. Las pruebas con aceite esencial de eucalipto puro, a concentraciones de 5 y 10%, mostraron 85 y 97,8% de eficacia, respectivamente. Sin embargo, el aceite encapsulado no fue capaz de potenciar el efecto carrapaticida, presentando 61,2% y 50% de eficacia (al 5%), utilizando nanoemulsiones y nanocápsulas. Por lo tanto, nuestros resultados nos permitieron concluir que el aceite esencial de E. globulus, en su forma pura, interfería negativamente en la reproducción de R. microplus; Sin embargo, las formas nanoestructuradas tenían baja eficacia.

This study aimed to isolate lactic acid bacteria from sheep milk products and to characterize these microorganisms with a focus on their antimicrobial, proteolytic and lipolytic activities. Raw milk, pasteurized milk, pasteurized cream, and butter samples were collected, lactic acid bacteria were isolated and their proteolytic, lipolytic and antimicrobial activities were evaluated. Lactic acid bacteria counts were higher in raw milk collected at the farm number 4 (8.91 ± 0.05 log CFU/mL), in which adequate hygienic practices were observed for pre- and post-milking. A total of 253 isolates were obtained, and among them 37 were lactic acid bacteria, where 19 showed some type of activity, most of which from raw milk. Among the isolates of lactic acid bacteria, 48.65% (n=18) showed proteolytic activity, 13.51% (n=5) lipolytic activity, 10.81% (n=4) showed both proteolytic and lipolytic activities, and only 2.70% (n=1) showed antimicrobial activity. Isolation of lactic acid bacteria with technological properties demonstrated their potential use as starter cultures in processing of fermented dairy products.

Thymol is a phytochemical component present in many plants used as food additive in order to promote animal growth due to its several biological properties. However, possible side effects of thymol remain poorly known limited to few reports. In this sense, we evaluated the enzymes of the purinergic signaling such as, ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (NTPDase), 5'-nucleotidase and adenosine deaminase (ADA), that play an important role on toxicity induced by excessive adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content in the extracellular environment. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether purinergic signaling could be considered a potential target of thymol-induced inflammation, and the toxicity in tissues and immune cells of mice after thymol administration. NTPDase activity (ATP as substrate) in serum, spleen, and splenic lymphocytes was lower after 30 days of oral treatment at doses of 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg of thymol, while ADA activity was stimulated at 20 and 40 mg/kg. No differences were observed between groups regarding NTPDase (ADP as substrate) and 5'-nucleotidase activities in all evaluated tissues. Based on these evidences, adenine nucleotide hydrolysis is modified in serum, spleen, and splenic lymphocytes of mice treated with thymol, contributing to inflammation and toxicity by a reduction on ATP hydrolyses and its possible accumulation in the extracellular medium and increased Ado desamination and its possible reduction in the extracellular environment, leading to a self-sustained pro-inflammatory deleterious cycle. In summary, all tested thymol concentrations induced inflammation and toxicity in tissues and immune cells of treated mice.

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of copaiba oils (Copaifera reticulata and Copaifera duckei) on the health and performance of broiler chicks along with their anti-inflammatory activity. The experiment was performed in duplicate, using 60 chicks at a time. Groups were formed by broiler chicks fed with basal diet (control); basal diet and antibiotic (zinc bacitracin, 25 mg/kg of feed); basal diet and copaiba oil (0.15 mL/kg of feed); and basal diet and copaiba oil (0.30 mL/kg of feed) for 15 days. Sampling was performed on days 7 and 15 of life. Animals treated with 0.15 mL/kg of copaiba showed higher body weight (p 0.05); however, glucose and triglyceride levels were reduced on days 7 and 15 in animals that received copaiba oil, respectively (p

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is an environmental toxicant and neurotoxic compound that induces the production of free radicals, causing oxidative stress. Creatine kinase (CK) is a central controller of energy metabolism in tissues with a large and fluctuating energy demand, and it is highly susceptible to inactivation by free radicals and oxidative damage. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether a diet for freshwater silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) containing AFB1 inhibits cerebral CK activity, as well as the involvement of the oxidative stress on this inhibition. Brain CK activity was lower on days 14 and 21 post-feeding in animals that received AFB1-contaminated diet compared to the control group (basal diet), similarly to the brain sodium-potassium pump (Na+, K+-ATPase) activity. On the other hand, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation levels were higher on days 14 and 21 post-feeding in animals fed with AFB1-contaminated feed compared to the control group, while the antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals and thiol content was lower. Based on these evidences, the data demonstrated that diet containing AFB1 severely affects CK activity, an essential enzyme that plays an important role in brain energy homeostasis. Also, the impairment of energetic homeostasis linked with the use and generation of ATP via inhibition of CK activity elicited an inhibition of enzymes ATP-dependent, such as Na+, K+-ATPase. Moreover, the inhibition of brain CK activity appears to be mediated by the oxidation of lipids, proteins, and thiol group, as well as by a reduction in the antioxidant capacity.

Ovine brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by Brucella ovis, a Gram-negative bacterium associated with high economic losses in consequence of fertility impairment and commercial restrictions. In this sense, it is important to emphasize that the pathological mechanisms of B. ovis infection are poorly understood, since the euthanasia of affected animals is recommended. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate hematological and biochemical disturbances caused by this microorganism using mice as the experimental model. In this way, 48 animals were divided into two groups: uninfected (control) and infected. Hematocrit, leucogram, serum biochemistry (total protein, albumin, globulin, and glucose), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and histopathology of the liver and spleen was evaluated on days 7, 15, 30, and 60 post-infection (PI). Hematocrit of infected animals was lower than the control group on days 7, 15, and 30 PI, while leukocyte counts were higher as a consequence of increased lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes in some periods of the infection. Serum albumin levels were lower in infected animals compared to the control group in all evaluated periods, while serum glucose levels were lower on days 7 and 60 PI. On the other hand, serum globulin levels were higher in infected animals compared to that in the control group on days 15, 30, and 60 PI. Moreover, spleens of infected mice were severely enlarged, as well as increased levels of splenic and hepatic reactive oxygen species in various periods of infection as hematological and biochemical disturbances caused by B. ovis infection using a novel experimental model consequence of granulomatous splenitis and multifocal hepatic granuloma. Based on these results, we concluded that B. ovis infection can cause disorders related to the inflammatory response and exacerbation of free radicals linked to tissue lesions, which can be directly associated to a decrease in serum levels of albumin and glucose.

Trypanosoma evansi is a zoonotic parasite associated with high animal mortality that has gained importance due to its capacity to infect humans. Recently, some evidences have demonstrated that T. evansi infection causes severe genotoxic and cytotoxic damage in brain cells, contributing to the pathogenesis and clinical signs of the disease. In this sense, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether nerolidol-loaded in nanospheres, a natural compound with trypanocidal and neuroprotective effects, is able to protect the brain tissue from the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects found during T. evansi infections. Trypanosoma evansi induced brain genotoxic effects through increased damage index (DI) and frequency of damage (FD) when compared to the control group. Moreover, T. evansi induced cytotoxic effects through the reduction of brain cell viability compared to the control group. The metabolites of nitric oxide (NO x ) increased in infected animals compared to the control group. The treatment with nerolidol-loaded in nanospheres prevented the increase on brain DI, FD, and NO x levels, as well as the reduction on cell viability. Based on these evidences, these results confirm that T. evansi induces genotoxic and cytotoxic damage mediated by the upregulation of NO x levels. The most important finding is that nerolidol-loaded in nanospheres was able to prevent DNA damage and cell mortality through the modulation of brain NO x levels. In summary, this treatment can be considered an interesting approach to prevent T. evansi brain damage due its anti-inflammatory property.

Many important studies on resistance reversion, anthelmintic efficacy and, especially, new molecules with antiparasitic effects are performed in laboratories using gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) as the experimental model. This study aimed to evaluate the use of corticosteroids (dexamethasone and methylprednisolone acetate) in gerbils experimentally infected with different doses of infective larvae (sheathed or exsheathed) of Haemonchus contortus. In the first experiment, 28 gerbils were divided into seven groups infected by 2–6 × 103 larvae, with or without immunosuppression using corticosteroids. In the second experiment, eight gerbils were divided into two groups infected by 2 × 103 sheathed or exsheathed larvae. For the third assay, seven immunosuppressed gerbils were infected with 2 × 103 sheathed larvae and were killed 15 days post infection (PI). The highest number of parasites was recovered from methylprednisolone-immunosuppressed animals. We observed red and white blood cell alterations and biochemical parameters in infected animals that had undergone immunosuppression with methylprednisolone. We highlight that in the first and second experiments a satisfactory number of worms was recovered using sheathed larvae and immunocompetent animals. When exsheathed larvae were used, the number of worms recovered was unsatisfactory. A considerable larval burden was recovered from immunosuppressed gerbils 15 days PI, and body weight did not influence establishment of larvae.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) has an important role in the body composition of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Crohn’s disease (CD), and spondyloarthritis (SpA). We aimed to assess the nutritional profile of patients with RA, CD, and SpA undergoing remission with multiple therapies comparing to controls and to analyze the effect of anti-TNFα medications in the nutritional parameters of these patients. One hundred thirty-one patients were included: 44 with RA, 43 with CD, and 44 with SpA. Patients receiving anti-TNFα were compared with those receiving non-biological treatment as well as to controls. Nutritional profile included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), mid-upper arm circumference, and triceps skinfold measurement. Overweight and obesity were highly prevalent on three assessed groups. In patients with RA, BMI was > 25 kg/m2 in 74.9% patients and 49.2% controls (p

Good vaccines should confer protection against specific pathogens in experimental and field conditions. However, some commercial vaccines are not capable to confer protection to animals, being inefficient in a bovine vaccine program. In this sense, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antibody levels involved in the immune response in vaccinated cows against leptospirosis, as well as acute phase protein and the immunological markers in a vaccine program in beef cattle. Twenty non-lactating cows, negative for leptospirosis and without vaccination against this disease were evaluated during five months. The herd was divided into two groups named as A (the control group) and B (the vaccinated group). Ten cows from the group B received an initial dose (5 mL) of vaccine on day 0 and one booster dose (5 mL) on day 29. In order to evaluate humoral response (MAT – titration 1:25), cytokine levels (tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-10 (IL-10)), and C-reactive protein levels (an acute phase protein), blood samples were evaluated on days 0, 29, 40, 83 and 144 after vaccination. In none of the evaluated periods it was observed specific antibodies to any of the six serovars presents in the vaccine, as well as no difference between groups regarding cytokine and C-reactive protein levels. Therefore, the vaccine used did not stimulate the immune response of cattle, inferring the absence of protection against infections by L. interrogans.

Some challenge has been faced by farmers and among them are the decline of animal performance and mortality rate in the growth phase. One of the main causes of low performance is gastrointestinal problems, most of them caused by parasitic infections. Among the protozoa of major importance that affect the poultry in the first weeks of life, stands out the genus Eimeria, a parasite that causes intestinal malabsorption. The current study used 40 chicks, 1-day old, separated into four groups that received the same diet with different levels of yucca extract and glutamine supplementation. The animals were weighed at 10 and 15 days of age, where five chicks per group were used to evaluate the presence of oocysts, intestinal lesions, and biochemical variables. The addition of glutamine and yucca extract caused positive effect controlling coccidiosis, decreasing the presence of oocysts in both periods (Friedman = 37; p = 0.001); in addition, both served to protect the gut against the injury caused by the infection. Increased total protein values on day 15 (Friedman = 12; p

Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and causes severe cardiac and brain damage, leading to behavioral alterations in humans and animals. However, the mechanisms involved in memory impairment during T. cruzi infection remain unknown. It has long been recognized that the enzymatic activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and Na+, K+-ATPase are linked with memory dysfunction during other trypanosomiasis. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the involvement of cerebral AChE and Na+, K+-ATPase activities in the memory impairment during T. cruzi (Colombian strain) infection. A significant decrease on latency time during the inhibitory avoidance task was observed in animals infected by T. cruzi compared to uninfected animals, findings compatible to memory dysfunction. Moreover, the cerebral AChE activity increased, while the Na+, K+-ATPase decreased in T. cruzi infected compared to uninfected animals. Histopathology revealed mild to moderate multifocal gliosis in the cerebral cortex and light focal meningeal lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate, which may have contributed to memory loss. Based on these evidences, we can conclude that T. cruzi (Colombian strain) causes memory impairment in mice experimentally infected. Moreover, the changes in AChE and Na+, K+-ATPase activities may be considered a mechanism involved in disease pathogenesis.